Глава 11

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?

Take him to the front.

I tire of the noise. Begin.

B-Begin what?

Run in when you hear the order.

Confirm everyone is dead and you can come back alive.

In... into the fire? A fire that big? N-No! I'll burn to death!

You're going to do exactly that.

The ancient Sarkaz steps on the Heart of Victoria and raises a finger.

Argh—!

He did not see what was chasing him.

As the Sarkaz warrior said, he follows the order instinctively, running forward like a man possessed.

In the fire, the slightest chance of survival. On his tail, the scent of certain death.

But he only takes a few steps before stumbling in confusion.

Blood spurts from his body.

It no longer belongs to him. It serves another master now.

At its new master's command, it charges forth towards the collapsing manor, towards the raging flames, chewing through the ruins, swallowing the rubble, covering the cinders.

Nothing can stop the march of blood, not even fire.

He was right, Lettou.

I haven't sampled his private reserve.

We should, shouldn't we?

This is it. Wait here.

Lund, Charlie...

This is where you kill us.

...How do you know?

Simple.

You never told the workers what you were building for the past two years.

But a factory boss gets a few clues.

I guessed you were close to the final stages, the way you people have been pressing us lately. And that means it's time for those who know too much to die.

You lied to me.

Just getting my affairs in order.

What could lowly workers like us do, after groveling for the past three years?

Don't you dare try anything.

You, you and you. Come with me; we'll take a look around.

Keep a close eye on her, Paprika.

Alright.

Can I have a smoke?

Hm... okay.

Thanks.

Did you ever consider running?

Where?

And anyway, it'd only make trouble for the workers left behind.

I've been thinking about what you'd do to us. Looks like whoever's giving the orders still has something of a heart.

But... what do you mean?

They said to get rid of us quietly so the workers don't panic, didn't they?

If my life buys a chance for the others to live, then so be it.

You think the rest of the old timers you brought here don't get that?

I don't get it...

Huff...

How old are you, girl?

Doctor, do you know the story of the Steam Knights?

Yes.;I've heard of them.

Granny used to build them.

It was a point of pride for us.

With our own hands, we built the armor worn by the defenders of Londinium, the ones who defended our home.