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Oh... Well, there's the bell. A shame our lessons must always end so soon.

Some of you may have sneaked away before the bell rang, and a couple of you are having a nice nap on your desks, but there's nothing wrong with that.

'Commune cum Sclopetis' is a life-long course.

Now, my dear students, you have all obtained your guardian guns.

But have you thought about what they'll be guarding?

Oops, did I fall asleep...? Urgh.

A call from the boss...?

Voice mail sounds about nice.

*sigh*

AMBRIEL!

What is it, Captain? I've been at my post this whole time.

'At your post'? How many times do I have to tell you?! The Pontifica Cohors must act in a manner befitting the station!

On your feet! I won't have you lie on top of Laterano's holy walls! Next time I catch you sleeping on the job, you'll be sleeping in a saint statue's arms!

Wait, is that really an option—

Don't you muck about with me! Don't forget, we are the guardians of—

Laterano's honor, yes, yes.

Hmph. I hope you can actually take that to heart. Today's your last chance. One more mess-up, and you're out of the Pontifica Cohors!

*sigh*

A watchtower.

This is where city guard Ambriel has found herself posted. A wide wall separates the business district from the leisure district, and attempts to hop the wall are frequent.

Her job is extremely simple: stop people from doing so. It is also extremely difficult, for none can hope to contain the free spirits of Laterano.

She nibbles on some chocolate, watching the Holy City's blue and white mingle and extend.

Bell tower, all clear. School, all clear. Business district, all clear.

Nothing unusual so far...

The guard scribbles her report into her terminal without a care before lying down once more atop the marble wall, staring at the clouds drifting overhead.

A thought has also drifted across her mind more than once.

This Holy City, tranquil, peaceful and unchanging—

Is like the sky reflected upon the land.

Where should I go this time after work...

Hmm...

Ouch!

That hurt... Who threw that chocolate at me? I was so close...

Sorry, but this is off-limits.

Scaling the wall constitutes reckless behavior that not only violates the Pagus management law but also impedes the patrol duties of the Pontifica Cohors.

But...

Look, I'm just doing my job here. That whole spiel? Just repeating what my boss told me to say.

If you have any complaints, you can go to the Guard offices to state your case, or file an appeal at the Notarial Hall.

But if you have a justified reason, I could turn a blind eye.

A justified reason?

I-I'm in a hurry... If I don't hop over this wall, I'd have to circle all the way around the wall.

See that side door over there? Should save you some time.

Just wait until my shift's over and take that door.

Consider yourself rejected.

Wait until your shift's over? That's no good, I'm definitely going to miss it!

Miss what?

I... I can't say...

Executing some secret will?

(Shakes head)

That's what I thought, you don't look the part... Transporting something important?

(Shakes head)

Not that you look like a Messenger either...

I-It's something along those lines, though!

Anyways, this is really important to me! Today's my only chance!

You're laying it on a bit too thick here.

Sorry, I really can't delay any longer—

S-Stop chasing me!

Ah! Which way should I go... This way!

Please comply with the Notarial Hall and stop resisting your arrest!

Hmm? A fork in the road? Which one did he take...

(Points to the left)

Aha! Gratias, Seniora!

So, uh, Seniora Guard, can I go now?

Wait a sec, I've got an idea.

A small alleyway.

The sun is beginning to sink toward the west. The shadows of the buildings cover half the alley. The perfect place to take a nap.

The guard covers her ears.

Your idea was blowing a hole in the wall with explosives?

Yeah. Anything wrong with that?

The law says you can't hop over the wall. Doesn't say anything about opening a hole in it.

Why are you still standing there? I thought you were in a hurry?

Multas gratias!

I think I'm going to need some help from an executor, Senior.

Certainly. It's the least I can do.

On April 27th, 16:27, a legal detonation was performed on a wall at the intersection of Panela and Souffle.

The completion of the process was witnessed by Notarial Hall Executor Richele.

Pontifica Cohors sniper, Ambriel, also ensured that no citizens or property were harmed by the blast.

There, all done.

Thanks a bunch.

Don't mention it. After all, I was only able to catch this young fellow thanks to you.

