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But Dagda... she's not really the temperament for this...

Go help her.

Phew.

Let's continue. Supplies from Heidi... improvised weapons by the Self-Salvation Corps...

Huh?

What's this at the bottom? It's not on the list.

She looks around and sees only Exemplars transporting supplies. She recognizes all their faces.

She carefully examines the box. After being satisfied that there is no threat, she opens it.

She is struck dumb by what she sees.

It is a set of clothing.

The cool rays of the morning sun shines upon an emblem—

The emblem of House Victoria. Her house.

Vina feels a bout of anger. Is this some kind of sick joke?

Wait, no—

She recognizes the outfit in her hands. It belonged to the Victorian royal family.

Why is it here? Who found it and delivered it to her?

She can only come to one conclusion, a single name.

Let's go. It's time.

What's the situation, boss?

Their equipment is inferior to the alliance's. The dukes are having the Exemplars take the brunt of the fighting. Casualties will be heavy...

But this is also an opportunity.

The dukes want a hero. The people need a hero. Why not add a finishing touch to the story?

You're betting on them to win.

Bet? No, the bets were already made when the battle outside the walls ended. This is just the last chance to double down.

No idea how that works, but whatever you say. What's next?

We kill.

There will be chaos once the final battle begins, and 'opportunists' too. I'm not about to let them do whatever they want right under my nose.

Say... boss, what was that thing you left behind?

A little stage prop, to give more substance to the legend.

'Garment of the royal house, retrieved from the ruins of Cumberland Manor. The leader of the Exemplars can make good use of it.'

'Don't you like the story? The last heir to the throne returns to drive out the devils, garbed in the King's regalia...'

'I heard that she didn't like the title...'

'She'll need it, if she wants to sway those who are still uncertain.'

'For now, at least.'

Is she alive—

Vina has had a little wish, ever since the day that the Steam Knight returned. Perhaps those around her had the same, but no one spoke of it.

She looks around nervously, but does not see her.

If anything, that is a relief. She is not ready.

A note?

'Tailored to your size. Hope it fits.'

There is no name on the note.

But for the first time, she knows that Allerdale is still alive.

There's something else...

A few photos, with the following words scribbled on the back.

'Something you might find interesting. Concerning a certain duke.'

<p=1>The Sineselde, Parliamentary Chamber</><p=2>December 15th, 1098, 4:02 P.M.</>

I brought the Defense Forces files that were requested.

Madam Speaker, since the establishment of the patrols, we have received no fewer than two hundred requests for assistance involving Millscar and her followers.

There is concrete evidence of their violation of Parliament's newly-enacted laws.

What are we waiting for? They're getting in the way of honest people doing honest work! Give the order! Put their heads on pikes outside the Sineselde!

Feist and Rockrock have already reported the situation to me.

I want the rebuilding to progress smoothly as much as you do, but that's not how Parliament works.

Go ahead, Viscount Elsa.

Millscar's behavior is certainly questionable, but their medicine has at least provided consolation to those suffering from the current shortage, if nothing else—

Balderdash!

They're exacting payment in lives!

Sit <i>DOWN,</i> Lord Alan! You are in Parliament!

They are using underground facilities, relics from the war, to evade our pursuit, Viscount Elsa.

They've been decentralizing their operations, of course, but there is also evidence indicating that someone associated with Parliament is helping them.

I believe we need an explanation for that, don't we?

Are the Londinium Defense Forces requesting our assistance with the investigation, Lieutenant Skamandros?

We are, of course, eager to help the citizens face the Millscar threat. I could contact Her Grace the Duke of Caster to arrange for personnel to be deployed to Londinium—

It is much reassuring to hear that Her Grace the Duke of Caster has, at long last, deigned to generously offer her valuable assistance to Parliament, Viscount Elsa. I am very curious to know if other dukes will do the same.

Baron Hector, Viscount Gideon, Dr. Herman, and Academician Erwin... may I trust you to pass on the message to the other dukes should you, by chance, have the opportunity to communicate with them?

Startled, the members whose names are called, who have been keeping a low profile in the room, are left with little choice but to smile and bow to Vina.

There is no affirmation or denial, but the argument in the chamber has evaporated, as though it never existed to begin with.

A special provisional court will be convened of the Members of Parliament to deal with the Millscar issue. Millscar will, of course, be granted the opportunity to present her defense.

There is whispering amongst the seats, but no objections.

Will she show up for the trial, though?

If she does not appear, she will forfeit her right to a defense, and the court shall pass judgment in a fair and just manner.

Horn, kindly instruct patrols to take Millscar into custody and bring her to the Parliamentary Chamber.

Prior to Parliament's recess today...

She has two hours. I will wait for her here.

You should wait in the office, get some rest. You don't look so well.

I'll let you know if she comes—

I said, I'll wait here!

Right then.

Sorry. I'm just—

I know.

I don't understand. There are so many things that are much more urgent—Infected in need of treatment, shortage of supplies, rebuilding the city, restoring order...

My desk is constantly covered in important matters that require my attention.

But they would rather spend an entire day bickering over something that they don't even disagree about—

*sigh*...

I'm not doing a good enough job.

I remember that I promised you she would not get away, if you give my people and the Defense Forces free rein to search for her.

We're short-handed. Trying to solve the problem this way means ignoring other, more urgent problems in the city—

Then why do you think you're not doing a good enough job?

Don't try to carry a nomadic city on your back. That's what the tracks underneath it are for.

You don't have to become the perfect leader that they talk about, for whom solving every single problem is taken for granted.

Besides... from Millscar to the protests to the medicine shortage, the shadow of the dukes loom large over all these recent affairs.

There is no doubt that Caster is behind the Millscar matter, but something has to give. Millscar has gone too far.

Catching her is no easy task, though. Indra and Dagda say she has associated with a strange Vampire.

Delphine... if she doesn't show—

Do you want her to, Vina?

<p=1>Millscar Hideout</><p=2>December 15th, 1098, 5:17 P.M.</>

Wh-Why are you blindfolding me? I've paid my husband's bill!

Yes, ma'am, you're an honest woman.

You have paid the bill of Mickey Robinson. The boss sends her condolences. Your husband made many contributions to the city.

C-Can I go now?

Of course. Once you've paid your other debt, that is.