act26side

Tuna, if through our halos, you can feel even a fraction of what I'm feeling right now–

Then hand your patron firearm over.

Fina? What are you going to do?

Just hand it over.

There's no reason for us to pray to these things.

Give it to me!

Something's wrong with you, Fina... It's too dangerous. I, I can't give it to you!

Why not? Didn't you say you'd share it with me?

I did say that, b-but, this is different!

You said you didn't get me at all, but I should be the one saying that... What's gotten into you, Fina? Wake up!

I'm all too awake!

I've never been so awake! You wanna talk about prayer? About the empathy only Sankta have? I've had enough!

I don't need to be special! All I want is–

You can't...!

Fina, don't be like this––!

Aaaaaaargh––!!

...Huh?

Fina...?

Urgh... Ahh! Ahhhhh!!

All I want... is for everyone... to stay together...

Fina? What's wrong with you? You're scaring me...

FINA!

Yo. Finally caught up to you guys.

So, what's the word? Everything going well?

Serpilia, you need to notify us in advance if you're going to act on your own.

Don't be such a hardass, will ya? All I want is to finish the job as soon as possible.

First, the good news. I found Lemuen. She's inside the monastery.

And then the bad news— she doesn't want to come with us.

She always has her own agenda. Couldn't get through to her at all.

Hey, don't frown at me. Go drag her out yourself, if you've got what it takes.

Alright.

Huh? Alright what...? Wait, you've gotta be joking, right?

No.

Serpilia, let me give you a little insider tip from the Notarial Hall.

What is it?

Federico never cracks jokes. He isn't capable.

I will locate her myself and ascertain her thoughts.

What, do you think I'm lying to you or something?

I can't be certain that you're telling the whole truth.

Federico.

Now I understand why so many girls in the Curia have you blacklisted.

Well, whatever, let's set that aside for now. What's the situation over there? Did you manage to talk to the people?

Senior Richele...?

Is this one with you?

Yes. We're all colleagues.

What else do you want to know, young Sankta?

We have nothing here, nothing at all... We also have nothing to say. You shouldn't have come...

Amita Nina! How could you say that? We were the ones who reached out to Laterano... You didn't have a problem with it then, did you?

A problem? *sigh* I should've told Stefano a long time ago not to expect anything from Laterano.

Yes, yes, Julian, throw them out! We never should've let the Laterans in. We don't need their help! Get them out of here now!

Umm...

Calm down, Amita Nina!

What's gotten into you? Weren't you just saying you'd go welcome our guests?

I... I...

Seems like the two of you need to sort some things through in private. Is there anything I can do to help?

S-So sorry! Amita Nina here just got a bit worked up... Umm, I don't think we need any help, I just need to take her to get some rest. Come find me if there's anything you need to talk about later!

Uhh, yeah! Make sure she gets some rest!

Hmm...

That was kind of odd.

Looks like things aren't going too well for you over here.

What was that about?

Things seemed fine at first, but then I have no idea what happened. Hrm.

Federico, you were the one who wanted to interrogate the residents. Did you notice anything?

That woman's mood was unstable. While it's not unusual for a person to change their mind mid-conversation, it's rare for someone to forget the topic entirely and change their demeanor.

And so you mean...?

...I do have a theory.

But it's just speculation at this point. I will discuss it if the likelihood rises significantly.

Then that's that.

Besides some of the residents being kinda loopy, you must've made some other discovery?

C'mon, Reverend Executors. Let's put our heads together.

So putting it plainly... That bishop dumped all this extra work just for the sake of the Sarkaz living here?

Didn't we mention we were willing to bring them back to Laterano? He's leaving everyone out here to starve in the cold just for those Sarkaz? He detained a Lateran nuncio just for those Sarkaz?

Yes.

Seriously? First, that traitor Andoain leaves, and now we get this merciful, compassionate bishop?

Yes.

Whew. Alright. Cool.

I'm not exactly into the drama, but is he out of his mind?

No wonder Lemuen couldn't agree with him... Considering what the Sarkaz did in Londinium, those Victorian dukes are probably furious.

If word got out that His Holiness was cavorting with the Sarkaz now, his plans for the Summit of Nations would be through.

Sounds pretty serious.

Federico, if I remember correctly, the task given to Lemuen and Oren was to provide assistance and reclaim this monastery for Laterano, right?

Correct.

A good call, seeing as how this structure could serve as a fort and has a rather unique history. Definitely could come in handy.

Especially when the time comes for us to reach out to Iberia again.

At least for now, there's no need for us to stoke conflict and burn bridges here.

By the way, Federico, did you recognize that Sarkaz back there?

Yes.

Who is he?

A mercenary.

The average conversation between the two of you is about as interesting as 'What'd you eat last night?' 'Dinner.'

Federico, how much do I have to pay you for a few extra words? You name the price, and I'll send the bill to His Holiness.

I have never considered this question.

Give the guy a break. Oh, right. We know now Lemuen is well, but... what about Oren?

The guy ran off a while ago. Even Lemuen doesn't know where he ended up.

But he's pretty good with the self-preservation. If you ask me... he's probably hiding somewhere, planning his next move.

Huh? Uh...

Hmm?

A bell? Where's that sound coming from?

The ringing of the bell signifies the beginning of the sermon.

Should we head over? There won't be anyone in the monastery during the sermon, so we could look for Oren.