ZT-2 Overture 'Sentinel'

Once upon a time, there was a child who was imprisoned in an old, old tower.

The script of his life had been written from the moment of his birth. Like an opera, every aria, every scene was meticulously planned, and all he could do was follow it.

One day, the child realized that he was part of the show.

It was all a masquerade. Love, hate, resentment, everything around him was fake.

Confused, frightened, and angry, he called the score 'fate,' and tried to resist it.

At one point, he even thought he had succeeded in escaping from the stage.

But he forgot that freedom granted by another can never be true freedom. When the threads of fate tightened again, there was nowhere for him to go except back on stage.

But this time, he chose to fight.

The show would go on. He would struggle for the benefit of the audience in the seats. Still, he thought he could at least glare back at them, and scorn the fate that they had imposed upon him.

But he often wonders... if he was still in the play, how can he tell where the stage ends, and the audience begins?

And if all of us are part of a play like he is, how would we know when it truly ends?

Poor kid! Will he get out? Will he become a hero and defeat the bad guy?

A hero... Sadly, not everyone can be a hero. Given enough time, some heroes stop being heroes, or even become villains.

That's not the kinda story I want to hear!

Alright, alright... let's start from even earlier in the story then. That way, we won't get to the ending you don't want to hear today.

Nein! Hurry it up already!

You guys like playing at Forest Park, don't you?

Did you know that it wasn't actually built to commemorate the heroes who died resisting the Witch King?

Gustav Park was built to commemorate the deeds of a great ruler.

And in his story, he was a 'hero' too.

Huff... huff... hah...

Oh, so that's how it is. If it isn't my old friends.

I knew it didn't make any sense for Their Majesties to go through the trouble of bringing me back and sparing my life for a few days, only to send assassins.

You are the key to the plan, Graf Urtica.

Yes, yes, we've all heard this one before.

Have you learned nothing from what happened with Gertrude? All that effort, and not even the ruins of a concert hall to show for it.

What do you want from me this time? To blow up the park above us?

Gräfin Strollo's failure was born of ignorance. She and the original experimenters were nothing but useless rabble.

They knew His Majesty's melody, but not how to play it properly, and foolishly sought to use it as a weapon to spread the calamity of Originium.

Such uncouth violence is an affront to art. Even if he had awakened from it, he would have sentenced them to death for their blasphemy.

Ha, of course. So you're saying that Gertrude was a fraud, but you're the real deal?

Then... what? You need me to appeal to Their Majesties to bestow you a medal proving your commitment to the arts?

We seek only your understanding.

You are His Majesty's heir, the symbol of his glory, the manifestation of his flesh and blood, and the continuation of his melody.

We believe that you will bring glory back to Urtica, and to Leithanien.

...Then do it.

Take back his glory, his flesh and blood, his melody.

I wonder though... Without those, what would be left of the individual known as 'Ebenholz'?

Perhaps it is your infection, or perhaps the result of Rhodes Island's training.

You've certainly become stronger.

And yet... you show not even a sliver of His Majesty's strength.

......

I... I must go...

Freeze.

What are you doing here?!

Take another step, and I'll have you arrested.

But I haven't—

You haven't formally joined those lunatics yet? Good for you.

They're no lunatics! Maybe you see His Majesty's reign as one of terror, but all he did was punish the nobles who stood in the way of progress!

Why am I not allowed to miss him? Why can't I long for a Leithanien where someone like me could become somebody?

...Because I know that era better than you do.

Listen, junge. When I first came to Leithanien, I accidentally stepped on a poster on the ground.

Every other person on the street was probably a spy. I was a trader from Laterano at the time, and they planned to execute me as a 'subversive foreign element.'

You could have contacted the Notarial Hall or the Seventh Tribunal.

Certainly, Reverend Executor. Just like you could have broken into the most heavily-guarded Arts jail on your own and rescued me.

But like most Sankta, your wings are ornamental, not functional.

Leithanien is more than a stone's throw from Laterano. Not even you could have helped a Liberi who was scheduled to be executed the very next day.

But you survived, and became Leithanian.

