No Peace

The Leithanians had high praise for our city's prosperity, and the parties quick reached an agreement.

It is expected that regular trade will be established between Dzwonek and the Leithanian city of Graufield.

A Leithanien-inspired commercial district is also currently under construction on a new plate, the first phase of a project focusing on Leithanian art and music.

A spokesman for contractor Gale Industries touted the design of the new district, the brainchild of a world-famous architect, and promised that it will become a new landmark for Kazimierz.

The project is expected to be a massive boon for the city's tourism industry...

(Oops, cut this one a little thin...)

Honey?

Why don't you put that away? It's time to pick up our boy from school.

Can't he get home on his own?

I know he says you're nosy, but he doesn't mean it.

Nosy, huh? He's got a noble knight picking him up personally, the ungrateful brat... He was having so much fun playing with those peasants.

Just be patient, dear. You said it yourself: people will forget all about 'Plastic' Szewczyk before long, and then we'll be safe.

...Next up, new Infected riots have been reported in the Old District. The National Council is currently investigating the incidents.

The police have acknowledged that Zeno Shelvin, the Infected ringleader who had previously turned himself in, has escaped custody. A number of officers have been suspended in connection with the escape.

A reward is being offered for information regarding...

You heard the news, right? You should go soon.

We came all the way to Dzwonek, even living among the common folk, but it looks like trouble is never far away.

To think I used to be worried about you getting hurt in the arena, and now I'm worried about our little boy making it home from school.

You're overreacting. The press loves to exaggerate these things.

If they were a real threat, we wouldn't be hearing about public investigations from the National Council.

The only problem is the incompetent police who don't know how to track down the Infected without ID numbers. On their own, they're not much of a—

......

Of course, the Infected make a good excuse to sell people insurance and protective gear. Especially after what happened at the Major.

Well... If it's so safe, why are you going out in full armor?

......

Alright, fine, then I won't worry, 'Sir Knight.'

This statue marks the edge of the Central District.

The outer plates are old, and there isn't much to see there.

May I inquire as to the containers stacked up over there?

Ah... that's just an abandoned district.

There used to be a cargo passage leading down to the lower levels. After it was closed, old containers from decommissioned trucks began to pile up.

—O-Of course, we're currently working hard at giving Dzwonek a face-lift. Abandoned districts like these are all slated to be rebuilt very soon, and you won't see any trace of them by the next time you're here.

Is that so? I rather like how the colorful containers come together to form part of the cityscape.

Er, is that so? I-I suppose Leithanians do have an eye for art.

Heh, you flatter me.

It's getting rather late, though. I shan't keep you.

It's no problem at all! It's been my pleasure to show you our city's nightscape.

But you also have the ribbon-cutting ceremony to attend tomorrow. Perhaps we should return to the hotel.

Incidentally, if you enjoy music, I also have a few best-selling albums from Dzwonek here. Would you like to have a listen to them in your room?

Ah, that's very kind of you, but I've already picked the pieces I wish to enjoy tonight. I hope I'm causing no offense?

Er, no, of course not.

Then I will take my leave here. Good night, and we will be back to pick you up tomorrow.

I've asked around, sir.

But are you really sure you want to go at this hour?

Are we being watched?

Not right now, as far as I can tell.

Then let's. I'd prefer to end this trip on a high note.

How do you feel?

How do you think I feel? Does my leg look like it's getting better?

This was from a legit pharmacy, and it cost a pretty penny. It's not working?

Wouldn't be the first time stuff from legit sources didn't work.

What happens to the plan if you can't walk?

Shh...

Someone's coming.

......

Ahem. Er, may I help you, sir?

We have nothing to do with any attacks, and we don't know that man you're with.

The cops have been here a few times already. Everyone checked out clean.

...I'm looking for the Weaver.

Oh, you're friends with them? Didn't look like it.

Go around behind that dark-red container. You'll find an empty tailor shop with a hidden door in the back, leading to a long alley. Ask around when you reach their warehouse.

Not even a word of thanks?

What'd you expect from a noble?

Back to the plan. You got word from the boss?

