Episode 2 Chapter 3: A City of Blood and Iron

Yes, Cerise? You look like you have something you wish to say.

Don't play ignorant.

I woke up to what I had hoped was a joke about these new orders of yours.

And who did you hear this from? A guard? A soldier?

First, tell me why you have closed the fortress gates and forbidden passage to outsiders.

This is nothing out of the ordinary. Aakhen's gates are closed far more often than they are open.

This time you've closed even the outer gates.

Last week you suspended trade and diplomacy with other cities, not that we've had much of either recently, but...

If you're so well informed of what's happening in our city, why come to me for confirmation?

You cannot seriously think I'm unaware of what's happening.

It's plain to anyone that you are in the process of fortifying the city. Please, just tell me what is happening.

Hmm...

There are times in life when it does you better not to think too deeply about things, Cerise.

What threat are you preparing for? Who is our enemy, what is their strength?

The whole world can become a threat to us at any moment.

All we can trust is blood and iron. Don't you forget that.

I'm asking this not as your daughter but as administrator of Aakhen.

If there is a threat to our city, it is vital I know about it.

Cerise. I stopped seeing you as my daughter the day you took up your position.

There are things I cannot tell you precisely because you are the administrator. Now drop it.

Father!

If you have nothing else to say, please leave.

I heard you were looking for me, Lilias.

Please, sit comfortably, Pavel.

Ah, I'm fine standing.

I'm offering for my sake, not yours.

It hurts my neck to have to sit and look up at you. Perhaps I ought to get a higher chair...

Yes, ma'am.

But what did you want to see me for? A new assignment?

No, nothing like that. There's something I would like some more clarity on...

Okay...

Violet recently returned to Perland but unfortunately had to leave again on an important assignment.

Yes, I heard. I'm glad he made it back safe.

Mm, yes, very fortunate.

I was confident the great Violet Harrison would never allow anything bad to happen to himself, but even I couldn't help but start to worry going so long without hearing from him.

I knew you would be concerned too.

Of course, we've been close since childhood.

But Pavel...

I heard the two of you met before he left on his new assignment.

Only for a moment.

...Yes, ma'am.

We shared a few words. I wanted to see for my own eyes that he really was safe, especially since we weren't sure when we'd see each other again.

Oh?

Is that all?

Well, I did ask one small favor.

To pass on a letter to a friend if he happened to pass near or through Aakhen.

But Lilias, it's only...

Of course, of course, only an exchange of pleasantries.

I know the kind of man you are, Pavel. I know you can be trusted.

Even if the nobles of Perland betray me, I know you never will.

This city is like home to me. Perland was the only place willing to accept my family.

I will do whatever it takes to keep this city safe.

Yes, I already said I trust you, no need to convince me.

But, that friend of yours in Aakhen, she's not just a simple exchange student anymore, and acting as such will only cause problems.

I see...

Pavel, I believe more than anyone you will never do anything to harm Perland. But as Citylord, I have certain duties.

Between the appearance of the Black Knight and the increasing numbers of Unknown, the brief peace between cities has been shattered.

Relations between Aakhen and Perland are strained, so I must know about absolutely everything related to them. No secrets.

These are difficult times, Pavel. You understand that, don't you?

This looks like a good spot to send the signal.

Hmm, okay. We just shoot it towards the sky?

Right, that way she'll know we've arrived. It's like, "Oh look, I have a secret delivery from Perland!"

Seems a little...primitive.

Hmm...

That should do it.

Wow, it actually looks quite pretty.

Do they not have things like this on Rekos?

We have a few similar things, sure, but I've never seen a toy like this before.

I told you, it isn't a toy...

Anyway, we should get out of here. Plenty of monsters and guards would have seen the signal too.

Where to?

Our secret meeting place.

Hurry up, she won't be able to wait there for long.

So the city in this region...

Is hostile to your city of big purple heads?

Not exactly hostile. Not yet. We've just had a few...disagreements recently.

And why do you keep talking about my head?!

If anything, it's quite small for a Harrison!

Okay, sure, whatever you say. So, this letter...

What's in it? Is it about Straze?

Oh no, nothing to do with him. I'm just doing a favor for my friend Pavel, he knows somebody here.

And while I'm here, it's a good chance to gain some information.

Like whether Straze has appeared in Aakhen yet, or what's been going on around here in general.

Ah, I see. You're going to act nice by doing her a favor with the letter, and then when her guard's down, you try digging for information.

I didn't agree to do this favor in hopes of getting information out of her more easily. Though, I guess it might help.

So, what exactly is in that letter?

How should I know? It's sealed.

Hmm...

But aren't you curious? What if it's a love letter...?

Don't be ridiculous, a messenger should never read the letters he's delivering.

An honorable Perland Raider would never even entertain such an idea.

Hmm, maybe you're not as thoughtless as I assumed.

*yawning* I didn't know I could feel so tired. I haven't had decent rest in weeks.

You're telling me.

I can count on one hand how many travelers I've seen recently. Why do we need to be on such high alert?

Huh!? L-Look...!

W-What?! Is there something over there?

Maybe...? I could have sworn something just walked by. Did I imagine it?

See, this is why they shouldn't overwork us so much. We've slept so little we're starting to see things.

Phew, I don't think they noticed us.

That was too close.

Aakhen never was a nice place to begin with, but it seems even more heavily guarded than usual.

However you look at it, there are far more guards than necessary. Could they be preparing for war?

Do you do this often, Violet? You seem unusually talented at dodging patrols.

You're pretty nimble yourself.

*giggling* Naturally.

I guess you're not the normal, diligent shaman you make yourself out to be.

Huh? What's that supposed to mean!?

It's a compliment, you belligerent street rat.

Anyway, our meeting place is just a little further down this alley.

Could someone who lives on a street like this really have any valuable information?

Don't tell me you're really just delivering a letter and that's it?

I never said this person lives here, only that this is where we're meeting.

Trust me, she will know more than enough about anything big happening in this city.

Hmm, then I suppose they're putting themselves through quite some risk to come meet us.

Exactly. That's why we can't attract any attention.

Alright, the coast is clear. Let's get going before the next patrol passes by.

*sneaking*

This place looks about ready to collapse...

Seems safe to me. It looked just as bad last time I was here, but it's still standing...

You're quite the optimist, huh?

I'd say it's more that I trust the architectural expertise of Aakhen. These people aren't the type to cut corners.

I guess you need to be special to build your home on a mountain as rugged as this.

Wait.

Hide behind that door.

Uh, okay.

She's here...

That's who we came here to meet?

Evening, Violet Harrison.

Apologies for my tardiness, there are a lot of eyes watching. I had to stick to empty streets.

I've been waiting patiently, Lady Cerise Klaut.

But...who is this young girl?

Her clothing is of no Perland fashion that I know.

Eh!?

I'm sorry if I came across as rude, I was a little caught off guard.

You didn't tell me you would have company, Violet.

It's a long story, you'll understand once I explain.

First, let me formally introduce you both. This is Cerise Klaut, Administrator of Aakhen.

A little quieter, please, Violet.

I was already almost whispering... Nobody will be able to hear from outside.

And this is Luluca. She's, umm...a shaman from another world.

Hi!

Another world...?

She says she chased someone here from her home planet, Rekos. Through multiple dimensions...

Don't think about it too hard. I just have a few things I'd like to know.

She told you she's from another world...?

I saw it myself. She fell from the sky in a blaze of light, like a little comet.

Where I'm from isn't important. We need to focus on what Straze is doing here and where he's gone.

Straze? The Black Knight?

The very same. Do you know anything you can tell us?

Before that, I believe you have something for me, Violet.

Oh, right, Pavel's letter.

Hmm, where did I put it? Not in this pocket...

What are you doing? Hurry up and hand it over.

I'm trying! Don't rush me.

