So this is it. The rumors say monsters haunt this place after dark.

Yeah, it sure seems like it.

......

Though it may be on orders from my lord and Princess Suzune, lowering myself to asking assistance from the likes of you pains me.

Oh, you don't need to think of it as a formal arrangement.

Given that the Princess and Lord Genba have put aside their differences...

...this is a perfect opportunity for you to deepen your friendship with us, Kagenui!

......

I...was unaware that you would be coming along on this journey.

I didn't think you'd come with us either...

Nonsense!

I will follow anywhere you go, Master Seria!

Even if I must walk through fire or raging seas!

*Sigh...* I will explore the temple on my own.

You can all do as you like without me.

Wait, Kaggy!

He left...

Aww, I was hoping we'd get to know him a little better.

Well, it won't happen all at once.

That type of person is straight-edged to the core. It's not easy for them to switch from being enemies to allies.

Kagenui is Lord Genba's personal shinobi. Even if they knew his name...

...most of the people in the palace have never even had a chance to talk with him.

In all honesty, that little talk earlier was the first real conversation I've ever had with him!

Wow, in that case, you did seem a little pushy...

Well, never mind that for now.

This place...kind of has an atmosphere, doesn't it?

It feels like it might be haunted.

H-Hey, cut that out! Don't talk about stuff like that!

I've been trying not to think about it this whole time!

S-Speaking of which, I've heard tales about apparitions connected to this place.

Seriously, I said stop!

Ooh, what kind of tales?

Tilith?!

Well...let me tell you.

Apparently, there's a young servant girl buried somewhere at this temple.

And this girl was once accused of stealing a precious ceremonial incense burner from her master.

......

The girl insisted that she was innocent, but no one believed her.

Everyone blamed her, until she eventually caved under their abuse and took her own life.

Then, later, they discovered the incense burner that caused all the fuss somewhere else, proving the girl's innocence.

But the girl's spirit still has not overcome the pain of the accusations that led to her death...

...and her pain eventually turned to wrath. She haunts this temple still...or so they say.

Wow... Is the story true?

Huh? Why do you ask?

Well, it's all too convenient, and it doesn't really add up. At least, that's what I thought.

I'm not making it up! That's what I heard in town.

And moreover, aren't we here precisely because we heard rumors...

...that this place is haunted?!

Well, um, yes, but...

In another story I heard, the girl's wrath grew as it fed on other restless spirits.

And shaking the earth...

...all across the temple grounds...

...she stalks the temple even now!

Huh?

...!

...!!

Oh!

But, but, isn't this...

N-No way, i-it can't be! A r-real ghost?!

Seria! Look closely!

Huh?

It's definitely creepy-looking, but it seems like it has a real body...

...so it's not a ghost or specter or anything like that!

Actually, if you look really close...

...it sort of looks like the automatons we saw all the time on Bectas!

......

Now that you mention it, it's obvious.

Honestly, Sakunoshin!

If you hadn't told such a creepy story... Not that I believed it or anything, okay?!

......

Hey, are you listening to me?!

......

He fainted.

What? Can you believe this guy?

Grr... Anyway, our original objective was to investigate and defeat this thing, right?

Hans! You haven't passed out too, have you?!

Let's go!