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But... alright. Behind this affair, it's a contest between the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi and the General Chamber.

In fact, neither the K.G.C.C. nor the Adeptus ultimately care too much who 'takes the championship.'

Do you understand? I've currently obliged with you... I respect your way of thinking, but your steadfastness is harming the K.G.C.C.'s outlook towards you.

I'll explain to the knightclub myself.

Our Leithanian visitors wouldn't want to see any mishaps befall you in the arena, either.

Mishaps? Losing to an Infected champion, you mean?

I've no illusions of the way they work. The Candle Knight Viviana Droste is celebrated so because she is a Leithanian.

A Leithanian, finding success in the Kazimierz knight competitions, makes them beam.

And since the Black Knight, it's a glory they've taken for granted. I became a substitute for the Black Knight by luck, no more.

No more than vanity.

It might be vain of them, yes, but their support for you is authentic. The K.G.C.C. is hoping to sign a trade agreement with the nobles at this moment, and your impact cannot be ignored.

McKee.

Two knights meet in a contest, hoping to fight a fair battle. Is this something so inherently forbidden?

No. You're... you're right.

Kazimierz, Leithanien. The home that birthed me.

In childhood I imagined, that the place I lived was one where romance and glory could coexist.

I simply want to... see, with this 'special case,' this Radiant Knight. See who comes out on top.

At least this once, I won't need to consider how to 'win beautifully.' I only need to consider how to claim victory.

Is that not abideable?

The outcome won't change.

The K.G.C.C. will find some way to force the Radiant Knight's loss. Losing to you was the most appropriate decision to make.

You support them?

In order to prevent this situation from degrading further... in order not to give the Adeptus more excuses to revolt, yes, I support this decision.

McKee.

Yes?

I'm somewhat disappointed in you.

My deepest apologies, Madam.

But... I believe it is the best option...

My deepest apologies.

There's a celebration feast tonight. I'll need to be on my way soon.

Right... May you travel safely.

McKee.

I merely, simply want to be witness in this age to a knight's radiance. True radiance.

She's just as if a verse.

Nothing more than that.

Farewell.

A verse, was it?

Perhaps. But those poems you read... I've never once actually managed to make sense of one, Viviana.

Mr. McKee? Did you order flowers? The doorman's gotten a bouquet of marigolds, and says you ordered them.

Yes.

It was your anniversary recently, wasn't it?

Oh—uh? It was—you remembered that?

It's my gift to you two. You've been a credit to your job. Don't forget to go home and spend time with your family.

Wow! Mr. McKee! Thank you! Thank you so, so much!

That's fine. If you've got nothing important, go on and sign off a little early.

You can't live without treasuring life.

卡西米尔2 3-2

Her very first time entering a knight competition, Viviana Droste earned a title; 'Glimmer' Viviana. Three years later, with her Major debut, she became one of the Grands, taking on the honorific title 'The Candle Knight.'

In terms of talent, she's the youngest any of the ten Grand Knights have ever been. In terms of strength, hers is still growing to this day. She can't be taken lightly.

Margaret, are you listening?

Yes. I'm just reminiscing some.

Auntie, is this like how you and Margaret... used to take on the Major?

Well, if you want to talk then... heheh.

A certain someone always vanished after a match ended, either holing up in her room studying deep into her next opponent's traits, or secretly running off to train her swordhand with Młynar...

I still remember us all agreeing to celebrate with a feast the first time Margaret won, and in the end she let it completely slip her mind.

When we found her, she was dragging her battered body, attempting her own Arts in the garden.

I did want to ask right then, aren't you freezing?

It was because my Arts can alleviate pain, too, so...

So ultimately it's not proper treatment, or else what value would modern medicine even have?

Heheh... I won't argue with that.

I know many a doctor that would astonish you. It's thanks to their invaluable techniques that rescuing others is no longer a far-fetched notion.

Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals? Or was it those two Sarkaz women?

Both. They're all in the fight against suffering.

Come to mention it, Miss Shining and Miss Nightingale went to link up with friends from Rhodes Island, didn't they?

I'm not sure how they're doing right now.

No matter if they're in the Grand Knight Territory, they're still giving all they have to assist the Infected. I believe in them.

But what I myself must do is unrelated to Rhodes Island's will. I can't force this responsibility upon them.

Hence why I separated from Rhodes Island.

Margaret... take a little care of yourself too, when you can.

There's something fine for you to say. If you want to talk mess, Maria, you've been SO much worse.

...Haha...

Alright—anyhow.

What's the plan of action now? I don't think training would have much meaning to you now, personally speaking.

But this is your first time in years facing a Grand Knight. Should we have a little exercise, get back to peak condition?

If you would, Zofia.

Brilliant.

Maria, you're up.

Er, um? I thought I was fine to just sit and watch?

Sit and watch? I didn't ask you to bring your equipment for no reason, did I? Didn't you see what happened last time? Do you want me taking the Radiant Knight alone again?

Ungh...

Zofia, if she isn't willing...

And don't you coddle her!

Very well.

A—Am I sparring with Margaret? I've never...

When Margaret was competing, you were just a little girl. Though you still are now.

Maria.

Yes, yes!

Let's give our Radiant Knight a little taste of how independent knight, Maria Nearl, toppled Left-hand Knight.

Okay!

Alright, Margaret... let's go!

Very well.

Meeting Maria's gaze, the words of a certain someone suddenly pop into the Radiant Knight's mind.

Has she renounced... the path of knighthood?

Was it I—who made her give it up?

I'm aware, I'm aware... the scheduling for next week's meeting is already in place. Yes. I will not be absent.

I assure you I'll see the work delegated to me through. Yes, I'm very sorry. No... it's nothing to do with the Radiant Knight. I remain an employee of the company. I'll accomplish whatever business is at hand.

It has absolutely nothing to do with my status. Sir, please leave me out of this mockery. They're unrelated matters and nothing else...

Thank you. Alright, I'll see you next week at the meeting.

Someone's a singleton, huh?

Is this what the Radiant Knight and her sister do too? Never come back home?