level_act26side_02_beg

In a place far, far away, there once was a village where the people led happy lives.

Some built homes to shelter the others from the elements, some reclaimed farmland.

Others set out to hunt, search for ores, and at the same time, fought back scoundrels who would take the village for themselves.

No concept of ego existed among those villagers, no difference between self and other. No one could survive without the rest. They lived together in that small village, and called it home.

But, nothing good lasts forever. The soil yielded less and less, hunting become more and more difficult, and as food dwindled, stomachs grumbled in hunger.

The cold months crept closer and closer, but there was not enough fuel for heat...

Something had to be done about this! And so everyone said, 'this must be a trial given to us by the Lord, and we must pray for forgiveness!'

Just at that time, a group of well-meaning people came by, and upon seeing the plight of the village, spoke to the head of the villagers:

'Come live with us in our city.'

'But we can only bring those who are most like us.'

'Come, and enjoy a better life. All you need to do is leave a few of you behind.'

I don't like this story, Seniora Arturia!

Hmm? Why not?

Starving is really bad, it hurts!

Yeah, it's bad, and so is leaving your friends behind...

Yes, that is a very 'correct' idea of collectivism, with a little bit of heroism mixed in... or even romanticism.

Romantic stories do have ways of stirring the heart, but it is exactly that romanticism and high-mindedness that has a way of confounding others. Naturally, neither you nor I are immune.

Ugh, big words... I don't get it at all...

You're talking like a weirdo again, Seniora Arturia!

Oh no, I'm sorry. That's my mistake.

Let's go with a different story then. What would you like to hear?

I wanna hear... a hero story!

You all want to become heroes?

I wanna be a great hero! Just like Mamma!

Wow, your mamma sounds amazing!

Be good now, and give me just a moment.

I seem to have caught you at a bad time. Am I interrupting you, Arturia?

You ask despite already knowing, Most Reverend Bishop Aulus.

Apologies. It was not my intent to displease you. I merely came to bid you farewell.

Owing to the addition of an unexpected traveling companion, I plan to leave as soon as possible and escort my companion back home.

Allow me to offer a prayer for this pitiful soul.

I'm not trying to fight with you here...

...especially not in front of the children.

However, 'pitiful' should never be used to describe one's resolve to live.

Resolve, hm... resolve.

The amount of control we have over our own lives is often not as perfect as we believe it to be, and no one is ever the wiser until proven otherwise.

Think of things that one must never do. They are often already done by the time their senses return to them.

Does the act of blame contradict the heart's inner desires? Who is to say that our so-called resolve is not just a coping mechanism used to deceive ourselves?

At times like these, where are our truest emotions and intentions hidden?

When will the day come that one's thoughts, emotions, and actions can truly be unified?

Is this not the point of your inquiry, sir?

It seems that today is a in which a great many things will unfold. I hear a commotion outside, as if some acquaintances have come knocking.

If I were you, Bishop Aulus, I would not be in such a hurry to leave just yet.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

You took forever, Seniora Arturia!

So slow...

Please forgive me. Why don't I tell an extra spectacular story to make up for it?

Do you want to hear a story of a grand battle between heroes and villains?

I do, I do!

Alright. Then, you must listen carefully.

A long, long time ago in a faraway castle, there lived a young boy. The boy didn't express much emotion and rarely spoke, but he was incredibly fierce in a fight...

I told you I'm just a hunter. If that's not enough to satisfy you, then I don't mind trying something else.

I'm just an ordinary, roughly middle-aged Sarkaz.

I do not believe that is the entire truth.

That weapon behind you, you carry it always. You actively conceal your movements, which is a mercenary's habit.

That's for self-defense.

You saw it yourself. Those bandits are always raiding us. Things aren't so peaceful here.

That does not explain why you have a mercenary's habit.

I've got farm equipment in my hands more often than weapons these days.

I hunt for a living here. Sometimes, I work in the fields, or in the mines when I have to.

No need to get all excited about these old hands of mine. I'm just an ordinary guy, bound up by life.

Federico, stay mindful of our mission here.

I don't think now's the time to be chasing hypotheticals.

A reasonable determination.

Would Your Excellency mind explaining the situation?

Sorry to bring you trouble, Stefano.

No, you have nothing to apologize for, Gerald.