Aha, here we are.

Thank you, as always. Now...

Straze?

The Black Knight has already come and gone.

What was he doing here? Where did he go?

Hmm... I only came here today to receive Pavel's letter.

I'm not sure I can share that kind of information with someone I've only just met. Someone who claims to be from another world entirely...

Shh! Quiet!

This old ruin? Really?

All I know is I got a report that somebody was seen walking inside.

You sure it isn't just some kids pranking you?

But what if it's not? Do you know how much trouble we'd be in if we ignore it and somebody gets found here later?

The door is locked...and all the windows are closed.

Strange...

Maybe there really is someone inside...

I'll try and quietly pick the lock, get ready to storm in as soon as it opens.

Ready!

They're coming this way.

You should leave, Lady Cerise.

Yes, the city administrator being found in a place like this would be extremely troublesome.

Are you really going to leave without telling us anything about Straze?

Just a moment, I'll draw you a rough map.

Hurry, Cerise! I don't think it will take them much longer to pick that lock!

Go here and find a man named Varen.

You will need to give a password at the door, I'll write it down here. You should also tell them I sent you.

A man named Varen? Got it.

I'll be leaving now. I hope we can meet again later.

We'll go in the opposite direction. Stay safe, Cerise.

Hmm... Where are we now? I've never been this way before.

Guards really are everywhere.

Violet, those two from earlier are back.

Stay close to the wall and follow me!

Huh? I thought I heard something over here...

It definitely looks like someone was here.

Huh!? L-Look...!

You know, you keep saying that enough times, there's going to be a point I just stop looking.

No, really! Look! Aren't those purple clothes really weird?

The girl's clothes are strange too. They don't sell anything like that in Aakhen.

Hey, you two! There's no use running, that road's a dead end!

Dammit, they saw us.

They sure are clingy.

Over here, Luluca!

*panting*

Nobody else seems to be after us.

Those two guards chasing us went in the opposite direction.

That's good to hear. But Luluca, you stand out too much.

Didn't you hear them earlier? They noticed your stupid purple clothes first!

...Typical Aakhenites. No sense of fashion.

What are we going to do now?

Hmm...

We need to find this Varen guy. If Cerise pointed us towards him, he must know a lot.

Although whether the things he knows are the things we want to know is a different matter.

Going any deeper into Aahken will be more dangerous, but...

If this Varen person knows about Straze, do we have a choice?

We've come too far to leave empty-handed.

Alright, let's go find him.

Hmm, I could have sworn I had the night shift tonight too?

Oh well, at least I should be able to get a few days of good rest before the next assignment.

Oh? Why is my door open?

I definitely closed it when I left...

Did somebody break in? Are they waiting inside to ambush me?

Or what if they booby-trapped the door with a bomb...?

Hey, Varen.

Are you coming in or are you going to spend the rest of the day out there mumbling to yourself?

Y-You... The Black Knight's...

You can call me Lilibet. Don't be so nervous, take a seat.

Where else can a man be comfortable if not his own home?

How did you...

Varen Rasta, you're quite busy outside of your day job, aren't you?

You've been investigating me?

I had to spend all day sitting in this smelly house waiting for you because you deliberately swapped shifts with another guard.

So if you don't want to make me even angrier than I already am, you'll answer everything I ask. What were you doing for Cerise?

...

What were you doing near the Comet's Eye? What were you trying to find out?

Ah...

Well... Umm...

Lay a single finger on that sword, and you're dead.

Dammit...

N-Not if I kill you first!

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Argh...!

If the second crossroads drawn here is correct, it should be the last house on this street.

You found it pretty easily even with such a rough map.

This isn't my first time in Aakhen.

Have you known that Cerise woman since you were little?

No, I first met her through Pavel after I'd joined the Raiders.

She looked quite young to have that much power. Is she royalty?

More or less.

Her father, Furious, is citylord of Aakhen.

So she's a princess... She did seem a little full of herself.

Something like that.

But Furious didn't want her growing up sheltered inside the fortress. He wanted her to be able to help Aakhen develop.

That's why he sent her to Perland to study administration and city management.

For someone you barely know, you sure know her entire life story.

Pavel told me. He's usually quite reserved, but he can be very talkative when he wants to.

He comes from a family of nomads, but at that time, they had just settled down in Perland. Before long, they met by chance and became friends.

Romantic, right? At that time I was still honing my swordsmanship, and...

Violet! I think the guards are coming back.

Ah, they must be changing shifts. Let's hurry.

Wow, there are so many of them coming. You'd never see something like that on Rekos.

It isn't normal here, either. Something strange is definitely happening in Aakhen.

We should hide here until they pass.

Don't get us caught with your dumb purple clothes again.

Hmph, you're not much better yourself. Now hide.

They're gone.

I wouldn't have come if I knew there were going to be so many of them.

Right...

You must be really close with this Pavel if you're willing to complete such a dangerous delivery for him... Or did you only do it to find out information about Straze?

Exactly, I need to know where he's gone and what he's up to.

And...I'm not sure I'd say Pavel and I are particularly close, but we've each saved each other's life before.

He's more like someone I can always trust to watch my back. I suppose you could describe that as close?

I see. Sounds a lot like Roana...

Who?

Oh, uh, just...just someone I know...

This is the house!

Definitely! Assuming that princess drew the map properly...

I told you, she isn't a princess. Aakhen and Perland aren't monarchies.

Alright, first we have the secret knock.

And now the password.

Ahem...

What are you hesitating for? Hurry up and say it!

Do you wanna build a...snow...slime...?

Such a weird password...

Do they even get snow here?

...

There's no response?

Try it again. Louder.

Umm...

D-Do you wanna build a snow slime?

The door isn't even locked, idiots.

Come in already, I worked so hard setting all these traps.

And why do they keep asking if I want to make a snow slime? With what snow?

Weirdos.

Still nothing.

Maybe he's not home?

Should we just go in and wait for him?

Of course not! That's rude!

Coming from the girl who was trying to convince me to read a private letter earlier.

That's because it seemed like a love letter. Anyway, it's illegal to enter somebody else's home without permission on Rekos.

It's not legal here, either, but we don't exactly have time to worry about that right now.

Huh?

All I did was push and it opened... Was it unlocked the whole time?

That's right. Finally brave enough to step inside, hmm?

Your lives end here!

...

...?

Why aren't they coming inside?

Don't tell me...!

Ugh...

They're gone. How did they know?

Hmph, it doesn't matter! They were dead from the moment they became my target.

There is no escaping Lilibet!

Honorable citizens of Aakhen, the day of judgment has arrived!

All who wish to witness the justice of Aakhen unfold, gather now in the square.

I swear every day is the day of judgment lately.

The world sure is getting scary, huh?

Listen to what you're saying! If you break the law, of course you must pay the price!

What's this guy done, then? Have you heard anything?

Uh, well... According to the rumors, it was really bad.

*panting* I think...I think I'm going to collapse...

Phew... I think we can stop running now.

They shouldn't be able to track us.

Did you see those swords!?

They looked like two halves of a giant pair of scissors.

I knew the person inside wasn't Varen as soon as I saw the shadow of the scissors.

How!?

Tailors are a precious commodity here.

Aakhen may be famous for their weapons and armor, but they rely on Perland for clothing and fabrics.

This city was low on clothes even before they cut off trade, so there's no way they would make someone who knows tailoring work as a guard.

But that person looked like a mercenary or a contract killer.

Hmm. We're being chased by someone who uses scissors? How odd.

We don't even know who they are, just that they're not Varen.

But they definitely want to kill us. I could tell that much from the glimpse of her face I got while running away.

Amazing! I was so busy getting out of there I didn't think to look behind me.

Wait... A mercenary with swords like scissors...

Could it be...?

Why? Is it someone you know?

