MN-8 General Chamber of Commerce

Team battle?

It's a two on two, a rather uncommon competition format. Originally, to showcase the teamwork within the Knightclubs, it should've been at least three on three or four on four.

No matter the format, you don't have a Knightclub, so we need to find you a partner.

Oh... Who am I up against?

The competition schedule says it's the Snowyheel Knightclub.

...They have some decent archers, and even one knight that uses meteor hammers. I don't know who you'll end up against.

Maria's finally reached the point where we'll know her opponents by name alone, huh.

Ahaha......

I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing...

Maria, defeating Tytus is definitely something worth celebrating, but it also means that there will be a lot more eyes on you.

Draw on the lessons you learned from Flametail and Ashlock. Don't tip your hand.

It's important to compromise and work with the corporations when you have to. Times have changed. You can't hold onto your glory with wins alone.

......

...Why didn't you help me convince her last time?

I did have a proper conversation with Maria after you slammed the door——By the way, you broke my door that time.

Ugh. I'll cover it...

Where's V and Kowal?

It's 'that day.' They're not back yet.

Ah... They're at the gravesite. Shit, I wanted to ask if he could help repair Maria's equipment...

Just use his workshop.

He even said so himself, one time last year, drunkenly. If you ever wanted to, Maria, he would gladly pass on his workshop to you.

Eh?! Why haven't I this before?

Either way, he's still sworn to never touch the anvil again.

*Sigh*... Even after so many years...

It's hard enough for anyone to let go of the past, let alone us oldies who have nothing but the past.

Lets forget about them for now. Maria, you'll need to fix up your equipment yourself.

And then... Do you have a partner in mind?

Me? Umm...

......

D-Do I actually not have any knight friends?

That's why I wanted to introduce you to someone. A known quantity is always safer than getting a random stranger assigned by the Association.

Err, who is it?

The Fartooth Knight. She's an expert archer.

Just like you, she fought her way up as an independent knight, refusing to accept sponsorships from the corporations. I've heard she's even planning to form a completely self-sufficient knightclub.

I think you'll be able to get along, and cover each other's weaknesses in battle. You'll come to understand that team battles are completely different from melees or one-on-ones.

If only we had more time, you could get to know each other better on the training field. Unfortunately, you'll have to improvise.

...O-okay.

This is the disadvantage of being an independent knight... Temporary allies fighting against a battle-hardened team will always be at a disadvantage.

I wonder what she's like... I'm a little nervous...

This is our third time passing this street today.

Ah, yes, Mr. Czarny...

You're very accustomed to such work. Running between the various arenas and joining in countless teleconferences.

Ah, no... There's nothing to be said for someone like me...

Your appearance is somewhat sloppy. One's appearance is also an important bargaining chip, is it not?

A-Apologies... To be honest, I was unemployed not too long ago... So...

Oh... What has that got to do with this?

I don't dislike employees like you. Only those who have fallen to rock bottom are able to understand the cruelty we face. It is only when you have acknowledged it, that you will be able to make satisfactory decisions.

......

Remember each and every word I have said, each and every action I have taken.

Eh? Ah, the meeting minutes for the Snowyheel Knightclub? Don't worry, I've prepared——

No no no, their sponsor is an old friend of mine. They won't trouble us much.

It's just for a particularly insignificant...working habit of mine.

...Maria.

Hm?

You know I never approved of you becoming a competition knight, not since the beginning.

Eh, huh? Where did that come from? I knew that already...

But you've proven yourself.

Though it was always by the skin of my teeth...

Rather than your motivations, platitudes, promises or whatnot... Winning in the arena is the only proof of your determination.

Even though you're still very naive.

Ahaha......

Maybe...it's your desire to win back the glory of the Nearl family that makes you so strong.

——Though it was just a fluke, being able to take a point off Tytus means your upcoming opponents should be manageable.

You've developed your own Arts techniques, but it doesn't seem to work against particularly strong opponents, unfortunately.

For example, if the Left-hand Knight had fought seriously from the start, you would've probably lost even if there were four of you.

I can teach you swordsmanship and tactics, and you can ask V about archery techniques. He may not look it, but back in the day V was an expert your granddad respected.

——But when it comes to Arts, you are the only one who can grasp your light.

Got it?

Mm-hm!

Yes... Even though there were unexpected incidents, our plans are progressing on schedule.

