HE-6 Serenade

There's no sign of fighting inside the house. The children are still sleeping.

Hyman wouldn't harm the kids. You can be sure of that.

Not yet.

I don't know how long she can maintain her reason.

Thank you.

How do you intend to tell the kids about Hyman when they wake up?

They have a right to know.

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Is that a suggestion?

No, Federico...

I hope you don't mind me calling you that.

It was you who spared Hyman. It was you who earned the children's trust. The choice is yours.

......

Feeling the weight?

I'm not wearing any extra weights.

I'll take that as your personal brand of humor.

What are you looking at?

Do you know what this is?

A piece of cloth... we stuff like that to make blankets for winter, but I've never seen this pattern before.

It's a common Lateran pattern.

A flower? It's pretty dried-up. Must have been there for at least two days.

Is this Hyman's hobby?

I... I don't know.

I thought I knew the people who follow me. But I'm not even sure...

......

I must return to the sacrarium.

I have enough information to pass judgment on the Sarkaz.

And what is your judgment?

First, there is something I must know—have you had any interaction with Oren Argiolas?

Oren the nuncio?

Yes.

Not much. He went missing soon after he arrived.

I see.

You call yourself Gerald, but that is not your real name.

Who can say if a name is real or not? I've used it for ten years.

I've been Gerald the Hunter ever since we started living here and built our first house with those broken planks.

How you identify is none of my concern. You can be Gerald.

Then—

A mercenary who made his name in the Kazdel Civil War, wanted by the Notarial Hall, thirty-two confirmed crimes on his record, responsible for annihilating three of the Holy Lateran's Executor Maniples.

Holst Tyfindale.

—!

You knew...

Yes, I knew. What I can find out, others can too.

This is your final warning—

Your identity is no longer a secret, Gerald.

Target structure confirmed.

Hard to believe the Sarkaz would really want to live in an abbey of ours.

Ready to move in?

No rush. We'll wait for the order.

Let's wait and see. We have the area surrounded.

Same as that Sarkaz team we nabbed earlier...

Not a single one of them is getting away.

Yes, sir!

I got some food. It's not much, but it's better than nothing.

Sorry, Serpilia... I'm not hungry...

Well, I'll leave it here. You might start to feel hungry in a bit.

......

Gratias, Serpilia...

What for?

Nothing in particular... I just wanted to thank you.

Eat up and go to bed if you really want to thank me. I get off earlier that way.

R-Really? Then I'll go to sleep...

......

......

......

Sorry, I can't sleep...

I figured.

Are you sure you should be here? I'm feeling much better now... what I mean is... you don't have to stay with me if you don't want to.

Watching you is my job, girl. I'm not exactly a saint.

I won't run away.

Who knows? The better a girl behaves, the more you have to keep an eye on her.

Do you know what those black horns on your head mean? Do you know what's waiting for you when you're brought back to Laterano?

I... No, I don't.

Of course you don't. You can't empath with me, can you?

......

Oh, don't look like that. I was just trying to scare you a little. His Holiness is pretty kind, all things considered. No need to worry too much.

I'm not worried.

Whatever punishment I receive, I deserve...

What's that sound? Is there someone outside?

Whatever it is, it's none of your business.

Stay put. I'll check it out.

Huh?

Strange. There's nobody here.

You're really letting your guard down. It hasn't been that long.

The way you talk still makes me want to punch you.

I'm wondering how you operated in Victoria. Did you spend all your time making enemies for Laterano, Oren?

I resent that characterization. No one takes his job more seriously than me.

Speaking of job, you're ready on your side, aren't you, Serpilia?

Maybe?

I need a less ambiguous answer.

We move at dawn, if there are no complications.

(Strange... Serpilia hasn't come back yet?)

(Things seemed to have calmed down outside...)

(Wh-What's that sound?)

S-Serpilia? Is that you?

Oh! Mmph...

Shh.

It's me.

Raimund?!

Come with me, Fortuna.

Finally outside.

Why are you here, Lemuen?

There was a bit of trouble. I ran into someone unpleasant and let him get away... it sounds even worse when I put it that way.

I came because I heard a commotion over here.

I'm surprised you would make a threat like that.

Threat?

Wasn't it?

Then what did you mean?

I was only telling the truth. Correct judgment is based on the truth of the present situation. I don't need to threaten anyone.

I think I get it...

