act16side

So, what's the plan now? Once Cecelia gets to the Basilica, is she going to come out again? Do we have some way to take her?

One step at a time, Patia. If we're talking about not wanting Cecelia to step foot in the Basilica, I'm even less inclined than you.

But, we haven't played all our cards, have we?

Go tail Fiammetta, but not too closely.

What about you?

I've got plenty on my plate. Just found out that someone's looking for me too. Popularity isn't all it's made out to be, you know.

Don't go inviting trouble for me.

Alright, looks like the next clue of the chain is clear. What do you plan to do?

I will go to him.

Even though I have no doubts about your, uh, strength... you're dealing with a well-connected Legatus. It'll look pretty bad if you make something out of nothing.

He is involved in this incident.

We have to look into this precisely because he's involved, right? Sometimes, I envy the way you see things.

But what if he doesn't know anything?

I need to investigate to be clear.

That's true. In any case, the fact that a Legatus is involved at all warrants looking into.

What I didn't expect is that Feoria, an ordinary and reclusive Sankta, would provide us with so many leads. An undocumented girl, a Legatus...

And... a Sarkaz.

Hmm, you're leaving? Not even going to say goodbye?

Well, alright then...

Now that you're gone...

Don't blame me, Oren. I can't stop Federico.

I'll put in a report for you. That's about all I can do.

She's asleep.

She's exhausted.

You mentioned that you made her a promise. What was it?

That I'd help her find her mother.

Her mother? Wait, didn't Mostima say in the message that her mother is...

Yes, dead. Saw the body with my own eyes in the back of the Ecclesia Requietum's hearse.

Then, why'd you promise her that?

I didn't know, at the time.

And then? Did you tell her?

I did. But at her age, I'm not sure she understands the concepts of 'passing on' or 'death.'

Must've been tough for you.

And... don't look so upset. I don't think the Pope... will treat the girl too harshly.

Her name is Cecelia.

Seniora Fiammetta...

Just Fiammetta is fine.

Miss Fiammetta... I was thinking, after Cecelia goes to the Basilica, will she ever come out again...?

I can't promise you anything. But the way I see things, all else aside, she has a halo. That makes her a Sankta.

And when dealing with a Sankta, all must obey the Commandments, be it the Lateran Curia or the Notarial Hall. At least that's what I believe.

Even if she's undocumented.

Uhh... is that really the main issue?

Who knows? Might be possible to get her registered retroactively.

But, there's... something wrong with Cecelia's halo.

I'm not entirely sure how serious this whole mixed-blood Sankta issue gets... But at least the Legatus implied that Cecelia would be fine.

A lot of foreign envoys have been gathering in Laterano lately, right?

His Holiness has been preparing a major summit... I can't help but worry that Cecelia will be a target for someone trying to stir up trouble.

Sounds like you've really thought this one through.

Coming from the other angle, what would the Lateran Curia do to prevent that from happening?

Miss Fiammetta, I don't know if I should even be thinking about these things.

But I can't just not think.

You'll have to pardon me for being blunt.

But what's the point of worrying about all this? Is there any part of it you can actually control?

If you know that Cecelia is in danger, then you should also understand that for Cecelia, the Basilica is the safest place.

You're right.

Nngh...

Sorry, I fell asleep...

Did we wake you?

N-No, I just...

Ezell, is that your stomach growling?

Want me to buy you a donut, Cecelia?

D-Donut? Okay! Thank you, Mister Ezell...

Don't worry, I'll go for it. I need a break, my arms are sore from carrying her around.

(*whispers*) There's no way I can handle her long-term, alright?

But don't do anything stupid, Ezell. I've got my eye on you.

You still don't trust me?

Oh, and turn on your terminal. You're not allowed to have it off.

Yeah, I know.

(*whispers*) Mister Ezell, that lady was so mean to you before... I'm scared.

Don't worry, Cecelia. She's not a bad person.

Mister Ezell... can't I go see Mamma? Can't I even say goodbye to her?

Um... Well, we need to take you somewhere else first, so you can be safe.

As for your mama... I'll tell you about her later. Let me... think about it first. Is that okay, Cecelia?

Um...

Do you hear that?

Hear what?

Someone is singing...

Let's see... Oh, you're right! It seems to be coming from that cotton candy cart... But I'm surprised you could hear it with all the noise on the street. You have really good hearing, Cecelia.

It's because I recognize that song!

Mamma taught it to me!

Um... I can't go off on my own, right?

It's okay. We can't go over there, but I can get the cotton candy cart to come over here.

Excuse me––

Is someone calling us?

Hum hum hum~♪

You really like that song, don't you...? Hey, there really is someone hailing us. Let's head over there. If we can't get any info, let's at least make some money.

All~ righty~♪

Hello...

Oh hello, little girl, would you like some cotton candy?

Yes...

We'll get two, or actually, three sticks. This flavor here, this one here, and then the swirl. Is that alright?

No problem.

Three sticks, coming right up.

Um, excuse me... What's the name of that song you were singing earlier?

Mamma taught me the same song, but never told me what it's called...

Huh? Your mama... taught you this song?

Um, excuse me, the cotton candy! The cotton candy is coming out!

Ahh, I'm so very sorry, just give me a moment––

Hold on, the compartment's about to overflow! Let me help you...

Sorry, sorry!