A Poem's Looks

Ngh...

Candle-flame... and shadows.

What a surprise... You seem to have a good inductive reasoning of Arts phenomena.

When a room is illuminated by only a single candle, the candlelight will naturally draw our attention more so than anything else. Yet it is the shadows of everything around that truly engulf us.

Impressive techniques, Viviana... Not even my light... can shine upon you.

Please allow me to apologize.

What...?

Out of courtesy, I should call you by your name too, Miss Margaret.

Is... Is this really the a knight competition?!

It looks like neither of the knights are in a rush to slaughter her opponent for a win. On the contrary, you could say this scene is like an elegant aristocratic social gathering!

B-But even so—Did you see those Arts?! The Candle Knight's lightning-quick swordhand! Did it just engulf all that light?!

Is the Radiant Knight's endless radiance starting to wear thin?!

Just a small candle-flame—That's right, it's just a tiny candlelight, but check out its surroundings! The flame is engulfed by the darkness around, and it's that unlit darkness, not the candle's light, that's drawing our attention!

Rather than that tiny glow, you could say the Candle Knight is controlling the shadows underneath that light!

Gotta hand it to them! This isn't something you often see in our matches, not even the finals!

Their Arts are calm and elegant, but there's no mistake that these Arts are of the highest caliber!

That's the Radiant Knight, Margaret Nearl, and the Candle Knight, Viviana Droste, we know and love!

Maria? Maria!

Where is she...? She's not at the bar, and she's not home...

......

No...

Nnf... nnf...!

Why am I...?

......

You...? You're that...

The Armorless Union.

......!

Oh, calm down.

As long as you promise you won't make a fuss, we won't do anything to you.

After all, if the Nearl family's precious little baby got hurt... the Radiant Knight and Młynar wouldn't just sit around and not do anything.

You want to... make Margaret forfeit?

Something like that.

Do you know what happened to Brassrust? The Infected are the talk of the town right now.

Could you imagine what would happen if, under these circumstances, the Radiant Knight ends up taking the crown?

Your sister just has to be a good girl and let the Candle Knight win. That will save us all the headache. Pretty simple, don't you agree?

......

Margaret isn't going to forfeit.

......

Did you know, Maria Nearl?

Kazimierz... is like a tower. If you stand at its base and look up at the top of the spiraling staircase, you will never, ever see its end.

V! Kowal! Marcin!

Maria might've been—

What happened to Maria?!

Why don't you try your hand at writing a few poems? With how popular you are, I can get in touch with a few publishers. Your fame and talent will...

Me...? I'm afraid... I can't.

You're being humble again.

No, this isn't humility, McKee.

I...

...Margaret.

When you set a tall, magnificent spire ablaze, how far away can the masses see the smoke?

Flames cannot burn away the contradictions in their hearts.

......

The masses can see the black smoke from far, far away, but it may once have been their homes, the lands on which they survived.

In that case... I truly don't understand.

How does a knight like you return to Kazimierz, if not for a change of heart? What is your objective?

It's just as you said, Viviana.

The times are changing, but that does not mean what we once considered virtuous and righteous must change.

I came back because I must remind the knights of Kazimierz... as well as all those who are here in this country—

—I'm here to remind them of their long forgotten glory.

Remind? How will you... remind Kazimierz of anything, given its current state?

You want an answer from me... but I'm afraid I don't necessarily have that right. This isn't something that can be done through simple conversation.

My... You can read minds with your Arts?

I'm only grasping more and more of your honesty by the minute.

Also, you asked me what I saw in my years of exile.

I've witnessed... the greatest tragedy this world has seen.

I've seen the Infected's struggles at death's door, I've seen great cities crumble and fall as Catastrophes rained down upon them.

Is that the suffering you've seen...? In this world that you pity...?

I have excellent companions.

No... excellent doesn't adequately describe them anymore. They... possess a brilliant shine, a testament to their ideals.

It's true. I was once lost, Viviana.

Anyone would be lost if they had taken the crown and been exiled at your age.

But things are different now. At the end of my long journey, I found friends whom I can trust. I realized where my beliefs lie.

I'm alone no longer.

Report. Platinum, ma'am... We've already informed the Knights Association.

However, the match is still ongoing.

I sure wish the Knights Association would get on with this already. Otherwise, her sister's going to have to suffer.

