Глава 12

Protecting the people is what we, those who bear the title of duke, ought to do.

And, you even saved my daughter.

She was just bawling in her room earlier.

Mum! I was only...

I can guess what you've all been through the last couple of days.

But Delphine, perhaps you have come to better understand how those in power should wield authority.

If I may be so bold, Your Grace, how are you planning to use your power?

After witnessing the fate of the Steam Knights, I'm not sure—

I had to make a strategic decision, daughter of Montague.

You may call it a plot, and I won't deny that I signed my name on the Steam Knights' orders.

But... to decide the future of this country is exactly our duty.

...'Duty'.

Yes, Miss Vina. 'Duty'.

You understand why I'm addressing you that way.

Of course.

If you'd excuse us, Your Grace. For now, I would... rather be with my friends.

As you please.

Now then, Doctor of Rhodes Island. I believe... we can't avoid discussing the object your operator is carrying.

Kyngasycath.;......;It's just a tourist trinket.

I knew it wasn't my imagination.

That is Victoria's Realmblade, yes?

Delphine was praising you so highly that perhaps I require a re-evaluation.

Anyway, it's impossible to ignore her and the sword she's carrying.

Delphine told me about your deal with her. Even though there were some twists and turns in between, I'm sure that deal remains valid.

Don't tell me you're becoming a supporter of Rhodes Island.

Of course.

But I promise you that for now, I'll act as if nothing happened.

We can talk this out slowly when we've returned to my demesne.

Cador didn't get on the ship, he left with a bunch of people.

And Hannah?

She's still in her room and refuses to come out.

Let's get her something to eat. She's barely had a decent meal in Norport.

Yeah.

What are you burning?

A bunch of drafts.

Notes I saved for writing inspiration.

But I forgot where I dropped my memoir notebook, haha.

Siege, you don't need it, do you? We don't need it anymore.

Sure.

I...

Siege, what's... are you crying?

No, I just...

I just...

Heavy tears roll down Siege's cheeks, while Morgan and Dagda are both stunned in their common consensus—Vina has never shed a tear before.

On the deck of this high-speed battleship, the Victorian sun is still slowly rising, sweeping the haze and evaporating the mist from last night.

And this youth called Vina, with her back to the sun, is expressing her emotions without a word.

I just... got ash in my eyes.

Norport will return to her old self, the people are still there after all.

We'll get our old lives back... eventually.

We just... need patience. A little more of it.

Vina, I—

The war is going to end, right?