A thunderous roar, reminiscent of distant rolling thunder, jolted Beatrice’s consciousness as she kept her eyelids closed.

“Is that a sound I don’t like?”

The girl’s murmur stirred memories of having heard similar sounds countless times.

Four hundred years into the distant past, during the unending chaos of the age of “Witches,” nations clashed, and it wasn’t unusual for many humans to fight with weapons and take each other’s lives.

Beatrice did not know the battlefield well.

She was born and raised in the home of her mother, Echidna, a place detached from the strife among humans. Still, the battles far below felt noisy.

As time passed, she carried the entrusted book and spent four hundred years, during which the outside world grew noisy but distanced itself from the madness of that time.

Now, something closely resembling the chaos from back then was unfurling right next to her.

That was the countless lives conflicting surrounding the Imperial Capital.

“I’m worried. I’m anxious.”

“I get how Shuu feels. Are you guys going out too?”

“Ah! Uh-oh! Ah, uh!”

“N-no! That’s a no-go! Our job is to wait! We’re waiting!”

Beatrice, with her eyes closed and trying to conserve energy, heard such exchanges.

The voices she recognized were those of the children she had grown accustomed to over the last few days—Schult, Utakata, and Lui Arnebe.

Along with Beatrice, the little ones were waiting behind the camp set up in the rear. Above them sat their command post, overlooking the battlefield from a small hill, and although it sounded dignified to protect what lay behind, at least Beatrice understood it was nothing more than a facade that held no expectation.

Naturally, children should be treated as non-combatants; it was wiser to leave them behind in the castle city.

In fact, the residents who had moved here from the Magic City, alongside Yorna Mishigure, had opted to distance themselves, prioritizing support roles rather than fighting on the front lines.

The reason the children did not follow this path lay with their caregivers.

“As for minor skirmishes, isolating them would be a pity; if it’s a grand stage, they should be allowed to observe at the edge of the battlefield. After all, they wouldn’t want to miss my brilliance.”

“Utakata is one of us in Shudrak. Cowardly ones turning their backs on the battlefield or hunting grounds are unfit for the people of Shudrak. Naturally, we are taking them to battle.”

Those were the remarks from Schult and Utakata’s guardians, and since Schult and Utakata were both full of enthusiasm, they couldn’t be opposed.

While both comments stemmed from different ethical stands and beliefs, as long as the individuals involved were satisfied, Beatrice felt she had no right to intervene.

To be honest, as a Great Spirit, Beatrice wasn’t particularly fond of being treated in the same light as these children. However, since every member of the camp had their roles, it made sense that Beatrice, with her significant movement limitations, was assigned here.

That assigned role was…

“Uh, ah.”

Like Schult and the others, Lui had also been instructed to wait behind the tent.

“——–”

Her treatment was clearly different from the other children.

Unlike Schult and the others, she lacked an obvious caregiver, but the major concern was that “she couldn’t be left unattended.”

Naturally, given the Archbishop of Sin, the danger she posed never lessened, no matter what words echoed from those who had met her within the Empire.

Thus, unlike the other children, Lui had no choice but to remain.

“Currently, she is the most unpredictable bomb. Beatrice, I don’t want to place too much burden on you, but please keep your eyes peeled. We can’t discuss this with Emilia or Garfiel, so let’s remain calm.”

That was Otto’s statement before they officially intervened in the great chaos.

Perhaps he said that to prevent Beatrice from feeling disheartened due to her lack of action by using waiting as an excuse, or maybe he was merely expressing his concern for his own anxiousness about his feet.

It made Beatrice uneasy that he was trying to appear calm with that expression. – Petra and Frederica shared the same concern, so they must have done something about it.

That said…

“Don’t fidget too much now. Are you calm?”

“Bea, are you awake?”

“I’ve been awake the whole time… By the way, being called that way feels a bit unpleasant. It’s like I’m being stuck out my tongue at.”

Inside the tent, there were no beds to lie on nor any knees to borrow from Emilia or Petra. So Beatrice had been sitting on a simple chair, keeping her eyes closed, when Utakata pouted her lips.

