"Not even a servant of her grace, The Empress? You know what would happen should she hear of this, Groll" replied Drue slightly annoyed.

"Ugh- " Groll retorted. "I'm sure even her grace would be willing to make exceptions. After all, the Right-hand man of the Patriarch shall be gracing us with his presence shortly." he continued with a little quiver.

"Oh... I see. So then I'll just report to her grace that I was held up because of the incompetence of her guard." Drue said menacingly. "I'm sure she'll lessen your punishment to only 10 years of continuous torture if you explain your case properly" 

"C-c-c-come n-now t-t-there's surely n-n-no need for that Drue...." Groll stuttered as his knees buckled.

 

"Of course. There won't be a need. If you would just kindly let us through..." Drue responded with a smile.

"Tch... "

Groll reluctantly took a step to the side creating a straight passage into the city. 

"Thanks. I'm sure you'd make a great door someday..." Grue said cheekily.

"Damn you. You wait, I'll make you eat those words at the blood moon festival. I'll win this time." Said Groll with passion in his eyes.

"That's what you say every decade that the blood moon comes around. And yet I still take first place every time."

 replied Drue.

'Blood moon festival huh?' thought Izuki.