blemsh

And none of this was yours. And it shouldn't be yours either.

Since I was young, I've been determined to become that. And I chose to give up in the end, while you just lifted the ideal from my hands midway. How long can you bear it?

I regret it a lot, Lanton. I should've talked with you sooner, shared in your feelings. And maybe, after we understood each other better, none of this would've turned out the way it has.

You ask me how long I can bear it. I'm going to try my hardest to avoid using the word 'bear.'

I'll strive to work hard with the others, and turn endurance into fondness, into enjoyment.

I don't know if I can do it, but I want to try.

You want to say you'll do better than me.

There's no reason to compare the two of us.

Drop dead.

I'm sorry.

Got them all tied up. That ought to put a bow on things.

So? What do you plan to do with me?

Lanton, are you really not going to change your mind?

The moment I decided to do this, I became a different person.

You can treat me like a stranger and off me. I love you, Landi, and that's the last thing I can do for you as your older brother.

This whole month, I've done a lot of things I never did before. I've drawn a joy from it I never knew in the past twenty-something years.

I may not be satisfied, but it's enough.

... (Unties)

Go, Lanton.

The farther, the better.

Don't look back, don't come back, don't regret it.

Or else, I'll kill you.

Lanton.

I'm sorry, Lanton.

If you looked back, I wouldn't have killed you.

But if I really did just let you go like this, so many more people would've died.

It's how... it should be...

He was in the right, Blemishine.

I know...

I know.

I just never imagined, things could—reach this point, between family.

I'm sorry, Rhodes Islanders. I had to do this.

We understand.

Give him a proper burial.

...I'll help you.

Lanton, this was the place you loved to train with your sword. I'll bury you here.

I don't know if I can become a militia chief as mighty as you were.

But I'll try my hardest.

I'm very thankful to all of you Rhodes Islanders. Without you, I really have no idea how things would've turned out.

The militia are all waiting for you. You've truly become their new leader. Go say a few words to them.

Alright.

Listen up, everyone.

What my brother's done, I won't try to argue for him.

The man I was is a far cry from him, you could see that, and I know that much. I was lazy, idle, and didn't do what I should've.

But—I'm part of the village too.

It's my wish to see the village improve, to protect it.

From here on, in place of my brother, I'll take up the responsibility of protecting the village.

I hope you will all support me!

... (Clapping)

I wasn't convinced before, Landi, but I think I've come over today!

Landi, give it what you've got! I'll watch your back!

Blemishine, what's up? Relief all over your face.

I always had some lingering fears.

I always thought me and my sister getting along was as natural as anything, and it would carry on just like that.

But now I know. I've just been lucky enough...

If at the time, I actually did fluke my way into winning the whole thing, and when Margaret came back, I'd turned into an outstanding competition knight—

Would I have become her enemy, maybe?

I have no idea.

Don't go thinking about it.

I know, I know.

Standing where I am, I've already realized, what I was thinking would probably never happen...

Because I'd never, ever end up in that position.

The old me would say it's because she suits it better than I do.

But now, I'd like to say it's because—I know that being where I am suits me better.

I don't need the spotlight shone on me. If she can carry the equipment I've cast for her to stand in that light, that's enough for me.

If she wants a sword, then I'll forge her the sharpest sword. If she wants a shield, I'll forge her the sturdiest shield.

If she wants a way, then, well, I'll forge her the best tools to open it.

That's all there is to it.