At that reaction, Beatrice partially opened her eyes to observe the three restless individuals inside the tent.

Schult appeared uneasy, Utakata was brimming with fighting spirit, while Lui was anxiously hopping in place, reacting to every sound of battle.

“——–”

From that single gesture, there was nothing suspicious about Lui’s behavior.

Simply put, she was a child reacting sensitively to the changes around her—one could easily mistake her for another carefree child, blissfully unaware of the threat of “Gluttony” lurking nearby.

However, Beatrice could not allow herself to think that way.

“Is Emilia doing her best for Subaru and the others?”

It was because Emilia was risking her life in a fierce battle, likely to be with Subaru and Rem, friends fighting alongside them, that Beatrice had intervened.

And if she couldn’t join them in battle, at the very least, Beatrice needed to keep a close watch on Lui, minimizing distractions that could lead to trouble.

As Beatrice took a shallow breath and steeled herself for the task at hand…

“Uo?”

“What are you planning?”

Lui’s small hand gently patted Beatrice’s head. At a glance, it was a soft gesture, as she looked up at Beatrice with her eyebrows lowered, gazing inquisitively.

For a moment, Beatrice stiffened, considering the danger of being touched by Lui, but she sensed no threatening aura from the girl. There was no hint of her trying to strip away Beatrice’s “name.”

From what Beatrice knew, “Gluttony” needed to chant the opponent’s “name” and consume it. Yet, Lui never uttered words in a coherent manner.

Of course, if Lui recognized something as such, the potential for that ability to activate existed; thus, Beatrice was on high alert, worried that the hand touching her head might soon move toward her mouth.

If at that moment, Lui made a move to try to consume Beatrice’s “name”…

“Bea, your face is scary. Do you still dislike me?”

“This is no way to greet my adorable face. Furthermore, it’s not like Beatrice hates you. Maybe I find you rather annoying.”

As Beatrice narrowed her gaze at Lui, Utakata raised her fingers to pull her own eyes upwards, as if trying to show a silly expression. Though she insisted she didn’t have such an unappealing look, the truth behind Beatrice’s feelings finally slipped out.

That’s right, she found Lui irritating.

Not just her, but also the Archbishop of Sin, “Gluttony.” – Anyone and anything that brought Subaru and the others pain.

“It grates on me.”

For Emilia’s group, especially for Subaru, the foremost victim of “Gluttony” was none other than Rem.

As Beatrice watched dejected Subaru suffering because of that ever-sleeping girl, she couldn’t help but regret the time when she merely ignored everything around her before contracting with him.

What if?

If only Beatrice had opened up sooner and shown a willingness to work together with Subaru and the others, things could have turned out differently.

If she had only kept the “White Whale” and the Witch Cult from running rampant, then Subaru wouldn’t have had to wear that sorrowful expression while staying by Rem’s side.

So she decided that no matter what, she would never let Subaru suffer again and pledged to stand by his side, yet here she was.

Separated from Subaru while being forced to wait, unable to lend Emilia and the others any meaningful strength… – Her sense of purpose felt utterly shattered.

“Beatrice-chan, saying things like that to Lady Lui…”

“Do you think I feel pity for her? Besides, you’re being too familiar for my taste. Why is it that everyone else gets honorifics while you call me by my first name? You need to show a little more respect.”

“Ugh… I’m sorry, Beatrice-chan.”

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Schult interjected, and Beatrice shot him a glare.

Even though he was frightened, Schult’s attitude remained unchanged. How did he see Beatrice? Could he possibly think she was just a little girl due to her perpetual sleepiness?

“Anyhow, don’t tire Beatrice out. The very fact we’re left here serves to prevent us from complicating things for her. Admittedly, it’s vexing…”

“Uo.”

“Better than leaving you unattended, that much is for sure.”

Taking hold of Lui’s hand still resting on her head, Beatrice pulled the startled girl to sit beside her in a chair.

If anything, she thought it might keep her away from trouble.

