River of Life

Can't say either way. After all these years.

After all these years, you still haven't gotten used to it.

You'll have to forgive me. That sound doesn't carry good memories.

Clément... do you still remember Eileen?

Eileen...

How could I forget? If the two of you hadn't saved me back then, the bandits would've thrown me down the canyon long ago.

Haha, she was the one who insisted on saving you. I didn't want to stick my neck out.

You're not supposed to say that to my face.

Hahaha! Sorry, sorry.

...

We set up camp last night. Didn't get the greatest haul, and it wasn't easy to handle either.

Raimund bled his game while I lit the fire. I was watching that tiny flame gradually sputtered to life, and I don't know what came over me, but I suddenly started thinking of Eileen.

Gerald...

To be honest, I hadn't thought of her for the longest time. It was only when she came to mind that I realized...

I can't even remember her face.

She was always a bit of an outcast among us. She once told me that seeing the flowers all over the monastery and hearing the sound of the bell would set her heart at ease.

There aren't many flowers to look at these days.

Sadly true.

Eileen loved the sound of the bell here. Up until the day she left us, when she insisted on waiting until the bell rang to close her eyes.

So that's why you don't like it.

Maybe I'm just afraid... Afraid it'll be a harbinger of bad news.

If only we had enough medicine back then, her injuries might not have taken a turn for the worse, and it might not have come to that...

There are no ifs.

I hope she finds salvation.

Yes, we all do.

...

Gerald, is it true that you've decided to leave?

Yes.

I didn't think it'd be this sudden...

I should've told you earlier, but never had a chance.

It's probably going to be hard on Raimund and Fortuna for a while. Those kids have always gotten along. They're not going to take it easy.

Raimund's too young. He was so little when he first came here, he doesn't remember a whole lot. He doesn't yet understand what it means to be Sarkaz.

But he will understand. He will come to terms with it.

Perhaps that is the Sarkaz's fate.

Fate isn't a pleasant word.

Hah, you have a point, but I can't find a better one.

Alright, I should go visit Eileen.

We'll be walking different paths from here on out, so I guess this is where we part ways.

Wait... Gerald!

I, I'll go with you! It's only a slight detour, and won't get in the way of anything!

Oh right, look! The blooming season just started, so we can pick some flowers to give to Eileen!

I'll go with you...

No, Clément. You're confused.

I'm... what?

This isn't the path meant for you. You go up those steps over there. Keep going up, the scenery is prettier from up there.

Will you get to see that beautiful scenery?

...

Go ring the bell, Clément. Don't waste time. That is where you belong.

Take care, brother.

What are you talking about, Fina? This has nothing to do with Seniora Lemuen!

Liar! Who else could fix up a patron firearm for you? Only that Lateran.

Why would you think that?!

How can you tell if I'm lying or not? Fina, do you get how I'm feeling right now at all?

I really wish I could understand, Tuna, but I just don't get it anymore!

The halo says you're telling the truth, and that your pain is no less than mine!

But if that's true, how do you still have the heart to sit there baking pizzelle? How can you spend time around those Laterans like it's nothing?

I just don't get it, Tuna...

Fina...

It's because... I want everyone to live their best lives.

What do you mean?

We don't actually have a choice, do we? Even though Avus Stefano never said it himself, and nobody talks about it with us, I've always known, deep down in my heart.

Laterano will let us back in. I overheard them saying that our monastery is actually a very powerful building, and Laterano absolutely will want us to go back.

I also know that Patruus Gerald and the others... They, they might not be able to come with us...

But I still want to try my best! If I can get the Laterans to understand that Gerald's people are all good, then maybe–

Maybe what? They'd agree to let us all live together in Laterano?

I get it now... Is that why you're always so willing to chat with that Lemuen woman? You think you're putting in a good word for them?

Did you beg her? You think we have to get on our knees and beg for Raimund's people to not get left behind, is that it?

Fina...

You're trying to get them to change their minds. So what do you have to show for it?

I... I'm still working on them...

You're wasting your time.

Wasting it on a hope and a prayer, Tuna.

How are we different from Raimund? Or Caroline?

Raimund can do way more than I can... and Caroline is a lot smarter than me.

See, you get it.

They're splitting us up. They've accepted us as their people, but at the same time, they're looking down on the ones we truly belong with.

I can't accept it. I'd rather not go to Laterano at all.

...

But, Fina... Didn't we agree that one day, we'd leave the wastes and go to Laterano together?

That we'd go live in a world without hunger or cold, a world filled with flowers rather than empty barrens as far as the eye can see?

That's just childish dreaming, Tuna.

Do you really think so? You think it's just an empty dream?

I'm not as optimistic as you are. All I know is, ever since those Laterans showed up, the air in the monastery has gotten weirder and weirder.

