act16side

You're awake!

Who... Where am I...?

You're in the hospital, Miss. You fainted in the street, and I took you here since I couldn't find your parents.

Hospital... is this a hospital?

No... you—you're wearing a uniform, Mamma said...

Has your mama been telling you things?

(Come to think of it, when I first saw her, wasn't she hiding from me...?)

It's alright, Miss, I can take you to find your mama. I'm a good guy.

You can help me find Mamma? Ma—Mamma got taken away by people in gowns!

(This might just be a kidnapping case! Is that why she was all alone there?)

Okay, little Miss, stay calm. I'm a Notarial Hall executor. I'll help you find your mama. How did she get taken away?

You're a Notarial Hall...

That's right, I'm from the Notarial Hall. My name's Ezell. Look, here's my name tag.

Will you really help me find Mamma?

Of course. What's your name?

...I'm Cecelia.

...Nngh...

Huh?! What's wrong with... your halo...?

(What is this about...? Even in the most downcast moods, Sankta halos don't dim like this.)

(Unless...)

(But a child this small wouldn't even have a patron firearm yet. What could explain this...?)

...Nnnh...

(No. Beyond that...)

Cecelia, how do you feel? Is your halo...?

Sometimes... it goes like this... Mamma says I'm ill... it'll be fine soon...

Ezell has realized something.

Amidst her current pain, Cecelia is anxious about her missing mother too.

But he cannot sense any of her pain, nor anxiety, relayed from her.

Cecelia... is without a doubt a Sankta.

How could this be possible?

Cecelia, are you...

Are you this girl's relative?

Functionally.

Come with me. She's got somewhat special circumstances, and the doctor said he needs to talk with you in private.

There was a strong gust of wind just now. I'll close the window, in case she'd catch a cold.

Hm? Of course.

Alright. Cecelia, just get some rest, I'll be right back.

Don't worry, Cecelia. We'll keep you company.

The rooftop.

You said Cecelia's circumstances were special. Special how?

Well... we can't be exactly sure yet. We'll need to wait for the diagnosis. The doctor will be here shortly. Just hold on, and we'll see what he has to say.

I've already reported Cecelia's situation to the Notarial Hall. My colleagues are fast on their way.

What?!

Tell me who you are.

I'm an attendant, right? What are you talking about? The doctor will be here momentarily.

Would a normal hospital attendant get nervous hearing the words 'Notarial Hall?'

So you suckered me... I only needed to keep you here for a short while anyway. If I were you, I wouldn't be giving myself trouble.

Patia said to be more gentle with Cecelia... but not with you.

'Patia,' was it?

You'd do well to forget that one.

Come on out. Let's give our Notarial Hall man some break time.