main_13

Amphelise:

Remember Delphine's expression when she got the violin? I should've gotten that unforgettable pout on camera.

Anyway, since I'm already here in Heidenschwiel, I ought to pick her a uniquely Leithanian gift from your friends' recommendations. I'll give her another present to make up for it when I'm back in Windermere. ——Kent

Mum:

To get to the opening ceremony on time, Papa brought me along on a caravan route that only a few outsiders would know of.

The handler specially picked their most docile burdenbeast to carry us up the mountain, and we had to nestle in the two large saddlebags on its back. It was so cramped, but it was a really interesting experience too.

I even learned that some burdenbeasts can drag a sled full of goods with their tails while carrying three to four people. I couldn't believe my eyes.

This trip has not only corrected many of my misconceptions of Kjerag, but helped me understand some other things too.

The 'backward and isolationist' Kjerag exists only in the imaginations of those who understand Terra solely from the papers. In reality, things have always been changing across this beautiful land.

I understand now why Papa was so insistent on bringing me along.

——Delphine 1093.06

Very well done.

Kent Windermere. You've indeed fulfilled the promise made on our wedding night—I will no longer entertain any objection to my decision from anyone in my demesne.

Ken, our union has been the most unexpected thing to have happened to me since I inherited my title. When you tore through the crowd at the ball and barged into the command center to ask directly for my hand, your unabashed ambition deterred me from treating you as yet another frivolous nobleman. You gave up your family name and willingly subjected your honor as the Earl's second son to criticism. You've received many a cold shoulder while attending banquets with me, yet never uttered a word of complaint.

As such, you deserve compensation from me—the pledge I made to you at our wedding, that someday Windermere too will hear from Lord Kent, has never expired.

Attend the dukes' upcoming secret meeting in Londinium on my behalf. I have already appointed you as my plenipotentiary.

Another thing: Delphine and I will arrange a private celebration at my headquarters upon your return.

——Amphelise, Duke of Windermere, Lynncardine 1093.11

Your Grace:

I've successfully stolen into Londinium, and this was not done on impulse. As you've taught me, I'll never let personal emotion cloud my judgment, so please don't worry. I decided on this only after careful consideration.

I miss the days we spent together and the life we enjoyed at Lynncardine, but I'm sure I'll be more useful here.

This place has more or less become the eye of the storm, accumulating momentum as news from all across Terra pours in rapidly. I'm sure I'll mature faster here. So you need not worry that I won't be polishing the skills I need, now that I'm far from Lynncardine.

Another thing: I ended up re-investigating the cause of Papa's passing, and he did indeed die from illness on his way back to Lynncardine after the meeting. Mum, I swear to you that this investigation into the truth behind his death will be my last self-indulgent act.

——Delphine 1094.08

(Decrypted hidden ciphertext)

Delphine, if you're able to read the message I've left for you above, it means you've kept up with the cryptography I taught you. Fine work.

I'm currently on my way back to Lynncardine. The turbulence has been so rough that I've barely gotten any sleep—that, or perhaps I'm coming down with something from all the stress.

While getting some fresh air on the deck earlier, I found the photo you secretly stashed in my overcoat. There are a few creases on it, but I was overjoyed to discover this surprise of yours, and can't wait to see both you and my Duke again.

My girl, I have always believed that we would lead the way to ensuring that Victoria's glory will endure, and the dukes keeping each other in check has been the best case scenario for the nation's future. Your mother and I have never disagreed on this, so my eyes and ears have brushed off the noise in order to guarantee Windermere's stability for many years.

However, the decision I made during the dukes' secret meeting in Londinium has sowed within me a seed of doubt. I never expected Parliament to conclude with letting those disgusting Sarkaz mercenaries 'clean up' the Steam Knight system in our stead. Every duke voted in favor of this 'difficult decision,' but no doubt they had made this choice even before the session began.

This plan is even now being quietly executed right behind my back as I set off from the city. I realize now that my original vision of becoming a decision maker who personally affects my country's future has also resulted in me personally tarnishing our glory.

Do the dukes' interests weigh heavier than Victoria's honor?

