act13side

The Infected will not trust you.

They are very wise. They did not let you spread your prestige among the masses. They set you up to be the villain.

Do you also think of me that way?

Me? Hah......

An Infected who fights for the Infected, or a normal person who fights for the Infected... Which is more noble?

Some people do understand this principle, but, public opinion will ignite their extremism... The days you spend here will not be pleasant.

It would seem that this news has already caused quite a stir–– Oh my, the panel has come to its final decision: the Radiant Knight's victory is well-deserved––!!

Tonight, Kazimierz will crown a new champion! In two hours, the Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl, will enter the annals of history at the Wall of Champions!!

But don't go anywhere, because tomorrow, we'll have our grand closing ceremony! You won't want to miss it!

...Dikaiopolis.

What?

A knight belongs where there is glory to be had.

Of course. If you really wanted to give them a slap across the face, you could just ditch the award ceremony...

No, that would just be running away. Same as how I ran from Kazimierz back then.

So... what's your plan?

We'll go together.

Hah... Hahaha... Interesting.

It'd be my honor.

Next, a few words from the host–– Wait, hold on! Something's happening down there!

The Radiant Knight is ignoring the host! She... she's helping the Blood Knight up and heading for the arena's exit!

What's the meaning of this?! Does the Radiant Knight plan to share the championship with the Blood Knight?!

Damn you... Trying to virtue signal now that your lies are out in the open?!

Drop the act already, Radiant Knight! Traitor to the Infected!

––that all accusations against the Radiant Knight are hereby dropped! The Radiant Knight, our great champion, is not an Infected!

What...?

The Radiant Knight... isn't an Infected?!

J-Justyna, are you alright...?

Yeah, I'm just... shocked.

Did the K.G.C.C. make that up?

No.

It's not difficult to frame a normal person as an Infected, but it is virtually impossible to hide an Infected.

So, the Radiant Knight isn't an Infected...

Then why... Why has she been fighting for us all this time?

Monique! The Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight have left the arena! Do we go after them?

...Monique? Hello?

––Wh-What's going on? What happened in the arena?

Grr... They weren't kidding when they said three was enough. Practically snapping my arrows like toothpicks...

D-Did he seriously cleave that pillar with just a swing of his sword? Those pillars have to be made out of cardboard or something, right?

Calm down, we're out of our depth here. Let's back up for now and regroup with the main force.

The only weakness of the 'Silverlance Pegasi' is their stubborn adherence to tradition. They won't have any other tricks up their sleeves.

What?! What's going on?! Someone's attacking the Wall!

(The Armorless Union?! They would dare to launch an attack when the audience hasn't even left yet?!)

Everyone, p-please don't panic! Security! Yes, security will make sure you get to safety––!

––I thought the knights of the Nearl family were supposed to be all shiny and glowing.

Seriously though, Młynar. Why stick your nose where it doesn't belong? You aren't even a knight, and if you plan to stay in the Grand Knight Territory, you know better than to anger the K.G.C.C.

...Ten years.

Huh?

I worked for ten years, and not once did I ask for a leave over personal matters.

In other words... Right now, I am legally entitled to three months of vacation.

Gah... Stop scurrying around, you pesky bounty hunter.

Haha, Młynar Nearl on vacation? That's a perverse joke if I've ever heard one.

––One more thing, Roy.

Huh?

Light flashes through the Lazurite's vision.

Like the morning breeze wafting through a forest, it is neither strong nor conspicuous. Almost as if the lake's surface could block it.

But in a heartbeat, Młynar's sword is resting against the Lazurite's neck.

Whether or not we're knights... is not for you to decide.

Haha, then who does get to decide?

Kazimierz has no right to dub me.

Are you still able to walk?

I'm fine... But more importantly, have you thought about what doing this means?

I'm just reclaiming the title of 'knight' from them.

L-Look, isn't that the Blood Knight and the Radiant Knight?!

Are they going to walk to the Wall of Champions like that?! Hey, c'mere and take a picture, quick!

What's the situation?

We can't reach the two Lazurites... The Radiant Knight and Blood Knight are slowly moving towards the Wall of Champions exhibition hall.

Spokesman... The Radiant Knight and the Blood Knight are headed for the Wall of Champions together, and the Board of Directors is very unhappy about this development...

Have the Armorless stop them. Otherwise, they'll be branded as enemies of the K.G.C.C.

This is for their own good.

Understood. Oh and a letter for you that came in this morning.

A letter?

Yes. According to the Messenger, it was signed 'Your Friend.'

Just leave it over there. I'll see you later.

Hm? All right then...

Dr. {@nickname}... I'm sorry, but this is all I can do for you.

Forgive me. Forgive me for not even daring to read your letter.

Maybe only after you've left the Grand Knight Territory... will I have the right to respond to it.

Has this road... always been this long?

You're wounded, so we're walking slower.

Look! Look over there!

Block the road!

Radiant Knight, Blood Knight, there are countless crossbows pointed at you. All we ask... is that you turn back right now.

Those are the orders we got from the K.G.C.C. We do not wish to have to strike down our two champions.

It seems... that our pilgrimage ends here.

Go. My head has already been bowed in defeat for a long time. I will let them know––

An arrow lodges into the ground between the two knights and the Armorless.

Who's there?!

(Excited clicking noises)

You're––

What are you looking at, Armorless scum?

––Enemies! The Infected are attacking! Fiiiiire!!

Your bolts won't reach our champion, Armorless.

Try this on for size!

The Infected are here!! Call for backup––

What?! Our comms are cut off?

A perfect shot.

It's you...

This would be our second official meeting, right? Our two champions.

If we find the time, I'd love to get autographs from both of you––

But for now, keep moving forward. Just follow this road down to the end, right through the city.