GO-9 A Hero's Final Bow

Phew—Zone 2 is finally all cleaned up, now it's just Zone 4 left. How are you doing? Tough work, eh? Want to take a break?

I'm cleaning just as fast as you are, as you can plainly see.

You don't need to try and accommodate me just because I'm an Infected.

That's not it at all. I just thought you must be tired, with everything you've been through and all.

Oh, I thought... never mind. As for that incident with the crown, I'm fully clear on that now.

It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing! Besides, you're not the only one who wanted to do that.

Actually, it seems like all of a sudden, people aren't as afraid of the Infected anymore.

That's because we're in Londinium. The policies instituted by the Speaker and Parliament have, at the very least, stopped many people from openly showing fear and resentment towards the Infected.

But according to a Columbian friend of mine, outside of Londinium, things haven't changed.

Anyway, thanks for helping with the cleanup; we would've had the captain on us again without you.

I should be the one thanking you for not shackling me. Having something to do helps put my mind at ease.

If you ask me, you need not worry about Parliament's decision. Think about it. Of all the places in Londinium where they could have detained you, why did they choose the Defense Forces' lockup?

It's because we're all either old war buddies or familiar faces who can look out for you. Don't worry. Once things cool down, we'll find a reason for you to go home.

The protestors outside the Speaker's office, they're the ones who are missing the picture. We all know what kind of person Vina is.

...

Hmm? Are you feeling alright? Do you need something to drink?

You're saying... the Speaker is going to release me?

I'm saying just rest here for now, where it's safe, until things die down out there.

The captain didn't allow you to have a radio or read the newspaper, right? It's because he was worried that you might get to thinking too much.

...

If you're still feeling jittery, my good buddy—he gets thrown in the drunk tank every few days—he's stashed some premium hooch around here somewhere.

I'll go grab a few bottles for you.

I wonder if Eliseo is doing alright?

I really should have let him know beforehand. He must be so worried about me now…

Indeed. He went to nearly everyone he knows to plead on your behalf.

Madam Speaker!

Good. They aren't treating you like some common criminal.

And you made sure of that?

No. They did it on their own—they believe you don't deserve this sentence.

Many came to me on your behalf. Your friends, my friends… our comrades-in-arms, and even some civilians who don't know you at all.

...

—Diane, I snatched some of my buddy's liquor for you.

Urk!

Gulp!

No need to hide it, Patel.

As I recall, Horn did mention that drinking is prohibited in the barracks.

(Swallows) Uhh... ahem…

Yes, Vina! But… this is… uh…

I won't tell Horn, but in return, you'll keep my visiting Diane a secret.

And set the bottle down, will you? Weren't you bringing it to Diane, anyway?

Uh… alright. Vina, you came here to discuss the plans with Diane, right?

Yes.

See, Diane? I told you not to worry, didn't I?

I'll go finish cleaning Zone 4. I've been on duty all day, and I didn't see anyone here.

Would you like a taste of the whiskey Patel left? It doesn't smell all that bad.

Mind if I have a sip, then? Meeting with those dukes has left me parched.

Madam Speaker, did you put me here because you really wanted to…?

We thought you'd feel better among old friends. You would rather I threw you in solitary?

No, of course not.

Honestly, I'm not as resolute as you think. My past isn't much different from yours, or from that of most Londiniers.

Diane, I did hesitate over my decision.

So, does your visit mean Parliament has come to a verdict?

(Sigh) I feel it best that I inform you of Parliament's decision in person.

I bid you adieu, Lieutenant Diane Weber of the former 6th Column, 10th Infantry Regiment. You are unquestionably a war hero.

Thank you for your great service to our homeland.

Parliament...? I see. Madam Speaker, when will it happen?

Tomorrow.

Alright.

Have you any regrets?

Have you?

Perhaps my biggest regret is that, after the war, I didn't immediately strip off this outfit and hide myself away back in Norport.

Ha, you would never have done that. I know you. The Siege will never abandon our homeland, and the Speaker of Londinium will never abandon Victoria.

