Глава 12

Alright, about time I bid farewell to this old friend. To tell the truth... I really did love this place.

*sigh*... Two more months you should've kept this up, Colbert. Who would've imagined, after two months of the Sarkaz army in the city, an old devil would go from cleaner to hotel owner.

I just can't wrap my head around it.

The elderly Sarkaz stands up, and scans over the grand lobby of the public house. Every single article in here is near and dear to him.

That Ines Caprinae says war doesn't do metaphor.

Well, then. Let's restore its original looks.

Upon a finely woven rug that's seen more political players and aristocrats than anyone could know, the elderly Sarkaz drops a lighter lit aflame.

And swiftly, the fires rage high.

The... The soldiers here, were they all killed?

Is the enemy here?! If I'd found this earlier...

Their families will receive compensation payouts. If they have families.

We have to be on guard...

No.

Do you look like that... because you already knew about this?

You... This was part of your plan too...

It was per Military Commission of Kazdel arrangements.

Sacrifice is unavoidable, mercenary. I thought your captain would have taught you this long ago.

You're a general! And they're your soldiers!

Yes. I am a general, and this is my work.

Be it our enemies or ourselves, I must cast each and every life into this gaping maw we call war—

And pray it spits out the best ending we could wish for.

That is all I can achieve in my position.

You—

Hence why I came; I came to give this all my full attention. To look over every pale, young face here.

I must remind myself that this was a decision I made.

I will not say this is the price the Sarkaz must pay, mercenary.

The Victorians killed them, but it was I that let them be killed by the Victorians.

Why do you have to do it this way?

To light a fire.

Light a fire that will extend across this great land.

And we... the Sarkaz, can find a place for ourselves, the room for us to exist, only on such a divided land.

Mercenary, you must learn to familiarize yourself with it.

Be familiar with it. Hate it. And finally, accept it.

Because this is the only way.

A bright blaze flames high from the lockdown zone, an old building fiercely burning.

Another... accident?

No. That is the first flame.

Mercenary, come with me. We must return to the airship.

Our guests have already taken their seats.