I shouldn't be thinking about this any longer, but I just can't banish it from my mind. One day you'll inherit your mother's title—what would you do if it were you?

While trying to locate Lynncardine on the horizon, I thought about the past again. As a child, you would shield me with your back at banquets, only to fall into my arms in tears later those same nights.

I'll always be proud of you, so...

Will you still be proud of me, Delphine?

——Papa 1094.02

Mum:

Telling our citizens that the Sarkaz are a civilized race is beyond absurd.

The pictures they use in their attempts to teach these barbarians the joys of teatime are simply a display of our arrogance. Though I'm still going to participate in the public lecture scheduled in a few days. Since according to a document I acquired, the invitation had many of the city's noble names printed on it.

I'd love to see their expressions when they meet an actual Sarkaz.

I bet you'll laugh when you see this postcard.

——Delphine 1095.03

(Cipher has been decrypted)

It was Parliament's decision.

After the Dukes of Cavendish and Stafford instigated unrest by bringing them into the city, Parliament has also realized the possibility of using the Sarkaz mercenaries to handle other matters. You should know this better than I do, but I'm guessing the main reason why Parliament even dared to make this decision was because the Sarkaz did such an excellent job when they got rid of the Steam Knights.

They're all indulging in their fantasy that holding these public lectures will reduce the public's fear of the Sarkaz, and they'll regret it sooner or later.

Delphine:

This year, I received yet another invitation to speak at the Windermere Military Academy's opening ceremony, and the headmaster mentioned your name again.

You've been an honor student twice in a row and are a role model for many freshmen. I won't deny my influence undergirding this honor, but your efforts and achievements in the academy are clear for all to see.

That worn-out sword still hangs on the drill grounds' weapon rack, and the bloodstains imprinted by your palm through heavy use are still visible on the hilt's wrapping. The headmaster has repeatedly mentioned to me that even were you not to become a general, you would have become the most valiant fighter under my command. You have learned to stay rational in battle, and to make the right decisions.

I hold the same expectations of you. You needn't have left me for Londinium.

Delphine, I too am pained by your father leaving us, but the Duke of Windermere can show no weakness. I won't demand your understanding, but I pray you realize that you must master all of this before you inherit my title.

——Amphelise Windermere 1095.05

Mum:

This postcard all the way from Siracusa is my favorite among my recent collection.

It's been a year since the pizzeria distributed this design as an advert, but it still brings me back to the days when Papa would take me on a long trip just to taste some authentic pizza...

I'm doing great here, Mum, so don't worry about me.

——Delphine 1096.04

(Cipher has been decrypted)

Your Grace:

You were right. The Military Commission has infiltrated Londinium and they now control large parts of the industrial areas. They even have people broadcasting propaganda for them. I sent this message via an unassuming postcard just to be safe.

Even if Parliament were fully aware of what the Military Commission is plotting, they lack the time for effective countermeasures. I found out your plan to unite the other dukes to march on Londinium, as well as that it failed, but that's nothing unexpected. Each duke has their own objectives, and they all want to reap the biggest benefits.

The dukes will never be able to work together.

Look at all these messages I've sent you—they're only the tiniest sliver of what the intelligence network I've managed to set up in Londinium has produced. I think this should suffice as a demonstration of my abilities and determination, so there's no need to urge me to return to Windermere.

——Delphine

Mum:

I've made some new friends, and they've been really nice to me. So I've changed my address to their 'Slobberknocker' boxing gym for the time being.

Life remains the same, and we can even watch movies here. 'Beautiful Life' is my favorite from the recent releases I've seen.

Everything's fine, so there's no need to worry.

——Delphine 1097.09

(Cipher has been decrypted)

Your Grace:

The mayor of Londinium choked to death at yesterday's banquet, but everyone present was fully aware that it was the Military Commission's doing.

It was a signal as well as a warning. I believe that in a few days, Parliament will fully surrender to the Commission.

The city's communications have been affected, and I've asked my sources to lay low for now and wait for the situation to develop before we make any further steps.

I can still handle things here.

——Delphine

I miss you, Mum.