The next morning, Arlam Village.
Emilia and Shendu once again visited the village. Beneath the familiar scenery, not a single person could be seen.
It was hard to imagine how Roswaal had managed to bring all these people to the Sanctuary—while also digging a pit for Shendu and the others along the way.
Roswaal's territory truly seemed plagued with disasters.
First there had been the attack by Elsa and Meili. Now, because of the Witch Cult, the villagers had been taken to the Sanctuary. It was beyond mere bad luck.
"Sigh... the villagers of Arlam Village have disappeared. It seems we'll have to find time to make a trip to the Sanctuary."
After discovering that the villagers were gone, Emilia could not help but speak.
"No problem. It's about time we set out anyway. Your trial begins now, doesn't it?"
Shendu's slender hand rested on Emilia's shoulder as she spoke unhurriedly.
Having already learned of her past in advance, Emilia should be far stronger than the Emilia of the original timeline. That much was beyond doubt.
"With Sister Shendu here, I'm not afraid of anything."
Emilia's face flushed slightly. Holding Shendu's hand, she murmured in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz.
The two of them strolled through Arlam Village for a while before deciding to return. Yet when they arrived back at the mansion, the main gates were tightly shut.
No sign of Rem, Ram, or Geuse could be seen in the courtyard. It felt strangely unusual.
"Hmm? Why is no one here? That's odd."
Emilia said in surprise as she stepped forward and gently knocked on the door.
"Welcome back, Lady Emilia, Lady Shendu!"
Just as the two of them reached the entrance, an unfamiliar voice called out from inside.
The doors swung open, revealing a woman with long golden hair and emerald-green eyes. Dressed in a maid uniform, with a well-proportioned figure, she appeared before them.
Every movement she made embodied perfect etiquette. Holding the hem of her skirt, she bowed gracefully to greet them.
"Frederica?"
Seeing the familiar figure, Emilia searched her memory and soon recalled the head maid's name.
"Yes!"
Frederica lifted her head and looked at Emilia respectfully. "Thanks to the master's generosity, I was able to enjoy a pleasant holiday. Now, Frederica Baumann has returned."
She smiled, revealing her sharp fangs. The slight flash of teeth disrupted her otherwise refined beauty, and it piqued Shendu's interest.
"Welcome back, Lady Shendu! Lady Emilia!"
"Welcome back, Lady Shendu! Lady Emilia!"
As expected, once Frederica stepped aside, the identical young maids, Rem and Ram, appeared before them and offered their greetings with equal respect.
So they had been inside all along. No wonder the closed door had felt so strange.
"Let me guess—you two were trying to give us a surprise?"
Shendu stepped forward, looking at Rem and Ram with a faint smile.
"Lady Shendu, please do not blame them. This was entirely my idea. I even asked Geuse not to appear, all to give you a surprise."
Frederica carried herself with remarkable composure. As soon as she finished speaking, Geuse walked over from the distance, wearing an awkward expression.
"It's nothing. I don't mind. The surprise was quite nice."
Shendu replied calmly, finding it somewhat amusing.
"Very well, then please allow me to serve you some tea first, and we can discuss other matters afterward."
Frederica smiled warmly as she looked at Shendu and Emilia.
Neither of them objected. Once seated on the sofa, Frederica prepared a pot of black tea for them, while Rem and Ram stood at either side.
Because of his unique status, Geuse also took a seat nearby as an observer. In a sense, he was a guest within Roswaal's territory.
After the tea was served, Shendu lifted her cup and took a sip, savoring the flavor. She was quite satisfied with Frederica's skill as head maid.
"It tastes wonderful. Just like before. You've done well, Frederica."
Emilia offered her praise generously, holding Frederica in high regard.
When Frederica had been here before, she had taught Emilia many things. Emilia remained deeply grateful to her.
"Serving Lady Emilia is my honor."
Frederica replied humbly, her eyes filled with sincerity.
"By the way, why did you suddenly return?"
Emilia asked in confusion. By normal calculations, Frederica should have remained away for some time yet. Her early return was unexpected.
"There was a slight deviation along the way, so I came back sooner than planned."
Originally, Frederica had intended to stay away longer. But Shendu's appearance seemed to have disrupted certain arrangements.
Frederica cast Shendu a deep look, as if regarding her as the variable. She said nothing more, her expression remaining calm.
