HE-3 No Empty Hands

Fallen...?

What's the meaning of this...? What's happening to Fortuna? Is—Is she sick?

I'll explain on the way back. First, we handle the pressing matters here—

Avus Stefano!

Save Fina! I'm begging you, save her, hurry!

Child, do not panic. Tell me clearly... what is it that happened?

Fina—Fina was bleeding everywhere, and I couldn't stop it... I couldn't find anyone to help...

It was—It was just a dumb fight—Fina wanted my patron firearm—I should have just given it to her—why didn't I give it to her?

It's all my fault...!

Fear not, fear not, child. There is naught to fear.

As informed by present circumstances, I would consider this a case of accidental injury with no subjective intent to harm.

Silence! Executor!

You would accuse this child... of aggrieving her own kin?!

How can your finger know to lay such blame—?!

It is the most rational assumption.

Rejection by the Commandments is not insurmountable. Unintentional discharges are particularly common.

The sheer drivel!

No... he's right... it was me, I pulled the trigger!

Fortuna! No, you...

Avus Stefano, it was my fault! I'll take it however they punish me!

But Fina's still... She's been hurt! Please, you have to save her!

Fine, fine, I'll see to it now—

I'll go.

I'm good with first aid. Give me a location.

Just—Just go to my room...

I can show you the way!

...

If you would, Clément.

Less talk, more action. Move.

This way! Follow me!

Here, right here!

The door's wide open...

Oh, the blood...

Delfina!

Quiet down! You want everyone to hear about this?!

Move, let me work!

No. She's in bad shape. Bleeding's too profuse.

And her wound is...

...

What do we do now?

Flowers... right! I remember His Excellency saying the sacrarium's flowers could be used for healing! Yes, right, they have to be...

Wait while I pick some!

Don't bother.

Let me go! If I—If I leave right now, we might still make it—

There's no point! Even if we stop the bleeding, we're out of time!

What? How can there be no point...?

Because there isn't one.

She was shot point blank. Severe loss of blood. I can't detect breathing.

I've tried first aid. Nothing. I couldn't get a pulse.

No breath... and no pulse...

It's very likely she was taken instantly.

The girl is dead.

I've locked the entrance. No one was around, fortunately. We can't have many eyewitnesses.

How are we handling this?

We wait for Serpilia to conclude treatment.

Halo discoloration is characteristic of a fallen angel. She is falling rapidly.

With consideration for stability within the monastery, this is my suggestion: cancel the sermon and lock down all news of this.

...

I have a proposal.

In order to avert unnecessary conflict, I and my colleagues will take over patrol duty for the following interim.

All inhabitants should return to their rooms as soon as possible, and await final verdict tomorrow.

This will ensure to the maximum extent that there are no further accidents.

Reverend Executor, this abbey is not under Lateran jurisdiction until it arrives at its final destination!

I am aware.

We can address any problems within the monastery on our own. We wouldn't hassle our Lateran visitors.

As you so rightly indicated, Reverend Executor, this was simply an accident. Given we still don't know Delfina's condition, this could all be a false alarm...

Accident or not, she has fallen.

It is mandatory that issues of fallen angels are assessed and addressed personally by His Holiness and the Sacred College of Cardinals.

So you want to take her back to Laterano. Not that I've once seen a two-horned Sankta in Laterano, not ever!

Tell me, Reverend Executor, how can her being 'addressed' inspire trust in me?

Well... Federico, I'm just mentioning this, but didn't His Holiness tell you to keep an eye on how often you contradict people?

What? I am not manifesting any contradiction.

Err, okay. I mean... um, your approach could be a little more conciliatory...

I do not understand your meaning.

But thank you for the suggestion.

You... *sigh* I'll take it.

I think... we're not going to get anywhere arguing about it here. Seeing as we can't leave for now anyway, we might want to find a place for, um, Seniora Fortuna here to catch her breath for a while.

Once we have the situation under control, and everyone's calmed down somewhat, we'll still have plenty of time to discuss how exactly we resolve this.

And, Most Reverend Abbot, you don't have to be so wary of Laterano. Similar cases have happened before. As long as we're sure the Commandments weren't violated with malice, the punishment should be light, at most.

Right, Federico?

Correct. But you did not have the authority to divulge that information, Richele.

Look, special circumstances.

...

Just, the both of you, consider it?

I have no objection.

I worry...

...Avus Stefano, don't...

It was my fault... Whatever the punishment is, I'll accept it...

Fortuna!

I'll go with you, Senior...