What? No, you're overestimating our clients. There will definitely not be any condemnation from the audience. They're not a particularly moral bunch.

Yes, you're right. I am very thankful for the two... helpers you've provided me.

I will ensure that they all receive an excellent report.

......

Bless you, sir.

...And now, everything is ready.

Let us await the beginning of this remarkable competition.

Oh... you're back.

Didn't they promise no rain? Why'd it still end up raining...?

Hmph... You really can't believe all that crap they put on TV, whether it's news, sports or weather forecasts.

What about Maria! Ain't the competition today?

I've got food and wine for the both of you.

How was it?

...Whaddya mean how was it? It's been so long... There's a few less this year too.

Always less of us to visit the captain's grave.

*Sigh*... She said she'd challenge me to a drinking contest, but she left before the booze was even poured.

...Forget it, it's all in the past.

Yeah... Who'd have expected that the two of you really stayed single your entire lives for her sake.

Stop twisting the knife. Out with the wine!

That's right! Enough talk about who's still alive and who's not. We're here to enjoy Maria's performance!

Cheers, Kowal!

Cheers! V!

......

Here's a great bargain for today, self-service for all drinks. Help me watch the joint.

Oh? Is it free?

In your dreams.

Where're you going?

The arena.

Huh? You got ahold of a ticket?

...I got someone to get me one. Tickets nowadays are so overpriced.

That's called business.

Good day, sir. Here's the midday sports news.

Thanks, kid. Have some milk.

Nice! Thank you, sir!

The midday sports news, huh——

——Wait, what's this?

Welcome! Welcommme, one and allllll, to the Fireblade Arena!

The previous match just ended, and the blood of the 'Softwind' Knight still stains the ground. But that's just seasoning for the next battle!

No doubt, everybody's here today to witness the splendor of Nearl——! This lassie here may yet be young, but she's already done miracles before our very eyes!

We'll have an extra short break. In just ten minutes the temporary duo of Maria Nearl and the Fartooth Knight will——

Go against this year's rookies——The alliance of vengeance formed by elites of past years who've failed to enter the Major——The Snowyheel Knightclub!

A brand new legend versus the blade of vengeance, in an all-new two-on-two point match. What an unbelievably thrilling sight! The match shall begin soooon!

Maria, your wounds?

Right! They're much better now! It's all thanks to you taking care of me!

Alright, I believe you.

...Mm!

Hmm, she's late... Fartooth has always been bad with time.

It doesn't matter, as long as she makes it here before the match——

Miss Maria! Miss Maria Nearl! Please head over to the waiting room and get ready! We're about to begin!

Ah. It's about to begin...

I'd better get going, Zofia.

...Yes.

...Zofia? Where's Maria?

Marcin? Why're you here?

Oh... I get it. You're still waiting for the Fartooth Knight.

She's not coming.

——What?

Here, the sports page.

Hmm... The Fartooth Knight... seriously injured?!

She got dragged into a fight between knight fans and is now MIA.

At least, that's what the paper says.

Wait...she got dragged into a fight?

This must be fake. What kind of fan violence can cause a battle-hardened knight to 'disappear'?

Wait... could it be...

Right now, the question is what do we do for the match?

Something is wrong, Zofia. Just think about it.

Maria has to forfeit! We're out of time, follow me——

No rest for the wicked, eh——What? You still think we're letting them rest too much? Come on, we've got to at least act like we're clearing up the battlefield, alright?

How many of you are here for Nearl?! How many of you want to see the lovely Nearl?!

Speaking for myself here, as someone who's followed every step this super rookie has taken, I've personally watched this prize pool grow to the king's ransom it is today!

Let's look at the numbers! Right here, right now, in every city, every village in the country, the crowd watching this fight is in the hundreds of thousands!

Who do we have to thank for this?! I'm sure we all know!

But! I have some tragic news. The Fartooth Knight suffered heavy injuries in the incident last night and remains missing!

Even so! Maria did not choose to forfeit! She steps into a two on one fight completely undeterred!

Let me see how much her bravery means to each and every one of you!

Presenting——The hottest rookie of this season! Nearl's little knight, Maria Nearl!

Oh no, is she not here yet? What should I do...?

...No, I can't give up easily. To give up before I've even begun is to disrespect knighthood!

Knighthood...yes, knighthood.

And on the other side! Two veterans of the Snowyheel Knightclub!

