11-8 At a Standstill

......

What's up ahead?

Nothing.

I remember this workshop. You used to come here by yourself. Why is the production line empty, though?

What did you think this place was?

The old workers wouldn't say, but Patto made a bet with Day that it's the secret workshop where they used to build steam armor.

Tell Patto he won the bet.

So this is really the steam armor... no, I don't understand...

I've followed you down this path a few times. I heard... I heard the machines running, and the conveyor belt moving.

They still run, if someone hits the switch.

Why was it abandoned? Because the Steam Knights disappeared? No, even without orders, these machines are too dear to be left idle.

Why... why indeed?

Do you know why I'm the only one who came here?

Cam, Mike, Branson... they should have been standing there. And Harvey, he'd be responsible for watching the thrusters.

When the production line moves as one... I guarantee you've never heard a song quite like it.

Harvey... isn't that Dad's name?

Yes.

Your dad was the smartest worker in the entire city. He came up with all sorts of crazy ideas.

I've only seen him in photos.

I wish you could have seen him in the flesh. You're like him... too much so, at times.

Harvey was an expert in steam engines. He was like an engine himself, going so fast that I couldn't keep up.

I should've kept up.

Didn't Dad go missing after getting caught in some business on the streets? That's what you said whenever I asked.

Some business... if what happened twenty-six years ago could be called as much.

Twenty-six years ago? Didn't His Majesty...

Yes. Londinium fell into chaos overnight, the nobles were at each other's throats, and the dukes led the way.

Lots of factories got hit, especially military ones making steam armor. We were forced to stop work.

Harvey... he was young then. Almost the same age as you now. He loved the factory, and he loved this city.

He left the factory with the other workers to protest against the nobles. He wanted the dukes to hear the voices of the workers, and protect our livelihood.

Naive, wasn't he?

......

I think back to it, on quiet nights... was it a cold one in December? Was his blood warm when it came out of his chest?

Dad did it... for his ideals.

You want to say how noble it is to sacrifice for your ideals?

The leaders of your Self-Salvation Corps and that 'Doctor' of yours... is that what they say when they mourn their dead friends?

It's what Commander Clovisia would say. As for the Doctor... the Doctor is even more quiet than usual at times like those. But I can feel the pure, heartfelt sincerity.

The dead are in no position to appreciate their greatness.

As for the ones they leave behind... these words of consolation are like cigarette smoke, light and fluffy, comforting for a moment, but when it leaves your lungs...

Only one thing is for certain. Forty-one workers walked onto the largest street in Central Londinium on that night, twenty-six years ago. None came back.

Nothing changed about the city. The nobles, the wealthy, they pretend nothing happened, but this workshop would never be the same again.

I'm too old to train another group of workers as good as them, Feist.

They should've taken over for me. Harvey should've been the one to teach you all you knew.

Granny...

Believe it or not, I've never blamed Harvey, and I've never blamed you.

But think about it carefully. You should've thought about it carefully when you tried to lead Patto and the others into your rebellion.

If you survive this war, but the others don't, will you be like me, fraught with grief and regret night after night, leaning over machines with no one to use them?

......

I didn't understand your decision three years ago, Granny.

But now, when I think back to that day, when I try to put myself in your shoes...

It would have taken me a long time to make that decision.

You're right. Being smart isn't enough to fool death.

But compromise and subservience won't get the job done either.

......

I can't say I've thought this through.

I can't guarantee we'll be able to drive out the Sarkaz.

I've been feeling the weight on my shoulders, ever since Rhodes Island told us that we didn't have much time.

I'm afraid I'll do something stupid again.

But I can't stop here.

Otherwise, I'll never be able to face Johnny, Gabby, and the Self-Salvation Corps fighters who gave their lives.

Too young... too naive, little brat.

You there, 'Doctor'. You look like you've got a grip on yourself, unlike this boy.

Would you kindly take care of him?

There's a hidden compartment in the third drawer of my desk.

What?

The Sarkaz are watching closely. There's no place for you here. Read it and get out.

Don't bring trouble to anyone else.

...Thanks, Granny.

Let's take a look, Doctor.

Granny's room is over here.

Do you have the goods?

All here.

How's Mr. Bader?