Maybe. But I've never actually seen them before, only heard of them.

There are some guards coming up behind you, Luluca. Let's act natural and walk the opposite way.

Got it! Natural.

Violet.

Hmm?

Look at that jewel up there.

Ah, that piece of ore emitting the strange light?

Yes...

I noticed it a while back.

I think I saw something like that in Perland as well, but I was too busy to get a proper look.

It's strange.

It doesn't fit this place. Not just this city, but this world.

You're saying it's from somewhere else?

Like Rekos?

Not quite... I have no idea where it's from.

Somewhere very strange and very, very far away.

I can't feel the energy of any Spirits. I don't think it even follows the same laws of nature as we do.

I'll have to look into it more closely once I'm back home.

If my memory serves me right, there's something similar in Perland.

Walk faster! We're going to be late!

What's gotten you so worked up? It's not like this is your first time seeing a trial.

Watching pathetic criminals get what they deserve is the only fun we have left now.

Okay, fine. Let's hurry.

People seem to be flocking somewhere.

Should we follow them?

Good idea, there's no better place than a crowd to hide from guards.

Where do you think they're going?

I think this road leads to the square.

Just as I thought. The square. Is there some kind of event going on?

Hmm, it's too far to see clearly, but I think someone or something is tied to that pillar.

I think everyone has come here to see.

Could it be a public trial?

Father, this is unacceptable.

I am your citylord, Administrator Cerise. You will refer to me as such.

If you want the city to remain stable, you must be consistent with your discipline.

Are you questioning the legitimacy of this trial?

This criminal is a trespasser who entered Aakhen without permission. That enough deserves the harshest of punishments.

And yet they did not stop there. Their shameless avarice led them to plunder our dear city.

If the guards had not caught them red-handed, imagine how our merchants could have suffered!

So, in the end, you're punishing them for being an outsider. The rest of the charges are exaggerated only as an excuse.

Watch your tongue.

Why have you not afforded the same treatment to that other outsider? The mercenary.

You know who I mean. The girl with the strange swords.

That is irrelevant to your administrative duties.

She acts no different from an outlaw! She's treating this city like her playground, there's no stopping her!

Quiet, Cerise! Enough!

One day you will understand. How difficult it is to make a decision and stick to it.

Violet, that thing on the pillar...

I know, it's Ras's fluffy little companion.

Arky. He gets angry if you don't use his name.

But why is he tied to that pillar...?

Court is now in session.

Death! Death!

Hang them from the city walls!

What's wrong with these people? They haven't even heard the charges yet.

Rekos, Orbis... I guess people are pretty much the same everywhere.

This strange, furry beast entered our dear city without permission...

Arky is not a beast!

Untie me!

And then stole food on display in the market.

Thief!

Death to the demon thief! Death!

There was no price or shopkeeper, Arky thought they were samples...

Then it gave me a stomach ache and I fainted. Arky is the victim here! Arky!

It must have belonged to Blue Tin House.

Right, their food is the worst, that's why you hardly see any locals there.

Food poisoning doesn't make you any less of a thief.

This is unjust! There is no reason to tie Arky up here!

*straining* Kyuuuu... Kyuuuuuuuuuu...

Kyu... It's no use...

There is no escape, furry beast.

I told you I'm not a beast! I'm Arky, the Guardian!

That rope was woven specially to hold the sorcerers of Witchaven. The more magical power you have, the weaker it will make you.

Kyu...

You have nothing else to say to that, do you? Then I shall render my verdict.

As judge presiding over this court, I, Furious Klaut, find this hairy beast who calls itself Arky...

Guilty.

As punishment for its crime, I sentence the offender to be shaved of all this fur it uses to hide its true form...

Kyuuuu!?

And an indefinite period of hard labor in Aakhen Mine.

Court is adjourned.

No! Not Arky's fur! Anything but that!

That could put Arky's life in danger! Really!

That is none of my concern.

The trial is over, shave this creature.

Somebody save me! Arky doesn't want to die!

Stop!

This is absurd! Hard labor for eating spoiled food!?

The trial is over, Administrator. This has nothing to do with you.

This trial was a farce from beginning to end! Release that talking beast now.

Arky isn't a beast...

Please make sure they don't shave Arky's fur first. That's more important than the hard labor...

You are acting above your station, Administrator. Guards! Escort Administrator Cerise back to her office.

Yes, sir!

Please follow me, Administrator.

Get your hands off of me! Not even the citylord can act like this!

That fluffball, I mean, Arky, is screaming!

It must be because they want to shave off his fur. Do you think it might really kill him? Or is it all in his head?

Is that what's most important right now? We have to hurry up and save him!

But there are too many guards right now. Once they start shaving him, everyone will be distracted watching, and then we can...

Hmph. Stand here counting guards if you want, I'm going to save Arky!

Luluca! Hey, stop! Wait for me!

Hmm, the girl standing behind that purple idiot really was her...

What was it... Luluca? So she managed to escape Rekos...

Maybe that Covenant boy is nearby as well...

What a mess...

I didn't expect Violet to turn up. He said he was on the way to Aakhen when we saw him, but still...

Luluca is with him as well. It looks like she's the one in charge.

I was going to wait until the citylord left with his guards before saving Arky...

But his fur could have all been shaven off by then.

He was screaming earlier about how that might put his life in danger.

He was just being dramatic. His immune system isn't very strong, so he tends to catch colds often...

And I guess it would leave some emotional scars too.

I see.

I suppose now we have to change our strategy.

We can't leave them to save Arky alone!

Okay!

You should have at least waited a little longer.

The citylord would have gone back to the fortress, and the number of guards would have at least halved.

And possibly leave Arky to die!? He asked us to save him!

I've...lost too many friends already.

I won't lose another.

I'd much rather play it safe than risk missing our chance waiting for the perfect timing.

Alright. Let's save that cotton ball!

How can you possibly call this "playing it safe"?

Don't worry, Arky! Luluca is here to save you!

Kyuuuuu! It's the greatest shaman in the universe!

Are Violet and his big head here too?

Suddenly, I'm not sure I want to untie these ropes.

Don't be like that! Arky has always thought Violet was really cool and handsome!

Stay still, I'll cut these ropes in one swipe.

Ah! Violet, watch out!

Huh!?

Hyup!

*chuckling* You managed to dodge my arrow? I suppose the legends about you are true.

Violet Harrison, ace of the Perland Raiders.

I don't believe we've ever been formally introduced, Furious Klaut.

Is this young woman beside you a fellow Raider? As expected, the people of Perland always are rather...unique.

I am Luluca of Rekos, greatest shaman in the universe! Don't associate me with that filthy city of playboys!

Rekos? Shaman?

Would you care to translate this nonsense for me, Violet?

Well, umm, it's a long story...

Regardless, I assume this must all be the work of Lilias.

This wouldn't be the first time she has sent spies.

This has nothing to do with the Raiders. Not that you'll believe me anyway.

We're here to save our friend!

Arky is no spy! Arky is a victim of a show trial!

That kind of excuse won't work in Aakhen.

I will have to dispose of you the same way I did your fellow spies.

Your skill is fitting of the heir to the Harrison name. Your shaman friend is equally impressive.

I will be sure to hold nothing back.

Umm...

Hmm...

What's got your attention, Violet? Do you value your life so little you allow yourself to be distracted mid-duel?

O-Oh, no, I'm just concentrating so I can dodge your next attack.

You idiot, you could have stared a little less obviously.

Stared at... What!? Damn you!

Kyu! Arky asked you to save him! You cut me!

Stop exaggerating, it was just a little bit of hair on your stomach.

You can hardly even notice, Arky, really.

I told you to stop wriggling while I was cutting the ropes.

Kyu... Arky was scared...

Be careful, Ras, the citylord is looking our way.

And who are you!?

