act13side

With such frequent injuries, it seems like competing as a knight isn't much of an easy job.

But—I did previously tend to an Infected who was seriously hurt, and I haven't seen him for the past few days. Who knows how his recovery's been going...

Do you mean Mr. Silverlamp Knight?

Right-right-right, and after I finished basic treatment, he got hauled off by a Knights Association person... I don't know where he's gone.

Ah, I see someone waving at me! I need to head over right away! Amiya, don't forget to ask what's going on with that for me!

These Infected knights look... permanently exhausted, going by their faces.

Some may have won matches, gotten considerable prize money, but still can't muster their spirits at all.

It's not like I've never seen this look before. It's just like fighting to the death has filled their entire lives to the point they could burst, and they can't bear even the slightest hope or optimism.

The Infected knight competitions... are simply treating the Infected as entertainment products.

I'm starting to understand a little, what Nearl is here for.

Ah, come in.

(Doctor, are you always so busy in here?)

Dr. {@nickname}, about that meeting you mentioned last time—I've gotten it all set up and ready.

Oh? Am I interrupting yours and Miss Amiya's conversation?

It's perfectly fine, Mr. Malkiewicz.

A few medical corporations collaborating with Rhodes Island are deeply interested in your firm's services and technology. Of course, even with a mind for simple friendship, they'd still love to have dinner with you.

However... if you'd allow me to warn you. If Miss Amiya is to participate... she is ultimately Infected, and I worry you'll be treated in unneeded ways.

It's alright, I'm already used to it.

My apologies.

By the way, Dr. {@nickname}, here's the business magazine you mentioned before... I didn't expect you to take such an interest in Kazimierz's economic situation.

Do you plan to open a subsidiary in Kazimierz? I've heard your firm keeps a 'branch office' in our nation.

(D—Doctor, our branch office shouldn't have been officially communicated to the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi yet, right? Did they already... investigate their way to it?)

Just wanted to get an idea of the Chamber.;I did want to get a look into Kazimierz's situation.;Do you regard Rhodes Island well?

You've made the right choice.

I myself only recently began to understand them, but if you truly want to figure out the 'General Chamber of Commerce,' you won't go wrong starting with the 'commerce' part.

Haha, if you do plan to start a business in the Grand Knight Territory someday, be sure to contact me. I'll find you the best team of lawyers for Rhodes Island.

To tell the truth, Rhodes Island's technology and corporate culture... do deeply move me.

I'm not saying it out of politeness. I believe 90% of Kazimierz's citizens would agree the Infected form an issue, but the majority of the time, none of them want to solve it.

Rather than avoiding the problem via violence, there's 'treatment.' Yes, Oripathy is just an illness in the end, isn't it?

But...

Something seems to be worrying you.;What's on your mind?

There was an accident in which an Infected passed away on the field, not long ago.

I'm not casting judgment on this incident itself. I'm saying the force of public opinion is greater than we can imagine.

I'm no professional at all, but I think of, and you understand better than me, an Infected dying from overcasting in the arena inviting uncontrollable danger, and how great that danger is—

—Despite it being, in my eyes, near-deliberate harassment, an unjust confrontation... the fact of the matter is, the barbs of the masses from far and wide are aimed at the Infected.

I worry whether it might affect our cooperation... my Rhodes Islander friends.

Mr. Malkiewicz.

It's not the first time the Infected have been through something like this, and it won't be the last.

In places beyond Kazimierz, what Infected go through far surpass what you've seen.

A partner of mine, from before I was a spokesman, was once the Rose Paper Union's Executive Director of Publishing.

I quickly came to recognize 'the terror of gossip,' Miss Amiya, Dr. {@nickname}.

Perhaps opinion as of late will impact your work. I'll do my best to placate the moods of the workers and those receiving treatment.

Thank you very much, Mr. Malkiewicz.

It's the least I can do.

It seems I still have a little time today... Dr. {@nickname}, did we have an appointment prior?

If you're free, do let me tour you around Kazimierz a bit.

Can Amiya come with us?;I'm not the only one who admires Kazimierz's splendor.

Of course, so long as the formalities and credentials are in hand, an Infected such as Miss Amiya is free to act as she wishes.

I—I'll be fine, I still need to check in with all our Medic Operators to—

Appropriate rest is very important, Miss Amiya. Additionally, the patient who just arrived is the last for today.

Really?

Well, then, we'll meet downstairs in ten minutes.

Malkiewicz has gotten real close to Rhodes Island lately. Oof, that's not good.

The Board of Directors hasn't classified Rhodes Island as a target... which can only mean Darksteel has a different view of Rhodes Island.

The three of them have foresight a mile better than the average suits. How many years have they hung around in Kazimierz?

What's the point? They're still just the pawns of the K.G.C.C.

Sometimes, foresight means 'forget beating the rules that don't benefit you, you've gotta learn to use them, join them.'

Yeah, of course the young bunch and the 'ooh, look at me, look at my glory' knights aren't gonna approve of that argument, but it's everywhere, and if you want the truth of society, there it is.

What makes your theory so different from all those corporate employees?

The difference is... we're strong enough.

Don't see the logic.

Haha, let's just get back to business. The Board's already made a decision vis-a-vis the Infected purge order.

So soon?

I told the people upstairs about the Infected knights' plans to riot, after all.

Make them realize in advance. Let them be aware 'the Grand Knight Territory is about to face an Infected attack.'

That's the only way we'll get any space made to operate.

So, then...

We're still tidying a few Infected as appropriate.

Hmph, could've saved your breath from the start.

We've gotta do what we've gotta do, and if we don't do it with enough smarts, we'll invite our own killers in.

There sure aren't any heroes in Kazimierz. Look at the bustling street before us. Who'd waste the energy standing off with this city?

Kazimierz's champions—they still carry the people away in this day and age. *chuckle* Truly wondrous.

You want to say... it's because I'm old, don't you?

I would never regard you in that matter.

Your Excellency, these documents are classified by the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi. Will handing them over to Rhodes Island...

I haven't reached senility yet.

That wasn't my meaning.

...Senomy.

Yes.

I hear... you never actually offered your patriarch your true name.

We simply 'have a hold on your name,' haven't yet earned your loyalty...

Your Excellency, Grand Knight, I was sold as a slave into Kazimierz, no more.

I'm deeply honored I could receive the appreciation of the master of the house, but how can someone like me have anything to do with the act of offering a true name?

...I see.

You've been in contact with Rhodes Island for a time, now. How's it been?

I believe myself to have already earned a... portion of Rhodes Island's trust.

That's not what I mind at all, Senomy. What I mind is, has Rhodes Island won your trust?

...I...

Campaign knights are servicemen. You're abiding strictly to your duties, fighting bravely for Kazimierz.

You're still so young. Why constrain your own mind?

All we can give the young is the kindling. It's up to you to light the fire.

You don't like Rhodes Island?

No... it's just...

If we suppose providing care to the Infected like that is 'justice,' then—what Kazimierz, the Adeptus have been doing for so long—how are we meant to we regard that?

Go and find out yourself. You've still got a long, long road ahead.

The Armorless Union's begun to move. I assume, before the Major hits fever pitch, they want to eliminate the Infected threat.

—Do they really plan to hold a massacre inside the city?

They have cause to. The Infected are indeed planning an attack on the General Chamber's tower. That's not an easy thing to handle.

Margaret Nearl—she resembles her grandfather quite a bit.

She's very unlikely to stay out of this.