...Hah.

I have no regrets either, Vina—may I call you that?

You may.

We've met many times and fought side by side just as often. But today, I think, is the first day we can truly call ourselves friends.

Vina, before I go, would you share a drink with me?

When you walked alone into the Palace of Westhaleg, everyone believed that the woman who emerged would be wearing the crown.

'A hero must one day be crowned king.'

Every collection of fairytales in that old bookstore on Baker Street had a story like that. It was my favorite place to go before I enlisted.

I really did want to witness history, Vina.

But I let you down. I let a lot of people down.

Yes... You could have been a great ruler.

Just because I wanted to make Londinium a better place? Didn't the old king, the one who was hanged public, also want to make Londinium, to make all of Victoria, a better place?

Things rarely go as planned.

Sometimes, what you believe is right may look wrong to others. I've only recently begun to understand that.

Then what is there to do?

I'm still searching for that answer, Diane.

Someone I trust told me to try to accept those who hate me and to stand firm in my own sense of justice…

I'm still learning… but I never imagined this path would be so lonely.

You're drunk… Vina.

Do you remember Kyngasycath, the Sighs of Kings?

Yes. I took it from your own hands, after all.

After the battle, I discovered that it had completely dulled. The smiths worked tirelessly, day and night, to reforge it for me.

This new sword is heavier. It carries the weight of even greater expectations than before.

Diane, this sword reminds me every day of the right path—

The future of Victoria doesn't rest with me or Parliament. It rests on all of you—those who reclaimed our home with their own strength.

Vina, I have one last question.

What really happened in the Palace of Westhaleg that day?

What kind of story would you like to hear?

A heroic fairytale that'll make it into the books of that old bookstore, or the truth, so plain that it's almost boring?

Haha.

To be honest, I prefer the old sword… When I used it to strike down our enemies, those were the moments I felt closest to Victoria.

Back when I was living a simple, uneventful life, I never imagined I'd have thoughts like these…

And besides, there's hardly any time left to savor those quiet, pre-war days, is there?

Vina, forgive me, but I can't save the last bit of this whiskey for you. I really need it—

(Choking up) Why now, of all times, am I suddenly afraid to die?

(Choking back tears) Vina, before I'm completely drunk, would you tell me one last fairytale?

Diane… you already know the stories of the past, and you were there for the best parts of this fairytale.

But you may not know how it ends.

That day, I entered the Palace of Westhaleg, tore down the Sarkaz banner, and was about to leave—when suddenly, I heard someone call my name from the throne room.

'Alexandrina Vina Victoria.'

Then I pushed open the door that had been sealed for so long.

I saw—

My Alexandrina! You're finally home.

Come sit by my side, daughter of Victoria.

My daughter, are you afraid of me? Are you afraid of Victoria?

Vina, never reveal even the slightest hint of fear to your subjects. Your teacher should have taught you that.

You died long ago.

Twenty-six years ago, they hanged you from the gallows.

Laughable! Who could kill Victoria?!

Those greedy condorwings thought they could tear the flesh from my body to feed themselves.

They were so blinded by fear that they conspired in regicide, all so they could feast upon the lands of the Aslans for their own gain.

But no one can kill us—not the dukes, not the Red Dragon. We are the beating heart of Victoria!

So that's why… your statue in the Mausoleum of Kings was never completed…

The dukes never truly laid you to rest; you've been here all along.

What little courage they possessed drove them to confine me in this throne room, but never to claim my throne. Cowardly usurpers!

They fear my people; they fear my Steam Knights; they fear us, Vina.

My daughter, tell me, do my people still remember me? Do my knights still guard our palace?

The people of Victoria have long since adapted to life without a monarch. As for your knights, they're all gone.

They were murdered by the very people they were sworn to protect.

...

And what of you, Vina?

I… I can barely remember what you look like.

Then come closer. Take off my mask and look closely… you'll see only yourself, Alexandrina. The blood of the royal line flows in us both.

...

I'm sorry, my child, that I failed to keep my promise.