As the two of you might surmise...

Over a decade ago, Gerald brought a small group of Sarkaz to the monastery. At the time, they were stranded in the barrens, without food or ammunition.

When they found our monastery, they had no choice but to try to make contact.

You didn't expel them, so they chose to settle here.

Is there a difference between driving out those who've been cornered, and driving them into a corner yourself?

Er, I guess that makes sense...

At first, not everyone was accepting of our new neighbors.

But rootless hatred and prejudice have no purchase when survival is at stake.

We provided a place for these people to stay, and in turn, they helped us deal with our own problems.

Our food shortage, the bandit threat, and our gradually depleting energy supply...

They relied on us, so we also relied on them.

But you still chose to send Messengers to contact Laterano.

A choice made in the absence of choice...

Laterano is willing to provide us with assistance, and is also willing to welcome us back in.

However, even Lemuen, the nuncio willing to grant us the most concessions, still held one non-negotiable condition–

'Sarkaz have no place in Paradise.'

No place? Why?!

On the basis of race alone? Just because they are Sarkaz?!

How are they any different from us? Without these stalwart brothers and sisters, we would've lost our fight for survival long ago!

Where was Laterano during all that time we were supporting each other?!

So, let me beg the two of you, to once again–

Plead to the wisdom of His Holiness the Pope, and to your faith...

The haggard old man raises both his hands.

He both appears to be holding up his faith, as well as crumbling beneath its overwhelming weight.

The Sankta's faith is formless, intangible, nowhere to be found.

His fingers grasp for the halo above his head in vain, the old man's hands gradually slipping until they cover his face.

What Lemuen said is correct. There will not be Sarkaz in Laterano.

Nor will Laterano allow any Sarkaz through her gates.

Hey, Federico, you don't have to be so blunt.

This is a fact.

Enough, Stefano.

I already told you. We can accept it.

You go to Laterano, and we'll find a place to start over. That nuncio, Lemuen, promised us some support. But in name... we have to go our separate ways.

It's always been a fact. The fact that they even offered us that much is already more than I expected. It's more than enough.

No, it shouldn't be a fact! It's certainly not enough!

Don't get it? That we even nominally have to go our separate ways only makes this all the more ridiculous!

Sorry, Stefano.

We've given up.

What?

What do you mean?

What I mean is, you don't have to subject yourself to all this, just for our sake.

You don't need to be so hard on yourself.

I've talked to the others. We've decided... we're leaving.

What are you saying...?

I assume that settles things, Reverend Executors?

We'll leave. It just means letting go of a group of destitute refugees. You can do that, right?

The Notarial Hall does not harm innocent civilians.

I'm glad.

Really, Federico?

I do not lie.

Umm... How should I put this... Well, whatever. You're leading this operation, so if that's what you've decided, I don't object.

I swear to you, a Sarkaz has never been in a Lateran sacrarium.

That in itself does not constitute a crime.

Really now?

How should I say this... There's actually no explicit prohibition on it.

Bishop Stefano Torregrossa, I will continue to pursue the whereabouts of Oren Argiolas, based on your testimony.

May I take it that you've accepted the conditions put forth by the Lateran, that all monastery residents, with the exception of the Sarkaz, will be resettled in Laterano at a later date?

If you remain silent, I will interpret that as your tacit consent.

Stefano.

Time...

What?

I need a bit more time...

I would finish my final sermon, and spend one last night here.

Please... give me just a bit more time at the very end.

I will give you an answer after Matins tomorrow.

What do you think, Federico?

Fine.

Now, I wish to meet with Cardinal Aide Lemuen.

Seniora Lemuen is our guest. Of course you may visit her, if you wish.

Understood.

In that case, we will take our leave... Hey, wait a second! At least say something first, Federico!

Am I still holding onto some of my old merc habits?

Looks like even after all these years, some habits die hard.

Gerald, are you absolutely certain of this?

Sure, Stefano. You know I wouldn't joke around with this stuff.

We're all bound by the need to survive.

What you said was no lie.

Anyone home? I brought your winter clothes!

Huh, that's weird... Where is everybody today?

Fina? What are you doing standing around here?

Oh, Caroline! Perfect timing!

I came by to drop off everyone's winter clothes, but is something going on? I've been walking around all day and haven't seen a soul... What are you all busy with?

