Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 113: Customs of Mattarglos, Round Two

“I, Empress Hekate fell Lawson decree, that since you challenged Daniel to a duel and lost, you must submit to be his consort. Mwahahahahaha!”

Hekate, the first and ruling empress of the Fievegal, makes an outrageous declaration upon Daniel’s victory in the duel against the gatonine knight of Mattarglos, Veiranoei. Her words have stunned all of the Mattarglos citizens, especially Veiranoei and Kalegrynten, the Grand Premier, who is the unifying lord of Mattarglos.

Ryuogriar can’t help but scoff at Hekate’s absurd declaration, covering her mouth to try to restore her composure, while Geirahoel glares at Hekate. It’s actually quite out of character for the small feldrok girl, who is usually trying to chase off the other women that get close to Daniel, even those without romantic interest. Doephluev asks coldly, “And, who says you make that decision?”

Hekate glares at the archoneldwyn. “Me. I have final say.” She adds smugly, “Besides, most of his consorts are women he has defeated in battle, are they not?”

Doephluev flinches. She doesn’t even have to be able to speak for the others, since she herself is one such defeated former enemy.

Veiranoei looks at Hekate, and then at Kalegrynten, and then Daniel in a dazed swirl of confusion. She finally says, “G-Grandfather…?” as she looks pleadingly at Kalegrynten.

“Grandfather?” asks Hekate in confusion.

Daniel suspected something along those lines. They seemed rather familiar, and a granddaughter protecting her aging grandfather from an unknown combatant is the epitome of filial piety, as far as Daniel knows. He has no doubt Kalegrynten can handle himself in a fight, and he’s most likely much stronger than Veiranoei, but she demonstrated how Daniel, an unknown variable, would fight.

Geirahoel finally retorts, “Daniel doesn’t take war brides. Our situations are different.”

“Either way, he defeated you, and now you’re here.” She proudly lifts her head, holding her hand over her chest. “It is nothing to be ashamed about. Daniel defeated me when I tried to kill him.”

“He used the secret technique of feeding you when you were starving,” retorts Reignleif bluntly.

Hekate gasps, and the others chuckle at her.

“Forget she said anything,” urges Daniel in regards to Veiranoei and Kalegrynten. “She’s getting back at me for other reasons.”

Hekate scoffs, looking slightly down at Daniel, who is still kneeling near the gatonine knight. “It’s a win-win, after all. Though, I’ll admit that I knew you’d be more distressed than pleased.” She grins, adding deviously, “Just like many of the Hekate game outcomes.”

Daniel has no interest in adding unwilling individuals to his group of companions and romantic partners, though he would ideally leave on friendly terms with every enemy he can change the mindset of.

Suddenly, Kalegrynten surprises everyone from Daniel’s side, “If that is the custom of the Fievegal, then Veiranoei will uphold her duty.”

Hekate goes pale, making it obvious that she was joking and solely trying to poke at Daniel, as well as potentially Doephluev for different reasons.

Hekate immediately objects, “No no no no no! I was making that up! Forget about it! I can’t get rid of mistresses! I don’t want Daniel to have more!”
Ryuogriar simply scoffs, retorting dryly, “You brought this one on yourself, Hekate.”

For some reason, though, Kalegrynten insists. “You were right. Daniel, even as an emperor, came to face us, and he even chose to face a knight in service, rather than his ruling counterpart, to earn the right in accordance with our customs. Honor dictates we give in exchange.”

Veiranoei clearly wants to object at first, but she holds her tongue, deciding not to say anything.

Still, Hekate counters, “I told you, I made it up! It’s not a real custom! I’m sixteen! I’m dumb! Don’t listen to me!”

“But, you are the First Empress of the Fievegal, are you not?” asks Kalegrynten, not trying to be sarcastic or condescending, but simply confirming facts. And, as a fellow ruler, making a point. “Your words as an Empress are absolute for your people. And, even if you say it now, by the sounds of it, it very much is a custom. Seeing that your Emperor is capable of defeating so many, including the great Hekate fell Lawson, he must indeed be a great warrior.”

Hekate is speechless, and she looks to Daniel for help. Daniel finally replies, “Grand Premier Kalegrynten, I hope you are joking in counter, or trying to teach Hekate a lesson. I had no intention to have a harem, and I definitely will never choose to take anyone unwilling. Doephluev was probably closest to that line.”

