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Or maybe it wasn't her. Someone like her would have no way of knowing that my grandfather and the count's father served together. They were very close.

And the count himself... If I recall correctly, was squire to a duke.

Lieutenant...?

Sorry, I shouldn't be saying all this.

During the long period of time I was hiding in the dark bowels of this city, I... got used to talking to the metal crabs. They didn't have much to say back.

I didn't have to worry about my words casting a shadow over anyone else.

Some things, I just had to say to myself so I wouldn't forget them.

I didn't mean to interrupt you, Lieutenant!

I'd actually like to hear more. For the longest time, I've been wanting to know who's pulling the strings up there, causing us all this misery!

The duke I was thinking of isn't even in Londinium right now. Or rather, I should say... he never cared a lick about the vacant throne in the city.

If he really were secretly supporting Dublinn, that would answer a lot of questions. But at the same time, it would also greatly complicate the crisis we have on our hands...

Listen to me. Everything I've said to you up to this point is just baseless speculation. If you want to hear more, we'll continue another time.

Provided... you're willing to follow me into the shadows.

What are we going to do now?

Right now... we need to find an opportunity to escape.

Dublinn has been trying to get something from the Sarkaz. It might be one individual or several, which is why they've set up in Sudean.

In addition to troops like you, hunted by the Sarkaz, they've captured a good lot of civilians with some connection to the Sarkaz.

Whatever Mandragora is trying to accomplish...

As long as it creates conflict between Dublinn and the Sarkaz, it'll work in our favor.

Sounds like you have a plan.

Robben, did you make sure to hide the crossbow I gave you? Up your sleeves, right?

Of course, Lieutenant!

Aim at that Dublinn soldier, the one closest to the Sarkaz.

It looks like Dublinn isn't backing down.

The Sarkaz have a limit to their patience. This is going to boil over into a fight, sooner or later.

Doctor, we're going to have to use our backup plan.

C'mon, turn him over and you all get to walk out of here alive. Let's make things easy for each other, why don't we?

...Captain, shouldn't we...

No.

I don't understand...

No means no.

Even if it fractures our relationship with the Sarkaz?

You heard what they had to say.

When... have we ever been friends?

There you go. Those are your words, not mine.

––Formation! Round up these Dublinn wretches!

He is absolutely critical to Dublinn. Non-negotiable.

If we can't bring him with us, our only option is to kill him here.

Waaaah!

Shut your trap.

Actually, our other option... is to kill all these Sarkaz.

Isn't it about time we make our entrance?

Hold on, we're still calibrating the aerial coordinates.

Look, if we don't act now, someone's gonna get killed.

Give me a sec... Seventeen meters in a straight line... Sixteen... Fifteen...

Best to get a bit closer or you might have trouble aiming, right?

No can do. They'll spot us if I get any closer!

Just do as I say. It won't miss, trust me, or I'll let you use my head as a rivet— Move it a little eastward and the reflection of light should cover its wings...

Now!

Rock-5, you're up!

That's our cue.

Robben, now!

Hey, hey, hey–– Gah!

Urgh...

What's the meaning of this?!

The hell are you talking about? You're the ones who tried to snipe us––

Fight back!

Those who spill Sarkaz blood will pay the blood debt with interest!

Don't let a single one out of here alive!

Remember, you started this.

––With me. Slaughter every last Sarkaz.

Don't let a single one live to tell the tale.

The devil leadership mustn't learn what happened here today.

Aaaaaaaahhhh––!

Save me! Someone, anyone!

Amiya, these civilians have nowhere to run... It's not just Mr. Thomas, so many are going to get caught in the crossfire!

Neither the Sarkaz nor Dublinn have any regard for civilian lives!

Doctor, Amiya, I'm sorry, but I can't just stand by and let this happen.

I just can't.

We have no other choice.

I understand.

All operators, there's been a change in plans!

All non-combat personnel are to remain hidden. All combat personnel, save as many lives as you can. But mind your own safety!

Another bolt from behind?

It came from those ones, in civilian clothes... They're carrying unauthorized weapons!

Something's not right. We've got more hostiles in the elevator!

Hah... Looks like we've grabbed the pest's tail.

Turns out the rebels ARE here––

Report this to General Manfred right away!