"Speaking of which, do you know why Roswaal suddenly brought everyone to the Sanctuary?"
Emilia frowned, feeling as though an invisible hand was manipulating everything behind the scenes.
"I cannot say. The master instructed me not to reveal anything. If you wish to bring them back, Lady Emilia, his intention is for you to accomplish it yourself."
"As for the location of the Sanctuary, I am fully aware of it."
Frederica explained unhurriedly, her gaze lingering on Emilia.
"That's strange. The Sanctuary is a legendary place—if I recall correctly, it's also the grave of a witch. Sending Emilia there... what exactly is Roswaal planning?"
Whenever matters involving witches arose, Geuse found himself particularly displeased.
From an outsider's perspective, Roswaal's actions were excessive. Sending Emilia to a place like the Sanctuary—who knew what dangers awaited her?
"That is the master's will. We should give Lady Emilia the opportunity."
Frederica seemed lost in thought, various emotions flickering in her emerald eyes.
"So, Emilia, what do you intend to do?"
Shendu turned her gaze to Emilia and asked calmly.
Emilia hesitated briefly, recalling how the villagers of Arlam Village had once looked at her with rejection—yet they were, in theory, her people.
Holding a grudge against them would be wrong. And she was not someone who held grudges to begin with. Besides, the trial of the Sanctuary was a path she had to walk. She had already made up her mind.
"We'll go to the Sanctuary. We'll bring the villagers back—and liberate the Sanctuary as well."
Emilia's voice was firm. She had not forgotten the mission Shendu entrusted to her.
Her resolve left Frederica astonished. Not long ago, this silver-haired, amethyst-eyed half-elf had been subjected to constant discrimination.
She had seemed gentle, lacking confidence or responsibility. But now, her temperament had undergone a complete transformation.
Unconsciously, Frederica's gaze shifted to the ever-composed Shendu. She had never expected that this seemingly ordinary silver-haired girl would change Emilia so profoundly.
Upon hearing Emilia's determination, Frederica stood and bowed respectfully.
"Lady Emilia's wish has been received. In that case, allow me to explain the situation of the Sanctuary."
After receiving Emilia's resolve, Frederica nodded.
Composing herself, she prepared to clarify certain matters.
Rem and Ram listened carefully as well. Shendu's sudden appearance had already altered the destinies of the two maids.
Rem had not had her name devoured by the Witch of Gluttony. Ram had not gone to the Sanctuary either. The storyline had shifted.
As for the Sanctuary, the two of them knew only fragments. They could only rely on Frederica to learn more details.
"Before I explain matters regarding the Sanctuary, I must make one thing clear. I will remain at the mansion to await your return. The responsibility of going to the Sanctuary belongs to the two of you."
"In other words, I will not be accompanying you to the Sanctuary."
Frederica's tone was steady. She was simply informing them that she would only provide directions—not lead the way.
Shendu was not surprised. She had already anticipated this outcome. It was part of Roswaal's scheme—and also Frederica's own resolve.
"Understood. It's only a small matter."
"A maid has her duties. Just do yours properly."
Shendu replied evenly, her gaze resting lightly on Frederica.
"Yes."
Frederica nodded, gathering her thoughts before continuing.
"Lady Emilia, you should have heard of the Sanctuary before, correct?"
"Yes. Roswaal told me that one day, it would be a place I must go."
Emilia recalled those words and could not help but feel speechless.
Roswaal truly calculated far ahead. He had known everything long before events unfolded. He certainly had a knack for creating trouble for them.
"The Sanctuary—its full name is the Cremaldy Sanctuary. I have drawn a map of the route. Once you arrive, please be cautious when dealing with the half-beast named Garfiel."
As she spoke that name, a trace of nostalgia and affection flickered in Frederica's eyes, as though it referred to someone dear to her.
"That name... he's your younger brother, isn't he?"
After Frederica finished, Shendu commented matter-of-factly.
"I cannot say. Once Lady Emilia and Lady Shendu arrive, you will understand everything."
Frederica offered no further explanation.
After her detailed account, they finally understood the uniqueness of the place known as the Sanctuary.
Four hundred years ago, due to warfare, a group of demi-humans had gathered there and lived ever since, treating it as their sacred land.
Later, a barrier was erected around the Sanctuary. The demi-humans lived there for generations, almost entirely cut off from the outside world—like a hidden utopia from legend.
