“――It’s good to see you back safe. What a relief.”

With few words, Krlind expressed his happiness at Subaru’s return.

Ever since he was knighted as Emilia’s knight, Krlind had been acting as a mentor to Subaru, teaching him how to train his body and handle a whip, amongst other skills that boosted Subaru’s confidence. He could essentially be called a master of this world.

Despite being in that position, Krlind maintained a certain distance from both the people of the mansion he served and Subaru himself. Yet, when he spoke those words of reunion, he touched Subaru’s shoulder and seemed to lower the corners of his eyes slightly, leaving a distinct impression.

At the same time, it seemed that even Krlind, who appeared unflappable, had been worried.

“Well, that’s only natural. I really am sorry. I’ve heard Krlind-san was a big help when Emilia and the others came to pick me up.”

“No, I merely did what I could within my means. I received appropriate compensation, so there is no issue.”

“Krlind-san…”

“Also, isn’t it different from the usual camp policy to apologize in such cases?”

“Huh?”

“What would Emilia-sama, whom you regard as your master, say in a situation like this? I’ve been thinking.”

Subaru lightly gasped at Krlind’s words.

His evaluation of Emilia was colored by his strong affection for the child bursting with infinite potential, but Subaru understood what he wanted to convey.

In such moments, Emilia wouldn’t apologize for being helped—

“Instead of saying sorry, she’d say thank you.”

“Exactly. Quick answer.”

Krlind’s serious expression without a smile was what made him, him.

Subaru scratched his cheek, giving a wry smile at the mentor who was difficult to read emotionally. This elusive nature must have been connected to the troubles of Annerose, Krlind’s master, and the complicated sentiments of Frederica, with whom he had a long-term relationship.

That said, Frederica mentioned too often for someone who disliked Krlind, so it seemed unnecessary for outsiders to speculate about it.

“By the way, I heard from earlier reports that Frederica would also accompany us, but I don’t see her anywhere. Just checking.”

“Hmm? Ah, well, she was supposed to join us at first, but due to a sudden change in plans, she went with Roswaal instead.”

Responding to Krlind’s question, Subaru glanced at the sky.

Currently, the Emilia faction, including Subaru, had different roles distributed across various locations in the Lugnica Kingdom, with Emilia and Otto having gone to report the events in the Empire to the Royal Capital. Meanwhile, Ram was taking care of Rem, who was receiving treatment for her “memories.” Roswaal and Frederica had gone toward the southern part of the kingdom—the Barielle territory.

With Priscilla dead and her husband, Lipe Bariel, already deceased, the Barielle territory was set to descend into considerable turmoil without its lord, known as the “Sun Princess.”

In order to minimize that chaos, Roswaal chose to accompany Schult, who opted to return straight to the Priscilla faction, and Frederica was with him.

“Frederica is good with kids, and she’s well-liked by Schult, so I can rest easy leaving it to her. Imagining just Roswaal alone is enough to send shivers down my spine!”

“I get that, but don’t go telling him too much. Roswaal has really softened up a lot… Even this time, Emilia asked him to help Schult, and he agreed without hesitation.”

Beatrice, as always, was adorably harsh on Roswaal, but Subaru was immensely grateful for his response this time. Emilia, who had apparently discussed matters with Schult during “Spalca,” seemed relieved that Roswaal was on board.

To be honest, while I can’t help but think that Roswaal’s cooperation comes from wanting to influence the Barielle territory, even if he does, I’d trust him more than someone with similar ambitions.

After all, if we’re talking about meddling in the affairs of other factions, Subaru himself was more than vocal about sticking his nose in than either Emilia or Roswaal.

“――――”

As he contemplated this, Subaru felt a complex gratitude toward Roswaal—reflecting on how Subaru had failed to save Priscilla, he remembered Roswaal’s prior words, indicating he would not allow Subaru to lose anything as a result of his past decisions.

The “Return by Death” granted to Subaru—though Roswaal wasn’t aware that it started from “death,” he recognized Subaru had the ability to redo situations. After the battle in the “Sanctuary,” Roswaal had made it clear that he would not allow Natsuki Subaru to compromise part of his existence.

When Subaru could not save someone dear to him, Roswaal vowed to burn everything in his path to allow Subaru to start over.

That statement wasn’t a joke or idle threat; it was said in earnest.

