act33side

I'm just a humble merchant. My business only stretches so far.

Mercenaries seek to sell their lives. I seek to make money. That's why I always respect the positions of my big clients.

Then I'll talk to your biggest client. The one in the room behind you.

Your Highness should go no further.

Since when have you started meddling in the affairs of Kazdel, Scareye?

All the more reason I can't let you go further.

Well...

Please, don't make things difficult for Scareye, Your Highness.

You understand that there's only one way this can go, if you and the Regent come face-to-face here.

...Confessarius.

I beg Your Highness's pardon.

Looks like you've made a decision.

Is this Theresis's position?

It is.

He has decided to abandon our city?

Not abandon. Take a step forward, to go on a long expedition away from home, that's all.

You have made us stagnant. We want to progress.

The Confessarius is right.

I still remember when you and General Theresis came here for the first time. Even fate itself stepped aside for the two of you, when you stood together.

But look at the people here now, when Kazdel is divided.

You can still command any Sarkaz to your will as their King. You could kill all of us who stand here right now. But why not ask them if they're still willing to follow your dream?

The bustling Scar Market has lost its usual commotion. Scattered mercenaries stow their weapons and stand with heads bowed in reverence.

In their eyes is silence, but the King of Sarkaz hears the voices of their hearts clearly.

Uncertainty, excitement, desire, anger.

Most of you have made up your minds.

Then there is no point for me to try to stop you.

One of the Sarkaz suddenly kneels.

He has not changed his mind. He has not turned away from the temptation of Theresis's plan.

He simply feels a sense of guilt towards Theresa, one of the Six Heroes, their King who rebuilt Kazdel.

Kneel if you feel you should. Neither General Theresis nor Lord Scareye will fault you.

Ah... this ancient gesture signifies more than just fealty. I am more familiar with its other meaning...

Penitence.

...Qui'sartuštaj.

Have you found the meaning of your name?

Not yet, Your Highness.

Then forgive their sins as you must forgive yours.

Theresis and I will carry all your sins.

As you bid.

I bow to you, King of Sarkaz.

In millennia of Sarkaz history, it has always been an honor for warriors to go to war with their Kings.

They have tasted struggle and glory, picked themselves up from the bloodied soil...

For the Kings of Sarkaz always stood in front of them, never abandoning their people.

Where the Kings point, that is where home is, where cities will emerge from the earth.

Now, though, they have abandoned their King.

I promised a home of peace and safety, where Sarkaz will be forever free from war.

Before I set foot here, I had a sliver of hope that perhaps someone would follow me.

But I saw fire in your eyes.

I saw the city that none of you had seen with your own eyes burn.

The ancient city comes in many shapes and forms in your eyes.

A city of desire, a city of hatred, a city of wealth, a city of glory...

You all believe you will plunder what you have longed for in that unfamiliar land.

That's why I changed my mind. I decided to see Kazdel's bravest warriors off.

Kazdel will embark on a path of conquest for the first time in many years.

I honor you, even though I never wanted you to take this step.

You answered Theresis's call and dove into yet another campaign of hatred.

Death awaits you far away from home.

Yet you still choose to leave our home and go to Londinium.

The sorrowful King of Sarkaz walks among her people, who bow their heads to avoid her gaze.

Yet their determination does not waver, even if it means defying the King.

'We're going.' 'We're going.'

Voices rise and fall, as though the warriors are singing an elegy for themselves as they go to death.

We exalt Your Highness, but we cannot follow you anymore.

The Regent promises that Londinium will be a new start.

There lies the Sarkaz future.

There lies <i>our</i> future!

Take care of yourselves, my warriors.

Even if you will never return to Kazdel.

The white figure passes through the parted crowd. The King's people are unmoved by her words.

They no longer follow the King they once exalted.

The other possibility for her people, the home full of flowers that she strived to build, did not come in time for the Sarkaz.

General...

You knew this day would come.

What do you think?

Hesitate, and all we've worked for will be for naught.

Her Highness did not hesitate. Neither should we.

Make your preparations, then, Manfred.

Do not forget the feelings that burn within you, here and now.

No matter what they are.

Secret Entrance of Scar Market, Kazdel

No need to be down, Ascalon.

More will join us when Babel grows strong enough to provide shelter for more people.

We're being followed.

Your Highness—!

Wait, Ascalon. She's not hostile.

Whoa, that was a hard hit. Is that a sleeve-blade?

Anyway, Your Highness, I would like to leave with you, if that's okay with you.

Thank you. What's your name?

Julie.

A nice name. One that's not often used by mercenaries. Did you make it up yourself?

No... I don't have a name. Someone else gave it to me. She said having a name gives one a sense of belonging.

She's right.

Why not follow the rest of them to Londinium?

I've had enough of fighting. She says Your Highness will bring about a life where we don't have to fight anymore. That's why I came to check it out for her.

I wanted to challenge you before deciding whether to go with you, but I didn't even have the guts to raise my sword when you stood before me.

You're a strong warrior, that's for sure.

I wouldn't say that about myself when I'm standing in front of you.

At least I can be sure that she wasn't playing me for a fool when she said you were once a great hero of Kazdel.

A reason so simple it's hard to believe.

The red-haired mercenary scratches her head.

Well... I guess I liked the way you talked just now. Not sure I understood most of it, though.