I heard he's ill. Anyway, it's all here. Our business is concluded.

Good. Please pass on my gratitude.

Are you our new employer? I'm Totter.

Hello, Totter. Thank you for making the trip.

The container was a little stuffy.

Not that it's much different out here.

Hah. Welcome to Londinium.

Team 8, take our new friends to the base. Watch out for Sarkaz patrols.

Yes, ma'am. Come with us.

The scales tip ever so slightly in our favor.

We don't have much time left, Clovisia. They've began culling the nobles.

We've evacuated the ducal residence and moved to Hideout Beta, which is better concealed. It's safe for now, but I'm not sure for how long.

The number of Sarkaz in the city is increasing.

The bulk of their forces will return in three days.

The Nachzehrer King... The terrible corpse eater.

Amiya told me about his powers. He 'eats' war... turning the battlefield into part of himself simply by standing on it.

How do we defeat the battlefield itself?

The dukes' fleets must be united to win.

Our soldiers have to avoid him. That's why we need to move before he returns.

They're living legends.

The Sarkaz Royal Court... if they truly plan to suppress the entire city, over the heads of Lt. Colonel Lettou and the Defense Forces...

You're good at math, Clovisia. What are the chances we triumph over these terrible legends?

......

Very good then. The Self-Salvation Corps didn't come this far by crunching numbers.

The fighters are doing their best.

Whatever may come, at least our hearts are one, aren't they, Allerdale?

...Huh? Oh, yes, of course.

What are you thinking about?

I'm thinking... I hope tomorrow goes as well as these past few days have.

Don't you think they've been going a little too smoothly lately?

That's a good thing, innit?

Good things don't happen on their own.

I agree with Vina. You get lucky once, sure, but not every time.

......

—

Hey, those men have been loitering for a while...

......

Dagda!

Yes?

Tell Allerdale... tell the Corps to evacuate the warehouse district immediately!

Yes, Siege.

......

They want to know why.

We are being watched... no time to explain.

Dagda, Indra, Morgan. Proceed with the plan.

—

Oh...

Is everyone out?

I... I don't know...

Run now. Talk later.

—

They're still on our tails.

You should go... someone of your station shouldn't risk her life for us...

Would you say the same if it was Allerdale or Clovisia?

...You're different.

Heads down.

Huh?

Different, am I?

You... you...

Stay close. I'm not in the habit of slowing down my fights.

We haven't shaken them yet.

These Sarkaz are persistent.

Their uniform is the same, but the Sarkaz of Sudean are like children compared to these.

They're different.

What should we do? Keep making circles in the streets?

You used to sit in front of a desk, didn't you?

Huh? Yes, I was an accountant... why?

How did you travel? By car?

Er, yes...

Do you know how wide a Londinium alley is? How long it takes to run from one end of Wellington to the other? How many sewer entrances there are on each block?

...No.

They do.

Who does?

Over here, Vina!

Target sighted!

Hostiles in the shadows!

This way, Vina!

I hear explosions coming from the safehouse.

The Corps fighters aren't moving quick enough. We have to cover their retreat.

Grr. This way!

Siege!

Dagda, what's the situation?

Clovisia evacuated with most of them. Allerdale...

...I'm fine.

You're hurt.

I can take care of myself.

You should not have returned, Your Highness.

They're inside.

Kill them all.

Forgive my bluntness, Siege, I don't think you should...

You don't think I should have come back either?

No, I don't think you should be at front, by yourself.

Allow me to stand by your side, from time to time.

Very well. Come forward, Dagda.

......

You need to rest, Allerdale.

The daughter of the Duke of Cumberland can't lose to the daughter of the Count of Manchester.

I know Allerdale and Dagda better.

Then I'll stand by your side, as your friend, Allerdale.

What about you, soldier? Can you stand?

Y-Yes...

Then grab your weapon and fight.

Londinium... this iron jungle belongs to us. It's time to show the Sarkaz who is hunter and who is hunted.

Your station won't save you, Aslan.

We don't care.

The Sarkaz future is now. You'll be buried with the past.

Wait...

Look out! Ambush, behind the shelves!

You're sharp.

Hey! Over here!

No, here!

Do it, Siege!

Now then.

Look out!

Flashy, but pointless.

