Глава 11

What's different about Theresis?

I would not recommend saying that name within earshot of General Manfred.

That's why I'm doing it in front of family.

Like his predecessor, he came from no royal court, and his bloodline is far less pure than yours or Shining's.

None of their ancestors have ever caught the Confessarii's attention. We've never gathered memories from their bloodlines.

Even if the King of Sarkaz chose his sister, it does not mean that her brother...

Just as I've told you, Salus.

Power comes from blood. Blood inherits memory. Memory accumulates sin. Sin forms shackles. Only those unbound by history can truly unshackle power.

Alright, alright. May the glory of old return to the land under their majestic guidance.

No, Salus.

Succeed or fail, the Regent will make an impact on the Sarkaz. This is what is most frequently ignored.

By the way, the test subject you took... what's her name again? Lisa? Liz? How's she doing?

...Liz is doing fine.

Is Oripathy taking its toll on her?

She is... unusual. Even if Dame Kal'tsit is at... at... at that medical institution you found, they may not be able to truly help her.

It's good that she's back in Londinium. Your lab's still here with everything. You can bring her back anytime.

Is the food not to your taste, my dear sister?

It's been such a long time since you've been home. Speak up.

If this is about Liz... I apologize. But you know Liz is not your average Infected.

Who's responsible for her suffering and consciousness? Who's responsible for her pain and memories? Can you continue to get along after she remembers all that?

She's not family. You have to—

—She's my family.

...Oh...

But... but she's going to become an empty shell if you don't come back to us. Don't forget why she was built that way.

If you really care for her, I hope the end won't be too painful. Come back.

I'm sure you understand.

You understand. That's why you answered my invitation, isn't it?

From Originium to the truth of the King of Sarkaz. We've reached a clearer conclusion.

She's simply an old cage. We could build a new one, if we had to...

Enough.

Sigh.

I've never seen you really angry, even when you hurt your own colleagues and took the girl.

I guess I don't need to ask what you went through, all these years. What I can see is that...

You see outsiders as more important than family.

Salus empties her cup, which contained only water.

There was no wine. She does not like drinking, especially at work.

Her shadow sways under the light. This was not supposed to be a work day.

You're not my family.

Haven't I made that clear enough?

You have.

Shining does not look at the untouched food, or the other two Confessarii by her side.

She simply stands up, holding her sword in her arms.

I've asked the men watching Liz to leave.

There's no need to send me any more invitations.

The next time we meet... I expect it'll be in battle.

'Asked them to leave.'

Shining... you really think you're going to just leave like this?

There's nothing left for us to talk about.

What if I said I don't want you to leave?

You can't stop me.

I think I can make you stay and chat for a little longer.

No?

The leader of the Confessarii silently sips his wine.

Shining can feel Salus activate her Arts. She could leave by pulling her sword, but what would happen then?

Will that really help her save Liz?

Shining.

Leader! I wasn't really about to use force against Shining. Why did you stop me?

I've allowed you to act on your own.

I've allowed you to be absent from my side.

But do not interfere with the Regent's plans. Do not hinder the Sarkaz path to our long-awaited future.

Shining, my sister.

No one can truly break free from her bloodline, no matter how much she might detest it, how much she might desire to break those shackles.

It is meaningless to try to deny the gift of blood.

...I thought you already knew.

Not everything will go according to your plan...

Father.

...Your Highness.

My, my, Lettou. Why such a frown on your face?

Is the wine not good enough for you? Or is the flavor of the food too light?

Good wine should be paired with the futile resistance of the weak against fate, and the arrogance of heroes who drown in prophecy.

Even I am amazed at how they write their own stories for their own entertainment. Unfortunately, our Victorian friends are too reliant on fiction.

We've seen better stuff, have we not, Lettou?

I just saw you feed a nobleman's wife and children to your troops.

I support the vetting of potential insurgents, but...

Er...

Ugh––!

His voice dies in his throat.

It is as though all the blood in his body has been forced to his esophagus. He falls to his knees and opens his mouth in desperation, but cannot find any air.

A blood mist comes over his vision. He sees the Vampire still sitting in his place, elegant and calm, not even bothering to look at him.

Lt. Colonel!

Form up! Protect the commander!

You'll fight me here?

That's not what the taste of your blood tells me.

Fear... worry.

They're screaming for you to back off, to run away.

...Hold the line!

The lips of the soldiers are as pale as their faces.

They hold their weapons with trembling hands—sabers, bows, what Victoria has made for them.

They are the finest soldiers, unafraid of the Streltsy of Ursus, the Arts of Leithanien, or the broadside guns of Columbia.

But they are afraid of the Sarkaz sitting before them.

Put down your weapons...

Stand... stand down...

Lt. Colonel...

This is an order...

Yes... sir.

The soldiers back off in an orderly manner.

It took all of Lettou's strength to give the order. He stops resisting and accepts the eternal darkness that the Sarkaz has prepared for him.

Then, he hears the silky voice again.

Lettou, Lettou.

I thought we were friends. Friends should trust each other, shouldn't they?