A Gunshot Rings Out

Oh, these explosives you brought aren't half bad! If the poor old soul in the coffin could still hear, I'm sure he'd love them!

Really? I sure hope so. I heard he participated in a demolition race at the nursing home just the week before he passed away. I think he'd love them!

No way, are there seriously this many people out here for a funeral?

I expected a happier response when you saw me, you know?

It's just that... I noticed this place is really far from the city center.

Well, it's our old teacher's funeral. Since Fiammetta and Mostima are out of town at the moment, I have no choice but to make an appearance on their behalf.

How about you? Is this a business trip?

Well, the folks in the nursing home who are too infirm to make it here have requested a live broadcast of the funeral. This is where my department comes in.

Sounds like you're getting the hang of your job at Curia.

Well, of course. I'm doing my best to catch up to you.

I'm not your teacher, Lia. I can't grade your work, you know.

*sigh* Sometimes I really wish we didn't have these halos.

Though I doubt you'd miss my presence even without them.

Hey, I remember you!

Me?

Our teacher once showed us your assignment for a new explosive design!

*sigh* I'm surprised it wasn't about how you were caught breaking the rules.

Ah, that was mostly Fiammetta's work.

Come to think of it, our teacher was already close to a hundred years old when he taught us. Yet, he was still so spirited, and his voice was so clear.

Absolutely. He only retired two years ago. After all, he was really into studying explosives.

Well, that and the fact that his favorite dessert place was close to the school. He didn't need anyone's permission to indulge.

He wrote in his will that he had no regrets, but I still think about how he'll never be able to have those seasonal cactus tarts again.

You're making a lump grow in my throat.

Haha, I'm sorry... This is our teacher's sacred moment, yet I am talking about cactus tarts.

Time to pull out the safety pins!

Every funeral needs an explosion or three!

I'm going to fire off some three-shot bursts over in the field!

I'd better go make sure things don't get out of hand.

Not in the mood to chat, Lia?

I heard that while I was hospitalized, you pestered El for my room number for a year.

*sigh* You're real scary, you know that?

I'm just worried about you. No need to be so shy; I'm not exactly your senior anymore.

While I was asleep, you should've gone outside and experienced as much as you could.

......

Did you ever even poke your head outside the door, Lia? Have you made sure your tech is widely used?

As sly as ever, Lemuen. You know I'm the one who wants to ask you that.

...Maybe I have.

Now, I'm considered a long-term field operator, the type who doesn't stick around the Curia longer than necessary. Not really sure if I'm cut out to help with the restoration work at Sanctilaminium Ambrosii.

If there's nothing else, I'll be hanging up. I've got things to do.

Phew...

The familiar smell of Originium explosives and the sound of explosion tests...

This is just like the old days when I'd skip classes and come here

...Whenever I recall everything that happened in that monastery, the memory barely feels real.

No wonder the history buffs are always talking about the 'eternal paradise.'

...Scary stuff.

Hey, is nobody in? The welcome sign is hung up and all...

......

Oh, don't be such a spoilsport! Did you really have to short-circuit my little doohickey?

Color me surprised, Magistra Amalie. Do you greet all your customers like this?

I was just shooting butter. If you were quick enough, you could have caught it with your mouth.

I'm a gunsmith, not a beckbeast for you to train.

Hehe. Come on in, Serpilia, have a seat. So what brings you here?

I've got a gun that needs some modifications.

Oh, an antique, I see.

The owner...

isn't a Sankta.

The owner wanted to use the gun, but it ended up misfiring.

The gun's very important to her, so I told her she could keep it.

But naturally, that'll have to wait until I'm done modding it.

Ah, but making a gun usable by a non-Sankta can be a tough nut to crack.

Lucky for you, I'm already dealing with a misfired gun from another customer.

You can take a look at it first, for inspiration.

Isn't this just an ordinary gun?

But fine, I'll help you out. We've known each other long enough for that.

Oh right, I heard you got promoted from the district office to the Curia?

I can't believe this. Don't you care about your friends at all?

I take it that's a no?

I did join the Curia, but I've resigned just recently.

It wasn't approved, but I got appointed as a long-term field operator. At least I don't have to listen to my boss prattle away in the office anymore.

I've been saying this whole time that being a gunsmith suits you best, Serpilia. Did you cause trouble again?

I suppose I did.