Doephluev quickly protests, “My Emperor, I chose to accept your offer because it was of greatest benefit to me, and it was a generous offer. I am now proudly in love with you.”

Daniel doesn’t make any kind of dismissive or affirming remarks or gestures, though many of the other women shoot her brief scowls or eyerolls. He focuses on the point of the conversation, “There is no such custom in the Fievegal, and even if there were, it certainly wouldn’t be from an honorable duel of one day that binds a person to me for presumably life.”

Veiranoei is still speechless, trying to simply keep a low profile, in spite of her speaking out when they first arrived.

And, for reasons Daniel can’t fathom, Kalegrynten still won’t give up. “The way I see it, your empress made a decree, and now you are trying to take it back in honor of my relationship to the subject of the custom.”

“We’re not lying,” protests Hekate. “I… I’m sorry. I decree that the decree I made before is no longer a decree. So there. Ignore it.”

Kalegrynten sighs. “I know you don’t mean disrespect, but we are proud warriors, Emperor Daniel, Empress Hekate. Veiranoei will accept her duty. If this truly is a misunderstanding, I would sincerely urge you to consider the power of your words in the future.”

Hekate bows her head. “Yes! I’ve learned! I’ve learned! I’m sorry!”

“There is no need to apologize. Though she is my granddaughter, she is a skilled warrior.”

Daniel finally says sternly, “Enough. Lord Kalegrynten, I must insist you end this farce. We’re not taking Veiranoei. There is no deception, Hekate will be more careful using her name as Empress. I will not steal a granddaughter and knight after a ten minute long duel. Not unless, for whatever god-awful reason, those were the terms of the duel. In this case, they were not.”

The elder gatonine rises to his feet, suddenly possessing a rather intimidating aura and presence. Daniel instinctively rises to face him, keeping himself between the gatonine warrior chief and Wenlianna, most specifically, since she’s the closest non-combatant. The Grand Premier growls, “Are you saying that my granddaughter isn’t good enough to abide by your customs? You would dishonor my goodwill and integrity so?”

“I’m telling you, there is no such custom that you would be dodging.”

The two stare each other down, with Kalegrynten completely unfazed by the height difference. If anything, Daniel is intimidated by the obvious professional fighter all but oozing tangible bloodlust. The human mechanic notices in his peripherals where Neith has passed behind the Mattarglos group, ready to spring an attack that will devastate the group if need be.

I need to de-escalate, but I can’t accept. She doesn’t want to, obviously.

“Clear the arena,” growls Kalegrynten. “We will duel right now.”

Geirahoel protests, “You can’t! Daniel isn’t healed yet! And, he’s resistant to magic!”

“It’s true,” urges Gwenesphia gently. “We came here to negotiate, not to start fights…”

“We’ll do a boruan trade-off,” replies Kalegrynten without missing a beat. “Even a wounded man can do that much.”

Gwenesphia winces, and Treia frowns. Daniel asks, “Boruan trade-off?” He hopes it isn’t a sumo-wrestling style fight. Given that boruans are probably the physically strongest -and largest- race native to the east, it makes the most sense that they’d have a simple contest of strength.

“Are you still aware of the traditions?” asks the Grand Premier, looking at Gwenesphia and Treia specifically.

Treia sighs. “Daniel, it’s just a trading of blows. Each combatant takes turns punching the other’s chest. The first to fall outside of a ring or surrender loses.”

“How about it, Emperor Daniel? Will you answer for refusing my grandchild?”

Daniel sighs. “Fine. I don’t think I would win a standard fight with you in good health anyways.”

Kalegrynten nods. “Perhaps. I am an old man, though. What I could do with your body and my experience.”

“I’m sure.”

Daniel follows the gatonine Grand Premier, who stretches his arms. Daniel does the same, and the bystanders slowly clear out of the arena floor to return to their seats. The Mattarglos healers escort Veiranoei with the blanket Hekate gave her, and they return to the area where Kalegrynten was sitting.

A gatonine man younger than the Grand Premier is ahead of the two, drawing a circle in the sand with a simple tool similar to a large scale drawing compass. It makes a perfect circle in the sand, about seven feet across, and a young boy places an ‘H’ shaped tool that he uses to draw horizontal lines within that circle, approximately three feet apart. Kalegrynten leads into the circle, and Daniel mimics him, standing with his toes on his line facing the gatonine. The spacing is obviously so Kalegrynten can reach Daniel with most of an extension to his punch, meaning in this case, he might have the advantage because he can strike with his full strength more easily.