Guards! The criminal has escaped! Guards!

This place is going to be overrun with guards soon, we should leave.

Okay, Ras.

Wait for Arky!

Hmph, well you won't get far. You'll find escaping Aakhen considerably harder than getting in.

Now then, shall we resume our duel, Violet? ...Oh.

Where did he go...?

So the Covenant and Luluca are together now. What a pain.

Straze probably won't like it if I get rid of the shaman, so I can't have the kind of boisterous fights I usually prefer.

Shall I try following them for a while?

Over there! The criminals are going that way!

Stop right there, criminal scum!

I'm no criminal! I'm the chosen shaman!

Do you really think they care? We just need to hurry up and lose them.

How did my life end up like this...?

Because you recklessly jumped in to save Arky's life!

Th-That's right! You need to take risks if you want to save your friends.

Thank you, Luluca! You're much more trustworthy than Arky's useless master who shows up late and accidentally cuts off Arky's fur!

Ungrateful little...

Did you manage to save the Spirit Lord of Fire, then?

I'd like to know what happened in Meldrec too.

Can it wait until we're not getting shot at?

They wouldn't have come this way, would they?

Of course not.

All the commotion is happening on the north side of the city, it's nice and quiet here.

Ah, you're right! You did well saying we'd check around here.

Minimum effort, maximum reward, that's what I always say!

Hey there, friends. Working hard or hardly working?

Wah! It's them!

Sorry, but we'll need to knock you out for a little while.

Just as Luluca said, there are hardly any patrols around here.

I thought it was just a random guess, but she was right...

I've always said Luluca would make a perfect Raider. The possibilities are endless!

No thank you.

Running, running, more running, catching your breath before, that's right, you guessed it, even more running. I can't imagine anything worse than being a Raider.

Arky has done nothing but suffer since coming to Cidonia too! Escaping, running, being tied up...

Arky is fed up!

And whose fault is that? Maybe next time you'll think again before walking off by yourself and eating random food on the street.

They made it look like free samples. Arky was tricked!

He wasn't able to eat much while we were in Meldrec.

There wasn't any time, we had more important things to worry about.

And it's not any better now. We don't know how much longer Destina can hold on for.

We need to get her the Twilight Ember as soon as possible. There's no time to rest.

I hope you're satisfied, Administrator.

In order to save that stupid, food-stealing beast, your spy friends from Perland attacked me!

Stop trying to make everything fit your own paranoid narrative, Father.

Except for Violet, I've never met any of them before.

So you admit to bringing an enemy agent into the fortress?

Do you have any idea how big of a crime that could be?

Is it a crime to have friends outside of these walls? Even worse than stealing food?

I was simply enforcing our laws.

And theft was not the only crime that beast committed. It entered our city without permission!

I see, so you mean to say that mercenary with the scissors is here running around with your blessing?

You're bringing her up again...

The guard officer who was helping me with my work has vanished.

Varen?

We had a meeting scheduled in my office today, but he never appeared. A visit to his home revealed only fresh bloodstains.

And his neighbor claims to have witnessed that girl leaving.

Hmm...

You cannot let them control you like this. I know it was a shock to lose so many of our soldiers, but you have to move past it.

So you think we should join hands with Perland?

You still have no idea how the wider world really works. What you saw when you were studying was but one small part of it.

I know how you see me, Father. Your naive daughter with some vague belief that Perland will be our friend.

You think I'm blinded by idealism. But you'd be wrong.

What I want is trade between Perland and Aakhen.

I want cooperation and trade deals that will benefit our city. For the sake of returning Aakhen to its former strength...

I will squeeze as much out of Perland as I can.

Hmm...

Other cities have things we need, and they underestimate us.

I will turn that to our advantage.

You're over-optimistic, Cerise.

I see what you're trying to do, but I think it is best to avoid starting anything that may cause us problems down the road.

I knew you would say that.

See it however you like. I've given up on ever changing you.

A wise decision.

So, what are you going to do now?

I'm going to find a way...

To save this city from your stubbornness.

The soldiers are still chasing us. Don't they ever get tired?

Ras, if we split up, it will make it harder for them to track us.

Good idea, a group this large stands out too much.

Mercedes, let's head for Aakhen Forge like Khawazu told us.

Okay!

You'll be joining us too, Arky. Come back here.

Kyu!

Don't think I didn't see you trying to sneak towards Luluca.

"Forge" sounds hot and dangerous.

I don't think it will be any safer with us. We're planning to go where the guards are most concentrated.

He's right, we need to find Cerise and get more information.

Th-Then Arky will go with Master!

Huh!? They've already left without Arky! Wait!

*giggling* Arky is so cute. Do you think I can take him back to Rekos with me?

I'm not sure Ras will let you.

Are we going the right way?

Of course. If we keep going a little further, you'll see a small tower.

It's had a few names, but right now it's known as the Administrative Tower.

You really do know this place like it's your own home. I thought that when we were looking for Varen's house too.

Maybe that grumpy old man was right. You really are a spy.

Don't be ridiculous. I'm just...

I'm just doing what Lilias asked me to. Gathering information and passing anything important back to her.

Back on Rekos, people who sneak into enemy territory and do those things are called spies.

Well, uhh, here too, but...

Anyway, why are you complaining? Would you rather I had us wandering around, lost for hours on end?

True, it's a lot easier having an expert spy to follow.

Wait, we should have a quick look around first.

Hmm, there are a lot of suspicious-looking people lurking around here.

Mercenaries. And not the nice kind either, by the looks of it.

Why are they hanging around the Administrative Tower?

They don't look like they're here to keep it safe, that's for sure.

We need to get closer and listen to what they're saying.

Oh, sneaking up on people without being seen? Sounds really scary...

You can stay here. Leave it to me, I'm an expert in this kind of thing.

Okay, super spy Violet!

...

How much longer do we need to wait out here...?

You don't think she might have figured things out and run off, do you?

Of course not... Where could she go?

I knew it, they're after Cerise.

Is Furious's iron-fisted rule starting to crack?

Mercenaries are roaming around inside his own city walls trying to hurt his daughter.

Is the situation in Aakhen even worse than I thought?

Anyway, it doesn't seem like Cerise is here. I should go meet up with Ras.

...! No. No, no, no. Why now...

Hey, look at that apple.

Huh... It's rolling all by itself. Looks like it came from behind...that...box...!

Crap, they've seen me.

Ughhhhh...

What a waste of time.

Why did you drop that apple? I thought you were trying to lure them into a trap.

...I didn't mean to.

Hey, there's a fight over there!

A swordfight in the middle of the Administrative District? In broad daylight!?

They don't look like they're from here, either. Quick, call the guards!

Let's get out of here.

Anyway, what were they talking about? Did you hear?

Someone has hired them to go after Cerise. Those types will do anything for money. Anything.

Who do you think hired them?

Maybe it was that woman in Varen's house...

Hmm, that seems likely.

If she has no qualms about getting rid of a guard officer, I'm sure she won't have any problem doing the same to the administrator.

You two! Hey!

Where are you going? Stop right there!

Ugh... Full speed ahead, Luluca!

Okay!

We managed to get inside without being caught...

Shh, I'd like to keep it that way.

I think that shush sounded even louder.

Oops.

There's nobody in here.

There's no sign of anyone having been here at all.

I guess they don't need this room anymore.

It seems that the central furnace has been turned off for a long time. The other rooms felt warm still, but this one's cold.

Where is the Twilight Ember? It should be around here somewhere.

Ras...

Huh?

Be careful. I feel a strong sense of murderous intent nearby.

Hey, have you found what you're looking for yet?

Heir of the Covenant.

Uh-oh.

Kyu!

Blazing Eye of Kal!

Hmph...

Oh!

Ha, you think you can scare me away with cheap tricks like that?

