By the time the parade ran its course, night had fallen over the still-vibrant city. Citizens wandered through the streets, talking, spreading tales, and spending the day's last few hours whilst drinking inside the taverns. The festivity did not end, even with the floats returned and the gates shut once more.

Everyone was thoroughly exhausted by all the attention, but they looked much brighter than the previous day. Ganelon and Roland's plan had worked: the players experienced what it was like to be hailed as true heroes for the first time. And to those who were once common workers, laborers, and everyday people… the allure of fame was intoxicating.

It was when the players trickled back out onto the castle courtyard that Ganelon strode out and beckoned them with an enticing proposition.

"Now wasn't that just fun?" he said, grinning from ear to ear. "The roar of the crowd, the shouts of admiration and respect… haha, it never gets old. But that, my dear heroes, is simply a taste of what's to come."

Roland suddenly appeared right behind him and startled the man. "Must you always make these announcements with such shady expression?"

"Shady?" Ganelon replied with mock offense. "My dear boy, this right here is genuine sincerity. I have no idea how you could ever misinterpret me to be anything else."

Roland shook his head, and delivered the next part of the speech in Ganelon's stead.

"Firstly, allow me to give you an apology," he said, bowing his head. "We never should have forced you to depart for the fortress. Our people were blinded by your titles as heroes chosen by God, and as a result we forcefully conscripted you to our cause: bid you to fight regardless of your will. I do not wish to repeat such mistakes, thus I declare a new arrangement."

Roland gestured toward a gathering of servants. Soon, a large box was brought out filled with medallions melded into a fearsome eagle.

"If you still wish to lend us your blade against the demons, then please take a medallion," he said. "The castle will spare no expense in fortifying the new border front. However, we cannot be complacent. The recent tragedy has revealed an abnormal shift in the demons' activity, and so we wish to create a new Order dedicated to investigating the source of this change. The token shall signify your admittance and will grant you the same authority as our paladins.

Roland's demeanor turned dark, and he spoke again with a clear, firm warning. "I must confess, the danger will be incomparable to what you've experienced thus far. Unlike the safety garnered behind solid walls, you shall need venture into distant, unknown lands. The castle's finest, as well as Sir Renaud and Maugris of the Peers, will be joining you on your missions, but even then your safety cannot be guaranteed. I caution you to only join if you are willing to risk life and limb."

The gravity in the man's words struck the players hard, until their skin began to perspire and their throats seized into a gulp. They understood it plainly; those who joined this new Order were unlikely to return.

"That is but one choice," he continued. "The other is to stay here. You will not need to contend with the demonic forces; however, we will find use for you in other ways, such as attending to the injured in the medical district or laboring as assistants within the smithies. The court will decide where best to utilize your skills, and you will also be allowed to mingle among the city after your daily duties are completed. I will fault no one should they choose to lay down their arms."

This option appealed to a majority of the players unlike the previous one. Who would willingly throw themselves into danger when peace and comfort was within their grasp? True, in two years' time everyone would perish unless they slayed the Demon King, but the responsibility didn't have to fall on one specific person. Let someone else take care of it—pass it on to another more brave, or foolish.

Roland could see the uncertainty spreading through them all, and so he loudly clapped his hands to regain their attention. "I understand this is a difficult choice. However, fear not. It is not one you need to make at this moment. Please, take a month's time to explore the city and talk amongst the people. Look inside your hearts and decide what it is you truly wish to do.

"By then, preparations to fully realize the new Order will be concluded, and they will depart for their first assignment. If you seek to be among them, then return here with your medallion in hand. Please handle it with care—a blessing is imprinted on it that allows your commander to monitor your health. Should you lose it for any reason, you will be assumed to be dead. Are there any questions?"

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Roland waited for a moment, but no one replied. "Very well, then I will take my leave. You may speak to the officials in the administrative department should you require further clarification."