I intended to hand you a peaceful and powerful Victoria, yet betrayal has left me sitting here, rotting on my throne, for over twenty years.

But at last, you've returned. Take my scepter, wear my crown…

Proclaim to our people that their sovereign has returned.

Purge our land of all dissent and punish every coward who betrayed the crown. Let glory endure—this is Victoria's rightful way!

…Blood was never the source of our strength.

How familiar those words are—just like my defiant boasts to my own father.

(Chuckles) You still have much to learn, my daughter. Let me teach you a long-overdue lesson: the meaning of 'royal power'!

Still, I grant you the right to oppose me.

Alexandrina, return to my side, and listen.

No. You're already dead, Your Majesty. All that remains here is your echo, lost in the glories of a bygone empire.

I do not need you to grant me anything, nor do I need you to validate the strength of my convictions.

...I just want you to rest in peace, Father.

Vina... I don't like this story.

The King who found no peace in his eternal rest upon the throne, and the hero who laid down her crown…

The story's over, but has anything really changed?

You and King Alistair both wanted to make Victoria better… but in the end…

Cough—cough!

If the King couldn't do it, then what hope do we have?

How can we possibly change anything?

But the story's not over yet, Diane.

I had also believed it would all end when the king found peace... but then someone unexpected appeared.

Should I even ask what brings you here?

Vina, you've far exceeded my expectations. You've shown me new possibilities.

Put down your hammer. I am not your enemy.

We fought side by side once, didn't we?

Who are you, Unicorn?

A tailor's daughter, a leader of the Self-Salvation Corps, a witness to Victoria...

Of course, many old men, even as they faced death, insisted on calling me 'the Nation's Sentinel' in their history books. Wishful thinking, I suppose.

Over the hundreds of years I've remained in Victoria, I've assumed, and later erased, countless identities, but at present, I am Clovisia.

In short, I am your friend, one sincerely pleased by all you've achieved. Does this answer satisfy you, Vina?

Another one of the 'long-lived'? You deceived every ally in the Self-Salvation Corps, as well as all of Rhodes Island.

Deceived? I've never deceived anyone. Everyone has their desires; I merely fulfill them.

Ordinary people tormented by Sarkaz bloodshed wanted to survive, so I led the Self-Salvation Corps to find a way out.

Ancient families, mired in power struggles, feared annihilation in the Empire's whirlpool, so I eliminated every threat to the continuation of the ducal lineage.

Frederick III hoped Victoria wouldn't fall into chaos beneath the Red Dragon's shadow—I could grant that wish, too.

So now you've come to me?

Alexandrina, daughter of Alistair, why would you think I'm only just noticing you now?

Vina, history is like a sailing ship, and you all are the ones who steer its course.

Since you wish to change Victoria, I can help you. What role would you assume to realize your ideals?

You could be a king, a speaker, or even the sole leader of The Exemplars—any of these titles are yours to choose.

Why are you laughing, Vina?

Do you hear that sound outside?

They're cheering for victory, and for Victoria.

Many of them do not have grand ambitions. They don't think of protecting anyone. Some of them would not even share a piece of bread with a starving man.

Yet they are still willing to risk their lives for even the smallest sliver of hope. They are my 'Victoria'.

I like those fools, and I'm willing to look out for them.

And you, Clovisia, have no right to make me choose something I've been doing all along.

You'd best leave, unless you don't mind it getting awkward.

...

Siege!

You're a fool too, Alexandrina—just like your father.

Send them a message for me. Tell them the tailor's daughter is dead.

I have fulfilled their wishes.

Siege! I got the Crawler in here to back you up!

We've been waiting outside for you forever. We were afraid something happened to you.

It's been taken care of. Thank you, Feist.

Huh?

Come on then. Aren't they still all waiting for us? This battle must end now.

That's the end of the story, Diane.

Diane?

*sigh*

I'm sorry, Diane. I am not worthy of being a monarch. I'm not even sure I'm qualified to serve as speaker.

