Hakushaku to Yousei - Volume 10 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 ♦ Name of that Star

When Edgar finally arrived at the London Bridge, it had already been midnight.

The quiet bridge floor was immediately illuminated by the gas lamps.

Because Edgar was not able to see the Nightmare or the clusters of the Unseelie Court, he was unable to realize any signs of the bridge collapsing.

He could only see the innumerable ships anchored downstream of the  Thames River; the countless herds of masts and chimneys were very striking. While watching the sight, he realized at the same time that  “Noah’s Ark” should have also been there, amongst the numerous ships.

While that should have been the case, the ship carrying the hostages appeared to have actually vanished from London’s downstream of the Thames River.  There had been a possibility of it lingering throughout the vicinity of  Greenwich, but it was unknown as to when it would return upstream to London--this was the news report from the “Scarlet Moon” members that had reached Edgar when he was still at Prince’s hideout.

Even if it currently had not been visible from the London bridge, it was possible that the ship already embarked on returning.

When Edgar came out from the hideout, the “Scarlet Moon” members had already surrounded the building waiting for the opportunity to barge inside.

They were shocked and rejoiced as they saw Edgar had returned unscathed, and gladly accepted the report of Prince’s death.

At that time, Edgar didn’t want to tell anyone of what situation had taken place at the hideout, he thought it would be better to keep such a matter to himself. (?)

“Lord Edgar, you’ve waited for a long time. ”

It was the sound of Raven’s voice. When Edgar turned his head around, he saw that Raven was standing beside him solemnly wielding the Merrow’s treasured Sword.

He then suddenly remembered it was upon Coblynau’s advice--to have  Edgar bring the Merrow’s Sword along in order to meet with Lydia--that he had asked Raven to bring the Sword  back to him from the manor.

Edgar didn’t understand what good use it was for. He also couldn’t find out the true name for the Sapphire's Star either.

Although he was feeling such things, it was said that the Sapphire Star from the Sword, and the Moonstone from the ring, could be interlinked, and so  perhaps it would be rather easy to locate Lydia’s whereabouts.

"Aruba, no, has Charles Nodier regained his old self?”

“He was entrusted to Mr. Slade and the Scarlett Moon members.  I have also informed Mr. Slade to ignore him if he were to claim to be Prince.  ”

The present Aruba was absent-minded like an empty shell--perhaps he found it difficult to accept that he had not become one with Prince.

“Anyway, the current problem is whether the ‘Scarlett Moon’ members can stop ‘Noah’s Ark’. ”

After Edgar had taken hold of the Sword, he took a long look at it before placing it into his coat.

“I have already conveyed the order to them to stop the Ark no matter what.  Ms. Lotta somehow also offered to help. ”

“Lota? Has she already returned? ”

Lota had said that since Lydia and Nico had already left Scotland’s small town, she had no further reason to remain there and so wanted to return to London to meet with Lydia there.

"Ms. Lota offered to help using her own ship to attack the Ark. I’ve met her at the manor, but at the time she was  shamelessly pestering Mr. Tomkins about needing a cannon.  ”

"Cannon?”

“Mr. Tomkins said, just in case, it needed to be confirmed with Lord Edgar whether they could purchase the cannons or not.  ”

The funds for the “Scarlett Moon” were of course provided by Edgar. The Butler alone was granted the authority to judge the value of the Earl’s purchases, overseeing the family’s money management. However, the urgent matter for the cannon put him in quite the turmoil.

“However Raven, ‘Noah’s Ark’ is carrying gunpowder, and there are numerous hostages as well. It cannot be bombed carelessly at random, does Lota understand that?”

"I think she ought to understand. Ms. Lota is well-aware of the ship. She knows where and where not to attack in order to avoid damage that could possibly obstruct it’s sailing.  I believe that as long as the damage to the ship was not along the part carrying the gunpowder, she can perhaps stop the ship efficiently with the cannon. ”

“I see, then convey a message to Lota. Whether it’s a cannon or a piece of something else of the sort, I’d be happy to give you any type of iron you want. Ah that’s right, it’s because lumps of steel would suite you better than any gemstone.  ”

“ ......Would you like me to convey it in this fashion?”

"Of course. ”

Raven slightly lowered his eyebrows at that. And perhaps Lota’s fist would also come flying at him soon.

But without retorting, he nodded his head and diverted his attention, looking beyond the Tower of London.

“Has the Hooded Crow Goddess come yet?”

“Although I cannot see, I am able to feel it. But I do not feel that anything particular has changed in their behavior. ”

“So it is, then the Nightmare and the evil clusters of fairies would also be settled. ”

“They haven’t changed because they can’t feel Prince’s will. ”

Out of nowhere, Kelpie had appeared, sitting on the parapet of the Bridge.

“However, some have already managed to climb up a part of the Bridge, so it isn’t possible anymore to expel them all.  In short, the bridge will not last for a long time.  ”

Edgar didn’t know of a way to disperse the fairies. However, now that Kelpie had said it was impossible to settle on the numbers, then the general approach should be very difficult to be any effective at all.

Even if their luck was good and were somehow able to have Lota stop the “Ark,” it would only be a matter of time before the bridge collapses; he could only concentrate on bringing Lydia out safely first.  But if he did that, then perhaps the strength of the bridge would collapse without a proper sacrifice.

And if that were to happen, then Prince would see no setback to implement the plan of London’s destruction.

Certainly, Edgar didn’t want to get involved in Prince’s organization. He he believed that he absolutely had to only be the Blue Knight Earl.

However, it would not be at the expense of Lydia’s life.

“Kelpie, did you find a way to get in?”

In order to hide from the eyes of the Nightmares and enter into the Saint’s domain, Kelpie sought out for the entrance.

“Oh, I forgot to mention, the only person who can enter are those of the Blue Knight Earl’s family. ”

Seeing Raven’s expression turn into a concerned look, Edgar nodded to him as if saying it would be alright.

"Well, Earl, what's your plan?”

"What should I do  in this case?”

“Before you go in, I want to confirm something first. ”

Kelpie had never demanded to know of anything from Edgar in such a stern manner like this before.

But Edgar could still discern why he did.

Kelpie had also accompanied them to Prince’s hideout, and although he did not enter the Hall where the Ceremony took place, he still was able to perceive all that had happened there.