Because someone saved my life.

A limping old Liberi, a soldier who'd killed a few Gauls in his time. He later joined the Gendarmerie, essentially the Witch King's secret police at the time.

He took pity on me and got me out. I'm told the executioner got a fancy new cigarette case for his trouble.

Only a few days later, the Witch King executed another batch of dissidents, right here in this park.

And when I looked up from the crowd, can you guess whose face I saw among the twisted statues?

...

Are you scared? You should be.

Go home, junge, and don't ever get involved in these things again.

...

We should go too, Reverend Executor.

You've also detected the use of Arts. Someone is fighting.

I'll let the Empresses' Voice know. Let them worry about it.

We will miss our chance to apprehend the criminal.

When will you understand? I don't want that chance.

If I strolled into that park, I'd find a group of masked people calling themselves the 'Echoes of Herkunftshorn.'

And Their Majesties would certainly expect me to draw my weapon and arrest or kill them.

But do you know whose faces I'd see when I removed their masks?

Perhaps the heir of a Graf, or the scion of a Kurfürst.

As for me? If I'm lucky enough to survive, I'd be sent straight back to jail. This battle in the park? Ha! It'd go down as nothing more than a little brawl over some private grudge.

Just like Jan's sister, Yulia. I tried to catch the last bastard to see her, but couldn't touch a hair on his head because of his father's title, his family, and the Kaiserinnen's intervention!

An enforcer of the law should act only in accordance with the law, not his own interests.

Since when has the law cared about a man's life or death?

The law allows you to leave a last will and testament. If you are killed in battle, I will see it executed to the letter.

...You have one twisted sense of humor.

But that reminds me, when I joined the uprising against the Witch King and attacked the Spire, I truly believed that I'd leave something behind, even in death.

But look at me now. An alcoholic who spends his days taking bribes and bowing to high nobles.

You're absolutely right, I'm not fit to enforce the law. I bet the old man who saved me is rolling in his grave.

The events of the past should not cloud your judgment of the present.

You could not save that girl named Yulia, but you saved her brother. And you have the chance to save someone else.

I envy you, Reverend Executor. Back when I left Laterano, I thought the Sankta were hard to understand. But now I realize that there's no one simpler.

But... are the laws of Laterano always correct?

I have in fact encountered a case like the one you mentioned.

What?

The case I am pursuing right now. It is very special to me.

Her actions have seriously threatened the order of Laterano. The outcome is clearly wrong, yet she has continued to escape the law's judgment.

Do you ever feel doubt, then? Disappointment?

In my experience, disappointment is born from having previously held strong positive feelings towards something.

Which you never had?

You're... different from the other Sankta I know. You've never loved Laterano, have you?

I do not believe such sentiments to be necessary to perform my duties.

Maybe you're right.

Or maybe, when you're finally forced to doubt yourself, and find yourself wavering, lost, like me... you'll realize that you need a strength, a reason.

And that's when you'll discover that the law offers no guidance.

I hear a cello. The target is just ahead.

If you refuse to follow, I will proceed to the suspect's location and complete the mission myself.

Go.

I would prefer to have the cooperation of the Gendarmerie.

Not my problem. I need to head back and hand over my resignation to the city council. Don't worry, I'll pass the documents you gave me along to my successor before I leave Zwillingstürme.

...

I do not believe that the former hero is dead, Loris Bordin.

Oh?

After all, you're standing right in front of me. Accurately determining a person's life or death is part of my job.

...Seriously?

Ha.

...

The target isn't here.

This cello tune...

You see the sculptures spraying water? Their Arts have been modified to reproduce her performance.

—

Why are you pointing that at me, Sankta? Have you lost your mind?!

Marigold Alley, Forest Park... You have been at the scene of every incident.

Your behavior is abnormal for a Leithanian of your age.

The evidence provides plenty of reason to suspect you.

And that's why you're pointing a gun at me? Did it ever occur to you that I could be on your side?

When dealing with someone attempting to hide their identity, detention followed by interrogation is the most efficient option.

