act16side

Is that His Holiness's will?

Uh-huh.

His mercy is none of my business.

I thought you might say something like that.

Oh, and you'll be dispatched to Rhodes Island under the agreement with the Notarial Hall, through the Fifth Tribunal.

Er, you mean the pharmaceutical company that Mostima and Lemuel work part-time at?

Where's this coming from?

Velliv wants to deepen our cooperation. You're as good as anyone for the role.

Plus, we have a good track record with them. You should be well-supported.

Alright.

Oh, by the way, I have some really good news for you!

You get to choose from one of three code names for your next mission!

Do we really have to keep up this farce, now that you're our liaison?

We only used a temporary name in the first place because there's no clear role for keeping tabs on her.

I've had enough of these monthly name changes!

Didn't you like Shimmering Vigil? What was it that you said... 'they've finally come up with a decent name'?

Shut up.

Hey, nice flowers.

Hate to break it to you, but the tradition of changing your title has become a rule unto itself. Just accept it.

Here are your choices: Void Gourmet, Wasteland Pilot, or Dawn Destroyer.

...Dawn Destroyer.

Man, your tastes are so easy to guess.

I told you to shut up already!

*exhales*...

You're awake?

Luck has really not been on my side lately.

What's wrong? Getting bedsores from too much lying down?

No, forget I said anything.

Huh? Ezell?

I wanted him to see what happens to those who come close to betraying Laterano.

Er...

Stop bullying the kid, Velliv.

Are you implying that I'm not young myself?

Sorry.

You're no longer a Legatus.

If that's the price I must pay, then...

But you're still my subordinate.

...it's a heavy one.

You talk a big talk, Oren. Let's see what you learned in Victoria.

Does that mean you need me to do things my way?

Remember that question you asked? I can answer it now.

I have no interest in being a woman of integrity.

But I respect those who have worked hard to earn the title.

Well... I can't argue with that.

Was that intended for me as well?

Of course.

Treasure the opportunity you've been given with Cecelia. Don't ever let me know what... influence she will have on Laterano.

You don't want her returning here?

If I didn't, why would I waste time crafting an identity for her?

Other than, well, compassion. And the fact that she still has potential value that outweighs her risks.

Trust me, there's no harm in getting this sort of candid promise.

I understand.

No need to be nervous. I'm simply expressing Laterano's sincerity.

If you two ever get tired of traveling, Laterano will be here.

Her doors will be open.

Come in.

Federico?

Cardinal Velliv, here are the past two years of records regarding the activities of the former Legatus, Oren Argiolas.

Thank you, Executor Federico.

Er...

Just in case.

There is reason to believe that Executor Richele may be his accomplice. Should I summon him?

No need. He'll only claim to have been tricked by an old classmate, now won't he, Oren?

Remind me never to pick a fight with you again.

I'll let Richele be. For now.

But I would like to speak with him through you, when it's convenient. You don't have a problem with that, do you?

N-No, not at all.

Then the two of them have been dealt with for the moment, Executor Federico.

Hold on, Federico.

What is it?

I've been thinking. It couldn't have been easy to deduce that it was Feoria who met with the Sarkaz, just from a few sentences in a journal.

Why were you so obsessed?

Who were you seeking?

...Arturia.

Arturia... huh? Arturia?

The wanted criminal?

What exactly is your relationship with her?

A distant relative.

Hahahaha!

Seriously, man.

If I could stand right now, I'd be dragging you to the nearest bar.

I don't have time.

You do, because I happened to run into an infamous fugitive a few years back. By the name of Arturia.

Wait! Calm down, Velliv!

I wasn't looking for her! It was a coincidence!

Seriously, I like to think of myself as a veteran, but just thinking back on that experience sends a shiver down my spine.

Where did you see her?

Three years ago, in Leithanien.

Mister Ezell!

Cecelia!

Richele...

The paperwork is in order. She's now free to leave Laterano.

Thank you, Richele.

Just doing my job.

You know where you're going, right?

Well, we'll meet up with Federico and join a company by the name of Rhodes Island under a cooperation agreement. Apparently, it's more convenient this way, since we'll be spending a lot of time outside.

Good. I've already contacted them.

But you're still an executor of the Notarial Hall. Missions will be issued to you through Rhodes Island when it's inconvenient for you to return.

That said, I have a hunch that your journey with her will go smoothly. You might find what you're looking for sooner rather than later.

And my hunches are usually right.