Early the next morning, birds chirped in the forest, announcing that dawn had come.
The people from Chaldea split into four groups. One stayed behind on the Mystic Eyes Train, while the other three headed off in three different directions.
Their task was to protect Gray while preventing the Artorias from killing one another.
As long as there was no final winner, this abnormal competition would never reach a conclusion.
Agravain had been waiting outside the side hall before dawn.
A hooded stranger stood beside him. The two had already waited there for two hours, a clear sign of how seriously they took this.
Unlike Agravain's impeccable posture, however, the hooded man stood rather casually, even halfheartedly. One look was enough to tell that he was no knight.
Even though Yuan Shikai knew people were waiting outside, he still slept until he woke naturally. Time set aside for sleep ought to be spent sleeping.
Only after full daylight did Yuan Shikai and his companions get up, straighten their clothes, and head toward the entrance.
Agravain still stood with perfect knightly posture. Upon seeing Yuan Shikai, he offered an equally impeccable knight's salute.
The hooded man merely bowed slightly and made no further move.
Yuan Shikai said, "Sir Agravain, I'm terribly sorry for the wait."
Agravain said, "Lord Savior, there is no need to apologize. I merely arrived too early. Her Majesty is already waiting in the great hall. Please follow me."
Yuan Shikai said, "Sorry for the trouble of showing us the way. Who is this?" He pointed toward the hooded man.
Agravain said, "This is Her Majesty's chief chamberlain. I'll leave the rest of the introductions to him."
Hearing the title of chief chamberlain, Yuan Shikai couldn't help thinking of the eunuch attendants who served ancient emperors.
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