“There’s no room for you all to wander about. Schult, don’t wander off. Utakata, if you’ve nothing to do, maybe clean your bow or something. And then…”

“—It seems I didn’t need to intervene after all.”

“Huh…”

As Beatrice dealt with the restless children, a calm voice suddenly cut through the tent.

When she turned her gaze to see who it was, a chubby man with curly hair peeked inside, it was Ziqru Osman.

Beatrice couldn’t help but frown at his unexpected presence since he should have been commanding alongside Abel at the main camp.

“Zou! Why are you here when you’re busy!? It’s our time to shine!”

“That’s not the case at all! …But what’s on your mind?”

“I’m sorry to Utakata, but this isn’t your moment to shine. However, it’s possible that we will need to move our position soon, so I thought I should inform you in advance.”

“Moving our position, is it?”

At Ziqru’s words, Schult tilted his head with round, curious eyes. Responding with a nod, Ziqru gestured to the battlefield behind him.

“Currently, we are diverting forces to break through the walls, but if the top opens up, we will charge towards the Crystal Palace of the Imperial Capital. At that point, the commander must also go to the front lines.”

“Abel doesn’t seem like he can fight. It would be safer for him to remain behind and focus on giving commands.”

“You’re right… however, that won’t keep the soldiers in line. Even if we could push the Emperor aside, no one would accept him sitting on the throne.”

“—An annoying national characteristic.”

The principle of the Volakia Empire was for its citizens to be strong.

Nevertheless, it seemed to apply to leaders in the struggle for power; if a chief didn’t showcase strength, they would soon be overthrown.

“Yes, indeed annoying. However, that is the nature of our homeland.”

Ziqru shook his head slowly, a wry smile gracing his lips.

It was difficult for Beatrice to ascertain what emotions were mixed in there. He didn’t seem to accept it easily, yet it didn’t appear he was entirely negative about it either.

“Ziqru, are you perhaps going out as well?”

“Zou?”

Suddenly, as Beatrice regarded Ziqru curiously, Schult inquired, while Utakata called out to him softly.

After slightly raising his eyebrows at their gaze, Ziqru replied.

“Yes, as you guessed, I’m also going. Though we are outnumbered, having fewer ‘generals’ puts us at a disadvantage. We must take action!”

“…Why?”

“—? What do you mean?”

“Why did you come here personally? Given your position, wouldn’t it be simpler to direct your subordinates? I can’t see the purpose of you showing your face here to us.”

“Oh, that.”

At a time when he should be concentrating and honing his focus right before deployment, Ziqru chose to visit the children who barely contributed on the battlefield.

When asked about the reason, he smiled bashfully.

“Since the command post is predominantly men, and the women of Shudrak are on the front lines, I thought receiving encouragement from women would be much more uplifting before heading into battle.”

“…Huh?”

“That makes sense! There are indeed Utakata, Lui, and Beatrice here!”

Beatrice’s eyes widened in surprise at Ziqru’s unexpected response. In stark contrast to her, Schult donned an understanding expression, and Utakata nodded with her short arms crossed.

Then, turning to look at the astonished Beatrice, Schult affirmed.

“Give it up. Clearly, this has always been Zuu!”

“Wha… I was so wrong in thinking he was the only decent one…”

There had been signs. The way he allowed others to call him “Coward” without retorting, even appearing somewhat proud to endure it. Beatrice hadn’t spoken up only because she hadn’t felt the need to engage deeply.

The consequence was her witnessing Ziqru’s eccentricity unfold at that critical moment.

“Furthermore, by understanding what lies behind me, I can avoid confusion.”

“—You have a family?”

“I have a mother and many sisters. However, from the moment I sided with you, I imagine my standing has worsened considerably. I’ve brought misfortune to my family.”

Ziqru had originally been one of the ‘generals’ for the Empire. Considering that he had defected, it was merely natural that his family would also face consequences.

Ziqru had chosen to embrace that notion and find meaning in siding with them, though Beatrice couldn’t fathom what made Abel so special to him.

Yet, curiosity lingered.

“For what purpose are you fighting?”