Who are you!? Why are you attacking us?

Please, I'm not the kind of girl who likes to chat with her prey. Die quietly!

Huh? Where did this iron door come from?

Who dares interrupt my fun!?

Quick, this way.

You're...the administrator. You were in the square. What are you doing here?

There's no time! Lilibet won't take long to find the other door!

Thinking can wait until later, Master! We need to escape!

You're here for the Twilight Ember?

Yes, we need it to save Malicus, the Lord of Fire.

Hmm, I see. I'm sorry, but the Ember was moved to Witchaven some time ago.

...! So you're saying it's not in Aakhen?

As our blacksmiths refined and developed new methods, the Twilight Ember was no longer necessary.

It remained as a symbol of friendship with Meldrec and the help they gave us, but as our relationship deteriorated...

It no longer held the same value.

Eventually, my father decided to sell the Ember to any city willing to pay an acceptable price, and the sorcerers of Witchaven had already expressed interest in researching it.

Kyu! We came all this way for nothing!

No, not for nothing. Without coming here, we would never have learned its true location from Cerise.

Hooray! Arky didn't suffer up on that pillar for no reason after all!

I think we've lost Lilibet. For now.

We're alive, kyu! Those scissors of hers are so scary...

Lilibet? Is that her name?

Yes, she's one of the mercenaries working with the Black Knight.

She's here in Aakhen to keep an eye on the Comet's Eye and has already harmed several people.

All of this is done under my father's approval. Even as administrator, I don't know what I can do about her.

So she works with Straze...

Straze... Yes, Violet and Luluca called the Black Knight by that name as well.

Ever since Lilibet starting running around with those swords of hers, the streets of Aakhen have not been safe.

But where's Violet? Is he still inside Aakhen?

He said he was going to meet you. Did you not see him?

Hmm, we must have missed each other.

We agreed to meet up again on the southern outskirts. If the Twilight Ember isn't here, we should go join him.

I'll stay with you for a while. I have something to pass on to him.

I can't keep avoiding it.

I know better than anyone...

While you keep your eyes closed, your enemies grow stronger.

Enough to make me want to swallow my fear...

I can't allow this to go on any longer, Citylord.

What is that supposed to mean?

You know exactly what it means. Cerise. Your daughter.

She seems to be under the delusion that her work as administrator makes her head of this city.

Hmm...

At first, I thought you were using her to try and trick me, but it appears not.

You better bring your child back under control before she gets any weird ideas.

If anyone gets in my way, I will not hesitate to cut them to pieces. Administrator of Aakhen or otherwise.

The line between patience and cowardice is paper-thin.

It's unlike me to avoid making a decision. It shames my comrades in the Aakhen Army.

This city... It has a rough and violent past.

The ground, the soil, the stone walls. They're all permeated with sadness and oppression.

I believe it. Aakhen has many, many stories.

A long time ago, pioneers from Solayu in Ritania came across this mountain, and soon after they struck ore.

Dreaming of the possibilities, they decided to settle here. There must have been countless fights between them before the fortress was finished.

Aakhen is a city of blood and iron above anything else.

Wait, Violet, get down.

Why? What's happening?

Look over there. That girl with the scissors.

Oh, she's the one who was at Varen's.

It looks like she's searching for someone else this time. Where do you think she's going?

Violet.

Huh?

What are you going to do after we get out of this city?

Well, I suppose I'll just wait until Lilias has another assignment for me.

I'm going to keep chasing Straze. I'll follow any lead I can find.

It won't be easy...

You can drop out now if you want, Violet, it makes no difference to me. This is my mission. My revenge.

You really are short-tempered, aren't you?

How about returning to Perland with me first? There's no better place to be if you want to quickly find out what's happening in Cidonia.

Hmm...

To tell the truth, that's the main reason I'm going back myself. I have some things to ask my friends in the intelligence agency as well.

...I'll think about it.

Go through that gate, and you'll be outside of Aakhen.

Is this where you agreed to meet Violet?

Yes, but I still don't see him anywhere. Let's wait here a while.

He would have met Cerise sooner if he stayed with us. Violet never has any luck.

I never thought he'd come straight to my office. It's not easy for outsiders to get in.

Ras! Look!

Lilibet! How did she...

Hmph, you could have at least made it a little harder to find you. This is no fun!

You're local celebrities after that trial in the square. It wasn't difficult to find people who saw where you were running.

Lilibet, do you seriously intend to attack the administrator of Aakhen in the streets of her own city?

I'm sure the Black Knight made a promise to the citylord.

That's okay, it's always easier to ask forgiveness than get permission.

You little...! You've been undermining my father from the start!

*giggling* What have any of you done to deserve my respect?

Watch out, Unknown are starting to gather.

Kwwwwwng...

Graaaaaaaaaarkk!

We need to fight our way out.

Follow me, there's a small alley we can take.

Oh look, they think they can escape.

Attack them, you filthy, bloodthirsty monsters!

Please don't waste my time. We both know you won't get very far anyway.

Faster!

Dammit, we're boxed in by Unknown.

Cerise! They're aiming for Cerise!

Agh...!

Time for you to taste destruction! Mal!

Wow! You really are strong.

Violet!

We arrived just in time!

Where did you come from!?

Aaarrgh, why is everyone so annoying today!? You were supposed to be surrounding them, you stupid monsters! How did those two get through!?

Krrr...

Kyyyyyk...

Come on, rush at them! Split them up so they can't fight together!

There are too many of them for us to face them head-on.

Arky and I will hold them off. Violet, take the others and find a way out.

Kyu!? Arky wasn't consulted about this!

Sorry, Ras, but this is a job for a Perland Raider.

Luluca and I will lure Lilibet in the opposite direction. Take the chance to escape somewhere safe with Cerise.

Wait, Violet. I have something for you.

A letter? For Pavel?

That's right. This one contains very important information, so make sure you survive and pass it on to him.

Understood.

Have you finished talking yet!? I can't keep holding them back forever, let's go!

Alright, I get it. Follow me, Miss Strongest Shaman in the Universe.

Uh-oh, it's a dead end.

Now what do we do? You said there was a path this way! Are all Perland Raiders this useless!?

Excuse me, I said there might be a path this way. MIGHT. There's a difference. I've never been here before either.

You won't be able to escape this time.

*sighing* There she is...

I lost that Heir of the Covewhatever thanks to you, but getting my hands on the illustrious "chosen shaman" should make up for it.

How do you...?

Ha, I should have known. If it isn't the Devil's Scissors who terrorized Rekos's faithful herself.

Straze's favorite pet mercenary.

This madwoman is from Rekos as well?

Of course he brought her here with him. He must have a lot in common with the kind of degenerate who would embrace the darkness and destroy their own home!

Should I be flattered that such an honorable shaman has recognized me? Pfft, just you wait, I'll cut that blinding hypocrisy of yours into teeny tiny pieces.

I'll send you off to meet your pathetic, dead god again soon enough.

*chuckling* You're different from the other pushovers I've met here so far.

I'll have to start fighting you seriously from now on.

*panting* Does she ever get tired?

Don't let your guard down for a second. Of all of Straze's minions, she was infamous for her brutality.

Hyaaaaah! Cut! Cut! Cuuuut!

Huh!?

Where are you? Show yourself!

That's...

Citylord Furious!

Hold your fire!

Holding fire!

Holding fire!

Furious! Explain yourself!

You have led an army of Unknown into my city to attack my people.

Not only my people but my guards and administrator as well. As citylord, I'm sure you understand I cannot permit this to continue?

Pfft, don't make me laugh.

You were allowed into Aakhen in order to protect the Comet's Eye. You were not given permission to commence military action within my city walls.

And you two. Violet and his shaman friend from Rekos.

Us?

You are hereby banished from Aakhen. Leave my city immediately.