Because he knew Edgar was not the same as before, he was also naturally cautious.

As far as Kelpie was concerned,  Edgar should be a person whom Lydia shouldn’t trust more and more, however at that time, his eyes witnessed Prince’s men come out the Hall on Edgar’s command when he had just said one sentence.

“Don’t betray Lydia. ”

He wondered in what way he had meant to not betray her.  For a while now, Edgar had been considering their current circumstance.

He wondered if she really would end up becoming a sacrifice like Lady Gladys and die.Or if she was rescued, would he then  abandon London into the upcoming imminent calamity?

“Hurry up and tell me, where is the entrance?”

Kelpie steadily stared at Edgar and suddenly lowered his eyes.

“Eh...... How can I just say it like this... Damn it, you’ve also cheated me several times before. ”

Despite his objections, Kelpie really didn’t have any choice in the matter. This was the Blue Earl Knight's Holy sanctuary, so aside from Edgar, no one would be able to lead Lydia out from it.

“I really don’t understand what Lydia is expecting. After she met you, she started to want more, was unable to let go of the world of humans, and even if you left, she’d still follow behind in order to return back to such a guy like you.  But now, you’re not even the same person as before.  ”

Kelpie lowered his head as he said angrily.

Even if Kelpie was unhappy about her, to Edgar, to hear about Lydia acting like that made him want to love and cherish her more.

Because even though the magic made her forget him, Lydia still wanted to stay by his side. When she agreed to marry him, it was because she didn’t want to leave Edgar in despair and all alone.

So even if he was the Earl no more, he was still longing to meet Lydia once again. He retained his sanity keeping in mind the fact that, that was what made him different from the original Prince.

"I will definitely protect Lydia. ”

This was one answer that didn’t cause any turmoil at all.  Edgar intended to protect Lydia to the end. He’d protect Lydia more than himself, more than London, and even all of Britain.

But he felt such a viewpoint was perhaps wrong, because once he gave up the conviction of the Blue Knight Earl, he would surely be defeated and may even awaken Prince’s memories.

Therefore Lady Gladys, if you want accomplish your long-cherished will of the Earl family, claim my life on the line.

As Edgar grasped the treasured sword, he felt the star sapphire radiate a glorious, calming  light.

                                    *

“Water--the water is also flooding this side! Nico!”

The two had already since long been pacing the maze-like channel back and forth.  In the magical space that they were in,  the fluxion of time there, and the human world appeared to be quite different. As she paced back and forth, Lydia often penetrated the gap in the stone to observe the time outside, in order to confirm the rise and fall of the Sun.

In comparison, Lydia felt that it had only been a few hours since the time she had arrived at the place and now.

Though it was only a few hours, Lydia who was sauntering everywhere, was utterly exhausted and in the end relied on the wall to sit down.

“I cannot keep going. I’ve been moving to everywhere in here but cannot find anything. ”

Nico was also exhausted and sat down motionless.

"Ah Ah · · · I’m hungry. ”

After hearing him say that, Lydia tried searching the cloth sack in the seams of her coat. In addition to pulling out the London travel expenses, she also managed to bring out little bits of biscuits.

“Do you want to eat them?”

Lydia handed Nico the biscuits.

As long as she was in the fairy world, Lydia would not have the sense of hunger. Even if she felt it, she would only know it to be an illusion. So even if she did not eat, she would not die, but on the contrary, if she were to eat the food of the fairies, then she would have no way of returning to the human world.

Rather than the biscuits being food Lydia’s own self, they were gifts to give to the fairies as gratitude for their assistance.

But being in a place such as this one, let alone people, they couldn’t even discover as much as the shadow of a fairy.

"There’s only this.  ”

Nico grumbled as he nipped on the biscuits.

"I really wanted to drink hot black tea. To eat freshly baked scones covered full in honey and jam. Along with roast beef, dripping with gravy. Mashed potatoes with lots of butter, and vinegar marinated salmon. ”

"Fairies do not eat such things. However, these herbal biscuits are particularly the best hospitality for your kind. ”

“Those guys, despite being in happy smiles seeming like they aren’t dainty eaters, they purely have no consciousness of what’s given to them. ”

The unusual fairy cat who liked human food too much, mumbled on.

“Oh, the water seems to be receding. ”

“Is the tide ebbing slowly?”

“There’s a small hole under these stone steps.  ”

“Ah, let’s go take a look. ”

“The inside has not yet been investigated.  ”

“I don’t have anything anyways.  We can only be locked up now, waiting on our deaths.  ”

Nico drooped his ears as if he lost his strength.

Lydia looked hopelessly at Nico, her heart had once again suspected that Edgar was deceiving her.

In order to fulfill her responsibilities as a fairy doctor, she provided help to Edgar so that he could overcome Prince-- that, she believed was more important than anything else. And  because Edgar made an agreement to meet again, Lydia willingly embarked to London.

She wanted to see him, and had hoped to remember about him soon.  She wanted to know what kind of feeling she had when she accepted his proposal. This matter was what concerned Lydia the most in her heart, and what had urged her to slip away from the small town.

However, she also could not help but wonder if that was also part of Edgar’s plan.

"No, I cannot die yet.  ”

Lydia struggled to stand up on her legs.

No matter what the case was, she hadn’t seen him yet, therefore she couldn’t just die leaving many questions still unanswered.

If he really did deceive me, and we don’t get to meet again, then I wouldn’t be able to beat him mercilessly.

Lydia, harboring this thought in mind, intended to concentrate on finding a way out.

She saw that the water level blocking the passage was gradually going down. Lydia went down the stairs, entering the transverse hole they had just discovered. Nico, utterly exhausted, was also following the trail as he dragged his footsteps.

The stone stairs continuously extended downwards. Lydia then suddenly saw the stone wall collapse, revealing a hole the size of a fist. She stood firmly, intending to look outward from the peephole.

" Watch out!”

At the same time Nico shouted-- a claw-like thing flew in. With a pierce, it pulverized the stone walls.

Luckily she escaped in time and so she Lydia didn’t get cut in the eye by the claw. But although she had backed away from the wall, it was still too early to feel at ease.