*sob*...

Hey. All I did was point the way.

Hahaha, no need to be so humble, I know what happened.

The pillar that blocked his escape... you shot it down, didn't you? He would have slipped away otherwise.

The distance is most impressive. It's kind of scary to think that the Pontifica Cohors have such remarkable snipers in their ranks.

Wait, you think I'm impressive?

I'd say you executors who can handle things with your bare hands are the truly scary ones.

It's hard to imagine a situation where you'd actually need to use your gun in peaceful Laterano.

Hahaha, if I didn't use my gun, how could I win donuts at the dessert shop shooting competitions?

Well then, Seniora Guard, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading back to make my report now.

Thankfully, this hole serves as a handy shortcut.

Hmm...? Wait, this road seems to lead right there.

My, I never thought I'd make it in time today! No time to delay!

Whoa! That hurts! Slow down!

What is this place everyone keeps talking about? How mysterious.

AMBRIEL!!!

What is it now, Captain?

You better have a good explanation for why there's a big hole in the wall.

About that... There weren't any violations. I made sure of it while I stayed at my post.

Don't you get cute with me, you hear!?

From now on, you've got one more assignment. Don't let anyone through that hole!

A city bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

As she places two traffic cones in front of the hole, Ambriel senses someone watching her.

Seriously, Captain?

I get that you need to supervise me, but do you really have to hide like that?

Whoever's hiding behind the tree carefully pokes their head out. When their eyes meet, the person quickly hides their face again.

...A kid?

D-Don't come over here!

Say, school's not out yet, is it?

If you go back to class like a good kid, I'll pretend I didn't see you, okay?

D-Don't go, either!

Just... Just stay right there...

I... I just want to look at your gun.

My gun?

I guess you do look about right for the age when you'd pick your guardian gun.

Here, you can get a better look this way.

What, disappointed?

Wh-Why...?

Why... does it look like the ones the saint statues hold?

Well...

Still haven't decided on a guardian gun?

We've shown you everything in our stock. If you don't like any of them, then maybe—

I want that one.

Which one?

...The one that the saint statue is holding?

That's just a carving, though.

...I get it.

It's a classic model. I should be able to find a blueprint. It'll take a while to make it though, so come back in a few days.

Thank you.

It's nothing.

Afterall, it's rare to see kids who look up to the saints nowadays.

I didn't pick my guardian gun for any particular reason.

It's light and got a good range. That's all.

A good range? But I...

Don't worry. You don't need crazy talent to shoot it, or some kind of lofty ideal.

It's just a gun. You can pick one just like it.

As long as it's what you want.

No...

Sorry, I think you got me wrong.

The books say the bullets of the saints are how the Law punishes people. If you get hit by one, it hurts really really bad.

I just wanted to make sure if I sneaked through that hole, you wouldn't shoot me with that saint's gun, right?

After watching the child head back to school, the guard turns a corner.

The evening bells have not yet rung, and there are only a few pedestrians on the street.

Two scoops of chocolate ice cream, and sprinkle on some cacao nibs.

Sure thing.

Not much business today?

Tell me about it. Might be because the dessert shop on Panela's holding some limited-time event.

Limited-time event?

Yeah. Apparently they're selling some sort of special-edition 'chocolate sunset mousse' just for today, and only until 5:30.

Special-edition 'chocolate sunset mousse'...

5:30 you say... Lots of people will still be stuck at work or school, though. They wouldn't be able to make it, would they?

Exactly.

Even so, many people would rather take the leave to buy it. Can't compete with that now, can I?

Well, that explains a lot...

Here, make sure not to drop it. Thank you, come again!

The guard turns her head to see a manhole cover rattle through the corner of her eye. A strange sight, all things considered.

Hey, hey!

Is anyone there? Can someone help me?

...*sigh*

Here, grab onto my gun and I'll pull you out.

Oof, I suppose that's me saved...

Hmm? This gun of yours... Where have I seen that model before...?

...Magister?

Well, if it isn't Ambriel. It's been quite a while.

I'm glad to see you've grown to become an outstanding city guard.

