I looked up to the stars above as I walked along the main street. Black Sword Greed then called out to me.
『What’s wrong? I thought that you’ve already resolved yourself that you’ll fight your father. But what’s with that long face?』
[That one has indeed been decided, I’m no longer bothered by it.]
『Then what bothers you now?』
[I only realized now that I know very little about my dad… all I know was that he’s a kind father who would always protect me. That’s all.]
『That’s because you were just a kid back then. As a young kid, you won’t be able to understand what your parents were doing.』
[….but still, I should’ve asked why he returned with a lot of wounds back then. Roxy said that the templar knights are strong. Then what did my dad fight at that time? I was close to him but never tried to understand him. I just thought that it was natural that he protected me, and I didn’t even bother to think why.]
『Do you think it had something to do with your skill？』
[There is a possibility for that.]
But I know now. I know now that my dad was once a templar knight. Not that it surprised me. Cause since I was a kid, I’ve always seen my dad as some sort of hero anyways.
『It’s alright to be disappointed, but we’ll be going tomorrow morning. You need to keep up a good appearance until then. How about a glass or two？』
As if on cue with Greed’s words, I could see a sign of a tavern nearby.
[Right. You actually say a good things for once.]
『That’s just you being superfluous. This me will only suggest things that’ll help you.』
[Hahaha. Then I shall do as you say.]
[Please have a sit. Everyone who is supposed to come, has come as preordained. So there is no need to refrain yourself.]
[Why such a scary face? Didn’t I give you a place to sit already? Fate Graphite…no, it’s now Fate Barbatos, isn’t it?]
[Why do you know my name. You…]
[Well, sit down first.]
[Please have a drink. It’s a good liquor. This town is the only logistics base in the south, so a lot of things can be obtained here. Guess I’ll bring some as a souvenir for others. Please wait here.]
I sat down, and asked the young man.
[Before that, who are you?]
[You don’t waste time, do you? Well I guess it comes in blood. Oh well. As you may have guessed, I’m a Templar Knight. My code name is Libra.]
[What is your relation with my father?]
[Compatriot in battle. I felt his presence, so I came here. But because of slight delay, I didn’t manage to meet him. It’s a pity though, I actually wish he could enjoy some liquor with us all here. Can’t have all the good things in the world, I guess.]
[Enough for now. Let’s not waste this perfectly nice wine. Snooping around is rude. Sometimes you should act ignorant to please others.]
[But, you were the one who invited me.]
[Ah, you’re right. I just wanted to get a closer look to Dean’s child that he willingly protected to his death. Then let me tell you about one more thing.]
When he pointed his finger to his face, a red tattoo emerged on his face. That’s…. A different pattern but with similar air to what my dad had.
[This sacred engraving is our covenant with God. It gives us enormous power that could rival even the Mortal Sin skill. After all, this power is meant exactly to counter it.]
In essence, people like Libra exists to hunt the holder of Mortal Sin skills. Upon realizing that, I couldn’t help but to place my hand on the handle of my black sword.
[I don’t have any intention to fight you now. But may be later in the future. It’s an ironic story, that a Templar Knight with sacred engraving…had a son who holds a Mortal Sin skill. That’s why… he escaped from the church.]
[Escaped?]
[Indeed. At that time Dean’s wife was pregnant with you. You know full well where they ended up staying on. Then Dean’s wife died from giving birth to you. Probably because she was too exhausted from the long run.]
[It’s natural for parents to protect their loved one. You shouldn’t go any further. Perhaps, that’s what Dean would want.]
[Are you… trying to warn me?]
[Just giving an advice. You are the son of my compatriot in battle. I don’t want to see you suffer under the burden of Gluttony skill. Nor to see you turn into a berserking monster from fighting against your own father. The was I see it, the wait won’t be too long.]
[…..]
[Oh well. We’ll meet again when that time comes.]
『What’s wrong? Aren’t you going here for a drink?』
[How can I have the appetite now? Does Greed know? About this Templar Knights?]
『I guess so. Look at the empty glasses. How many are there?』
[Thirteen.]
『There 13 templar knights who bear the sacred engraving. As Libra said, these knights had signed a covenant with God that they absolutely must obey.』
[Is it the same contract my father mentioned?]
『I suppose so』
[Then, why did he make contact with me?]
『He meant no harm, merely want to see your face. The Door to ‘His’ Land is about to open, so of course they also start moving.』
[To stop it? Or the opposite?]
『To fulfill their covenant. Since we can’t possible tell god’s will, then there is no telling the reasoning behind their actions.』
[Do I have to fight them?]
『That’s how it is. There are thirteen of them. Fate alone won’t suffice.』
[Not only Shinn….the templar knights will be there as well…]
『It’s like those days when we are up against the Tenryu.』
[I guess the situation is similarly egregious like back then, huh?]
As I looked at the glass of wine in front of me, Greed quipped.
『Want to ask for a replacement?』
[Yeah.]
[If this one is not to your liking, shall I bring another wine?]
[Sure, this one was ordered by that person I spoke to just now after all.]
[Understood. I’ll bring the order right away.]
The waitress reached out to retrieve the glass in front of me.
But someone immediately took it away. When I wondered who, it was Eris.
[Ey, this one looks delicious. Let me have it!]
Eris downed the wine and placed the emptied glass on the table. She appeared to be in a good mood.
[I sensed that something was odd, so I came in a hurry. Turns out I was late.]
[Yeah…]
[This place is too noisy. I want to enjoy some night breeze. Let’s get out of here.]
[I know I know.]
[That wine was good. It’s refreshing.]
[Coming from a heavy drinker.]
[Wine is good to help forget unpleasant memories though.]
[What’s wrong? It’s not like you to act like this.]
[Ooi.]
[Eeee. It should be alright now. I’ve been very thoughtful already during daytime.]
[Haa~]
[Sighing is forbidden! I’m the Queen of this kingdom. Be respectful!]
[Seriously, what’s wrong?]
[See, beautiful, isn’t it?]
[Indeed it is. I didn’t know there is a place like this.]
[Eeh, that’s a missed opportunity! You should’ve said “ But Eris is even more beautiful”]
[Sorry, sorry.]
[How thoughtless! Well…it’s Fate after all…]
[You met a templar knight, didn’t you? Someone called, Libra.]
[Looks like he was searching for my dad. Apparently they were supposed to meet here. I don’t know if he’s telling the truth or not]
[I see… Fate’s father story, as well as the tattoo on their face… I knew that he’d told you that much.]
[This time, I’ll send that guy to the afterlife with my own power. Fate, will you help me?]
[Eris…]