I told you. Margaret isn't going to forfeit.

No biggie. I'm sure she won't be in any mood for her next match when she sees your fingers laid out side by side at your family's front door.

......

Look at your eyes... So defiant. You're a weird one. No, both you and your sister are weird.

You may come from a famous line of heroes, but do you know how many lackeys the General Chamber has here in the Grand Knight Territory?

So you have the Radiant Knight and Młynar. The two of them together might put up a little fight, but what can they really do? Can they really take on the thousands of assassins here in the GKT and escape legal liability?

I don't remember you being such a talkative gal... Are you nervous?

Maybe.

I mean, before, all I had to do was draw my bowstring, aim, and let go. Then, my target would die after a quick flash of pain.

These orders I've been getting, though? Not only do I have to go after kids now, I also have to arm wrestle with the Radiant Knight. *Sigh*... Work sucks.

The Armorless Union's really gone to hell lately, hasn't it?

Report!

Did the Radiant Knight give up?

No, it's just... E7 and E9 didn't answer during the regular check-in just now...

Why are you standing there, then? Get ready to fight.

All units, deploy immediately. Secure vantage points A1 and A2. Do not give the target a chance to escape.

Numbers three and four, cover me. We'll deal with the infiltrators.

(An explosion? They aren't the least bit worried about the hostage, are they—?)

(—No, that's not right. They're not here to rescue Maria.)

Hostiles in the smoke! Watch for attacks—

Nngh–...

(Loud clicking noises)

What's this...? A delivery cart?

—!

Well, hello, Armorless lackeys.

Grr... Infected knights, huh...?

Whoa, huge backflip. Look at that distance. You're a nimble one—Hm?

Maria Nearl? What are you doing here?

It's... it's you...

Hey, can you move?

Y-Yes!

I don't know what's going on, but I ain't about to complain if this means the Radiant Knight's gonna owe me a favor.

Let's get this out of the way first. It's a serious crime to assault the Armorless Union. Haha, not in the legal sense, but whatever.

You can run away if you want, or—

—If I don't stop them here, they will keep going after my sister.

......

Whew, not a bit of hesitation. I'm starting to like you.

Too bad, though. I'm not gonna have it on my conscience to drag anybody into our fight against the Armorless. Besides, I get the feeling Sona's pretty fond of you. You'll have to do this another time!

Toland!

W-What?

Huh? Who are you?!

Come with me, will you, Young Lady Nearl? Oh, and by the by? You and your uncle are nothing alike.

Report to the Adeptus Sprawiedliwi... It's confirmed. The Armorless Union and the Infected knights' skirmish has begun. Maria Nearl's been taken away too.

It will do as long as the Radiant Knight's match goes uninterrupted. Over.

How long has it been since the match started? No one in the arena today has ever seen two knights duel like this!

Even Arts laymen can tell right away theirs are on another level!

This is a battle of lights! There's no doubt this has become the theme of this match! A weak candlelight versus a full-blown radiance!

Up till 9 o'clock, we've had two million viewers watching this match via the intercity net and other means!

For the first time since the 22nd Major, when the Radiant Knight took her title, we've broken the highest concurrent viewer record! There are countless viewers watching Margaret's heroics right this moment!

Ah, what a shame! I wish we lived in one of those sci-fi novels where fans from all the other countries could watch this match live—Ahhh!

The giant rays of light clash again—How blindingly bright! But amidst the rolling waves of light—That's right! The Candle Knight remains unscathed!

Phew...

Brilliant... Viviana.

With light and shadows... you weaved an untreadable swath of land.

I am honored that my little candle-flame could hold the Radiant Knight down for so long.

But you don't seem to be giving it your all. Are you perhaps worried about your family?

......

What are you doing is contradictory, Margaret.

You take pride in having such wonderful companions, but the course that you have charted for yourself... will cause you to leave your friends behind.

Perhaps one day, your sister will meet her fate in one of the Armorless Union's conspiracies, and the General Chamber will stand in your way, wherever you will be.

Viviana.

When the knight charged toward the endless waves, did you imagine that he was trying to overcome the entire world?

Ahh, so you are familiar with that knight legend.

My sister's a big fan of the book.

Centaurea's been ambushed by the Infected. It was Wild Mane.

If she can't take care of the likes of Wild Mane, then she should hand in her resignation already.