Why were you in the sewer...?

Ahaha, well, I was communing with my guardian gun, just like how I used to teach you. Do you remember?

You mean that one class during detention?

My dad made a super-sweet shortcake! Who wants some?!

Oh, and who wants some honey cystymilkshakes from my family's shop?

Hey! What's the big idea? Give me back my chocolate! Give it back!

How long has it been? I'm so hungry...

If I boost myself up with this chair, I can climb out through the window...

Oh, good, it seems you really have learned something.

Magister?! I wasn't going to... I-I swear I won't do it again next time...

I understand. Detention can lock away the body, but it cannot lock away the spirit.

You used your gun to break the glass. I would say that's you communing with your gun.

I know it's against school rules, but I...

Do not worry, child.

The reason why guns are so important is because they allow you to come face-to-face with your heart.

And this is what allows Laterano to continue improving and become the paradise that guards its people's hopes and dreams.

Hopes and dreams...

Tell me, Ambriel, what is it you want most right now?

I... I want...

Chocolate.

Yes, yes, that's right! I hope you're not holding a grudge against me for keeping you in detention.

But judging by that chocolate ice cream in your hand, I can see you haven't forgotten my advice.

Ah, you kind of ruined it for me...

So, Magister, what kind of hopes and dreams dropped you into the sewer?

Is it really okay to leave your students alone and sneak out like this?

Haha, look, this is my guardian gun. I was praying with it in the school's prayer hall when I sensed something calling out to me.

Following its guidance, I found a mysterious passage below the hall. When I reached the end, I saw light shining down from above...

I thought I was about to witness a miracle, but... as you know, I was stuck in a sewer, unable to get the manhole cover off way.

That's a really nice mystery story you spun up, but you just wanted to get away from work, didn't you, Magister?

No, I think my guardian gun wanted something far simpler.

All it wanted to see was the Lateran sunset today.

But, if it so happens to coincide with a dessert shop's limited-time event, so much the better.

Figured.

That excuse isn't enough to let you off the hook.

You're suspected of tampering with sewer pipelines, disrupting traffic, and scaling the wall outside of designated hours, albeit through the underground...

Alright, Ambriel, I'll head straight to the Notarial Hall later to accept my punishment.

But it would be a huge shame if I missed both a limited dessert and the most magnificent time of day in the Holy City.

At this very moment, new recruits to the Pontifica Cohors are marching in formation along the opposite side of the street.

The golden sunset falls upon their guns, the brims of their hats, and their young yet solemn faces.

Like maple syrup flowing across cystymilk toast, like honey drizzling over waffles.

Ah... I see what you mean.

The light of the setting sun equally graces every corner of the Holy City. No wall can stop that.

The guard picks up her rifle, aims at the top of a distant bell tower, and takes a deep breath—

Pedestrians on the street raise their heads, those at home open their windows, and nearly every Lateran in the Pagus holds their breath in unison.

The bell tolls, and several fowlbeasts, their wings a gilded gold, fly across the clear, crisp sky.

A brief silence, then cheerful mirth erupts from the Pagus, carrying the hopes and dreams of its people into the evening air.

45 minutes and 19 seconds. That's how much earlier it is than the usual bell.

And that's how much earlier the people of this Pagus will get off work.

They can leave the office or school, and chat with their pals about where they're heading tonight.

More importantly, they won't have to miss out on this beautiful sunset.

Ambriel, you let everyone out early so they could make it in time for the special event, didn't you?

Haha. I don't know about them, but there's still ten minutes left, so I can definitely make it.

Can we go together, Magister?

Why of course.

Not going to answer that?

Nah, I'm done for the day.

Now there's the troublemaker I know.

Strange, feels like the bell rang much earlier than usual today...

Wow! The sunset's beautiful!

I've got an idea! How about this day every year, we get out of the office an hour earlier!

I'm down for that!

The guard watches the setting sun poke out between the rosy clouds. The reflection of the Holy City in the sky blinks at her.

Before she realizes it, the street is awash with people coming and going. On this most ordinary of Lateran days, freedom and merriment fill the air.

Now this...

This is Laterano's honor.