“Nothing to it. We face each other, and we take turns punching until one of us goes down or surrenders. Give it your all, Daniel.”

Daniel nods.

The gatonine adds, saying it loudly, “Since you have accepted this challenge so soon after another bout, you will have the first strike, Daniel! Let this duel for the honor of Veiranoei commence!”

Daniel senses that he has just been cornered. What does that mean? If I win, am I forced to take her, or is it if I lose, he’ll demand it? Damn, this old man.

The audience cheers, and Hekate calls out, “Daniel! Win this one, too!”

With the noise, it should be difficult for anyone to hear a conversation between them.

“Before I take my turn, can I ask you something?”

The Grand Premier nods. “Go ahead.”

“Why are you so set on giving us Veiranoei? It’s the exact opposite of what everyone, including her, wants.”

The gatonine man smirks. “Withstand my first hit, Daniel, and I’ll answer you.”

The human mechanic sighs. He takes a breath and spreads his feet the way Kalegrynten is, and Kalegrynten straightens his back as he braces.

Crazy old man… What are you thinking? Is someone hurting her here? Are you just that delusional about us trying to walk back Hekate’s dumb joke? What is it?

As he squares up his fist for the punch, he keeps running down possibilities.

Maybe he sees value in a political marriage. But, for Mattarglos’s benefit, there is already Gwen and Treia. And, the gatonines don’t strike me so much as the political marriage type of nobility. Though, Treia mentioned she was set up for a political-like marriage, wasn’t she? 

Kalegrynten smirks as he awaits Daniel’s strike.

No… He wouldn’t, would he?

Daniel launches his fist forward, not putting every bit of his strength into it, but making it a good punch.

And, he is thankful he was suspiciously watching the old man as he did so.

Daniel springs forward a step and catches Kalegrynten’s forearm as the gatonine starts to flop backwards. Gasps have filled the audience in shock and surprise. Daniel anchors the Grand Premier, preventing him from falling out of the ring and losing the match.

Daniel growls quietly, “You son of a… To think a man who preaches honor so much would throw a match.”

Kalegrynten looks indignant, rather than insulted. He retorts, “I did no such thing. I think you don’t understand how to win this duel.”

“I know a thrown match when I see one.” Daniel pulls the gatonine back to his feet, returning to his side as the Grand Premier brushes himself off and squares his own feet up with a suck of his teeth. “You hit harder than I expected. That’s all that was.”

“Why are you so set on me taking your granddaughter? Is someone hurting her? What is it? The last thing I want to do is take her away from her home.”

Kalegrynten rolls his shoulders, retorting bluntly, “We agreed, didn’t we? You have to withstand my punch.”

“Are you actually going to?”

The gatonine narrows his eyes. His left ear is little more than a nub, having likely been torn off in battle long ago, and which Daniel only really noticed now. His right ear draws Daniel’s attention to both when it lays flat in irritation.

“I am duty bound to give it my all. Don’t disappoint me.”

Daniel braces himself.

Kalegrynten is true to his word. Daniel does his best to be ready to be intentionally hit, and to do nothing to block it, just as his opponent did. He also has to be ready to catch his balance and prevent himself from falling out of the circle.

Tha-KRAK!

Pain shoots through Daniel, and he nearly blacks out. He could barely even see it happening before he heard and felt something in his chest crack. He feels his head floating, and he briefly loses track of where he is or what he’s doing.

Thud! The human mechanic barely manages to plant his foot and intentionally pitch forward, avoiding bending his right side too much. Pain is searing his nerve endings, and he looks down in pain, trying to determine what his own status is as he tries to clear his head and form coherent thoughts.

His feet are both still in the circle, but he was knocked back a step.

Daniel can feel a wheeze as he draws a breath. He coughs uncontrollably, which causes him to wince in pain even more as the injury flares.

He forces himself to focus and calm down, seizing control of his breathing and slowing himself, feeling the tingle and shift just before coughing, and breathing shallower than that to stabilize himself and avoid causing more pain.

