act26side

Did you tell her?

What? Oh, as in, that she might already be dead? Of course not.

She's unsettled right now. Telling her the truth could just as well cause more problems.

So what <i>is</i> your plan? Lie to her and say nothing's wrong, muddle through, figure out the rest later, I bet?

You make it sound so bad... but still, that's basically it.

Serpilia, something seems a little fishy with your emotions. What happened?

None of your business. I'm doing great.

If you say so, then. No problems in Serpilia-land.

Okay. I'll leave her to you.

Hmph. Every undependable bastard's on parade today.

(An accident caused by an unintentional discharge...)

(Ha. And so what?)

(If I hadn't helped her...)

What? Make it quick.

Wait, what do you mean Sarkaz in the outer vicinity? Are they still trying to break your blockade?

Just a few? Scouting the road?

Fine, got it. What about Oren?

No, you can leave Oren to me. I'll contact him.

Listen, here's what you guys do next...

...Seriously... what a good runner!

*huff*...

Or maybe I just lost it...

(Back in the old days, I would've put them away clean in a fraction of the time.)

(Times like these... I can't help but feel a little mad.)

There you are...!

Guess it's not the time to brood just yet.

(The sound of strings is growing clear. I am steadily approaching the source.)

(But the Arts are diminishing in strength. Are they giving up casting, or... hm?)

Who is it?

Senior Federico? What are you doing here...?

I was not referring to you.

Er, excuse me...?

Are you lost? If you don't mind, I can—

Stop talking.

Mmff?! Mrmmffff!!

What... What <i>was</i> that? That monster...

I do not know.

It's fled downstairs! Not good... Gerald's group live down there!

Stay still.

Someone is here.

I heard gunfire this way, so I came to test my luck.

Cardinal Aide Lemuen, Serpilia's report stated that you would not be operating in the field.

Don't blame her. If I'm honest, I didn't think I would be either.

But then came a slight twist...

We'll catch up later. Are you on your own, Federico? Is nobody else operating with you?

I am on my own.

Then let's keep it short. I'm on the trail of a surprise... visitor.

I won't keep you too long...

So here, be good and tell me.

Which way did my 'visitor' happen to go?

I'm a little surprised.

Because I've come to turn my back on the faith?

Because of what you're evading, Stefano.

I don't know whether you're under some outside influence, but if...

There are no ifs, Aulus.

I am not so far gone that Arts would sway me.

There are times when Arts doesn't need to change our minds at all. All too many things can impact us, Stefano.

You are asking that I reconsider. Why, heretic priest?

Is this decision of mine not what you always wanted to see?

I can't deny it.

But in turn, I have to recognize that back when this extraordinary building was still in Iberia, it was my fortune to study here, and those days were precious like little else to me then.

In this way, Stefano, I'm just like you. I feel for this place, just as you do.

I still remember the cleric who came with you from Laterano.

I remember very many.

The one you recall took his gun, sixty years ago, and made the decision to fall in line with the Church of then. While I...

I chose to stay behind, and protect those who were left.

And this fed your faith, enduring until now.

If you know so well, why would you still have me continue to wait, to endure?

Are you about to refute all that you've maintained and proclaimed, just to turn around and tell me to deliberate, exhort me to stay fast?

Of course not. Stefano, you know I wouldn't.

But at core, I walk the path I believe is right, and so I would hope I could say the same of you.

Tomorrow morning, should you still be committed, I will consider it your choice then.

I will prepare what you need.

If you are not yet decided, I will advise you to continue contemplation.

Whatever it may be... I hope your decision will be that you find truest.

Aulus, you wrongly assume one thing.

And what is right?

I am lost for any other choice.

Very well. Should this be Truth's ordain...

Then I will welcome you, Stefano, my brother anew.

Mind if I come in?

...You can.

'Scuse me.

You're not doing too hot, then?

...Can I ask a question?

Sure.

Is... Is Fina not...?

With us anymore?

Not to push you, but I'd prefer some other question.

I'm not really up for lying to you.

Okay.

Actually, I had an inkling all along...

When it happened, I just suddenly—couldn't feel Fina anymore... even though she was so angry, and so upset...

And she was right there in front of me, right...? But I couldn't find her anywhere...

If I hadn't helped you fix up that gun...

No!

Don't say it, please...

...Alright.

I felt the horns—on my head. They're horns just like Raimund's.

I can't ever pray holding my gun again, but at least...