A crowd of black, hideous little fairies peeked in from the broken pieces of stone, happily laughing.

She thought it was no doubt the work of the dark faes.

Their gaping, split mouths were lined with saw-like teeth as they were grinning. They gathered near the hole in noisy disorder, and began crushing the stones with their teeth and claws, intending to invade.

Shortly after, the bridge seemed to quiver.

From the wall of the ceiling,  small stones kept on falling down.

“Lydia, these idiots are planning to destroy this place. ”

Lydia and Nico hurriedly escaped into the inside of the channel.

At that point, the back of channel collapsed in an avalanche, completely burying the passageway with stones.

“......isn’t it impossible for the Nightmare to enter the Holy land here?”

"But their numbers are too much.  Before we entered here, we did not witness any at that time.  The clusters of the Unseelie Court have  already completely overtaken the downstream land.  And now they’re raiding the Bridge.  ”

The ward which protects London, the holy land which resists the evil fairies, is now reducing a little.

"So, is the London Bridge going to be destroyed immediately now?”

"And even if it is unknown how much of the Holy land’s strength still remains, it is only a matter of time before that is overcome too.  ”

Nico with drooped ears, lowered his head while saying that hopelessly.

"Oh, I really wanted to eat a delicious fish meal again before I died.. ”

“However, we must urgently search for the arrow of the sacrificed young woman. ”

"Even if it were found, we will still become sacrifices. ”

“But you are a cat. ”

“···· That also does not matter. ”

Even after being told of the truth he did not ever deem fit, Nico did not appear angry at all, but instead looked very defeated. Lydia could only agree with Nico’s sense of crisis though.

The feeling of the space being corroded by the power of the dark fairies, was gradually growing unceasingly.

Though Lydia stood strongly with her chest up, she actually wanted to simply kneel down and cry.

At this time, their vision was constantly shaking about.  Along with the vibrations, she did not know where, but the sound of a collapsed avalanche bellowed as well.  And then there came the violent crushing sounds of the water.

"Eh?What is that?”

"Lydia, the water!”

They saw the water currents come pouring into the narrow passages.

They had to run out as quickly as possible, but the road ahead was a downward slope. Rising waters appeared vigorously and unceasingly sailed in, rushing towards them.

The waters, just like high tides,  started to accumulate on the sides. If it was accumulating in that place and had suddenly collapsed, the water would come flowing down hard in just one breath.

If that happened, there would be absolutely no way to escape the currents.

As she was pondering over that, a voice resounded from above her head.

"Lydia, here!”

Edgar leaned out the top of his body from the transverse hole above.

How .......

"Edgar?”

An illusion?Or is it a trap?Although she was still in a state of a dismay, Lydia still ran without another thought, and in order to grab hold of his outstretched hand, she stretched her arms with great effort.

He immediately caught her. But the water that had been drawing near, had already caught up and was now going to engulf them completely; Lydia could do nothing but close her eyes.

Then just at that moment, Lydia felt her body forcedly lifted up, while the flow of water rolled over the stones past her feet.

She began to sit down on the dry ground, finally opening her eyes in a struggle. At that moment, ash-mauve eyes were fixed right in front of hers, peering down at her.

“It’s such a relief, I was able to make it in time.  ”

That elegant tone, sweet-happy voice--  without a doubt belonged to Edgar.

"Ah, I’m all drenched!”

Nico, who had caught onto her foot while Lydia had been raised up, was dripping wet. He shook his body to fling off the water.

Lydia couldn’t tell whether the present Edgar was real and was still staring  at him motionlessly.

"I had wished to see you so much, Lydia. ”

As to be expected, without any second thought, he held Lydia in an embrace.

"I have come now so there’s no need to be worried. We can get out from here right away.  ”

“Penetrating between the crack of the human and fairy world, tell me, what else can you do? ”

Edgar ignored Nico’s mumblings, as he gently caressed Lydia’s hair.

His long, slender fingers slid into the strands of her hair--the touch of pity mixed with warmth and softness; it made Lydia feel as though her chest grew feverishly hot and her vision suddenly blurred.

Warm teardrops streamed down her cheeks.

Why am I crying?

She was initially going to give him a severe beating, but now the feeling to raise her fist completely disappeared.

Although it was unsettling, now was not the time to be crying carelessly. But In spite of her thinking that, her tears uncontrollably spilled out of her eyes.

“···· Why are you here?”

Lydia asked incoherently as she still remained on the ground.

"I'm here to save you. ”

“Liar ... ...”

“Are there still any other reasons?”

"Do you intend to use me as a sacrifice?”

"Ah?”

"Please, Edgar, don't lie to me · · · · ·. ”

"Lydia, I'm not lying. ”

"You've done this before.  You pretended to be kind to me, but it was only to have me assist you with your affairs.  ”

“···· So, you still believe that I took advantage of you in order to use you?”

Lydia bluntly nodded her head to which Edgar showed an unexpected facial expression.

“Oh, so then I previously held no credit for you?”

As if he was attacked, he worryingly scratched his golden blond hair with his fingers.

"So · · · · · When we first met, I gave you the impression that may have indeed been the worst. However after that, in order to make you trust me and to become an earnestly good man, I have been trying hard. ”

“A-Are you speaking the truth?”

‘How is it possible?’, Nico murmured in a low voice.

"So, Lydia, please, you mustn't cry.  I’m so sorry to have you cry like this, to have you frightened like this. I came here to protect you. That is the truth.  ”

Lydia wiped away the tears in her eyes in hopes of having them stop pouring down her face.  However, the tears willfully filled her eyes again.

"The words that I spoke may not seem very trustworthy......"

“···· No, how can I say it… it doesn't seem like that. ”

If he intended to deceive her, it would have been impossible for him to be here now in such a state. Moreover, Edgar was genuinely worried about Lydia and appeared to have been happy to be able to see her again. Lydia clearly felt that was the case, but she did not understand why she was still crying.

She couldn’t let him see her like this, so Lydia began to move her face away. But as oppose to that, he gently lifted her face, and stretched out his fingers to wipe away her tears.

Lydia looked into his longing eyes, and the dazzling golden blond hair that fell on his eyelash-- she was nearly enraptured by him. Her tears began to stop unconsciously as she looked up at him.