That said... What should we do? The K.G.C.C. made it clear they want the Infected dealt with... and as soon as possible.

Hmm... They are quite a pain in the rear... but we need them to keep stirring up a ruckus for us...

You're our star performer. It's your call.

Oh? Was that a compliment? You know, I've always thought that I look kinda like some star out there, ever since I dyed my hair blue.

Okay, okay, stop glaring at me like that. It's very simple. Kill a few of them, and as cruelly as possible, too. Spread the fear.

The ones left behind will come to hate Kazimierz and the K.G.C.C. even more, and things will only get more intense.

So?

Eh, so, let's dump all the troublesome mess on our little Platinum.

Let's kill some Infected. The ones who aren't knights or in the limelight. Just the perfect amount of cruelty, like we're hunting them down.

...Huff...

I see, so the moment your candle goes out is when you actually start casting.

Even a brief moment of darkness is enough to swallow my Arts whole. In that case, perhaps you can engulf the entire arena's light with each flicker of your candle's flame?

Impressive observation. There has never been a knight who saw through my Arts during a duel. Is this the result of your years-long exile?

Too bad, then. It seems I have yet to truly make contact with you.

I used to hate Arts more so than anything. The more outstanding my Arts are, the more I am reminded of my upbringing—

And the more I come to realize... the situation I am in.

Tell me, Margaret Nearl, the Radiant Knight. Each and every knight who keeps the faith feels particularly curious about you.

Tell me your answer. Your answer of what it means to be a knight.

—Both the Radiant Knight and the Candle Knight have stopped. They're cautiously sizing each other up, taking a stroll around the arena—

What's the matter? Is this a tea party to the two of them? Are the two knights going to share a dance together after all that careful probing?

Hoh, did you hear that? He said we could dance.

Please, then.

The Nearl girl went this way, didn't she? Quick, find her!

—There's no one here!

How can that be?! This place's listed in her file! It's Tremoriron Knight's bar!

Check if there's an attic or an exit out back—

Misters, I'm afraid we're not open right now.

Don't you dare!

Erk...

Don't you kill them, V. Not unless you want shit to really hit the fan.

Hah, how about you have a guess at how many artillery casters I captured during the war all those years ago to earn my military honors?

Son of a...! How dare you?! We're—

The Armorless Union? How about before that? Were you a robber? A bounty hunter? A veteran, or perhaps a down and out knight?

Let me tell you. We aren't scared of you.

You dare cross the Union even once, the Union will hunt you to the ends of the world.

It might happen today... maybe tomorrow. It might happen when you're eating, when you're asleep, or when you're spreading marmalade on your toast... You'll have nowhere to run!

Thanks for the advice. *Spit*.

To be honest, though, the Armorless ain't nearly as scary as the vanguards.

Hah! I haven't felt as good as this in years!

Looks like their buddies are on to this... Sorry, Marcin, but that might be it for your shop.

Oh, that's too bad. I paid two years' worth of rent upfront.

You! What have you done?!

You dare resist—Form up, ready your crossbows—Uh?

W-What?

Take this!

Ugh?!

It's been a while since I used any Arts... Guess I've gotten rusty.

Hmph, since when did the Armorless have this many men?! The K.G.C.C.'s got too much money to throw around, huh?

Hah, that's why we wiped the floor with all of them!

Watch out! The bald guy's Tremoriron Marcin, and the other two are campaign knights!

Keep two squads here. Keep them alive. They will be our trump card against Nearl. The rest of you, find Maria—

Hey, this isn't looking good, V!

You want to try begging for mercy, then?

Ready, fire—

What? Who is it this time?!

You...

What have you done to Maria?!

*Pant*... *pant*...

Viviana... You are truly impressive...

Look, my light... have been swallowed whole... *Pant*.

I'm honored to have exhausted the Radiant Knight.

But it seems you rely on more than just your dazzling Arts.

You've broken my blade. It seems I have lost.

I, The Candle Knight, Viviana Droste, admit defeat.

The Candle Knight has conceded! I didn't hear that wrong, did I—? The Candle Knight has just accepted defeat! The committee has confirmed her request. So there you have it—

After this excruciating, protracted duel, the winner is our young legend, the Radiant Knight!

The Radiant Knight, suddenly returned from exile, has defeated her first Grand Knight opponent after an extraordinary match of the highest level!

