forcer

Alright... I've made note of all of that.

I can't thank you enough, Vigna.

Don't sweat it! Not much I could help with anyway.

I couldn't answer any of your questions about Kazdel... Real sorry about that.

No, that's not the case at all.

The fact that you were willing to teach me about Sarkaz customs is already a huge help. Thanks to you, I've already learned a lot.

Don't mention it... But, I'll tell you this again. It's whatever since you're on Rhodes Island, but don't assume that all Sarkaz are this easy to talk to!

If you were in Kazdel, the situation would be different. Completely different!

Yeah, I get it.

You clearly don't get it at all! Take Adnachiel for example. Even with how good his temper is, the two of us didn't talk 'til we'd known each other for a long time!

But in your case, how many days has it been since you joined? When you just casually sauntered up to me for the first time, I thought you had some kind of problem with me!

Ah, I see. So that was the reason why you were on guard...

This is already pretty good, by my standards!

Ugh... Anyway, just be careful out there.

The way you are right now, I'm real worried that you'll end up dead in a ditch somewhere long before you ever reach Kazdel.

Ahaha... I'll do my best to keep that from happening.

Putting all that aside, thank you for your concern, Vigna.

(Information on Kazdel is still extremely scant.)

(Most of the Sarkaz here with rather moderate attitudes grew up in other countries, and have little understanding of the place as a result.)

(However, one thing everyone can agree on is the fact that it's dangerous there. Ugh, it's not sufficiently safe for me to go with Cecelia alone. We can't set off without preparation...)

(But, it might be difficult getting any more information, given the status quo.)

(Let's see who I can talk to next...)

Coming through.

Oh, certainly. Excuse me...

(Wait, no! This guy...!)

Excuse me!

Huh?

You're the Sarkaz blademaster, Flamebringer...

...I've seen your face on a wanted poster at the Notarial Hall.

A Sankta, huh? Out for revenge?

If it's a fight you want, you've got one. We'll take it outside.

But step aside first. Wait until I water my flowers.

Plenty of executors and others at the Notarial Hall say it's a pretty bad idea to fight alone when encountering certain targets on the wanted list.

Also, this is Rhodes Island... so I will abide by the rules here.

Yeah? Suit yourself then.

(This man... He's...)

(He doesn't seem wary of his surroundings in the slightest, and his body is relaxed... He is supremely confident in his combat capabilities.)

(He's so focused on the decorative plants that he didn't notice me pulling my gun...)

(What an incredibly dangerous individual. However...)

Uh, Flamebringer, sir... Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?

About what?

What are you hoping to get out of me?

(He's still going about his business, watering his flowers without even pausing for me... It's as if my words mean nothing to him. Of course, not even a hint of anger either...)

(Phew... This might be the best chance I'll get.)

There are a few things I'd like to ask you about Kazdel.

I want to know what the reality of the situation is there, like the size of the nearby towns and what kind of people are entering and leaving... I would really appreciate it if gave me some guidance.

You're going to Kazdel?

Yes.

If you've got a death wish, then go for it.

It's not a death wish.

I have my own reasons for needing to go to Kazdel.

But I'm fully aware that given the current circumstances, setting out right now without making any preparations is tantamount to suicide.

And I'm not about to do that, which is one of the reasons I've come to Rhodes Island.

Uh huh.

Don't block the light.

Acting recklessly, putting the lives of others and yourself at risk, is not bravery. It's just irresponsible.

If I can learn as much as possible about the actual situation on the ground before I go, I'll be able to plan ahead and prepare accordingly.

Even though some degree of risk is inevitable, I'd at least like to avoid as much of it as possible.

You don't have to talk so much.

Your story's got nothing to do with me, and I'm not interested in your philosophizing.

Ugh, out of water...

Also should get around to pruning these branches and leaves...

...It looks like it's only lush on one side, probably due to uneven light exposure.

Rather than trimming off the unbalanced parts yourself, it might be better to rotate and let the other side get some sunlight.

Cut off the excess branches and leaves, and the flowers will bloom better.

The more options you have, the more likely you are to miss the point. That's how it is with plants.

But... who gets to decide what the 'point' of growth is for another living being?

Who?

The strong get to decide.

...I'm afraid we'll have to agree to disagree on that one, Flamebringer.

While it's true that this plant, after being pruned, might be more beautiful in appearance and grow more of its eagerly-awaited flowers...

I believe that a living being with a consciousness should be free to decide how it wishes to grow.

Huh?

The Sarkaz blademaster utters a single, absent-minded syllable.

His work does not stop once, during the course of Ezell's lengthy questioning.

When the watering can is empty, he sets it aside for the time being and starts pruning the overgrown branches and leaves.

Now, he conveniently keeps the shears next to the pruned potted plants.

In a heartbeat, the glint from the knife's blade slices through the inch of sunlight shining on the flowers. Ezell slams his back against the wall, hard, the sharp blade grazing his cheek before lodging into the wall behind him.

Urgh–!

A silver tongue's not gonna save you.

What about now?

Do you still have a reason to go?

Vigna, why are you so late today?

Sorry, I stopped to chat with someone on the way here, and it ended up taking a while.

Oh... It was Mister Ezell, right?

That's right. How'd you know, Hibiscus?

Because I was the one who sent him your way.

That Sankta guy came to ask me and Lava some questions, but unfortunately we weren't able to help much.

What? Is that weird Lateran fella still going around asking everyone what they know about Kazdel?

He's not being discreet about it at all, huh... How many people has he asked by now?

He's not seriously planning to take a little kid to Kazdel, is he? Does he have any clue how dangerous it is going around searching for someone with those two shiny targets above their heads?

Yeah, I also think it's way too dangerous!

I really hope he manages to find some better way though...

What are you discussing?

Oh, Mudrock!

We were just talking about a Sankta guy who joined recently...

Urk...!

Please... let go...!

Why don't you shoot me in the gut? Is this all the resistance you can muster?

You want to go to Kazdel with that toy gun of yours? Who do you think is gonna be convinced by your high-minded ideas?