Y-Yes, sir! Furious, sir! You heard the man, Luluca, we need to get out of here.

Eh? But we haven't finished fighting...

Furious! You don't expect to get away with this, do you!?

I am a man who stands by his decisions, Lilibet.

Do you really want to do this? Are you prepared to throw away the lives of even more of your citizens?

You're right, more lives will be lost. But even you will struggle to stand against the concentrated fire of the Aakhen Army.

Soldiers, prepare to fire!

Ready to fire!

Ready to fire!

If Lilibet takes a single step forward, fire at will.

Hmm...

Fine.

I'll stop here for today.

Straze won't be happy if I start a war with the whole of Aakhen.

But mark my words, Furious!

You will pay for this!

Varen was supposed to be here an hour ago... Is he still talking with Violet?

Their personalities are very similar. I'm sure they just have so much in common that they got got carried away.

Now that I think about it, wasn't today the last day of his night shift?

*sighing* He didn't rest his eyes for a moment only to end up sleeping all day, did he? In that case...

Guard, are you out there?

Yes, Administrator!

Go to Guard Officer Varen's house and quickly bring him back here to me, thank you.

If he's sleeping, wake him. Even if you need to hit him.

Ah...hahaha... Yes, ma'am.

But why do I have this feeling of dread...? As if everything is about to go wrong...

Just like that day I first met Varen...

Hmm, the food here is even worse than I was led to believe. And these prices are absurd.

I can't blame the merchants though, it's just another limit imposed by Aakhen's infertile land...

If we don't resume trade with other cities soon, Aakhen faces a slow and steady collapse.

What is my father thinking?

Those are dangerous words. I imagine the citylord would be very unhappy if he heard them.

And you are...?

Varen. I'm a guard. You will likely have seen me together with the citylord.

I'm sorry, I don't remember.

*chuckling* That's fine, I was lying anyway. Why would a simple guard officer like me have ever met the two of you?

I didn't expect you to be so naive. My apologies if I've offended you, it's just...

You look like you're in a bad mood, I was hoping to help you smile a little.

Well, you've failed. More importantly, shouldn't you be working?

As far as I'm aware, loitering around the market isn't part of your job description.

Haha, loitering? I simply go where I'm needed.

I read the citylord's decrees for the merchants who cannot read, or replace the crumbling legs of old display stands.

While I'm sure that's helpful, that's not what you're actually supposed to be doing...

But doing so allows me to see and hear all sorts of things that might otherwise be missed. Like a certain store around here, which sells exceptionally fresh food...

With a neighbor who was kind enough to provide me with some particularly juicy information.

Juicy information?

This merchant with the fresh food has a son.

Recently, this son has developed a tendency to disappear for extended periods of time, along with a number of other soldiers.

And each time they reappear, the store suddenly has a variety of new products. What do you think? Something's fishy, huh?

Surely not...?

Who knows? That's what I'm trying to find out.

Anyway, I've wasted enough of your time. I'll leave you alone.

Wait! I'll go with you.

Sorry? This is a military matter, not administrative...

I must know. Please lead the way.

I feel like there's more to this than meets the eye...

Look, Varen. There are bullet holes and fragments of broken armor.

As expected of a woman who studied in Perland, she's almost a Perland Raider herself.

It looks like they fought with a wild animal and tried to cover it up but were sloppy in their urgency.

You said there were about six missing soldiers, right? But the number of footprints...

Suggest more than an entire unit. Strange, I'm certain no patrol routes come down through this area.

Something suspicious is going on here.

I agree. Let's hurry, before their tracks disappear.

Grrrrrrrk...

Don't be afraid! As long as you follow your training, there's no enemy you cannot defeat!

B-But I'm on my final bullet...

Dammit, what are Unknown doing here?

Musketeers, stand by for my signal. Infantry, ready your spears!

Krrrrrrr...

Musketeers, fire at will!

Krraaaaargh!

Infantry, charge! Show these beasts the rage of blood and iron!

Do you think those are the soldiers who left the tracks? They're fighting Unknown!

Seems they've been stuck in a stalemate for a while, but it should be over soon.

Don't even think of intervening, Administrator.

So we should leave them to die?

I'm simply being realistic. The only thing the two of us can contribute is two more corpses.

All we can do for them is stand back and retrieve their bodies later.

That may be so, but even I'm not cold enough to stand by and watch as citizens of Aakhen die.

If you want to keep on going, go on alone. I'm going to go help them...

No matter how small the odds.

Ha, she really is her father's daughter.

I hate to put myself in danger, but since I'm the reason she's here in the first place...

The least I can do is help. For honor's sake.

You managed to snatch victory straight out of the jaws of defeat! I thought the rumors about you were just an exaggeration...

Though I suppose you did have my help.

We managed to eliminate all the Unknown, but our casualties are worse than I expected...

Without you leading us, we'd all be dead right now. Thank you so much, Administrator!

I was only doing what had to be done.

But, Administrator, what brings you here to begin with?

That's what I'd like to ask you. From what I hear, this isn't even within a patrol zone.

What is an entire military unit doing here? It seems as if you're chasing after something?

Oh, she worked that part out as well?

I understand you must have questions. Here, this should help.

A directive...signed by my father. But a directive for what?

I'm afraid I cannot give you more details. It is a top secret assignment direct from the citylord himself.

...

Allow me to provide you an escort. There may still be Unknown in the area.

I'm more than capable of taking care of myself, thank you. Not to mention I don't think you can afford to spare anyone else.

That may be so, but I cannot risk the citylord's one and only daughter falling into danger.

What do you mean by that? I'm not here as daughter of the citylord but as this city's administrator!

Hahaha, we'll be pleased to accept your kind offer. I was so worried about making it back, but now my heart is at ease.

Varen, what are you...

Just follow my lead, Administrator.

...

We'll be leaving first then. Get back safe.

Ah, yes, let's go. Oh, oh my! Look over there! An Unknown!

I hope he's just a rookie and not all our soldiers are so easily fooled.

Okay, I'm ready. We should hurry back after them.

Do you usually do things like this? You might have to face disciplinary action later.

*chuckling* In that case, will you be kind enough to come to my defense, Administrator? I'm doing this all for your sake!

Hmph, fine. Anyway, let's go.

This secret assignment of theirs seems like it might have a connection to the disappearing soldiers.

What do you call this!? This isn't even half as much food as we were promised!

*sighing* Do you have any idea how difficult it is to steal this much? Perland's security procedures aren't as lax as Aakhen's.

But...we've brought you twice as many weapons as last time, for less than half as much food...

And so what? You're not going to go through with the deal? Fine by me, do what you want. There are plenty of other people willing to buy this instead.

But you know what this means, right? Cancel on me once, and you'll never see me again.

He's got nothing to lose, that's why he's being so unreasonable...

But there's no helping it, if we turn this down...

Okay, fine. We'll do the deal. Just make sure you actually bring as much as you promised next time.

Haha, don't you worry, I'll try my best. Now, for your side of the deal...

Put that hand down!

What!? Did you let yourselves get tailed?

Th-That's impossible! We came through a side road no one else has even heard of!

In defiance of the laws of Aakhen, you have engaged in smuggilng and illegal trade with not just another city, but the city of Perland!

With the authority granted to me by the citylord of Aakhen, I shall pass a summary judgment.

Flag Unit, arrest the smugglers. Musketeers...

...execute the Perland trespassers. They shame the honor of us all, dressed up as Aakhen soldiers like that.

Ugh, dirty Aakhen bastards. I need to get out of here!

*sighing* Everything's gone completely wrong. We're so screwed...

*panting* I hate this damn city. How can they just shoot at us like that!?

Ahh! Who are you!?

Hmm, those clothes they're trying to hide under their armor look familiar.

Perland soldiers here in Aakhen? It seems our suspicions were correct.