Back in their old Knightclubs, they failed to make it into the Major two seasons in a row. Looking for a way out, they finally ended up together in this Knightclub of vengeance!

The two members of the Snowyheel Knightclub here today are also well-known knights! They are——

Wait, what's this? Am I seeing things?

N-no, there's a weird smell, it's really gross——

What's happening?!

...Ugh.

...Is that fog on the field? Originium Arts? Or some special equipment?

Is there anyone like that in the Snowyheel Knightclub... hmm...?

...No. Not them. It can't be them.

That's——

......

...Those are, ugh, knights?

——Kowal!

I know! I know! Let's go!

That thing... They're trying to kill Maria!

......

Miss, all teams are in position.

Don't be so nervous. We're here to stop anyone from coming into the arena.

...Yes.

But if we have to stop——

If that Młynar dares try anything... I'll deal with him.

Even though it'll be a huge pain... *Sigh*.

......

Ugh, so these are the Snowyheel Knightclub's...

(Hey! What's going on? The deal for the day was——what? Huh? I can't figure out which of them is——)

...The Snowyheel Knightclub's——

The 'Corrupted' and 'Withered' Knights!

This... Isn't this too scary?

...Nearl is going to fight these two all by herself?

Hey... Isn't this going to be an amazing show?

Alright, then let's start the ma——

What——

Target hit.

——Guh!

Why so... ugh?!

Guh... Shield, very durable. Not easy.

No matter... Kill her, not difficult.

T-They're already exchanging lightning-fast blows before the match has even started! Is this a problem? Of course not! In fact, the match started the moment the knights stepped onto the field!

Can Nearl turn this around?! Or will she choose to forfeit early——

(What? Not allowed to forfeit...? This... urgh, fine.)

——Within each of your hands lies the only way to turn the tide! Invest your money in the pitiful Maria! Maybe those simple little toys will be her key to victory!

Ugh... This fog... What is it?

My Arts are being suppressed...? My wounds, I can't heal them...?

Agh... ouch...

Target... Losing ability to resist. Kill her, quickly, like an accident.

Understood...

(No, don't even think of giving up, think of a way to——)

(These two Sarkaz...are twins? Their Arts are almost the exact same——!)

Then... let's try again!

(Eh?)

————!

T-This is unbelievable! What just happened?! There was a sudden explosion on Maria's body, and the Corrupted Knight followed up with a hit that sent her flying!

(Was that Withered? Corrupted? Does it matter anymore?)

Nnng——!

*Cough* *cough*... *cough*.

Blood...? Why... why aren't my Arts working?

She is vomiting blood... the Arts have taken effect.

...Fester, wither, decay... I can smell her death. She cannot escape.

Maria! Forfeit the match! Quickly!

Tsk——

Let me go! Marcin!

Do you want to die with her?!

Mph——

——Dying together is better than Maria dying alone!

Zofia!

Hurry up, Kowal!

D-Don't run so fast. I'm not a Kuranta——

Sorry, you're not allowed back here.

You——

Former level-2 campaign knight, Vogelweide. Or should I say, Batbayar.

Your bloodline had you fighting all over the world. You got to run and howl across the prairies of no-man's-land.

And you, senior craftsman of the Craftsman's Guild, Kowal.

Your master was a great blacksmith, respected by the Silverlance Pegasus, and your apprentices are still out there on the front lines even today——

You're both fine, upstanding Kazimierz citizens. Could you just, like, leave?

...The way you talk ain't nothing like that lil' girl I once met, Platinum.

Hm. You know?

Yes, we know. Of course we know.

We have a personal grudge with some of your bosses.

...Ah, so that's how it is.

I heard that the last Platinum's first job was to assassinate a campaign knight. A really pretty lady, named——

——Shut up.

...Funny. Another leader dying for a woman, in the end.

Maybe working this job too long really does screw with your head. *Sigh* I gotta take a vacation, go traveling...

Stop wasting time with this crap! Are you the ones messing around with Maria?!

...Keep watching the perimeter. I'll deal with this.

...Yes.

So you have helpers after all. Why not call them out?

I really don't want to fight you. Can we not just take a step backwards?

Hah! That's funny. An assassin of the Armorless Union has a soft heart?

Don't worry, I won't go all out against a young lass like you. When you've given up, we'll be off to rescue Maria——

——

V——!

I... I'm fine. Just a scratch. I just didn't expect her to draw her bow that quickly and accurately...