It became evident that the reason she could not hold back her tears before was because Edgar had suddenly appeared in front of her, because his figure had finally reflected her own pupils, so she could not help but cry in such a relieving moment.

All along she had been thinking that there was no way of meeting him again.

But she continued with the thought that she could absolutely not die before seeing him once more and giving him a good beating.  In that unfolding moment, she no longer felt terribly suspicious and fearful, but rather in that moment, was reminded of their reunion that she frequently envisioned--becoming intertwined with the sweet feeling that always clung to her.

Edgar really hoped to see me again.  Her heart had continuously harbored such doubts.

Although it was true that he spoke words of becoming engaged to her, Lydia began to understand that, such words were genuine, and not a trick in order to take advantage of her skills during combat  She was afraid she seemed very very foolish to him for sneaking out of town in order to earnestly try her best to be of help to him.

She had fretted that the matter of herself being treated as a sacrifice, was perhaps Edgar’s true intention all along. The thought never left her mind and it made Lydia afraid to meet with Edgar again.

The thought of him never intending to see Lydia again and just abandoning her,

was the most horrible and frightening thing of them all.

She was afraid of longing to see someone who had no intention of wanting to meet with her.

"It doesn’t matter, we’ve already properly met now. ”

A kiss fell on her forehand, and she was once more held in a warm and gentle embrace.

Edgar is right here.

His promise to meet was not a lie.

Lydia struggled to finally realize that he in fact really was right in front of her, and so she suddenly began to blush and become shy.

To cry in front of him, along with speaking words like a petty, spoiled child, it really was too much so she felt ashamed.

"To be embracing like this, I’m sorry, Edgar. I find it a little strange. I am probably very confused. ”

“I see.  To be trapped in this stuffy and unpleasant place for such a long period of time, it’s not a surprise you’d be feeling like that.  However, you do believe that I was looking forward to seeing you again from the bottom of my heart, right?”

He came close to her face, slightly pressing his forehead with hers together.  Lydia became more flustered.

"Well, um · · · · Yes, that's right. ”

Her mood had calmed down, and she began to feel timid like that of a shy, intimate lover. Silently, she tried to move her body to avoid him.

He noticed Lydia’s uneasiness. Then Edgar remembered of the magic Kelpie had casted upon her which made her forget all kinds of encounters he had with her. Because of that circumstance, her uneasiness was to be expected.  Therefore, he then slowly loosened his arm around her.

Even though Edgar had complied with the agreement of their meeting,  it seemed to him that Lydia still remained indifferent to that.  And although he did not question her about that, he quietly stood up with a very lonesome expression.  Witnessing such a sight from him, Lydia started to unconsciously feel a sad feeling well up inside her.

Because she was still doubtful towards his words, she wondered if she really wouldn't come to believe in his promise?

At this rate, she perhaps may not be able to set herself free from the shackles of the fairy magic.

"Um, I think..... if I settled down a little bit, I could probably try to remember again. ”

"Well alright, do not force yourself to think so hard about it.....”

As if he was somewhat confused, he interrupted her words and then held up Lydia’s hand.

“All in all, you must leave from here first. ”

"Do you know of an exit?”

He nodded, and he held up his arm in front of her, revealing black lines entwining around it. That one line extended to a deep place of the channel.

It should have been connecting to the exit, Lydia thought.

Edgar untied the heavy black line from his arm, and attached it to Lydia's wrist.

“Oh, are you not exiting together with me?”

As Lydia asked him this, she started to become restless and uneasy. Edgar had seemed to intend to bring Lydia out alone.

"Without a sacrifice, the Bridge will certainly collapse and the dark fairies will flood into London. ”

"So, Edgar, do you plan on becoming a sacrifice?”

Lydia couldn’t help but enclasp his hand tightly that he intended on releasing.

"The barrier itself is Lady Gladys, as she was laid to rest here.  I heard that in order to protect London, she became the sacrifice. And since it is me who has inherited the Earl’s family now, I feel at an obligation to do as much as I possibly can for it’s sake.  ”

"However, perhaps a sacrifice is not required. The fairy said he wanted me to look for something like an arrow. So I · · · · "

If she loosened her hands from him, she dreaded that would be the last time she’d get a hold of him.  For the fear of that, Lydia made an effort to grasp his hand tightly with her fingers.

“Then let me look for that arrow.  This could collapse any time now. The Bridge is not only being invaded and attacked by the dark fairies.  They also loaded gunpowder on the ship in order to impend their plan to strike the Bridge.  Although we will try our utmost to prevent that,  it may not go so smoothly. So that is why you should escape from here rather quickly.  ”

Edgar’s affirmation was absolute.

“But about the fairies... perhaps certain matters that pertain to them, cannot be helped by anyone but a fairy doctor.  We should both go together. ”

Lydia was unwilling to give up.

However, Edgar gently took hold of Lydia’s hand in his and frowned in a depressing manner. He began to speak as if he was giving up.

“It seems even until now, I still continue to unceasingly depend on you. I completely don’t understand the matter with the fairies, so I cannot do anything without you. You are merely an employee at the manor and that is all, so then, is it really necessary for you work so strenuously like this?Moreover, this is my purpose. There’s no need for you to try your best for my sake. ”

Lydia felt she had never heard such words or seen such a manner from him before and somewhat felt helpless.

"But · · · I am · · Your fiancee?”

The determination she felt to help him out wasn’t just stemming from the fact that she was a hired as a fairy doctor.

Even though Lydia couldn't remember anything, when she met with him again, she faintly believed in the truth of their marriage.

“····· No, Lydia. ”

Edgar said as he casted down his eyes to her.

“I was lying to you. ”

“···· What?”

"The marriage is a lie. Therefore, you would certainly not remember anything of it.  No matter how hard we try, it is impossible to eliminate the fetters of Kelpie’s magic. ”

Lydia could not understand what he meant and just dully stood there.

“Then, why did you say such words to me?”

"It had just been wishful thinking on my part from the beginning.  No matter how hard I tried to convince you time after time, you never started to feel affectionate for me. ·····From the very beginning, it’s been like this.  ”

Liar. Lydia didn’t believe his reasoning for that wasn't true at all.

Why must he say such a lie like that?