He limps forward, planting his feet on the line again, and he slowly straightens himself up to ready for his own next attack. Kalegrynten states bluntly, “Never start with your dominant arm, especially if you have first turn.” He sighs as he smirks at Daniel. “A deal’s a deal, huh?”

“Did you intend to force me either way?”

Kalegrynten scoffs. “If you won, I would have pushed you into it, since you would have won her honor. If you lost just now, I would have pressured your companions into it. Hekate is an earnest girl, isn’t she?” The last part sounded almost admiring.

“Yeah…” replies Daniel, weary from the throbbing in his chest. He is barely staying on his feet, let alone keeping his eyes open.

“If you are so strongly opposed, however, I suppose I would have no choice.” The gatonine Grand Premier takes a breath and sighs. “But, a promise is a promise.” He looks squarely in Daniel’s eyes. He speaks quietly to ensure no one can hear them, save Daniel, Kalegrynten, and the mute elemental Vaarskahana, who has been obeying Daniel and floating around him, though her expressions turning terrified, gleeful, and everything in between speak volumes.

“I assume you saw, yes?”

“Saw what?” asks Daniel, getting a little frustrated that the gatonine is delaying answering the question.

“A certain scar. It’s not the only one, and what few matchings have gotten that far have rejected her for having a marred body.” He looks at Daniel’s chest, where a bruise is already forming. “The abuse is gone, but the damage is not. I was too late for her.”

“Parents?”

“Her first match. Before they had even gotten married, he…”

Daniel holds his right hand up to stop him, wincing in pain from the motion. He grunts out, “S-Say no more. I understand enough.”

Kalegrynten nods. “She’s still young, and she’s a good girl. She endured, and she is still the kind girl I always knew.” The gatonine grandpa looks into Daniel’s eyes again to make his appeal once more, maintaining a gentle tone. “You don’t have to take her as a lover or name her empress. I only ask that you parade her around in beautiful dresses and expensive jewelry as you do those lovely women you brought with you. Make her more beautiful by raising her to the status of untouchable. Grant her the honor of standing among the most beautiful. And, if you refuse to touch her, please allow her the chance to have a lover and children. I only want the best for her. She deserves that much.”

Daniel is quiet for a moment. He’s less against it than he was, but he’s also respectful of the situation.

“You know nothing about my character, Kalegrynten. I have a harem of women all to myself. What makes you think she’d be better off in my hands than here with you?”

The gatonine Grand Premier smirks. “I regrettably know the expressions of a girl made into a woman before it should be her time. You have never laid a hand on Hekate.”

Daniel scoffs, wincing from the pain spiking. He groans a little, doing his best to brace himself. He replies when he can, “She never lets me forget it, either.”

Kalegrynten chuckles. “I’ve been testing you this whole time about whether or not to establish friendly relations with you. But, the moment Hekate blurted out that nonsense, I had hope for my granddaughter. So… will you accept?”

Daniel sighs. “As long as you explain to her everything you just told me, I will bring her with us and treat her as a consort in title. For all I care, as you probably noticed, she can call herself Empress and dress however she wants. But, I will not force her to do anything, so do not try to convince her that she has a duty to make me do anything more than that.”

Kalegrynten agrees with a hint of relief in his voice. “I’ll encourage, but I will not pressure her. If she can hold her head high as one of the few, that will be more than enough for me.”

Daniel nods. “Well, then, old man, I don’t know if I’ll survive your next hit, but let’s get this over with.”

Kalegrynten laughs. “‘Old man’, is it? Well, give me all of your strength, Daniel. I am not so old as to lose to a human.”

“I noticed.”

Daniel solidifies his stance. He won’t be able to use his right arm, so his dominant hand is out. And, he’ll likely cause his own pain to spike. He's not sure, but it certainly feels like Kalegrynten's punch cracked one of his ribs.

The human mechanic closes his left fist, gives as much behind it as he can before hurting his chest, and he lets it fly, striking Kalegrynten as hard as he can in the left pectoral region. The strike makes a meaty ‘thwack!’, and the elder gatonine is knocked into a half step back. But, given his expression, Daniel almost suspects he hurt his own fist more than he hurt the mass of muscle before him.

