slchan

Dear Regis. It is precisely because we were brothers that we were never able to come to a compromise through our empathy, for it would be insult to one another.

Was leaving the only option, though? Thinking back on it, perhaps there was a better way.

But we should not regret our choices.

Just because we made a choice does not mean the path not taken has lost its meaning.

That was why I chose to leave Laterano.

I do not think I shall ever return.

I will miss your strawberry milkshakes, though.

Cura ut valeas, Legis.

Look at this, Tiana.

Legis didn't hold a grudge against Regis or Laterano.

He just made a choice, and chose not to return to Laterano because of it.

So what?

Either way, he doesn't want to go back to Laterano, does he?

It's not about going back to Laterano.

The brothers didn't have any bad blood towards one another. It's that simple.

People believe there is no conflict between the Sankta because they share emotions through empathy.

The reality is rather different. Sharing emotions may help you understand why the other side thinks a certain way, but it doesn't mean you must accept it.

On minor matters, the Sankta can certainly reach a compromise through empathy.

But there are certain things even the Sankta fail to agree upon.

The only consensus they can reach is that they do not agree.

Who are you?!

Velliv, Sanctae Lateranae Eccliesiae Cardinalis, Cardinal of the Holy Lateran Church.

Cardinal?!

Why—

Reverend Gun-knight Regis was highly respected. I happened to be visiting a nearby city, and when I heard there were difficulties executing his will, I felt it was my obligation to get involved.

I didn't expect someone else to take care of the problem before I could intervene, though.

No need to be nervous. I overheard your conversation from outside the door. It seems everything's been resolved with a nice little bow, yes?

Who told you—

The split between the gun-knight Regis and his brother, the scholar Legis, occurred over their attitude towards war.

Velliv raises her gun and points it at the Sarkaz.

Bitch.

I won't let you have your way, Sankta!

Tiana returns the favor, pointing her crossbow at the Sankta.

Reverend Regis and His Holiness approached war with a moderate attitude, while Reverend Legis believed in one that was more proactive and radical.

That was the cause of the split between us.

In his will, Reverend Regis requested the return of Reverend Legis's personal effects, in the event that Reverend Legis became deceased.

Those effects do not include a Sarkaz.

Wait!

This is no business for a mountaineer.

I can ask Rhodes Island to take her in!

If I recall correctly, Rhodes Island has a policy against interfering with a country's internal affairs.

The extent to which that policy is followed is debatable, but I doubt they would want to get involved in this one.

I... I can send her to Kjerag!

Kjerag?

I hope you understand the effect that deploying the Silverash name here will have, Ensia, my child.

You knew who I was from the very beginning, didn't you?

I won't deny it.

If you know my family name, then you also know my siblings.

Enya, Saintess of the Vine-Bead Court. Enciodes, CEO of Karlan Trade. It's becoming difficult to find someone who wouldn't know them.

At the end of the day, though, just my brother and sister. My brother and sister who haven't sat down at the same table for a decade, because of a choice my brother made.

Deep down, I understand.

It's not that my brother and sister don't understand each other, same as these two brothers.

It's the opposite: They understand each other's position, and understand that it's not something they can move past. They understand there are certain things that only the other can do.

That's why they'll never go back to the way they were.

I get it, but I can't give up on the idea.

I just learned that there was a pair of Sankta brothers in the same boat.

They understood that there could be no understanding. They chose to part ways.

But they had each other in their hearts, all the way to the very end.

A touching tale, but what does it have to do with stopping me?

The understanding between my brother and sister isn't about simple acceptance of the other's actions.

The most important thing is that they believe there is something about the other's choice that's correct.

They believe that their choice can affect the other.

Most importantly, when all is said and done, they'll stand at the same goal line.

A fine speech, Ensia.

Velliv lowers her gun.

Why you—

I was just planning to scare you away and let you go. After all, I can't very well let a Sarkaz cross my line of sight and do nothing about it.

But if Ensia has a better plan, I'm happy to go along.

You were sure you would win and planned to spare my life from the beginning?

Did you think otherwise? Consider it an act of magnanimity, even if it might be a little hard to accept.

Sankta bitch...

As Ensia said, Reverend Regis didn't necessarily think that Reverend Legis was wrong.

However, right versus wrong has never been the only factor in anything.

I won't take it all, just a little token. A book, or some manuscripts. Is that acceptable?

...Suit yourself.

I should say, your sincerity was touching, Ensia my child.

You have strengthened my belief that, even though we follow different faiths and live in different environments, we still have much in common with respect to the problems we face.

I can agree with that.

I thought all Sankta were like Exusiai, but now I know there are all kinds of problems between Sankta too.

Understanding that is the first step to understanding Laterano.

By the way, if I recall correctly, the Kjeragandr statue three years in the making is nearly complete. You should be traveling to Kjerag for the unveiling ceremony, shouldn't you?

I could give you a ride, if you want.

Actually, I have a different request. A rather brazen one, I should say.

Oh?

I would like to travel with Samara and learn more about Laterano and the Sankta. Is that okay?

Are you not planning to go back?

Not yet.

This whole thing has given me a lot of food for thought. Maybe there's no real point trying to force them back together.

Maybe they've already sat down together while I've been away.

If they understand each other, if both of them have Kjerag in their hearts, if they're headed for the same goal, just by different paths...

Then I should cast my eyes forward, too.

You came looking for me, didn't you?

Yes. I had made up my mind to come personally when I heard your name from Samara, and what the two of you talked about.

While formal relations were established between Kjerag and Laterano at the Summit of Nations, the Kjeragandr and Lateran faiths have lacked a catalyst for dialogue.

I'll be the catalyst.

Kjerag is certainly in need of cultural dialogue, and there is no doubt that His Holiness will welcome such dialogue with open arms.

But I must ask you again, one last time.

Do you understand what you're doing, Lady Ensia Silverash?

Yes.

In that case, I welcome you on behalf of Laterano.