But there is nothing more unpredictable than people. Even we fail to understand our own thoughts sometimes, and it's not unusual for our actions and thoughts to contradict one another.

Experience tells me that things rarely develop in the most logical way.

......

Setting that aside... the situation is more complicated than I expected.

We need to exchange information, Federico.

You mean the monster we saw was the missing Sarkaz by the name of Hyman?

The state that you saw her in was different from what I saw. And if that's the case...

She has gone from being impossible to communicate with, demonstrating no capacity for thought beyond feeding instinct, to being able to communicate in a limited manner.

Evolution.

That is a reasonable hypothesis.

She has undergone a transformation. During a mission, I read about a religious cult that operates on the Iberian coastline.

The Church of the Deep.

You seem to know a lot about them, Federico. Have you seen similar creatures on previous missions?

Rarely.

But you have. That makes things easier to explain.

I had reason to read up on it a while ago... we may be working with the Iberian Inquisition concerning that cult.

They've caught His Holiness's attention. I didn't expect to run into them here...

It's a difficult problem.

Difficult and dangerous... I doubt I would've gotten the upper hand if that visitor was trying to do more than slow me down.

This is irritating... I really need to get back to form. Even Serpilia will start looking down on me at this rate.

Back to the situation at hand, are you sure you should have told Gerald all that?

He has a right to know.

Alright. What's the plan now?

Investigate.

What?

Fires don't start on their own. Something is not right with the fire at the sacrarium.

And the flower... No, I can't be sure yet.

First, I need to find what caused the fire.

Sorry to wake you at this hour.

It's okay. A lot of us couldn't sleep anyway.

I've let everyone know. We can leave at any time.

But didn't you say we were leaving in the morning? What changed?

Is it because of the fire?

I guarantee you it wasn't Raimund who did it. We don't need to—

No, I don't suspect him.

Then...

We have a situation. I'll explain later. But we can't wait until morning.

Still no word from the team we sent out?

No. It's strange. They might have run into trouble.

Should I take a few guys and check it out?

No, we'll go together. Make sure everyone sticks together. No one wanders off on their own.

I'll scout ahead. Have the old folks come with me. You take the rear guard with Raimund, alright?

Something's not alright. I can see it on your face.

What's going on? You're anxious. Why?

Because of the Laterans?

Nothing gets past you.

You're always cautious, Reed.

Stop. That's not my name anymore.

Sorry, I just...

Sorry. It felt too much like our Kazdel days.

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I have a bad feeling about this. Call it a hunch, but we should leave as soon as possible.

Yes, as soon as possible. Take the ones who are ready. We go now.

Like I said, you're the boss. Your call.

But the last time you had a hunch, it was about finding a place and having a better life.

......

We'll find it. I swear.

I believe you.

You found this place for us.

I hope it goes smoothly.

I'm sorry, Eileen, but I can't take you this time.

Will you blame me for it?

What would you think if you could see this?

......!

Who's there?

It's me, Gerald.

Are you busy?

There's something you should know...

Wow, that old man is intimidating, isn't he?

This mission has gotten seriously complicated.

Sarkaz, a fallen angel, and a mad abbot... give me a break.

And I'm here with Federico, of all people... is that a good thing or not?

Just in case...

Oren, it's me.

Are you gonna do it? You've got the guys there, right?

I suggest you look into this Bishop Stefano. Something's not right with him. It could be dangerous.

A hunch?

Maybe... I have a bad feeling about this abbey. Well, I guess that's not the right way to put it... it's bad because things aren't that bad.

You've been here longer than I have. Don't you feel it?

How could there be a place where everyone works so hard, yet feels no hope at all?

That's such a sad thing.

So, I told Raimund about Delfina and Fortuna, not knowing that he didn't know.

He got very worked up. I'm concerned.

......

Gerald...? Are you okay?

I'm fine. Don't worry.

It's not your fault. I just didn't have the chance to tell him.

Where's Raimund?

He ran out after asking me about Fortuna. He said he was going to get her back.

They have Laterans guarding Fortuna. Are you sure about this?

The Sankta won't allow it.

Raimund was born here. Things are different out there. He doesn't understand our relationship with the Sankta.

I remember, you've said that relations between the Sankta and Sarkaz are...

Bad.

It might not have been so bad if we were all just civilians...

Won't Raimund be in danger?!

I'll find him. Thanks for telling me.

There isn't much I can do...

I'm beginning to think you were right, Gerald. You should leave this place.

