act13side

Please don't mistake my intentions. I'm not trying to challenge your authority.

Authority.

I'm simply reminding you.. to make sure our future cooperation goes smoothly.

After all you've said, it wouldn't behoove me to run amok. That would be too discourteous after all.

All I need is your assurance. Olmer Ingra is just another corrupt noble, and it hardly makes sense for someone like that to get in the way of our relationship, yes?

Indeed.

Then, there's nothing more for us to talk about.

Wait! Hold on, Mr. Malkiewicz, please––

You smiled.

Woah! Mr. McKee, when did you...

I've never seen you smile like that before, my man.

Did you need something?

Naturally, the Armorless Union has already received their orders, and we still have a role to play in these matters. However...

Actually, never mind. Carry on with your work.

Alright, Mr. McKee.

Authority is the sweetest taste. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Malkiewicz?

Nothing beats strolling through these streets in the evening.

As long as there's no work to be done, that is.

Reporting. Monique has led her team to the designated location.

The target of this operation has been confirmed, and there are now about a hundred Infected hidden throughout the area.

Ah. Score whatever kills you can. As I said before, the pay is determined by headcount.

Same old rules apply, no friendly fire.

Yessir.

Hey, hey! We've got Armorless!

Wh-What? You're kidding, right? This is the middle of Kawalerielki! They wouldn't dare start a bloodbath?!

Not enough.

What? Wasn't Wild Mane supposed to distract the Armorless like you wanted?

But, it's not enough.

Did we overlook something...?

Prepare for the worst, Fartooth.

Don't underestimate the Armorless.

Run, run now!

Calm down. What did you see?

B-B-Blue... A blue bow.

Huh?! You're kidding!

H-Hurry, tell the others, spread out and run! Hide in the garbage dumps if you have to!

Tell the Infected civilans to not resist. They can't resist, no matter what––

N-Now, if there's anyone who can contact Pinus Sylvestris... Please hurry...

Haha... Ahahaha...

Reporting. We found three Infected.

Hahaha... Haha...

Right, did I tell you about the offer I got from the Board of Directors?

300 gold for an illegal Infected. Twice that for an Infected knight.

Stop right there!

Dammit! They found me!

Each Infected is worth a ticket to the Major. An Infected knight is worth half a good car.

So.

How should we deal with a special individual who isn't in that price schedule?

Huh?

How many forms of code signing have you been trained in?

Um, I think I remember how to use three.

Hmm... Forget it. No need for any of that. If you see me... Mmm... Yes, snap my fingers.

If you see me snap my fingers, act immediately. No hesitation.

Yessir.

Alright. I'll head up to say hello.

Lazurite Roy walks forward, and the street lights flicker several times.

The blue-brick road stretches forward, not a single person on the street.

There is a bench on the side of the desolate road.

And upon the bench sits a desolate person.

Good evening. And a wonderful one at that, yes?

Did you happen to see the news? Tonight, it's nothing but the Radiant Knight.

This place sure is empty. Haven't seen anyone else around. I hear it hasn't been too peaceful around these parts either.

Ahem.

What are you doing here all by yourself?

Roy... I just finished work. Just resting here for a spell.

My, did you only get off work just now, this late? What a workaholic.

But... What kind of work would you be doing around here?

The only folks around these parts are the Infected, illegal immigrants, and black market traffickers, right?

Just waiting for someone.

What, are you even going to ask who I'm waiting for?

No, no, no, why would I?

Waiting for someone, huh? Let me guess... you had a date with a beautiful lady? Haha, just kidding...

But, we both have business here.

I'm afraid I have to ask you and your friend to step aside.

You mind your business, I mind my business.

Do you have any idea what you're saying, Młynar?

Was I speaking Gaulish?

Oh, come on. If you're here, my underlings might slip up because they're so nervous.

Sigh...

Oh, Młynar, did you know... if I wanted to kill you right now... how little effort it'd take?

Roy slowly lifts his hand.

In the dark, the Armorless Union assassins wait, poised to strike.

Though perhaps nothing than a faulty premonition, the masters of hiding in the shadows always feel most prone to being seen.

Młynar Nearl.

They begin to pray, praying that Roy would not give any signals––

A white-horned Sarkaz with a sword.

*Sigh*...

It really was... a beautiful lady, eh.

Am I late?

No.

What are you looking at me for?

Do your job, Roy.

Hm.

Roy's eyes meet with those of the Sarkaz for a moment.

There is only one thing on his mind.

How to strike up a conversation later, without embarrassing himself too much.

Haha, I suddenly had a change of heart. Turns out it'll rain later tonight, and I happened to forget my umbrella.

But...

Should I take this as evidence that the Nearl family intends to shelter the Infected?

Take it however you'd like.