act16side

Aren't you going to participate, Mostima?

Not at the moment.

While we were in Stevonus Central, Fiammetta met this Liberi who used to be Pontifica Cohors too.

She likely made contact with the child, but according to the info Fiammetta sent back, it's not gone smoothly for her, whatever it was she wanted to do.

But either way, she definitely used some apostate language.

Hm... you stay in the Basilica, then.

Vel, no need to jump the gun.

Any issues with the envoys arriving?

Two detachments remain. Forecasts say they will arrive on time.

Very good then.

We'll wait a bit.

Patia, we're sorry, we lost them.

Forget it. He came to Pagus Ambrosius on purpose. The crowds are massive here, and all the alleys... For what looks like a novice, this executor's got a surprisingly decent hand on the ropes.

Ugh, this is a massive wrench in the plan. How could she fall straight into an executor's hands...

Who could it be now... Oren?

Things are getting tricky, Patia.

What, are you calling to mock me for it?

Not at all. Jokes are reserved for when things go without a hitch.

I've got good news and bad news. Which do you wanna hear first?

And you said you wouldn't joke... The bad news.

Bad news is, the Lateran Curia caught wind already, and they're officially sending someone to intervene. Guess who got tasked?

...Fiammetta.

Bingo!

I'm eager to hear what the good news could be.

Good news is, it's just Fiammetta. Mostima's been kept at the Basilica.

That counts as good enough. But the news I want to hear is what you are doing right now.

Real sharp of you. Because Mostima's been left behind, me and her have switched report times. Which means I'm free right now. How's that? Jumping for joy?

Not—a—chance—in—hell.

Also, Oren, I'm warning you, stop acting like you've got such a wealth of experience. I joined up with the Guide long before you did.

Alright, got it. I know I could never compete with your Miss Veter... hey, don't hang up, hold on, listen, I need you to hold Fiammetta off.

What about you?

I'll be fetching Cecelia.

Why don't you hold Fiammetta off and I fetch Cecelia?

Ease up on the temper, okay? You know exactly why.

Besides, if you intercept Fiammetta, then no one's harmed even if you fail. And if I go handle that executor, the chances I succeed are better than yours.

Do you hate the Sankta, Patia?

What are you asking?

Answer the question.

I don't hate Sankta. What I hate is Liberi who put them up on an altar with absolutely no self-awareness.

If you don't care about Sankta, then you'll never know what makes them tick.

What, are you trying to say you can get that executor to hand Cecelia to you because you're a Sankta, just like that?

You've got it all wrong. Halos allow Sankta to sense each other, and better understand each other, but that's not to say we all get to live in a happy hive mind.

Emotional links, ones that are a little too strong, can be a weakness at certain times.

Sankta are just too accustomed to them. But once something abnormal happens to you, you get stuck with these... tiny little doubts that crop up.

Is that why you're on our side?

On your side?

Nah, Patia. I'm not 'on your side.'

We're just going the same way by pure coincidence.

Oren, who were you on comms with?

You really love rooftops, Mostima.

Same to you. All the Legati love a rooftop run, don't they, Oren?

Ooh... I saw you this morning. Props to you for that one.

That was you, huh? I thought I was staring at someone's rooftop planters.

Huh? C'mon, don't I look good? It's the latest fashion in Victoria.

All I know is fashion doesn't mean dyeing your hair so it clashes with all of you.

You're such a Victoriaphile, Oren.

It comes with the job. The glorious Legati demand a certain bearing.

Wanna guess at my job, then? Aren't you curious why I went to see the old weirdo out of nowhere?

It's so secret, it might just sink Laterano...

Stop!

I don't wanna know.

You don't?

I was really hoping I'd get another helping hand.

Instead of meeting up with Fiammetta, you're going to recruit him?

Don't be like that, Velliv, I'm devoted to you, heart and soul.

Not one more disgusting joke out of you, Oren Argiolas.

C'mon, even I have feelings.

Wow, that's the first I've heard of them.

If you two have the time to chat, you'd better spend it rewriting your reports.

Hm? Is something wrong with my report?

Guess how many seconds it took me to read it?

Uh... can't you combine my word count with Fiammetta's? We've written ten k or so, if you add us together.

I'll have you know I spent five hours scribbling away like a monk.

Mostima's returned to Laterano more times than you had true facts in there, and I wouldn't mind reducing your allowance to match it.

I'm real worried, Oren.

Penny for your thoughts, Mostima.

What if Lemuen ends up like Velliv eventually?

You know how to paint a scary picture. I'm getting shivers.

Seems you two have all the time in the world.

Oren's a busy bee, don't you know.

*Sigh* That's right, I'm busy-busy. In fact, it's about time I got going.

Until next time, my dear Velliv. I'll bring you some choux fingers.

What are you looking at me for? I wasn't laughing.

Oren Argiolas... pray you do not fall into my hands.

Seniora Fiammetta, Ezell's already on his way back to the Hall. If we could just ask you to wait a little longer.

I'll bring you some tea.

I'm fine.

Do you personally know Ezell?

I do. He's a trainee under me. Oh, right, you can call me Richele.

How's his work? Anything dubious, ordinarily?

Dubious? Uh, does refusing to work overtime count? He's always gone like a ghost the moment we clock out.

But he's fairly good at his work. His practical training period's almost over, too, and he should be picking up a good score.

I don't really mind him skipping overtime, though... he's a kid. Let him have his easy days. Once he gets onto field work, there's no line between on or off duty.

Bring up his position.

Are you really so suspicious of Ezell? I'd trust him well enough at this...

Huh? Oh no... He really isn't moving for the Notarial Hall at all, huh?! What's he doing...?

Let me see!

With this orientation... he's heading back to Stevonus.

Seniora Fiammetta! Wait! If he really was up to something, he wouldn't leave his locator on. Just give this some thought, please.

There's also the possibility this marker's a decoy.