act13side

Sona?

The Radiant Knight!

Hm.

A pillar of light?!

That must be Nearl, right?

Yes... No doubt about it.

None... at all.

Shining...

Ahh!

L-Look at that red-tailed Zalak running towards us! Is that the Pinus Sylvestris Knightclub?

Huh? Isn't the boarding ramp on this side though?

Sorry I'm late, Miss Amiya–––

Gangway! We're jumpin––!!

Wait, what? Are they actually going to––

W-We're actually doing thiiiiis?! Woooah, that felt like a real heroes' entrance, right out of a novel.

Haha, piece of cake!

I wouldn't have brought my shield with me if I knew this was going to happen... *cough* *cough*...

Sorry for dropping in unannounced.

Ah, it's fine...

Long time no see, little knight.

*huff* *huff* Heh, it wasn't that long ago.

Sona...?

In the flesh! How've you been, Amiya? Should we get everyone introduced?

Good morning, Mr. Czarny. Why the formalwear today? Are you finally heading back to the city?

A very distinguished guest will be paying me a visit today. I've waited a long, long time for him.

Oh... What kind of guest? Is he also from the city?

He's... a former colleague.

I see, I see. I won't bother you anymore then. Just make sure to fetch the water before the sun goes down.

I will.

I'm also very curious what he's like now.

The last time we met... He was still a helpless little pen-pusher. So wishy-washy that he couldn't even speak up for himself. Didn't even have a single decent suit.

But now...

You've changed so much, Malkiewicz.

Mr. Czarny.

Come in.

I know you must have a lot of questions.

What, are you surprised that my house is so run-down?

The thing that surprises me more is how well you seem to have adapted to this life.

Haha... I'm sure that one day, the number of people in high positions solely because of their birth will become fewer and fewer.

Just look at your tone of voice now, Malkiewicz. You're more qualified for your job than I ever could've imagined. Congratulations.

I...

Before I found work in the Grand Knight Territory, I was just the son of a winery worker.

That's quite different from what was on the resume you left in the office.

Oh... You even did your homework on me. See, Malkiewicz? I have a good eye for talent.

You are in peril, and you are powerless within the K.G.C.C., but you still managed to track me down and find my home, even after I completely changed my identity... You found me, Malkiewicz.

'I can hardly recognize you anymore.'

If you're going to be uncomfortable, at least try not to show it. It's bad for negotiations.

I am a branded criminal, and you... Well, the fact that you've come before me today without a completely new face means that you've risen through the ranks since the end of the Major.

Come, let us toast to your promotion.

Mr. Czarny, your exile was unjust.

Oh. You didn't come here just to tell me that.

The fact that you know the truth, about how I was treated... means that the people who told you this truth wanted something from you.

If I was in their position, I surely would've wanted 'Czarny' dead.

I'm not doing that.

Why?

That goes against my principles.

Principles, hm? Do you not realize, the person standing before me, speaking so confidently of 'principles' was a pauper who couldn't even put food on the table just a few months ago.

Face it, Malkiewicz. You've already embraced this society. Sooner or later, you'll join its chosen.

Mmm... Quite a nice aroma to these two cups of wine.

But I... don't think you should have to lose your life...

Platinum of the Armorless Union was just as naive and innocent as you, which is why I have my life. Of course, I think she only spared me out of convenience.

My family chose not to accompany me to this little village, instead continuing their comfortable lives in the Grand Knight Territory.

They divided up my assets, the Radiant Knight became the champion, and Czarny became a criminal. The Infected can never break the shackles of public perception–

––It proves I never misjudged Kazimierz. It is what it is.

Come, Malkiewicz.

This bottle of brandy was given to me by a former employee who I had promoted. He secretly sent someone to deliver this to me after learning that I was still alive.

Despite that, though, he still looted my ill-gotten 'bribes.' I had to pretend not to see that the necklace he was wearing came from my collection.

And this glass... is poisoned. But don't worry, I only just slipped in the drug. As long as you don't drink it, nothing bad will happen.

––What's the meaning of this?!

Help yourself to a glass. I'll take the other one.

No! This is ridiculous–– I'll be taking my leave!

Of course you can leave, Malkiewicz, but the end result will be the same. Oh, and don't try to throw out the wine either. Wine is very precious, but poison is plentiful.

Why... Why are you forcing me to do this? I don't understand! We only just met by chance during the Major––

Why?

Malkiewicz, have you really not figured it out yet?

Cheers, Malkiewicz. To your continued ascendance, and to... my retirement.

Cheers!

Hm? Are you Mr. Czarny's guest? Why are you here alone? What happened to him?

What does Mr. Czarny... usually do around here?

Haha, that's a story to be shared over dinner! The folks from the city sure know their stuff. Most of the time he's helping the other villagers plan their business, or teaching the kids how to read and write...

What's wrong? Your face is all red... D-Did I say something to offend you?

No, it's nothing.

Oh... Are you headed back then? S-Sorry to bother you.

I won't give in.

I won't become what you said, Mr. Czarny. I'll fight to the bitter end.

I swear it.