Глава 11

I think I've been kind, overlooking those little extra-curricular activities of you and your men.

Deals under the table, black markets in the alleys... I've turned a blind eye to them because I don't think greed and desire should be punished.

But I expect the same trust in return.

Many Gaulish nobles keep fowlbeasts as pets, building jeweled cages for the adorable things, lying them down on soft and delicate cushions.

All the fowlbeasts need to do is squawk, and they'll be served the finest food.

When the fowlbeasts are in a bad mood and peck their masters, their masters eagerly tell people of the intelligence and personality of their fowlbeasts.

But do you think the fowlbeasts have tamed their masters?

Air returns to Lettou's lungs.

It takes him some time to stand again, his limbs still trembling, but he does his best to keep that trembling out of his voice.

Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness.

March! March!

Stay in line!

I heard you were looking for me.

How are your injuries?

Same as ever. Won't interfere with the mission.

Good.

I just got a message. Here.

Let me see.

Lost contact with the mercs sent to Highbury?

They should have been in communication an hour ago.

The Military Commission is dissatisfied with the recent performance of the mercenaries.

Soldiers must pay attention to a greater battlefield. The Regent and I had... high hopes... for the mercenaries.

I'll find out what happened to them.

No need. I've made arrangements.

There's a possibility that they ran into an old acquaintance of yours.

Who could be as concerned about the Sarkaz supply lines as we ourselves?

Let me guess, Dr. {@nickname} and Ascalon...

Are they investigating the Highbury munitions factories, or are they already preparing to attack other hubs with information about the supply lines?

Tend to your injuries, mercenary.

You don't need any more 'wounds' before I find your old friends, one by one.

Doctor! You're here!

Did you get the intel from the factory?

Some potential depots.;Half of the puzzle.

Not bad. I was thinking what I would have to do to extract you and Feist if something went wrong.

We had Ascalon.;......;We've got Ascalon to thank.

One more thing, Ascalon.;Can I ask you another favor, Ascalon?

Can you reach W?;W is in Highbury, right?

She operates on her own devices.

That young Sarkaz mercenary...;The Sarkaz mercenary who wouldn't hurt the worker...

She may need help.

...W will know.

Closure, did you see...;Is it the appointed time?

Doctor!

You turn around at the voice.

You see a familiar sight coming towards you.

We're here.

Amiya.

Long time no see.;Good work.

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.