irene

Your justice comes from the texts that saved you, from the Inquisition that raised you, from your own studies in your path to becoming an Inquisitor.

But it leaves little room for the sights witnessed with your own two eyes, the words heard by your own two ears, or the ground tread by your own two feet.

You are still too fragile, Irene.

I didn't understand him at the time, and he wasn't willing to say anything more, so I always just kept his words in the back of my mind.

I never understood what he meant, until now.

He feared that I would be blinded by justice, hurt by zealotry, and slain too soon by truth.

Because I was so convinced that the contents of the Scriptures and the Law made me who I am.

So, you began to wonder if there are limitations to our laws.

No, I'm still convinced that the Law is effective.

Then you want to say that the distinction we make between good and evil lacks nuance.

No, I believe that our codes are tried and true.

In that case, why are you leaving the Inquisition?

Maestro once told me that when the time comes, I must become Iberia's last line of defense.

I used to think he expected too much of me, but now I see that this was the least he could have hoped for.

It wasn't because of any special talent of mine, or because I'm to fulfill some kind of unique duty.

It was because he expected the same of himself, and he did just that.

So as his student, it was only natural that I do the same.

Everything I learned on the Stultifera, everything he ever taught me, was all to help me to come to one realization—

That the Scriptures and the Law will guide my actions, but my actions must first abide by my own ideals.

I must first understand myself. Have faith in myself. Only then will the Scriptures and the Law truly grant me strength. Only then will my lantern truly strike fear into the sea monsters.

I witnessed the truth in the cage beneath the Inquisition. And on the Stultifera, I learned of their thoughts, their language, and... their evolution.

I have seen our enemies clearly, and now understand the imminent crisis we face.

I have traveled with the Hunters, and fought alongside them. I have seen their pride, but also the extent of their strength.

They are unknowns, but we need not fear them.

So, my child, after everything you've experienced, what is the answer you've arrived at?

When I came face-to-face with those monsters, it became immediately clear that what I suspected was what Maestro also suspected. That what I feared was what he also feared.

My justice could not endure the trial I faced, and my maestro's conviction was the result of thorough consideration.

I will no longer doubt, hesitate, or run. I will do what I can do. What I must do.

Oh, I'm sorry, Lord Carmen. I should've chosen my words more carefully.

But please believe me. I'm stepping down only so that I can better carry out my duties as an Inquisitor.

The position of Inquisitor is an extremely sensitive one. Only by relinquishing it are you able to work with other organizations, or even countries.

Child, you've witnessed the light of multilateralism.

So what will you do after parting ways with the Inquisition?

I'll try to work with the three Abyssal Hunters for the time being.

They seem to have close ties to that Rhodes Island organization, so I am considering whether or not to reach out to them.

Hmm, if that's the case...

Did you hear all that, Kal'tsit?

Huh?!

Sorry, but the conversation had gotten so interesting that I couldn't help but stop and listen in.

Ugh...

Naturally, Rhodes Island would never refuse the assistance of such a capable Inquisitor.

Irene, you can step down without leaving the Inquisition altogether, you know.

Huh?

You can become our Messenger to Rhodes Island, and cooperate with them on our behalf.

Really?

Remember, Irene. Your decision today will be the next step in Ægir's partnership with Iberia.

...Yes, sir!

Good. Get ready to set off then.

Nobody will be there to guide you on your new journey. Only the faith in your heart can show you where to go.

Yes, sir!

See, Kal'tsit?

For me, the opportunity for Ægir and Iberia to rejoin hands came far, far too late.

Even if they've given us an opportunity to turn things around, time has taken its toll on me, and I can no longer feel even the slightest bit of joy from it.

But for her, it truly is the dawn of a new day.

If their evolution is the instinct of life itself, then the decision she made just now must surely be the instinct of civilization.

...Hm?

What are you looking at?

The old man follows Kal'tsit's gaze. The lantern resting atop Dario's grave suddenly flickers a few times.

As if it is saying both goodbye, and good luck.