Then we're decided.

I'll find Seniora Fortuna somewhere to rest. You two stay here for the moment and calm down.

This room looks good enough. Err... very spacious to boot.

Don't worry too much. Your case is a relatively special one, and I imagine His Holiness will get personally involved. As long as there wasn't intent to harm, it shouldn't end up too severe.

...

Fina's...

Is Fina, um... the wounded Sankta citizen?

We still can't be sure of her condition, but my colleague should be treating her now. Let's think positive—things may not be that bad.

...

My horns...

Hm?

I wonder why I'm growing...

Horns like a Sarkaz's...?

Well, that, I'm not too sure myself... In any case, someone will tell you once we're in Laterano.

For now, just rest up here.

...Okay.

I'll be outside the door. If you need anything, just knock for me.

*sigh*... Who knows how Federico's going to handle this.

...

You know what? I am a pretty sensitive guy, if I'm being honest. I always get this cold sweat when someone's creeping around behind me.

The fun's over. Come out, Oren.

......

Just one question—how'd you see me?

I was just bluffing, actually. I didn't think you would come out.

You're not expecting me to believe that, are you?

Why not? I'm good either way.

Whatever, Richele, you little cheat.

Don't say that. I'm more honest than Serpilia, at least.

She's one of yours, isn't she? She was lying.

No... not outright, I guess. She just declined to say everything.

Where is this coming from?

We were asking her about her relation to you. All she effectively said was 'I couldn't care less about him' without revealing anything else.

She was dodging Federico's questions.

And that's your entire reason for saying she was lying? Don't you think that's a weird conclusion?

I think having the same skill under my belt helps. Besides, look at the situation here. It's easy to guess how you'd act, and I'd also guess Federico's guessed.

There's no winning with you.

Plan A should've been dragging him off for drinks, after all.

Followed by him carting you back to the Lateran?

This monastery's guests have more swagger than you think. Can't say Federico would care to wrangle me once it's all going down.

Sounds like trouble really is brewing here.

So, Oren, what are you and Serpilia planning exactly?

Once you hear me out, are you gonna help me?

Thaaat... remains to be seen.

I'd have to hear the answer first to decide.

Federico, I've got bad news.

Uh... wait, is there anyone with you?

Richele is not here.

Who cares about him!

I mean... is that Fortuna kid with you?

No. Richele escorted her to her accommodations.

If you have discovered anything, please inform me. I require confirmation of the aggrieved citizen's condition.

Fine. Then I'll give it to you straight—we were too late.

Confirmed deceased?

Confirmed. It was a fatal gunshot wound. Barring a true miracle, she's not coming back to life.

Oh, and the guy with me called Clément. He said he was going to pick some flowers, and I didn't care. I let him go.

He was out of his mind when he left...

Flowers?

Per the intel. The abbey's specialty. Not many left right now, I gather, and that's not important.

The whole was an accident, Federico. The girl wasn't lying. Accidental discharge. It might not... be all that severe...

His Holiness will judge.

Sure... I mean, even Mostima flies with him. I'm sure Our Holiness will forgive with wide arms just like always.

I'll contact Richele in a bit—I'm sure he misses being free range. It'll be me watching the girl. I won't let her run off.

As for how Lemuen and Oren are doing...

Has Oren Argiolas made contact with you?

Am I under suspicion here?

By my judgment, yes.

Oren's movements were not placed under any restrictions. Failure to contact the Lateran is conduct of his own subjective.

The Sarkaz are involved in these affairs. I conjecture Oren would not immediately leave. If he wanted all leeway for operation, it would require finding a collaborator.

And so you suspect me... But what about Richele? No thoughts about him?

Richele does not have as ample time to act alone as you do. His level of suspicion ranks below yours.

Hahaha. You're a smart cookie, Federico.

Here's my comment: no comment. All guesses here are yours. I haven't said a thing.

Good? Good. I'll be in touch.

Oh, yeah, is the Abbot there?

Yes.

Uh... are you going to relay the news to him?

That is unnecessary.

He has heard it.

...Delfina...

I must see for myself. I need to... see the child...

Your Excellency may act freely.

However, Serpilia would not misjudge. I do not recommend spending additional time on reconfirming.

I am tentatively assuming Oren Argiolas is still aboard, and has some sort of scheme.

I must now ascertain in detail all movements he made prior to his disappearance staying at this monastery, as well as all recent absences and returns of monastery personnel. I ask you comply.

......

Reverend Executor, what is necessity to you? What line do you draw between the necessary and unnecessary?

