SAO: Alicization High and Beyond [ Part 2 ]

As Gentle as the Angel with the Night Sky

[ With the Human Realm group continuing their mission, they met a man named "Shasta." ]

Shasta:
"Bercouli... So you've come."

Bercouli:
"Thank you for your gracious welcome, leader of the Dark Army Knights."

Shasta:
"Sarcastic as ever... I apologize that our messenger was different than planned. I also appreciate you ensuring she returned to us, safe and sound." Then he turned to Dorothy

"Dorothy, your actions were a deliberate violation of regulations."

Dorothy:
"...I will accept whatever punishment you deem fit, my lord."

Kirito:
"..." Kirito looks at their direction, thinking of something.

"Hey, if you're going to punish Dorothy, do you mind if I weigh in?" Kirito speaks to Shasta, then Shasta replied to him

Shasta:
"And you are?"

Kirito:
"I'm one of the envoys, Kirito. Look, I know Dorothy did a lot of crazy stuff -"

Shasta:
"If even the Human Realm sees it that way, the punishment will have to be serious."

Kirito:
"No, but, she was doing it for your sake. She wanted you and Lipia to stay safe."

Shasta:
"..."

Kirito:
"Even when we locked her up, she endured it to keep an eye on Sarai. She never drew a weapon on us, not once. Because it would've threatened peace."

Dorothy:
"Kirito..."

Kirito:
"We came this far because she inspired us. She moved us when she came to us. And because we were moved because she's so selfless and sincere."

Deku:
"..."

Eldrie:
"Certainly, when she asked so fiercely if we "can't do what one girl can"... I'll admit, I was lured by that taunt. It made me want to give this a try."

Deusolbert:
"Indeed... those were powerful words. And all alone against "the enemy." Deusolbert said as Dorothy turned to him and Eldrie

Dorothy:
"I, I was simply desperate. Now of course I see that I was terribly rude..."

Kirito:
"Do you see? Not just anyone could've done it. She was the right choice for envoy. I realize this is really rationalizing after the fact, but still... All I want to understand is that I, and the others, were moved because of Dorothy."

Shasta:
"..."

Bercouli:
"I won't defend her quite like that, but I agree. She did well on the way here, too." Dorothy was surprised by hearing that she did well on her task. "More to the point, you're engaged? If I'd known, I would've brought a gift."

Shasta:
"Hmph. Let us put that aside for now. I will show you around Obsidia. Come." Shasta leads the way

Bercouli:
"Huh, no boasting about your bride-to-be? Wait, is your face red?" Bercouli said he began to tease Shasta, then Fanatio speaks to him

Fanatio:
"Sir Bercouli, I would advise you to cease teasing our host. The editorializing can wait, Bercouli. Now, we should go." Bercouli and Fanatio were both following their host; Shasta, then Dorothy speaks to the Human Realm group

Dorothy:
"E-Everyone... Please go on ahead..." Dorothy said as she walked away from the Human Realm group. Then Kirito talks to his friends

Kirito:
"Guys, I'll catch up later. Can you handle things?"

Alice:
"Of course. We shall go first and arrange things. Please go speak to her."

Asuna:
"Yeah. Go on, Kirito." Then Deku spoke