act42side

That's a cardinal's cassock you're wearing, isn't it?

Does it look good on me?

Totally! It's so cool!

It was a little loose around the waist when I got it the day before my creation. I had to stay up all night fixing it.

Ugh, I wish I wasn't wearing this for our reunion.

Did you come back by yourself, or do you have friends with you?

Hah, you're pumping me for information now?

You're a simple girl, after all. You're not in a school, and this isn't a graduation ceremony. Did you really just decide to liven things up like this on your own?

Who's behind you, and why did they put you up to this?

I...

Hey, let's try this—'Apple pie with mayonnaise!'

'Had a slice, want another.'

You remembered!

When we had a fight that wasn't going anywhere or a secret we didn't want to share, that's our password to set things aside.

I can feel your emotions, El. Agitation, impatience, worry, not even knowing how to explain...

But my job is to capture the culprits who are trying to sabotage the Summit of Nations. I will file a request with the Curia to personally handle the follow-up to this case.

The Sankta sisters stand off against one another, neither making a single move, nor speaking a single word. It is Lemuen who finally breaks the silence with a sigh.

*sigh*...

In that instant, Exusiai flies toward her and hugs her tightly.

Now that's the reaction I know from an El in trouble.

I missed you, sis!

It's been a while. Have you grown?

Of course not! I was almost an adult when I left Laterano!

You don't have to talk like you're my mom, sis.

Is that what I sound like?

Did you tie your hair yourself? It's coming loose.

Let me tie it for you... still careless as ever.

Of course, I'm not as good as you at that.

What are you doing here, anyway? Don't tell me you knew I would show up?

Just reviewing the shrine's security measures... I thought it was remarkable enough to see the Matriarch praying for a pregnant Sarkaz...

And then I ran into you.

(Matriarch... pregnant Sarkaz... praying...?)

(Could the Nativity be...?)

So you don't know what's in this shrine either?

Oh, is it <i>your</i> turn to pump <i>me</i> for information?

Who taught you to do that?

I didn't turn bad, I promise! The people who're supporting me now—they're a good influence, I promise!

I'm not alone, and I'm not being used.

There's a lot that's wrong here, but it's hard to explain... I need more time.

I'll come home after I've done what I have to!

Lemuen ties one last knot with the string, then pushes up slightly so the strand of hair on the side of her sister's head will not come loose so easily.

The next instant, she finds that her arms are empty.

I'll leave the disarming of the bombs to you, sis—I mean, Your Eminence!

Lemuen hears the ticking of bomb countdowns in all directions. She looks in the direction where her sister disappeared, but is in no position to give chase.

She never changes, does she?