Can you truly not hear your kin lamenting? Does emotion truly mean nothing in your mind?

I will not deny that.

And should that be, you are no worthy harbinger of Paradise.

And should you represent Laterano...

Laterano is no worthy shepherd of my faith.

...

Please answer my questions, Your Excellency: Has Oren acted abnormally in any way within the monastery? Have any other people lodged recently at the monastery?

My words are wasted on you.

Do as you will, Reverend Executor.

...

Finished...

Trust him to use up every last page of a notebook this thick.

If back then...

Oh, what am I thinking?

Right, now then... Hm, it's time I got to work myself.

With Serpilia's group already here, I can't keep on dawdling.

Hm?

Is someone outside? If you're looking for me, you can come right in.

...

Well, well, that's not a guest I'd expect.

Sorry, visitor, but you came at a bad time—I don't have any tea to offer you.

We don't usually greet our visitors at gunpoint, save for special occasions.

Pardon me if you're dissatisfied with your treatment in any way.

(Indecipherable howling)

(Not reacting at all to what I say. Is communication completely out the window?)

(Not many human features left to show. Is it all hidden under those scales?)

(...I remember Iberian files mentioning this sort of mutation before...)

...

You couldn't be...

Oofff...

Nope, the wheelchair's not going to cut it.

(Strange. Something's not right.)

(Is its target... not me?)

(Where is it aiming? What is it trying to—)

Too close...!

(Forget it, I'll have to worry about that later!)

Nuh-uh, just because I'm physically handicapped doesn't mean you can pick on me, visitor!

(Angry howling)

Stop right there—!

Nope—I can't just let you slip away!

They're about to wither.

They bloomed earlier than last year. I could guess they'd wither sooner too. I just didn't think it'd be this soon...

The few you picked were in wonderful blossom. They're not about to wilt yet.

How pretty. Who'll be receiving these?

I'm too late. There's no giving them now.

They can't save anyone...

Sorrow. Pain. Despair.

Mm... such complex overtones. There are other emotions hidden inside you, too...

Are you angered?

I wouldn't dare... You're a guest of His Excellency, Seniora Arturia.

You wouldn't dare, that's all. A very honest answer.

...

My intuition has always been unusually accurate, Senior Florist. You seem to loath me a little.

No, not at all. You needn't worry.

If anything is troubling you, I could be of help to you, I think.

Help...? Er, I'm not sure what you mean, Seniora Arturia.

What would you help with?

This hinges on your thoughts. It's not something for me to decide.

Of course, you may not need any help at all. Call me meddlesome if you wish, or a bearer of bad intent, none of which I would mind. It's for you to say.

I just want to hear your thoughts... your own thoughts.

...

You're a strange one, Seniora Arturia.

You flatter me.

You say you can help me...

Of course, so long as you need.

No, there's no need.

Perhaps you could... well, there's a great many you can help, but you can't help me.

Oh?

Seniora Arturia, would you claim to be able to raise the dead?

No.

Can you make the harvest rich, or see that the cold winds stop?

I'm very sorry, but I can't.

Then can you return us to your original lives, see that the barriers of old are no more?

You could never.

Then what of you, Clément?

Have you never once entertained being able to solve all you speak of, by your own hands?

...I've tried...

But it was no use. I've tried more than once, but I couldn't do it.

The more effort we put in, the worse things get, more often than not...

No one can make it all better. The Abbot can't, Gerald can't... and neither can I.

You can't help me, Seniora Arturia.

Please... don't bring this up again. And don't think I need the help of someone like you.

You ask what my thoughts are. Let me tell you: I have no thoughts at all.

What else can I come up with? The coming winter is too cold.

...

Cold. Yes, this heart is like soil frozen through, beneath a sheet of iciness...

Yet I can feel notes lurking beneath the ice... I wonder how powerfully they will move us?

It's not yet time. This composition is not bound for completion yet...

Such unbearableness, such tolerance... mm... in times like these, I cannot help myself.

Let me see...

Ah, this melody is a perfect fit for the occasion.

Federico.

I told you, your melodies are too rhythmic, too unperturbed. You should know that an all-too-rational melody will lack the sentiments to shake people. There's no warmth, nor passion...

Sometimes, I can only be curious.

Federico, when will you finally realize... why it is you search?

...

(Strings?)

(No, this is more than strings. There are Originium Arts effecting something within.)

(These Arts, and this melody. Could they be...?)

...

(The sounds are nearing.)

