Глава 13

The myriad souls lie prostrate.

Howling knocks on the door from beneath, tangible usurps the intangible.

Qui'sartuštaj bears witness.

The Black Crown imprisoned, the offender perpetually innocent.

Because kings are born before immortality.

Is W back yet?

No.

The time she's spent on this mission has already exceeded our worst-case calculations.

How's Nightingale doing?

Shining looks past the window and at Nightingale, sleeping soundly under the trees outside.

Not great.

Liz has never been more stable than she is right now, but the amount of Originium in her body is rising, and it's highly likely her nociceptors will be affected.

This can't be an ordinary Infection symptom.

Perhaps it's due to the Sarkaz witchcraft devices on the battlefield, or maybe the whispering of the revenant... I don't know.

There's no way I can tell Liz that 'I feel her pain'. For I have no idea what's going on.

But yesterday, she was happily telling me how she hasn't been feeling any pain in her dreams for a long time now...

You're hesitating.

You've been like this ever since you returned from the Confessarius's place alone.

Do you remember what you told me, when you applied to come with me to Londinium?

To 'heal Liz', Dr. Kal'tsit. This goal I've never wavered on, ever.

We may not know the exact status of her illness, but we all know what it means to 'heal' her.

The things we need to do will not change... on this I'm clear.

I have faith in you both.

The way you look at Nightingale isn't just with compassion. You're not just her doctor—she's healing your fears too.

Her body has its issues, but she's a member of the 'Followers', as well as your companion, and not a delicate flower that needs your protection.

The Confessarii secret is truly a sickening affair, but we might only be able to uncover the truth by facing the abomination lurking in the utmost depths head on.

I know you may be somewhat worried.

But as I said when we first agreed to work together, Rhodes Island will help you if you ever need a hand.

——Thank you, Dr. Kal'tsit.

A blue fowlbeast chirps as it lands on Shining's shoulder.

This is Liz's usual way of greeting her.

Liz's awake. I'll go fetch her.

I'm fine, Shining. You don't have to look after me so meticulously.

Liz, we were just discussing your condition, and there are some signs... that aren't too great.

The vicinity of Londinium has turned into a warzone, and there are some things that are affecting your health.

Dr. Kal'tsit and I are currently discussing our next course of action. This place is also just a temporary foothold.

Shining... come here. Closer.

Alright.

Look at you. Why wear that face when you've already made up your mind?

We can't run forever.

The way things are now, we might as well confront them with our dignity intact, right?

I know you'll stay with me, so I'd rather stay here, and be a little more proactive.

Liz...

Be strong, Shining. Your brows have been knitted ever since you met with them. Are you nervous?

Oh, right. While I was napping under the tree earlier... I had a dream.

I think we were children, walking in a stream...

The water didn't even reach our calves. It was cold, but very pleasant. We didn't speak, only walking along quietly.

And then I woke up. I saw a strange fowlbeast pecking at its own plumage.

It seemed to be pecking at its bruise-covered body until it was entirely covered in blood...

It gazed at me with a pleading look in its eyes, crying as it huddled in its own nest, but it was not liquid pouring down its face, it was white wax...

Even its mess of feathers were all frozen, and it was still chirping before it died—

Qui'sartuštaj bears witness.

It was a strange melody, that sounded like...

Qui'sartuštaj bears witness.

*Ancient Sarkaz Language*.

Liz...?

Shining spots a black fowlbeast resting on the tree, weakly nesting on a crown made of dead branches.

It looks back at Shining, and a trembling cry resounds from its syrinx, a rhythm permeating—

*Ancient Sarkaz Language*.

A black feather floats from the crown of dead branches.

It covers everyone's vision despite its tiny size.

You led me here.

And so I've come to take you home, Liz.

Mon3tr!

(High-pitched braying)

Return from whence you came.

The structure is so fragile. It seems Theresis's blade is sharper than I imagined.

Watch out, Shining!

It's fine, Liz. He can't harm me.

You've regressed.

It will be a challenge to return your body to its peak condition. That will eat into my experimentation time.

To think you'd willingly leave that sordid lair of yours...

The black fowlbeast rests on the dead branches in the Confessarius's hand.

Its robust body is covered by an abundance of feathers, shining with luster.

It was reborn so easily and instantly from corruption.

It seems like you're anxious about something as well.

We have already arrived at the gate.

We've made great strides in our experiments, even just knocking softly on the door.

You <i>must</i> attend the final ritual—

Mon3tr, meltdown!

(Angry howling)

Five minutes will be enough, Salus. Stop her with your life.

Do not let them hinder me.

Of course.

A black curtain of satin drapes down.

It binds the howling monster in multiple layers, giving it less and less space to struggle.

(Pained howling)

Her Arts are black...?

Is that... Amiya's? What have you done to her?!

...No.

They didn't defeat her.

I should have been able to present the King of Sarkaz to the leader unharmed. It's a pity.

But no matter. Even just getting a glimpse can let the fake take another step forward.

So, little creature. Don't disturb our leader at work—follow me elsewhere to wait till he's done!

(Angry wailing)

Mon3tr!

Dr. Kal'tsit, you're in no shape to exert yourself.

I said last time that our next meeting would be on the battlefield.

Oh? Then why are you concealing your sword even now?

You swore to sever your ties with our lineage when you left home, and this whole time I've been looking forward for you to return and fulfil your promise.