Go now. It's the right choice. Don't... don't wait until tomorrow!

That's the plan.

You seem anxious, Clément... did something else happen?

I'm fine. I'm just... today has been quite a day. It's a little too much.

Go, Gerald. You were right. You shouldn't stay here.

Something's off about you, Clément. Calm down. You—

Boss! We have a problem!

What is it?

We went the opposite way from the scout team, as you had ordered, and we saw troops approaching the abbey!

Troops?

Laterans! Sankta and Pontifica Cohors!

I fought them many times. I'd know 'em from a mile away!

They're going to surround us!

They never intended to let us go!

......

Clément.

I'm here. What do we do...?

Don't worry.

I've been running for too long. This is just putting things back the way they should be... all will be settled.

Tell us what to do, boss.

We're prepared to fight.

Thank you for spending all these years with me, all of you.

Don't talk like that.

What are you doing, Gerald? What are you doing?!

P-Put down that knife! Calm down!

I'm perfectly calm, Clément..

My mind has not been so clear in a decade.

If only blood can end it all, then there's only one thing left to do.

Don't worry. The blood of Sarkaz is not shed lightly.

Raimund... wait, Raimund!

What are you doing?!

Taking you away from here.

I know what's going on. I won't let them take you!

No need to be scared. Come with me. We'll help you—

N-No! I'm not scared!

Raimund! Let me go... you don't get it!

—!

Sorry... was I hurting you?

I'm okay.

I-I decided to go with them to Laterano, Raimund.

What?

What are you saying? Did they threaten you? You'll die if you go there!

I deserve to!

Let me go, Raimund. No one threatened me. I killed Fina. I can't run away from this!

Delfina...? That was an accident...

No! I don't want to hear that anymore, especially from you!

An accident... an accident! Of course I wouldn't point a gun at Fina on purpose. It was a tragic accident... but she's dead! Dead!

She'll never open her eyes again. She'll never speak to us again!

Fortuna, calm down... you'll hurt yourself!

I want to calm down... I don't want to be crying like this!

But why doesn't anyone blame me? Why does everyone call it an accident? As though that means Fina's death didn't matter?!

I killed Fina! What difference does it make that it was an accident?!

Breathe. Don't hold it in.

Huff... hah...

Huff...

Feeling better?

......

I'm sorry, Raimund. I shouldn't be like this, but I don't know what to do...

I only know that I can't go. I can't run away and pretend nothing happened. I can't accept that it was an accident.

This is my sin...

No more talking.

Don't worry about me, Raimund. It might not be that bad.

Serpilia, that Lateran emissary who came today, she was kind to me. I wasn't mistreated.

Maybe they'll lock me up when we get to Laterano.

I have horns now... I don't know if I'm Sankta anymore. It doesn't really matter if I'm not...

Anyway, I'm fine, Raimund. You—

No.

Huh?

I can't let it happen.

I can't just leave you like this, Fortuna—

Raimund? What are you...?

Eek!

(Hush! Hold your breath...)

(...?!)

(Someone's coming!)

He hung up.

When did you get Richele over to your side?

That's an exaggeration. He's always been that type who only does what's good for him.

He's even better than I am at looking out for himself...

...Oh?

I feel like I'm being watched...

Has your paranoia finally caused you to hallucinate, Oren?

I'd rather believe that there really is someone watching in the shadows.

......

Just a joke. Don't look at me like that.

Where's the fallen angel you were watching?

Sound asleep, I would think.

Stay on topic.

What were you saying about pushing the schedule forward? Not that you can't, but that's not what we agreed on.

Why the sudden change? Give me a reason.

What difference does it make to you?

Not much, which is why I can choose not to cooperate.

Unless my memory deceives me, I have command of the troops.

I'm prepared to write a report.

......

You're anxious, Oren. What's the matter?

This is a secret operation. It's not so easy to deploy troops, if the matter of the saints didn't catch His Holiness's attention.

Even then, His Holiness seems to have noticed something, and specifically sent Federico... you know how hard it is to pull wool over Federico's eyes.

Do you really think you succeeded?

Probably not.

But I would say I know him well enough. There won't be much trouble if he doesn't pursue the matter. Our goal is just to stop everyone who wants to leave, isn't it?

On the other hand, the beast is out of the bag the moment you give the order to attack.

Federico isn't concerned about the means, only the end.

Oh, you think so?

Let me just make it clear that if you get on his bad side, I can't stop him.