In theory, the Sanctuary was indeed an excellent refuge. As long as one hid within it, ordinary people could not pass through the barrier, meaning those inside were safe.
"That's the situation. My suggestion is that Lady Emilia and Lady Shendu depart tomorrow. If all goes smoothly, you should be able to return within a few days."
Trust shone in Frederica's emerald eyes.
During this period, Emilia had changed greatly. With Shendu by her side, there was a high chance the matter could be resolved perfectly.
Even before her own return, Frederica had already heard fragments about Shendu—about the mysterious traveler, the powerful familiars she commanded, and the rapidly expanding Divine Dragon Merchant Guild.
All of it belonged to this silver-haired, red-eyed girl.
It remained to be seen what kind of waves she would stir in the Sanctuary.
"Alright. Then it's settled."
Emilia nodded and let the topic rest.
Suddenly, as their discussion concluded, the study door swung open.
A blonde girl with drill-like twin curls rushed out and threw herself straight into Shendu's arms, smiling brightly.
"Big Sister, what were you talking about?"
Beatrice snuggled up to her beloved Big Sister before asking curiously.
Earlier, the spirit girl had been hiding in the study, listening in. After all, the four-hundred-year contract she had upheld had officially come to an end.
"Nothing much. We're preparing to visit the Sanctuary. You'll stay home for a while."
Shendu gently stroked Beatrice's head as she explained.
"The Sanctuary... that's where I used to live. What are you planning to do there, Big Sister?"
Memories of her former home stirred Beatrice's nostalgia.
"Liberate the Sanctuary. Aren't your friends there as well?"
Shendu spoke softly, causing a subtle ripple to pass through Beatrice's usually calm eyes.
"Then I'll leave it in your hands, Big Sister!"
Though she had much to say upon hearing the word Sanctuary, it ultimately condensed into a single earnest request.
Seeing the closeness between the two, Frederica felt a hint of surprise. According to Roswaal, Shendu and Beatrice were not supposed to be this intimate.
Could it be that Shendu knew something in advance and had made preparations?
But that seemed impossible. How could she know everything? The situation was becoming increasingly strange.
"Lady Beatrice, how is it that you are so close with Lady Shendu? Don't you usually remain in the library?"
Frederica could not help asking.
"My mission has ended. Big Sister is the one I was waiting for. So now, I can go wherever I like."
Beatrice declared proudly, her face glowing with confidence.
"I see... things truly have deviated."
Frederica let out a bitter smile. Some matters were gradually slipping beyond control. Everything was becoming more and more peculiar.
That evening, they shared a lavish dinner as a send-off.
"Ram, Geuse—you will not be joining this trip to the Sanctuary."
Since Shendu had specific plans for this journey, Ram could not be allowed to go.
"What?!"
"Understood."
The two responded differently. Ram was clearly stunned, having not expected to be excluded.
"Why, Lady Shendu?"
Ram asked, puzzled at being left behind.
"There are things you're better off not knowing. Stay here and do your duty."
Shendu answered without hesitation.
"...Very well."
Though unwilling, Ram ultimately accepted the arrangement.
For this visit to the Sanctuary, Shendu intended to settle accounts with Roswaal properly. Between him and Rem lay a blood debt. When the time came, allowing Rem to exact her revenge would be important.
Roswaal's lifelong dream had always been to see Echidna again.
But Shendu would never grant him that opportunity.
Later that night, after dinner, Shendu went to Emilia's room.
Seeing her arrive, Emilia sat at the edge of the bed and took her hand. A trace of worry lingered in her eyes, as though she feared something.
"What's wrong, Emilia?"
Feeling the slight tremble in her hand, Shendu asked gently.
"I'm still a little worried... Sister Shendu. When we go to the Sanctuary, I don't know if I'll be able to pass the trials."
Earlier, Shendu had already given Emilia a forewarning about the nature of the Sanctuary—about facing her past. Even so, Emilia felt nervous.
"Don't worry. I'm your strongest support. Even if you can't rely on anyone else, you can rely on me."
"Isn't that right?"
Shendu stroked the girl's soft silver hair, offering reassurance.
"I'll listen to you, Sister Shendu."
With that comfort, Emilia leaned against her, drawing strength from her Big Sister's presence and feeling far more at ease.
Just as Emilia began to relax, the crystal hanging around her neck suddenly emitted a faint glow—and a small gray cat abruptly appeared.