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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.

So, your name really is Delphine Windermere.

How did you know?

I guessed.

Fine. You guessed. Three cheers for you.

That's a 'Trilby Asher.' You have the Duke of Caster behind you, then.

No wonder. She's after that Realmblade. Hmph, she's not trying to keep her ambitions up her sleeve anymore.

Looks like you lot are in far more shit situations than I thought.

Is Vina really back in Londinium to take the throne?

You'd have to ask her. I don't really care.

What do you like to care about, then?

How not to get my clothes dirty more than anything, if I had to say.

Once I get back, I'll tell my mother she'll want to keep a closer eye on Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals.

Turns out we were underestimating the 'medical organization.'

What, do I not look like a doctor?

No.

I'll try a little harder next time.

Now let's lay our cards on the table, Delphine.

How many men did the Duke of Windermere deploy on this plate?

I have two bodyguards... but I assume they're both dead.

Just after the Sarkaz put this place under lockdown, they tried to break out with me in tow. They failed.

Two bodyguards. Very down-to-earth for a Duke's Princess.

You have eyes on that sword too?

You can relax. Duke Windermere's not interested in the Sighs of Kings, I can promise you that.

So why are you here?

Coincidence.

Let me remind you, you owe me one.

You're capable of leaving right now. I'm guessing Sir 'Trilby Asher' would love to talk with a fellow duke's successor.

If the Duke of Windermere, fighter of the good fight, knew her own daughter got into an accident on a Sarkaz-surrounded plate, what would she do?

I imagine any duke would love to see her competitor take the first turn in fighting Theresis to the last man.

Of course, I could be too mean theorizing about him. He's still outside. Maybe he'll invite you for afternoon tea?

I'll be totally frank, Ms. Ines. Your Arts... have saved my life, I can't argue that.

But me being trapped here really is just a coincidence.

Every duke has their own intelligence network in Londinium, whether it's to monitor Sarkaz movements or peep at what the other dukes are doing.

If we're being completely honest, the latter's more important than the former.

I simply thought Norport Borough would be a suitable place to hide.

To go further, an AWOL crown heir once part of the Glasgow Gang would be a very meaningful source of intel for you.