However, this time, Roswaal didn’t pursue Subaru to inflict further pain for failing to save Priscilla.

Whether it indicated some change within Roswaal or whether Priscilla did not count as someone for Subaru to start over with, he couldn’t know. But he hoped for the former.

“Well, anyway, Frederica is with Roswaal. If you want to see their faces, you could hop over there…”

“Unfortunately, my method of transport is not omnipotent. Conditions. Also, I have no intention of going out of my way just to meet Frederica. Declined. Just—”

“Just?”

“I was merely concerned about the points that deviated from our original plans. Minor.”

Shaking his head briefly, Krlind added that, and Subaru raised an eyebrow.

Krlind’s reasoning was understandable, but things often didn’t go according to plan. Though not exactly saying they should be adaptable, too rigid a mindset can leave one immobile.

First off, if it wasn’t Frederica going along, it would have been Petra following Roswaal. Considering the faction’s internal state, that would have been a much bigger concern.

Thus, it made sense that this was the natural outcome.

“――――”

“Krlind-san?”

“――I apologize for only being able to express myself in a roundabout way. Apologies. Considering my position, it was overstepping. Consideration.”

Krlind bowed his head with that statement, and Subaru felt somewhat lonely about Krlind’s line drawn between them.

Originally, he was someone who recognized the boundaries of self and others.

“I’m not Roswaal or Annerose. So, there’s no need to hold back with me. Krlind-san is our ally.”

After all, Subaru just expressed his gratitude earlier.

With all he had done for him, how could Krlind not be considered an ally?

“Both Krlind-san and I are allies of the healthy and adorable Emilia-tan, right?”

“――Yes, that’s correct. Affirmative. However, unlike you, who are expected to grow quickly, I wish to watch the budding potential bloom. Cradle.”

“I feel the difference of factions regarding support for my favorites!”

“By the way, Beatrice might feel proud to have the current Emilia’s growth.”

While recognizing that there were notable divides in how they showed support for Emilia within their group, it was concluded that Beatrice’s perspective was the most mature.

Anyway, it was a huge relief that Krlind brought Meily with him, which was crucial for crossing the Augria Sand Dunes.

“What will you do now, Krlind-san?”

“Even if it is the young lady’s order, I have not been able to focus on my duties as steward for a while. Reflection. Once my master and Emilia return, I will likely become busy again. Therefore, I intended to leave everyone to Frederica and head back… but I’m pondering.”

Krlind narrowed his eyes, showing a hint of concern in his monocle-glassed gaze.

It was clear he was thinking about his master, Annerose.

Even though she was young, Annerose already had the spirit of a top-tier noble, which could be reassuring but also precarious. For Krlind, who stood closest to her, it must have been a considerable worry to be away from her for too long.

That’s why—

“――It’s alright, Krlind-san. Garfiel is here. Petra has also grown considerably reliable. Go back and reassure Annerose.”

△▼△▼△▼△

After that moment, Subaru and the others, accompanied by Meily, began tackling the Augria Sand Dunes, which they accomplished splendidly, but—

“… Seriously, there wasn’t even an opportunity for me to show off.”

“No, that’s exactly why it was fine! We parted ways with Krlind-san, so if there had been any issues, that would have been even worse. So it’s good there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I get it? I totally get it?! But hey, didn’t I look forward to making my grand debut!”

Standing in front of the Pleiades Watchtower’s main gate, Garfiel sulked sadly.

With the sandstorm blowing, Meily, who was the greatest contributor to crossing the sea of sand, puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms, looking at the dejected Garfiel.

“What’s this? Are you blaming me for it? If you want to show off your strength that badly, why not just have the fang brother run back and forth in the sandbox?”

“Meily-chan, don’t tease him like that! Sorry, Garf. Meily-chan isn’t mean, she just can’t help herself…”

“Petra-chan is really harsh on me, huh…”

Meily, previously sulking, reluctantly withdrew at Petra’s intervention.

It’s not just because of their interactions in the Milura tavern, but the power dynamic between the two friends is amusingly tilted overwhelmingly in Petra’s favor.

“Is it about the power dynamic of who provides the meals versus who eats them?”

“Doubts that could be right. It’s rarer to find someone at the mansion who could go toe-to-toe with Petra. Just Emilia and Ram are about it.”

“Emilia-tan is naturally strong, and Ram is just simply strong.”