Besides, this war has changed many things. Old beliefs have been shattered, and we are striving to rebuild our lives amidst the imminent threat of destruction.

I believe that soon, a great transformation will begin in Londinium and sweep across all of Victoria...

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I am certain of one thing: now that we've found the courage to face adversity, why should we ever return to the past?

Victoria no longer needs a monarch, Diane.

...

Sweet dreams.

Vina, I can't believe it—the graffiti on the gym walls is still there! Look at this one—Morgan painted it after dreaming of being a famous artist.

Oh, right! Look at this photo—the sign on the movie theater has been nailed back up. And look, there are two dumb-looking fowlbeasts perched on top of it, haha.

Norport is in much better shape than the last time we saw it.

I can't wait to go back and see it with my own eyes.

Uh-huh...

So, where did these photos come from?

The envelope only had the photos, no signature. But plenty of people have joined the engineering team to help rebuild our home. Some of them are old friends from Norport.

Oh, there are two videotapes in here too. They're just some old, worn-out movies, but hey, Delphine, you love watching bad movies, don't you?

Here you go.

Thank you.

Vina... are you okay? You seem a bit distracted.

Are you all going back?

...

Why the serious look? We're just heading home early to do some housekeeping.

Morgan, you were more excited than anyone when we said we were going home... or am I missing something?

How about you, Dagda?

I'll go lend them a hand. There's not much I can help with here, Vina.

The Knights of the Tower Museum is coming along smoothly. My wish has been fulfilled.

Alright.

Vina, actually, we could still—

It's 4:00. Vina...

I know... We can set out now.

Do you want to go see Diane?

No, I have a meeting with Parliament and the dukes.

Oh...

Vina, those protesters outside—

I'll handle them personally. I know their concerns go beyond just Diane—they've been waiting a long time for a king.

Ha, well, that's definitely something the Glasgow Gang can't meddle in.

Morgan...

Alright, alright. We'll head back and tidy up. You know, Norport is better than I expected—but not by much.

We'll be waiting for you, Vina.

Vina, you could ask them to stay.

Of course, I'd love for the Glasgow Gang to stay together, but Auchterigg isn't their home.

Besides, just take a listen—there are plenty of people outside waiting for my response. But before I address them, I intend to bring back more than just empty promises from the dukes.

Vina, Parliament has done more than just make empty promises. They've helped revive our industries, restore order, resettle those affected by the war—

Tell me, Delphine—does everyone now have an equal right to a decent life?

I need to show them that even without a king, we can prove this nation's potential to any doubters.

Let's go. I don't want to be late for the meeting with the dukes.

We should sing something.

Sing what?

Any song will do, as long as it's not that blasted Auchterigg Carol.

Like the song Hannah hums every time she steps out of the ring? 'Hannah's a star, knocking 'em down, one by one, round after round♪'?

Stuff it! I don't do that anymore!

Besides, didn't you all say the song I made up to cheer for Vina was better?

Oh, please. If I remember, you just replaced all the names in Dagda's favorite song with Vina, right?

I wonder if Vina even remembers something that silly.

Of course she does!

I know she mustn't have forgotten. It's just...

Forget it. She said it best herself: looking forward is what really matters.

And there's still a long road ahead, isn't there?

Vina, are you not attending the execution? They are relying on you to calm the many protesters there should things take an unfortunate turn.

My good Earl of March, I'm not that indispensable. Besides, the Defense Forces are already maintaining order on-site, and several MPs are there to oversee the proceedings. They don't need me.

Diane Weber truly was a hero. Shame really. She didn't really do anything wrong.

Alexandrina, you've managed this matter well, but you need to be more heavy-handed.

You're too concerned with dissenting voices, most of which don't matter.

Madam Speaker, why not let us shield you from the storm until Londinium's Parliament fully matures?

Wellington's stance remains ambiguous, the Windermere demesne is simmering with unrest, and the Duke of Ashworth continues to keep a low profile as always.

If the Speaker requires assistance, we wouldn't dare refuse. We must secure Victoria's future!

