glaze

Oh... Well, there's the bell. A shame our lessons must always end so soon.

Some of you may have sneaked away before the bell rang, and a couple of you are having a nice nap on your desks, but there's nothing wrong with that.

'Commune cum Sclopetis' is a life-long course.

Now, my dear students, you have all obtained your guardian guns.

But have you thought about what they'll be guarding?

Oops, did I fall asleep...? Urgh.

A call from the boss...?

Voice mail sounds about nice.

*sigh*

AMBRIEL!

What is it, Captain? I've been at my post this whole time.

'At your post'? How many times do I have to tell you?! The Pontifica Cohors must act in a manner befitting the station!

On your feet! I won't have you lie on top of Laterano's holy walls! Next time I catch you sleeping on the job, you'll be sleeping in a saint statue's arms!

Wait, is that really an option—

Don't you muck about with me! Don't forget, we are the guardians of—

Laterano's honor, yes, yes.

Hmph. I hope you can actually take that to heart. Today's your last chance. One more mess-up, and you're out of the Pontifica Cohors!

*sigh*

A watchtower.

This is where city guard Ambriel has found herself posted. A wide wall separates the business district from the leisure district, and attempts to hop the wall are frequent.

Her job is extremely simple: stop people from doing so. It is also extremely difficult, for none can hope to contain the free spirits of Laterano.

She nibbles on some chocolate, watching the Holy City's blue and white mingle and extend.

Bell tower, all clear. School, all clear. Business district, all clear.

Nothing unusual so far...

The guard scribbles her report into her terminal without a care before lying down once more atop the marble wall, staring at the clouds drifting overhead.

A thought has also drifted across her mind more than once.

This Holy City, tranquil, peaceful and unchanging—

Is like the sky reflected upon the land.

Where should I go this time after work...

Hmm...

Ouch!

That hurt... Who threw that chocolate at me? I was so close...

Sorry, but this is off-limits.

Scaling the wall constitutes reckless behavior that not only violates the Pagus management law but also impedes the patrol duties of the Pontifica Cohors.

But...

Look, I'm just doing my job here. That whole spiel? Just repeating what my boss told me to say.

If you have any complaints, you can go to the Guard offices to state your case, or file an appeal at the Notarial Hall.

But if you have a justified reason, I could turn a blind eye.

A justified reason?

I-I'm in a hurry... If I don't hop over this wall, I'd have to circle all the way around the wall.

See that side door over there? Should save you some time.

Just wait until my shift's over and take that door.

Consider yourself rejected.

Wait until your shift's over? That's no good, I'm definitely going to miss it!

Miss what?

I... I can't say...

Executing some secret will?

(Shakes head)

That's what I thought, you don't look the part... Transporting something important?

(Shakes head)

Not that you look like a Messenger either...

I-It's something along those lines, though!

Anyways, this is really important to me! Today's my only chance!

You're laying it on a bit too thick here.

Sorry, I really can't delay any longer—

S-Stop chasing me!

Ah! Which way should I go... This way!

Please comply with the Notarial Hall and stop resisting your arrest!

Hmm? A fork in the road? Which one did he take...

(Points to the left)

Aha! Gratias, Seniora!

So, uh, Seniora Guard, can I go now?

Wait a sec, I've got an idea.

A small alleyway.

The sun is beginning to sink toward the west. The shadows of the buildings cover half the alley. The perfect place to take a nap.

The guard covers her ears.

Your idea was blowing a hole in the wall with explosives?

Yeah. Anything wrong with that?

The law says you can't hop over the wall. Doesn't say anything about opening a hole in it.

Why are you still standing there? I thought you were in a hurry?

Multas gratias!

I think I'm going to need some help from an executor, Senior.

Certainly. It's the least I can do.

On April 27th, 16:27, a legal detonation was performed on a wall at the intersection of Panela and Souffle.

The completion of the process was witnessed by Notarial Hall Executor Richele.

Pontifica Cohors sniper, Ambriel, also ensured that no citizens or property were harmed by the blast.

There, all done.

Thanks a bunch.

Don't mention it. After all, I was only able to catch this young fellow thanks to you.

*sob*...

Hey. All I did was point the way.

Hahaha, no need to be so humble, I know what happened.

The pillar that blocked his escape... you shot it down, didn't you? He would have slipped away otherwise.

The distance is most impressive. It's kind of scary to think that the Pontifica Cohors have such remarkable snipers in their ranks.

Wait, you think I'm impressive?

I'd say you executors who can handle things with your bare hands are the truly scary ones.

It's hard to imagine a situation where you'd actually need to use your gun in peaceful Laterano.

Hahaha, if I didn't use my gun, how could I win donuts at the dessert shop shooting competitions?

Well then, Seniora Guard, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back to make my report now.

Thankfully, this hole serves as a handy shortcut.

Hmm...? Wait, this road seems to lead right there.

My, I never thought I'd make it in time today! No time to delay!

Whoa! That hurts! Slow down!

What is this place everyone keeps talking about? How mysterious.

AMBRIEL!!!

What is it now, Captain?

You better have a good explanation for why there's a big hole in the wall.

About that... There weren't any violations. I made sure of it while I stayed at my post.

Don't you get cute with me, you hear!?

From now on, you've got one more assignment. Don't let anyone through that hole!