act13side

Doctor?

You know, you've been frowning ever since you came back from the restaurant.

If you're feeling worn out, then I'd be more than glad to––

What'd you think of the meal?;What do you think of Malkiewicz?

It went well. You're getting pretty slick around these kinds of events, aren't you?

I can tell. Even though the directors didn't show up in person, those corporate execs are all fond of you...

I said it already, but a certain spokesman took the fall and resigned over the Radiant Knight incident.

Malkiewicz was given that position in turn, but before that, he was a complete nobody, a minor player at best.

Though he still has a bit of that unvarnished human touch... I don't think it'll last very long in the environment he's in.

Do you think Rhodes Island's plan is feasible?

Let's set that aside for now... So, do you really trust me?

The infiltration of the General Chamber isn't some kind of conspiracy. In the face of money and a changing society, even if the K.G.C.C. did nothing, the knights would still fall to capital.

The courtesy that the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi has extended to Rhodes Island is almost certainly linked to the Radiant Knight. That being the case, should a person as particular as you... inadvertently fail to return that courtesy, you'll be the one to suffer.

Thanks for the warning.;That much I already know.

So, what are you thinking?;What should I do then?

Brassrust Knight... is going to fight again?

Yes... Based on video evidence and the testimonies from other knights, the Knights Association proved to the National Council that what happened to that Infected was an exacerbation of his disease due to excessive casting.

Because the cause of death was 'Oripathy,' Brassrust Knight was not directly responsible, so...

Even if that was the case... then we should at least...

Leave me.

Very well.

Put me through to the associate justice of the National Council... on a private line.

The busy tone rings out twice from the phone.

Malkiewicz suddenly flashes back to his childhood, to the copper-colored telephone that sat on the desk in his father's study.

Spokesman, have you come up with a solution?

As long as Mr. Czarny no longer has the evidence, it's fine, right?

Of course... But as a friendly reminder, if this goes public late, we will both end up taking the blame.

Therefore, the safest option... is to get rid of him.

You have my assurances.

My assurances... that I can keep Mr. Czarny muzzled.

There's no need to concern yourself with my methods.

Very well then... As long as you can demonstrate your sincerity.

Tomorrow, I will begin the retrial of Olmer Ingra's case. If you can do that within seven days...

Olmer Ingra will thence disappear from the Major.

...I will.

Right. At the very least, you must prove to me that Mr. Czarny truly 'would never betray us.'

Malkiewicz remembers. He remembers that bronze-colored telephone.

Telephones were not as popular back then, and cables still coursed above bars, hostels, and roaring construction sites.

When it rang, it would bring joys and sorrows alike.

That was life in Kazimierz... Life in modernity.

There's one thing I hope you understand...

You're provoking a spokesman.

You know as well as I do that I'm only a stand-in. I enjoy no support among the Board of Directors.

But that does not mean that I will abide your butchery.

The power to command the Armorless Union... was once in the hands of Mr. Czarny. And now...

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.