act12mini

And then—

Sona?

...No, I think my eyes just went funny. Felt like I recognized someone just now.

—Y'know what, let's get a move-on!

Built to stand testament to Kazimierz and Leithanien's friendly diplomatic ties, the 'Voice of the Knights' is now nearing completion. The cutting of the ribbon is anticipated to take place on the 1st of December.

Count Dierolf, representative of the visiting Leithanian delegation, will be personally attending, and is expected to give a speech.

Sadly, the Leithanian-born celebrity knight, 'The Candle Knight' Viviana, is unable to attend the ceremony.

However, she will be giving her blessings to the friendship between the two nations through an external connection...

You're quite transfixed by this statue, aren't you?

Pardon...?

Sorry to accost you so suddenly; I'm just a tourist here on my travels. Seeing you stood before this statue for so long, I couldn't help but try and strike up a conversation.

Personally, I greatly admire this work of art. Its creator is one of Leithanien's most distinguished sculptors.

The shield transfiguring into a music staff, while the gunblade and wand form notes—a beautiful message imparted through an exquisite design. What are your thoughts?

So a knight's arms and armor can do more than be consumed as ornaments, they can serve as instruments to sing ode to a brief peace. What relentlessly convenient things.

You seem to opine that it's not for a knight's sword and shield to perform such mild, elegant passages.

They can't even give voice, let alone sing.

And yet, better peace and cultural exchange than war and hostilities, correct?

If only people could see the cost and the value of our current peace.

If you'd let me be so bold once more, were you perhaps once military? No, I suppose in Kazimierz parlance, you would be—a campaign knight?

...Why do you ask?

Leithanians have a special regard for this city.

Dzwonek, 'the Caravan Bells' Terminus.' Kazimierz's fortress upon the southern frontier.

Even after so many years of peace, the bones of sentry towers and turrets lie hidden in its corners.

But even back then... even at the height of Leithanien's arrogance, when its war ambitions were most tumultuous, its military has never attempted to outright take this strategic town.

The spire casters' elite were forced to infiltrate through roundabout means, and that expedition left no survivors.

—That was thirty years ago, perhaps even longer. Most today would never even touch upon its scars.

—So I'm very curious as to your view.

Mine?

...If every tourist here is as prudent as you, then I fear Dzwonek city hall will need to redouble its efforts to put up this facade.

But you're wrong.

Like you, I'm also a mere passing tourist.

And as for my thoughts... they went and placed it in Kazimierz. As if the sheer comedy of it wasn't biting enough.

Flametail Knight? Ashlock Knight? What are you doing here?

So we <i>did</i> guess right!

You've got a bunch of plain-clothed goons standing around guarding an out-of-the-way building with no roof on it yet, in the middle of a Gale Industries construction district. A little too obvious, don't you think?

But hey, you need more than a few goons to stop us!

It's dangerous as hell here... Whoever you saw along the way, that was only a tiny fraction of the guards.

A giant group of them could be here any moment! Get out of here, quick!

We're here to take you with us!

I don't know what kinda tricks Gale Industries is up to, but if they really want to catch whoever started the riots, they're gonna have to do it by the book.

We're not gonna sit on our asses and let them play judge, jury, and executioner.

You didn't incite that riot, did you?

Ashlock, Flametail... I'm really grateful you'd go so far for someone you've only met once.

But I can't go.

Why not?!

Shh... Ashley, footsteps.

...Whatever the case, we're getting ourselves out from under their thumbs first. Follow us, Zeno.

We know full well how cities make Infected disappear. You can't remain in their hands.

This is probably just the beginning.

I truly do respect you two, and I'm more grateful than you know for everything you do for the Infected.

But I'm sorry. All my life I could never become a knight like you have, fighting in the spotlight for the Infected.

The most my life is worth is making my family's lives a bit better...

Can you get to the point—

Ashley, time's up!

...Mark my words, we'll meet again.

Phew. Anyone still following? ...Should be in the clear for now.

Sorry. I got a little rash just now.

I don't blame you or anything, just calm down a little. Before anything else, we need to take this from the top.

—Who's there?!

Flametail's sword comes quick as a flash. The instant she hears a footstep, she thrusts her rapier behind her like a shooting star, but it fails to make it far.

Its blade is firmly in the grasp of a gauntlet-wreathed hand, rendering her unable to even pull it back.

Until the figure in the shadows lets it go.

...So this is the sort of 'knight' that farce of the arena nurtures?

Drawing your blade with no forethought is tantamount to throwing your life away.

Hahaha... I guess my eyes <i>weren't</i> playing tricks on me, back near the plaza.

I recognize you. You're the head of the Nearls. The Radiant Knight's uncle, right?

Never got to talk to you back in Kawalerielki, but we heard from the Rhodes Island people how you did your part to protect the Infected back then. We really appreciate that!

...I hardly did a thing.

I also heard from the Radiant Knight how your swordsmanship's totally on par with hers, but you only ever go at 'em when you're angry, so I guess we don't get to ask if you can give us some pointers...

...'Pinus Sylvestris.'

Mm... hmm?

Why are you in an under-construction district?

Oh, we came on commission from Rhodes Island. We're aiding the Infected here.

After all, that's pretty much why we founded the knightclub too.

We thought it'd be a cinch at first, actually.

...But we only found out once we got here that things were a little... tanglier than we believed.

And that's the rundown.

...Gale Industries?

You know 'em too?

Only from a few scant exchanges. They're nothing special.

Haha, from the angle of pushing Infected around, yeah, they're nothing special at all.

Oh, yeah, so why are <i>you</i> here?

...Just to see what was happening in this city.

Ohh, don't tell me you're here about the Infected riots too? Could you help us out with this one, then?

I never said—

No, I get what you're worried about. We're not planning to butt heads with Gale's army of rent-a-cops.

Our goal might be to rescue Mr. Zeno, but now that it's reached this point, his hidden motive for refusing to escape might just be the key to this whole Infected riot conundrum.

...At least, I hope so! Out of all the Infected here, he's the one most willing to link up with us, after all.

...I never said that I supported the Infected.

But even if this had nothing to do with the Infected, it's still a blatant false charge.

We can't let more innocents become sacrifices to the cheap stunts of the politicians and tycoons!

Młynar suddenly turns to look behind him.

The Pinus Sylvestris knights follow his gaze, but the end of the alley is empty. The only thing to be seen is the decorative dome of a faraway skyscraper, its neon lights twinkling a romantic wine-red in the dark of night.

It hits Flametail that she doesn't know what this Nearl is here to do. He isn't even armed—but if he needs it, she'd totally be willing to lend him her own sword.

There will always be more sacrifices... You and I might already be ones.

...I'll go confirm a few matters. Then, 'Pinus Sylvestris,' I have some questions I'll need to ask you.

You two...

I told you we'd meet again.

I'm sorry... no, thank you...

You're thanking the wrong folks this time. Mr. Młynar here's the one who talked Gale Industries into dropping all charges against you.