91. Conflict

...Really... Taisei, Dosen, and Snezhana, they all...

Even that timely information seems to have been Pan Pan's work. Now that I think about it, it really went too well...

...I was being careless. Pan Pan's scheme started so long ago. I thought I knew her pretty well... I never would have thought that I would end up feeling like a clown.

I'm responsible for all of this, including getting Snezhana arrested. I can't possibly express my regrets to all of you...

Chiraha... We're all prepared to die on our mission. So you don't have to blame yourself like this.

Thank you. I'm gonna find out where they are... And I will take responsibility for saving them all.

I'm sure everyone's tired and I'm gonna call it a day. Get some rest.

... Yeah, I will.

...

If it weren't for me, Snezhana wouldn't have...

It was all my fault.

... I have to get Snezhana out of there.

Public executions in the Forbidden City...!? This is not going to be...

Yep, the government claims to have captured the rebels, as if planning to execute them all in one go.

That's why Pan Pan gave the order to capture them alive. From the perspective of promoting national prestige, it is more effective than just killing them in the park, right?

And, if they're lucky enough, it can serve as a trap to lure us in. For them, it's like killing two birds with one stone.

However, since we know the execution site, we can go save them. Let's go now!

... Unfortunately, I'm afraid it's not that easy.

Eh? And why?

Because General Mori had just given the order requesting us to leave Eastrise immediately.

Why? Snezhana's still in danger! Does it mean that I should abandon her again?

Attention! Please bear in mind your stance.

...!

Although Teslovik claims to be an independent agency to the public, we are actually deeply connected with the Bifrost government.

The Eastrise government has noticed that Teslovik got involved in this incident, however, so far it has not issued any statement, which is a miracle to some extent.

If we go to the execution site with Watchtower to rescue our allies, the general public of Eastrise will notice our presence. You can imagine the consequences.

Yeah, if things really go that far, Eastrise government can't remain silent, right?

Exactly. And at that time, the worst scenario is that they would see the incident as the Bifrost government supporting Watchtower through Teslovik.

Then what we did would become an excuse for the Eastrise to declare war on Bifrost. So for the interest of the whole country, it is reasonable to give an order to us to retreat.

That's right. If giving up one person can avoid war, anyone knows how to make a choice, right?

...!

I know it, but...!

... I can understand your feelings. It's really hard to abandon your partners and retreat on your own.

However, your leader's consideration is quite mature. To be honest, you guys have helped us a lot. So even if you retreat now, I can totally understand it.

How can I possibly accept it! Giving up Snezhana is just too...!

No need to worry, everyone!

Xen...

We will find a way to get Snezhana out! Please... have faith in me!

It was supposed to be a mission we should have completed by ourselves. However, we got all of you involved in it. That's why it ended up like this.

Since it was our choice that made this happen, naturally, we should be responsible to solve it. Isn't that right, Chiraha?

... Right. I agree with Yanling and Xen. There's no need for you to continue to get involved.

And your advice is much appreciated. However, with the current strength of Watchtower, can you really get Snezhana and the girls out?

It is clear that even with all of us combined, the God of War can't be beaten. How can I believe that you can get Snezhana out!

The situation is indeed intense. However, if the goal is only to get them out, it is not so difficult!

I'm a spy who survived after being betrayed and stabbed in the back! I can always get out from the depth of misfortune.

...

So don't worry, I will finish it! At least, I will get Snezhana out! After all, she is... my friend...

... Xen.

Ah ha ha! How forgetful I am! We are no longer friends anymore. But it's okay, I will definitely get her out!

Because... I let her down... Even if we can no longer be friends, I will definitely save her, so...

I... I must go to save her...

... We're going to save Snezhana, too.

Eh...? I mean it! If you now get involved, even if you finally do get them out, it is a crime of secession! You can never escape from this!

You're right. Then the punishment will be more severe than simply getting a lecture. But now, I still can't turn a blind eye to people who are suffering.

I'm not... suffering at all! Look at me, how high-spirited I am now!

Moreover, the one who is suffering should be Snezhana. The pain inflicted upon me is far less than hers.

Xen... when you are suffering, you can admit it and seek help.

...!

I have a friend who is just like you.

Obviously, she was in dire need of help. However, she couldn't express her feelings because she cared about the feelings of others.

I was closer to her than anyone, but, I didn't notice it...

... So, eventually I hurt her... Rayna.

I do not want to repeat the same mistakes anymore. So if I find someone around me is in distress, I will not hesitate to reach out to them.

Awakener...

And Snezhana is our companion too. I can't just leave her in the lurch.

So, please don't face the stress alone anymore. If you feel pain, you can rely on us.

I... deceived her once.

Is it really possible for me to ask for help?

Sure... Don't you want to save Snezhana?

Yes...!

Then it's a deal. Let's save Snezhana and other girls together.

...Alright! Thank you!

That's the way it is. Sova and Eriri, so sorry about that. I'll go save Snezhana and the girls with Watchtower.

This is a decision made by myself, and you two can still retreat...

What are you talking about? Of course, we're going to be there, okay?

What? But you two will be charged with the crime of secession too...

It doesn't matter if we fail to stop you, the result will remain the same, even if we retreat now. We will still be held accountable, and nobody knows what crime we will be charged with.

Uh...

Besides, we knew Snezhana before you did. We are more eager than you to save her.

That's right. We have to do it now. We'll go with you.

Both of you... Thank you.

You're welcome. So we are a united and friendly treasonous trio.

Okay, then let's go save Snezhana and the girls!