Shield and Freedom

Shield and Freedom (盾と自由 ) is the 13th episode of the Log Horizon anime. It first aired on December 28, 2013.

Synopsis
The events of this episode take place in the Ancient Palace of Eternal Ice where the representatives of the Round Table Alliance are with a small interlude of Tohya's group in the Ragranda Forest dungeon.

Krusty and Raynesia
The Round Table Representatives find themselves with invitations to various meetings throughout the palace and they divide them amongst themselves. Shiroe will attent a dinner meeting with Count Kirino of Tsukuba and the Academic's Guild, Krusty will go to an evening party of young knights and Michitaka will attend a banquet with Lord Darte. Meanwhile, as Elissa warns Raynesia to be weary of the Adventurers, the latter recalls her previous meeting with Krusty where he uses her as a convenient shield against scrutiny from the palace folk. The next day, she witnesses the sparring session with the palace knights where Krusty craftily manipulates her into accompanying him to the evening party as a reward for defeating all the knights. Elsewhere, Akatsuki eavesdrops on two noblemen at the palace and learns of a group called the Knights of Izumo, who have apparently disappeared. Afterwards, Krusty explains to Raynesia the freedom of the Adventurers due to their resolve as opposed to her sheltered life.

Meanwhile, Tohya's Party is seen fleeing from a group of Skeletons. When they've gotten away from them, Rundelhouse Code starts complaining that in spite of their relatively high level, they can't seem to defeat the Skeletons. Minori tries to speak her mind, but quickly backs down again.

At the beach, Maryelle and Shoryu notice a strange phenomenon on the ocean horizon, but quickly dismiss it. Back at the Ancient Palace of Eternal Ice, Lord Darte asks Michitaka to share sea faring technology with him. After Krusty and Raynesia attend the formal party, Krusty explains his interest in her by comparing her to his sister in the real world. Elsewhere, Shiroe meets with Akatsuki after his meeting with the Academic's Guild and learns of the information she gathered, when suddenly a weird phenomenon happens: everything start to vibrate and the flowers wither as the Enchanter and Assassin readied their weapons. Then suddenly a mysterious man appears, introducing himself as Ri Gan, the Mage from Miral Lake.