“—”

“You, unlike the others, do not seem the type to fight just for the sake of fighting. Why?”

For common soldiers, that might suffice, and many warriors of the Volakia Empire bore such mindset, but a “general,” especially someone like Ziqru, surely didn’t share that view.

At Beatrice’s inquiry, Ziqru furrowed his thick brows slightly, pondering.

“Naturally, it is for the brighter future of the Volakia Empire, which I trust and serve.”

He replied with a strong will, then added, “However,”

“I am merely a ‘Coward,’ so it’s questionable how much resistance I may exhibit. Therefore, could you lend me your blessing, Lady Beatrice?”

“…What for?”

“Of course, it’s for a blessing from the lovely lady.”

As he stated, Ziqru drew the sword from his waist and presented it to Beatrice.

Squinting her eyes, Beatrice gazed down at the offered item before exhaling deeply.

“Just so you know, I’m not very familiar with rituals.”

“Such things depend on sincere feelings. As long as the hearts of both the giver and receiver connect, formalities are unimportant.”

“When did our hearts become one? …Honestly.”

Murmuring, Beatrice accepted the sword. In front of her, Ziqru gracefully bowed his head and knelt.

His earnest demeanor reminded Beatrice of a certain ceremony—of Subaru receiving knighthood from Emilia.

Using the received sword, she struck each of Ziqru’s shoulders once, bending down slightly.

“Be sure to do well out there. Especially, for your own wishes.”

“Understood.”

With Beatrice’s blessing, Ziqru solemnly raised his head. He sheathed the sword given back to him and glanced at Utakata and the others.

Upon being noticed, Utakata called out to him, “Zou,”

“Uu is a warrior of Shudrak, so she won’t do something like you. Send her off in the way of the warrior.”

While saying that, Utakata drew her knife, crafted from beast fangs, and pressed it against her palm, slicing it lightly to draw blood.

Beside Schult, who winced at the sight, Utakata gently pressed her blood-soaked palm against Ziqru’s armor, leaving a handprint.

“This is Shudrak’s blood, the blood of a strong warrior. Be strong, Zou.”

“Thank you.”

“Uh, um, I can’t think of anything inspiring like Beatrice-chan or Lady Utakata, so I’ll cheer you on! Go! Go! Lord Ziqru!”

Riding on Utakata’s actions, Schult raised his voice to cheer Ziqru on. Ziqru accepted that with a smile, rising to his feet.

Then…

“Oh dear.”

“Ah, uo…”

As Ziqru stood up, Lui slipped off Beatrice’s lap and hugged him. Ziqru was taken aback, before lowering his eyebrows and patting her shoulder.

To Beatrice, Lui’s actions were clearly indicative of positive feelings toward Ziqru.

The fact that she hadn’t immediately restrained her stemmed from the absence of any unsettling vibes.

“Ziqru Osman, I shall now head into battle. —Take care.”

“Good luck to you!”

As Lui released her embrace, Ziqru departed the tent with a bright expression. Schult waved his hands enthusiastically, while Utakata squinted her eyes, watching him off.

While gazing at the small form moving away, Beatrice understood Ziqru was strong, prepared to enter the battlefield with unwavering determination. —Just as it had been over four hundred years ago.

War had been a distant affair.

However, mother often had guests, all of whom sought the “Witch’s” knowledge and assistance. Each carried a strong wish to improve the dire situation they faced.

Yet, regardless of the insights garnered, the responsibility for actualizing those outcomes rested squarely on themselves.

Guided by her mother’s words, many would turn their backs on the mansion, pursuing their destinies. —Ziqru’s back appeared unmistakably similar to theirs from that time.

“You.”

“Uo?”

After watching Ziqru leave, Beatrice turned her voice toward Lui.

When Lui reoriented herself, her round eyes widened even more, gazing eagerly at Beatrice. It seemed she was thinking nothing — no, that was the wrong idea.

They merely appeared innocent of any plotting; instead, it was apparent they had nothing insidious in mind.

Yet Beatrice couldn’t simply leave it at that.

“Which side are you really on?”