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Apart from any guests cleared to be with the Grand Duke, only his medical adviser, as well as the servants, are allowed to enter this area.

Even so, the Ursus nobles won't permit the workers to come to this balcony freely.

We've already waited for long enough. The longer we spend, the riskier this gets.

I understand. There has to be some gap, there has to be an opening... the Grand Duke's medical advisers work in shifts, so it might be me before we know it. Today, or perhaps tomorrow.

Lillia, tell me the truth.

After the Grand Duke dies, what will you do?

Why ask this now? We should be focusing on what's before us—

I'm hoping you can answer me with reality.

Before we reached Pine Valley, I received one final letter from Vampilov's family.

Sergei is still diligently serving Boris, and the city... has changed course. Perhaps this is the start of something changing.

They killed so many people... yet their conscience is still so clear. They rest so easily...

You found out about Sergei's betrayal.

But no excuse can bring back the dead.

Sergei can't offer any further scientific assistance. Perhaps in a few years, they'll formally call a halt to the project. And then? I just sit back and watch Sergei and Boris continue to collude, to trample over everything?

Though Grand Duke Vanya will be dead, you don't plan to stop.

There's no way I can pardon Sergei. The first time I met him, Astrov was drunk, hugging me so excited, telling me all about how he had such upstanding, excellent colleagues.

He looked forward to this project like no one else, and I supported him. I supported him with all I could.

Even up to now.

Director Kal'tsit, you know everything, don't you?

If you won't speak up, I'll return to Chernobog. I'll settle things once and for all.

Vampilov's family have an escape route to Sami ready for me, but maybe, I wouldn't get the chance to hitchhike with any Messengers. And you...

I do plan to.

Heh... of course.

I'm very well aware, I'm setting myself alight. So... Kal'tsit, no matter whether you plan to confess all the facts to me or not, at the very least there's one tiny thing I want you to agree to.

I know I'm doing something insane right now, and I know maybe you're the one in the right. But right now, I only have one request. Look after my daughter. Look after Louisa.

The next generation doesn't need to inherit the hassle of hatred... Even if nobody can escape this cycle in the end, at least promise me, Kal'tsit. Look after her. If you can, please look after Lyudmila too...

Dr. Louisa? Dr. Louisa, where are you?

Here! Please wait one moment!

Kal'tsit... I...

I promise you.

This is simply a mother's final wish. I will see Louisa grow up.

Thank you.

Astrov—the last time he held little Louisa's hand, he told me something, half-jokingly.

He said, he hoped little Louisa would become a medical researcher just like me, and when Louisa was old enough to go to school, he hoped you'd be her very first teacher.

I see...

Those were the very last words he said to his daughter before he suddenly went to the Institute that night.

Oh, doctor, here you are! Perfect, if you were any later, the head caretaker would've gone ballistic.

Hm? Doctor, what's got your eyes all red? Did something happen?

Nothing. What's the matter?

It's time to make rounds.

I wasn't even paying attention... right, I understand.

Is there some kind of commotion over there?

Yes, seems an old nobleman's come from far off. Don't know for what.

As long as the days go by smooth, that's what matters.

Hello—

Excuse me, we're currently making rounds... It seems you weren't on the list of scheduled visitors. Can I ask who you are?

Just an Ursus citizen here on a whim, looking to meet an old friend. Do carry on, madam.

I hope I don't bother any of you in your work.

Witte, are you off?

No, old friend, I'll see you again in a bit. You should be more mindful of your health, with winter here. Don't set off that asthma of yours.

As you were, madam. I'll be waiting in the hall.

(He's...)

Minister Witte!

Do watch out.

Ah, I, sorry...

The Grand Duke didn't know you were visiting. It's our negligence on the job to blame. As a token of apology, the Grand Duke would like you to have dinner with him.

We hope you understand, the Grand Duke is ill, and if not for that, he would've greeted you himself...

Huff.

Ah, I'm sorry, I'm greatly sorry...

What's wrong with you! In the presence of the Minister—

Oh, nothing, just some alcohol spilled on the bedsheets.

Calm down. Madam, what happened?

I'm sorry, the cap on the isopropyl bottle was too tight, and I applied too much force...

You could've just asked someone else to help.

Sorry, so sorry, I'll go and fetch a towel right now...

Poor her.

As for the Grand Duke's invitation, I do regret that my Messenger is still waiting for me, and I can't stay so long.

Do pass a message on to Vanya. Tell him to rest up with peace of mind here. Though he should remember, also, that this is a meritorious place for those Our Majesty gives favor, and not another social hub for the nobility to mingle in.

Ah... got it, got it... if you could just hold on... the Grand Duke will be very sad to hear.

This is official business. If I have to choose between Our Majesty and the Grand Duke, I'm forced to wrong the Grand Duke Vanya.

Ergh...! You should've spoke sooner! If that's so, the Grand Duke will surely empathize with you.

May your road be evergreen.

Send him my regards.

Dr. Louisa, what's wrong...?

Kal'tsit, who is he?

Viscount Islam Witte.

You recognize him...?

Ursus's new Minister of Finance, a fresh noble with deep favor from the Emperor.

He...

It's alright, Dr. Louisa.

I have only surface knowledge of his character, and don't know specifically how he made his fortune. But what I do know is, he's a present pillar who the Emperor of Ursus has personally assisted.

And young elites like him can only have their sights set on the whole of Ursus. To the waves of crisis crashing against the Empire, the crises of Chernobog are mere tiny ripples.

Even a Grand Duke of Ursus—

—Hold on... hold on.

The Minister of Finance came to Pine Valley, yet has no armed entourage?

Oh... I don't think so.

3上

13 Years Ago

8:09 P.M. \ Heavy snow

Victoria Border Autonomous Region, County of Toron, Vincent Manor

What a splendid blizzard eve! Ladies and gentlemen, welcome, welcome, please come in. Allow the servants to brush the snow off your tops, and thaw yourselves by the brazier.

A good evening to you, Count. Truly a magnificent soirée, this is.

Welcome, welcome, Lady Diana. To meet you on the eve of the New Year is my honor entirely.

Nonsense. Now take a look, Count. I've a present for you, all the way from Kazimierz.

What a beautiful pendant! My greatest thanks, Lady Diana, and send my well-wishes to your husband. Now, hurry along inside, we can't have the snow burying your gorgeous looks.

Hah! You speak as fine a line as ever.

Oh-ho, look who's here! If it isn't our 'Baron of Rye!'

I could never shoulder a title as hefty as Baron, but here I am anyway, the pure nerve!

See what you're saying! We all respect you from the bottom of our hearts. Who spurns the man who feeds his people well, now? Ha ha ha!

Ah, you're quite right. Once harvest comes next year, I'd be honored if you visit my humble home. The tallest windmills in Toron, the scent of flour everywhere. A stay sure to enchant you, if I do say so myself.