act12side

Shall we go?

Let's go.

That's quite a lot of people on the beach.

The ship's one of the city's symbols. Now that it's sunk, people here are bound to be curious.

The cruise ship, huh?

It doesn't matter what you think about it. We are the ones who blew it up. That's the truth.

We should be thankful that Lady Candela wrote it off in exchange for our prize money.

To be precise, you blew it up.

You had a better idea?

No.

Hmm? Who's that over there...?

Ernesto?

Miss Ch'en, Miss Lin.

What are you doing here?

Ms. Candela spared everyone except my father. Most of us are being exiled.

She's only letting me stay because of my service in the past few years. Of course, I'm most definitely losing my job.

You're thinking of staying?

No, I'm planning to leave.

Rafaela and I are trying to figure out where to go. I spent the whole night thinking and still don't have anything. That's why I'm sitting here, gazing out at the sea to see if it gives me any ideas.

Rafaela is the little girl?

That's right. She's the daughter of my father's old war friend, tío Pugh. He died rescuing my father from prison and entrusted her to him before he died.

Have you two given killing me here on the spot any thought?

I don't have the right to pass judgment on you, yet.

Had you succeeded, I'd kill you the moment we saw each other again. As for right now... I'll pass.

Haha, it's just like you two to say stuff like that.

Miss Ch'en, Miss Lin, I suppose, in Yan, they'd call me an unfilial son?

Yes.

We could also say you betrayed your father in the name of righteousness, but you aren't there yet.

Hahaha, you're right. There wasn't anything righteous about what I did.

The thought of betraying my father never crossed my mind during this operation, though.

Do you remember what I told you on the ship, Miss Ch'en? That wasn't a lie.

I'm not sure if this has crossed your mind during your time here.

I know very well what this city was built on top of.

However, whenever I look at the skyscrapers and the blue sky up above, I can't help but feel that there is some sort of legitimacy to it.

I can't think of it any other way.

But you choose to leave now.

To tell the truth, if it wasn't for you two, I think I would willingly stay here and work under her.

But your words left me bewildered.

You two are foreigners. Perhaps, elsewhere, things could have been different.

Phew... It feels much better now that I got that off my chest.

Thank you for not bludgeoning me to death the moment you saw me, much less listening to me talk about all this.

It's all a matter of perspective.

Well, I'm done bothering you. I will likely be around for a little longer. Please don't hesitate to come to me if you need me for anything.

Alright.

I can't help him...

Neither can... What do you mean?

I just think it's a pity to leave him wallowing in misery like that.

I'll think about it...

Hey, Ch'en.

Hello.

We were just leaving the city hall, and Ms. Swire here invited us to lunch with you.

I see. How did your talks with the mayor go?

Thanks to you, we've played a role in this little incident. The mayor didn't think twice before she agreed.

It's just like her to do that.

Finally caught you, you stupid rat!

I wasn't running away. Perhaps you've got a few loose screws, Beatrix.

You're the one who's got loose screws!

Most girls aren't so jealous of their friends going on a holiday that they follow them there in secret.

I'm built different!

*Sigh*...

Right, Missy said we'll be going shopping in the afternoon. Grabbing souvenirs, too, while we're at it. Ch'en, Miss Lin, how about it?

Sure.

The stupid rat has to come.

Fine, I don't have much else to do.

Let's go get lunch, then.

Hm?

Hey, you four, come. Pose for me.

What's the matter?

It just occurred to me this could make a really great picture. I'll snap one for you. Something like a memento of your holiday.

Sounds lovely. Hey, ugly rat, it's time for a picture. Get in.

*Sigh*... Whatever.

Haha, it's not often that the four of us get to spend time together. How about it, Ch'en?

Sure.

Alright. 3, 2, 1, cheese—!

Dossoles's handground coffee is known for its unique aroma, and the finest of the finest has a particularly rich fragrance.

Even before you take a sip of the coffee, you are blessed with its aroma, and while your first sip may seem bitter, you will be greeted with its true, fine flavor soon thereafter.

It is tart, but not overly so. It is fragrant, but it does not overwhelm. Above all, it leaves a rich aftertaste. Even the most demanding critics find no faults in its many qualities.

Some Leithanian nobles even compete against each other in the procurement of Dossoles's finest coffee, and whoever that has the most has the definitive standing in their social circles.

A small cup of this rare coffee is now in the Chief of Lungmen Wei Yenwu's hand, its aroma wafting in the air.

Are you reading Yühsia's report on her trip to Dossoles?

Yes, I am. It's been a while since I last saw Candela. It sounds like she hasn't changed. A crazed woman, as always.

You dare say you're not like her?

Of course I'm not like her.

From what the Messengers I sent there told me, Yühsia and our little Ch'en did really well.

I am not quite sure why the young lady of the Schwire family and Hoshiguma were there, however.

They did a wonderful job, indeed.

But my guess is they weren't very happy about it themselves.

Why not?

You said Candela wouldn't dare to hurt them. I agree.

But they are still too young to know how to endure her generosity.

That woman doesn't see right and wrong. Results are the only thing that matters.

So you're beating around the bush, trying to tell me I should never have sent the two of them there?

No, quite the opposite. You're right. There was no harm done in letting them see the sights there.

My, it's not often you say something so nice.

In that case, let me show you something nice as well.

What is it?

It's a photo that Yühsia brought back.

Look, isn't it wonderful? All of them are so young, so full of energy.

That used to be us. Do you remember?

Of course I remember.