act26side

Hey, wing-man.

I'm talking to you! Hey, come back!

Assuming that 'wing-man' is an epithet for Sankta, there are multiple individuals who fit the name.

I'm talking to you. I know your name is Federico.

Very well.

You really know how to piss people off, don't you?

I don't have time for your crap.

That guy, Oren...

He said that Gerald, he... for us, for me and Fortuna...

Is it true? Is Gerald really—

Yes, Gerald is dead.

Now that you answered, I'm starting to wish you didn't.

I don't get it... how could it be...

...I'm sorry, but this is a fact.

Ha... what are you sorry about?

Bah...

Keep your distance, wing-man. Close your eyes. Don't look at me.

That thing on your head is way too bright. It hurts my eyes. I just need a second to adjust.

Very well.

Gerald gave you his knife. The choice was his. It's not my place to argue.

But I can't let you take it away.

You have to know what it means to take the weapon of a Sarkaz mercenary.

It means carrying on the legacy of his name.

Yes. That's why I'm going to take it back from you, along with Gerald's name, and his honor.

I challenge you.

You won't win.

I have to.

As long as I draw breath, I'll find you, and challenge you.

Don't you dare underestimate me.

I refuse your challenge.

H-How dare you?!

I'm challenging you to an honorable—

Gerald was a mere hunter. There is no legacy to inherit in this knife.

What do you mean?

Exactly what I said.

If you want a knife that inherited the name of a Sarkaz mercenary, I have never been in possession of one. You're wasting your time challenging me.

If you want the knife of Gerald the Hunter, then yes, I am currently in possession of it.

Why you...

Do you want it?

...Burdenbeast dung.

This was Gerald's treasure. He wouldn't never let me take it just like that.

You keep it safe.

You just wait... I'll lead my people to find a new path, just like Gerald did.

I'll come back for it when I've earned it.

Very well.

I will keep it safe, until then.

Raimund...

Stop gawking. I think he can take it.

What about you? You said you couldn't hold a gun anymore. Are you... praying with it?

Yes...

I have a feeling it will answer me again.

Can I still use it, Serpilia?

Why not? It may be a little old, but you can trust my handiwork.

I used to study antique guns, you know.

Lately, though, I'm finding new things a little more interesting.

Do new things scare you at all?

There's no point being scared. One wants to learn more, in spite of the fear.

Besides...

Somebody once told me that techniques exist to be used.

I didn't understand at the time. But now...

Now?

I understand a little. I'm a craftsman, and I'm responsible for the weapons I craft.

Well, set that aside for a bit. What about you?

Are you ready to leave with the Sarkaz?

H-How did you know what I was going to say?!

No empathy needed to guess your thoughts.

It's not such a big deal when you put it that way, is it?

You wouldn't come looking for me at this hour with that solemn look on your face, if you were planning to come back to Laterano.

...Sorry.

I promised to come quietly and accept the punishment I deserved... but now I'm trying to run away.

S-So...

So, will I let you go?

Take a guess.

Er...

Your whole deal here is kind of a headache. You'll have to wear a hood all the time, if you live in Laterano.

I-I see, I guess that won't work...

Not that it'll be much better anywhere else.

You'll need to hide your horns, your appearance, and your gun.

And I'll still be your warden. You'll have to keep in touch with me, no matter where you go, as long as you live.

You won't cause me any trouble, will you?

—Er, um.

Wait, you're letting me go? W-Won't you get into trouble for that?

Worst case scenario, I quit my job at the Curia.

That was a joke.

It's true that I'll have some reports to write when I get back. I'll think about whether to get started on a resignation letter after that.

Anyway, you owe me more than a pizzelle now.

Th-Thank you... thank you so much.

Are we... still kin?

Does it matter? You're not getting off the hook, kin or not.

I want those pizzella next time I see you.

The convoy is almost here. The abbey can start moving once it's refueled.

Well, this was a tricky case, even though the location wasn't that far from Laterano. I think I should borrow a bed at the abbey, get some rest.

I didn't see you do anything particularly tiring, Richele.

Weren't you pretending that you didn't know anything?

Or should I thank you for not being lazy enough to dump all the evidence linked to the Church of the Deep into the sewers?

Don't be so uptight, Oren.

I'm sure Federico remembers the Sarkaz mercenary's dossier better than I do. And you and Lemuen are definitely more familiar with Church of the Deep cases than I am.

Plus, don't you think we're starting to get along a little bit, after you gave up empathy?

Why are you bringing that up?

No reason. Just, sometimes it's better to know less about a guy, like how you have to close one eye when you shoot.