Nodding in agreement with Beatrice’s response, Subaru also accepted that point.

Needless to say, neither Subaru nor Beatrice would ever dare say they could beat Petra. They both understood their standing quite well. Good for them.

“Nonetheless, coming back now brings a gradually rising emotion.”

As Subaru spoke, he felt a prickling sensation in his chest before the imposing figure of the tower.

It was not only the spot that had sent him to the Volakia Empire but also a place where things had happened, encountering Spica.

But at this moment, the strongest feeling that pierced Subaru’s heart was about the one who was gone.

“――――”

Shaula.――The first person Natsuki Subaru, possessing “Return by Death,” failed to save.

Now with Priscilla added to the mix, Subaru was forced to fully realize the truth he had always understood intellectually—that “Return by Death” wasn’t omnipotent.

That’s why he didn’t want to experience such feelings or wounds again.

“Still, I do feel a bit relieved now. Honestly, I’m hoping to avoid any fuss like that just from approaching the tower.”

Perhaps sensing Subaru’s sentiments through their clasped hands, Beatrice purposefully avoided touching upon Subaru’s feelings, allowing him to just say, “That’s true” in reply.

The Pleiades Watchtower could be spotted even from Milura at a distance. Compared to before, the density of the clouds and dust had thinned, leading to almost no fear of losing sight of the tower.

Sure, when “Sand Time” intensified, it would become a different scenario, but having already conquered it and understanding the twist that connected to the tower through “Sand Time,” he found himself eager for that “Sand Time” to arrive.

“With all the recognition of watching out around the dragon cart and avoiding rocky areas, Garfiel is sulking too much.”

“Although having prevented a crisis before it could happen is also entirely thanks to him, Garfiel might need to face the fact that he feels invalidated if he doesn’t use his muscles for his work.”

If we strictly rated the contributors to conquering this sea of sand, Garfiel certainly ranked within the top three. Of course, one was Meily, and the other was—

“I’m sorry for dragging you along like this, Patrasche. Time after time, I’ve depended on your stamina, resilience, and grace.”

“――ッ”

When Subaru spoke to her, the familiar Patrasche neighs, as if it were the most natural response.

Not just in the Volakia Empire but now again in pulling the dragon cart towards the Pleiades Watchtower, she was undeniably an irreplaceable member of their group.

Though this long journey had given them no time to settle down, whenever they reached the mansion, Subaru planned to pamper her with a brushing or maybe even a picnic.

And as they expressed their gratitude for having safely arrived at the tower—

“This is—”

Dropping down from the dragon cart after them, Al quietly gazed up at the tower with a ragged voice.

Blended within Al’s tone was a fleeting emotion that felt painfully earnest, and Subaru felt the urge to tense his cheeks but hastily stifled that reflex with his fingers.

Throughout the journey, Subaru had kept his expressions of seriousness or worry to a minimum in front of Al. The journey’s purpose was what it was. It was impossible to forget that while they interacted, but he still wished to avoid treating Al with an overly cautious demeanor like handling something fragile.

After all, Subaru felt that way if he were in Al’s position.

“The destination, the Pleiades Watchtower. This must have been a confined journey, but you’ve worked hard.”

Bringing those thoughts to mind, Subaru relaxed his pinched cheeks before addressing Al. In response to Subaru’s call, Al kept his gaze on the tower.

“…It wasn’t a cramped journey at all. The kids took care of me all the time. For a bother, it was a surprisingly comfortable journey.”

“I don’t mean to be a bother.”

“Ah, sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean it like that, it was just me being silly. My bad. I guess it’s just me, but I tend to say unnecessary things. A grown man acting pitiful.”

Al waved his hand while shaking his head gently, grumbling as he did. Subaru could empathize with a degree of Al’s complex feelings, but he struggled to find the right words to say.

As Subaru concerned himself with Al, Al also showed consideration for Subaru and everyone else.

But even if he tried to act tough and not feel down, the reality was that he had fallen low, so managing to maintain that stance was difficult.

As a result, feelings of awkward bravado led to him saying things he probably shouldn’t have said.

“Nobody thinks you’re a pathetic man all the time. We all have moments where we can’t lift our heads. What matters is that you reflect on those moments.”

“…What a hassle. That comfort actually resonates quite deeply. Thank you, Beatrice.”

“――That title is only allowed for Subaru. Next time, be careful.”

