Глава 11

Perhaps it's only in this garden that I... that I remember how he held my hand, taught my how to swing a sword, knocked me down, then picked me back up and sat me on his shoulder...

I wanted to preserve them, many years ago, Ailshie. I tried everything I could. The garden, the armor... and the shadow of my father.

But there is nothing worth less than 'want'.

I remember how I wanted to become a Steam Knight when I was little.

Ailshie. Sometimes... just sometimes, I think...

Growing up is such a cruel thing, isn't it?

With the exception of a lucky few, we all become tired and unremarkable adults.

Always treading carefully, not daring to speak our minds, grasping at straws when the waves are rough, and never letting go of the ones we find.

What did you want to be when you were little, Ailshie? Not the servant of a fallen house, surely?

No, it's an honor to be by your side...

I want the truth.

Well... I suppose... I listened to a lot of bard's tales when I was little.

Ah. Ailshie the Bard.

Please don't tease me.

Growing up means toppling, crushing, turning to dust the possibilities that we thought were within our reach when we were little.

And here we are.

Can I preserve House Cumberland's glory? It passed beyond my reach a long time ago.

I, Allerdale, am who I am now.

...But even you cannot say who Allerdale will be, can you?

Will be...?

I'm old, Miss. I couldn't squeeze a tune out of an instrument, even if I had the chance.

But you promised me.

Maybe you thought it was just a childish fancy.

But I've always believed that you could do it.

To be a Steam Knight greater than Charles Lynch, greater than any of your ancestors.

You'll do it for me, won't you?

Enough, Ailshie! She wouldn't permit...

Then what do you want to do?

I'm behind you, no matter your choice.

I—

Take your time. You always make the right decision.

Miss... permit me walk around this garden, one last time.

It's most dear to me... even if it's just a shadow of its former self.

Allerdale wants to say something, but does not open her mouth.

She watches someone, with whom she has spent virtually every day of her entire life, walk towards the center of the garden. They have been through the worst of times together, and have been transformed them in ways they could not have imagined.

Allerdale realizes that she has not seen Ailshie smile like this for years.

She feels a sense of tranquility, one that she has not felt in ages.

If there is still a chance—

Suddenly, Allerdale's attention is drawn to a speck of orange in the distance.

It rapidly draws near, and she feels the temperature around her rise.

Ailshie! Quick, we must—

In an instant, the manor is engulfed in flames.

...Your Highness.

Quiet.

You're disturbing my enjoyment of the view.

Storied history turns to cinder. The proud manors of the nobles, reduced to charred ruins.

Tiles carefully sculpted and laid over centuries peel off one by one. Flowers collected from all the corners of the land wilt and wither.

My orders were to investigate the nobles.

Are you not happy with what I'm doing, 'Commander'?

Do you not enjoy the flames? Does the sound of blood evaporating not interest you?

'Hiss, hiss.' Listen and savor, Lettou, my friend.

I'm examining every drop of blood, as is my responsibility...

I will assist your investigation, ensuring that no... traitor... walks free.

As is my duty.

There are some things that will never change, Ailshie!

I'll grow up to be a Steam Knight, just like Sir Lynch! No, even greater than Sir Lynch!

I'll protect you all, and I'll drive every scoundrel away.

I'll uphold the glory of Cumberland, just like my great-great-great-great grandmother!

I promise this, Ailshie! You'll see!

Ailshie!

Hold on! I, I'll...

I promised that I'd...

Go, Allerdale.

The Vampire is coming. He cannot find you.

Ailshie is here. I have to—

You have to follow her orders. She will not allow you to deviate.

Y-You can't...

We can. The Duke has ordered us to help you 'complete your mission', but we are not your servants.

Do not forget her instructions.

Do not forget your place.

I...

There is only one thing that you must do. Fulfill your duty.

For an instant, Allerdale forgets where she is, and who is with her.

She wants to run, towards the fire that is burning away at what little remains of her life.

Just like that night twenty-six years ago, when she wanted to run towards another fire to stop Parliament's men from taking her father.

That is your sole responsibility.

Allerdale's eyes open wide. The tears in them evaporate before the fire.

But she sees a great silhouette is rising in the burning garden.

Is it the damaged suit of steam armor? The steam armor upon which she placed so many dreams and hopes?

Return to the person of interest. Now.

Through so many trials and tribulations, Allerdale had prayed that her great ancestor would descend into the steam armor and help her overcome all challenges.

Now she sees the ancient armor breathing the flames of hell.

She sees the shadow in the fire roar towards her.

It is not her hope. She has strayed far from it.

Even if her ancestor truly returned—

Allerdale knows it could only be her worst nightmare.

Tell her.

I will obey her will, as always.

I, I don't understand, Your Highness...

I thought you were pleased with our hospitality...

You even graced us with your presence at our banquets, did you not? You liked this place!

I will not deny that you have brought me joy, from time to time.

I find your petty flattery and exaggerated cordiality adorable.

You must be mistaken! I have no links to the dukes or the resistance! I swear...

Any trouble must be the work of the Cumberland woman! I'll expose her!

Sanguinarch... Your Highness... please, I'll give you anything! My collection, my money... take all of it! Just...

What good are those to me, my dear?

You wouldn't kill me, would you? We should hold a wine tasting! You haven't sampled my private reserve yet...

I'll be alright, won't I, Lt. Colonel Lettou? This is Londinium!

They—the Sarkaz are just here to protect Londinium at the invitation of the Duke of Cavendish? They wouldn't kill an innocent, of course?