If memory serves me correctly, and I don't trust it to, the old man's name was Ivan Iziaslav.
A very common name. And he was the sort of peasant farmer you could find anywhere.
But he sacrificed himself. For a whole mess of reasons, he gave his own life...
I think about it every now and then. Am I truly worth people sacrificing their lives?
Alina went with me. She was gentle most other times, but would suddenly just come out with venomous tongue-lashings. That made me uncomfortable, to say the least.
The plan was proceeding smoothly.
In accordance with my own ideas, rapidly, the Infected of this place would surely unite as one.
I hoped it would be effective.
And I hoped it would be enough for the old man to rest peacefully. Aside from the old lady, no-one else had been closer family to me.
Whatcha here for? Don't like the look of your clothes. Some old vet, are you?
Infected
Get lost! There's nothing even left here. You lot stole it, all of it! And what you couldn't steal, you burned!
Infected
Bastards! You came to kill me? Kill me, then! Goddamned demons!
Talulah
No, sir, I'm here to tell you that the Infected Patrol Unit is sweeping this area today.
Infected
Then let 'em sweep! Let 'em kill us all, why don't you!
Infected
We built our pathetic, unlivable village all the way out here, and they still come for us! What else can we do but let 'em!?
Talulah
Sir. You can hide yourselves, and I'll talk to them. Or I can conceal myself...
Infected
And who're you? I always said, you military noble bunch, no matter what you pretend! You're all just out for our lives—
Infected
Hah, you're not quite their sort. You actually talk with us! And they think we're barely even worth whipping!
Infected
Huh? Hello?
Infected
Gone...?
Infected
What kind of stunt is this? Oh... damn us all...
Infected
Damn us all. What a pathetic ending.
Infected Patrol Unit
It's no bad thing to know your own damnation.
Infected
Ah... Mr. Patrolman...
Infected Patrol Unit
...Destitute and lousy. Bad physique. You wouldn't be much use even if we sent you to the mines.
Infected Patrol Unit
How do you want to die, then? Painlessly? Slowly?
Infected
...Mr. Patrolman! Look at me... what harm would leaving me alive do you?
Infected Patrol Unit
You say that with a weapon in your hand?
Infected
...Sorry, Mr. Patrolman! This was for whoever that was just a minute ago! I don't know where she's gone now, but...
Infected Patrol Unit
Even burdenbeasts are worth more than you Infected. They can at least move goods. Your existence is a waste of His Majesty's land!
Talulah
Why is that?
Infected Patrol Unit
——
Infected Patrol Unit
Where did you come from?
Talulah
From far, far east.
Infected Patrol Unit
What the hell are you...? You, are you Infected too?
Talulah
I am.
Talulah
I can think. I can speak.
Talulah
We Infected live and die. Why should you decide when and how?
Infected Patrol Unit
What is this bullshit?!
Talulah
If you could let us die peacefully on our own terms, we'd hardly even be upset about it...
Talulah
But, my Infected brother, look up at him! Look at his face, his grin, his laugh!
Talulah
They want to decide our fates. Control us. Perhaps our lives aren't worth much, but do you think you'd be worth a single gold coin?
Infected Patrol Unit
You!
Talulah
My brother, in all their past outrageous acts, have they ever spared someone for their conduct? Have they ever let another live for following instructions?
Talulah
They have not! Each time they let you live, it was only because they still saw worth they could squeeze from you!
Talulah
With no money and no land left, they'd kick you to the floor. After all, the cities don't even give Infected the chance to live!
Talulah
How should we Infected live? How should we die? That is for us to decide!
Infected
......!
Infected
But... who are you?
Infected Patrol Unit
You good-for-nothing! Tell me your name at once!
Infected Patrol Unit
In the name of the Emperor! For daring to lead his citizenry astray with these ludicrous ideals, we sentence you to death!
Talulah
To my brothers, I have no name. Refer to me how you wish. If you must call me something, you may call me Talulah.
