act9mini

You... Are you... the Radiant Knight?

My apologies. Is this place not open yet?

Oh, uh... No... More accurately, it's not open to the public yet, though I am not sure you count as the public...

Right, sorry about this.

Uh... Forgive me, I haven't yet introduced myself.

Please, call me Malkiewicz. I am the spokes—I am the staff member in charge of maintaining the wall of champions.

Forgive me for asking, Radiant Knight, but what are your plans right now?

Radiant Knight, huh? It wasn't until today that I finally regained that title.

So the Association gave their approval... Congratulations.

Malkiewicz comes back to his senses. The two of them turn their heads forward, to a portrait of the Radiant Knight herself.

Though she stands right next to him—or perhaps precisely because she's right next to him, a strange feeling washes over Malkiewicz.

The stubbornness is finally starting to loosen, and those things that are locked in place will soon be shattered.

You look much more gallant in person.

It's been a few years, after all.

I understand that you... have your differences with the Knights Association and many others. Perhaps this isn't something someone the likes of me should say... But...

I still would like to tell you. I say this not in a professional capacity... But... Rather, as a regular enthusiast of the knighthood and a citizen of the Grand Knight Territory...

Please, go on. You needn't be so reserved.

Welcome back to Kazimierz, Radiant Knight.

I truly believe this is the beginning of something great.

Huh? Margaret, where have you been?

I took a walk around the Grand Knight Territory. Where is Uncle Młynar?

He got summoned to a meeting just as I got home.

Good thinking, taking a look around town since you just got back. What do you think?

Not much seems to have changed.

Really? I kind of remember there have been a bunch of new fast food joints opening up at the mall the last couple years, though.

But it feels a lot emptier in here...

We had to sell off a lot of the furniture...

Uncle Młynar is working for the corps, and I've been helping out at Master Kowal's workshop too. We don't have any troubles with our day-to-day expenses, actually, though Uncle Młynar doesn't tell me a whole lot...

But Old Marcin told me there are a lot of knight families and merchants who don't look too kindly on the Nearl family these days. Uncle Młynar might be facing a lot more pressure than we know.

So... Do you think we'll ever patch things up with Uncle?

It'll be difficult, but I'm sure we can.

I had a few arguments with him before I left Kazimierz.

It was Auntie Zofia who told me that Uncle Młynar's been depressed about a lot of things, ever since our parents went missing.

But now... I can't bring myself to agree with what she said, not completely. I... I've seen a lot of people, and a lot of things on my journeys, and now... to face Uncle Młynar again...

Remember the story Grandpa used to tell us when we were kids? How, on their very first trip together, Uncle sorted out a lowly noble who hiked up the tax rates and made life hard on the countryside commoners?

I remember. We just couldn't imagine he used to be a brave young man like that.

It's not always the magnificent things that change a person's mind, Maria. I've come across many of those cases.

Maybe... he's been disillusioned ever since.

So how does it feel to be a knight now?

Actually... It's not quite how I imagined it.

Yeah... I know what you mean.

That's why I will compete in the Major. Even if nobody understands me.

Margaret... No... You have people in your corner too, right? Really impassioned supporters!

Do I?

Of course! I'm talking about Shining and Nightingale.

I only met them briefly, but when I saw all of you standing on the stage for such a highly anticipated match, I couldn't help but feel I could trust them with my back.

I've been meaning to ask, what have you been through these past few years?

I will tell you soon enough.

It will be a very long story, though, and it doesn't have a happy ending, not like those novels about knights I used to read to you.

Well, we're sisters.

We are.

Take everything you see and kill everyone! Get the food!

A knight? What's a Kazimierz knight doing here?! All the people here are dead, and you'll still get in our way?!

The Radiant Knight...?

What do knights stand for?

No! Nearl! It's too dangerous to run into the storm. You need somebody else—No, I'll come with you!

...Faust.

I want her shot through the mouth.

...The knights never helped us guerillas.

Our leaders waited years, but in the end, help never came. We fought to the last, alone, until we were devoured by Ursus. Not many of us are still around to tell the tale.

The Radiant Knight is back in the arena! What amazing spectacle does she have in store for us today? Will we bear witness to a once-in-decades legend?!

Is she an Infected or a knight?! Will she reign victorious or will her opponent best her?! With all the dreams weighing on her blade, is it still sharp enough for battle?! Keep your eyes peeled!!

Please welcome—The Radiant Knight—Maaaaargareeeeeeet Neeeeaaaaaaarl—!

After a long journey, the knight finally made it home.

Just as always, the Radiant Knight steps forward.

She is about to face her greatest challenge.