“Perhaps, you might have been in love with another man. ”

"What? who do you mean?”

"If I knew, I would beat him half to death. ”

Edgar strongly emphasized, while still half joking.  Then, he sighed as if giving up again.

“Lydia, I am that kind of man. If you follow me, you will only regret everything afterwards.  Therefore, hurry up and get out of here. Kelpie is already outside. Because he was also worried for you, he helped me search for the entrance to this place.  ”

It seemed that he was unwilling to let go of Lydia’s hand, so he quietly lifted it to his lips to make a print.

“For you to firmly hold my hand like this, it’s the first time.  ”

As Lydia was thinking about how he teased her once again, she  unknowingly relaxed her strength. He immediately left her side.

After leaving Lydia behind, it seemed to her as if he was intending on entering the lower channel flooded with water.

That was a lie, I must remember the truth.

Confused, Lydia started to think anxiously to herself.  She then suddenly decided on catching up to him.  But as soon as she stepped forward,  the silk thread that he had tied onto her wrist suddenly stretched tightly. It very forcefully pulled onto Lydia’s arm, drawing her back.

It was surely from Kelpie’s strength.  The silk thread was of Kelpie’s mane after all.

Kelpie must have certainly deduced from her actions, what she was intending to do and so immediately tried pulling her back.

Lydia--while trying her hardest to revolt against the strength-- continuously  whispered to herself, ‘it was a lie.’

She wanted to so desperately recall and bear in mind the time when she had agreed to meet with Edgar, rather than just relying on such playful lies he just spoke of.

Why are you going to walk out alone again? And again, you’re just going to give me over to Kelpie......

Again?

Lydia had been pulled again a little as she was being drawn back by Kelpie while she stared at Edgar who had plunged into the channel below, right before her eyes.  In that distorted moment, she desperately tried to trace back her memory with those weak clues.

She realized something similar to what was happening right now, had taken place once before.  Edgar asked her to leave his side once before too, saying it was too dangerous.

"My future hope is only you, so no matter what, I don't want to lose you. ”

She remembered him saying, as she was being carried away by Kelpie.

At that time, Lydia had shouted something back to him.

“········”

····· Certainly, it must’ve been a very important matter.

But what was it?

Lydia strongly resisted against the pull  of the thread’s strength again, desperately wanting to remember what she had said to him.

At the time, no matter what, she wanted to convey a message to Edgar. She knew in her heart they were precious words that must not be forgotten.

Therefore, Lydia felt that she wasn’t just doing this for the sole reason of removing Kelpie’s wicked incantation from herself.

Noting this, the hard magical thread  that covered her began to faintly crack, naturally falling off her wrist.

"Hey, Lydia, without it, we cannot go back!”

Nicole cried while hurriedly pouncing across at the rapidly receding thread from Kelpie’s mane.

While the thread dragged Nico along, Lydia ran in the opposite direction. She had planned to enter the channel that Edgar descended into.

Oh, the incantation had casted away something so important.

At that time, she suddenly felt as if the shackles that confined the both of them were finally broken and she had come back to reality; she wanted to convey this to him now.

“······ To get married, Edgar, you and I...... ”

She hadn’t realize that as she thought, she had already shouted it loudly like that.

"Lydia, do not act unreasonably......"

Edgar stood below there, seeing as how Lydia planned to jump down from above, he hurriedly opened his arms.

Then Lydia jumped down.

And was firmly caught by him.  Right in that moment, Lydia felt the magic that had enveloped into her body being destroyed, flowing out like fine sand.

She finally understood why she wanted to see Edgar. As she thought this, she wanted to cry.

When he had always told her how much of an importance she was to him or how he’d only want her, she could only halfheartedly believe such words because she had been afraid of getting hurt.  But now while in full conciousness, she could not hold in her affectionate feelings any longer, and decided to finally believe in him.

So long as she was on his side, she realized that all her uneasiness disappeared.  She could feel his heart more than any words that could be spoken.

“Liar .......”

She closely clung to him.

She couldn’t believe the lying words he had spoken of.  But their speechless embrace was not in the slightest deceitful.

She felt they were surrounded by flashes of soft and warm light.

“It’s the Moonstone .... ....”

Edgar took her hand and gently lifted it, as he said that.  After witnessing the engagement, it seemed that the Moonstone ring emitted a soft, silk-like light.

The light continuously overflowed, surrounding all sides with a creamy, white color of bright light.

"What is this light?”

"Lydia, close your eyes. ”

As Edgar’s voice fell, the Moonstone sent out a blinding flash, filling their vision with all white.

                                      *

“How was it that it’s only you?”

Kelpie looked at the cat attached to the mane that he fished out from the crevice and frowned in deep thought.

"Ah ... ... I finally came out. ”

"Hey, what happened to Lydia?Get your paws off my hair. ”

At Kelpie’s stare, he hurriedly released his paw’s grip off the mane and hid next to Raven’s foot who had been standing beside them.

“I have no way to say this except that Lydia had chosen to loosen her hand on her own will.  ”

Using Raven as a shield, he stuck his tongue out after finishing his words.

“Hey big crow, don’t get in the way and give me back the cat. ”

Raven remained silent as Kelpie slowly approached him one step closer.

“Listen, because of this guy, even your Earl is left inside. ”

Nico looked at Raven who was staring down at him near his foot motionless. He started to become nervous from his stare.

"Hey, wait a minute. We are old friends, right?Therefore, you must protect me, in order for me to not get hurt by this barbaric, dark horse. Isn't that right?”

“Friend .......”

"Yes, we pretty much get along. Moreover, it I’m not around anymore, that wouldn’t be very beneficial for your Earl either.  I uh..am also the only one who’ll be able to assist him and Lydia in their reconciliation and make them on friendlier terms with one another!”

“Oh, two intimate sacrificial victims? Don't make me laugh. ”

Intimidated by Kelpie’s roar, Nico immediately curled up into a ball.

“However, they may not become sacrifices--there is another way to restore the protection.  ”

"Nico, is that true?”

“Oh，······ And perhaps a short prayer  will do, too. ”

“Are you really a friend of mine?”

"Ah, Ah, Yes, oh, of course. ”

After Raven confirmed, he turned around to face Kelpie.