Sheesh! And I thought I already had my share of trouble during the years at the district office!

As it turns out, I'm still not a good enough gunsmith for them.

What a shame. And here I was hoping you could bring me some bullet biscuits from the Curia gift shop so I didn't have to order takeout.

Anyway, I must say I really fancy those inventions you used to tease the kids in the office with.

Oh, looks like the gun's owner is here.

Hello.

Ma'am, you can't expect your gun to function well when you don't maintain it. Look, the sear's all worn out. We'll need to replace it.

It also needs another layer of safety.

I'm really sorry for all the trouble. Still, my daughter's only three. I don't think those things are what she really wants.

Eh?

She messed with the gun behind my back and got it misfired, but what she really wanted was that toy gun from the store that shoots rainbow candy.

So, I hope you can modify this gun into something she would like. It will be her present when she is discharged from the hospital.

Oh, don't worry. Both my husband and daughter are fine.

That's great... but you should count yourselves lucky.

Magistra Amalie, why didn't you tell me what the customer wanted just now?

Ha, didn't you hide that from me too?

Why would a non-Sankta insist on using a gun? Isn't it rather strange?

......

You're right.

Come to think of it, I should probably ask her directly.

Phew, it's so chilly... We need to get this windshield up real quick.

Could you lend me a hand, Parker?

Parker?

......

Tsk.

Don't waste your time on that guy.

Is he purposely ignoring me?

He won't answer no matter who's calling for him, because you suggested that name.

I'll surely teach him a lesson when we're out hunting tomorrow.

Don't be like that, Raimund. I don't want to get into another argument or even resort to violence...

I know. But he'd better start talking nicely to you instead of just glaring at you in silence.

Doesn't he get that you're the one who saved him?!

Oh, having a spat?

*cough* Good evening, Serpilia.

We got your letter, but you really didn't need to let us know ahead of time. Not like we could've prepared anyway.

Sorry, I still haven't been able to make that herb pizzelle I promised you.

It just so happens that I anonymously contacted a caravan. They'll detour here pretty soon to do business with you guys.

A caravan?!

That's amazing, Serpilia! Maybe we'll survive the winter!

We could really use those supplies. Thanks.

You should hide while they're here, Fortuna. I'll do the talking.

Put a hood on when you're dealing with them. Also, make sure you don't get cheated.

Okay, okay!

By the way, Serpilia... There's something I need to apologize to you for.

You told me not to let too many people see me, especially not other Sarkaz, but...

Let's get inside first, then you can take your time explaining. I promise I won't get mad, okay?

So, you took that young Sarkaz in.

*sigh* According to the rules of the Curia, I think that's a violation.

I-I'm sorry...

Well, considering you saved him when he was wounded, I'm sure the Pope will be kind enough to understand.

Also, you said he was originally with a team heading to Kazdel but fell behind due to his injuries. I doubt his team will let him back in.

Sounds to me like settling down here is his only option.

Right. I hope he'll stay.

And as long as he doesn't start wandering around, no one's going to get wind of a fallen angel living here.

*sigh* Writing up a report is already a pain. How about I just leave out this particular detail?

Really? That would be wonderful!

But... are you sure it's okay?

Hard to say. So don't do it again, alright?

Or you could just keep your hood up at all times and never use your gun again. That works too.

Okay. I'll try my best.

I've been learning to use a crossbow, and I've joined in the last few hunts.

How do you feel?

It's tough... Oh, I don't mean the crossbow. It's tough having to fend for myself.

Back in the monastery, I always believed that as long as I was devoted to my prayers, I would naturally receive my communion.

Nowadays, I still pray with Sural and the others, but we know that the situation has changed.

Shh—

What's wrong?

......

Nothing, really. Just reminding you not to reveal anything about your identity.

...Right. I'll keep that in mind.

So, been feeling any big changes?

Sure, you've lost your empathy, but there weren't any Sanktas around you to begin with anyway.

Even so, the feeling of losing something has become more and more vivid for me lately.

It's like, walking around at night. Like I'm blind, and I can't sense anyone else... It's lonely.

I'm going to be trapped in this darkness forever, aren't I?

...Ah, sorry. I doubt you need all these for your report.

Don't worry about it. I'm always happy to lend an ear.

Look, I still haven't finished modding your gun.

So, what exactly do you want to do with it, Fortuna?

......