We... have some stuff to take care of.

Thanks for coming all the way out here, but we're fine with what we have. Err, we already have enough winter clothes, so you can take these back. Also, tell the others not to worry about us.

What are you talking about? When in the last few years have any of us had enough to get through the winter?

Aren't you still wearing that light coat, Caroline? The temperature's going to drop pretty soon, so we need to get you into something a bit thicker...

Fina, is something wrong?

What's that in your hand?

Oh... It's nothing. Just some hardtack.

No, let me see it!

Hey, wait!

The Sankta girl reaches out to snatch the supposed hardtack from behind the other girl's back. Almost instinctively, she splits the dry, hard thing down the middle before she is pushed away.

Stuffed inside the hardtack are truths hidden away all this time, finally exposed to her eyes.

What... is this?

Bran... and sawdust?!

Caroline?!

Didn't you say you had more than enough food? Then... why are you eating this?

No, Fina, listen to me. We, we're just...

Just what?

Talk to me, Caroline.

Tell me... What depths have we stooped to these days?

Knock.

Knock. Knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock.

The sound of knuckles rapping at the door.

The door isn't actually locked, but the guests outside still continue to knock and wait for a response.

This used to be a secret code agreed upon by several friends from school. So much time has passed that Lemuen thought she forgot, but the facts prove that she has not forgotten.

The meaning of the code words tapped by the guests is:

'Rescue successful.'

And: 'First arrival.'

Come in.

Salve, room service.

Gratias, please put the food over there on the table. Do you need a tip?

You can't just ask if you need to tip. It's gotta come from the heart, right?

Hmm, I guess you have a point.

You don't seem surprised at all, Lemuen.

Are you disappointed that it's me?

Of course not.

The fact that you're here means news of this place has already reached Laterano, right?

Hmm? Well, more or less. That Oren guy actually left you behind and ran off by himself. When I get back, I'm going to tell Mostima and Fiammetta.

Ahaha. Cut him some slack, won't you?

Booooo...

Alright then, back to business. I know His Holiness wouldn't send you here alone, which means...

I need you to report your mission, as well as who's with you.

Switched to your business voice, huh? Alright then, Cardinal Aide Lemuen.

This mission was commissioned directly by His Holiness and is led by Federico, executor of the Notarial Hall. The other functionary is Richele Colombo, another executor who volunteered to come.

Our first objective is to locate you and Oren, and the second is to investigate this monastery.

Oh right, Federico also has another mission to maintain order. Unfortunately, I think His Holiness picked the wrong guy for the job this time.

And that concludes my report.

Mmhmm... I see. So, His Holiness actually sent that Federico, huh...

Okay. I get the gist of things. Gratias, Ria.

Again with the nicknames... C'mon, you should know better.

So, what are you going to do next? On the surface, it looks like your movements are being restricted, but in fact, it's you who doesn't want to leave, right?

If you wanted to leave, nobody here could stop you.

My legs aren't fully healed yet.

Like that makes a difference.

You trust me too much, Ria, though I suppose that's fine... Alright. It's true that I decided to stay behind.

If Federico is trying to arrest the bishop here on charges of false imprisonment, I'd appreciate it if you could clear up the situation for me.

Also, sorry... But I don't plan on leaving just yet.

Mind if I ask why?

The reason... Hmm. Let's just say that diplomacy isn't something that can be settled with guns and bullets alone.

When it comes to a shootout, the odds are always in my favor. But if I have to sit down for a negotiation, I need to tread carefully or I might end up persuaded by the other party.

It just so happens that I get along quite well with the residents here, so I want to see who ends up changing their mind first.

Oh? When you put it that way, it sounds like you plan on compromising.

Back in school, you watched me for an entire year just to make sure I showed up to class!

Heehee. I thought it'd be a shame if you couldn't get your diploma for attendance reasons.

As for the problem we have here... I still have a friendly attitude at least, right?

I knew Oren would report the situation here, which is why I chose to stay behind. I've had a bad feeling about it, and I don't want to provoke the bishop any further...

With all the information I have on the monastery now, if there ever arises another opportunity to sit down at the negotiation table, I may be able to get him to relax a little and accept my proposal.

*sigh*. I thought you'd say as much.

I'm glad you understand.