Beatrice responded to Al while sporting a miffed expression, and Subaru felt a sense of warmth as he patted her head.

He then turned his attention toward Garfiel and the others, who were trying to open the tower’s main gate.

“――Thanks, brother.”

Hearing Al’s voice of gratitude directed at Garfiel’s back, Subaru momentarily halted his steps but ended up not stopping after all, waving his hand over his shoulder and advancing toward the entrance with Beatrice.

There had been plenty of hesitations about coming to the Pleiades Watchtower. Was it truly correct to seek out Priscilla’s “Book of the Dead”?

However, even before confirming whether or not they could actually find the “Book of the Dead,” it undeniably felt clear that the effort invested on Al’s behalf was not in vain.

And then—

“Oh, Subaru! How do you open this giant door?”

“Oh, it’s super huge, but it’s not as heavy as it looks. If I lean my whole weight against it and push with all my might, it’ll open a bit gradually.”

“So you’re saying it’s all brute force?!”

“Yep! Before, it was opened by naked ladies, or Sister Emilia… plus “Sword Saint” and all.”

Petra gasped in disbelief, her eyes wide, while Meily, with her elbows crossed, showed surprise as well.

The mention of “Sword Saint”—Reinhardt’s existence was a bit shocking, but it turned out that while Subaru was absent, Meily had once visited the tower alongside Felt and Reinhardt in order to extract some terms from that wise men meeting.

Taking Lady Meily’s current count, it’s probably her third visit to the tower in a short time span. She could end up being the girl who has visited the Pleiades Watchtower the most in the world, and she would likely keep increasing her count.

“Oh, oh! Back when I came here last time, well…”

“Hold on a second! I get it’s an interesting story, but let’s get in already. If it’s going to take sheer force to open it, then I’m showing off what I’m made of—”

Garfiel interjected as he began cracking his knuckles, clearly excited to show off.

Caught by the trigger of the word “brute strength,” he was adorably eager to charge ahead, which was exactly why he was indeed suited for this task.

Thus, Subaru thought to say, “Leave it to you,” to give a little push.——That’s when it happened.

“――Huh?”

Garfiel, ready to tackle the door, saw it slowly open with a grating sound as stones scraped against each other.

Of course, Garfiel hadn’t even touched the door yet.

In shock over that fact, from the opening door created a voice—

“— Surprise, huh? In consideration of the likely increase of people entering and exiting the tower, I’ve constructed a new spell to purify the miasma floating in the Augria Sand Dunes!”

It was a voice, full of confidence and pride.

The speaker, exuding a proud nuance with a smile, steadily revealed himself to Subaru and his companions.

Standing there was a figure in a black robe with neatly trimmed green hair.

“It flows a small amount of specific mana to the magic circle, thus connecting it with the door. With that, I corrected the inefficient entrance of the tower! This mechanism is aptly named the High-Efficiency Magical Induction Door—”

“—Which just means an automatic door, right?”

“Ugh!?”

As the tension in his voice peaked, a cold, dousing voice came from the sidelines, causing him to stumble over his enthusiasm.

The figure, a short-statured person like a child beside the former, shook with rage as they pointed at the individual beside them.

“Flamm-chan! How many times must I tell you? This is a new technology that is plain and not immediately convenient, but should be broadly used in many facilities. Because of that, it’s only appropriate that it has a suitable name—”

“But it’s hard to say and remember. It’s just an automatic door.”

“That was too simple-minded of you…!”

While the man’s eyes widened in disbelief, that was when the pink-haired girl rolled her eyes and shook her head.

With two similarly sized figures before them—though lacking a welcoming demeanor—Subaru called out, “Hey!”

“Sorry to interrupt your busy chat, but who are you two?”

“Sen-sei-san and Flamm-chan, right, big brother?”

Having aimed to inquire about the identities of the two figures, the one who interjected was Meily.

Realizing that the term “sensei” and the girl’s name were being connected, it became clear that Meily already recognized them.

Last time, when She visited the Pleiades Watchtower alongside Felt, these individuals were left behind to act as security and scouts for the group representing Felt—

“Is that Garfiel-dono over there! It’s been a while since Pristella! Have you been well, Ezzo Kadona?”

“Still as lively as ever, annoying Ezzo-sama!”

“Don’t call me annoying, Flamm-chan!”

