act22side

They tell me you're an Infected too. It's you who convinced Selmon and the rest to bring us here.

You... trust me, like Fionn does?

Please, no pressure, I... I don't want to be a burden on you, or anyone.

I just want to do something, anything. People like me have nothing left to lose as is.

If I can bring something or other to the rest of the Tarans, then I want to do it. If my legs will still walk forward, then I want to go with you.

I think that's fine. Reed, for now, let's go together. How about it?

To the red-haired Vouivre, the question's not one Reed needs to respond to, because she starts pulling Reed along before an answer even comes.

Reed takes a glance back at their visitor. She knows Moran has night blindness, and needs someone to guide the way when darkness falls.

With little time to hesitate, Reed extends a hand to Moran.

...Let's go.

Here you finally are, Miss Harmonie. I was beginning to think I'd never see you today.

A wine tasting courtesy of the Viscount? How could I ever miss it?

But of course, but of course. A friend of the Marquess of Trent! You're the Viscount's guest of honor.

It's all thanks to your introducing me that I closed out that bit of prior business. I've been looking for an opportunity to thank you all this time.

Oh, it was quite nothing, Mr. Hall.

I've no noble personage, or even property in my name. At most, I'm just a messenger, scampering around so the ones in charge don't have to.

(Toasts)

Who might he be...?

The council's pet. A Mr. Fischer.

Oh? Well, I've certainly never heard of him before.

He only transferred to this county a short while ago. Youngsters like him tend to have to break their backs a little if they want a quick promotion.

Heheh. A universal truth, no?

You're too modest.

Oh, yes, I hear from some friends that the Dukes' armies are very frequently on the move now. They've put every core city of their duchies under strict martial law.

You've always been on top of the news... could you lend me a sly word, whether war seems imminent?

The papers certainly forecast it, don't they? After all, the Dukes' fleets did trundle up to Londinium's walls some while ago.

I'm not much concerned with the Sarkaz. I'm referring to between the Dukes... ahem, based on hearsay, that is. Just hearsay.

There's been a lot of Originium fuel circulating into County Trent. The Marquess and the Duke of Caster have always been jolly with each other, but County Trent and the Iron Duke's duchy share a border...

My, my, Mr. Hall, all intercity fuel trade requires inspection and approval. I presume you have some <i>very</i> good friends in municipal management, no?

Ha... haha, just for business purposes.

Miss Harmonie, you might not follow the war too closely, but... you came in from another city, didn't you?

You've been fortunate not to run into any hassle when you did, but I do ask you take care on the return journey.

I hear it's hideous in the villages beyond the nomadic cities. There's rebel elements popping up now and then. Even a case of arson a few days ago.

What sort of rebel elements are these to earn your attention?

Attention is a strong word—similar things happen in spades anywhere the bumpkins live.

It's that fire that's strange... hahah. This might not be true, so pretend I'm just telling you about some country tale.

Eyewitnesses say that fire wasn't quite your ordinary one. It was ferocious as an explosion, but not a hint of Originium explosives was found where it happened. And the nightmarish effort it took to extinguish it...

Unusual fire.

All too likely to be a coincidence, but all too familiar of a description to her.

Could it be... Loughshinny?

Harmonie is stunned.

'The Brigadier's' warning has certainly roused some anxieties deep in her heart. Ever since that Rhodes Island ship had sailed into Victoria, she'd been absent any hold of information on Loughshinny.

Someone, without a doubt, had been helping Rhodes Island cover their tracks. Clearly, this pharmaceutical company was not as simple as she first assumed.

And on the same coin, a Loughshinny aboard Rhodes Island would be a Loughshinny immensely difficult for the rest of Victoria's powers to find.

So why... why would Loughshinny leave the ship?

Why would she surface somewhere so close to Eblana?

From behind Harmonie, there is a gaze.

Her every move has been closely watched since the second she stepped into the ballroom.

But it is this moment when the gaze truly focuses on her.

Miss Harmonie?

...Hm?

I'm sorry... I was just thinking about the dance tonight. Say, what color earrings would I be best off wearing?

...Sir, I assume you've seen the relevant dossier, as well as all my reports.

I suggest we commence operation immediately...

Very well done, youngster. Have you tried the whiskey-filled chocolates out on the table?

I hope you're well, Duke of Caster. I didn't expect you would grace this party, let alone be waiting here.

Who could miss such a grand soirée? Just listening to the chamber performance blows my cares away, even from behind my partition.

I do hope you're enjoying yourself too.

I'm... still on duty. I can't be complacent.

Our every effort is made so that the masses can enjoy their serene lives.

Intelligence officers may be the lookouts, forced to keep a tense nerve even in times of peace, but you'll have your serenity one day.

Lest I forget. How's your health?

My gratitude for your concern, Duke. It floors me that you note the infection of an average intelligence officer like myself.

I—

Don't be nervous. You're not hiding anything. As I say, you've done very well.

By way of a reward, would you like a promotion after your mission is over, or would you like to quit?