act33side

You've made yours, I see.

The General says you lack conviction, but I don't think he is entirely correct.

You shouldn't speak so much when someone has your life in her hands.

It is only recently that I've realized I'm not as resolute as you.

We have been brought to where we are by the invisible tides of fate, but ever since the day this war started... There is no going back for us.

Then do your best to survive.

I won't hold back next time.

The silent assassin stows her blade up her sleeve, then slowly steps back into the shadows.

...Neither will I.

If only this was our last meeting.

Rhodes Island of Babel, Kazdel

A cold wind scatters the thick clouds of late winter, allowing sunlight to peek through the gaps and spread out across the bridge of the ship.

Down the stairs, Ascalon stands unmoving by a guardrail.

She shuts her eyes tight, enjoying the fleeting warmth of the sunshine.

Above the stairs, there is a clear rustling of cloth dragging against the ground.

A shadow flit across the assassin's face, blocking out the rays of sunlight.

Sorry Ascalon, did I disturb your rest?

I thought I wouldn't make any sound, if I took off my shoes.

No. You are welcome at any time.

The ground's cold. You should put your shoes back on, Your Highness.

Nothing you wish to tell me, Ascalon?

You mean...?

The reason you returned to Kazdel.

...It was my own decision.

I thought you wouldn't agree, and I didn't know how to bring it up with Your Highness...

Why would I not agree, Ascalon? Since it was your decision, I would trust your judgement.

Did you manage to see them?

...Manfred and Theresis are both well.

I can believe that. They're strong men.

We should finish our preparations soon as well. The operation to retake Kazdel isn't too far off now.

Why does your brow seem even more furrowed than before?

Our recent combat plans have been radical, and they've won us some battles too.

Still, I've been feeling uneasy.

Babel has changed a lot, especially...

Yes?

The Doctor.

The Doctor has changed a lot too... become more efficient, more clinical. It's like... the Doctor's now a machine that never makes mistakes.

That's just what a commander should be, no? Why would that make you worry?

We've got an incredible commander now, sure... But I think I trust the weirdo who kept falling off a burdenbeast more.

Is now really the best time to attack Kazdel, Your Highness?

Your intuition has always been on the mark.

You've had your worries too?

Do you remember?

We've faced countless insurmountable odds over the years, but we've overcome them all.

I believe that we can go through what comes next as well.

We've always been in danger, yes...

Babel carries the hopes of many, Ascalon. Faith has gotten us this far, and we cannot stop now.

We have always been at a disadvantage against the Military Commission. Now, most of their forces have redeployed to Londinium. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. We have no choice.

I will be at your side, keeping you safe.

No, Ascalon.

In the future, you must go further afield, to protect others.

Relax for now, and bask in the sunlight for a moment.

Your Highness...

Oh, right, remember to not always rest on your feet. If you're tired, you should go and enjoy a nice nap in your room.

I'll remember.

Hm...

The sunlight shines upon Ascalon's face once more.

It is bright and warm. But the moment the shadow faded away, she suddenly felt some peculiar emotion flooding through her chest.

At the time, she was unable to describe what it was. It dawned on her many years later, on another sunny day.

It was an unwillingness to part ways.

Londinium, Victoria

Mercenaries!

Message from His Grace the Duke: Storming Londinium like this was well done.

Assemble in Central in an hour. You'll be reviewed there, then you'll receive your bounty.

Hey! Did you get all that?

Yes. Your orders have been received.

Do let the Duke know on my behalf that we will be there on time.

The Sarkaz thank him for his generosity.

Hmph.

Uppity devils...

It could well be a rare fine day in Londinium, if it were not for the gun smoke filling the air. From atop the towering city walls, one can see the entire lay of this ancient city.

The General in his bloodstained uniform says not a word, his gaze fixed on the great edifice in the center of the city.

In the skies above Londinium, a dark cloud floats by.

Spring, 1094

Rhodes Island of Babel, Kazdel

I knew you'd come, Ascalon.

I'm the only one left.

Indeed.

After a few years here, you're the only one left, out of everyone I knew.

This upcoming mission of yours...

In Londinium. You knew that already.

To tell you the truth, I'm a little bit bothered by it. This isn't my first time going undercover, but...

It's the first time for me to step outside of Kazdel.

I heard you used to travel around for months?

It's not the same as going to Victoria, though.

You are going to be a sleeper agent in Theresis's mercenary army. When the time is right, you'll be provoking an armed rebellion.

Will killing Theresis really solve our problems?

No. The Military Commission is no longer reliant on any one strongman. This is exactly what Theresis wants.

So, the best way for you to accomplish your mission is to cause a disturbance at the right time. It'll sow doubts among the Victorian dukes, and they can do the dirty work for you.

Londinium is the heart of Victoria. They've got nowhere to run. The city will witness the downfall of the entire Military Commission.

And then you guys will beat up the whole Nachzehrer Court and take back Kazdel, right?

Still, Julie, you should—

Oh, don't be like that! I've been undercover before. It's just... you know, having to fool both Theresis and the Victorians at the same time... I've barely met any Feline who can do that!

I've even been practicing my Victorian just for this...

That's not what I meant.

Never mind. Here, for you.

What's this? My old clothes?

My name's been sewn into the lining... Did Her Highness do this?

Her Highness wanted to give this to you in person, but I don't want you two to meet at this moment.

I... would rather she not have to suffer too much.