You're even less flexible than a statue tuned by the worst caster!

I was wondering who this trap was for. Any Leithanian child off the street could've told you this wasn't a live performance.

......

Whoever set it must know you well. She knew you'd come after the sound of a cello like a hungry tuskbeast pouncing on a piece of meat, ignoring everything else.

Giving her an opening to approach her real target.

...Loris Bordin.

That spineless Gendarmerie commander? Why bring him up?

Your assessment is correct, Arturia lured me away. It is Loris Bordin she wants.

Thiem? It's me. Is Jan back yet?

Okay, good.

Tell him I'm very sorry about his sister... about Yulia.

I'm leaving Leithanien soon. The leads I've collected over the years are in my house in Bodenshof. The key's in the wallet I gave you. Give it to Jan.

Hopefully... someone will take over the case after I'm gone.

I've been pursuing it for so long now. I couldn't get a result, but maybe someone else can.

...This is a bigger commotion than the previous ones.

Pym? I'm near Forest Park. There's a situation here. Get a team over... no, one team might not be enough. Get everyone you can.

Yeah, it's probably those masked schurken. Maybe they set fire under the asses of a pack of gloompincers in order to blow up the sewers.

Let's just hope no unlucky bastard gets caught up in the mess.

Music?

...

Who's there? ...A Sankta?

Reverend Executor? Is that you?

The events of the past should not cloud your judgment of the present.

You could not save that girl named Yulia, but you saved her brother. And you have the chance to save someone else.

...An illusion? No, just a memory.

Oh, Pym. No, it's nothing. There's only me here. It's just that I was reminded of something.

Ja, the bastards are right below me. I'll leave a beacon here.

Ja, I know, it's dangerous. I'll keep my distance.

Run away with your tail between your legs, meine Herr. Whatever courage you once had is ancient history.

'The first soldier to set foot in the Witch King's Spire'—do you really think you're still that same hero?

Get out of my head, you asshole.

No, I wasn't talking to you, Pym. Time to move. I'm gonna hang up.

...I know better than anyone that I'm a coward. I couldn't find out how Yulia died. Couldn't even take revenge for her.

Yulia... Yulia.

What would you say if you saw me now?

You were always so warm and gentle. Maybe you wouldn't let your disappointment show.

Don't hang your head, junge.

Hey there, old man. Now it's your turn to pop out of my memories, huh?

You're not too quick on the uptake, but you've got guts. Not many could look a picture of the Witch King in the eye, let alone step on it.

I was just an unlucky bastard who happened to walk by. Was it really worth losing your life over someone like me?

Don't feel like you owe me anything.

Did you really think I was going to die in bed, after working for the Witch King for so many years?

Letting you go just helped me sleep at night for once, for the last few days of my life.

Same goes for you, junge. If you feel guilty, then try saving a few more lives before you go.

I'm tired, old man.

I want to live. Not just that, but to drink freshly brewed beer every day, to listen to jazz with Pym and the boys after work, and to take a trip to Sami next summer.

I... couldn't die a hero like you did.

But why...

Why...

Why am I disappointed?

You're tired, young Graf.

Huff... hah...

Oripathy eats away at you. If you continue to use your Arts, only death awaits.

And... are you afraid of that?

I fear only what we must do to stop you.

Mmph—Argh!

My... head... hurts...

We do not wish to harm you.

But the Concertmaster says that the melody within you is more valuable than your mind.

We will... put you to sleep for a while, if need be.

You want to wipe my mind...

I... won't... let...

Arrrgghhh!

Who's there?!

A Liberi... in a Gendarmerie uniform?

Just one?

Trying to be a hero, are you?

......

Dan... ke.

Don't let him get away!

......

Don't your eyes get tired, staring at a book for so long?

I'm used to it.

In my tournament days, my schedule was always packed. Time to myself was precious, so I often spent entire nights reading.

Don't feel pressured. You've only just returned to Leithanien.

Even in Kazimierz, I never forgot where my home was.

Over there, they called me 'The Knight from Leithanien.'

My Leithanian guests often discussed poetry and music from home with me, and praised me for being a paragon of 'the light of Leithanian elegance.'

