ensure that only Agil, the gondolas proper owner, could release it again, so they simply jumped freely onto the pier instead.
Right next to the Pequod was a smaller gondola in white and green—the Tilnel, their own boat. Asuna whispered "we're back" to the craft, then looked to Kirito briefly before they set off for the castle gate ahead.
The dark, gleaming gate was still shut tight, guarded by warriors with halberds. But when Kirito brandished the Sigil of Lyusula on his left hand, they saluted him and began to open the heavy gate.
The ring gave them a free pass through the front door of the castle itself, and they headed up the large staircase to pay their respects to the castle owner. When they reached the fifth floor, they knocked on the heavy door to the right.
It was nearly midnight, but a familiar, beautiful voice emerged at once, telling them to enter.
Kirito shot Asuna a brief glance, then pulled the door open.
The first time they had come to this room, it had been as dark as could be, with heavy curtains covering all the windows, but the first thing Asuna saw this time was the warm orange light of a multitude of lanterns and candles. At the back of the office, seated across a large desk, was a tall, thin dark elf.
The master of Yofel Castle, Viscount Leyshren Zed Yofilis.
His wavy black hair was tied in the back, and an old scar running from his forehead through his left eye and down to his chin marred his otherwise beautiful features. He had shut himself in the darkness (supposedly) to hide that scar, which he called “proof of his greatest shame.” The battle against the forest elves yesterday had apparently brought about a change of heart.
The viscount smiled at them both, his face a combination of youthful vitality and aged maturity.
“Kirito, Asuna, you have returned."
"Yes. We... er, had an agreement with you, my lord," Kirito said awkwardly. Even for him, it was a bit difficult to admit that they