Aunt Anne steps out of her house in the village. She carries a bundle of dirty clothes to the riverbank to wash them. After finishing, she walks home and finds a newspaper lying in front of her door.
She brings the newspaper inside. She hangs the wet clothes out to dry first, then proceeds to wash several dirty dishes in the kitchen to complete her morning tasks. Once everything is in order, she decides to rest. She brews a cup of warm tea and sits at the table to begin reading.
Holding the cup in her hand, she unfolds the newspaper. Her eyes fix upon a headline:
"REANNOUNCEMENT! The execution of the world fugitive from the previous generation, Oliver, will be carried out tomorrow at a location far from the center of the Kingdom of Nimurelle, precisely in the heart of Nimurelle's territory. All citizens are invited to attend and witness the event."
Aunt Anne's grip weakens instantly. The cup slips from her hand and shatters into pieces upon the floor. Yet she does not hear the sound of it breaking. Her mind suddenly turns silent and empty under the weight of overwhelming shock. Moments later, her consciousness fades, and she collapses onto the floor.
---
Olivia instructs them to disappear and keep their distance from the villagers, remaining unseen for a while. The forest is the most suitable place. She has prepared tents and cloaks for them; the supplies are now among them and will be needed later tonight.
"The execution will be carried out tomorrow morning. Whatever Olivia is planning, it must be to save her father," Bartra says, breaking the silence.
Grizz and Gruzz exchange glances, then look at Bartra.
"Could we not provoke a war to save the Captain? We are ready—but we are outnumbered if it comes to open battle," Grizz says. Gruzz nods. "Indeed. It does not mean we do not wish to defend him and fight. But one of us could fall in that war."
Santiago looks at them sharply. "How irritating. So now you fear death? After the long journey with the Captain that constantly risked your lives? Where is your courage now?"
"The Captain's absence affects us deeply, Santiago. Since he is gone, we have lacked the courage to face anything," Grizz replies. Gruzz nods. "We do not intend disrespect, but that is the truth, Sir Santiago."
Santiago exhales heavily. "Very well. I understand. It cannot be denied that he is extraordinarily strong. At the height of your strength, he defeats both of you alone. I use two arquebuses against you, and it proves useless—I cannot defeat you."
Bartra raises his eyebrows. "And what about me? Am I not a formidable bounty hunter as well, Sir Santiago?"
"You?" Santiago lets out a short laugh. "Do not jest. Your habit in that place consists of eating breakfast all day. No one even wishes to hire you."
Bartra grins at Santiago, Grizz, and Gruzz. "Yet I am the only one who lands a strike against the Samurai Legend. Aside from Mad Warrior Raze and Oliver, none of you even manage to touch him. I play an important role in bringing him down."
Santiago turns toward Rose, who sits silently with her knees drawn to her chest. "Child?" he calls softly.
He assumes she is asleep and does not wish their conversation to disturb her.
"Pure luck!" Grizz retorts. "He is distracted by Santiago's relentless assault. You simply strike at the right moment." Gruzz nods in agreement.
"Very well, very well. Just admit you are jealous," Bartra replies.
Footsteps are heard in the distance. "Silence," Oliver says, quieting them.
A familiar figure approaches. Santiago gently shakes Rose's shoulder. "Child, wake up. Look who has returned," he says softly.
Rose emerges from between the trees before them, both hands gripping several filled bags. "It is exhausting searching for you all this time. Still, I am relieved to see you safe. I bring food and drink—enough to last until tomorrow."
Olivia stops before them and notices Rose sinking again into silence and sorrow. All eyes turn toward Rose.
"Rose," Olivia calls gently, "I am back. Let us eat together. Forgive me for taking so long; it is difficult to find you."
Rose slowly lifts her head and looks at Olivia without speaking.
Her stomach suddenly growls.
"Hm?" Olivia steps closer. "I hear something… interesting."
She tilts her head. "Is that your stomach? Or mine?"
---
The Vanguard residence within the castle fills once more at the summoning of the witch's representative.
"Here we are," Johan says as he enters the room.
"Let us become better acquainted, my friends, before discussing what we are about to undertake together," he continues, walking calmly and sitting in the chair that usually belongs to Leon.
"You are not Johan. Step away from there," Loki says sharply.
"Not Johan?" He smiles coldly. "I am the true Johan."
No one replies. Albert waits for what will be said, as does Jiza, who lies back on the sofa.
"Well then, my friends. It is with great reluctance that I inform you," Johan begins, his expression darkening, "the witch is dead. I deliver the message conveyed before her death."
Nearly all eyes turn to him, except Jiza's.
"I will obey no further orders after that message. I am finished here," Albert declares.
"Is that so? I think not. I now hold your weaknesses and your secrets," Johan replies.
"What do you want, beast?" Loki asks.
Johan exhales. "Such tension. Very well, to the point—you are requested to attend the battlefield, representing the Gaelvorn soldiers who will not be present."
He rises. "The three of you equal a thousand Gaelvorn soldiers. That is the essence of the message. It is her request, not mine."
Albert stands, takes his staff, and moves to leave.
"Do not be in such haste. No one awaits your return. I am not finished. I will reveal something that will shock everyone on the battlefield—the cause of your brother Johan's death."
Albert stops. He draws the sword concealed within his staff, strides toward him, and points it at his face. "Nonsense, bastard. You speak well only to conceal the truth."
A thin smile appears. "Predator is the one who kills him."
Albert freezes, as does Loki.
"The finest executioner the government ever possesses in the previous generation. Though rumors claim he dies at the hands of the Mad Warrior, that is merely false news."
Albert lowers the blade, sheaths it, and walks toward the exit.
"Anyone who dares to rebel will face Predator. Can you withstand—"
"I will kill him myself," Jiza interrupts from the sofa.
He rises slowly. "Anyone who dares to command me will die. Can you withstand me?"