act42side

The Doctor says there's been a major incident at Rhodes Island HQ, and the calamity that struck the Holy City is no coincidence... there is something that links them together, and the Doctor set out on a new journey because of it.

Mostima and I are both Rhodes Island operators. It's our job... and it's for the good of Laterano too.

I need you to approve my field mission application. You've read the reasons.

You know what I did, don't you, Fia?

The Pope decided not to prosecute you. It's not my place to say anything.

Besides, you did help people leave the procession at the very end... you did your duty as a gun-knight.

People always let an old man off the hook easy.

It wasn't just you... the abomination had the support of pretty much every Sankta, inside and outside the dream.

On top of the influence of her empathy, you all had reasons to 'make Laterano a better place'—even if it still sounds dumb, and I still want to call you a sentimental old fool—

But I do understand the stuff about parting.

Uh...

Like I said, there are certain things that I need to experience for myself, even if it does make you worry.

I'll be back soon.

All I wanted to say, Fia, is that we didn't get a chance to watch <i>Eight-Armed Chainsaw Guy</i> together yet...

Paganini was right. We should try to leave as few regrets as we can, before anything happens.

You're almost retired, aren't you, old man?

Yeah.

Want to go on a vacation together?

Finally...

Vannini stands before the door of the gunsmithy. After hesitating for a long while, she takes down the sign that says 'Temporarily Closed', and pushes the door open.

M-Magister...

Oh, enough with the yelling.

It's just a halo check. What took you so long? Couldn't be worse than my injuries... *cough*

Dr. Chandler says my, er, language skills are, getting better.

He asked me, if I would, consent to be, his research subject... for speech... pathology? And halos—I-I'm not sure I got it...

I didn't and I don't care to. You Sanktas are so complicated.

And you can have your guardian gun back.

I-Is there a, problem? You weren't around, so I had to, figure it out, best as I could...

Of course there's a problem.

Wha?

The grip's too delicate! There's no room for power upgrades! Nothing really wrong with the action design or the assembly work.

And someone left this bunch of papers at the door. Have a look.

The Curia's mark... could it be...?

We're not in the dream. Nobody's closing the shop down.

It's an order from the Curia. They want us to design heavy firearms for their new gun-knights.

Pa...

Stop. Of course I know why they came to this tiny workshop.

You shot him, didn't you, Vani?

Yeah.

Good girl. Settled an old score for me. Now the past is the past, and I don't want to talk about it again.

You decide whether to take this order.

M-Me?

Who else, me? I never expected to still be breathing by now. My chest still hurts. *cough* *cough* I can't see the parts clearly, and I can't hold a barrel firm anymore.

You made your first gun, and ripped the seal that your Lord placed on your mouth. The hard part is over. The path is yours to walk.

Just don't ruin my reputation...

You can do that, can't you?

Yes, El has already left... I told you, it's the Curia's decision.

This calamity is merely a starting point, for both Laterano and the other nations. We need to recover, and strengthen our ties with the other nations.

...El's the best Sankta for the job, considering her experience in Lungmen, and her relationship with Rhodes Island.

She left a message—'Mamma, Tata, let's send Lemuel off on her next adventure with a bang!'

Let's pray it's not her bowels that go off with a bang... she drank all the cystymilk I left for her in the fridge before she left. Maybe she was worried I would be angry.

Anyway, I've got to go to work.

This terminal. You're looking at Amos's effects again...

They said his last moments were with you?

Yes. I heard his last words, and restored his mailbox history accordingly.

Such a fool, wasn't he?

Let's cut straight to the chase. What judgment are you gonna pass on my new crimes this time, Cardinal Lemuen?

I take it you admit responsibility for the robbery of that caravan in the western outskirts of the Holy City?

Don't tell me you couldn't tell they were professional soldiers.

From Gododdin.

We're not passing any judgment. The outcome was undoubtedly favorable for the Seventh Tribunal.

They just caught me in a bad mood.

The Curia will accommodate Sister Nueda and the Bolívarians who came to Laterano with you.

Regardless of your motivation, your attack on Patrizion worked to our advantage. The Curia sees no need to pursue the matter of your unauthorized return to the Holy City any further.

Oh, what? Laterano still wants to put up a front of purity and clemency, even after waking from the dream. You'll make a show of forgiving a sinner who fell into hell?

Are you really that stupid?

That monster paraded through the streets of Laterano as she gave her speech. It's no secret that angels and devils came from the same place anymore.

This city's revolting facade has been stripped away.

Without the foundation of its holiness, the 'Holy City' is nothing more than a tiny city-state. Do you think its posturing will continue to win the sympathy of Leithanien or Ursus?

You misunderstand. Laterano will make no show of clemency.

Your exile still stands. You are not permitted to return to the Holy City. However... the Curia is interested in offering you an employment contract.

Employment?

To do what you just did.

Hmph. As if the Laterans don't do their own dirty work.

Of course not. Gun-knight, cardinal, Pontifica Cohors, Legatus... nobody is immune to sin. But...

Times have changed. Your judgment was not wrong. Next time, it may not be a scouting force that shows up on the outskirts of the Holy City.

The most radical transgression in one era may be necessary for survival in another. You were decisive, if nothing else.

Why do you think I would accept?

Can I ask you a question?

You left Laterano after a big fight with Amos, something that he always regretted... what was the reason for the fight?

Honey, wh-why are you bringing this up again?

Yes, Patrizion didn't show up to the wedding, or even give us his blessing... but he's still your mentor.

Is he?

Besides, it won't change anything—

No, it won't. He won't die just because you cursed his soul, and he could even take your job from you...

But if you don't even have the guts to do this... then you're a coward, Amos.

I'm leaving.

Just another pointless argument.

You've seen the documents in the terminal. I was thinking, maybe the words that Amos left unsaid were...

No matter what kind of person you are, whether your union was blessed or not, none of that would alter his faith in you—

The faith that you were each other's salvation.

No, I wasn't sure if you would accept the Curia's proposal.

We all have issues that even empathy can't fully communicate, pasts that we can't let go, and uncertain futures... there is much that I have to think about myself.

If hatred is what helps you cope, then maybe that's the right path for you.

Perhaps this is what Amos wanted to see.

Still hanging in there, Extra?

Argh—

I know... I know your heartbeat and... your warmth...

I know your fear and your joy...

I-If I am blessed by the Law, He shall have mercy on your life...