Глава 13

It's not just Theresis—

Don't forget, there's Theresa too.

So, from all perspectives we're... all we can be is their successors, the inheritors of their ideals.

The two of them, they're the reason the Sarkaz could come together in the first place.

That's not the real Theresa.

That's a fake Theresis has cooked up. He can't fool me.

W.

Look at yourself.

Who do you think you are—

You couldn't accept Theresa's death, you're stuck in the shadow of Babel.

Like...

Shut up.

You think Amiya's walking ahead of you. You think she's Theresa's handpicked successor, that the King of Sarkaz should be thinking about this stuff.

You look at her and see another Theresa, you think all you need to do is follow the King.

Shut up! Are you trying to gross me out?!

You think you don't deserve to inherit anything.

What kind of joke is this? You think you get me? You're my mentor now, you're gonna raise me, teach me, huh Hoederer?

You're just a merc, not much higher on the ladder than me. But you're so deluded you can stand up and call yourself a successor or whatever of whatever?

Ugh, it's so gross! The little bunny? I'm gonna follow her?

She was in the right place at the right time to be chosen—

—Chosen by Theresa, to become the leader of Rhodes Island who stopped Reunion and Talulah, who broke her way into Londinium today.

So what about you, W?

What exactly does Theresa mean to you?

Some distant ethereal symbol who once gave you a place to stay, one specific flesh-and-blood royal, or—the path she stood for?

...I...

'For this land to... fall into peaceful slumber.'

...Ugh.

So... that's why I say she's a fake.

Ines... how have you managed to hold back from killing him this long?

Because I'm not deluding myself, most of the time.

Ugh. Spare me.

Whatever, Hoederer.

I know what I have to do. And I'm not going to kill you to shake up morale this time, you should be kissing my feet.

Polish that sword of yours good, we've got a war tomorrow.

Sigh... she ran off again.

Do you really think she could be a decent leader?

She's organized a whole lot of mercs.

Heh, are they really 'mercs' though?

How much money does W have to hire them? And how much does she earn for them with the things she does?

Alright then, why are they following her?

No matter what she says, whether it's revenge for Theresa, hunting down the assassins, or just randomly bombing her way across the land—

She's definitely... walked her path.

The ones who follow her really are sad.

But people forget how young she is. She's got lots of... room for improvement.

We can hope.

Also, the startup capital for your shop, not a joke.

...I know.

The Exemplars is fully equipped.

Some of the Londinium Self-Salvation Corps volunteered to join our team.

Yes, tallying up the remnants of the various ducal forces we've gathered, refugees who want to join the fight, and these militiamen from the Self-Salvation Corps, we have the strength of roughly six or seven platoons.

Siege, we'd best formally establish the military structure of the Exemplars. Appointing officers such that our chain of command can...

Lieutenant Shearer, this team is not a true military unit. It is not the Victorian Army.

True, we have some soldiers...

But aside from you and the remnants of Duke Windermere's forces led by Delphine, the rest are ordinary folk who want to fight. Workers, farmers, merchants, and of course, street ruffians.

Should we forcibly incorporate them into one or two combat units, arm them, and subordinate them to officers, then what is the difference between us and the dukes?

The Exemplars is a fine name, but I believe it should bring the people nothing but hope.

Or to speak less grandly, it should bring the people something intangible, the likes of which the dukes' high-speed battleships can't bring.

Which is to say...

The Exemplars should not be a heroic force captained by the heir to the throne wielding the Realmblade. I'm rather repulsed by such titles.

But then, how are we to organize our combat operations?

Speaking of combat operations, a considerable portion of our team has not undergone any regular military training.

When in Londinium, do as the Londiniers do, eh?

Just as we did in Chetleigh, just as the Self-Salvation Corps did in Londinium.

We're killing the Sarkaz in our familiar way, with our familiar friends.

...No offense, Sarkaz.

None taken. No harm done.

The ritual has been terminated, but the blessing bestowed on the Sarkaz blood has not completely gone with it.

Over Londinium way... ancient witchcraft stirs.

Our mortal enemy operates with unknown purpose, but the urgency they reveal presents an opportunity for a breakthrough.

We will be extra cautious.

Then...

Let's snatch that bone back.

The plan was a success. The Victorian attack did distract a portion of the forces here.

We're in, and it's here.

You, are you the Sarkaz from last time? How did you—

Is this a joint attack with the Victorians?

Sorry.

Kill the traitors! Kill these Sarkaz traitors!

Ulšulah isn't here to welcome us.

Logos guessed right. Looks like she's too busy.

Hah—You didn't let me come in last time. This sucker's huge!

Can I blow it into two halves?

No, stay with the team.

Get onto its spine and seize its operator.

Amiya.

Yes, I feel it.

He's here.

I follow the Banshee's gaze to the shadow cast on the rock.

A hint of blood invades my nostrils.

Does this skeleton... have veins?