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Ashley just thinks you're too different from us, like you've walked a different path.

I mean, you're a star of the Major, with a shiny new knight title, so hot right now!

No matter which way you look at it, you've got a bright future!

No... I don't.

An Infected... an Infected knight... has no future.

That doesn't sound like something a big competition winner would say.

I used to think that as long as I could be a knight, there was still hope. If I could win in the arena, maybe...

Maybe you could even earn some respect, be seen as a true knight, and win back the life you used to have?

Yes... That's what I thought.

But that's not how it works. An Infected knight is still Infected. And that's all that matters.

Yeah. That's pretty much what I've said to Ashley.

And besides, so what if you're a knight? Just look what happened to you back there in that crowd. Those folks who jumped you didn't care if you're Infected or noble or whatever.

You were saying they're with the Armorless Union?

Knight-Assassins... the words feel gross in my mouth.

Yeah, that's them.

They sell themselves to the General Chamber of Commerce, bumping off knights who don't play ball... They call themselves experts in handling knights, and wear that with pride.

And add on the rewards, in cheers and treasure, that the audience heaps upon the knights, proper or not, how much dignity is left in the title? That's before you even talk about us.

So me getting attacked this time, that was the K.G.C.C.'s orders?

Probably. You've got the spotlight on you, and you're turning down all the knightclub invitations, and talking like you do out there... sooner or later, you get a knock like that at your door.

And if you won't be their goldmine, then they find you a 'dishonorable' exit, so you won't get in the way of their business.

So you know, not that crazy you'd get attacked.

Two three-week periods.

Huh?

On my way to the Grand Knight Territory, I got infected.

And since I was Infected, they wouldn't let me register as a knight. So I wandered around for three weeks with nowhere to stay.

Hmm...

It was during the third week that the Blood Knight won the Major.

Then, three weeks later, they opened the registration window for Infected knights.

I didn't have any money left on me, so I went to the black market ring, working up enough money to pay the registration fees.

That... couldn't have been easy.

Underground knight sports for infected knights is pretty much the same as the black market.

From the underground competitions to the Major, I've seen too many ridiculous things to be surprised anymore.

Haha! Fair enough. There's definitely stuff going on in the underground fights that tops whatever the Armorless Union can come up with.

We've all been through stuff like that, more or less, and that's how we end up here.

There sure are a lot of Infected here.

Right... how can I put it? You can make a lot in the knight competitions, at least enough to buy a place for these people who have nowhere else to go.

So that means the money's still worth something, right?

Right.

Heh. Nice.

You're easier to get along with than we might've thought. When I first bumped into you, I was worried you were all icy cold.

Oh? You got all quiet?

I don't know...

I just... I just don't know... I guess I don't know what to say at times like this.

Ugh.

Alright... I think I get it now. You and Ashley are both shy with strangers.

And this habit of yours where you say half a thing up front, I think I'm getting used to it. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just tricky to follow sometimes.

Either way, thanks for helping me.

Ah, it was nothing. Don't sweat it.

So anyway, where are you gonna go? If you pop right back out, they're gonna go after you again.

That scuffle back there is gonna get reported soon. What do you think we'll see on the news?

No idea. Whatever they want.

Honestly... I don't know where I'd go. I haven't had anywhere to go for a long time.

Hmm...

Well, you may think I'm just throwing it out there to hold it over you, but this is an honest offer, out of the kindness of my heart.

There's me, and Ashley, and Iwona, you've seen her, with the big loud mouth?

Yes, I know her.

The truth is... we had the same idea as you, in your little statement about setting up an independent knightclub.

I came up with the name already. Pinus Sylvestris. The Pinus Sylvestris Knightclub, a club of our very own.

And since you've got nowhere to go, Justyna, wouldn't you consider maybe joining us?

You're... inviting me?

Are you sure?

Sure as sure can be. Can I spell it out any clearer for you?

Pinus Sylvestris Knightclub...

Alright. I'm in.

—Us... together.

Justyna, are you going now?

Play your flute again, won't you? Whatever you want. Everyone loves hearing you play.

Beautiful.

We won't get to hear that again for a long time. Everyone's gonna miss you.

Aren't you worried about going so far all alone? We know you get lonely, you're just too shy to admit it. Always sitting quietly off to the side.

You think the wind might carry your voice back home?

You're going to be a knight. We all believe you're going to be an amazing one, like that Radiant Knight you're so fond of.

Good luck, Justyna.

Don't be a stranger now.

Now that we're here, we're safe. Someone will meet us out front.

How are your wounds?

Fine. Just a scratch, barely worth mentioning. But you Infected knights, you base yourselves here in the city? Not out in a village somewhere?

No one would allow the Infected to live within the city limits. Just what are you up to?

Nothing.

When you've got money, you can do anything.

Hah... money. True enough. So long as you have money, you can do anything here.

But if word gets out, you'll be arrested.

Anyone eager to open their mouth gets a word with my arrows first.

I won't allow anyone to harm the Pinus Sylvestris Knightclub.

Then lead the way. I can't stand the thought of the Armorless Union scum on the loose out there. I'm working against the General Chamber of Commerce now, so I need to move fast.

Show me to your Infected knight leader, who forced one of your strength to drag me out of the hospital against your will.

Not against my will.

What?

It wasn't Sona who sent me to rescue you. It was my own choice. Not at all against my will.

But how? I understand we have a mutual distaste for one another.

Or is this some kind of big picture play?

No.

It's just... you have a family.

What are you talking about?!

Those insects! They dare move against my boy?!

Don't worry, Sona has eyes on him. The Armorless backed off. They didn't touch your son.

Then I must offer my thanks.

You owe them to Sona. It was all her idea.

As for me, my personal feelings towards you have nothing to do with whether or not I'll let you get hurt.

I just... your son...