shwaz

You will, of course, serve Ceylon first and foremost, obeying them only secondarily.

This will be a source of some conflict.

And knowing you, you'd rather resist them and continue to follow Ceylon.

But that is not an option. I need you to solve this conflict.

You are not a bodyguard accompanying Ceylon on her work.

I've fired you.

You are now my daughter, looking for a new job.

I want you to go find your own life's work. Ceylon and myself can be involved, but your life's work can't BE Ceylon or myself.

I...

As for Ceylon, she's been living in Victoria, and judging from this past incident, she's learned to stand on her own two feet.

But you haven't, Schwarz.

On this point, you're quite different from her.

You haven't really ever really left home to do your own thing.

I did... to get revenge...

That's your past. I'm talking about your future.

So this time, you will truly leave home.

Do you understand?

But... can I come back?

Master, after I've killed those enemies, can I come back?

Of course you can.

Hahaha! Come here, Schwarz!

Schwarz slowly approaches Herman, who places his hand on her head and rubs it intensely.

While I could never be so cold-blooded as to refuse my own daughter entry into my home...

If you don't take this seriously, I just might kill myself on this beach someday.

You can't threaten me like that...

But this truly is the one worry I still have weighing on my heart.

I'll do what I can.

You'll do more than that. If you fail, you won't be allowed back home.

...Right.

Alright is right.

Just a moment.

Hello, Schwarz, where are you?

With the Master.

If you're not too busy, could you help me move some things?

I have too much luggage!

Alright, I'll be there soon.

Right. You go to Ceylon then.

By the time you leave with Rhodes Island, I'll have gone to the new city. I won't be there to see you off.

Okay.

...Schwarz.

Master?

Live well.

...Right.

Your tea, my lady.

*sigh* What a pity that after tomorrow, it will be quite some time before I can drink your tea again.

Once I complete my duty as instructor this year, I'll apply for a reassignment.

You should be saying something like 'since my lady wishes it, I'll never leave your side'!

Then I'll submit my resignation later.

Please don't. If you really did resign, the people on the landship would hold a huge grudge against me.

Alright, I should be heading to the office. You'll be at the Public Security Bureau today, right?

Yes. Charlie has been busy lately thanks to a band of bandits. He's asked me to help lead some newcomers, so I'll be heading over shortly.

See you for dinner, then.

The 'White Volcano', 6:00 P.M.

I know!

Sir?

Are you free right now, Schwarz?

Charlie's got a job for me, but I've got some time until then.

There's something about Ceylon I'd like your opinion on. I'm at the 'White Volcano'.

Understood.

Sir.

Time really flies, doesn't it Schwarz?

Yes, sir.

Back in the day, Barbara and I would kill time in eateries like this.

You've never mentioned that.

There are a lot of things I never mention in this heart of mine. I've no real appetite to talk about them.

But look where that got me. My own daughter had to learn about her mother from someone else.

I need to take responsibility.

You're thinking of discussing her mother with her?

A birthday party could be a good opportunity.

I'm just scared she won't want to hear me out.

She will.

You just need to steel your mind and endure her anger.

Haha, I suppose you're right.

I'll have to prepare myself and tell her more about her mother, then.

Ah, yes. It must have been around '66. That year, Victoria was giving everyone in Parliament a big headache.

At the time, Barbara was up on the volcano doing some research. There wasn't any signal there, so I couldn't contact her easily.

I'd promised her I'd meet her at the foot of the volcano on our wedding anniversary, then we'd head to a restaurant in town.

But in the end, I was stuck in a government conference.

...Hmm?

By the time I got to the volcano, it was already getting dark, and we missed our reservation.

I felt really bad because I'd ruined our anniversary.

*whispers* Heh, sucker.

But she wasn't even angry. Instead, she comforted me.

As I gazed at her side profile in the warm glow of the setting sun, everything suddenly became clear. I picked a few flowers from the roadside—

Ah, not Volcano Watchers, just the ordinary kind that grows all over the foot of the volcano.

As Herman speaks, he takes the decorative flower out of his drink as though living out his past, and hands it to the person who happens to stand next to him.

I tucked the flowers into her hair, then presented my anniversary gift, a ring.

What do you think? Should I tell her this story?

Um, thank you for the flower, Mr. Mayor...

Hmm? Where's Schwarz?

I'm not too sure myself. I heard a commotion, so I came from the kitchen to have a look.

Let go of me!

What's the matter?

Your wallet, sir.

What the—?! You little punk!

You're coming with me to the Public Security Bureau!

No I'm not, let go of me!

Allow me to handle him, sir.

Who're you?

She's with the PSB.