act5d0

You mafia types are funny. Always with the sunrise on the roof...

Gah. This candy's smashed into my head so much I think I got brain damage. It's the signal to stop, and I stopped.

But boy, it's more like we just got beaten on. My whole body's so tender...

They... they all stopped. What's going on? This doesn't feel right.

We're all done, just like that? These fellers love candy so much?

The candy rain stopped.

Yes, so fleeting. If only it would truly rain candy someday.

So there was the candy...

But wait, what about the bomb?

You mean this?

Huh? You took the whole thing apart?

Just a minute.

Mostima?!

Whoops, lost control there for a second. Hope you didn't get burned.

This looks like an ordinary metal box?

...And there's one piece of candy inside. Ew, it melted. It's all sticky...

And this note? Is it from the Rat King...?

What does it say?

'Happy Sauin'...

.........Huh?

第二关（后）

Please wait here a moment,

Mr. Rat King.

Thank you very much. You are dismissed.

And excellent marksmanship back there, by the way.

The praise is much appreciated. And do forgive my rudeness, but you were not injured at all, were you?

Of course not. However, if you ever had any genuine murderous intent towards me...

Then I never would have had a chance to pull the trigger. You need not be so humble, sir, the Master of the House and myself are well acquainted with your past.

Ah, time is a cruel mistress. Tonight once again reminded me of that fact.

When one toys with the power to terrify others, one risks seeing himself swallowed whole. Playing with those children full of piss and vinegar saw my precious coat destroyed.

Only your coat?

Needlework is awfully difficult for me.

You have completed your task, Messenger. Return to your master, let him feel at ease that his thing is done.

Indeed. But the Master of the House may well want to see you in person. For now, I shall take my leave.

...Hm. This place is a disaster. Clearly the work of that penguin.

...Ooh, there's an intact bottle of booze here. Mm, looks like some quality stuff.

Would you like a drink?

A bottle that the Rat King himself deigned to bend over and pick up? How could I refuse?

Listen to you, Chief Wei.

Chief. It's been a long time since I heard you call me that.

And here you are, participating in this little game yourself. I thought you would just pawn it off on Penguin Logistics...

An old man should look like an old man, be kind, and join in fun with the children.

Heh heh. I still don't feel like you're truly aging. Maybe it's because your daughter looks more and more like you every day. The young you.

I don't know how far she can go. Sometimes we need to let them go, but I think we haven't done a very good job on that front.

Even if they choose a dead end?

Even if they choose a dead end.

Hah. But then, what path truly takes you that far? And who decides? The Catastrophes?

...Maybe you really have gotten old, Lin.

You know why I pay so much attention to that little Messenger? It's because I think they may have something in common.

...Now that I think of it, maybe you shouldn't be here in person, Chief.

There are some 'Lungmen citizens' who are 'casually passing by,' we are well aware.

*Sigh*

Even the Rat King sighs.

There are many things that merit a sigh. I just happened to pick one, with gusto.

...Maybe it is time to retire.

That's no good. Lungmen still needs her Rat King.

But she can do without Lin. Neither of us are as we once were.

No matter. I will persevere until the day Lungmen is ready to go without the Rat King.

That'll be the day my daughter is truly grown.

Is that what you think?

I am her father. And the Rat King of the slums. And once, I was your friend, Lin Gray.

Maybe I can't make a decision. Maybe I've already made many mistakes.

...You are still brooding over the past, Lin.

When you took Lungmen back for us, I promised you I would stay in the shadow of Wei Yenwu. You need not ever again touch these filthy old alleyways.

...Yes. It's been so long. I made that promise, and we have a Rat King.

You've sacrificed much.

Spare us the crocodile tears. As if I was innocent? When were we ever innocent?

...You kept your promise, old friend. But you also did not hide your misery.

Is that because of your daughter?

I could not make it clearer to you why I would use such a roundabout way of expelling those Siracusans.

There are many troublesome foes. At least I can trust you.

Trust and exploitation are of a kind. Each have a time and place. We must be practical.

...You used to hate this kind of talk.

It's remarkable. We have had so many long-awaited reunions tonight, and yet not a single one has been satisfying.

Don't talk like that. Look, we're two old friends enjoying some scintillating conversation just after Sauin. Let's just relax.

As you wish. Phew, it's gotten cold. I don't suppose you had time to light a candle for our old comrades in arms?

That doesn't take much time at all. As soon as you left, there I was.

...I just can't imagine Wei Yenwu bringing flowers to a grave all by his lonesome.

I won't attend your funeral, but maybe I'll bring a bouquet to your grave. Then you'll know.

...Could you recall a person who saved your life, and for the trouble was never again able to walk?

There are more such people than we could count. The ones who fought side by side with us, gave their lives for us.

And I will never forget any of them, even for a second.

...Your eyes never change. Maybe, just maybe you will live a long time.

There's a trick to these things.

Either way, you have to live a while longer.

I'll take that as a Sauin blessing.

RAGGEDY-ASS! OLD! RAT!

Hm?!

Marvelous flying kick, Mr. Emperor, but let's show the Rat King a bit more respect.

Good evening, or is it good morning now, Chief Wei?

It was an eventful evening, Mr. Eurill. There were some twists and turns, but everyone got what they needed.

I thought you'd be waiting in the VIP room for everything to resolve itself comfortably.

To toss my son into imminent danger while I wait warm and comfy in the VIP room for Chief Wei to report back? Does that sound like me?

Who're you callin' imminent danger?

Take it easy, Emperor.

I ain't even started with your mummy lookin' ass, old man!

What's to be so upset about? It's just one little hole in your belly I put.

Little?!

Put a little gauze in it. Are you dead? You can't die. Where's the harm?

*KACHAK* You ruined my favorite tee, old man, cost me a shitload of paper, and then you come around and do me like this? Hmm?