Infinite Dendrogram - Volume 4 - Chapter Pr

Continuation: Inside Their Minds 
Three hours before The Clash of the Superiors, Count Gideon’s residence 
Gideon’s first district was a gathering of official buildings and institutions. Among them were the knight offices, right next to which was the residence of the local ruler: Count Gideon. 
Due to both buildings sharing a similar design focused on steadiness and modesty, most would’ve assumed that Count Gideon’s mansion was nothing but an extension of the offices. This was because the first Count Gideon had believed that the spirit of Gideon lied within its arenas, and that gaudy castles wouldn’t fit the city’s character. 
However, many matches since then had been attended by royalty and other guests of honor, making it necessary for the Gideons to build a luxurious guest house for them to stay in. 
Thus, the residence of Count Gideon was a curious structure with a modest main building and a fancy annexe. The main office of said modest building was currently occupied by three people wearing serious facial expressions. 
One was the young Count Gideon, Aschbarray Gideon. 
One was the Vice Commander of the Knights of the Royal Guard, the Paladin Liliana Grandria. 
And the last one was the second princess of the Kingdom of Altar, Elizabeth S. Altar. 
They were among the most important tians currently present in the city. 
Elizabeth broke the silence. “So my older sister isn’t coming?” 
“Yes.” Count Gideon nodded. “I’ve been informed that she is currently unwell and could not heal in time to depart for Gideon today. Apparently, there’s an Epidemic happening in the capital.” He was passing on to them what he’d been told via communication magic from the capital. 
Elizabeth had arrived at this city to attend the great event happening this evening — The Clash of the Superiors. But it had originally been planned that her older sister, the current leader of the country, would attend it as well. 
“An Epidemic...” sighed Liliana while covering her mouth and making a sour expression. 

“Epidemic” was a term used to describe any sudden diseases that spread among the weak and strong alike. Masters saw it as an unpatterned, irregular, widespread Infinite Dendrogram event. There were various Epidemics that covered many large areas, creating sufferers among both Masters and tians. Though some went away with the passage of time, some required special healing methods such as vaccines or healing magic available only to Superior Jobs. 
Fortunately, the Epidemic that had spread through the kingdom this time wasn’t life-threatening, being more like a common cold than any other disease. 
However, Epidemics completely ignored all stats and resistances. Even high-level Masters would become bedridden or simply log out until the disease went away. They were considered to be natural disasters above human knowledge. Indeed, it was quite fortuitous that the damage being done by the current Epidemic was so meager. 
Still, Count Gideon, the host of today’s event, could barely hide his chagrin about its inconvenient timing, and Liliana shared his sentiment. 
There had been trouble caused by Elizabeth sneaking out of the building yesterday, but most of the official business and preparations relating to the event were already done. 
Most of it had had to do with the arrival and welcoming of Elizabeth’s older sister, first princess Altimia, and now it had all gone to waste. Being an older sister herself, Liliana tried to be considerate of Elizabeth’s feelings about this. 
“I see! Very well!” Elizabeth said with a voice that made it seem like Liliana’s worries had been misplaced. “It’s a shame, but we should not dwell on what we can do nothing about! Now, we should be thinking about how to make this event a success! Am I right, Count Gideon?!” 
“Indeed you are!” he said heartily. 
Elizabeth’s words were full of resolve. Though her beloved sister couldn’t come, she was determined to do her duty, in the hopes that it would help her sister. 
“Your Highness...” muttered Liliana. Though Elizabeth’s current bearing wasn’t completely unlike her, the lady knight felt as if there was something different about her — as if she had become more of an adult. 
Perhaps something happened when she sneaked out yesterday? Liliana wondered. 
Suddenly, Elizabeth grabbed her hand in both of hers. “Liliana, I want you to protect me!” she declared. 
“...Of course! I will keep you safe no matter what happens,” replied Liliana, fully ready to fulfill her duty. 
She would protect the girl under any circumstances — no matter what awaited them.