Flamm called out to Garfiel with familiarity, while Garfiel seemed to joyfully reunite with someone he knew.

Yet—

“Ugh, again it’s not my turn…”

With that, he dropped his extended arms, seemingly dejected.

△▼△▼△▼△

“—I see. I hadn’t heard the specifics, but Priscilla Barielle has—”

Upon hearing about Priscilla’s untimely death, Ezzo silently offered a quiet prayer.

In that composed manner, his appearance, which might be mistaken for a child of a diminutive race, displayed a clear sign of intellect.

Being a member of Felt’s faction, and having encountered Priscilla of a rival faction, it was natural for him to take note of her. However, he didn’t appear flustered by her loss and instead shifted his gaze to Al.

“Al-dono, please accept my condolences. I have not had the chance to meet Priscilla-sama, but I have heard from Felt that she was a formidable opponent. Her judgment was surely accurate. Your lord was indeed a remarkable person.”

“…I appreciate it, Ezzo-dono.”

Al responded solemnly to Ezzo’s respectful token of condolence as he too mirrored that solemnity.

The encounter of a foreigner, obscured behind an iron helm, and a youthful figure exhibiting adult-like grace, created a dissonance when looked at from the outside, but their exchange conveyed sincere feelings.

“Then, did Natsuki-dono and Garfiel-dono come directly from the Empire to the tower?”

“That’s correct. It was closer distance-wise to come straight to the tower than to return to the mansion.”

“Is that so. Though, leaving the side of your master, Emilia-sama must have been a bitter decision. Reinhardt-dono seems reluctant to leave Felt-sama’s side too.”

“They’ve got their own ways of dealing with things… You know, I actually suspect that Reinhardt enjoys making Felt frown.”

Felt’s refreshing sense of disregard toward Reinhardt is something that perhaps seems new to Reinhardt, who receives kindness from everyone. If that’s the reason he stays with Felt, Reinhardt must be in possession of a good heart.

“Of course, the main reason is the valuable master—but… I, too, found it hard to leave Emilia-tan behind just like Ezzo-dono mentioned. However—”

After all, Emilia and the others had been away from the Kingdom for nearly two months now, heading to the Empire.

During that time, no issues related to the Royal Selection were progressing, and regarding changes in their relationship with the Empire, prompt reporting back to the Royal Capital was required. —Including the shocking news of Priscilla’s death that would shake the foundations of the Royal Selection.

Thus, there was no choice but to move the report to the Royal Capital without delay.

Alongside that, while it was impossible to keep Al, who yearned to head to the tower, restrained for too long, it became a dire decision, as stated by Ezzo.

Yet—

“We didn’t end up fighting over this. To be honest, I knew I was being unreasonable, but I was aware they would find the safest way to accommodate my requests.”

Having been mentioned beforehand, issues such as making reports to the Royal Capital and dealing with the Barielle territory were matters that could not be postponed.

That very situation has led them to the Pleiades Watchtower.

“No quarrel… I see, is that the way of things?”

“――?”

“Ah, no, that’s my concern. Just as you evaluated the master-servant relationship of Felt-sama and her companions, each matter stands independently. I can merely speculate about matters in the Empire.”

Ezzo nodded sagely with a finger resting on his jaw.

There was an innate calming aura to Ezzo’s demeanor, which explained why Meily called him “sensei.”

Anyway—

“Though I’d like to take a breather now that we’ve arrived at the tower… I suppose someone is likely jittery about what they need to see, so let’s go straight there.”

“To the ‘Taygeta’ where the library is, of course! I have no reason to stop you. But first, I would like to confirm one thing. —Al-dono.”

As they reached the tower’s entrance—looking up at the spiral staircase leading to the five floors, as Subaru was about to lead their discussion to the target’s third floor, Ezzo interrupted and called Al’s name.

Turning to Ezzo, Al raised an eyebrow as he raised one finger.

“I’ve just conveyed that I had no acquaintance with Priscilla-sama, but I must frame this. From what I gather of her character, I believe Priscilla-sama would not want you to read her ‘Book of the Dead.’ Even so, do you still wish to seek the book of your deceased master?”

“――――”

“Ezzo-san, that—”

“Silence, Natsuki-dono. I’m addressing Al-dono. This is a crucial matter.”

At Ezzo’s calm directive, immediately after, his raised finger glowed subtly, and Subaru felt his voice being choked back.