So much for camaraderie.

A message? Who could it be at this hour...? Oh.

Who is it?

See for yourself.

So much for the wool.

*sigh*...

Everything you talked about, I'll take care of. Do as I say.

We take control of the abbey immediately. Get all available hands on it.

...That urgent?

An old man has given the last sixty years of his life to the abbey. He went so far as to imprison Lateran emissaries for the sake of those Sarkaz.

He suddenly became open to compromise in desperate circumstances, even proposing something so ritualistic as a final farewell... why do you think?

That, plus some Sarkaz who are not entirely unknown, and 'visitors' hiding in the shadows...

We have to act quickly.

I've got a bad feeling...

Take control? What does he mean... why?

Don't you understand? The Sankta lied to us!

I have to tell Gerald! I knew it! Those Laterans never intended to play nice.

The situation has changed. It's dangerous for you to be with me. Find a safe place; I doubt they'll do anything to you immediately—

Wait, Raimund!

*deep breath*

I changed my mind. I'm coming with you.

My, my, what a coincidence to run into you two!

I'm so glad you're safe, Lemuen.

Any news?

You look concerned, Executor Richele.

I found something that I thought warranted investigation. It has to do with the abbot, but... anyway, more investigation is needed.

What about you, Federico? What are you doing?

Work.

Um, ok, that much is obvious... what did you find? Something to do with the Sarkaz?

Yes.

I heard last night's fire was started by angry Sarkaz. Is that true?

No.

What's this? Rehearsing your stand-up comedy routine?

Enough jokes.

Jokes?

Oren and Serpilia will be here soon.

Well, by the sound of it, you knew Oren hid on purpose from the get-go?

Obviously.

That's just his luck, isn't it? He just can't seem to get away from you, whether at the Summit of Nations or now.

I allowed Oren to act of his own accord, because the complicated situation at the Sanctilaminium Ambrosii called for a Plan B.

But maybe he needs a reminder...

So, what's going on? I was told to come immediately and bring Oren.

Ah, there you are, Oren. Finally decided to show your face?

It's been a while, Lemuen.

Can't you be a little nicer to me? We're partners on this mission, after all.

It's because we're partners that you're still able to talk.

Whatever your plan was, the situation here doesn't call for that kind of aggression. It's time to stop, Oren.

Couldn't you two pretend you didn't see anything, like that guy over there?

Oh, er, I would prefer if you didn't drag me into this...

I will deal with Richele when we return to the Notarial Hall.

Gratias, Oren.

As for you, Oren.

If you truly believe there is a need for you to operate independently, you may try to persuade me.

Well, since there's no one else here, I'll cut straight to the chase.

Did you really think I wouldn't notice that you were trying to let those two kids go?

A fallen Sankta and a Sarkaz. Even a blind man would notice.

...Hmph.

You...

I've been patient for far too long.

Are you criticizing my methods?

Not at all, not at all.

But I have my own methods. We've wasted too much time here. It's we need to consider how to can get this done quickly, with no loose ends.

And so you decided to deploy a special forces unit?

You make it sound so easy. You know full well that deploying troops and giving the order are two different things.

Do you know how hard it was to come up with a justification that even His Holiness could not rebuke?

Now, I have one.

That Sarkaz boy—Raimund? Arson of a sacrarium is a serious offense, that's before I mention that he's Sarkaz. We're perfectly justified in seizing him and taking the investigation into our hands.

He was not the one who set fire to the sacrarium. Your justification is baseless.

I have no need of your intervention until I uncover the truth.

The truth? Ha. Is the truth really important?

What is more rational and logical than taking control and securing order?

Did you not consider it, Federico? Is the truth really so important to you?

......

Did you not consider the possibility of the locals resisting, Oren?

I didn't think you'd say something so silly, Lemuen. If the Sarkaz want to resist...

So much the better.

—!

Who's there?!

......

Senior Federico...

Clément?

I finally found you, Senior Federico.

I was asked to bring you this...

By whom? What is—

The sinner, Holst Tyfindale, offers his head freely.

The sinner had admitted responsibility for all the crimes, all the evils committed hitherto.

He has now paid his price. All that remains is a band of insignificant vagrants.

Will the reverend emissaries of Laterano show grace and mercy?

——

Senior Federico... I bring you Gerald's last words.

He begs you take the head of the fugitive Holst and his weapon...

In exchange, spare Fortuna and Raimund...

Spare the other Sarkaz.