act18side

The one in front of me grabbed me and pulled me up off the ground.

My palm was drenched in sweat.

Now that's the good stuff!

I had no idea you had such exquisite wine down in the cellar.

You flatter me.

Urtica's countryside lacks just about everything, but there are indeed a number of master winemakers here.

Then we've got to make sure to drink our fill before the little runt grows up. Can't be leaving any for him!

Haha, that simply won't do.

The boy has been under house arrest for a number of years, but I'm looking for the right time to teach him how to drink. I'll have to fill him until he's a hopeless alcoholic.

I was entranced for a short while.

'You will become the Lehnsherr of Urtica.'

Oh, so you still had that trick up your sleeves.

Once the runt has been completely soaked with wine, it'll be a load off Their Majesties'––

Shh!

Yes, yes, right. Screw me, mate! Guess I'll have to repent with another glass!

'You will learn to take responsibility for your own subjects.'

But remember, these words don't leave the wine table.

We can't allow the boy to have heirs. That's the order from on high, with my life on the line.

If it's that big of a deal, why don't you find an apothecary...

That won't work, it'd leave a paper trail. Only by letting him usher his own downfall will my task be considered complete.

Ambitious! Truly ambitious! Come, let us drink to that!

'You are about to take a completely different path from that of your disgraceful kin––'

If I can get rid of the boy without getting my hands dirty, then Urtica will be mine.

I'll drink to that! Prost!

Prost!

Haha, hahahahaha....

Did you hear that, boy?

This is the peaceful, easygoing life you wanted!

Herr Ebenholz, Herr Ebenholz?

You fell over on the spot. I almost had you sent to the hospital.

Feeling a little better?

I...

I'm perfectly fine.

About the plan...

I don't want to hear it right now.

I'm going.

As I said, you can leave at any time.

Don't come pestering me again.

Well, you'll have to forgive me for being bad at following orders.

Welcome back–– Your complexion looks terrible. What's wrong, did you get sick?

I'm fine.

You sure don't look fine to me. Go rest in bed and I'll boil some water for you.

There's no need.

Relax. I used to take care of Grandpa when he first got sick. Just lie down and let me handle the rest.

If you don't get any better, I'm going to tell Hibiscus.

I'll be right back!

Graf Urtica endures a splitting headache and lies there in bed.

His consciousness gradually blurs.

Depraved maggots.

They would destroy your exalted bloodline...

Shut up...

Argh!

Self-deprecating trash!

The sound of a cello comes from afar.

<i>...The Sky is blue and fine...♪</i>

His headache is no less intense, but the voice in Graf Urtica's head is drowned out by the melody from the cello.

A wave of reprieve washes over him.

<color=#000000><i>...The Breeze lilts by in Song...♪</i></color>

This melody sounds somewhat familiar.

His splitting headache makes it impossible for him to gather his thoughts, but he feels he has heard this melody somewhere before.

<color=#000000><i>...The River murmurs clear...♪</i></color>

Where have I heard this before...

Where?

<color=#000000><i>...My heart––</i></color>

You're awake!

I...

Just stay put for now. Hibiscus just came over and drew blood when she saw the state you were in. She said there's nothing wrong with your body, but you might be over-stressed and worn out.

(Over-stressed... Hah...)

I heard someone playing the cello just now... Was that you?

Yes.

Where... did you learn that melody?

Hmm, maybe someone hummed it to me when I was little?

I don't exactly remember.

When you were little...

When you were little––

You–– You're that––

I'm what?

The weakened Graf Urtica struggles a few times, but nevertheless is unable to crawl out of bed.

But those dusty memories within his mind, awakened by the sound of the cello, flashed once more before his eyes.