act18side

If you and Rhodes Island hadn't intervened, the Empresses' Voice would never have lifted a finger for my home.

Just doing my job.;Helping the Infected is Rhodes Island's creed.;The Afterglow is a lot easier to handle than Ebenholz.

You're too humble.

It's exactly as you said, and I'm starting to appreciate that more and more.

I suppose there must be a reason you summoned me here?

You asked to be deployed to the front lines, and I have to confirm your intentions.

I've already written my thoughts in full on the report.

Your condition's stable, but your infection's serious.

Anything can happen in battle.

I'm prepared.

Truth be told, Doctor. When Hibiscus helped me up and walked me to the concert hall, I was already prepared to die.

Even though so much has happened, and things turned out nothing like I had imagined, I... lived.

It really feels quite peculiar, and I cannot describe it very well, whether through words or music.

I'm not expecting to find how to express this feeling on the battlefield, but I'm thinking that it might prove beneficial if I try to fight for the Infected in an entirely different way.

I understand how you feel.

But do wait for your evaluation results.

I understand.

Speaking of which, Ebenholz is here too, is he?

Of course.;Why do you ask?

I haven't seen him at all since the day after we arrived at Rhodes Island.

Sometimes, I can't help but think that the black-clad Graf Urtica might have actually died.

According to Leithanien's official reports, he's indeed gone.;He's alive and well. Give him some time.;Ironically, that actually helped get our cooperation with Leithanien on track.

You're right.

Well then, I'll take my leave now, Doctor.

Speaking of Ebenholz, it happens the next thing on my agenda has to do with him.

Do you want to see him?

Never mind. I don't dare to claim I know how much this incident has affected him. I can only imagine.

If there comes a day when he's willing to see me or Hibiscus, we'll talk then.

Goodbye, Doctor.

Goodbye.;......;I look forward to hearing the music you'll write off the battlefield, and hope it'll be no less impressive than your past work.

Doctor? I'm surprised you found me here.

Some nice, fresh air with all the wind here. Helps destress.;......;There's an Operator who saw you here.

I don't need destressing.

Have you got nothing to say to me?

Who? I don't mind having a little chat.

I digress. I'm a Messenger today. Here's a letter for you.

A letter? Where is it from?

Leithanien.

I have an idea what it is. Hand it over.

Need me to stay and open it with you? One of my many services.

You're a funny one.

I get that a lot.

I really can't imagine you in a fight... Are you always this lighthearted when you're out commanding battles?

Haha.;......;I wouldn't mind you getting a little less serious when you're off to a field operation.

Is this how you always react when you're embarrassed?

You have that hood on, and you hardly ever say a word. Hmm hmm. It's quite imposing.

Well, I look forward to it, then.

I'm going then. Enjoy your alone time.

That goes without saying.

This... is the passport of a Leithanian citizen... Ebenholz.

Kreide's... and Graf Urtica's... death certificates.

Hm? There's more?

A letter?

<i>Dear Mr. Ebenholz:</i>

<i>Congratulations on the freedom that you have been longing for.</i>

<i>I am writing this letter to inform you that our common enemy, Graf Urtica, has passed away.</i>

<i>I would like to extent my sincerest apologies to you in regard to the troubles he and his friends have brought about.</i>

<i>It is my hope that this letter and the file enclosed may reach you as a consolation.</i>

<i>P.S. Please ensure that the death of Graf Urtica remains a cold hard fact.</i>

<i>Otherwise our joint effort will eventually go down the drain.</i>

It's not signed... An anonymous letter?

Just my impression of her.

Rhodes Island Operator Ebenholz presses the tip of his wand to the letter and sets it ablaze.

Not long after, the flames reach the passport, then the Count of Urtica's death certificate, and then Kreide's.

The smell of burning paper spreads across the deck.

Ebenholz picks up the cello next to him.

He thinks back to how his dear friend played the cello, closes his eyes, and begins to play a simple, lively melody.

When the Twin Empresses first took control, countless pieces of music singing their praises sprung up all over Leithanien. This, too, is one of those pieces.

Today, the second half of the song has long been forgotten. Only the first half is still sung by a small number of people, thanks to its uplifting melody and the lyrics openly express the singer's cheerful mood.

The sunset is glaringly bright.

<i>The Sky is blue and fine,</i>

<i>The Breeze lilts by in Song;</i>

<i>The River murmurs clear,</i>

<i>My Heart is filled with...</i>

<i>With...</i>

<i>Hope.</i>