act26side

I finally—fit in, with Raimund, and Caroline...

I fit in with everybody.

Hah, the flowers weren't blooming this early last year. Funny timing now, hm?

No complaints, though. One last bloom for the road.

And so...

That'll do it...

Repeat that... we have a fallen angel? That Fortuna girl?

Yes.

I wasn't expecting that one, let me tell you...

Fallen... Our only option is to hold on until we get back, then let His Holiness decide. It's not something we can handle right here.

But that surprise visitor who barged into my room is a different story. Federico, there's some things I'll explain to you later... for now, anything's a non-starter unless we find that visitor, whatever it is.

I require your assistance, Executor Federico.

It has mobility on its side. I managed to chase it down this far, but that was a stretch, and I've lost it now anyway.

Huh, no immediate reply?

That's rare. You're making me feel like something bad happened to you... Hey, I see those knit brows. Something bad did happen, then?

...I heard strings.

Strings? Did... you? I don't think I heard anything...?

Based on my inference, the sound came from the sacrarium on the top floor.

Right...

Let me be real. I've gotten to know the length and breadth of your work at the Notarial Hall, which is why I'm relatively willing to trust your judgment.

I am now formally querying you—

Notarial Hall Executor Federico, do you truly believe this unidentified, unascertained, and possibly completely benign sound of strings—

Stands to be more important than the request for assistance I'm making of you?

It does not.

Obviously not.

The occurrence of the sound is a chance event. I have suspicions about it, but I cannot deny that I as of yet find no direct correlation between it and our catalog of current affairs.

Based on present circumstances, I judge that priority should be given to providing requisite assistance, in tandem operation with you.

Heheh. All done then?

Alright, alright, I'm not here to bully you anyway. Just, I do need to check in with how you're doing real quick.

I see now.

Point me in a direction. I'll continue target pursuit, and I'll leave you to sort out the strings debacle.

This mission requires that we prioritize assuring yours and Oren's safety.

Due diligence is great and all, but I say priority's the kind of thing you need to judge yourself.

I can't sense your emotions, Federico. Still, I have this Liberi friend, see, who's the reason I learned long ago how to guess what people are thinking. Couldn't do empathy with her, after all.

She might be a lot easier to figure out than you are, but some things carry over.

One teensy little word of advice—maybe sometimes, you need to learn to trust your instinct.

That settles that. We don't have time to waste... and I've gotta force myself to be a little active anyway.

Operation a-go! Move out, everyone~

Speed up.

Senior Federico! W—Wait one moment, please!

What exactly do... you think is up there? It was just the sound of strings, and we can't even hear it anymore!

Are—Are we really going to let the seniora brave the danger on her own? She's in a wheelchair, after all...

You have no need to worry.

How could I <i>not</i> worry? I just saw it myself... it was a monster!

Lemuen was admitted into the Lateran by personal invitation of a Cardinal of the Seventh Tribunal. Her strength defies any contempt.

Do not underestimate her.

I don't quite follow what you're telling me—I assume you mean she's just as mighty herself?

But... what if?

Speed up. Or stay where you are and wait.

I suggest you pick the latter. It is the safer option.

(Empty?)

(No.)

Subtle noises spill through the spacious sacrarium. The loading of the gun keeps audible lockstep rhythm.

The executor suddenly points.

Come out.

I will only warn you once more. Come out from there.

Ah... he found us.

He found us. He's just like the lady said...

Yeah, the big man found us right away!

Is—Is he really the man she was talking about?

He's got the wings and ring and they're all black. It's him, must be.

Mister, my name is Erendel!

I'm Estara...

Where is the woman who described me to you?

He looks really, really scary...

You're too scary! And you didn't even say your name... that's just rude!

Mamma says if you don't know someone's name and they're a stranger, you shouldn't tell them anything...

Federico.

Senior Federico's scary. Is he a good guy...?

I bet he is! Just like in the story.

W—We can tell him, then, right?

Probably we can?

Um... well...

Someone told us...

We had to wait here for a really scary big man with a black ring on his head just like she has!

And she—she said you'd find Mamma with us...

Yeah! And also she said we were only allowed to wait a little, tiny bit! And if you didn't come, then we come out ourselves.

Um... she said we couldn't stay here forever.

And also, also, she said...

Eek!

Senior, Senior! Quick... there's a fire!

Wah!

Waargh!

Get out for now.

Cover your mouth and nose. A fire has broken out.

Fire devours all indiscriminately.

One fire can destroy everything, no matter how precious, no matter how treasured.

Gerald once said the Sarkaz have no home, only war that follows them wherever they go. They swore fealty to their lord in the hope of finding a home of their own.

He left because he became disappointed.

I did not dare to ask why he was disappointed.

We were full of hope when we first came here.

We were happy despite the hardship.

But now...

Now, they are leaving. Is it because life here has disappointed him in the same way?

What about me?

I am watching the things I treasured burn before my eyes.

Burning.

Fading away.

Gone... all gone...

Fire! Fire!