It's true, our lives here have been incredibly difficult, but I've never resented that!

I love listening to Avus Stefano's sermons, and Patruus Gerald's stories about the past.

Sometimes, when we didn't have enough food, Caroline would slip us a couple extra pieces of jerky, or Amita Nina would give an extra scoop of the thickest veggie porridge to Raimund, and we'd get together and share it.

I was fine with that.

Fina...

But what about now?

Everyone always talks about how good Laterano is, but all I've ever seen of it is those people messing up our lives!

I understand you need to vent, Fina, but you can't blame Seniora Lemuen for that!

Am I venting? Okay, maybe I am.

But, have you heard what everyone has been talking about in private? Have you noticed that Patruus Gerald and the others are coming by less and less?

While you've been busy delivering food to Lemuen, while you've been busy making your stupid pizzelle... Do you have any idea what Caroline's people have been eating?

You don't know anything.

What...? Wait, Fina, what are you saying?

What's going on with Caroline? I didn't know...

Yeah. You don't know anything at all.

It's not your fault, it's mine. If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I never would've known how bad the situation actually is.

Tuna, if through our halos, you can feel even a fraction of what I'm feeling right now–

Then hand your patron firearm over.

Fina? What are you going to do?

Just hand it over.

There's no reason for us to pray to these things.

Give it to me!

Something's wrong with you, Fina... It's too dangerous. I, I can't give it to you!

Why not? Didn't you say you'd share it with me?

I did say that, b-but, this is different!

You said you didn't get me at all, but I should be the one saying that... What's gotten into you, Fina? Wake up!

I'm all too awake!

I've never been so awake! You wanna talk about prayer? About the empathy only Sankta have? I've had enough!

I don't need to be special! All I want is–

You can't...!

Fina, don't be like this––!

Aaaaaaargh––!!

...Huh?

Fina...?

Urgh... Ahh! Ahhhhh!!

All I want... is for everyone... to stay together...

Fina? What's wrong with you? You're scaring me...

FINA!

Yo. Finally caught up to you guys.

So, what's the word? Everything going well?

Serpilia, you need to notify us in advance if you're going to act on your own.

Don't be such a hardass, will ya? All I want is to finish the job as soon as possible.

First, the good news. I found Lemuen. She's inside the monastery.

And then the bad news— she doesn't want to come with us.

...

She always has her own agenda. Couldn't get through to her at all.

Hey, don't frown at me. Go drag her out yourself, if you've got what it takes.

Alright.

Huh? Alright what...? Wait, you've gotta be joking, right?

No.

...

Serpilia, let me give you a little insider tip from the Notarial Hall.

What is it?

Federico never cracks jokes. He isn't capable.

...

I will locate her myself and ascertain her thoughts.

What, do you think I'm lying to you or something?

I can't be certain that you're telling the whole truth.

Federico.

Now I understand why so many girls in the Curia have you blacklisted.

?

Well, whatever, let's set that aside for now. What's the situation over there? Did you manage to talk to the people?

Senior Richele...?

Is this one with you?

Yes. We're all colleagues.

What else do you want to know, young Sankta?

We have nothing here, nothing at all... We also have nothing to say. You shouldn't have come...

Amita Nina! How could you say that? We were the ones who reached out to Laterano... You didn't have a problem with it then, did you?

A problem? *sigh* I should've told Stefano a long time ago not to expect anything from Laterano.

Yes, yes, Julian, throw them out! We never should've let the Laterans in. We don't need their help! Get them out of here now!

Umm...

Calm down, Amita Nina!

What's gotten into you? Weren't you just saying you'd go welcome our guests?

I... I...

Seems like the two of you need to sort some things through in private. Is there anything I can do to help?

S-So sorry! Amita Nina here just got a bit worked up... Umm, I don't think we need any help, I just need to take her to get some rest. Come find me if there's anything you need to talk about later!

Uhh, yeah! Make sure she gets some rest!

Hmm...

That was kind of odd.

Looks like things aren't going too well for you over here.

What was that about?

Things seemed fine at first, but then I have no idea what happened. Hrm.

Federico, you were the one who wanted to interrogate the residents. Did you notice anything?

That woman's mood was unstable. While it's not unusual for a person to change their mind mid-conversation, it's rare for someone to forget the topic entirely and change their demeanor.

And so you mean...?

...I do have a theory.

But it's just speculation at this point. I will discuss it if the likelihood rises significantly.

Then that's that.

Besides some of the residents being kinda loopy, you must've made some other discovery?

C'mon, Reverend Executors. Let's put our heads together.

So putting it plainly... That bishop dumped all this extra work just for the sake of the Sarkaz living here?