We should try to catch them and make sure. It's still not too late.

More Aakhen soldiers...? You think the two of you can stop us? Stop wasting our time and get out of the way!

P-Please, spare us! We were only doing what we had to do to survive!

Striving to survive in times of hardship is an admirable virtue expected of all citizens of Aakhen.

But not like this. You have perverted these virtues to commit an unforgivable crime.

A crime for which the citylord has decreed you must be sentenced to summary execution.

Stop there!

Administrator... Did you not return to the city? More importantly, why are you obstructing the enforcement of the law!?

I'm not the person whose actions should be under question right now! Execution? Have you lost your mind?!

"Capture and execute any who engage in smuggling goods illegally obtained from other cities." These were our orders from the citylord.

Would my father really give such an order...?

Regardless, I cannot allow this to happen. I will take these people back with me to Aakhen and decide their punishments through the appropriate procedures of due process.

In that case...

...you leave me no choice but to subdue you!

Urk... This spear weighs a ton. As expected of a general...

Calm down, will you? Do you really think it's a good idea to attack the administrator of Aakhen?

A mere guard dares to stand in my way?

Ha... Everyone's always looking down on us guards...

Administrator! What would you like me to do?

Please subdue the soldiers. And do so without hurting anyone.

Can you really ask such impossible things with a straight face? Pfft... Alright, fine, I'll give it a try.

Don't think that you're going to get away with this just because the citylord is your father!

You still appear to be mistaken. This here is a formal decision passed down from the administrator herself.

As for my father, I will speak with him directly. If he doesn't want any more of our citizens to engage in these kinds of illegal activities...

We will need to open formal trade with the city of Perland.

Trade with Perland? Don't make me laugh! Have you forgotten what those people have done to us?

I know it won't be easy, but if we want to keep Aakhen safe, we cannot continue to cling so tightly to the past.

I'm sure you realize that yourself, don't you? You simply don't have the courage to speak up and act on it.

...

Trade with Perland... *chuckling* Such grand ideas at such a young age.

Krrrrrrk...

Is that...?

Kraaaaaaargh!

As much as I'd love to stay here and chat some more, I think we'd better get out of here.

There are so many of them... Are we being surrounded?

It would appear so. And they look very, very angry.

There are too many of them, and we're all exhausted from fighting... There's got to be another way...

We have two choices. One, myself and my soldiers create a path through which you can escape.

Or two, we all stay here and die.

It's impossible for us to save everyone, so we'll do what we can to create that path for you.

No, I refuse. I will not allow it.

Administrator, I know it's cruel, but there's no other way.

But...!

What you said earlier...it was all true. Aakhen cannot continue like this.

Yet I have neither the courage nor the strength to do anything about it.

The least I can do is to make sure you live so that you can do it for me.

...

We won't be able to maintain a route for long, so you'll need to be ready to go as soon as it appears.

...Understood.

Good. Well then...

Comrades, our time together was short, but it was an honor to serve with you.

Forge a path for Administrator Cerise to escape!

There are no more Unknown following us. We should rest a while.

...

I know every unit is different, but...among the guards, we're like family. A lot even share meals at each other's houses.

But fate...is not always kind. I once witnessed a guard die right in front of me.

For a while afterward, I fell into a spiral of self-destruction, but I soon realized how meaningless that was.

Those people, those friends, who died for my sake, left me with things I needed to do.

You might not be used to it yet, but as you continue to grow through the sacrifices of others...

That's enough. Thank you, Varen.

O-Okay, if you say so.

He's right, I have things I need to do. I can't just stay here feeling sorry for myself, I'm going to... I'm going to do what I can. One step at a time.

But there's something I've been wondering. Do you know when Unknown started appearing around Aakhen?

I think...around the time that shiny piece of ore on a stick showed up.

The Black Knight set that up after he defeated my father's army...

Anyway, what are you planning to do with those smugglers? Should I hand them over to the guards for you?

No, I'll take care of that. I have something else for you to do.

...Excuse me?

I need to you investigate that ore the Black Knight placed in our city.

I suppose I'm not allowed to say no, am I?

If you don't want to, I'll do it. Instead, you'll have to be the one to go talk to my father.

And convince him we need to resume trading with Perland if Aakhen is going to survive.

Alright, fine. It's a pain in the ass...

...but it should be better than dealing with the citylord.

I wasted no time hunting down records detailing Aakhen's economic situation.

Finally I finished my research on why and how we should trade with Perland, and the predicted results.

Now all that's left is to convince my father.

A-Administrator Cerise! Something terrible has happened! Varen...

Calm down. Take some deep breaths. What's happened with Varen?

And the final item on the agenda?

The final item concerns repairs to the city walls of the area bordering Perland.

Do we not already have laws for addressing these kinds of issues?

Normally, yes. But the current situation is complicated.

That particular area has been suffering an increasing number of incidents for some time now, and the workers have started demanding higher wages.

So they're asking for hazard pay? Can we afford that, Treasurer?

With our current finances, we will struggle to even maintain the status quo.

How about increasing taxes?

That would be...inadvisable. The people are likely to react violently to any further increases.

Trade with nearby cities would help revitalize the economy almost immedia...

Oh? And which cities might those be?

The Muhr of Meldrec, who know how to do nothing but stare into their pretty little flames? Or perhaps those sorcerers of Witchaven, always planning who knows what?

Obviously you can't be talking about those vultures in Perland, with eyes for only our land and resources.

...

Aakhen needs to survive on its own, not grovel at the feet of outsiders.

Come back to me once you have a serious suggestion.

If there is nothing more to discuss, we will wrap up here. I trust you all to continue working tirelessly for Aakhen's future.

I'm not blind. I'm painfully aware of the difficult situation Aakhen is in both internally and externally.

But now more than ever it is vital everyone remain resolute and avoid being consumed and swayed by anxiety.

As the central cog in the Aakhen machine, if I falter for even a moment, the entire city will collapse into itself.

...

I will not allow that to happen. As long as my faith in the decision I made that day does not waver...

General Furious, preparations are complete.

Good. Sound the war horn.

No longer will Gnolls terrorize Aakhen!

Lieutenant, report.

We have control over all four of the bases in this area.

As long as we maintain a constant guard presence, the Gnolls should not be able to regain residence.

All that leaves is their main base. How long until we're prepared for the assault?

With all due respect, sir, I'm not sure we can proceed any further.

What are you talking about?

Morale is high from consecutive victories, but our food supply is at its absolute limit.

And the request we sent for additional supplies?

Still no reply, sir.

...Fine. We'll return to the city as soon as the remaining Gnolls have been removed.

Yes, sir.

Our military logistics are usually the pride of Aakhen, what could be happening?

You know our deal with Perland? Apparently we're sending the weapons first.

You only just heard? Our great and wise citylord made that decision himself.

"For the sake of the peace and prosperity of both cities."

Hmph, if you ask me, it looks like we're just lying down and letting Perland's citylord walk all over us.

Have you seen the trade statement they posted in the square, calling this a fair deal to benefit both cities equally?

That's why I came to see you. These weapons made from our blood, sweat, and tears are being traded for a few meager crumbs.

Does that make any sense? No wonder we're all starving!

Maybe the amount they've announced isn't all of the food, but only what they let trickle down to the rest of us after they're finished stuffing their bellies up in the fortress. *chuckling*

Negotiating with other cities on unfavorable terms... Is that really the only way to maintain peace?

Anger is already simmering among the people, even the slightest provocation could cause it to boil over.

And once it reaches that point, it's too late to contain it.

What is the citylord thinking?

At this rate, this great city built upon iron and the blood of so many will not last much longer.

But what can a general like me do other than stand by and watch...?

From what I'm hearing...you're urging me to help incite rebellion?