With that, Roland departed with his faction, leaving a wry Sir Ganelon to give the closing farewells. "Ever so stiff, that nephew of mine. I assure you all that the new Order will not nearly be as dangerous as he claims. Sir Renaud is a fond pupil of mine; he'll make sure to treat you right. For those who choose to stay here… I hope you all remember just who exactly is to thank for the luxury availed to you. It would be such a shame if someone were to take it away."

It was impressive how innocently the man spat such threats. Some of the players didn't even realize what his words implied, but for those who did, they quietly lowered their heads and considered their allegiances. It was clear that Francia was split in two. The question, however, was which half would benefit them the most.

Ganelon bid them all a light-hearted wink before leaving as well.

"... Yeesh, I really don't like that guy," Mili said with a shudder. "Reminds me of some greasy managers I used to know: all smiles, but rotten to the core."

Harper nodded along, donning the air of a sage. "You see them all around Philly, playboys and seedy types looking for their next swindle."

Even Marco scrunched his face in disgust. "That ain't a man who cares one bit about helpin' people. If ya ask me, we should stay far away from him."

Lucius's companions held nothing back when it came to admonishing Ganelon, but the gentleman had a different thought.

It was true that the Peer was a wicked soul underneath all the flattery, but there was something else as well. Lucius noticed it back during the man's talk with the elders; even whilst in the presence of his supposed allies, he maintained a carefully-crafted front. But was it out of pure selfishness? Did he truly construct all these schemes solely for his own benefit?

Ganelon was a much more complex individual than he let on.

Ah, but unfortunately Lucius had little chance to interact with him at the moment. Patience, patience! It wouldn't do to rush—the gentleman would have ample opportunity to acquaint himself with Ganelon in the future.

The party had a more pressing matter at hand: should they join the Order, or stay in the capital?

Marco and Mili didn't have a clear answer. They only fought because they had to - because it was necessary to survive. The missions forced their hands whether they liked it or not, but now… now they had an actual choice. There was no system prompt. They were free to choose whatever they wished.

In the end, it was Harper who took the initiative to voice her thoughts.

"I think we should go with the paladins," Harper said. Although she felt no enjoyment in combat, the firefighter knew full well the fate that awaited them should their growth stagnate. "If you asked me a month ago, I wouldn't have hesitated one bit about laying my rear down and waiting for all this insanity to blow over. But… I realized how important getting stronger was after facing that terrible demon. I felt so powerless, just staying there in the back—helpless to watch as Lucius and the others risked their necks. I barely did a thing. If that's how I am now, what about later? What if something even worse than that thing appears?"

Harper shook her head and sighed. "I became a firefighter because I wanted to help people, just like my mom and dad in the force. But after I got sucked into this game, I realized my priorities started being twisted: I only thought about myself, about makin' it back home alone. That's not the kinda person little kindergarten me imagined I would become; and I'd be damned if I disappointed her now. If going out there with the paladins will make the families here safer, then I want to do whatever I can to help."

She tried to speak confidently, but her body betrayed her nerves. To protect and serve was her creed—the same couldn't be said about her companions, however. They had their own goals and wishes, so if they chose to separate now, she wouldn't blame them one bit.

Contrary to her fears, Marco and Mili laughed and playfully jumped to her side.

"I wanted to kick some demon butt anyways," Mili said with a wry grin.

Marco joined her in her enthusiasm. "You're right about needin' to get stronger. Can't protect our own by sittin' back—we gotta take the initiative, or else that Demon King fella's never going down."

To conclude it all, Lucius slowly walked up to the good Harper and held out his hand. "We may be fellows joined by coincidence, but I'd like to think that we've forged a bond beyond any simple friendship. Wherever you may go, we will be there by your side."

Harper teared up and wiped her face before accepting Lucius's hand with a chuckle. "You folks are more kind than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you."

With that, their course had been set. In a month, they would all depart onto their next perilous, yet grand, adventure.

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