Глава 12

Did old Wellington send his entire reserve fleet here?

Yes, Your Grace.

The Duke of Wellington seems to be fighting that ship... he must be sure of his victory.

Their frontline forces must have already exchanged fire with the Sarkaz.

Grr, and there's still Caster...

That woman has barely ever stepped outside her demesne, but even she's not staying put this time.

Just how valuable is this ship to be worth all their trouble?

Your Grace, the strategists are also recommending we obtain as much technology as we can from that airship.

Whether we stand against the Sarkaz, or... other possible rivals, such an unprecedented weapon will allow us to control an even larger airspace.

Shut them up. What 'possible opponents'? They're inciting me to break up Victoria.

I came here solely to bring Delphine home.

They're also saying that Norport Borough may be in terrible shape right now.

Delphine will be fine. She's my daughter after all.

Y-Your Grace...

Haven't I said before that running inside the ship is forbidden?

Please, take a look at the shadow of that moving plate...

Something's... not quite right...

Duke Windermere takes the telescope offered by the adjutant.

The shadow of the mobile plate cast by the morning sun does not resemble Norport Borough.

Is this because of the structure blocking it? Windermere thinks it strangely resembles a tower.

A tower?

Or... A Shard?

Is that... The Shard's shadow?

How can this be? Is this a natural phenomenon? Or...?

How long did you say it would take for Caster's and Wellington's troops to arrive?

Perhaps within the next two hours?

A rare event indeed, for the troops of three dukes to all coincidentally converge near this area...

According to reports we received earlier, a few other dukes are also planning their moves, so it would not be too surprising to see their warships on the move here.

I've been in the army for many years, and yet this is the first time I've seen something like this.

Full stop! All units, stop immediately!

Get all of them clear of the area at once!

Send a red flare to warn our allies!

Quickly! Now!

Send a plaintext to every Victorian unit in the region!

This place could well be the target of The Shard's attack!

A-Alright!

Don't turn the ship, speed it up towards Norport Borough!

I have to find Delphine before the storm comes!

Red flares blossom under the clouds, and the distorted shadows return to their original state.

Impressive work, Ines.

It was going to be a simple test shot, not at our full power, but we have many other locations to choose for next time.

I do have to admit I have some tiny regrets.

But the Military Commission always has more than just a single plan.

Inform the Nachzehrer King, it's time to rouse the troops.

The storm will open a path for him.

Ines often says death is also a tool.

She would sometimes joke to Hoederer that she might be getting a little too used to playing dead.

But now, as she stands on death's door, Ines realizes that she feels calmer than she expected.

She closes her eyes.

A blaze abruptly bakes her face, along with an intense shockwave.

The unique smell of the explosives is well familiar to Ines.

Her lips curl up.

Dust and smoke from the explosion engulfs her with embers still retaining the heat of the flames.

These embers gather, dance, and weave together.

Sarkaz history is woven of embers, but occasionally, other things are knitted from the smoldering remains.

For example...

Ines falls head first into a cushiony cloud of smoke and dust.

A giant web of embers holds her aloft.

I never should've expected... that the two of them could come up with anything better.

Hey, Ines. Still alive and kicking?

That explosion was pretty tough, so don't blame me if any minor issues crop up.

Ah man, Hoederer. Let's just bury her.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but I'm still alive for now.

Ugh. Killjoy.

So, did you like the fireworks I set off for you?

And guess what I secretly sewed into your clothes?

Wow! Who would've guessed? A tracking device!

Do you think I never noticed it?

Shoddy stitching, your darning skills are honestly embarrassing.

Grr. That was supposed to be a present for you, but well, I guess this way's fine too.

And these—

Don't you know how difficult it is to keep clothes clean and tidy on a battlefield?

And you still threw me into a ball of smoldering ashes?

You used to call my Arts embers.

Not in the mood for that now.

You're pretty seriously injured.

Better than being dead.

What?! Hoederer! You had Arts to cast all along? I thought you only knew how to chop at guys with your knife!

Embers? No wonder you're so unfazed whenever I throw a bomb at your face!

So, are you not afraid of getting shot?

I am.

Can you fling ashes at someone else's face?

No.

Is your permanently haggard scowl a side effect of your Arts?

Shut up.

...Heh.

How many years has it been since I've seen you in such a pathetic state, Ines?

Believe me, you'll never see me like this again.

Don't be too confident now, we might just bump into the Sanguinarch having a leisurely stroll on our way back.

W, can I ask you to swap your little hypothetical there?

What, did you develop feelings for those crusty old monsters of the Royal Court after hanging out with Manfred for so long?

Hey, you should be thanking me! If I didn't bump into you scuttling around on my way back, you might've gotten recaptured by your old besties!

Maybe I'll head back to prison so I can at least enjoy some peace and quiet without you.

Be my guest, I'll even do you a solid and report you to Theresis.

Where are we headed?

W's safehouse.

Fine, I can force myself to pretend we're going home.

And also—

...Thanks.

...I wanna go back.