Kalegrynten grins, revealing every one of his teeth, which are emphasized by three of four prominent canines, and one missing. “Now, that was a respectable one, Daniel.” He shakes his left fist, which Daniel targeted his left side in hopes that it’s his dominant side, since he struck Daniel with his right before. The human combatant was hoping to disable Kalegrynten’s dominant arm, though his apparent non-dominant arm in that case was still powerful enough to nearly cripple Daniel in one shot. “A sorcerer that can go toe to toe with a warrior of Mattarglos. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“You really are flattering me too much.”

“Not at all. There aren’t many who would stay standing after that first punch.” He shows his right hand, which trembles when he simply tries to close his fingers. “I’m quite certain I broke my hand.” He flexes his shoulders and squares up again for his turn. “I gave you my all. Feel proud, Daniel.”

“I’m about to die, aren’t I?”

The gatonine grandpa laughs boisterously, truly jovial and amused by Daniel’s quip. The human mechanic’s own chest is tight, and he can barely move at all now just from the recoil of pain from his off-hand punch.

Kalegrynten takes his stance and brings his left fist up, keeping his right loose and out of the way. Assuming he’s telling the truth, he must be in immense pain as well, but he looks like he just discovered gold.

He takes a nice, deep inhale, exhaling through tight lips to focus.

Daniel winces, but he does his best to straighten up. He is resigned to his fate, but he’ll face it with his head held as high as he can. It’s the least he can do if it means everything works out for the best scenario.

***

Rikuto sits on the throne with his head in his hands, doubled over in disgust and anxiety. As with the scouts, there hasn’t been a single message from the large army group he sent to investigate the Grand Duchy of Stalvaltan.

I knew it. That wretched woman has turned traitor. I should have known better than to trust her. But that doesn’t explain how messengers have been unable to flee the battle. Surely, even one survivor was able to escape.

He looks at the advisors and Tulaxxas, the prime minister, as they inspect the guards and seating for the nobles in preparation for the formal audience. Rikuto’s duties as king never stop, and among those duties is an outdated tradition of having to witness the graduation of apprentice mages and artisans for the royal court.

The problem is, Rikuto isn’t the only one who knows about the disappearance of the military forces in the Grand Duchy, and private scouts for the various lords have disappeared just as thoroughly as those of the Royal Army. No one is able to gain any information on the status of the largest territory in the kingdom of Mornistae. It’s as if those who cross the border into Stalvaltan territory cease to exist.

What is he doing? There is no smoke, no survivors, and they’re finding every scout. What I wouldn’t give for radio technology. I’d even settle for telepathy, but it’s not taught in any of the magery schools of Mornistae. 

And yet, Rikuto was able to find several grimoires in the castle library’s secret collection describing hypnosis magic of various kinds. And, it just so happens that Rikuto’s special ability of healing provides a massive affinity for influencing the mind.

He has teetered on the decision to begin using it. He is growing truly tired of dealing with so many insubordinate lords and ladies, and Daniel has made many allies that could be the only way to get close enough to him for a definitive strike.

The otherworlder king sighs and puts his hands together. He whispers quietly, trying not to draw attention to himself. “Gracious goddess Ryukana… I am running out of places to turn, and you said when I need help… you would be willing to help me. I need you now. Please grace me with your wisdom and guidance.”

The last time she showed herself to Rikuto was over a year ago, and she said nothing about Daniel building an atom bomb in this world that he had no business being in. Given how long he has been allowed to live, she may not be paying that close of attention to the world. But, she did promise to help if he asked for it.

And at that time, she simply appeared as if from the air itself, emerging from the shadows of the arcades to speak to her summoned hero.

She carries no presence, and her steps are completely silent. Even without making a sound or giving any indication of approach, it doesn’t feel like she sneaks up on anyone. It can be a little surprising how she appears, but her presence is quickly comforting and easily welcome.

A robed figure steps up alongside Rikuto, as if she had been standing just a few steps behind Rikuto and approached when summoned. Her voice is tender and soft, with a calming tone that brings tranquility and ease upon hearing it. “I am here, Rikuto.”

“I need your help. Daniel, the American that arrived in this world at the same time I did, has become a serious problem.”

“A problem, you say?”

“Yes. I don’t know how much you have been observing us on this world, but Daniel did that here.”

“You’ll need to be more specific, my dear Rikuto. I don’t know what ‘that’ is. From the looks of it, both of you have been quite busy.”

