act16side

I was treating this like a holiday in Laterano... Never thought something like this would happen.

Kjerag is a theocracy too, so why couldn't we have done this?

Laterano is much more influential. The Legati were all part of the Apostle's plan.

We simply don't have that sort of foundation.

Influence, eh? It's only after leaving Kjerag that I learned how troublesome influence can be.

Pretty amazing how Enciodes managed to negotiate with our neighboring countries all on his own.

The Saintess's influence is on the rise too. We have our own advantages.

But do you really think what the Lateran Pope is talking about is possible?

I don't know.

I can't imagine a world where all the nations are so tightly entwined with one another. It sounds like a dream, or maybe a nightmare.

But no one can ignore the miracle that happened that day, or the Pope's speech.

Is Laterano really the blessed city?

What do the Sankta think of all this, Ezell?

Huh? Well, er... it was stunning?

Figured as much. Apparently, that bell has not rung for thousands of years.

So what will happen to Laterano now?

Perhaps not all that much, from what I know of the Laterans. Or maybe it's the same everywhere.

Turning points in history don't always seem so important at the time.

But we do perceive that change is happening, and we'll take up our own duties and responsibilities.

Well said, brother.

You can leave us here. We have a car on the way.

Thank you.

No problem. Cardinal Velliv is at a hospital not far from here. I'll be reporting back to her directly.

Please give her our thanks.

As long as you're satisfied. Those were her instructions.

Nothing gets past her, huh?

Say, can you take a photo of me and my husband?

Sure.

How is that?

You're a pretty good photographer.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Say, Fiammetta, do you feel like your steps are heavier than usual?

Where's this coming from?

You don't feel a weight on your shoulders, after what His Holiness said?

Get to the point.

Well, I'm thinking I'm due for a career change. I'm not really cut out for a job with too much responsibility.

And you seem like just the girl to take my—

In your dreams.

Good afternoon.

Long time no see, Ezell.

It's only been two weeks...

Are you on a mission?

An errand on behalf of Cardinal Velliv. I was just about to report back to her.

This is my final task in Laterano.

Not bad. Once you've seen the world, you'll realize how boring this place is.

There aren't as many great desserts out there, but... life is about more than just enjoyment, don't you think?

So you're going to meet with Velliv? Where is she?

Stevonus Central Hospital.

Let's go together then. We're headed the same way.

Have you made up your mind?

Yes, I have.

I thought you'd need to mull it over a little longer.

I just felt that I can't be the only one standing still, while everyone else has already taken the next step.

Then I have nothing to add. I'm glad you accepted.

It's wonderful to have someone like you join us, times being what they are.

I knew you'd be here, Velliv.

How did you...?

We ran into Ezell.

The emissaries from Kjerag have reached their destination.

Good work.

But don't leave just yet. I've got another task I could use your presence for.

Understood.

See you next week, Lemuen.

See you.

Have you decided to join the Seventh Tribunal, Lemuen?

Already on the job.

Hm, it won't be easy over there, after this conference.

Don't you think we're a match made in heaven though?

I suppose.

You've all chosen your paths. It's about time for me to think about what I can do too.

Speaking of, I was just talking to Fiammetta about quitting my job as a Legata.

Too much trouble?

I mean, with the old man? I can already see the trouble waiting in the future.

But you're not getting away that easily, Mostima. You answer to me now.

Oh.

Here's your first job: bring this letter to El.

Can I say no?

Nope.

Deliver it to her personally.

Unemployment is sounding more appealing by the second.

Quit it with the lame excuses.

And there's my old taskmaster.

You won't give up.

How can you be so sure?

Don't pretend that you don't need this job.

You're looking for an answer, aren't you?

I'm not Andoain.

I didn't say you were.

But you have a choice to make, about who you are.

And to find that answer... one must have journeyed far enough.

So how does it feel to be seen right through, Mostima? Sounds like you don't even need a halo to.

This is my own path, then. You shouldn't follow me, Fiammetta.

You think the world revolves around you? We just happen to be taking the same road.

I have his gun.

If he still sees himself as Sankta, he'll be back for it.

Then he'll pay for what he did!

And you'll help me.

Fine...

By the way, the Astray that were caught in the city have been set free.