That's not what I said.

But that's what you're thinking.

I kinda hate empathy sometimes.

Now now, don't talk like that. How much do you know about the situation here?

Enough.

Nothing special about it other than the group of Sarkaz.

Did you know they sent a total of three Messengers?

...Lia.

What?

I had the impression that you've never liked field missions. What made you sign up for this one?

Maybe that I wanted to see you?

Liar, liar~

Anyway, I'll find the others and explain your situation first.

But to be entirely honest, I don't think what you're doing here is going to accomplish anything.

...It's worth a shot.

*sigh*, you're getting scarier and scarier, Lemuen.

Not like it matters, though...

Finally mustered the means to reach out to me?

Here I thought you'd abandon the mission after seeing Lemuen.

Who knows, might not work out.

No joke, please. Spare me.

You brought it up.

Alright, I don't have time to chat either. Let's talk business.

Phew... Dealing with guys like him really wears you down...

What a pain in the ass, this mission. Never would've taken it, if I knew.

Huh? Who's there?!

Woah, didn't think you'd actually follow me, girly.

I, I can't have you running around the monastery by yourself! I need to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't do anything bad!

And, uh...

There's also a favor I'd like to ask of you... and of course I'll pay you back for it!

Um, let's see...

Flour, eggs...

And, uh... Where's the leftover sugar from last time...?

Ugh, I've been trying so hard to scrounge up leftover ingredients from dinner ever day, so why is there still so little?

I need enough for Serpilia, Avus Stefano, Fina, and Raimund... And also, Patruus Gerald, Patruus Clément, Seniora Caroline, and...

There's not going to be enough though.

Tuna?

I'm coming in, okay? There's something I have to tell you... What are you doing in here?

Oh, Fina! I was just about to go look for you!

Do you still remember when I helped Amita Nina with farm work for a month? Where did I put that bit of white sugar I got in return?

How long ago was that? Where are you going now?

What do you need sugar for? And, where'd you get all those cooking ingredients?

Wait, Tuna... Don't tell me you're still trying to bake sweets, at a time like this...?

Um, Fina, what's wrong? Are you... mad at me?

I wasn't trying to hide food from you! I just wanted to prepare a surprise for everyone. Fina, don't be mad at me, okay? I promise you'll be the first to have some after I'm done!

Tuna, you... Forget it, just put those things down. Now's not the time to be doing stuff like this!

Huh? But...

But what?

But, I promised someone I'd make a herb pizzella as a gift...

...A gift?

Yeah! She helped fix up my patron firearm, so I have to thank her!

It's like a miracle, Fina! Once this gun got fixed, I felt something different about it just holding it in my hands! It's like... like I knew how to use it from birth!

Look! It's even prettier now, and the two of us will be able to use it together from now on!

You know what, Tuna...?

I actually never cared that much about my own firearm. Or for Avus Stefano's sermons.

I don't even care that I've never seen Laterano.

Huh?

Fina, what are you talking about?

Can I even really be called a Sankta?

Maybe I can.

But, I care about you, and Raimund, and Avus Stefano and Patruus Gerald. And Patruus Clément, Amita Nina, Caroline...

I care about everyone here. This is my only home, and they are my only family.

What are you talking about, Fina? Of course I care about everyone else, just like you–

No, it's not the same!

If you were just like me...

If you knew how hard Raimund and the others have it, then you wouldn't be in the mood to make your joke of a pizzella at a time like this! You wouldn't be so naïve!

I kinda feel like you changed after those people from Laterano showed up.

Huh? Of course I haven't...

Tuna, that gun of yours... Was Lemuen the Lateran who fixed it up for you?

Your Excellency, I've allowed the two visitors freedom of movement around the monastery, as you ordered.

But, are you sure it's alright? You... You don't look too good. Do you want to get some rest first?

Oh, Clément, it's nothing you need to worry about.

Go ring the bell. This week's sermon is being moved to today, so go tell the others...

Gerald, are you and your people coming?

Sorry, Stefano. We still have a lot to prepare. I can't say how many of us will show.

I understand.

But...

Are we seriously going to accept their terms? Do we absolutely have to leave behind our own?

Enough.

Go, Clément. Hurry.

Alright...

If faith has betrayed itself, then I, too, must make my decision...

I must repent.