act14side

Do you come from the Court of Sargon?

That was my previous employment.

Never thought you'd be able to identify Sargon swordsmanship.

I have little interest in Arts. But when it comes to weaponry, I couldn't forget anything, even if I wanted to.

No wonder they called The Black Knight a natural-born warrior.

Natural-born?

Hmph.

Do you know how long it took to go from 'a Leithanian who can't use Arts' to 'a natural-born warrior?'

'Click.'

The shield in Sharp's hand reveals a crack.

Though there are several wounds on Degenbrecher's body, she seems not to notice them.

Do you have no sense of pain?

If growing up, the only waking sensation you knew was pain, then you too would be used to it.

How about you? How many times have you danced with death?

Everyone I knew who even thought of counting didn't survive long in battle.

I heard that The Black Knight, despite being a three-time champion, was exiled from Kazimierz and hunted for refusing to work with the General Chamber of Commerce, eventually disappearing beyond Kazimierz's borders.

So?

Once a symbol of refusal to bow to authority, now a conspirator's bodyguard taking part in the usurpation of a country.

I don't pass any moral judgments. I just can't help but to feel a bit let down.

I thought a Rhodes Islander of all people would understand Enciodes's ideas.

Understanding is one thing. Acceptance is another.

Actually, I think the Doctor understands Enciodes well.

I'm not going to defend Enciodes or myself. It's too much of a hassle, and also unnecessary.

See for yourself what he wants with your own eyes – if you survive, that is.

After a great many struggles, Ensia finally reaches the edge of the cliff. She can scale it easily, but the sound of a nearby conversation makes her freeze.

Everything's gone to shit down there, and everything's gone to shit up here too.

Yeah. I can't believe the Great Elder went down like that, and now Arctosz is rampaging his way up here.

I was under the assumption that the worst was over, but now I have no idea what's going to happen next.

I didn't really think there'd be peace anyway, but now that things have gone south, I feel a little guilty.

Guilty? Why?

Since we entered the Vine-Bead Court, the Lady–– Err, the Saintess, has clearly taken the reins.

Since the Great Elder collapsed, the entire Vine-Bead Court has fallen in line with the Saintess.

And below the mountain, Sir Enciodes has taken complete control.

When you put it that way, it all makes sense, huh. The Saintess controls the mountain, and Sir Enciodes controls everything below.

Borrowing your words, I have no idea what's going to happen next.

We're just underlings anyway. There's no point thinking too hard about it.

Yeah, you're right. Why even bother?

Let's make two more rounds. Maybe we'll get called down the mountain by then.

Sis...

Hey! What's that?!

The granary is on fire!

What?! Someone go put it out, hurry!

Heh, piece of cake.

Madame, you certainly have a unique way of doing things, though that's to be expected...

The hell are you trying to say?!

N-Nothing, it was a compliment.

Hmph. I'll pay for them to rebuild the granary after we're all done here, but for now, we're on urgent business!

Stop dragging your feet! The fire's got their attention, so go rescue Yucatan! The place is right ahead!

Yes, Madame!

...Kjarr.

I'm here, Saintess.

During the ceremony, I recall that when I happened to spot you in the crowd, there was a hooded figure next to you.

That's right.

I've heard that this person is a guest from Rhodes Island invited by Enciodes. A guest known as the Doctor.

But now, that individual stands with Arctosz, fighting against Enciodes.

...Nothing escapes you, Saintess.

How did you come to know this person?

By chance, when I was heading down the mountain to deliver your letter.

...I'll take your word for it then.

Why did this question suddenly grip your thoughts?

I would like to meet this person.

Huh?

Though I don't know exactly why, the Doctor stands in direct opposition to Enciodes.

I want to know exactly why.

I no longer doubt what I must do, but I am afraid that I made up my mind too late.

There are some things I must fight for.

About that... You needn't worry yourself.

Why not?

Because the Doctor's emissary is right behind you.

Huh?!

Sis!

Ensia... I suppose I've finally started hallucinating.

Snap out of it, sis! You're not hallucinating! It's me, your sister, Ensia!

What?! Ensia, is that really you?

It is! Here, come touch me if you don't believe it.

Enya wants to reach out with her shaking hands to feel Ensia.

She fears that the sister who suddenly appeared before her is an illusion.

But before she has a chance to do so, Ensia has already plunged into her arms.

She knows right away, without a shadow of a doubt, that the woman embracing her is her dearest little sister.

It's you, Ensia... It really is you...

I've missed you so much.

I've missed you too.

Have you been well?

What of your illness?

What kind of place is this Rhodes Island?

You're so silly. You already asked all these things in your letters.

I have to tell you...

Sharp takes a few steps back with a shallow breath.

He has fought many opponents throughout his career, and has also learned from – or at least watched – many formidable fighters at Rhodes Island.

But he has to admit – he has never faced anyone like Degenbrecher before. Or rather, an opponent as pure and simple as Degenbrecher.

She has speed and strength, qualities that every warrior should possess.

Degenbrecher has nothing more, but clearly needs nothing more.

Why would anyone need anything more than incredible speed and strength?

Fortunately... Sharp became an elite operator because he also possesses these two things.

You have a lot of trust in Enciodes.

What makes you say that?

Few people have the capacity to do this for money.

And besides, you are not a person who can be won over with money.

What about you? You said this is just business, but what you've done goes well beyond duty.

I assure you, the work I do is the work I like.