Didn't we mention we were willing to bring them back to Laterano? He's leaving everyone out here to starve in the cold just for those Sarkaz? He detained a Lateran nuncio just for those Sarkaz?

Yes.

Seriously? First, that traitor Andoain leaves, and now we get this merciful, compassionate bishop?

Yes.

Whew. Alright. Cool.

I'm not exactly into the drama, but is he out of his mind?

No wonder Lemuen couldn't agree with him... Considering what the Sarkaz did in Londinium, those Victorian dukes are probably furious.

If word got out that His Holiness was cavorting with the Sarkaz now, his plans for the Summit of Nations would be through.

Sounds pretty serious.

Federico, if I remember correctly, the task given to Lemuen and Oren was to provide assistance and reclaim this monastery for Laterano, right?

Correct.

A good call, seeing as how this structure could serve as a fort and has a rather unique history. Definitely could come in handy.

Especially when the time comes for us to reach out to Iberia again.

At least for now, there's no need for us to stoke conflict and burn bridges here.

By the way, Federico, did you recognize that Sarkaz back there?

Yes.

Who is he?

A mercenary.

The average conversation between the two of you is about as interesting as 'What'd you eat last night?' 'Dinner.'

Federico, how much do I have to pay you for a few extra words? You name the price, and I'll send the bill to His Holiness.

I have never considered this question.

Give the guy a break. Oh, right. We know now Lemuen is well, but... what about Oren?

The guy ran off a while ago. Even Lemuen doesn't know where he ended up.

But he's pretty good with the self-preservation. If you ask me... he's probably hiding somewhere, planning his next move.

Huh? Uh...

Hmm?

A bell? Where's that sound coming from?

The ringing of the bell signifies the beginning of the sermon.

Should we head over? There won't be anyone in the monastery during the sermon, so we could look for Oren.

No. I'll attend the sermon.

Woah, talk about out of character.

I need to ascertain the overall condition of this monastery to judge whether it can maintain stable function under current circumstances, or if outside intervention is needed.

Attending a sermon where a large number of residents will be present is a good observation opportunity.

Oh...

I suppose it does make sense, if you put it like that. But, uhh, shouldn't you be prioritizing some more clear-cut issues? For example, Oren... Or is there something else you're worried about?

You're overthinking.

I carry out my duties in the manner I find logical.

Huh? The bell's ringing?

That's strange... The Abbot normally doesn't preach at this time, so why's the bell ringing right now?

Oh, Clément! Talk about great timing! Do you know what's going on?

The abbot rang the bell because he decided last-minute to deliver a sermon today.

Let's head over to the chapel.

That's... We should go, but we haven't finished our work yet.

Why the sudden sermon though? Does it have to do with the Laterans? Are they trying to... Uhh, are they here to cause trouble?

Why would you ask that?

It's not a big deal, just tell me if it's true or not... Hey, tell me, are they not letting us go to Laterano because Gerald's people are here?

Where'd you get that idea?

It's been on everyone's mind. The Sankta and the Sarkaz are on bad terms, right? If not for that fact, we might already be back in Laterano.

...

Well, there's no point talking about any of that now. I just don't know how the abbot feels about all this.

Clément, just forget I ever said anything. Nobody's blaming anyone, and there's nobody to blame in the first place. It's just that... the winter's not easy. The cold's awful.

Yes, I understand.

Everyone's just thinking, if we could go to Laterano, we'd have food, clothing, and work, right?

It'd be nice if there were some forests nearby. At least we'd be able to forage some branches to start a fire, so the kids could stay warm during the winter.

Yes, you're right... At least the kids would stay warm.

But, would our lives really improve after we got to Laterano?

Probably? I mean, where else would we go?

You don't need to worry yourself over that too much, Clément... God will protect us.

...

What was that sound? What's going on this time...?

(That sound...)

(...a gunshot?!)

...

Clément has rung the bell...

Now, I should prepare my final...

Who's there?

Fortuna, my child, is that you?

Punctual as ever... Please take a seat until the others arrive.

What's the meaning of this...?

Avus... Stefano...

Help me...

Fina... Fina, she...

...*sobs*...

Don't cry, sweet child. What happened to Delfina?

She's hurt!

It was me. I hurt her... Avus Stefano, please save her!

Father! Are you alright? What happened–

Fortuna...? What are you doing here? Is that... blood all over you...?

You...

What happened here?!

Huh? That's...

Woah, woah, woah. Is this for real?

This ain't funny anymore.

You people again... What the hell is going on here?!

Why has Fortuna grown a pair of black horns?!

...

The response from her halo is showing fluctuations, and horns are growing from her head. This is a clear indication that she has fallen.

She has broken the Commandments.