Playtime's over. Drop your weapon and you can die a quick death.

Make things easier for both of us.

Sorry... I got careless.

No need to apologize.

Wait... wind? But we're indoors...

It's...

Damn it, it's Arts! Incoming!

Vina, catch!

Now then.

Gah—!

Are you alright?

I'm in a good mood, at least.

The warehouse is collapsing! Pull out! Surround them outside!

Your safehouse doesn't seem so solid.

Safehouses aren't meant to be impregnable fortresses.

Follow me.

The hidden passage should be blocked under the rubble, but we need to up our pace.

Ugh...

You need to get your wounds wrapped, Allerdale.

I... I'm fine.

Dagda, take the fighter back to the Self-Salvation Corps camp. We'll split up.

Your Hig—Siege.

You showed your leadership. Now it's our turn to show you what we can do.

Thank you.

Where are you going?

Allerdale's injuries can't wait. I'll find somewhere nearby...

Wait, I remember this place...

Surprised you still have an impression of this alley, Vina.

That afternoon, when you brought back the Sighs of Kings, with them.

...What?

Nothing. Let's keep going.

This path connects the palace to the ducal residence. Not many know of its existence.

I have assurances from one whose word carries weight that Cumberland Manor will be safe until tomorrow.

Enough for us to get these little flesh wounds treated.

Vina...

You knew I was there?

I know what sounds I should hear from outside my room.

My dear Lady Vina, staring at me won't heal the wounds on my back.

Would you kindly change the bandages?

...Right.

Ugh...

Sorry, was I too heavy-handed?

It's nothing. I just let my guard down when there aren't so many eyes on me.

You bled a lot... how many times did you get hit?

Most of them don't hurt anymore.

If I reacted faster... maybe it would have saved you a scar.

Escaping from those fighters was no mean feat.

Besides, I've been wanting to thank you for days.

You've helped the Corps a lot, and you even saved the old steam armor.

I have a responsibility, Allerdale. I... I don't want to see you lose anything else.

......

Hah.

No matter, Vina. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that life usually doesn't go the way we want.

If it did, we wouldn't be hiding in this dark, little room, and we wouldn't be sitting with a bunch of stinking bandages.

We...

Let me think... we'd be sitting in a garden, taking tea together, discussing poetry and the weather.

We could go hunting. The alcornes are plentiful in the countryside this season. They run fast, but stop and stare when they see a crowd. Do you like hunting?

...I don't know.

I've almost forgotten how it feels myself. But I'm guessing you don't like dancing, at least not at those onerous dance parties in the social season. I don't like them either.

The dresses are so much stiffer than hunting attire, and so tight they rob you of your appetite for the banquet.

Ha, I can imagine.

And...

What?

I'm thinking the hunting outfit would look better on you.

Vina...

Yes?

Perhaps... we should have seen more of each other. Much more.

Fate robbed us of a beautiful life, against our will.

Luckily, we still have the future...

What's the matter? You look surprised.

...I'm talking about the future.

You don't do that often?

Back when I was running for my life, I hardly ever thought about the future. The past was in my dreams, and the future... it was in a fog, where I couldn't see anything.

This is not a flaw, Vina. It's a virtue.

Nobles like to talk about the future, but most of them are more concerned about the dinner menu.

It's not because they've grown numb to life, but because they understand how precious the present is.

Like the present now?

Yes...

Like the present now.

Ailshie.

Good morning, Lady Allerdale. Everything is in order.

The steam armor... why have you taken it out?

It's too big to take with us.

...Is that so?

Has Her Highness Alexandrina left?

Yes, she has her own mission.

Your injuries...

Are fine, thanks to Her Highness.

I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time.

Am I being too calm before the storm?

It does bring back long-forgotten feelings to stand with Her Highness and the others.

It's been some time since I encountered someone I could trust.

Her Highness Alexandrina saved this armor for you. I may be a lowly servant, but I feel a sense of gratitude.

It's the pride of Cumberland.

Pride...

The armor and your honored ancestors... I remember how you used to talk to them.

Children like to wallow in fantasy.

But I learned, twenty-six years ago, that it's no hero, just a broken hunk of metal.

We've all changed, yet the armor seems frozen in time.

