At night, thunder once again resounded throughout Aitandinburg.
Those who had just fallen asleep were startled awake, but not a single one got up to investigate. After muttering a few complaints, they simply burrowed their heads back into their warm blankets.
In Aetandin, after all, the most unbearable thing was crawling out of bed on a winter night.
Gino had once been no exception.
Because of midnight duty and patrols, the young knight had always struggled against his bed and blankets. Every time, he felt as though he had been sealed to the bed, unable to move at all.
Back then, he had felt that everywhere other than his bed was the Far Shore.
But in the end, he had to reach the Far Shore.
Once, it had been because of his sense of duty.
And now?
He touched the sword sheath beneath his pillow.
Gino's eyes were filled with struggle.
Then, all that struggle turned into resolve.
He simply wanted to live.
Knock, knock knock.
"Knight Gino?"
After the knock came an unfamiliar voice.
"I'm coming."
With those words, Gino pulled open the door.
There was no hesitation, nor any so-called vigilance.
Inside the cathedral, it should have been safe, shouldn't it?
Standing outside was a deacon from the Dark Hall. The trim on his clothing told Gino that this man was of the same kind as those who had previously "kept" him in his room.
The difference was that the previous two had been icy and distant.
This one wore a smile.
"Deacon, what is it?"
Gino asked in a friendly manner.
"Lord Motuoer wishes to see you. Please come with me."
The deacon answered respectfully.
Then, he stepped aside, bent slightly at the waist, and made an inviting gesture.
An ordinary guardian knight naturally did not merit