Yeah, it's urgent, and it's happening tonight. Getting cold feet?

A little, but it's like fighting gloompincers—there's no turning back.

...It'll be worth it even if just to make the people in high places sweat a little.

I heard they're finally cleaning up that junk across the street, and expanding the commercial district towards the east.

Finally.

Yeah, they should've blown it up ages ago. We've got kids from nearby schools playing hide-and-seek in it, and that's an accident waiting to happen.

Who knows how filthy it is in all those containers and shacks? Homeless, Infected...

Seriously, why do they even want to live in slums like that? Life would be so much better if they left for one of the villages in the barrenlands.

The light's green. Let's go—

Wh-What was that? Something exploded?

Run!

Why are you just standing there like that? Get out of the way!

...Did I hear you say that kids from nearby schools play in the abandoned district?

*cough* *cough*... Aloisia!

Are you okay, sir?

I'm sorry, I didn't realize...

Don't blame yourself. I'm not hurt, and I was the one who insisted on coming to the slums.

But it looks like there's a wall of rubble between us.

I'll find another path and meet up with you, sir.

The explosion was rather near our position, however.

Please be careful, as this could potentially be a targeted attack.

...Alright, I'll wait here.

......

I hear voices...

It hurts... ow...

Come on, get this sheet of metal off him! He's bleeding!

I'm trying, I'm trying... it's so dark, I can't see...

What if I make a mistake and open up the wound...

(Even if people are watching... I should be able to use Originium Arts to move some of the stones and metal for them without drawing attention.)

(Was this really targeted at me though? My visit to the abandoned district wasn't on the itinerary.)

(And Aloisia would have noticed if someone was tailing me.)

It's dark... I wanna go home...

You're not gonna leave me, right...?

......

Hold on, let's grab a rock... Hey, is someone coming?

(A businessman? Government official?)

(No, it's the man I encountered beneath the statue yesterday... with an Infected by his side.)

(He's deeply prejudiced against Leithanien, and the Infected with him doesn't exactly seem like the amicable sort. I should stay out of sight.)

...Did you see an Infected with a white scar on his arm?

(Shakes head)

I don't care who you are, we're not scared of you...

...What's going on here?

C-Could you help get our friend out? His leg got caught on a sharp piece of metal, and it bleeds if he tries to move.

......

(Did he just glance at me?)

If only I had my tools... If this was one of our workers, we'd have just dragged him out.

...I don't have any better ideas.

Waaaaaaahhhhh!

I-It's bleeding... the wound looks scary...

Don't cry, I'll tie it up with some clothes.

And don't worry, my dad used to get hurt all the time. He says a couple of days is all it takes to get better.

...Just a flesh wound.

Get it treated at a hospital.

Alright... come on, take my shoulder.

......

Leithanian.

How long do you plan on watching from there?

This abandoned district is even worse than the Infected district in the Grand Knight Territory... When I catch that brat, he's getting a stern lesson on where is and is not appropriate for a noble to visit.

...Dammit, where did he go?

Hey, did you see any kids playing around here?

Whose kid? It's such a big place, I can't possibly remember the face of every kid...

Then cut the crap.

Why are you trying to run? There's nowhere else for you people to go in this city anyway.

Look, I'll pay you to go back and rescue any children you see.

And if you run into anyone else, you can tell them too. That I'll pay for each child that they bring back to me.

Wh-Who are you? This isn't some kind of sick joke, is it?

Here's the cash. You can choose whether you want it or not.

T-This is...?! Yes, sir, whatever you say, sir!

Sending people into a fire, eh? Must be nice having money to burn.

Mr. 'Plastic' Szewczyk.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Don't worry, I know a lot of things, and you're not one of the important ones.

If you're not here to help, then don't waste my time.

Let me put it this way... obsolete goods like you are worth less than nothing. It takes a bigger target to start this fire.

What do you mean? Who caused the explosion?

Who dares harm my son?

No need to shout, you don't scare me.

But I do enjoy watching rich folks like you flee for your lives, losing whatever you hold dearest.

If you think you can get under my nerves with this crap, then you're wasting your time and mine.