Do you... like Her Highness Alexandrina?

Her Highness is very kind. I've seen how she treats her fellows, eating the same food and sleeping in the same room.

She's not like most nobles. She doesn't see them as her servants, nor will she abandon them.

Victoria is fortunate.

The heart of Her Highness is strong. Years of exile have not undermined her dignity and integrity.

You said Victoria. What about yourself, my lady? What do you think of Her Highness?

......

I hope she has a bright future.

So you...?

I got a letter last night. Two in the same day.

She's... impatient.

But you've reunited with Her Highness!

Do you remember how Her Highness came here with the Sighs of Kings, twenty-six years ago? It must've been a sign, and its portents might come true very soon!

We've waited for so long, Miss. You could...

He...

......

I've long since given up waiting, Ailshie.

How long has it been since Jim left?

He returned home to County Peninsula the year after the incident.

...Twenty-five years. We haven't had a gardener for a quarter century.

I used to love the bushes that grew there. They tripped me from time to time, but the tiny golden flowers that bloomed from them were so beautiful.

The first batch all died the winter after Jim left.

Mother sent people all around and learned that it was the noblest breed from Minos. The money it took to buy those seeds would have fed an ordinary family of Londiniers for half a decade.

Your garden remains beautiful, even without that particular kind of bush.

I tried, Ailshie. We all tried. You toiled tirelessly, summer and winter, in order to keep the garden in good shape.

But without those seeds, our garden would never return to its former glory.

I sent her a letter the fifth New Year's Day after Dad died.

Her reply included the seeds that House Cumberland could no longer afford.

......

Ailshie... we've always been living like this.

If the Duke was here...

...She always had tricks up her sleeve.

No, my lady, I meant your father.

Father... father.

I can hardly recall his voice now.

Perhaps it's only in this garden that I... that I remember how he held my hand, taught my how to swing a sword, knocked me down, then picked me back up and sat me on his shoulder...

......

I wanted to preserve them, many years ago, Ailshie. I tried everything I could. The garden, the armor... and the shadow of my father.

But there is nothing worth less than 'want'.

I remember how I wanted to become a Steam Knight when I was little.

......

Ailshie. Sometimes... just sometimes, I think...

Growing up is such a cruel thing, isn't it?

With the exception of a lucky few, we all become tired and unremarkable adults.

Always treading carefully, not daring to speak our minds, grasping at straws when the waves are rough, and never letting go of the ones we find.

What did you want to be when you were little, Ailshie? Not the servant of a fallen house, surely?

No, it's an honor to be by your side...

I want the truth.

Well... I suppose... I listened to a lot of bard's tales when I was little.

Ah. Ailshie the Bard.

Please don't tease me.

Growing up means toppling, crushing, turning to dust the possibilities that we thought were within our reach when we were little.

And here we are.

Can I preserve House Cumberland's glory? It passed beyond my reach a long time ago.

I, Allerdale, am who I am now.

...But even you cannot say who Allerdale will be, can you?

Will be...?

I'm old, Miss. I couldn't squeeze a tune out of an instrument, even if I had the chance.

But you promised me.

Maybe you thought it was just a childish fancy.

But I've always believed that you could do it.

To be a Steam Knight greater than Charles Lynch, greater than any of your ancestors.

You'll do it for me, won't you?

Enough, Ailshie! She wouldn't permit...

Then what do you want to do?

I'm behind you, no matter your choice.

I—

Take your time. You always make the right decision.

Miss... permit me walk around this garden, one last time.

It's most dear to me... even if it's just a shadow of its former self.

Ailshie! Quick, we must—

...Your Highness.

Quiet.

You're disturbing my enjoyment of the view.

Storied history turns to cinder. The proud manors of the nobles, reduced to charred ruins.

Tiles carefully sculpted and laid over centuries peel off one by one. Flowers collected from all the corners of the land wilt and wither.

My orders were to investigate the nobles.

Are you not happy with what I'm doing, 'Commander'?

Do you not enjoy the flames? Does the sound of blood evaporating not interest you?

'Hiss, hiss.' Listen and savor, Lettou, my friend.

I'm examining every drop of blood, as is my responsibility...

......

I will assist your investigation, ensuring that no... traitor... walks free.

As is my duty.