Глава 12

Let's not be hasty, sir. We can talk this out.

We also have some attractive proposals for the both of you.

Fine, it doesn't matter who you are, as long as you're serious about helping out Berties.

So this hotel is still standing... I thought it was a complete ruin from the outside.

I could spend five hours complaining to you about how difficult it was to put up a facade of ruin.

We just want to avoid trouble, Mr. Colbert here isn't the fighting sort.

I hope you won't blame me, but I just want to... maintain the dignity of this hotel.

It used to be a great place, and I've worked here my whole life, so I couldn't bear to see my hard work burn to ash.

I understand, Mr. Colbert, I remember what it used to look like.

Those dazzling crystal chandeliers, passionate doormen and waiters, and those gorgeous suites.

Not to mention those beautiful flags hanging on the door.

Flags... I see, you were once a valued guest of our establishment.

That was many years ago.

We can talk about these things later. I hear there's a Sarkaz mercenary giving you food?

Yes, a young girl who calls herself Paprika. I have a feeling it's not an easy matter for her.

Paprika?

Do you know a mercenary by that name, Ines?

I saw a brief from Ascalon's mission in Highbury, and the name came up.

I remember now, she let Catherine go.

Manfred apprehended her, and I thought she was already dead.

So you're saying this is a genuinely kind Sarkaz?

No, this means that the food supply is probably within the scope of Manfred's plans.

The Military Commission needs the people of Norport to stay alive, for now at least.

What are they waiting for?

We don't have the time to care about Sarkaz plans now, Rhodes Islanders.

I know this hotel houses a communications station, and I need to use it.

What are you planning to do?

Contact the dukes, and have them provide backup.

So, your story about that 'Her Royal Highness' was fake after all.

You gave the people of Norport a phony promise.

We're working hard to make it a reality!

As long as we get a broadcast out, the dukes won't sit idly by. This I can assure you.

You believe in those nobles that much?

I just believe in their ambition.

And what about after your broadcast? There's no way to encrypt the frequency here, so the Sarkaz are going to hear it too.

Miss Vina told me that she and the Glasgow Gang will organize an operation to break through the blockade walls, and should they manage it, there should be secret passages leading outside.

They've used it before.

So we just have to hold out until the dukes launch their assault.

And how long will we need to 'hold out?'

Under four hours.

You sound certain.

And after leaving this area? This is a battlefield, after all.

That's a problem for later. There's no way we can plan for everything in advance.

We just have to escape this place, and then what happens after will surely...

Just a second, are there any other guests in the hotel?

Ah? No, of course not.

It's just me and Percival hiding here these days.

The shadow is... expanding?

Hide yourself and follow me.

Huh? But—

Miss Ines, don't drag me!

Come with me if you want to live, Delphine Windermere!

Wha?

You... how did you...?

You'll want to leave here too.

What? What's going on now?

Mr. Colbert, do as they say.

Dr. {@nickname}, you...

Leave it to me.;......;Don't worry, we're still cooperating with him.

You should have a good chat with Miss Delphine.

This is concerning Rhodes Island's future.

...I get it.

You want a chair, sir?

No need. I prefer to stand.

You've gotten me into quite a bit of trouble, Doctor of Rhodes Island. The identity of Her Royal Highness Alexandrina is an extremely sensitive matter in Victoria, and you should have been well aware of this.

I had thought we already came to a tacit understanding on this matter.

But, well, let us put that aside for the moment...

Might you introduce me to that hasty blue-haired lady who just left? I would like to make her acquaintance.

Perhaps even share a dance with her.