Look. That billboard is about to fall.

How many evacuees will it kill, and will your son be among them? Wanna bet?

Tch.

Zero, and no.

......

Now, let's talk business.

I could use a guide who knows the lay of the land here.

You want to go in yourself?

I'm finding my son and getting him out of here. Now get moving, unless you'd like to be pinned to a wall too?

I must warn you that any threat made upon my life will result in a diplomatic incident between Kazimierz and Leithanien.

Diplomatic incident? You'd better explain why you're here, first. Since when were our slums considered a tourist attraction?

I don't recall threatening you either. All I did was tell you to come with us.

You're hostile towards me... towards Leithanien.

Do you really think your deceitful words and suspicious activities truly represent all of Leithanien?

......

Perhaps we've misunderstood each other. Someone else is responsible for the explosion.

But I will not let my guard down against you. My hand is on my wand.

Suit yourself.

S-Sir, someone's calling for help over there. Can you hear it?

Should we help or... well, actually, I was wondering, aren't you afraid of being arrested for being with me like this?

There's no reason for them to do that.

And you're not worried about getting infected?

...Let's go.

If you here to help these people, I'm more than willing to demonstrate my good faith.

Of standing around and doing nothing?

...I regret not using my Originium Arts to aid the child, out of concern for my own safety.

Visitor from Leithanien... why did you come here?

...Please don't doubt my good faith.

To be honest, I came here because I envy the cities of Kazimierz.

...The modern Kazimierz?

Yes, where nobles, entrepreneurs, and commoners can all walk on the same street without anyone having to give way to one another.

Where the goods in the shops are made for everyone, whether they can use Originium Arts or not, whether they appreciate music or not.

Here, people can pursue any lifestyle they want, as long as they have money, and there is plenty of opportunity for that.

I only wish the people in my fief had the same energy, and that more of them could live better lives...

Opportunity? A better life? Don't tell me someone of your position and experience could be blinded by superficial appearances?

Of course I understand that I'm only being shown the best side. I've seen more than enough gold and jewels in the brief time that I've been here.

Which is exactly why I wanted to come to where the poor live, to see the people whom your rules have cast aside.

Thus, I will learn from them and improve upon the system.

......

No, I don't want to die! I can't walk yet... please...

A secondary explosion...

It must be due to the high temperatures.

It's dangerous here... Are we really going to look for the person you mentioned? What if they've already fled?

I can't have you getting hurt helping me.

...I have my own business here.

If you truly are acting in good faith, Leithanian, you will open a path here.

There may yet be hope, if we head there immediately.

The voice came from behind the wall.

The door's warped... I'll try to clear a way with my Arts.

...It'll take some time though.

Go ahead. If I'd meant to harm you, I would've done so by now.

Very well...

*cough*... The fire's spreading.

I was caught in a fire once, many years ago.

Someone tried to set the count's tower ablaze, the day the Witch King's light faded from Leithanien.

The arsonist was never found. Perhaps many who had been slaves to fear threw kindling upon the flames all at once, the moment they could breathe again.

The fire itself didn't cause too much damage. My father's casters quickly brought it under control.

Treasures could be replaced, as could servants.

But I couldn't help but think... that the fact that I continue to live in comfort and luxury is perhaps the reason they lit that fire.

And what of you? Why do you stand in the flames with no fear on your face? Even if you deny it, you look like one who has seen the burning fires of war up close.

......

—Done.

Here are the assignments for squads around Dzwonek for the new equipment test.

Intel obtained from the captured Leithanian spy indicates that Leithanien has developed multiple Arts Units designed to penetrate Kazimierz knight armor.

In preparation for the war with Leithanien—

I... I didn't hear anything...

I don't know...

Aloisia! Kill him!

Yes, sir.

We'll be trapped by the fire if you don't turn back.

You've rescued everyone who could be rescued along the way. Doesn't look like anyone else is breathing down here.

Neither of us found what we were looking for, but... one less piece of intel doesn't make a huge difference.

As for you, I'm sure you have dozens of sons waiting for you on the main street by now.

