level_act37side_03_beg

<i>I couldn't decide how to start the chapter on Allerdale, when I decided to write one for her. I realized I knew so little about the name that should've been so familiar to me.</i>

<i>The last Cumberland. The one who betrayed us. The one who gave her life to save us. The one who bragged about her cream stew.</i>

<i>Millscar. Caster's minion. Cumberland the Ever on High. Which one was the real Allerdale?</i>

<p=1>Londinium Underground Tunnel</><p=2>September 28th, 1098, 4:53 P.M.</>

Thirty-four minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade

Coordinates confirmed, boss. The location in the anonymous warning message is just ahead. And we've identified the source—

Rhodes Island.

No surprises there. Let's go.

The mercenary does not move. There is uncertainty on his face.

Out with it.

The boys trust you. Without you, we would have rotted in the alleys, or the devils would have—

I've already died once, so I'm fine with putting my head on the line for you. But this just doesn't make sense. Why should we trust Rhodes Island? We know nothing about them.

The Exemplars are almost inside the city. It's going to be bedlam outside. We could take this opportunity to line our pockets...

Or at least... you should not risk yourself, being here.

You're not the only one who thinks this way, are you?

The mercenary is silent. He dares not meet Millscar's gaze, fearing her wrath.

But nothing happens.

Have you thought about what will become of Londinium after this war?

Er... the way it used to be?

No, nothing will go back to the way it used to be. No one can go back, no matter what comes of this war.

Y-You're abandoning us?

No, I need you. Soon, Londinium will become a city in need of mending.

The old order has been destroyed by death and violence. There will be plenty of gaps left behind, plenty to feed us.

But—

I'm not asking your opinion.

Listen, I don't plan on going back to the old life, which means we have to plan for a new one. I haven't forgotten about you, of course.

In order to keep our livelihood, we need people to know what we're capable of.

Don't say I didn't give you a choice. So, are you coming or not?

Oh, sod it, put me at the front of the line, boss.

I'm not imagining it, am I... what is this...?

The blood-red rocks in the gaps of the frame and in the furnace... did the devils hide them here? What are they planning?

Vampire stuff.

There is a faint smell of blood in the air. She recalls the onrushing squirming monsters that came straight out of a nightmare.

Boss! I found something here!

A ducal alliance soldier?

Something's not right. He hasn't been dead for long. The name tag... Fifth Infantry Regiment, Eighth Column. Rank... Major?!

The Earl of March's troops, under the Duke of Normandy. No external wounds, but the death was not natural.

Her unit should still be outside the walls. Why would a major from the unit be here—

Where did they come from? Kill them, and quickly. The orders must not be delayed.

There are other altars that still need to be activated. There is no time.

The devils have us surrounded! There's no way out—

Why do we need one?

'Lunatic'.

No one knows where the Steam Knight sword in her hand came from, much less where Millscar herself came from.

The mercenary's legs tremble. He regrets not turning around a few minutes ago.

As long as that purple blade would not impale him from behind.

Bugger all.

Huh. I know that sword.

The General's briefing mentioned you. You've got nerve. Is the tin can somewhere nearby?

Maybe we can kill two fowlbeasts with one stone.

Hmph.

Carry on with your work, I'll handle this—

*jingle*

Like wind chimes on the beams of a mausoleuma caressed by a breeze, the golden pendants and gems that hang from the veil of the one who slumbers sway and clang against each other in the air.

Excuse me, did anyone see my earring?

There you are, Little Garnet—Oh, it's broken...

I guess I'll have to borrow your toys, Duq'arael. Not like you're in any position to refuse.

The blood-red altar within the iron frame begins to glow, but quickly goes dark again and then shatters.

The broken red pendant in the air is now good as new, glowing with a faint light.

The red glow is almost mesmerizing.

*jingle*

The sound echoes by Millscar's ear.

Take care of Little Garnet for me, for a while.

She'll lead you where you belong. Now, you should go.

I'm surprised that anyone like Dame Kal'tsit would trust you, though.

She sees the red and black figure.

Why would a vampire save my life? Dame Kal'tsit? Dr. Kal'tsit of Rhodes Island? What are they planning?

She has many questions, but finds herself holding the cold conical earring in her hand.

There's no time to waste if you want to help that one. This is not the only altar in these parts.

What do I do?

She will tell you.

'She'? Millscar suddenly feels a pulse from the earring in her hand, like a heartbeat.

Stop her—

Shh.

*Sarkaz expletive*!

Nadine feels all the blood in her body rush back towards her heart for a second, and the vertigo that comes with it.

For the first time, she envies the kindred who have abandoned flesh and blood.

The path has been prepared.

Take care of her, and she will guide you to me.

<p=2>September 28th, 1098, 5:21 P.M.</>

Six minutes until the Exemplars break through the blockade

Let's go to the next one.

Boss, that weird Vampire thing... as we destroy the altars, it just keeps getting... prettier.

We've got more important things to worry about. Word is that the Exemplars have made it into the city, but they're being impeded by the ducal alliance's troops.

Have the factories gotten the order?

Aye. They're getting ready.

These strange hidden Sarkaz altars, and rumors that the dukes are ready to leave Londinium blockaded and abandon it to its fate...

Hah. Who's the one who actually wants to blow up the city?