They're not wrong.

Yet I spent most of my life away from this country.

(Leithanian) Other than the language, and the books I've read...

(Leithanian) How much do I truly know about this land?

Is there a pointy dome up ahead? What's the color of the tip?

White, adorned with orange.

It's my favorite flower shop. I can smell the flowers, but I wouldn't know if they've painted it a different color.

I envy you. You have a brand-new chance to appreciate this city, this country.

Unlike me, who's never had the opportunity to see Zwillingstürme with my own eyes.

Your eyes...

My sight died with the Witch King, twenty-three years ago. That's the last time I saw the city.

Unlike me, you have a chance to see the beauty of the present, and... a future that should be better.

Hello, this is Droste.

...What did you say?

Sorry. I heard you. I just... couldn't believe what I heard.

......

Who is it?

The Gendarmerie who was a Candle Knight fan. I asked him to follow up on the art gallery incident.

Neither of us thought it would be a simple case.

But what I didn't expect was...

Loris Bordin, confirmed dead.

Cause of death is Originium Arts trauma from at least five different sources. Direct cause of death is believed to be suffocation caused by the ribcage penetrating the lungs.

The next step is to destroy the statue and retrieve the body.

Statue is believed to have been created by an extremely rare form of matter reconstruction Arts, and appears to be highly resistant to damage.

Wait up, you're too fast—

What the hell are you doing?!

Loris Bordin was a citizen of Laterano.

Notarial Hall regulations dictate that I examine his body to ascertain whether he left behind an executable will.

So you'll shoot the whole crime scene to pieces?

I am quite accurate.

My calculations indicate only a 27% chance that destroying the statue without damaging the body will cause a collapse.

You can't.

Explain.

First of all, the Gendarmerie has the area surrounded.

They heard the gunshots, and will be in here in three minutes.

When they do, they'll see you, a Sankta, pointing a gun at the mutilated body of their commander.

I'll be quick.

I said, 'first of all'!

More importantly, there's no way you can retrieve Bordin's body intact. His flesh is a part of the statue now. They're completely inseparable—

Not even with your Arts?

You didn't seriously think a kid like me could undo the Witch King's Arts, did you?

Over here!

It took them less than two minutes.

......

You should have mentioned your second point first. If there is excessive difficulty in completing the objective, then I will delay the retrieval of Loris Bordin's body.

My bad. I didn't think there could possibly be anyone harder to communicate with than her.

Put down your weapon! Turn around!

We're surrounded.

I'll count to ten, then we make a run for it.

Your name.

Name? Micha. Micha Wolf... Wait, now's not the time for introductions, is it?

You're attempting to persuade me to violate the laws of Leithanien. I must reassess the logic of continuing to work with you.

We share a common goal. I want to find Arturia too. Is that enough?

Very well.

But this is an international matter. His Holiness would want me to—

The culprit won't wait for the diplomatic process to finish.

What is the count at now?

...Ten. Let's just say it's ten. Go!

Frau Droste!

What's the situation, Pym?

The suspects fled the scene. A small Lupo with unusual Arts, and a gun-wielding Sankta. Must be the same one who broke into the art gallery.

A Sankta and a Lupo?

...Is that the crime scene?

I wouldn't advise heading into the sewers, meine Dame... It's not a sight for the faint of heart.

Herr Bordin's footprints stretch from the entrance into this area.

The scent of Originium Arts... There was a big fight here.

A statue in the shape of the Witch King's twisted horns. Not at all how the books describe them.

Wait, is that...

Herr Bordin's face? In the middle of the statue?

...

How... how could they be so cruel?

...Who's there?

I know you're there. Show yourself.

Don't worry, I'm neither Gendarmerie nor secret police.

I'm just mourning for Herr Bordin, like you.

Did you know him?

Only in passing.

When we first met, he reminded me of many people I've worked with in Kazimierz.

People who once dreamt big dreams with a burning passion. But it's a rare soul that never wavers, always shining bright like a lighthouse.

Most are like Herr Bordin... or myself.

