Chapter 29

The front door to the Von Blutschwert estate creaks open. Moonlight spills over Berwick von Blutschwert, still wearing the red-trimmed uniform from the Deep Sea mission. He steps inside and closes the door quietly. His golden eyes lock onto the figure trying to sneak past the hallway—Sanguinella, already in pajamas, holding a book like it’s a shield.

BERWICK (calmly):
Sanny.

SANGUINELLA (freezes):
...Hi, Dad.

BERWICK (setting down his keys):
I saw that you were in the war room today.

SANGUINELLA:
...It was Lily's idea.

BERWICK (smirking):
And yet, you unsheathed Chiketsu in a classified HQ meeting chamber.

SANGUINELLA (muttering):
Astera was being weird and Lily dared me and then he summoned clones, and—

BERWICK (interrupting):
Mm.
As your father… and your commander…

He turns slowly, meeting her eyes. His voice sharpens ever so slightly.

BERWICK:
Your punishment is a duel. With me.
Tomorrow. After school. Outside. No excuses.

SANGUINELLA (stammering):
You—you can’t be serious!

BERWICK:
I’m always serious when it comes to improper use of enchanted bloodsteel indoors.
Chiketsu deserves discipline.
And so do you.

SANGUINELLA (deadpan):
You’re the worst, you know that?

BERWICK (grinning as he walks off):
You’ll thank me when you parry better.

He disappears into his study, the door closing behind him with a soft, final click. Sanguinella stands in the hallway with her arms crossed, muttering to herself.

SANGUINELLA:
He’s actually going to make me duel him. I’m going to die.
This is it. This is the end.

She takes out her phone and rapidly begins typing to Lily.