Глава 12

I... I just remembered a few novels that I read before.

The protagonists are always charming, suave, always heading to the frontlines wearing a uniform befitting of them with a pipe in their mouths.

But the authors never tell us which battlefield they head to and how the trenches smell.

Those who are enamored of the protagonist, both women and men, taste fine desserts with anxious hearts—

Of course, we all know these are just literary techniques. The stories always end happily.

Authors with a little bit of ambition might try to build what the critics call a 'profound' atmosphere.

The stories are adorned with preventable deaths, and they are always the protagonist's comrade and dearest friend, dying in the trenches to shield the hero.

In the end, the wretched enemy finds themselves defeated by the hero's sword, thus restoring justice and morality.

And at his fallen friend's funeral, a solemn crowd gathers to remember his heroics, as petals symbolizing honor are scattered atop the casket.

This is the most emotional part. The protagonist clenches his fist, wipes his tears, and looks toward the morning sun with resolve—

And without fail, they always say that hope will come and all sacrifices will be meaningful.

And there. That's where the author stops. Let the readers imagine for themselves that truly beautiful future. Let them bask in that stately feeling in the end.

I'm surprised you read these kinds of novels.

It was years ago. Everyone was that age once.

I used to be obsessed with these books when I was still a young girl... I wasn't very attached to the protagonists, actually, but I was indeed obsessed with those deaths.

Sometimes, I imagined myself one of those heroes who sacrificed themselves for their cause, and the masses would sing my praises for the era I helped create or, at the very least, my sacrifice...

Hah. How childish.

Later on, I thought I'd be clear-headed enough to see past these sugar-coated fantasies.

But then... I started to notice... there might be nothing inherently different between who I am now and who I was back then.

Don't say that. You told the children yourself. Death is a solemn topic.

Hah, did I? I don't remember.

Perhaps it was just the lectures that I've got so used to giving.

How was procurement today?

Not too bad. The situation on the streets isn't very serious. The prices at the shops haven't gone up, though there were more city defense soldiers than usual, and the Sarkaz solders... they're not as secretive they used to be.

But everyone is pretending as if nothing has happened. Except... what used to be Norport. There is nothing left except the support structures extending from the surrounding districts.

What about those places?

I need to apologize to you again. I should never have dragged you into this. It's just... Lettou has his eyes on me, and every time I step out the door, I find myself followed by several ill-meaning men.

I had no choice but to make a gamble—that you are not on their watchlist yet.

No, I'm glad to do my part for Londinium.

It's just that the places you told me about were all pretty quiet. I used the passwords, but no one answered.

Maybe... Maybe they've already given up?

No, they are all stronger than I am. Much stronger.

But I've found a letter. It should be for you, so I didn't open it.

This... No, this isn't their handwriting.

The letter has practically all the information on the Self-Salvation Corps' communications.

What?! But... how could that...?

This is a threat.

They... They know us like the back of their hand.

Then... What should we do, Lady Golding?!

Molly, I'll have another list of places for you.

I've never been to these bases myself, but having analyzed the flow of information... they should be there.

I shouldn't take this risk. This goes against our established practices, but...

This information is important to the Self-Salvation Corps, right?

Many lives are on the line.

Then we must do this.

Molly... Just as I taught you, watch out for anyone who could be tailing you. Whether they are Sarkaz or not, do not let your guard down.

Look for a girl called Clovisia there or anyone who can get in contact with her. Tell them that the entire intelligence network has been exposed. They must evacuate immediately!

Lady Golding, where are you going?

To Lettou's office.

I will try to buy as much time as I can for the rest of you.

But—

Relax, I'll be fine. I...

I just hope I'm stronger than I think I am.

Doctor, I had a dream.

I saw... the city shrouded in dark clouds, and bloodstained Sarkaz flags flew above every building. Outside the city... Originium grew everywhere my eyes could see.

I saw a rusted throne towering above the lands. The masses kneeled before it, crying tears stained in black. I saw the person on the throne wave their arm, and the shouts that followed pierced the sky.

Yet, in the shadow of the throne, the cowering men lifted their heads ever so slightly...

I felt what they felt...

I don't know how to describe it... It was so all over the place, so stifled...

I could only make out what was on the surface. That pain...

...and hatred.

Who was that on the throne...?

Is this the future that the collective souls of the Sarkaz foresaw? Or is this... the duty of the King of Sarkaz?

Did Theresa have this dream? Could this be... the sights she is looking forward to now?

No, it can't be.

Doctor, this dream... It doesn't mean anything, right?

You're just exhausted.;It's just a dream.

Thank you, Doctor.

Right, it was... just a dream...

Amiya, Doctor.

Is Dr. Kal'tsit better?

Hard to say. Her body... was frail to start with, and her wounds are deep.

Shining has attempted several solutions, but all of them were limited in their effectiveness. She has yet to awaken.

Mon3tr seems to be slowly repairing itself. Likewise, we do not have any idea how well it will recover, or whether it can actually even recover.

I...

Doctor... At the Defense Forces' command tower, if only I...

Everyone did their best.;None of us expected to see Theresis there.

Dr. Kal'tsit...

I never once imagined that Dr. Kal'tsit would one day be wounded this badly...

She always solved all our problems like they were nothing. She gave us the best advice for every situation.

She's Dr. Kal'tsit. I've never even seen her look tired!

But now...

Doctor...

(Takes Amiya's hand)

I know. I will bear the responsibilities that are mine to bear. Rhodes Island's mission here is far from over.

But... I want to see Dr. Kal'tsit one more time. May I?

Even if it's just sitting there by her bed for a short while.

Rather than staying with the wounded, you two have more important work to do.

Closure wants you to know that she has finished analyzing the data from the command tower.

Clovisia is calling a meeting.

We need to reevaluate the situation in Londinium.

War has broken out.;Our initial plans have failed.

Then please tell us what our step should be.

Amiya, Doctor. You're here.

Haha, as you can see, the morale here... is rather low right now.

It's a mess, but please pay it no mind. Ever since Allerdale... left, our logistics have been in shambles.

But given the problems we face, this is the best solution we have.

We lost many men in our last battle. We once thought that these sacrifices would not be in vain, and that as long as we stopped the Sarkaz's projects, everything would still be salvageable.

Regrettably, they acted much faster than we anticipated.

The Sarkaz... Not only do they have the Shard, they also built that 'airship.'