Does it really matter?

It's been a while, Allerdale.

I thought you were dead.

I thought YOU were dead.

Even with Rhodes Island's help, there are too many of these for you to deal with, and too little time.

Who knows how many such altars the Sarkaz have hidden across the city? Without my knowledge, too. They could not have done it on their own.

More than one key district will be reduced to rubble if these altars are activated. I've discovered and destroyed several key ones, however.

By yourself...?

Vina needs help. The Exemplars need one final push. And the dukes need to hear the true voice of the people.

It was I who spread the rumors that the dukes are planning to abandon Londinium. Not that there wasn't an element of truth to it.

What do you want me to do?

You're already doing it. You and those who follow you.

But you, too, need a little push. I'll take care of the remaining altars.

You've changed. A lot.

I could say the same for you, 'Millscar'. Are you sure you like that name?

You've chosen to live. Then follow the path, and see where it leads.

Boss, she's—

Run like you've got all Kazdel on your heels. Go to the outer city, and tell the others to get ready to receive the Exemplars.

<p=1>Londinium</><p=2>September 28th, 1098, 5:27 P.M.</>

The Exemplars break through the blockade. Across the city, factories roar to life, welcoming them home.

<i>I keep thinking back to that afternoon.</i>

<i>Factories, Vina, steam, cheering, boxing, angry yelling, Baird...</i>

<i>The bits of memory gush to the surface together, mixing together, wiping away what happened that afternoon.</i>

<i>The one thing I will never forget is when Vina said: 'We're home.'</i>

<i>I wanted to cry. It was a long, long journey, from the day we left the city to the day we came back.</i>

<i>We're home. But how many did we lose, how many who walked with us on this journey?</i>

<i>And which of them could come back after they left, besides Allerdale?</i>

<i>...</i>

<i>I miss Baird.</i>

<p=1>Exemplars Camp</><p=2>September 30th, 1098, 5:22 A.M.</>

Two days after the Exemplars break through the blockade

I never knew taking inventory could be such a pain.

Taking inventory at the factories on our turf back in the day wasn't half as bad...

If this is pain, I'll gladly take more pain.

It sure is exciting, though, to see so many people supporting us—

(Yawn) We've been at this all night. The sun's already coming up.

We have to push forward. The others can only buy so much time.

Word from Wiš'adel is that they threw a dozen wrenches into the Military Commission's system of command, but the Nachzehrers are still guarding Westhaleg.

We've been inside the city for two days, but there has been little sign of movement from them.

Weren't there rumors that Theresis has abandoned them and gone into hiding? Maybe that's why the Nachzehrers aren't moving.

That's just speculation. Not even the Doctor's team has been able to confirm it.

Get some rest, Morgan. The alliance's order to attack will come soon—

I just don't like counting, that's all!

I want to help Dagda. I reckon I've got a little more experience sweet-talking people into helping us.

Delphine is persuading the nobles who are still on the fence. Hannah and Catherine are organizing the surviving workers and Self-Salvation Corps. I have no doubt they can get it done.

But Dagda... she's not really the temperament for this...

Go help her.

Phew.

Let's continue. Supplies from Heidi... improvised weapons by the Self-Salvation Corps...

Huh?

What's this at the bottom? It's not on the list.

She looks around and sees only Exemplars transporting supplies. She recognizes all their faces.

She carefully examines the box. After being satisfied that there is no threat, she opens it.

She is struck dumb by what she sees.

It is a set of clothing.

The cool rays of the morning sun shines upon an emblem—

The emblem of House Victoria. Her house.

Vina feels a bout of anger. Is this some kind of sick joke?

Wait, no—

She recognizes the outfit in her hands. It belonged to the Victorian royal family.

Why is it here? Who found it and delivered it to her?

She can only come to one conclusion, a single name.

Let's go. It's time.

What's the situation, boss?

Their equipment is inferior to the alliance's. The dukes are having the Exemplars take the brunt of the fighting. Casualties will be heavy...

But this is also an opportunity.

The dukes want a hero. The people need a hero. Why not add a finishing touch to the story?

You're betting on them to win.

Bet? No, the bets were already made when the battle outside the walls ended. This is just the last chance to double down.

No idea how that works, but whatever you say. What's next?

We kill.

There will be chaos once the final battle begins, and 'opportunists' too. I'm not about to let them do whatever they want right under my nose.

Say... boss, what was that thing you left behind?

A little stage prop, to give more substance to the legend.

'Garment of the royal house, retrieved from the ruins of Cumberland Manor. The leader of the Exemplars can make good use of it.'

'Don't you like the story? The last heir to the throne returns to drive out the devils, garbed in the King's regalia...'

'I heard that she didn't like the title...'

'She'll need it, if she wants to sway those who are still uncertain.'

'For now, at least.'

Is she alive—

Vina has had a little wish, ever since the day that the Steam Knight returned. Perhaps those around her had the same, but no one spoke of it.

She looks around nervously, but does not see her.

If anything, that is a relief. She is not ready.

A note?

'Tailored to your size. Hope it fits.'

There is no name on the note.

But for the first time, she knows that Allerdale is still alive.

There's something else...

A few photos, with the following words scribbled on the back.

'Something you might find interesting. Concerning a certain duke.'