"Please do not be impolite to Mr. Nico. ”

"Yeah I’m afraid that’s difficult to do, and this “Sir” is too lazy to care for you in any way!”

With somewhat of an anxious attitude, Kelpie transformed into his horse form, turning his back to Raven and Nico.

"Where are you going?”

"You look into the situation here, I must go kick out of the way some trashy fairies. Although, that’s not going to do much good. ”

Though he said that, if Kelpie didn’t do anything about the situation, he felt like he wouldn’t be able to calm down his mood.

"Wait a minute, look at that. ”

Stopping him, Raven called out to him while pointing downstream.

Along the winding Thames River, there were groups of dockyards stretching endlessly for several miles; it was impossible to overlook the distant place. However, the signal of the "Red Moon" members who were monitoring the Ark, could clearly be seen on the London Bridge.

As a result, they rose fireworks in the night sky.

Raven then went on to say,

“ ‘The Ark’ seemed to have appeared on an island downstream. ”

Lota’s ship received the signal and  pulled full sail on her boat.

Depending on the wind’s direction, the skilled seaman correctly adjusted the sail in accordance to the wind. They were sailors whom Lota had immediately hired after returning to London.  Most of them had criminal records for secret trade of piracy and smuggling.

At the entry port of the Thames River, the older crewmen were introduced much to Lota’s satisfaction.

Of course the replacement of the sailors was something she had planned on keeping from her grandfather.

After Lota confirmed the “Noah’s Ark” , she passed through the intensive canal of anchored ships, hastily sailing her ship into the waterway to enter the Thames River.

“Captain, after about ten minutes, you can seize the targeted ship from the rear end.  ”

Of course, Lota was known as the captain of the ship.

No matter how good the employed sailors were, if the captain responded slowly, then that obviously held a negative effect as well. In the end, Lota decided to hide it from her grandfather that she was transferring ships.

Intended to serve as a noble lady, Lota was to tour in the warship of her grandfather, the grand Duke of Cremona, who couldn’t imagine his granddaughter to be personally directing the navigation of the ship. Moreover, it was a ship loaded with cannons.

If it was any ordinary girl, then she would have chosen an elegant, fast-speeding ship. Perhaps when Lota insisted to abandon the Destroyer, the grand duke decided to turn a blind eye.

“First pay attention to the proximity. ”

“But Lota, there’s good enough time to prepare. ”

Standing next to her was Paul watching her in amazement at her commands.

A few members of the “Scarlet Moon” were also riding on the ship. As the personnel for the battle with “Noah’s Ark”, Paul also came along because he was once imprisoned in the “Ark”, and so he understood the internal situation.

“Oh, what’s the matter about that cannon?”

“The Earl bought it and delivered it. He finally consented an hour before. ”

Well, I’ve always wanted it, so I was going to find a way to raise the funds in the future. But I didn’t think I would’ve askd Edgar to supply it to me. ”

"Oh, is that right?”

Paul had a dignified and impressive view of the young earl. But hearing Lota speak of Edgar, he felt a bit helpless and overwhelmed.

He wondered why it felt so strange when he looked up at Lota, however, he thought it was impossible for her to have any improper desires as Edgar’s lover.

“The strong point of this fellow is his big generosity. ”

“····· So, do you like him?”

“It’s not really a “like” feeling. I’m just short-tempered, and working together with that guy is very easy. ”

Like how it’s always been, Lota had not disliked working with Edgar.  He would come up with a simple reasonable plan and wouldn’t speak of stingy words during preparation. He had always been generous.  Even when dividing the loot, he also never took even one cent more for himself.

“If he was a boring man, I would have cut ties with him a long time ago. ”

Hearing such an answer, Paul couldn’t help but gaze at her with a complex expression.

“Yeah, that fellow never buys costly things either. He also rarely ever spends money when it comes to buying gems just for comfort for the women he courts.  ”

At that Lota had thought that, if Lydia was convinced by that troublesome man, then her problems were also serious enough.

She didn’t know if Edgar’s fickle temper changed, however for Lydia’s own sake, it was important that she become more careful.

It seemed that his share of concern for a female’s temperament, was turning towards Lydia currently.

Certainly to fish, you must use bait--but she hoped that Lydia doesn’t accidentally witness him flirting with others.

“······ Marry?”

Lota muttered in disbelief.

Is this really okay for Lydia?She wanted to settle the matter at hand first and afterward, had definitely planned on confronting Lydia about it again.

"Right now, ready the cannon!”

Lota said in a cocky manner, at which Paul smiled as he looked her.

"You also come help. ”

Paul’s expression looked a bit melancholy. Seeing as Lota walked to leave, he hurriedly said.

“Lota, I think that sooner or later there will be such a person who would appear, giving you precious gems rather than cannons. ”

He said it with a face so earnest, Lota thought it must have certainly been some sort of British humor.

“Oh, of course, always with a rifle, someone would send a jewelry box. ”

Paul thought she answered with a joke. If he didn’t laugh, he felt that she also wouldn’t laugh right away.

Therefore, he finally also laughed happily.

"Well, you have a very cute smile. ”

“Ha ha, me?Your mind is quite funny. ”

Although they were only random thoughts that he thought up of, he felt such things were necessary to alleviate the tension that was rising up just before the war.

“Captain, I can see ‘Noah’s Ark’!”

At the sound of the voice, Lota immediately became fully alert.

"It's not time, maintain your distance. There are too many bends in the river. After pullin out of that curve, quickly approach it closely again. ”

                                        *

Lydia was not able to close her eyes in time. A strong, intense light was emitted by the moonstone, making her dizzy and blinding her sight for the moment.

Then the light disappeared.

Lydia who had been closely clinging onto to Edgar, slowly raised her head. Though she moved her head, she was not able to take a look at his face clearly.

"Edgar, what’s the matter?What do you see?”

"Ah, your green eyes. ”

"No, not that. ”

"Cute nose, luscious lips. ”

"Hey, Edgar. ”

Lydia hastily began to leave him but instead ended up stumbling by a stone; Unsteadily hobbling over, she was finally caught by him.

“That’s dangerous. ”

He tightly wrapped his arms around her once again.

In her ear, she felt him give a heavy sigh , while he nestled her, similar to his joking manner just a moment ago. Lydia felt her whole body go soft and weak.