Yeah, she's done talking. She might be young and immature——

But she's still above the dregs of the Armorless Union, as the Platinum in that 'one-two-three inverted triangle' of theirs.

Umm... I'll take that as a compliment?

Get ready, Kowal. Let's see if you've still got it.

Hah! I've long suspected that you're half-blind now, V.

Alright, alright. To you two feisty olds——

——Don't sprain your backs.

*Cough* *cough*... *cough*.

(My wounds are rotting, I can't heal them...! Losing blood... It's cold...)

Faster than Mr. Szewczyk... Bigger than Mr. Ingra...

These two——

——

No, just hold on, I can still——

...Hit. She should have fainted. You, go.

Guh... Boring fight... Just smash her head in.

Go, quickly!

......

Ugh, *cough*...

(Old wounds... Hands...!)

Guh... It's over.

Nnng...

......

......Margaret?

No... That's not Maria's Arts...

What happened?

Mr. Czarny! We just received a message from——the Armorless Union! A beam of light crashed into the arena from a kilometer away northwest!

It was very, very fast! They couldn't even get a glimpse of what it was!

...Terrorist attack?

I-It doesn't seem like a weapon. It's a person, a Kuranta, but only the strongest knights are able to handle speed like that——

......

...No.

Impossible... Light... Could it be...

Guh... Where's the enemy? Too bright, can't see...!

Mission, must be completed. No matter who——kill the target first!

Guh....!

Knocked off my feet... barehanded...? Who?

Foul Arts and tortured Sarkaz Infected. Is this what a 'knight' should be?

Gaa...

Margaret...?

Wait... Is it really you? I'm not hallucinating, am I...?

It's me.

......

R... Really?

Yes.

......Margaret?

You've done well, Maria.

*Sob*... Margaret... What... What took you so long...?

...Wretch! Kill them both!

No, don't even think about it.

Why... Why can't I hit her...?

...Her light is gathering and suppressing our Arts. Retreat. I will deal with her.

It's her——She came in that light. It's——that's——that's the Radiant Knight!

What's going on?! The exiled Radiant Knight returns at the climax of this fight!

(Hey! Go get the spokesman! What the hell is going on?! What——Huh?)

Sh-She broke the rules! But that's not important! To save her sister, the Radiant Knight did whatever it took to return to Kazimierz!

Exceptional courage! Extraordinary demeanor! Unrelenting in the face of the two knights from hell!

Let us cheer——for the Radiant Knight!

That's... Margaret? That knight with the shield is the Radiant Knight...?

W-Why did she come back to Kazimierz...?

I don't even recognize her anymore...

...It's her. What has she been through all these years...?

*Sigh*...

The Radiant Knight, that spirited Margaret... She's returned?

Huff...... Just be a dear and let us through.

Sorry. No can do.

So we gotta put our lives on the line then, eh?

I'd really rather you didn't.

I'll say it again: there's nothing you can do. I live by a rule, I don't fight with anyone but my target.

As long as you stay away from the arena, you get to live——Hm?

——It's getting bright?

Hey! V, look over there!

What...

That light... that...

Old Man Nearl...?

(This is a lot more intense than Maria's Arts. Could it be...?)

(But... The two Lazurites... It can't be...)

Hm.

It's me.

Time to stop playing, little pegasus. Pack up and skedaddle.

...What?

The Radiant Knight herself is in the mix. No point to guarding the door anymore, is there?

......

I think I get the gist of it... But you still failed, even with the both of you?

Don't be so suspicious of your superiors, little pegasus. The board of directors only asked us to 'watch the Radiant Knight' after all, not fight her...

I was thinking that even if we did fight, I would have that dumb-faced idiot with me so it wouldn't be any problem at all.

Turns out there was, uh, a tiny issue shall we say. First off, the Radiant Knight seems to have gotten just that little bit stronger... There are also some troublesome horns together with her, it's really annoying.

Well... If it's even giving you trouble, you're wasting your time telling me about it.

Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to tell you about it because the target is approaching your location right now——Hmm, might be too late, actually.

Well, try to avoid fighting at all costs. Good luck surviving, little Platinum.

Sorry? Wait...

What the hell are they doing...

Could it be Młynar? No, can't be... He should still be in his office... Then...

Nnh...!

(Wh-what? Just now, was that...a blue shadow?)

V...!

I know!