(Are they above?)

What's today's song? It's beautiful.

Do you hear music every day here?

Erk! Wh—Who...?

I am Executor Federico of the Notarial Hall. Please answer my question.

Notarial Hall? What does that even...? Oh, I see, you're that guest from Laterano they were talking about, aren't you?

Sometimes you can, er, hear this music around this time? I'm not too sure myself.

Oh, right! I believe I heard about someone by the sacrarium who plays a cello or something...

Where is the sacrarium?

On the roof. Take the stairs outside and you'll be right—wait, ex-excuse me, Senior?!

What was the rush...? Such a strange man.

Welcome back, boss.

Yeah. How ready are we to move out?

More or less good. We don't have much to take with us, and we'd be overburdened anyway if we did.

But there's been no word from the young ones we sent to scout the way... They might not make it in time for tomorrow morning.

Wait a little longer.

Stefano and I have talked it over. That we're leaving... he'll let it be. So no need to rush it now. If we still hear nothing by nightfall, then I'll take a team myself to find them.

Sure. I'll update everyone in a minute.

Oh, boss! There's one other thing...

What is it?

Hyman hasn't come back either... I looked around for her, but she's nowhere to be found.

Is Raimund still gone as well?

Yes.

Got it. Leave this to me.

Okay.

But if Hyman never shows up, should we... wait?

...

Tomorrow morning at the latest. If anyone's still not back after Matins, you and Raimund will set off with rest as planned.

But...

I'll stay behind. Dead or alive, I'll find Hyman.

I swear, I'd never abandon a single one of you.

That's all we're worried about.

*mumble*, you always take too much on yourself.

Let's not bring up that name again.

You call me boss. I have a duty to find you a way out.

And I see you walking down a dead end.

Hahaha. I know what I'm doing.

Forget all that, no need to look so sad. Go on, get everything good and ready.

Shift change.

Wargh...!

There's a fright... hi there, Serpilia.

Who else would you expect? Does Federico ever bother with this sort of work?

How's the girl in there...? Doing bad?

Bad in a way. She hasn't said a word. Seems she's in shock.

I eyed over the scene. Aren't you the least bit curious about what actually happened?

I... can more or less guess.

You and I both know how powerful a gun is. With that much blood loss... anyone would be doomed, wouldn't they?

...

Your face says I'm on the mark.

Did you tell her?

What? Oh, as in, that she might already be dead? Of course not.

She's unsettled right now. Telling her the truth could just as well cause more problems.

So what is your plan? Lie to her and say nothing's wrong, muddle through, figure out the rest later, I bet?

You make it sound so bad... but still, that's basically it.

Serpilia, something seems a little fishy with your emotions. What happened?

None of your business. I'm doing great.

If you say so, then. No problems in Serpilia-land.

Okay. I'll leave her to you.

Hmph. Every undependable bastard's on parade today.

...

(An accident caused by an unintentional discharge...)

(Ha. And so what?)

(If I hadn't helped her...)

......!

What? Make it quick.

Wait, what do you mean Sarkaz in the outer vicinity? Are they still trying to break your blockade?

Just a few? Scouting the road?

Fine, got it. What about Oren?

...

No, you can leave Oren to me. I'll contact him.

Listen, here's what you guys do next...

...Seriously... what a good runner!

*huff*...

...

Or maybe I just lost it...

(Back in the old days, I would've put them away clean in a fraction of the time.)

(...)

(Times like these... I can't help but feel a little mad.)

There you are...!

Guess it's not the time to brood just yet.

(The sound of strings is growing clear. I am steadily approaching the source.)

(But the Arts are diminishing in strength. Are they giving up casting, or... hm?)

Who is it?

Senior Federico? What are you doing here...?

I was not referring to you.

Er, excuse me...?

Are you lost? If you don't mind, I can—

Stop talking.

Mmff?! Mrmmffff!!

What... What was that? That monster...

I do not know.

It's fled downstairs! Not good... Gerald's group live down there!

...

Stay still.

?!

Someone is here.

I heard gunfire this way, so I came to test my luck.

Cardinal Aide Lemuen, Serpilia's report stated that you would not be operating in the field.

Don't blame her. If I'm honest, I didn't think I would be either.

But then came a slight twist...

We'll catch up later. Are you on your own, Federico? Is nobody else operating with you?

I am on my own.

Then let's keep it short. I'm on the trail of a surprise... visitor.

I won't keep you too long...

So here, be good and tell me.

Which way did my 'visitor' happen to go?