Глава 11

Yes... same here...

When you suggested that we split up a few days ago, I knew it was the right call, but...

At least we came back together alright. I'm so happy about that.

What about your work, Closure?;Closure is key to tomorrow's operation.

Don't worry, I'm pretty well-prepared over here.

I don't know if the defenses share the same weaknesses across Londinium, but there must be common characteristics to the framework.

I've updated the drone's intrusion program based on intel from Misery and Horn, as well as the data taken from the artillery control room.

Get the drone close to the core of the Defense Force's command tower, and I can break into the system and access traffic records from the past ten days within thirty minutes.

Can you do it in twenty?;The quicker, the better.

Yeah... tomorrow will be a hard day.

We've been probing the responses of the Sarkaz army within Londinium in the last few days.

We expect Manfred and the Vampire to show up quickly. Ascalon, Logos and I will do our best to delay them.

However...

The longer it takes, the more dangerous it is.;We can't give Theresis time to react.

The Sarkaz of the Royal Court could appear at any time.

Yes, Doctor.

Dr. Kal'tsit is helping us delay the Nachzehrer and Lich, but there's only so much time she can buy.

We can't handle multiple members of the Royal Court at once.;It could be very disadvantageous for us.

Watch the signal and be ready to pull out at a moment's notice.

Understood.

Rhodes Island and the Self-Salvation Corps are ready.

Allerdale, the mercenaries are looking for you.

Sorry, I was distracted. What did you say?

No, I'm the one who should apologize.

Maybe we could have saved Ailshie together, if I wasn't so anxious to leave.

I know she's important to you.

She's my only family.

House Cumberland is no more.

One woman does not make a family, eh?

Maybe it was something that should have happened a long time ago, delayed until today.

Don't say that, Allerdale.

That Vampire will be made to pay, I promise.

The steam armor was lost in the fire. Maybe that's for the better. That way, I won't have to see it anymore.

...Vina.

Can you take me to the Glasgow Gang? I can pretend nothing ever happened.

I carry nothing on my shoulders. I'll just be your brain trust.

Sorry... I forgot you had Morgan.

I'll just be a thug then.

We'll bomb the Sarkaz camp together. You light a fire, and I'll kick their commander's arse once there's smoke.

I'm joking.

I know.

My path is long determined, Vina.

Why do you say that? You're still with us. The Glasgow Gang has more stories to write.

So...

The answer is yes.

I'll make sure you come back unharmed after kicking that commander's arse.

That's my promise.

I see... thanks.

Let's leave the jokes at that. I would begin to believe them if this went on.

Alright, I've got to go. Totter and the mercenaries are waiting for me. We need to double-check our route.

Get ready, Vina.

The Sighs of Kings is before us.

Would you have said yes, if she truly invited you to leave?

Clovisia?

The walls of Londinium are tall. Few are able to escape their shadow.

But you did. You escaped the palace, and escaped Londinium. Perhaps Allerdale envies you because of that.

She has forced herself to carry the Cumberland name for twenty years.

But you're different. You thought about leaving your name behind, didn't you?

...I can't deny that.

But I'm here now, regardless of what I thought.

Victoria is on the brink right now, and I must fight for her.

...Victoria.

Kings, nobles, merchants, soldiers, workers...

People often use the word 'Victoria' to justify their actions, but it has done nothing to quell the endless conflict over the centuries.

Who defines what Victoria is? Is it the sixty nomadic cities and the land around them, the forty million people that live within, or the monarch who rules them?

Your Royal Highness Alexandrina Vina Victoria.

Why have you come back, when you say you came back for Victoria?

The noble mansions have been burned to the ground. Wonder how many survivors there are...

The Sarkaz are planning something big, and the Defense Forces aren't trying to hide it anymore.

This street may never be the same again.

Golding knows that the visit from the commander means her identity is no longer a secret.

She wanders the streets aimlessly, filled with a deep feeling of helplessness.

Perhaps it was always futile for humans to fight the tide.

Adams's bookstore is open, but the familiar warm, yellow light is absent. Golding has a bad feeling.

The bookstore is empty, but the smell of blood fills every corner, so thick it might as well have taken physical form.

Golding realizes that the ground is sticky.

Not just the ground. The counter, the cashier, the books on the shelves, and the teapot that Adams always has by his side.

Everything has been painted a shade of light red.

Blood.

The nausea that has been bothering Golding for days explodes uncontrollably.

She runs out onto the streets and begins to vomit.

Are you okay?

Ugh—*cough*

...Molly.

You don't look well. Here, take my shoulder.

We still have time, Lady Golding. Your part is not over yet.

You said that education was your strength, didn't you?

My strength...

Let's go back.

We've persevered for so long. We'll see this to the end.

I'm counting on you.

Don't worry, we'll get our new friends to the base safely.

You're not coming with us?

I have another mission.

Your grandson is a pretty big deal in the Corps, after all.

Real big deals don't usually boast about it.

Oh, and I have to return this, Granny.

Your badge.

I'm not a worker anymore. I shouldn't be wearing this outside.

Being smart isn't enough to fool death. Those who are gone will never come back, and the wounds left behind do not necessarily fade with time.