Глава 14

'Amiya...'

Amiya hears a whisper. She looks up, and Theresa is standing by her side.

She takes Amiya's hand.

Damn. The battlefield... it's changing again!

Vina, the ground... it's rumbling.

Stay at your post, Hannah! Don't get distracted!

That thing above the Shard just released some strange form of energy.

If the Sighs of Kings fails—

Remain alert! Allied command is reporting at least seven coordinates where sudden changes in terrain have occurred!

Three assault ships belonging to the Duke of Abercorn reported destroyed. Communications were lost with two force recon units under the Duke of Ashworth—

Order all units to stop attacking Hill C-9.

Scatter to the sides, or we'll be swallowed by the waves of Originium.

Got it! Everyone's moving!

And we've got another really bad news.

Looks like someone's sitting on that empty throne in the Nachzehrer camp...

The Nachzehrer King is back...

The fog... it's getting thicker. The Sarkaz are striking back!

Horn, you and Bagpipe coordinate operations with allied command.

You're more familiar with the army's commands. The other units will support us.

Lose this pass, and we'll lose all the ground that we took.

Roger!

I'll help. I'm gettin' used to dealin' with this stuff.

Captain, look... the Gloriana. It's crystalizing quickly. The Sarkaz are besieging it!

The Duke of Caster is still on the ship.

Victoria can't afford to lose another duke in battle.

We—

The sound of electrical static, then the same voice is heard over all communications channels on the Victorian side.

Attention all soldiers of the alliance. This is the Duke of Caster, in command of the Gloriana.

You see as I do how the Sarkaz tyrant has torn our motherland apart.

The malice and barbarism of our foe merely serves to strengthen our resolve to defend our country.

As long as our ships and soldiers... *Bzzt*... as long as we all do our duty...

This is the resolve of Parliament—and every citizen, duke or commoner, general or soldier... *Bzzt*...

Our foe climbs the broken bow of the Gloriana once more. Originium threatens to devour our fortress.

But you have not yielded, brave soldiers! Neither will Caster!

...*Bzzt* I shall step up to the frontlines and stand with you... *Bzzt* ...

We stand upon Mother Victoria—

The Duke of Caster...

Is... is he mad?!

The steam knight went mad a long time ago, Hannah.

Did I see that right? Did the steam knight just smash into the Gloriana?

No, he smashed into the almost-crystalized Stone of the Sword and Sighs of Kings...

What is he trying to do?

...He wants to save his Victoria.

Even the frightened soldiers in the rear heard the unusual sound from the Gloriana.

The armor patrols the Stone of the Sword, trampling every Sarkaz who attempts to approach it.

But he could contain the spread of Originium.

'Victoria!!'

He roars, he smashes the ground, but there is nothing he could do to stop the Originium from swallowing the Realmblade—

And so he charged at its foe, towards the Gloriana devoured by Originium.

Originium crystals shatter. The shock sends the Sighs of Kings flying, landing at Vina's feet, before countless eyes wide with astonishment.

Vina pulls out the sword that had been with her for so long.

She points it at the charging foe and spreading fog, not one step back.

She is answered by the call to charge and the sound of blasting steam.

You...

You've grown.

Her tone is as gentle and mild as Amiya remembers.

But Amiya knows that it is not the same Theresa as the one who had once held her in her arms and told her stories all night.

Amiya had so many questions that she had hoped to find the answer for when they met.

But she could not say anything, ask anything.

Theresa would not permit it.

Shh. I can hear the questions within you, Amiya.

But I can't answer them. All answers, all explanations are pale and powerless.

Our reunion was the product of an accident.

Perhaps I was looking forward to this moment too.

You, Kal'tsit, W... and Doctor. You stand before me.

I'm sincerely joyful for this reunion. You feel it, don't you?

Why?

She should have been sure. She should not hesitate—

The one before her could not possibly be Theresa.

Why, then, does she look exactly the same as Theresa, not just in her appearance, but also in her expression, her eyes, and the emotions?

You... you're not...

You're not... Theresa...

Do you truly think that, Amiya?

The Theresa I know would never do something like this...

Enough, Your Highness.

Damn... I came here thinking I had it thought through, but I couldn't find any words other than 'Your Highness' before that face.

I remember you...

W.

Hah. You remember me. There's no greater honor I've won in my entire career as a merc.

I would have ran up to hug you, if circumstances were any different.

But you don't know, and you don't need to know, how many times I've said goodbye to you already.

This might sound sentimental, but... you were special to me like no one ever was. You showed a wandering mercenary sights that she never thought she would see.

So, the only way I can repay you is by putting you to rest.

Is that so...?

You still call me 'Your Highness'. You still remember that I'm the King of Sarkaz.

Then the only thing for me to do is to protect the Sarkaz.

What did Theresa just do?!

Amiya turns around to see that everything has changed.

The white pillar has grown at a breathtaking rate. The immeasurable 'tower' of infinity now 'falls' at breakneck pace.

Only the place the she stands upon...

Only around Theresa is there eternal peace and silence.

This tower is beautiful, Amiya.

It will continue to grow forever, breaking through all limits, and hold up the heavens for the garden that will rewrite Sarkaz destiny.

How I wanted you to see it...

But you are not permitted here. Accidents must be eliminated.

When you stand before me...

You're the enemy of the Sarkaz.

No.

A black crown appears above Amiya's head.

'I won't allow that, Theresa!'