act26side

You don't have a lot of people.

More than you think. Some went out and haven't returned.

It's getting late. Go back and have some rest.

Are you sure we're leaving tomorrow? Some people haven't come back yet.

We follow the plan as it is. We set out tomorrow morning.

Alright.

Senior Federico.

What is it?

I'm sleepy...

I'm sleepy, and hungry too!

Are you gonna take us home?

I want to go home... I want Mamma...

Have gone all day without food?

Yeah...

Mamma never eats. She says she's not hungry.

But we haven't eaten today. My tummy hurts.

It's so weird.

It's not weird. Food is one of the body's basic needs, and being deprived of it leads to discomfort and pain.

Mmm...

That's so complicated!

Is it normal to feel pain if you don't eat?

Has Mamma been hurting when she doesn't eat?

If what you say is true, yes, your mother has been suffering physical torment.

Enough, Reverend Executor!

This is a fact.

...*sob*

Waaaaaahhh...

Uwaaaahh!

Sometimes, the truth is better left unsaid.

*sniffles*...

Is Mamma hurting now?

I cannot confirm your mother's current status.

The Executor kneels down. No one pays attention to the dirt on the edge of his robe, and the adornments that represent his status.

Federico Giallo gazes straight into the children's eyes.

I am here as an executor of the Notarial Hall to investigate the truth of what is happening here at the monastery, and to maintain its peace and order.

The disappearance of an inhabitant is within the scope of my mission.

Do you mean...?

You'll help us find Mamma?

Yes, I will find your mother.

Really?

Yay!

I never would've thought...

Will you leave these children in my care for now, Reverend Executor?

I cannot make the decision for them.

You're right.

Will you go with this young man over here, children?

Me?

But I have to... well, I guess I can do it, now that the sacrarium's all burned up.

(It's the one even scarier than Senior Federico.)

(Yeah, he's so scary...)

You two...

That will do, Raimund.

He'll take you kids to supper, then it's off to bed, okay?

But I want to stay with Senior Federico...

Sara, Federico's busy! We need to be good.

O-Okay, we'll go with the scary guy...

Hahaha!

Boss!

A-Ahem.

Can you get the kids something to eat, then put them to bed?

I can... but where do I take them?

Hyman's house.

Hyman's? I guess there's nobody there right now... but what if Hyman comes back tonight?

It'll be fine.

Alright, then.

See you tomorrow, Senior Federico!

I hope we find Mamma tomorrow...

I will come for you in the morning.

Yay! Good night, Senior Federico.

Senior Federico, Senior Federico...

Yes?

I-I can't reach you!

Come down a little lower!

What?

Hehe...

G-Good night!

Hmph.

Quite the lady's man, aren't you?

Kids these days... what's so great about that guy?

Hey, wait up, you two! Don't run!

...Good night.

I thought this was going to be an easy trip, almost like a vacation, welcoming some brethren back to Laterano. It didn't sound hard at all, did it?

Well, I guess I did have to deal with Oren.

But that wasn't too much of a problem. It's not like you can't talk to him.

Certainly, your skills with a gun can solve many problems.

Not quite enough to deal with you, though.

You flatter me.

I'm not flattering you... should I call you Father?

You came to protect that... curious visitor of ours, didn't you? I suppose you're from Iberia?

I am.

You wear a cleric's robe, but you feel completely different to believers of the Lateran faith.

You're sharp.

Honest, aren't you?

I won't beat around the bush, then. I don't normally like to be so direct, but...

Not one more step forward. Leave, now.

You are not fit to set foot in Paradise.

I'm afraid I can't comply.

I am needed here, for a little longer.

(Tough customer.)

(An unusual sword. The style is Iberian...)