act4d0

This is a letter from the deceased.

Why do you continue to resist?

...That's his scent. The letter has the scent of his blood. What did you do to him?!

The journey from Laterano to this place was extremely long. It is not possible that any scent of the deceased remains.

Answer me! Or I'll kill you!

Agh!

First, I believe demonstrating the power differential at hand may aid in communication.

Second, out of respect for you as the heir, I will answer your question.

Mr Dürrenmatt died on the operating table. It was not a peaceful passing. He suffered from an incurable disease.

You——! Let go!

Such was his choice.

Hey! Wh- what are you doing?!

Originium crystals have already pierced the skin. The infection continues to worsen.

None of your business!

If the object insists on rejecting her benefit, according to regulations, I am permitted to abandon the task.

But the client and my superiors issued a subordinating clause. I must execute it.

——What the hell are you trying to do?

'Let Vermeil live.'

As this is a rather broad request, executing it will be quite complicated. It is my hope that you cooperate.

...That's what he asked you to do?

Correct. He sold all of his property, paid a number of additional fees, including those of the Notarial Hall, as well as the costs of your future medical treatment.

But, why? I'm just some girl from the forest...

He wants you to live.

And I'm asking why!

Because he believed you deserve to live.

Now that the last will and testament has been executed, my work here is done.

Wh...! When did you slip this to me——?!

Before we proceed to the next phase, I must hear your reply.

'Do you want to live?'

You need only answer: 'Yes,' or 'no.'

Our time is limited.

I——

Hey, Mister, what am I supposed to call you?

——Executor. If you must call me something.

Thank you for accepting my request.

——It was the Notarial Hall's decision. I am merely executing my duties.

Hah, sure enough. And while you're looking for Vermeil, I have another little request.

——Depending on the nature of the request, I may reject your verbal appeal. I would prefer you submit it in written form to the Notarial Hall.

You're a real hardass, huh? Doesn't matter. It's just a little thing.

Don't tell her anything about my past, if you can. Make up some story. Tell her I died on the operating table.

——I do not understand the need for this request. Nor does it fit with the truth. You fled the Notarial Hall's justice for many years, and you shot dead...

Enough. What if I told you doing it this way would save you a lot of trouble in getting your job done?

——If in my judgment I agree with your assessment, I will consider your request.

...So this Rhodes Island place, they can really cure this crazy disease?

Medical science has yet to cure Oripathy. But they may be able to alleviate your suffering.

Considering what you did to the Ursus, I advise against continuing to act alone.

And it just happens that I must go to Rhodes Island on another matter.

Are you asking me to go with you?

I believe that would be most logical.

Hmph. I refuse.

I still have a lot to do before I can leave here. I have to say goodbye to my people.

It is dangerous here. Hatred does not end in compromise.

Hmph... You sure know a lot.

I don't care what you know. Don't get in my way. I can still go to this Rhodes Island place even after I settle everything, can't I?

Allow me to calculate.

What?

I must calculate if I have enough ammunition to deal with those fugitives when they find you again.

Ammunition...? You mean you would go out into the barrens with me?!

In accordance with your answer, you have been marked by the Notarial Hall as having accepted your inheritance.

However, the contents of the will have not been fully executed. I cannot allow you to expose yourself to such danger. This is my duty.

I don't need your help! I'm used to being on my own——

Furthermore, I believe you seek to compromise with me, and then seize the opportunity to escape.

Ugh.

There is no time to waste. Let us depart.

Hey! I didn't say yes! I don't need some outlander to come and... Hey, wait! Where are you going? Do you even know the way?!

Yes.

Watch your feet, there's——

I have disarmed the traps. Come with me.

Aaah——Sooner or later, I'll show you, you weirdo——!

Please take good care of her, Mr Executor. Really, it could be good for you too.

Don't give me that look. You know what I mean.

Get her out of that mud hole. Don't let her end up like me.

Justice? Maybe what I did was justified, Mister, if the Notarial Hall could find it in their hearts to forgive me.

But it still wouldn't be anything to cheer about. Honestly, it just makes life seem like a big joke.

Her. She's my legacy though.

My hopes and dreams.

May the Lord bless her and keep her.