Which makes me all the more curious. What made him decide to face such a dangerous foe by himself?

And... why him?

Why kill such an ordinary man, one already resigned to his own mediocrity?

But he wasn't an ordinary man!

He was a hero! He came here to save lives... *sob*

Do you need a handkerchief?

I'm sorry... I was so stupid... I'm the one who got him killed...

He told me to run, so I ran. But I should've known they wouldn't let him live!

Who exactly are 'they'?

I'm not so sure myself, all I know is that they all wear masks and call themselves the 'Echoes of Herkunftshorn.'

...The name of the Witch King.

I've read that his followers believe that using his name grants them his wisdom and insight, even after his death.

That's not just a legend! Didn't you see the statue they made from Loris's flesh? They're punishing traitors in his name!

They said that the soul of the traitor will lead them to the lost Genesis Horn.

Ah—!

Look out!

Th-That was close... did something crush the statue?! It's so dark...

...It's nothing.

Just never speak that name to anyone ever again.

Herk... Herkun... could the legends really be true?

Is it true that His Majesty isn't really dead, and that we still live under his gaze?

Try to forget everything you saw and heard these past few days... other than Herr Bordin's sacrifice.

As an Empresses' Voice, I promise you that his death will not fade into silence.

Follow the light. My candle will protect you.

...The lost Genesis Horn? I've heard rumors.

Before he jumped from his spire following his liege's death, the Witch King's concertmaster claimed that Herkunftshorn... that the Genesis Horn still 'stands' somewhere on this land.

At first, Their Majesties believed this to refer to the Spire of the Witch King.

But that Spire had long since been toppled.

Indeed. Their Majesties destroyed every brick and tile that could have contained the Witch King's Arts, and recombined them to form the bones and blood of the Twin Empresses' Spires.

The remnants believe that the Spire still exists, then?

Or maybe it's not a spire at all.

In Leithanien, a spire is simply a symbol of one prowess in Arts.

If your theory is correct, and there's some kind of ritual behind these deaths...

Then they must be looking for the final secret the Witch King left in this realm.

...'Death of the Witch King.'

The theme of Frau Seemann's final painting.

The Witch King's remnants do not pick their victims at random. Perhaps the secret they're looking for has something to do with her painting.

Their Majesties' casters have examined all the artwork in the museum and found nothing of note.

Perhaps she left other clues in the creation process.

Frau Löwenstein, please proceed to Frau Seemann's residence. I'll meet you there.

You're going to walk the streets, just like that? Don't you know that the Gendarmerie are looking for you?

It is more efficient to find Arturia before they catch up.

You don't even care how big of a mess you make, do you? Just don't leave the cleanup to me.

You said we shared a common goal.

I suppose.

And you said that Arturia lured you away to target that officer.

But why? Why give him a chance to fight back if she just wanted him dead?

Is murder not enough for her? Does she enjoy watching people die in pain?

No, she takes no joy in hurting others.

Are you sure about that? She's hanging out with the Witch King's remnants. Why would you expect her to have basic morals?

Define morals.

Huh?

If morals are a set of behavioral rules that ensure social order, then yes, Arturia is certainly a dangerous criminal with no regard for morality.

However, if they represent the impetus and capacity to understand and respect the emotions and experiences of another, then I have never met an individual with more morals than her.

...Get to the point.

Arturia did not intend to kill Loris Bordin.

That statue was an affront to life. She would have deemed it unbearably ugly.

What's the commotion this time? Have those ignorant peasants come to cause trouble again?

Why do we give the Gendarmerie so many favors if they can't even do their jobs? Get me on the line with Bordin.

What did you say? Bordin's dead?

......

I knew the Gendarmerie were trash!

This cello... not too bad. It sounds just like the one from a few days ago. No doubt this culturally rich alley has drawn the attention of a famous musician.

Wings and a halo? My goodness, it's a Sankta from Laterano!

I dread for the future of our dear Leithanien!

This piece is dedicated to the return of the hero, Loris Bordin.

......

