inside

Gratias.

Are you satisfied with being just that?

What do you mean?

You've done your job well, but one soldier more or less makes no difference to Laterano.

We didn't bring you back from that Siracusan town because we wanted a soldier.

What do you think of Laterano?

It... it's a fine place.

Much better than I expected, in fact. Not just the prosperity... but also a certain order that permeates everyone's lives.

Our Commandments?

I guess.

Sometimes people want to blow up decorations on the streets, and people like to watch it, but that's not such a bad thing.

What I mean is...

Not the kind of bad thing where people get hurt, people die, and even those who aren't hurt or dead see their lives destroyed.

I like this place.

(Okay, now I should be fine.)

(I can stuff someone into a trash bin, right? As long as they're alive, right? Yeah, I'm sure that's cool...)

(Secret mission, robbers in the middle of the street... is that what life in Laterano is like?)

Wow...

(First mission ever, and it's a hot mess...)

(Maybe I could get a transfer back to the Pontifica Cohors.)

(Get the stuff to the destination, and then... hm?)

Another one.

S-Stop right there!

You shall not pass... er, well, just stop!

Hand it over!

(Hm?)

(No sign of professional training. Not what you would expect from someone trying to rob an executor.)

(Is this a disguise in itself? Something doesn't feel right...)

Pardon me, but what do you mean?

The envelope in your hands!

This one? I'm afraid I can't assent to handing it over.

It's my job, after all.

Well, I can't back off either...

If you won't hand it over, then I'll have to take it by force!

Hey! Violence is bad!

Argh... let go of me!

I'm afraid I can't.

Your form was messy. Your footwork was poor, and the delivery was sloppy.

I thought self-defense was part of compulsory Lateran education. How did you graduate?

I passed the class! It's not like I'm working any dangerous jobs...

Let me go!

Not working any dangerous jobs?

I would say trying to rob an executor is plenty dangerous.

How about this: You tell me who sent you, and who else is involved, and I let you go?

I-I can't!

I can't tell you. You don't know what you're dealing with...

I heard it was something that could 'throw all Laterano into chaos.'

Some sort of weapon blueprint?

You could say that...

Anyway, I'm not talking! Don't even bother!

You're right. This is what sets Laterano apart from the rest.

You said Laterano was special. What about yourself?

Me?

I'm Sankta... so I guess I'm Lateran?

That's not enough.

Let's go to the Notarial Hall. I'll write you a letter of recommendation.

Be more than a spectator. Experience the life of a true Lateran yourself.

The life of a true Lateran...

Yes.

I think you'll like it.

*sigh*...

I've already been delayed too long.

Things would be much easier if we weren't in Laterano... I'm not sure I like all this complicated stuff.

Wh-What do you mean?

What I mean is...

The trainee executor draws the gun from his waist and regretfully presses it against the youth's forehead.

It's such a beautiful day. I didn't want to have to do this.

Hello, this is the Notarial Hall.

The commission? Our executor is on it. It will be done today.

...Complications?

Understood. I will deal with it immediately.

No worries. Richele may be a rookie, and he has much to learn, but...

I trust him. He'll complete the mission.

...I, I'm alive?

Whoa! It's gonna fall!

H-He shot through the pillar? That's crazy...

He almost broke my arm...

Hey, it's me.

Sorry, I couldn't stop him.

I told you, how was I supposed to stop an Executor?

Well, I think we worked hard enough to make Old Darian happy.

(Whew, almost didn't hold back...)

(This is Laterano. I have to do things the Lateran way.)

(Phew...)

(Almost there.)

Excuse me.

Salve.

(There's no one else here. There's no mistake, right?)

Are you the recipient of this will?

Yes, I am.

Thank you for delivering it.

Just doing my job.

This is the envelope I was asked to deliver.

Are you not curious what's inside?

I heard it's important.

Yes, yes. Very important and precious...

Is it really something I should know?

The value of something doesn't lie in the number of people who know it or possess it.

I'll read it out once everyone is here.

You're reading it in public?!