Very well, since you've offered, I won't hesitate to accept.

Your Graces, you are undoubtedly aware of the dire situation with the Infected within the city. I must insist that you promptly reopen the supply route you have kept closed for over a month under the guise of ensuring safety.

Return the medicine and supplies we've already paid for. Of course, if you're still concerned, the Defense Forces can escort the shipment and clear out those 'bandits' along the way.

Of course, those are minor issues. Now, how about my proposal for forming and training Infected fighting squads?

I understand you're considering forming Infected units in your own territory and want us to test its feasibility. That's fine, but I insist that the safety of the soldiers remain a priority.

I'll make all the data available to you, of course, and to every other duke. After all, this has critical implications for the future strength of Victoria, doesn't it?

This is no simple matter, Madam Speaker. In truth, it has given me quite a headache. I'll be waiting eagerly for some good news from you.

As for Your Grace, Duke of Caster, the Trilby Ashers should soon be delivering an invitation.

After all these years, Londinium will finally reopen diplomatic channels with foreign envoys—this time in the name of Victoria. I trust you all will be in attendance when the time comes.

But you'd best pray that Londinium presents herself in a form you can be proud of.

I'll consider this a provocation, Alexandrina.

From the moment you deliberately blocked Londinium from contacting other nations after the war, you've been provoking Parliament.

You call it 'protection'. Where I'm from, we have another word for it—'kidnapping'.

Unfortunately for you, we always have our ways of reaching those whom we want.

Oh, Vina, is it my turn to negotiate now?

No, Earl of March. We have nothing to discuss, and certainly no need to be friends.

I'm afraid that's not for you to decide.

Hmph. Whatever your intentions may be, Londinium's affairs are none of Columbia's business.

It seems you've found what you need to refuse any deals with me?

All I have is a few photos. Surely, you're aware of what's hidden beneath Londinium, right?

Oh?

Vina, it seems you've managed to find yourself some leverage.

Alexandrina, I admire your candor. But I must remind you, you're the Speaker of Parliament now, not just some... street thug with the Glasgow Gang.

Well, do you know how we used to keep corrupt cops away back in Norport?

Either everyone pretends nothing happened and keeps things as they are, or we expose all their dirty laundry and everyone goes down in flames. It worked every time.

And I'm sure your Graces understand that it has always been Victoria who has kept you safe, not the other way around. I believe your Grace has even said something of a similar nature before.

Alexandrina... I'm starting to doubt our decision of choosing you as Speaker.

You're mistaken. The decision was mine all along, not yours.

I know your schedules are packed, so let's not digress anymore.

I have a long list of things to discuss with you, Parliament seats, medical purchases, military reform, private communication lines...

Supply routes, aid for reconstruction… so let's not waste time. Of course, you're free to continue arguing with me.

Don't worry, this time my sword won't be on your necks.

She's coming! Everyone, get over here!

If we can make the Speaker hear us, we can save that poor soldier's life.

...

You've heard us! That innocent hero doesn't deserve this fate! It's not too late to change your mind!

...

Sorry, I have nothing to say with regard to Diane.

The Parliament has decided. As its Speaker, I stand by its decision.

Everyone, please disperse. Then again, if you absolutely insist on a resolution, you're welcome to stay.

Just now, I reclaimed many things from the visiting dukes—things that rightfully belonged to us and are crucial to our future.

I will tell you about each of these things, one by one. This is the only matter I'll be addressing.

Is there really nothing that can be done for that poor soul? But why?

This isn't something that needs explaining. Do you want the Speaker to go back on her word?

If we start bending the rules now, the new laws passed by Parliament won't be worth the paper they're printed on.

Catherine, what brings you here?

Some old friends passing by saw the protest and worried things might get out of hand, so they asked me to see if I could help.

As luck would have it, quite a few workers just got off their shifts, heard about it, and came to support you.

Take a look.

Looks like we're a bit late.

Lieutenant?! Aren't you supposed to be waiting at the Sanatorium for your departure?