Oh, no, no, this isn't any kind of rebellion or coup. It's just a way to save not just the people but the city of Aakhen itself.

You must have heard the news too, our weapons have arrived perfectly safely in Perland...

...But the convoy with our food was destroyed. Worse yet, it happened right in the middle of Dead Man's Pass.

And the food itself was conveniently unable to be found among the wreckage.

Exactly. Now, if you know that much despite being stuck out defending the borders, how much do you think the citizens know?

There are already rumors that the bandits who ambushed the convoy were Perland soldiers in disguise.

Signs of mass protests and revolution bubbling below the surface are obvious to anyone willing to look. There's no future for Aakhen if we just leave it like this.

Yet the citylord responds only by holing himself up in his Ironblood Fortress and ordering soldiers to suppress any unrest.

...

I know nobody frets more about Aakhen's future than you, so that's why...

I'll need some time to think this over.

Okay, sir. I trust you to make a wise decision.

The winds of revolution have finally engulfed Aakhen. Our worst nightmare is becoming a reality.

I am a soldier. By principle, I am required to follow orders.

But the directive the citylord sent me earlier today...

To take my soldiers and suppress the protests and riots...

Is this what's best for the people and for the city of Aakhen?

With the citylord gone, this turmoil will almost certainly come to an end.

But achieving that would mean betraying the very principles I've dedicated my life to.

...

Lieutenant, are you still out there?

Yes, sir.

Begin preparations for battle.

Yes, sir. Where will we be going?

...

General...?

And yet, my heart seems to have already made the decision for me.

Ironblood Fortress.

Furious, you traitor...! As if violating orders was not enough, you must stage a coup as well!?

I'm not sure you have the right to make such statements any longer.

I have one final piece of advice for you. Halt this cowardly sit-in of yours and leave the fortress. If not...

Following Aakhen's long tradition, you will be arrested and publicly executed as a threat to the city.

Quiet! Just you watch, my allies in Perland will be here to save me before long!

*chuckling* Then you'll be begging for your life!

Perland...? You've invited a foreign army onto our soil!?

You are not fit to be citylord! You don't even deserve to be a citizen of Aakhen!

Comrades, hurry! We must capture the fortress immediately!

Wow, everything's falling apart. I guess the rumors that General Furious stormed the fortress were true.

So the citylord is really going to be publicly executed?

Of course! What other choice do they have? Look how many people have come to see the end of that scumbag.

Oh, look! The citylord is tied to that giant pillar!

Do you see that? All those people looking up at us...

Untie these....ropes...right now! Then I may consider forgiving you!

Ack...! How dare you kick your own citylord in the stomach!

There was once a time when I thought leading the Aakhen Army to protect our borders and people was my calling.

I believed that as long as everyone played their part as given to them, a machine as giant as Aakhen would run smoothly and safely.

But I was a fool. If the most important cog of that machine, the citylord, is rusted and broken, it can never function properly.

I realized that far too late.

What crap is this now? Just you wait, when Perland arrives, you'll...

Are you still going on about that? Those Perland dogs have already arrived in Aakhen.

But all they did was illegally occupy Dead Man's Pass, and they remain there waiting.

W-What!?

Pfft, they had no intention of saving your sorry self from the start.

Th-That can't be right.

You wasted your breath on empty threats. Do you have any last words for the citizens of Aakhen?

S-Save me! I'll give you anything, just save me!

I'll take that as a no. I hope your pathetic life is enough to calm the anger of the people.

Uck...!

This is the start of a new era for Aakhen. The winds of change shall sweep through the streets.

That wind cannot and will not be stopped.

I...will do what must be done.

Lieutenant, are preparations complete?

Of course, sir. We are ready to march at your command.

Good. We'll show them what happens to those who dare intrude on Aakhen soil.

Wow, who'd have thought taking Dead Man's Pass would be so easy? Those Aakhen idiots must be too busy with their silly civil war.

I know we're disguised as Aakhen soldiers, but still, is it really a good idea to reduce the number of lookouts and perimeter guards?

Didn't you report that there was nothing dangerous around here?

Yeah, but...

It hasn't even been a week since Aakhen's little civil war ended, and it's a long way from their fortress to here.

Their army might have incredible firepower, but that also makes it extremely slow.

Even if they were to leave immediately, it would still be a while before they arrived here.

That's why the priority for now is to give our own soldiers a chance to relax after a hard few days marching. Rest is a key part of military strategy as well.

If you say so. I'll spread the good news.

General, our scouts have come back with urgent information! The bulk of Aakhen's army has completely surrounded our camp.

They've what!? How!? They shouldn't have been here for days yet!

We have finished encircling the enemy, as commanded.

Condition of the soldiers?

A little tired from the march, but all-around fatigue is minimal.

Good to hear. Fire up the flare at my signal. We'll wipe this rabble out in one fell swoop.

Do you really...intend to attack?

...Do you have a problem with that?

It's just... A fight here could very quickly escalate to all-out war with Perland.

Wouldn't it be better just to drive them out of our territory with threats and warnings and send an envoy to demand they take responsibility later?

Of course, it's better to avoid war if possible.

But we have allowed Perland to hold us under their sway for far too long.

As you say, this could spark the fuse that leads to all-out war between our two cities.

...

But if Aakhen wants to move forward...

We must break the chains of weakness that have shackled us. Even if it requires further pain and sacrifice.

With this arrow, I will bring judgment down upon those fools who thought themselves better than us.

How... How did you know we were here?

You may be able to hide behind Aakhen armor, but your disgusting stench of cowardice will always give you away.

Is this attack the will of the citylord? Or have you taken it upon yourself to start a war?

The citylord was executed before the people for the ruin he brought them. Attacking you is not the will of myself alone...

It is the will of the people of Aakhen.

*chuckling* So this is a coup d'etat... I'd never have expected something like this from man as principled as you.

Regardless of your reasons, you will pay heavily for this. Once I get back, I'll tell ever...

Nobody here today will be making it home to tell anyone anything.

Quiet! We are the best the glorious Perland has to offer! Do you think we will be beaten by a bunch of cavemen digging around in the dirt!?

You're all that's left.

Please, mercy... Spare my life...

Fine, I'll let you go back to Perland with a message from me. Tell them Furious of Aakhen...

...will extract fair compensation from our deal, whatever it takes.

Y-Yes, th-thank you!

...

Extract fair compensation... You can't mean...?

Contact military headquarters and have all forces concentrated on the border shared with Perland.

G-General, that's...

I will not allow insubordination! From this moment forth, we are on a war footing.

It's about time we show them the true fury of blood and iron.

Long live General Furious!

What's going on? Where'd that mountain of food come from?

Furious made Perland give it to us! It's way more than even the original deal!

Are you serious!? Wow, that's incredible.

They're going to distribute it to citizens soon. It's all anyone is talking about.

Everyone agrees General Furious should be the next citylord.

Of course, how can he not after all he's done for Aakhen?

Come on, let's welcome the return of our new citylord!

Huh? Oh, yeah! Let's do it!

Long live Citylord Furious!

Long live Citylord Furious!

A lot of time has passed since then, with no shortage of incidents.

But my conviction remains resolute.

Aahken's revival and continued prosperity, as well as the fulfillment of the values of blood and iron it has held since its founding.

That is my calling, my reason for becoming citylord.

As always, I will protect everything with the proper rules and regulations.

Even if it means sacrifices have to be made in the process. Even if...I have to be one of them.

Citylord! I have urgent news!

Enter.

An unidentified man in black armor has crossed the border and is now heading for the city.

Can our guards not keep him out?

All who have tried so far...were completely wiped out.

Wiped out...?

We also have intelligence that he is being followed by a number of strange, unknown monsters.

I see. Fine, I'll go out and face him myself. Hurry and prepare our army for battle.

Yes, sir!

A man in black armor...