“······ What happened?”

“You remembered me.  Lydia. ”

From those words, she seemed not to recognize the genuine joy he felt from the bottom of his heart.

“Was it better not to remember? ”

Edgar loosened his arm, intending to take a proper look at her.

Lydia's eyes finally got used to the light. He stared with an expression appearing very much in pain.

“Can you see me?”

"Uh.. ”

"Tell me, Lydia. Do you think you can marry me here?”

What is he talking about?

At the current moment, she was certainly able to recognize Edgar without a doubt.

But for him to say that, she began to wonder if he perhaps became hesitant on their marriage.  Because of his consistent heart, that Lydia’s feelings had changed.

When she had saw him in Scotland, he longed for Lydia to be able to recall the memories of their engagement.

However, had all that changed now?

“···· Did you change?Did you find someone you liked more?”

Although she thought this fearfully, Lydia still wanted to hear his reasonings.

"It’s not like that. ”

“Did you not say, just a moment ago, that if there was no engagement, it was better for you?...As for me, I must have been quite irksome for you.  I had just casually come to forget about you, and now, have just suddenly followed you again.  ”

"Lydia, don't misunderstand. ”

"Edgar, don't lie to me. I'm not happy at being deceived. If you want to break off the engagement, say it truthfully. Even if you hate me · · · · · · · "

Just as Lydia was about to pull away from him and leave, she was immediately pulled back again.  Then, her entire cheeks were wrapped by both of his hands.

"I love you. ”

With not even a bit confused tone, he said firmly.

"And even if you dislike me, loathe me, my heart will not change regardless of anything.  ”

“Why would I hate you?”

"No matter what happens, never doubt my feelings for you. ”

“····· Eh, what’s going to happen?”

She didn’t understand what he meant.

Because of the stern manner that he spoke in, her suspicion about his unfaithful heart had been eliminated completely, but the way he seemed to think something would happen, only made her more worrisome.

"I'm not going to lie to you. Therefore, I must wait until the right time I can say it to you. ”

Edgar said miserably, as if already hinting that he never wanted to bring up such a matter again.

"I understand, Edgar. ”

Lydia absolutely did not want to let him feel distressed.

Seeing as how Edgar’s expression relaxed a little at that, she also felt relieved.

She was looking up very close to his ash-mauve eyes, and wondered why was it that they had met like that.

Lydia suddenly remembered she had been tightly leaning against him since earlier. She hastily came to her senses, not even noticing she was she was unconscious of it the whole time.

"Ah, Edgar. This place here is a little different from earlier. ”

In order to hide her shyness, Lydia looked around their surroundings and changed the subject.

“Well, after the moonstone shined, everything around us seemed to have changed. ”

Because Lydia remembered the matter of the engagement, the moonstone displayed its magic.

“We were brought here by the Moonstone. ”

Different from the curved,  narrow channel, they unknowingly arrived at a broader and breezier space.

Like in a very deep barrel, the top above was not a ceiling ; one could beautifully see the night sky.

The feeling here and from the narrow cave, was very different, she felt a sense of liberation from the current atmosphere. Lydia felt a strong hope at the thought of the Moonstone potentially assisting them.

"The arrow must certainly be concealed here in the vicinity.  That arrow must be found as soon as possible.  In that way, we may perhaps be able to  understand as to what we should do. ”

"Then it should be in this spacing.  But I didn't see anything. ”

They were surrounded by round-barrel shaped walls, that were inclining towards the inside. There weren’t any obstacles that could hide anything nor become an obstruction. On the slate-tiled floor, there were no signs of anything.

Edgar alone moved toward the center of the space. Inspecting all around the flagstone, he soon-after turned around to look at Lydia and shake his head side to side as if to confirm that there really was nothing.

In that moment, a beam of light suddenly shot out in the sky.

The moonlight shot up and went in through a ceiling that had not been there.  Raising her towards the phenomena, she the moon peep out its face from the slit between the clouds.

Meanwhile, from the scattered moonlight on the ground, there appeared an outline of a person.

"Edgar, that is ......"

The two of them approached closer to it.

The figure of a human laid supine on the ground. Both her hands were folded across her chest, almost as if it was a body within a coffin.

She was clad in a formal blue dress. Her luxurious, golden hair was bathed underneath in the sparkling moonlight. She was a young woman.

“Is this Lady Gladys?”

Edgar said in a soft voice.  Indeed, Lydia had seen her before. The glorified figure certainly appeared very similar to Lady Gladys in the portrait.

She was someone who had lost her life after becoming a sacrifice for the ultimate protection.  However, not appearing as if it had been 100 years ago, her body looked so vibrant, as if she could wake up at any moment.

"It’s hard and cold. It seems almost like stone.  ”

Edgar boldly reached out his hand and touched her.

"Because she is already dead.  ”

"In the world of fairies, does the body of the perished become somewhat like this?”

“No, it seems the physical human body does not remain. I feel this should be a remnant of her magical powers. ”

“If this is the case, then this should definitely be the core of the enchanted barrier. ”

Then the arrow should have been exactly that.

Edgar must have certainly considered the same thing. Lydia definitely planned to confirm whether she was holding the arrow or not. He tried to move the body of Lady Gladys which was lying down, but no matter what he did to it,  it appeared as if her soft hair, as well as the silk in her clothing,  remained motionless like a carved stone statue.

"Ah, the ... ... that head ornament seems pretty strange.  ”

On her forehead laid a glorious brilliance. Lydia had initially mistaken it for some decorative hair ornament. But after a much careful and closer look, the shine from her forehead radiated a dazzling and silvery outline.

“That... ..., that’s the fairy!”

Lydia could instantly remember him from when they had first met;  and even now, he was the same, shining, as he radiated silver rays of light.

He gently fell down from the night sky in a beam of light.

“The fairy?Was he the one who forcibly brought you here?”

“Ah, yes. I was wondering what had become of him after the attack of the Nightmare. But it seems that though his strength has weakened, fortunately, he still managed to survive.  ”

“Lydia, perhaps, this could possibly be the “Merrow’s Star”?”

Edgar suddenly said.

The Merrow’s star referred to the star sapphire decor on the treasured Merrow’s sword. Edgar said it probably wasn’t a star-sapphire itself, but floating in the sapphire, it looked to be part of the stars.

