act42side

Yet the arms control that we've been pushing for so long has only now come to its most important stage.

You mean the two policies conflict?

What I want to ask is, have you received any further revelations?

Have greater goals been bestowed upon our arms control work?

The goal has never changed. All forms of control exist so that everyone will be able to use guns more efficiently, more widely.

The firearms workshops have a long history, but also plenty of flaws. Gunsmiths and customers both put way too much energy into them, trying to make each and every gun unique.

Once the Shrine of Gunsmithing in Pagus Michaelion starts operating for real, Laterano will be able to provide armed support to all nations and all races, when we have to.

If the goal has never changed, why do the changes of the present seem so sudden, so... out of place?

Maybe because we're not so great at imagining the future.

You're right that the Matriarch has bestowed a greater revelation upon me. All will partake of the same revelation at the Nativity.

When the time comes, it won't be just you and Fia; millions of people will gain insight into the future, both inside and outside Laterano.

You're sharp, Lemuen, and I'm sure you understand that our first priority is to make sure that the Nativity goes off without a hitch.

I will continue to hunt the criminal trying to blow things up at this important time.

Leave. Now.

I don't want to see your face.

In the end, the gathering parted on less-than-pleasant terms.

He had spent much time mulling over Patrizion's invitation before accepting it.

He was not unprepared for what might happen. But with a new dawn about to break in Laterano, he had decided to come and visit old friends, for reasons that he could not, or would not, put into clear words.

What will become of the past once the new Laterano comes?

He wanted a confirmation, nothing more.

The wind brings a cloud that casts a tiny shadow in a corner of the street. Andoain frowns.

He takes a few steps, then stops and waves over a confessional.

Automated Confessional CONFESS-47, at your service. Please insert your Signa Creditorum or citizen credit card before beginning your confession.

Sorry, I just remembered I have something else I need to do.

It's you.

Is something the matter? Were you being followed?

Was that why you waved over a confessional? To check your surroundings? Do we need to call the guards?

No, I guess I was just imagining things.

Were you looking for me?

The Matriarch has returned to the Shrine of Nurtury.

We came to take you back.

Welcome back, Cardinal Lemuen.

Here are the handover documents for five firearms workshops in Pagus Faber. This one's owner, Paganini, has signed the papers.

Good work. The Notarial Hall can take the rest.

Speaking of which, there are some exceptional circumstances with the workshop on Via Borgos...

The owner, Paganini, has an apprentice who is going to take her qualification exam. The Curia will have to provide some form of compensation now that the shop has been shut down.

Her name is Vannini, I think. I happened to pass by her when I left... she had fiery red hair and a bright smile on her face. A really sunny disposition.

Via Borgos... sounds familiar.

Look at the files on your terminal, Amos.

That description does not fit Vannini.

Oh—I...

It's alright. Maybe just a passerby. You said she was a Sankta with fiery red hair?

She had a hood up, but we were walking towards each other. I got a good look.

(El?!)

(Why?)