What's happening? I've never felt like this before...

...Don't move. Breathe slowly and look around.

(Feels like I've been made... And those two are looking jumpy...)

Oh, here.

......

......

......

......

......Ugh, of course they'd be difficult to handle... They're not even knights...

......

Let them pass. Their names aren't on the list anyway.

...Thank you.

Liz, can you still move?

Yes... It's bright over there.

It's Nearl.

Let us go then?

Yes.

...Really, what's going on today...

That Sarkaz just now... Does she know Margaret? What's happening?

It's really Margaret! V! Margaret's back!

...Don't yell.

Then... What about us? Do we keep going?

Don't stare at me like that... You get to live.

......

They cancelled the mission. I don't have a reason to stop you anymore.

You get to live.

You gonna leave, just like that? Halt!

V! Don't bother with them, let's get to the arena!

Tch...damned Armorless Union.

Margaret Nearl... The Radiant Knight!

Where's the arena security?

S-Security...? That was the Radiant Knight charging at full power, we'd probably have to raise the city's barrier to stop her...

......

Radiant Knight...

Haha... Radiant Knight... With things as they are now, why did you even return? To look at the knights' epitaph?

Mr. Czarny! We've received word from the General Chamber of Commerce... You...

......

Mr. Malkiewicz.

Yes?

No matter what happens next, even if I don't return, you must not leave this room.

O-Okay...

Yes, I've already prepared everything beforehand... Yes, Czarny, you have already done everything you could, so just wait for the curtain call.

How amusing... Pfft, hahaha...

Sir...?

Ah, excuse me...

......

Mr. Czarny? Your phone...?

...I know, I know.

Please excuse me... for a moment.

...Knight techniques.

But drug overdose and signs of overreliance on Arts. Also...

Guh——

I will suppress her! Kill the target!

——Kill her!

Hmm, the explosive energy has been dissipated——

——Die!

——

Guh....! You...still have strength?!

Maria, your wounds——

Margaret! You once said a knight raises her shield to protect others... right?

But, now, on this battlefield——

——There is no one that you need to protect!

......!

I will become your shield, so——

Move aside, I will blast them both to death!

——I'll do my best!

Guh... She abandoned her shield! But your Arts!

...This, impossible... That warhammer is her staff, she...

Are you ready, Maria?

Yes!

To be a knight...

Is to be the noble light that illuminates the land!

The Radiant Knight who charged onto the field has abandoned her shield after just a few short exchanges! Hold on! Wait!

Remember the two-handed warhammer craze that followed the Radiant Knight?! Watch her swing that hammer, her shield long forgotten! This is the old school Radiant Knight!

She's out there, against all odds! The return of the legend! The National Council could drag her away right after this match. This could be our only chance to witness the glory of the Radiant Knight!

This... these Arts, this glow...

Why are you allowed to give off that kind of light so impassively...? You arrogant little——Do you really think yourself the sun?! Radiant Knight!

How long has it been since we saw Margaret put her shield down?

Her light... It's hot.

She will be fine, right?

I've never seen her fail, after looking like that.

The girl is a lot like Nearl.

Yes, that's her sister.

Hehe... What a cute little knight. I can see the resemblance.

...Arrows... ran out!

Gaa——! Your Arts!

He's forming arrows using his Arts... I'll block them!

Leave the rest to me.

Can't penetrate——this damned light!

......

...The audience is quiet.

Margaret doesn't have an advantage. Those two Sarkaz are strong... and work well together.

But I don't feel like Margaret will lose... I don't even think she is disadvantaged...

Her techniques are mesmerizing... Her demeanor is so calm, yet her light burns so brightly...

It reminds me of Old Nearl, when he was young.

Un-unbelievable! Totally unbelievable!

The radiance from every swing of Margaret's warhammer completely dispels her opponent's Arts! Even the cracks the Radiant Knight steps on are filled with light!

What amazingly brilliant Arts! Combat techniques of this level!

This is definitely befitting of a champion! The true strength of a knight——!

Haa... My wounds aren't hurting as much anymore... Is this Margaret's Arts too?

(Caring about me even during a battle like this——)

Gaa——! My hammer...!

No weapon, then, with my hands, I'll tear you apart——!

Kill her!

......

...Maria.

Ah, I'm here!

I'll leave the support to you.

——Yes!

Do it!

Yes!

Repent.

——

——

......

You should not give up on your destiny.