Lady Gladys shone a silver star on her forehead. Indeed, it was very similar to the gem known as the star sapphire which reflected light from inside of the sword.

“But, but, there isn’t really a star-sapphire on your sword. ”

Edgar nodded, pulling out the sword from his waist’s side.  Inlaid the sword was a great sapphire, in the shape of a cross, glimmering unceasingly.  

“However Lydia, you still remember, when I obtained the sword, the Merrows engraved this star at the time. For the true descendants of the Earl family, there was always a specific ‘star’ that was engraved within their body, which allowed Merrows to confirm the identity of the such a person who was the legitimate descendant of the Earl family. In that way, the Merrows could take that star away and return it to the Sapphire on the treasured Sword.  ”

So, that is how it was done.  However, before Edgar, there had been no sons of the Earl family who had come retrieve the sword.

Therefore,  there was no decoration of a star-sapphire , but the sword was always taken care of by the Merrows.

“Ah, so the Sword itself had requested of the Merrows to  have it taken to the late Lady Gladys who also held the star? ”

“It seems so.  This ability should only be exclusive for the Earl’s house to provide a star for the Sapphire.  ”

The silver fairy had always been here, even after Lady Gladys had died long ago.  He had taken Lydia here with the intention of strengthening the magic around the London Bridge, in order to stop the attacks of the dark fairies.

But Lydia had continuously wondered why it was her who had been chosen.

Should it not have been Edgar?

If the fairy was the star of the sword, he should have sought help from Edgar who was the true wielder of the Sword.

Or, perhaps it was that he didn’t even require the Sword’s assistance in the first place.

Lydia pondered, unconsciously lifting her left hand up to her chin, the moonlight shined on the moonstone ring. Bathed in moonlight, the moonstone immediately radiated a brilliant light.

The light illuminated and engulfed the hardened body of Lady Glads.

At that time, the star on her forehead sent out a flash.

All of sudden, the light filled the entire space of the broad cave. Then, it began to subside slowly and the physique of Lady Gladys vanished, replacing it, was the silver fairy who stood there motionlessly.

He was wrapped in a light full-length gown, just as if he had slipped out from old mythology. He fixed it’s eyes intensely towards Edgar and continuously stared.

The fairy looked carefully at the sword Edgar was wielding.

"Why is the treasured Sword  being carried by someone who is not of the Earl's bloodline? How have you attained authority for it?”

"Well, that is because......"

Lydia was going to interrupt, but Edgar assumed his stance while stopping her with his other hand.

She didn’t know when it happened but the sword was seized tightly by the hand of the fairy who had began to hold it up slowly.

“Moreover, you’re also the person who somehow holds possession of the Key to Ibrazel.  ”

“The Earl’s blood had been severed, so I am the new Blue Knight Earl. ”

The fairy couldn’t believe his words and so revealed a severe expression. Moreover, opposite to the fairy, Edgar was also gripping onto the Sword with one of his hands.

"The new Earl?Though you reek of blood of taboo on you?”

In his hand, the fairy appeared to be holding a Sword that had looked identical to the Merrow’s Sword, like a reflecting mirror image.

He was the sword’s “star,” therefore, the sword was also a part of him. With that being the case, it had meant that the sword he wielded, and the one treasured sword in Edgar’s possession were exactly of the same strength.

He seemed intent to resist Edgar.

“Please stop, Fairy. He’s truly the Earl. He came here in order to protect the bridge! ”

But the fairy showed no means of listening to Lydia’s reasoning and instead descended forward in order to cut his target down.

Edgar raised his own sword to defend. A metallic sound resounded in the space of the barrel room as the two Swords clashed.

Edgar tried to firmly ram the fairy away, but in an instant, the sword left his own hand, and floated up into the air.

Sword came to a stop while still in the air, being manipulated by the fairy.  Since it was a part of him, he could certainly use it at will.

It then suddenly flew over towards Edgar’s direction making him it’s aim.

Edgar intended to quickly avoid it, but the sword passed over and swiftly sliced his shoulder. As it grazed his shoulder, it then nailed the stones on the ground with great force.

The Silver fairy looked down at Edgar’s bleeding shoulder and spoke in a low voice.

“That is the blood that concluded the contract with the malicious Unseelie court. ”

What?

Lydia couldn't understand what he meant. She only saw Edgar enduring the pain patiently as he tightly frownd.

"So then, I need to dispose of you instantly. ”

The Sword had fallen to distant place from where Edgar had been and it didn’t seem easy for him to try to escape either.

While still in an anxious state, Lydia desperately tried to think of something in that instant.

We must stop the fairy. It was her responsibility as a fairy doctor. As Lydia was desperately thinking, she suddenly remembered that the fairy strongly requested something from her.

....To seek the arrow in order to  obtain the qualifications.

If she could find the requested item, then she would become entitled to know of everything and to be able to command him based on such a qualification. This could surely stop him.

But where was this arrow even?

As if the moonstone wanted to say something to the worried Lydia, it kept blinking from her finger.

Little bow, do you know?

...Yes, if this is Bow, then.....?

At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind.

“He most definitely is the ‘star’ to the treasured Sword..... ”

So he must also certainly be the “Arrow”.

The that had meant that he originally appeared before Lydia because he was the compliment to the ‘Bow’, the ‘Arrow,’ that had existed together with the Moonstone.

The bright stars and the full moon were floating in the deep dark night sky.

It was when they were together that the moon's bow and the star's arrow became a weapon.

The arrow that they had been looking for, was exactly of the Star-Sapphire, the Astral Star (?), which was the name of the Fairy.

“Stop, Arrow! You are the Arrow, right?You said that if I had found the Arrow, then you would lend me strength, right?”

Then, Lydia shouted loudly.

"Therefore, please don’t kill Edgar!”

Despite her effort, the fairy had already settled on striking Edgar once more.

'No!'

Lydia rushed to towards their direction.

“No, Lydia, stay away!”

Edgar cried out loudly, while stretching out both of his arms catch Lydia, who at that moment, had fully leaned up against him.

And just as she had felt the sharp edge of the Sword stab right  into her back, her body immediately collapsed in his arms.