Delphine told me about your situation. I wasn't planning to come, but once the others at the Sanatorium found out, they insisted on coming to see who was causing you trouble this time.

I couldn't stop them, so here we are.

Vina, we all know you went to negotiate with the dukes today, to fight for us.

We're not about to let you be humiliated in front of the dukes today!

We might not be ready for another battle, but we'll win anyone in numbers!

Thank you, all of you!

Everyone, come quick! I think they're over there!

It's really you!

You know me?

Of course! We've all heard your story. The great hero of the Exemplars, our very own Speaker!

I've made so many new friends recently—they're all people who walked back to Londinium with you.

They told me you would definitely recognize them. Take a look.

H-Hello, Vina?

Annie? And there's Anabella! Oh, Jones! You're here too!

I guess they were telling the truth then!

But... Why have you come?

We ran into this lady with really tan skin. She said you might run into trouble and told us to come help you!

Uh... did we actually help?

Of course you did!

Thank you, Morgan.

Sigh... whew—

Bloody hell...

——?

Ha, let's all take a break, okay?

Can I ask you something?

Will we ever have a king again?

I don't know, but not having a king might not be such a bad thing.

Why is that?

You'll understand when you grow up.

Huh?

What do you think—will this be good or bad for Victoria?

It's still too early to tell.

If we have to accept the dawn of a new era, then we all need to change the way we think to keep up.

A Parliament regulated by the people, no more individual authority, no king… that's a first in Victorian history.

Even I have to admit, she may well be biting off more than she can chew.

I'd say the days ahead will only get better.

Parliament has passed a resolution: The crown will be placed on the throne in the Palace of Westhaleg, guarded around the clock by the Defense Forces.

Until a suitable candidate for the throne is identified, the Crown will be guarded by Parliament.

Once a candidate is chosen, a nationwide referendum will be conducted under Parliamentary review and supervision to finalize the coronation.

Additionally, Parliament will soon announce decisions regarding the distribution of living supplies and other public welfare matters—

Ha, Parliamentary supervision.

These meetings are truly exhausting. I much prefer settling matters at a grand banquet.

At least there's wine when my lips are parched. *sigh* Sir Davis is certainly taking his sweet time fetching the wine.

Your Grace, Duke of Caster, where are you headed next?

You already know the answer, so why pretend to ask?

Getting the news from you is quicker than waiting for Wellington's spies to report back.

So how about you, Eleanor?

Your Grace, we're hardly close enough to be exchanging warm farewells.

Your words wound me, Eleanor. I suppose I'll have to present a fine bottle of wine on my next visit to old Normandy and ask him to put in a good word about me to you.

Your carriage has arrived, sir. Allow me to get the door for you.

Much obliged, Earl of March.

And remember, we are all Victorians, after all.

Of course.

Ah, it's been so long since I last heard these bells. The sound brings back memories.

Your Grace, I've brought you one of the finest wines from our cellar!

Even those Sarkaz devils couldn't sniff this one out after they took my estate.

Sir Davis, you are a man of rare wit.

Rest assured, there will always be a place for you in the Gododdin territories.

...The sun has set...

(Sneezes) The winter sunset truly shows no mercy.

Ah, much like the Speaker's attitude toward us, I suppose.

I could send someone to deliver a few sets of winter clothing for Your Grace.

Take care of yourself—Victoria isn't ready to do without you just yet.

Many thanks.

After all, we can't very well go before Wellington, can we?

...

Why the sudden melancholy, Your Graces?

I find this sunset rather breathtaking.

Day fades into night, and night into day—how often do we get to witness such a sight?

Londinium's thick fog and heavy clouds rarely part like this.

Eleanor, back in the day, the lads at school would always joke that it was the sun that had to follow behind Londinium.

It would rise as we please, and never set if we willed it.

Now, though, she has to go full speed just to barely keep up with the setting sun.

That thought keeps me awake at night.

Day or night, sunrise or sunset, only Londinium can be Victoria's capital.

Earl of March, remember my words.

Droll. Very droll indeed.

Hah, the sun really does move.