Frau Seemann's belongings have been sorted and laid out upstairs... Frau Löwenstein? Are you crying?

I think I'm 'seeing' memories.

Are the marigolds in the alley blooming?

Yes. This was her favorite season. She used to lean by the window, painting the passersby.

Yes, I remember.

I loved her paintings. My memories of them have never faded in color.

Those golden days, when we all lived with hope for the future...

But before you know it, it's all in the past.

Take me to Frieda's room, Anna.

Hello.

You're back, Frau Droste. Of all the nobles I've met, I've never known a more avid reader.

I would like to access the library at the top floor.

The top floor? The forbidden section?

I need to review the records of the forbidden research conducted by the Witch King's remnants in recent years.

That might be an issue...

I can get Her Majesty's permission immediately, if necessary.

There's no need for that. Naturally, the forbidden section is open to an Empresses' Voice. However, I'm afraid that all the documents were removed this morning.

...May I ask who did it?

A spire caster. On Her Majesty's orders, as far as I know.

But it was Her Majesty who gave me her blessing to come here...

As you well know, there is more than one woman who bears that title.

I hope you're ready. I won't tolerate any more interruptions to the plan.

Almost there. I just need these experiment notes.

You Leithanians have such awful hobbies. It's such a bother trying to sift something useful from all the chaff.

Gertrude Strollo was simply a convenient woman to set up to take the fall. Her talents were mediocre.

Did you involve every noble in this? Even the ones who had secret dealings with the Victorian dukes last time?

Every one I could find.

A familiar tone.

No wonder they fear you so much, Your Majesty. Do you know what they call you behind closed doors? 'The next Witch King.' I have to say, your similar taste in wardrobe does you no favors either.

I've never denied what Herkunftshorn's intelligence, skill, and strength meant to Leithanien.

In fact, that's exactly what we need right now.

The Kurfürsten wouldn't like the sound of that at all.

It's not the title of 'Witch King' that they fear. What they fear is Lieselotte and I walking Herkunftshorn's old path, and encroaching on their power and interests.

You remind me of old Leopold. When the two of you were born, he asked me what the life expectancy of children born of the eldritch arts was.

And your answer?

I said, 'I can't give you a precise answer, Your Excellency the Großherzog, but I'm sure they'll outlive you.'

I doubt he was happy to hear that.

Was I wrong? He wanted to see the fall of Herkunftshorn, but forgot to take his own age into account.

Leopold participated in the Battle of the Four Emperors, and led the revolution that overthrew the Witch King. He was undoubtedly a hero of Leithanien.

Heroes can be greedy too.

Greed can be forgiven, as long as they stand for a unified Leithanien.

Otherwise, the greedy must be parted from their positions. Or their heads from their necks.

Ruling with an iron fist, I see. But what does Ewigegnade think about that?

Lieselotte does not approve of my methods. She whispers in my ear that such radical measures only create more opposition.

Hmph. She thinks herself the gentle mother.

Your words would sting her.

Grimmacht, my harsh Kaiserin, it is so unsettling to see such sentimentality on your face.

Lieselotte truly loves Leithanien and its people. As such, she is destined to stand in my way.

Good. Now there's the dark, brooding look I know and love.

Did you want to convince me that you'll be able to see it through when the time comes?

Many scholars believe that those born from Arts, like us, are born without a soul.

Tsk.

They say the same of you. They believe that we are of the same kind.

Oh? For our lack of souls, or for our cruelty?

...

Help me one more time, Fremont.

We must find the Witch King's legacy.

...

......

(Indistinct voice)

Someone... calling to me?

Was it... you?

Where's the one who saved my life?

Dead.

...

I'm sorry... Once again, I've let the courage of another go to waste.

...Nngh!

Water?

You poured water on my face?

Drink.

You're mistaken if you think I'll simply cooper—

Ugh!

If you won't drink, I'll have to take other measures.

*cough* *cough* Is this... medicine? Or some novel form of torture, Herr Executioner?

Dying is easy, especially for a frail, Infected noble.

But you have only one chance to do it.

Before you die, think carefully about how you really want to make your curtain call.