Heaven's Wrath, Humanity's Fury
Tsk, tsk!
You're three minutes late, Captain.
Sorry, I had a document I needed to submit in a rush.
...Fufu.
Just kidding. I'm sorry if I startled you.
I know how busy you are, Captain.
I'm just grateful you made time for me.
Here's a thank-you pat!
So, what did you want to see me for?
Oh! I forgot to explain that.
You always handle the training, right?
And lately you've even been helping with the Nature's Grace's warrants.
I clean your room and cook for you sometimes, but...
I really appreciate everything you're doing for me.
Fufu, it's nothing. I do it because I want to.
Anyway!
Today's my day to repay you, Captain.
Don't you dare say it's too much and refuse, okay? Fufu.
Shall we?
Lyn led me by the hand to a general store.
Let's see... It should be around here...
There it is! Dried persimmons!
They're made by dehydrating freshly picked persimmons. Not only are they tasty, but they're also used in medicine.
Want to try one, Captain?
Hmm... Chewy and sweet.
It's good, isn't it?
The children I taught loved them too.
But it wouldn't be much of a thank-you if we stopped here, would it?
I'll stuff them with acanthopanax, bellflower, cinnamon, licorice, and this... and this... and this...
And ta-da! A special dried persimmon that's both healthy and delicious!
It's a little bitter, but it tastes great with the persimmon.
Here, say ahh!
I can eat it myself, you know.
Oh, no no. I told you. Today's my turn to be nice to you.
Come on, say ahhhh!
The moment I bit into it, an intense bitterness hit the back of my throat.
Urrrgrgr! I-it's good...
Really? Fufu, I'm glad.
Today's theme is medicinal cuisine.
I plan to treat you to dishes that are both healthy and delicious.
Fufu, take your time. There's plenty more to come.
...As I wondered how to change today's theme, a pigeon flew in.
A messenger pigeon?
It's urgent.
It says human traffickers from the Eastern Continent just left NOA in a carriage.
I finally got to make plans with you... and now this...!
...You're okay with it?
We'll just take care of it in no time and come back? I guess so...
Fufu, you're right as always, Captain.
Then let's finish it quick!
Nice! We made it out!
Told you! Put the pedal down and they can't catch us!
Yeah, yeah, just drive—huh?
S-stop! There's someone ahead...!
Wait, who cares? We're outside NOA now.
Just run them over—wait! Stop! Pull over!
What? Why?
...Well, well.
Hey there, pretty lady. What're you doing here all alone?
Are ya lost?
Haha! We could sell her for a good price!
You're members of the Eastern crime ring, Swiftblade Syndicate, right?
I thought so.
What...?
...Who're you?
I am the White Moon of the Nature's Grace.
I have come to cleanse away the evil.
Nature's... what?
Wait... THE Nature's Grace?!
...So it really exists.
The rumors are true.
Boss!
So you're the boss? Good.
What'll it be? Will you resist?
Normally I'd use the... "merchandise" as leverage.
But...
Urgh!
Lyn, it's clear back here.
Nice work, Captain! I knew I could count on you.
As I suspected. A pincer attack.
I surrender.
The crime ring members were tied up and only the boss was left, when...
So what happens to me now?
Since you surrendered peacefully, we'll send you back to the East unharmed.
Still... you gave up fast. I thought you'd put up a fight.
If you're slow with math, you don't last long in this business.
I know exactly how strong you are.
Lyn.
...You know me?
How could I not? You were the first person to catch me.
I thought I'd make a tidy profit off the slave business. Shame it ends like this.
You didn't even feel remorse for what you did.
Where are the people you kidnapped?
The merchandise? They're in the cargo hold.
They're not merchandise, they're people!
If you've so much as laid a finger on them...
You'd better be ready.
When Lyn pulled back the tarp over the cargo hold, the kidnapped people looked up at Lyn in terror.
And among them were...
...Children?
How could you...
You kidnapped... children?! Is that all you could do as an adult?!
Kids, adults, what's the difference?
They're all just plain old merchandise, aren't they?
You—
I grabbed Lyn's hand before she could draw her sword.
Not worth it, Lyn.
Urgh...!
Ms. Lyn?
Just then, a familiar voice came from inside the cargo hold.
Princess...?
Ms. Lyn, is that you...?
Ms. Lyn, I—! *Hic* I was just running an errand, and...! *Sob*
Scary people told me to get in the carriage and... Waaaah!
...Oh, for heaven's sake.
Can you quit bawling for once? Don't tell me you've still got more tears left.
Before I could stop her, Lyn lunged at the boss and buried her fist in him.
Agh!
Why?!
WHY?! WHY, WHY, WHY?!
Why would you?!
What did she ever do to you?! What did she do to deserve this?!
She needs someone to care for her! Someone to be there for her! But instead, you...!
WHY!!!!
Lyn, stop! You'll kill him!
Grrk... grrk...
*Huff* *Huff*
Ms. Lyn...
Oh...
When I turned around, everyone including the girl was staring at Lyn, frozen in horror.
We transferred the Swiftblade Syndicate boss and his subordinates over to the Eastern operatives.
After taking the captives back home, I headed to the park to find Lyn.
You're here, Captain.
The others...
...I see. You took them home safely.
Are you okay?
My hand? As long as I don't overdo it for a while, it should be fine...
...You were asking if I'm okay?
Fufu...
You're so kind, Captain.
...I'm just.
Just feeling a bit off.
...
I'm sorry you had to see me like that, Captain.
...I feel sorry for the little princess too.
As an adult, I should've shown her a better side of me...
What a terrible grown-up I am.
...It's getting cold out.
Let's head back.
And Lyn walked off into the shadows where no light could reach.