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Even I would have to dodge the blade of a Confessarius... That is, if you CAN unsheathe your blade.

You know...

I've known your kind for centuries.

On the contrary, I am surprised that you joined the side of that outblood successor.

Can you carry the burden of your disobedience?

It doesn't matter whether I can or cannot. Since the moment I was born, I have carried these sins.

Exactly! You fascinate me more than the masked one in Londinium!

And the Great Banshee, the young one. Is he not here?

He is young in years, but his mother taught him well. If he were here, your odds would be a fair bit higher.

Your anger has quelled, Nachzehrer King.

That does not mean I do not wish to kill you.

Let me ask you. Is this ship built atop the remnants of a colossal artifact still the field base of the Sarkaz King-in-exile?

We never once called ourselves that... not even when she was still alive.

You still won't admit it, even though the outblood successor has now led her forces to Londinium?

Amiya knows her role.

We don't want a war to break out before our eyes. There should be no more needless sacrifices... Both Victorians and Sarkaz have shed more than enough blood already.

Poppycock! A hapless child who dares not call herself King presumes to save the Sarkaz!

I would never presume to persuade the king of a Sarkaz court.

At least you know your place, then. It takes far more than your debate skills to win the approval of the courts.

The outblood successor will face a challenge in that iron fortress unlike any before.

Is that why you allowed Amiya into Londinium?

The nachzehrer take their nutrients from war. Failure brings nothing but unproductive decay.

It seems you still have your doubts about whether the Military Commission's resolution will truly bring victory to the Sarkaz.

Nonsense!

(Alerted growl)

Not now, Mon3tr.

Nachzehrer King, I'm not doubting the leadership of the Sarkaz army. Just as you said, I'm here to talk to you as an old friend.

Thanks to the Victorian dukes, Londinium is now an impenetrable fortress, yet Theresis is still able to summon the kings to the city.

This tells us that you and your army are guarding the passages into Londinium, yet you did not stop our infiltration.

You had the opportunity to kill me and destroy Rhodes Island.

But you didn't.

And that's because of... Amiya.

Heh...

How would I know whether it is rebirth or destruction she will wreak unless I get to see her wear that black crown with my own eyes?

You will.

She will surpass what you... no, what any of us could ever imagine.

Let's put an end to our friendly conversation.

An eternally young dame, a free-willed vampire, and... a Confessarius who left her kind.

We shall meet again in Londinium.

Phew... He's gone, Kal'tsit.

Truth be told, that really got my blood pumping. I've lived for a few centuries now, but there are still a lot of things I haven't finished.

In his eyes... the real battlefield lies elsewhere.

That's the only reason he let Rhodes Island be.

And I was just saying I don't want to go back to Kazdel... Even if I don't go looking for trouble, trouble's knocking on my door!

Kal'tsit, we can't let something like this happen again. Otherwise, I'm not sure I can guarantee Rhodes Island's safety. We could be in trouble the second you two leave the ship.

It's time for us to depart.

Shining, what's your decision?

Doctor... Liz and I are ready. We can leave at a moment's notice.

I noticed that you did not deny the Nachzehrer King's accusations.

There is no point... in denying it.

For the past three years, life aboard Rhodes Island has been peaceful. Neither Liz nor I could have asked for more.

Is it time to say our goodbyes, then?

Doctor, you know very well that if we continue our journey together, both you and Amiya will be in much more danger.

However... if Rhodes Island needs us, we will remain.

Sir, Defensive Cannon S-309 has been activated—

Looks like Manfred has made some progress.

Should we report this to the Regent?

No need. All of this is according to His Majesty's plans.

Manfred still needs more concrete achievements if he is trying to earn the Court's trust. Capturing some fighters is far from enough.

Activating the secondary cannons is the first step. Tell him that His Majesty needs not one, or even several unimportant plates.

Should it be necessary, we can abandon even an entire district...

What's the matter?

Stay still.

The enemy? Here?!

Stay still, if you want to keep your head.

What an unexpected guest.

You don't seem very surprised.

Hmm... Let me put it another way. We've been waiting for your arrival.

The ship is stopped somewhere in the barrenlands outside Londinium, and I thought you would only have just made it to the walls.

Nonetheless, this is hardly surprising. Assassins are always on the move, no?

You talk too much.

I have you to thank for giving me the opportunity, then.

If you want to kill me, why not just do it? Your control of the shadow is so masterful that not even I could notice you immediately. And your breathing...

It seems you did not neglect the techniques you learned from His Majesty after leaving his side. He will be happy to know that.

Shut up.

Letting your emotions get the better of you is unbecoming of an assassin.

How nimble.

You're tougher than the others. Sure enough.

Is that why you didn't strike first?

The life of a Confessarius is not worth taking if it means trading your own... I see. You have yet to see His Majesty, since you've entered the city.

The shadow shows no sign of change. It does not move, much less answer.

The Confessarius gazes past the swath of emptiness to the window and beyond. There is nothing but another swath of emptiness there.

A golden ray of light flutters from his motionless hand toward the faint sunlight outside the window.

When you reach the throne... you might meet much more than just His Majesty.

I look forward to seeing the look on your face, Ascalon.

So they have arrived.

Yes, Your Majesty. Our leader has already met one of them in the legislature.

Inform Manfred. We must find out who is among them.

The young general should have already met with our Messenger, but...

He can handle this matter.

We understand your trust in Manfred, Your Majesty.

But I must emphasize that he is busy dealing with the rebels on all sides. Judging by the results, it seems he did not immediately detect Rhodes Island's approach.

Tell me the candidates.

The kings have shown keen interest in that fake for some time now. Aside from the two who have already begun their moves, the Sanguinarch has also grown tired of superfluous social engagements with the city's nobles.

He is happy to head to Sudean, to Manfred's aid.

Remind him.

That should he ever find the 'The Sarkaz King' and {@nickname}, bring them to me at once.

What of the Dame? Of course, the Nachzehrer King will keep an eye on her, but we must be prepared too.

Let the vampires deal with her as they see fit.

Very well, Your Majesty. I'm sure the Prince of Blood will be elated.