At night, Thunder once again resounded throughout Aitandinburg.
Those who had just fallen asleep were jolted awake, yet not one of them got up to investigate. After muttering a couple of complaints, they merely burrowed their heads back into their warm beds.
In Aetandin, the most unbearable thing was crawling out of bed on a winter night.
Gino had been no exception.
This young Knight had always struggled against his bed and blankets whenever he had to stand watch or patrol in the middle of the night. Every time, he felt as if he had been sealed onto his bed, unable to move at all.
Back then, he had felt that every place other than his bed was the Far Shore.
Yet in the end, he had to reach the Far Shore.
Once, it had been because of a sense of duty.
But now?
He touched the sword sheath beneath his head.
Gino's eyes were filled with struggle.
Then, all that struggle became resolve.
He merely wanted to survive.
Knock, knock knock.
"Knight Gino?"
Following 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 ought to be safe, shouldn't it?
Outside stood a Dark Hall deacon. The trim of his clothing told Gino that this man belonged to the same group as those who had previously "kept" him inside his room.
The difference was that the previous two had been icy and expressionless.
The one before him wore a smile.
"Your Excellency Deacon, what is it?"
Gino asked amicably.
"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 church-protecting Knight