Someone's fighting? Here?

Let go of my wand, Infected!

No.

You'd better be prepared to get Infected blood on you, if you want to harm my savior.

...Out of the way, Zeno.

Huh?

Blasted Infected! I remember your face! You're the culprit behind the riots!

And you, Młynar Nearl! I knew someone was backing them.

What are you plotting? What are you doing here? House Nearl just can't help but side with the Infected, can it?

Who are you to question House Nearl—

Why are you dragging us into trouble, this far away from the Grand Knight Territory?

......

Let's go, Aloisia!

...You let the Leithanians get away.

Answer me! What are you planning? Where's my son?

Enough. Do you really believe everything the press reports? Don't tell me you're still as foolish as the day you first lost in that ridiculous competition, and drowned yourself in wine.

You—

...I saw a boy with purple hair.

If he has the slightest sense of responsibility, he'll have accompanied his friend to the hospital.

......

Alright, I'll believe you for now.

But there will be hell to pay if he's not there.

And you, Weaver.

Oh, you're...

You're looking for them?

We want to talk to the bounty hunters. Now.

This should be far enough... He didn't come after us. He must have been delayed.

How are your injuries, Aloisia?

Just a scratch I took on the counter.

You won't be doing anything so dangerous when we're back in Leithanien. You'll have plenty of time to recover.

Yes, sir. I apologize.

Anybody watching us?

No, sir.

The reporters at the exit to the street are busy interviewing someone. They won't be paying attention.

Then let's go.

We must leave Kazimierz, now.

What about tomorrow's ceremony?

...It's a shame.

You saved the lives of 22 children! What is your name and occupation? Are you an experienced rescuer?

How many of the children do you know? What made you decide to help so many people whom you've never met?

Where did you find them? We saw an injured child being sent to the hospital. What did you feel as you rescued him?

Out of the way, out of the way.

I need to find my son.

Your outfit is similar to the so-called 'Plastic Knight,' who hasn't been seen for a while. Are you a fan of his? Did he inspire you to this valorous deed?

......

Plastic armor's good enough. I'm an archer, and I don't let the opponent get near me.

It may have been fun and games, but it's also true that nobody's come close to matching me.

And think about it: there will be no ads printed on this armor.

When I'm interviewed as the winner, I'll let the world know that I made it myself.

It'll be a slap in the face for those big companies, for taking away our livelihoods with inferior mass-produced goods.

Don't cry, I'll be fine. I'll yield if things aren't looking good, and I'll be back with you safe and sound.

...It's too late for an interview.

Like I said, I'm picking up my son.

One informant was 'unfortunately' lost in the accident, just as planned. No other casualties.

Target has returned to his hotel, accompanied by his bodyguard.

That's unfortunate. It would have given us an edge at the negotiation table if he'd gone off on his own and gotten into an accident at the abandoned district.

But impromptu plans rarely go smoothly.

What about Nearl?

Unknown.

...He must have left with someone familiar with the secret passages.

Also, a letter just arrived.

At this hour?

Yes, sir. For your eyes only.

From the bounty hunters... alright, back to your station.

You know I keep my promises, Toland.

......

Ha. As if there were another way.

A man who did not wish to be named rescued more than 20 children from the fire in the abandoned district.

Although he declined to talk about his experience and avoided cameras, witnesses report that his cloak was covered in ashes.

You were really cool, Dad.

Ha. Now you think so?

I want to be a knight too.

No.

Why not?

I want to be able to save people, just like you.

That's not how it happened.

You always spend the whole day at home working on this stuff. Why not make me a suit of plastic armor too?

Mom said we didn't use to have so much money. You used to make your own equipment because you had no sponsors.

She told you all that?

Never mind. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to go to school. In fact, you're not allowed to go out at all until I say it's okay.

Huh? But I need to visit my friend at the hospital.

No. Haven't you learned your lesson? Do you want to sleep in a hospital bed too?

I'm not scared! Knights aren't scared of things like that!

Like I said... forget about becoming a knight. Knights can't protect people like you think.

The bigger the dream, the bigger the disappointment.

Now get to bed.