No...

......

Maria.

Eh? What...?

We've won.

This is unbelievable! Can you believe your eyes?!

Because I sure can't! The Radiant Knight who suddenly entered the fight! The Knights Association that let it happen! Oh my god, I, this——

I've never seen a situation like this in all my years of commentating! Though I don't know how the National Council will react, it doesn't change the fact that they won!

I——

(Mr. Mob.)

(...Oh, you're here!)

I am deeply honored to announce to everyone!

(Mr. Spokesman, what should I do?)

(Acknowledge her.)

The winner is! The young and miraculous Maria! Aaaand, she who has returned from her long exile, the pegasus that everyone knows, the Radiant Knight! Margareeeeeeeeet Neaaaaaaaaarl!

(That's right, Mr. Mob. I really do appreciate your ability to fan the fervor of the audience.)

(Hold the fort for a while, someone will come to handle this.)

Cheer for her——!

——

Zofia?! Where are you going?

Marcin! Where are they——Ugh, that, that one?

Is it really Margaret... Why'd Margaret come back now?

N-no matter what, she's an exile. Why didn't she tell us——

Alright, both of you calm down. Młynar might have known about this... But for now, we need to leave.

The reporters and the crowd are going to swarm this place. We have to find a way——to get the Radiant Knight home.

Radiant Knight! That's the Radiant Knight from last season!

Make way, make way! Let me get a picture!

Everyone! Everybody! Please remain calm! No matter what happened, we have to make sure that the competition adheres to the proper procedures all the way up to the end!

(What should I do next?! You can't contact the spokesman?! Idiot! Go look for him at the VIP seats——!)

Hold on! That, that's the Whislash Knight! The Whislash Knight suddenly rushed towards the Radiant Knight from the crowd——

Zof——

Eh——A-Aunt Zofia?!

You... Why are you back?!

——D-did she just slap the Radiant Knight? Huh? Eh? This looks like it'll be in the papers tomorrow——

I'm sorry. But I've returned.

...That slap was for Maria.

——?!

I'll spare you my own.

Thanks for sparing me... But, you used your right hand just now... When did that happen?

...Now isn't the time to talk about that. The National Council will definitely not allow an exile to return to Kazimierz.

We have to leave before the reporters and the National Council show up.

R-right now? But the competition results haven't...

It doesn't matter! She's here and that's way more important than the competition!

Nearl.

Careful, Liz!

...You don't need to worry so much. Alright, hold my hand tight.

These two Sarkaz...

Don't worry, they're my friends. Shining, can you do me a favor?

Yes.

......!

I... I fainted... These are healing Arts?

Who... you?!

Sarkaz, you... you! It can't be, you? Healed me?

Your injuries are very serious, but they are not from this match. The scars of drug usage may never be removed. You should take better care of yourselves.

Go away——Don't touch me! Guh...

I...

Wait... You...you are...

——Nearl.

Yeah, I know.

Those two assassins from the Armorless Union are still watching us... Now is not the time to celebrate.

A-Armorless Union? You——

Time to run? Nearl?

——No.

A victorious knight has no reason to scurry away like a coward. If they wish to stop us, just let them try.

Nearl, over there.

Ah... It's Mr. Kowal and Mr. Vogelweide. Have they found something?

What do you think?! Of course they're preparing a way for you to escape!

The three of us will help keep the crowds away from you, but the National Council will definitely be paying you a visit. You'll have to deal with them yourself——

——Margaret!

Yeah?

It's really great... that you came back.

The usual place, don't be late.

Of course.

That's... Nearl's family?

She's come back home. We can all see her joy, no?

So, let's give her some space. She's the Radiant Knight after all. No one in Kazimierz can touch her.

Right.

We'll regroup with Amiya later.

...Maria.

Ah, yes?

...Let's go home.

......

...You're here. What about your little follower?

...He's the next one.

Ah... How cruel.

Just tell me the answer.

Well, aren't you straightforward...? You already know the answer, why ask me?

......

Maybe you can live better.

No... Maybe I will die on the way to my exile. Maybe you will be the one to do it.

...Maybe. Don't blame me, if I am.

Of course.

It won't happen through the National Council. You'll have to leave by tonight. Is there anything you need to take care of?

......

Szewczyk has a young son. He was present during the incident.

Right.

I wish to ask you...

...To make sure that he never has a chance to speak the truth.