Realizing abruptly that this was Ezzo’s magic, he was reminded of how formidable a magician he truly was.

With Subaru silenced beside Al, who looked to be at a crossroads with Ezzo, they stared deeply into one another.

“Losing someone dear is a painful experience. I’d wager everyone has had a taste of that. However, I do not believe that everyone who has experienced such loss wishes to visit this tower seeking the ‘Book of the Dead.’ Especially if those recorded within the book do not wish for that to occur.”

Ezzo’s words struck with sharp wisdom.

“――――”

Al remained silent, his expression hidden beneath the iron helm.

However, it was a fact that he had incurred deep wounds, and he was on the brink of being overwhelmed by that pain and bleeding.

Everyone understood that, just as they all inwardly wished to help him shake off that sorrow.

In fact, it could be said that every person in the Emilia faction displayed a shared consensus.

“You’re right, Ezzo-dono. You’re absolutely right. Even when someone vital dies, some can recover on their own power. No need to borrow strength from books.”

“I couldn’t agree more. But that also suggests there is something more we should address.”

“There is! There’s another point where you’re exactly right. The princess—Priscilla would not want her ‘Book of the Dead’ read.”

“――――”

“But she’s dead now.”

The words from Al sent alone gave Subaru pause and caused a slight twitch in his throat as the ache hit him hard.

Hearing Al speak simply of Priscilla’s death for the first time pierced with a sensation akin to being cut with a razor’s edge.

It was more than just pain; blood seemed to rush out, and the chill spread throughout his body.

And after relaying that message to both Subaru and Ezzo, Al continued.

“Priscilla is dead—she can’t tell me anything anymore.”

“――I see.”

In his low, frozen tone, Al’s voice rendered Ezzo’s gaze downcast.

Hearing the answer that echoed Ezzo’s own thoughts, Subaru felt the deep freeze descend upon Al’s heart—the sun that was Priscilla was forever extinguished, leaving a barren land in its wake, and this reality wounded Subaru deeply.

With the same expression reflecting that sentiment, Ezzo exhaled softly.

“I was inquiring thoughtlessly and made you articulate things you may not wish to say. I apologize.”

“…No, that was something necessary. For me too, putting it into words was—”

Al responded with a hoarse voice, and Ezzo nodded deeply in acknowledgment.

Then Ezzo snapped his fingers—

“Excuse me, Natsuki-dono. I personally wanted to hear this without interruption.”

“Ah, ah—my voice is back… What was that all about?”

“That looked like dark magic… but in actuality, it was a higher application of light magic. I didn’t silence you; I simply shifted your voice to a frequency inaudible to most people. It’s a range similar to that which bats emit.”

“You can do that… I’m impressed. And besides—”

While placing a hand on his throat, Subaru then turned his attention to Al. Sensing Subaru’s glance, Ezzo said, “I’m well aware.”

“In the end, this is an issue for the parties involved. It is not something for outsiders to intervene in. However, if you were struggling with hesitation, I would suggest pulling you back subtly. If that is the case, aim for the one with resolve to proceed.”

“Is that alright?”

“There’s no wrongdoing in that. Surely, you all had your reasons for swallowing that resolve, hadn’t you? Besides, I personally wouldn’t mind if someone wished to read my ‘Book of the Dead’ after I’m gone. I want my entire life to be known and used as a stepping stone for the future.”

“――――”

“Or rather, while it isn’t necessarily a heartfelt wish, I’ve already avidly read quite a number of ‘Books of the Dead’! It’s a rather shameful predicament to claim I know exactly what that look means!”

The composed adult demeanor melted away as Ezzo raised his voice, quickly transitioning back to the confident visage he displayed when unveiling the mechanism of the automatic door.

Though surprised by the sudden change in attitude, Subaru felt fondness toward Ezzo’s personality, understanding that it was a move to dissipate the tense atmosphere he had created.

Honestly, having just returned from the Empire, where nearly everyone could have been a potential enemy, simply having someone to engage with comfortably raised Ezzo’s goodwill significantly.

In any case—

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. It may seem I’m encroaching on your spotlight, but I believe I have been the one who has frequented the library now the most. Allow me to personally guide you. —To the main library of Pleiades, where the ‘Book of the Dead’ is stored, ‘Taygeta’.”

At last, the moment had arrived for the purpose of their visit to the Pleiades Watchtower to be fulfilled.