In the underground prison, the Black Rider, Astolfo, gave a full account of everything that had happened.
From him, Jeanne d'Arc learned the truth about how the Yggdmillennia clan consumed Artificial Lifeforms as magic power batteries and expendable materials for Automatons.
Outraged by this, Jeanne also found herself sympathizing more and more with that Artificial Lifeform. Yet as she made her way out of Yggdmillennia Castle, she could not help wondering.
What kind of person, with what kind of will to survive, could have moved the Black Rider to help him, and even touched Saber Alter deeply enough that she would give her own life to save him?
And if Saber Alter had already departed-as both her privileged detection ability and the Black Faction's consensus indicated-why did her field of vision still register fifteen Spirit Origins?
"This is far enough. Thank you."
Once outside Yggdmillennia Castle, Jeanne thanked the Artificial Lifeform who had guided her all the way.
Although she knew that Artificial Lifeforms lacked a sense of self, she still sincerely hoped that this one might someday find salvation.
The Artificial Lifeform gazed at Jeanne with clear eyes and bowed deeply in acknowledgment. But instead of retracing her steps as she should have, she paused and asked Jeanne:
"Will he be punished?"
Just as Jeanne was about to leave, the unexpected question stopped her:
"Who do you mean by 'he'?"
"He is 'him.' The Artificial Lifeform used to supply magic power who ran away, the one who caused our master's Saber Alter to die. Will 'he' receive 'punishment-a ruling'?"
Jeanne had thought those eyes held neither emotion nor hope... but on closer inspection, she found a trace of concern for "him" in the corners of the girl's eyes.
Delighted, Jeanne answered with a smile:
"No, I won't punish 'him.'