The Holy Grail of Eris (エリスの聖杯)

Emilia must have been talking about the Earl John Doe Ball.

John Doe?

It implies someone of no consequence.

And his is a secret ball where nobles hide their faces behind masks.

But why invite me to that?

Perhaps she thought it would be the best place to gather intelligence.

The lowlifes who infest such balls fear not even the gods.

I... see.

Now, you'll need a mask.

We'll be sneaking into my old home, Constance.

The Castiel residence?

I was a regular at those balls.

Someone who knows something

might approach you if you wear my old mask.

But...

Besides, this is a good opportunity for you as well.

What do you mean?

Use your brain. I mean to pay off your debts, of course.

All the guests will be good-for-nothings with lurid secrets.

Find out what those are, and take them for all they're worth.

I couldn't possibly...

No, I understand.

I didn't get it until now.

"Be you sincere."

I've always believed that was the right thing to do.

But my father was tricked, and Pamela framed me.

Sincerity alone won't solve anything.

I'll be wicked if that's what it takes.

So...

Take me to the Castiel residence.

A Grail casting aside their famous sincerity? What fun.

I've yet again managed to sneak in somewhere without issue.

But this manor is huge! Positively enormous.

What are you doing there, girl?

Lady Scarlett?

Did you hear me?

I'm, u-um, on my way to the dressing room.

I'm so sorry! Please excuse me!

Hey, wait.

Have you no brain in your head?

The dressing room is the other way.

Thank you very much.

My brother...

Not much resemblance, is there?

You seem quite alike to me.

Your air of superiority, the way you feel entitled to call me "girl,"

and how you insult me at the drop of a hat...

You're the first person to ever say as much.

Am I really?

We do have different mothers, after all.

Constance, have you heard of Cornelia of the Starry Crown?

Yes. The neighboring country of Faris was once a vast empire,

and she was the last empress, who reigned during its fall, wasn't she?

Yes, exactly.

At the time, the Faris Empire pursued a strategy

of marrying royalty from the nations it invaded to rule them.

Then an imperial prince eloped with a certain lady,

and they had a daughter,

Cornelia of the Starry Crown.

Her lineage entitled her to the crowns of vassal states as numerous as the stars,

not to mention the imperial throne.

Our own nation, Adelbide, was part of her empire back then.

Yes, it was.

When the vassal states finally rebelled and the empire fell,

she escaped harm in the neutral nation of Soldita.

Time passed, and word spread that a country girl in Soldita

carried the blood of Cornelia of the Starry Crown.

Crownless Aliénore. She was my mother.

You mean to say you're descended from the imperial family of Faris?

Story time is over.

My mask is in that suit of armor.

R-Right...

Your invitation?

It's in Earl John Doe's hat.

Welcome, uninvited guest.

So this...

is the Earl John Doe Ball.

What delightful tastes they have.

Never you mind.

We're going straight to see our hostess.

So it's Deborah's turn this time. I thought as much.

You there.

What's your name?

Please, call me Eris.

My, that brings back memories.

We used to have a guest by the same name ten years ago.

But...

she was a reckless girl.

Her head and body soon parted company.

Your head is firmly attached, I hope?

I'm amazed you can eat.

I've been so tense this whole time.

Oh, this looks tasty too!

Hmm? Something smells sweet...

Why, this takes me back. That's Jane.

Jane?

Who might she be?

Miss Eris, I believe?

That's totally Viscount Hamsworth.

U-Um...

I beg your pardon.

We hide our true selves behind masks at this secret ball.

Please call me... Moon-Dappled Ham.

Again, you're not hiding anything!

"Hide a tree in the forest," as they say.

But what rotten wood someone's brought tonight.

Do you not think so, my lady?

Run! The Security Force caught on!

Caught on to what?!

What's going on?!

Look at him go!

Seems I was right about those girls.

You heard what the nouveau riche hog said about a tree in the forest.

Someone was using this whole ball as cover for human trafficking.

N-No...

No more chitchat.

You need to run.

What are you doing? Hurry!

B-But...

Help!

No one's going to help her.

Not a soul!

Constance?!

I remember this woman from earlier.

A tattoo?

You'll get caught in the raid!

Just leave her there!

Scarlett!

Sorry. I can't do that.

Connie, you fool!

You'll be doomed if they catch you!

Even if you've done nothing wrong,

they'll put you to death before you know it!

I'm sorry, Scarlett!

Forgive me!

If you feel the need to apologize, get running!

You there!

What are you doing?

N-No!

What is she doing?

I should be asking you that, you lout!

Who the hell are you?!

Drawing your blade on an unarmed young lady?

Hardly a reasonable response.

L-Lord Ulster!

But she used some kind of strange trickery!

Should that take precedence over saving the wounded, Jeorg Gaina?

You again, Constance Grail?

Y-Yes.

As a formality, did you have a hand in human trafficking?

I thought not.

Then I have no cause to arrest you.

Still, three chance meetings must be fate.

Don't you think it's high time you came clean with me?

Scarlett...

Take them for all they're worth.

Lord Ulster was born to the House of Richelieu.

They're great nobles, on par with the Castiels.

In which case...

W-Would you care to negotiate?!

Oh, of course. The Grails are in debt.

"If you want information, pay for it"?

He saw through me instantly!

Is that your proposal?

Er, yes.

Well, I can't say I mind.

Constance Grail, are you willing to suffer scandal?

I've abandoned my sincerity.

I'll take whatever life throws at me.

It's a bit late to worry about that.

I see. In that case, the simplest method...

is to get engaged.

I'd like nothing better!

Good. We'll go with that.