It should be pretty obvious. There’s only so many things Rikuto would need help with, especially considering that Daniel is an American. That is one of the worst things that has ever happened to Japan in its entire history.

“I’m talking about that. He did the one thing that makes him a greater threat than the Demon Tyrant you summoned me to defeat.” He’s trying to keep his tone quiet so he doesn’t draw attention to their conversation.

Ryukana seems to be thinking, and she asks cautiously, “Do you mean defeating the demon ruler himself? I would think…”

“NO!” snaps Rikuto. He winces, correcting his tone quickly. “No. Forgive me.” He gestures with his hand to reassure everyone that just looked that it’s alright. Ryukana, standing upright in her robe that hides her appearance, didn’t even flinch. “He built those. And, he’s using them to shift the balance of power in this world. He’s out of control.”

Again, the goddess is quiet. “I’m not sure why you’re being so vague. You won’t die if you just tell me the story with the basic details, right? Or, are you trying to keep me in suspense?”

Rikuto sighs. Is she an American? How can she not know what’s going on? How many things can a reckless American make that would be a danger to a whole world?

“I’m talking about those weapons that destroyed entire cities in Japan. I don’t know how he did it, but he did that and tested them. I fear he’s preparing for a major offensive.”

“I see… That could be a major problem,” replies the goddess softly. “There are restrictions on me, you could say, but I will seek permission to return a divine summon. I don’t know if there’s precedent, though.”

Rikuto sighs. At least we’re getting somewhere. He can do whatever he wants in America. He was nobody there, so he won’t be able to do any more harm.

“Thank you, my goddess. But, is there anything you can do in the meantime? Can he be stopped, or for them to no longer be his?”

Ryukana is silent for a long time, and he looks at her. Her expression softens into a smile, though he’s not sure what expression she was making a moment ago. “I don’t sense any immediate danger, but if he attempts to use them, I’ll intervene directly.”

Rikuto bows his head. “Thank you, goddess.”

She nods. “Then, if you’ll excuse me, we’ll be in touch.”

Rikuto sighs as she walks behind him and disappears. He finally feels a little relieved. The invasion is something the army can deal with, though he’ll have to send the rest of them in to ensure whatever force is in the Grand Duchy, they are overwhelmed. I should contact the Empire for assistance. It’s clear Aramellianna has turned traitor, and the Empire will absolutely step in to regain control.

Thankfully, he can have the peace of mind that Daniel shouldn’t be a direct factor anymore; at least in terms of his terrible weapons.

***

Ryukana arrives at the Citadel in her private quarters, sighing. “Ughhhh… Was he always like that? What was with that pointless vagueness? I should have kept going. What was there to gain from withholding specifics from me? I’m not his enemy.” She takes a seat on the prototype recliner Daniel designed, and the workers of the Fievegal successfully assembled. It’s surprisingly comfortable, even for her, who had great luxury in the Divine Realm. She looks up at the ceiling idly. “And, does he think I wouldn’t know about his weapons if he’s asking me about Daniel’s? Let me just snap my fingers and erase Daniel from existence because you asked me to, even though you’re essentially doing the same thing.” She slouches in the recliner. She doesn’t feel especially divine right now, so she doesn’t care. “It’s not like they’ll cease to exist if he never says the words ‘atom bomb’.” She sighs again. “It would have been nice if they could have gotten along all along, but… that doesn’t seem to be very likely anymore.”

She sits up for a moment, thinking deeply. “Daniel is already moving to stop Rikuto’s weapons, which means they’ll likely clash. I wonder if I should warn him, or keep this conversation to myself. It’s a little unfair to either of them to take sides specifically. And, I have already helped Daniel…” She groans. “But, of course, Daniel did what I summoned Rikuto to do; he destroyed the Devourer, which would have consumed the whole world.” She stares distantly at her wall as she thinks about her superiors. “I wonder if I’d be able to get permission to perform a return. It might be best to send one of them home, and the way it’s looking…” She turns her eyes to the northeast, where Daniel is. She still can’t detect him unless he’s close by, since his presence is buried beneath the mana of the world and all of the extremely powerful sources of mana in his companions. Thankfully, they are easy enough to trace due to the bright glow of their combined mana in comparison. Ryukana smiles. “Well, either way, it’s nothing I can do right this moment.”

Ryukana makes her way out to observe those who stayed behind in the Citadel. 

***