The Candle Knight may have suffered defeat, but there is no doubt she is basking in glory! The two knights are shaking hands and trading salutes! Take a good look! This scene is going to be all over the headlines the next couple weeks!

What?! The Candle Knight lost?! That's a couple months' paychecks down the drain!

Serves you right for not listening to me... Not that I earned much myself, but well... *Sigh*... This match's probably giving me some kind of eye disease down the line.

Hnnf...

To be a knight is to be the noble light that illuminates the land...

Hmm...

Viviana.

I won't comment on your background—and that matter that weighs on your mind. However, you are among the strongest knights I have ever met.

That is more than enough.

In the classic knight tales... the knights always opened their hearts to each other by crossing swords.

Reality has proven to be less romantic. Though I've only just met you today, Margaret.

Show me how far you will go.

I'm looking forward to seeing.

Tch—

(—I managed to block that strike, but I still almost lost my grip on my weapon—She's tough—)

My next shot will pierce through your legs. You won't be able to run anymore.

The next shot after that will pierce through your armor.

The final shot will blow right through your chest. You'll struggle in agony for a moment, before dying in the dirty, wet street.

Hah... No wonder Sona told me to run as soon as I ran into an Armorless elite.

You've really hit it big for someone your age. Bet the people higher up the ladder there are some serious monsters, eh?

You'd better pray you never find out—Hm?

Wild Mane! We'll cover you! Get out of here!

(Hurried beeping noises)

Alright, Justice, if that's what you say. Today's not the day for us to settle the score with the Armorless anyway.

See you next time, Platinum!

*cough*, *cough* *cough*...

She's gone.

What's her deal with explosives...?! *Cough*, there's ash everywhere... and I just washed my hair.

*Sigh*... How am I supposed to explain this...?

No need to explain anything.

We saw all that.

......

A fair number of the Infected just now are part of the Pinus Sylvestris.

They banded the Infected together fairly quickly. Since when has the Grand Knight Territory had this many Infected?

If we have to play the blame game, I guess that's on both the sloppy engineering contractors and the Catastrophes.

That's why we need Area 0 to do its job... Oh.

Little pegasus? I have a favor to ask you.

Ask away... I just screwed up in front of my bosses. I'm not about to object.

Will you investigate this company for us? They have dealings with the Radiant Knight, and they are in Area 0 right now.

We'll take over this whole thing about the Infected... And this company has to do with the Radiant Knight anyway. I'd say it falls under your purview.

Rhodes Island.

I just need to investigate?

They were even gung-ho enough to get in touch with the General Chamber. Man, it looks like this foreign company is extra greedy.

If they prove beneficial to us, then they can do whatever they want. I'll even be okay if they end up solving the Radiant Knight problem with money.

But this whole affair is up to the Board of Directors. Somebody there will come looking for you soon. No need to worry about what we think.

What will you two do, then?

Since when have you had the right to question the Lazurites' business?

I... I wouldn't dare.

Now do your job.

It's the Candle Knight! Please sign this for me!

Candle Knight! Look this way, please! Ah—!

......

You look like you're in a good mood.

Did you know, McKee?

I heard that the Radiant Knight's legend as the youngest ever champion ended with her exile.

She was infected and then exiled, but it wasn't until I met her six years later that I realized this: They are all tall tales.

Just now...

...she was as radiant as the sun at high noon.

Phew... That was a pleasant meeting, Doctor.

I'm sure you've gained the favor of the top brass. Those were all key members of the General Chamber of Commerce.

But my guess is... You are seeking more than just a mutual relationship on paper, right?

I'm curious... are there many researchers familiar with the battlefields of commerce in other countries?

Haha...

Your hotel isn't much further.

Oh, this is pretty close to where I got my first job. Back then, I was just your average trader—

Urghh—

—! Step back, Doctor!

......

Mr. Spokesman, this is...?

Who was that just now?

An illegal Infected. If you would like, we can send you the documents later.

I apologize. Even though you are a spokesman, I can't divulge more when there is an outsider in your presence.

Please take your friend and evacuate immediately. There's been a confrontation in the neighborhood.

My apologies. I hope that didn't dampen your spirits.

I didn't expect we would run into trouble like that after the banquet...

......

I...

I'm afraid I don't have that power...

......