Only Laine's face did not show joy; on the contrary, the face of the Holy Grail Knight held more of a smile.
He had conquered the entire army with his performance.
As they gradually left the forest, the distances between the trees increased, the thickets became sparse, and the knights finally could ride their beloved horses and enjoy the feeling of walking through the woodland.
Laine did not choose to ride; he simply led his pure-blood Elf Warhorse, Grape, through the woodland, with the head of the Four-armed Bull Demon Set hanging from the horse's hindquarters, Laine's trophy.
He would present this head to the Lady as proof of his victory.
The cool forest breeze brushed against Laine's face, and the Holy Grail Knight raised his head, discovering that unknowingly, the leaves of the woodland trees had turned from lush green to yellow, some turning red and beginning to drop, while the grass faded from lush green to withered yellow.
Summer had long gone, and autumn had arrived.
