Following Hysilens's steps, Phainon was led to the higher reaches of Dawn Cloud Cliff.
The young woman slowly came to a halt, turned, and said to Phainon:
"The waters go no further. The person you are looking for is just beyond this."
Phainon inquired:
"Are there any etiquettes I need to be mindful of?"
Hysilens answered calmly:
"Do not bow the knee, do not perform the kissing-of-hands and kissing-of-feet of the old dynasties, and absolutely do not kneel—"
"Caesar detests red tape, and detests even more any mortal head higher than her own lowering itself past her crown."
"And, the second thing to note."
"None save confidants may approach."
"Before Caesar grants permission, please maintain a distance of five paces."
"Understood." Phainon nodded. "This actually sounds rather like an old friend of mine."
Hysilens said indifferently:
"If you have experience, so much the better. Be sharp, and you will come through unscathed."
She stepped aside, signaling for Phainon to proceed.
The latter set off, stepping upon the stairs, and arrived at the very summit of Dawn Cloud Cliff, the place closest to Kephale.
Yet greeting him instead were two familiar figures.
"It's you..."
The golden-haired woman's expression was detached, while the red-haired girl maintained a lively smile.
They were none other than Aglaea and Tribbie.
Hysilens's voice came from behind. "You know them? That makes things simple."
"Before that, I'm more curious about something else." Phainon looked at the two old faces before him and asked:
"Where is Her Majesty Kryudera?"
Hysilens slowly walked up to Phainon, stood alongside Aglaea and Tribbie, and said indifferently:
"Lest you harbor any misunderstandings, Nameless Swordsman."
"Though we chatted and laughed all the way here, I never once said you had the right to seek an audience with her."
"Caesar has given her decree: