act37side

But you, too, need a little push. I'll take care of the remaining altars.

You've changed. A lot.

I could say the same for you, 'Millscar'. Are you sure you like that name?

You've chosen to live. Then follow the path, and see where it leads.

Boss, she's—

Run like you've got all Kazdel on your heels. Go to the outer city, and tell the others to get ready to receive the Exemplars.

<p=1>Londinium</><p=2>September 28th, 1098, 5:27 P.M.</>

The Exemplars break through the blockade. Across the city, factories roar to life, welcoming them home.

<i>I keep thinking back to that afternoon.</i>

<i>Factories, Vina, steam, cheering, boxing, angry yelling, Baird...</i>

<i>The bits of memory gush to the surface together, mixing together, wiping away what happened that afternoon.</i>

<i>The one thing I will never forget is when Vina said: 'We're home.'</i>

<i>I wanted to cry. It was a long, long journey, from the day we left the city to the day we came back.</i>

<i>We're home. But how many did we lose, how many who walked with us on this journey?</i>

<i>And which of them could come back after they left, besides Allerdale?</i>

<i>...</i>

<i>I miss Baird.</i>

<p=1>Exemplars Camp</><p=2>September 30th, 1098, 5:22 A.M.</>

Two days after the Exemplars break through the blockade

I never knew taking inventory could be such a pain.

Taking inventory at the factories on our turf back in the day wasn't half as bad...

If this is pain, I'll gladly take more pain.

It sure is exciting, though, to see so many people supporting us—

(Yawn) We've been at this all night. The sun's already coming up.

We have to push forward. The others can only buy so much time.

Word from Wiš'adel is that they threw a dozen wrenches into the Military Commission's system of command, but the Nachzehrers are still guarding Westhaleg.

We've been inside the city for two days, but there has been little sign of movement from them.

Weren't there rumors that Theresis has abandoned them and gone into hiding? Maybe that's why the Nachzehrers aren't moving.

That's just speculation. Not even the Doctor's team has been able to confirm it.

Get some rest, Morgan. The alliance's order to attack will come soon—

I just don't like counting, that's all!

I want to help Dagda. I reckon I've got a little more experience sweet-talking people into helping us.

Delphine is persuading the nobles who are still on the fence. Hannah and Catherine are organizing the surviving workers and Self-Salvation Corps. I have no doubt they can get it done.

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.'