Глава 5

In that case, I'll see you later then, Madam Ch'en.

5:00 A.M. \ Clear

Chief's Office, Upper Lungmen

Chief Wei, how was everything on your end?

Good, of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have time to chat with you here.

Did they agree to slow down the operation?

Of course, but there is a time limit.

Today, and tomorrow. If Reunion is still not contained after two days, you know what will happen.

Only two days?! That's not enough time! I can't—

Two days and nights are already too generous. In comparison, I will only give you one day.

One day?

I want you to take care of everything within a day.

Chief Wei, if they can help us, we can get rid of Reunion within hours. Wouldn't that minimize our losses?

That's not important. Lungmen should be able to handle its own problems, once and for all. That is our first principle.

That is what we need to demonstrate to them. So, everyone, get moving.

Go, Madam Ch'en. It is time to show Reunion some Lungmen hospitality.

Understood.

Chief Wei, I do have one question. Even if you can't answer right now, I hope you can give me a reasonable guess after everything is over.

You may ask.

This is supposed to be Reunion's all-out attack. In that case, why has their leader, Talulah, not appeared in Lungmen?

Hmm...

I thought things were progressing smoothly. Why are you frowning, then?

Have we received any response from Ursus?

Still nothing.

And we still can't get in contact with Speaker Witte?

Unfortunately, our messenger hasn't even been able to meet him.

By the looks of things, the Ursus Empire is completely opaque.

Fumizuki, I have a premonition. That this whole thing is just the start of something much bigger.

The last time I heard you say that was many years ago.

When did I say that? I've completely forgotten why I would say something like that.

That was right after we first met. Are you saying that you've forgotten about everything that's ever happened between us?

N-no way! How could I! I just can't remember most things apart from our time together.

Nice try, you sweet-talker. Unfortunately, this isn't something you'll be able to forget.

You said this to my face twenty years ago... that if we lost, this city would be under a different name, and become just another stepping stone on the path to Ursus hegemony.

If we had lost, you wouldn't be the one sitting here. He would.

Duke of Kashchey.

Alas, poor Tal. Don't you think she reminds us of him?

But he's already dead.

Killed by Talulah herself.