level_act26side_04_beg

I'm a little surprised.

Because I've come to turn my back on the faith?

Because of what you're evading, Stefano.

I don't know whether you're under some outside influence, but if...

There are no ifs, Aulus.

I am not so far gone that Arts would sway me.

There are times when Arts doesn't need to change our minds at all. All too many things can impact us, Stefano.

You are asking that I reconsider. Why, heretic priest?

Is this decision of mine not what you always wanted to see?

I can't deny it.

But in turn, I have to recognize that back when this extraordinary building was still in Iberia, it was my fortune to study here, and those days were precious like little else to me then.

In this way, Stefano, I'm just like you. I feel for this place, just as you do.

I still remember the cleric who came with you from Laterano.

I remember very many.

The one you recall took his gun, sixty years ago, and made the decision to fall in line with the Church of then. While I...

I chose to stay behind, and protect those who were left.

And this fed your faith, enduring until now.

If you know so well, why would you still have me continue to wait, to endure?

Are you about to refute all that you've maintained and proclaimed, just to turn around and tell me to deliberate, exhort me to stay fast?

Of course not. Stefano, you know I wouldn't.

But at core, I walk the path I believe is right, and so I would hope I could say the same of you.

Tomorrow morning, should you still be committed, I will consider it your choice then.

I will prepare what you need.

If you are not yet decided, I will advise you to continue contemplation.

Whatever it may be... I hope your decision will be that you find truest.

Aulus, you wrongly assume one thing.

And what is right?

I am lost for any other choice.

Very well. Should this be Truth's ordain...

Then I will welcome you, Stefano, my brother anew.

Mind if I come in?

...You can.

'Scuse me.

You're not doing too hot, then?

...Can I ask a question?

Sure.

Is... Is Fina not...?

With us anymore?

Not to push you, but I'd prefer some other question.

I'm not really up for lying to you.

Okay.

Actually, I had an inkling all along...

When it happened, I just suddenly—couldn't feel Fina anymore... even though she was so angry, and so upset...

And she was right there in front of me, right...? But I couldn't find her anywhere...

If I hadn't helped you fix up that gun...

No!

Don't say it, please...

...Alright.

I felt the horns—on my head. They're horns just like Raimund's.

I can't ever pray holding my gun again, but at least...

I finally—fit in, with Raimund, and Caroline...

I fit in with everybody.

Hah, the flowers weren't blooming this early last year. Funny timing now, hm?

No complaints, though. One last bloom for the road.

And so...

That'll do it...

Repeat that... we have a fallen angel? That Fortuna girl?

Yes.

I wasn't expecting that one, let me tell you...

Fallen... Our only option is to hold on until we get back, then let His Holiness decide. It's not something we can handle right here.

But that surprise visitor who barged into my room is a different story. Federico, there's some things I'll explain to you later... for now, anything's a non-starter unless we find that visitor, whatever it is.

I require your assistance, Executor Federico.

It has mobility on its side. I managed to chase it down this far, but that was a stretch, and I've lost it now anyway.

Huh, no immediate reply?

That's rare. You're making me feel like something bad happened to you... Hey, I see those knit brows. Something bad did happen, then?

...I heard strings.

Strings? Did... you? I don't think I heard anything...?

Based on my inference, the sound came from the sacrarium on the top floor.

Right...

Let me be real. I've gotten to know the length and breadth of your work at the Notarial Hall, which is why I'm relatively willing to trust your judgment.

I am now formally querying you—

Notarial Hall Executor Federico, do you truly believe this unidentified, unascertained, and possibly completely benign sound of strings—

Stands to be more important than the request for assistance I'm making of you?

It does not.

Obviously not.

The occurrence of the sound is a chance event. I have suspicions about it, but I cannot deny that I as of yet find no direct correlation between it and our catalog of current affairs.

Based on present circumstances, I judge that priority should be given to providing requisite assistance, in tandem operation with you.

Heheh. All done then?

Alright, alright, I'm not here to bully you anyway. Just, I do need to check in with how you're doing real quick.

I see now.

Point me in a direction. I'll continue target pursuit, and I'll leave you to sort out the strings debacle.

This mission requires that we prioritize assuring yours and Oren's safety.

Due diligence is great and all, but I say priority's the kind of thing you need to judge yourself.

I can't sense your emotions, Federico. Still, I have this Liberi friend, see, who's the reason I learned long ago how to guess what people are thinking. Couldn't do empathy with her, after all.

She might be a lot easier to figure out than you are, but some things carry over.

One teensy little word of advice—maybe sometimes, you need to learn to trust your instinct.

That settles that. We don't have time to waste... and I've gotta force myself to be a little active anyway.

Operation a-go! Move out, everyone~

Speed up.

Senior Federico! W—Wait one moment, please!

What exactly do... you think is up there? It was just the sound of strings, and we can't even hear it anymore!

Are—Are we really going to let the seniora brave the danger on her own? She's in a wheelchair, after all...

You have no need to worry.

How could I <i>not</i> worry? I just saw it myself... it was a monster!

Lemuen was admitted into the Lateran by personal invitation of a Cardinal of the Seventh Tribunal. Her strength defies any contempt.

Do not underestimate her.

I don't quite follow what you're telling me—I assume you mean she's just as mighty herself?

But... what if?

Speed up. Or stay where you are and wait.

I suggest you pick the latter. It is the safer option.

(Empty?)

(No.)

Subtle noises spill through the spacious sacrarium. The loading of the gun keeps audible lockstep rhythm.

The executor suddenly points.

Come out.

I will only warn you once more. Come out from there.

Ah... he found us.

He found us. He's just like the lady said...

Yeah, the big man found us right away!

Is—Is he really the man she was talking about?

He's got the wings and ring and they're all black. It's him, must be.

Mister, my name is Erendel!

I'm Estara...

Where is the woman who described me to you?

He looks really, really scary...

You're too scary! And you didn't even say your name... that's just rude!

Mamma says if you don't know someone's name and they're a stranger, you shouldn't tell them anything...

Federico.

Senior Federico's scary. Is he a good guy...?

I bet he is! Just like in the story.

W—We can tell him, then, right?

Probably we can?

Um... well...

Someone told us...

We had to wait here for a really scary big man with a black ring on his head just like she has!

And she—she said you'd find Mamma with us...

Yeah! And also she said we were only allowed to wait a little, tiny bit! And if you didn't come, then we come out ourselves.

Um... she said we couldn't stay here forever.

And also, also, she said...

Eek!

Senior, Senior! Quick... there's a fire!

Wah!

Waargh!

Get out for now.

Cover your mouth and nose. A fire has broken out.