Beneath the Water's Surface ｢
Summary[]
Kanone, the vice-captain of the Magic Special Forces, brings Glück in for questioning. She attempts to convince Glück to state that he was deceived by Macht in order to reduce the severity of his sentence, but Glück maintains that he and Macht were partners. Glück discerns that Kanone's captain must be Fräse, and he recalls that Fräse was the mage that Macht warned him was strong enough to destroy Weise on her own. Glück then leaves, and Kanone speaks with Denken after, who expresses surprise at Glück's light punishment. He asks about the mission of the Magic Special Forces, but Kanone is unable to tell him the details. They are interrupted by the arrival of Neu, who reports that Land and Übel have been captured. Elsewhere in Eiseberg, Frieren wakes up early on her own, which Stark takes to be a harbinger of catastrophe.
Plot Details[]
Glück recognizes Kanone's status at the start of the interrogation.
In a prison at Eiseberg, Kanone leads Glück into a cell for questioning. As Kanone introduces herself, Glück notices her insignia denoting the rank of vice-captain of the Magic Special Forces. He retorts that he must be considered a traitor, given that such a high-ranking member of authority is conducting the interrogation. Kanone advises Glück to simply claim he was under the influence of Macht's deception, and she warns him that the Emperor would sentence him to death if he was found to be willingly conspiring with the demon, rather than reward him for eliminating the corruption within Weise. Glück refuses, having already prepared himself for the consequences of his treason, and he acknowledges that he and Macht were partners.
Kanone states that she is already aware of the truth but pleads for Glück to lie regardless, which causes Glück to wonder aloud if someone is pulling strings behind the scenes. Initially considering Denken, he dismisses the idea, as Denken is aware of his disdain for corruption. He concludes that Kanone must be working under somebody interested in Denken, suspecting that his interrogation during the Foundation Festival is a lure for Denken. Having concluded his deliberation, Glück tells Kanone to do whatever she wants, as he has no choice in the matter.
Glück and Fräse meet at Weise.
Kanone takes out a pack of cigarettes and offers one to Glück, who gratefully accepts. Kanone reveals that she carries cigarettes due to her captain's fondness towards them, prompting Glück to recall smelling the same type of cigarette half a century ago; he determines that Fräse must be the current captain of the Magic Special Forces. Decades prior, Fräse visited Weise for an inspection, where Macht recognized her as a major threat and proposed killing her. Glück responded that this was the first time Macht had ever suggested killing someone, and Macht reasoned that she was too powerful to be sent for the task. Glück emphasized the importance of not antagonizing the Empire and refused Macht's request to kill her.
Glück reflects on his conversation with Fräse during that visit, particularly the difficulty he had discerning her true intentions. He admits regret over not having Macht kill her when they had the chance and apologizes to Kanone for now being involved in Fräse's schemes. He offers to give some advice, but Kanone politely declines and tells him that she will report extenuating circumstances regarding the interrogation. Kanone advises Glück to atone by fulfilling his duties in Weise, as the Emperor desires, rather than rushing towards retribution. She further comments on Weise's peace potentially being the result of Macht and Glück's joint efforts but is cut off by a displeased Glück, and she apologizes for meddling. As Glück leaves, he reminds Kanone that, although he is unsure what the intentions of her associates in the Capital are, he accepts his fate and advises that she and her associates do not claim his seat in hell.
Kanone reports to Denken.
Elsewhere, at a library in Eiseberg, Kanone addresses Denken, who acknowledges receiving her report. He comments on the leniency of Glück's upcoming judgment in Weise and mentions that he will accompany Glück back to Weise. While walking with Kanone, he inquires about her plans, and Kanone tells him to redirect the question to Fräse. Denken refuses, citing his diminishing influence over Fräse, and he requests the details of Kanone's mission. Kanone tells him that she does not possess the authority to disclose such information, leading Denken to wonder about the mission's confidentiality. Their conversation is interrupted by Neu's arrival, who reports the capture of Übel and Land. Kanone decides to return with Neu to their headquarters, leaving Denken to reflect on how his position has made both the Capital and the Continental Magic Association wary of trusting him, concluding that he should focus on laying the groundwork.
Sense witnesses Frieren getting pampered.
At their accommodation, Fern is shocked to see Frieren up early and dressed without assistance. She praises her and serves her breakfast with Stark and Falsch. Sense wakes up and witnesses the scene, and she is unimpressed when Fern explains they are spoiling Frieren for waking up early. Stark comments that such an event is so rare that a catastrophe will likely happen the next day, which perplexes Sense.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Locations[]
Battles and Events[]
Events[]
- Glück is interrogated and is told to return to Weise to await his sentencing.
- Fräse visits Weise for inspections. (flashback)
Objects of Interest[]
Spells[]
- Spell to freely manipulate your own hair