I'm still afraid of it.

But I must hold it. I can't just forget what happened to Fina.

So...

*sigh*

Just a second, Fortuna. We have a guest.

–––!

You can come out from under the window now. My drone has been watching you for a long time.

Oh, no need to be so nervous.

I can tell you're worried that we Sanktas might be plotting something nasty for the Sarkaz.

If so, why not come in and join our discussion? Might as well get out of the cold, right?

......

We mean no harm, Parker.

Anyway, back to you, Fortuna. As long as you explain things clearly, we can understand each other even without empathy, right?

I still haven't started modding your gun, you know.

Right...

I want to defeat my fear. Find peace again. The feeling I used to have whenever I held my gun.

Ever since I came here, I've been thinking it would be nice to share that feeling with everyone else.

Because... Grandpa Bishop was always able to comfort anyone who came to him.

But we've already left his side.

Oh, I see you've started working on my gun. Wouldn't my thoughts seem unreasonable?

I can't say the gun will turn out exactly how you're hoping.

But at least I've got some ideas now. Don't forget to thank me when I'm done.

Phew...

*sigh* What time is it now? Man, what time did I finish modding that gun last night?

Serpilia, Serpilia!

Sorry... I'm sorry!

What happened?

My gun... It's gone.

Also, Parker's missing too.

Our sentries didn't see him at all last night... Dammit, that guy knows when we change shifts, and we never thought about guarding against one of our own.

Sorry, Serpilia. We'll definitely catch him. We've already got a team preparing to head out.

There's no rush.

That gun he took was a weapon I modded. I have a good idea where it's gone.

...Have you been keeping an eye on him from the start?

Feel free to guess whether I've been keeping tabs on Fortuna, to make sure she doesn't run off.

Just kidding. Look, loosen up. You're so tense right now.

Fortuna and I will go after him.

...Fine.

Right, one more thing—

As a field operator, the resources I use aren't strictly monitored, but I still have to report any bullets used while supervising a fallen angel. So, I'll go easy on him.

Was that what you wanted to hear?

...Yeah. Thanks.

There are traces of blood here.

Is this... really the right way, Serpilia?

Your gun's definitely here, anyway.

You said you had finished your modifications. If I can use it, does it mean Parker can use it too?

I actually hope he tries.

That... Whose blood is that?

Ugh... Ha, hahaha.

Isn't this what you want to see, you damned Sankta?! It's my blood!

You look in real bad shape.

Parker! Th-Those are...

...Wounds from a wild beast attack.

Lord...

Shut up... Get away from me!

I'd rather be swallowed by a tuskbeast than die in your trap!

Trap? What are you talking about?

You heard our conversation. We never meant to hurt anyone!

Serpilia even helped us get supplies for the winter!

Sure, but you're just doing all that to trick the other Sarkaz into staying.

Why don't they go home? What home can a Sarkaz possibly have but Kazdel?

Kazdel... What is it like there? Raimund's never told me about it...

...Fortuna.

I'm afraid people who haven't been to Sanctilaminium Ambrosii will find it hard to understand your way of life.

But... why can't you just stop overthinking things? What's so bad about staying here and having a roof over your head to make it through the winter?

Stop overthinking things? *cough* *cough* You can't fool me.

You bastards with your halos have been spending your lives lying to others and playing the saint...

There's no way you don't hate the Sarkaz. You're just waiting for the right opportunity.

Hnn... Now, how much does a pair of Sarkaz horns go for these days?

I-I don't know! I really don't!

Looks to me like you stole Fortuna's gun for similar reasons.

Hmph...

I knew I was gonna die soon, so I figured I'd best take you two down with me.

...Just give it back to us first.

——

No! Don't take it!

I need a Sankta gun to return to my team... To be respected...

......

But I've already modded this gun, it's not even—

–––!

Serpilia... why did you... fire the gun all of a sudden?

......

Don't be scared. This is just how we Laterans hold a funeral.

Whether it's the sadness of death, the pain of separation, or the feelings of regret and anger...

They all fade away in the sound of gunfire.

......

I can guarantee you that the gun's completely safe now.

If you're still scared, you can close your eyes. I'll look out for you.

...I should watch and remember this.

Alright...

Okay, close your eyes. Point your arm this way.

This is...

Yeah, this 'gun' can no longer be a trophy.

It's not a gun anymore.