Liberi Reader

What are you doing here?

I said as much, I'm here to enjoy the performance.

...Stay behind me, children.

I mean no offense, Lt. Colonel Lettou, but you're not welcome here.

No need to be so distant, Golding.

I've always approved of your efforts. The more difficult the times, the more important education becomes.

You're speaking as though you have nothing to do with these 'difficult times.'

You're always finely dressed, aren't you? No matter what the times.

The only difference is you have more and more medals on your collar now.

Helping the Military Commission govern Londinium is not an easy job. I've encountered my share of... difficulties.

But my love for this city has never changed. I'm just like you, in that regard.

I'm sure Tom the cobbler agrees.

Tom is a friend too. The memory of that incident pains me.

He got drunk and babbled something about 'His Majesty' and the 'Steam Knights.' He could hardy even spell 'Sarkaz.'

He's still alive.

Life is about more than simply being alive.

Are you accusing me of betraying Victoria, Golding?

—

I respect your courage, ladies.

But you're mistaken.

I came here to take another look at this school. Nothing more.

It's unfortunate that you seem to have forgotten me, Miss Molly.

Forgotten...?

I've spent just as much time here as you have. I even remember the children who came with you.

Unfortunately, I was no longer so free, after my graduation from the military academy.

Golding, you trusted me once. We discussed the history of Gaul, the eternal pillars of literature—

That will do, Lt. Colonel Lettou.

I'm grateful to your father for sponsoring the school over the years. He made efforts to light the torch of wisdom, to drive out ignorance and chaos.

I once thought you like him. But you've extinguished the tiny spark with your own two hands.

Is that so, Golding? Why do you think the school has survived this long?

Why, you—don't even dare threaten us!

I have no reason to threaten you. Certainly not with the children around.

We're all remnants of Gaul, Ms. Golding.

We know the merciless devastation of war, the snuffing of countless lives, and the destruction of human progress towards wisdom.

I don't want Londinium to be the next Lingones, nor do I want to see the wonderful play that I just witnessed disappear forever.

This is the burden that I have chosen to bear.

...I cannot endorse your views.

The Royal Opera House of Lingones has long since been reduced to ash, but 'Ode au Triomphe' continues to be performed around the world.

Buildings fall and metal giants rust, but what we created within never dies. It's our knowledge, our culture, our hope.

The darker the clouds of war, the more important it is that we hold onto our beliefs. Trust in beauty, and remind ourselves what separates us from the animals.

You believe you can win a conflict like this?

What you represent: fear, power, violence... these things can't keep everyone suppressed forever.

I must believe.

I can only believe.

As long as there is light, we'll follow it.

I envy you then, Ms. Golding.

Look up at the dark clouds above you. A storm is coming.

There is still time before the thunderbolt falls. We have a choice.

I hope to see the conclusion of the play... someday.

......

Why are there so many Sarkaz?

I must believe. I must...

Lance! Patty!

The kids...! Nan—

——

Nngh—!

You need not have bothered yourself with a task as simple as this, sir.

Then you should have arrested Ms. Golding, Lettou.

It's what Manfred would have done. Old Red-Eye wouldn't have left a soul in the school alive.

......

We know you're not Sarkaz. You want to save one final shred of dignity for yourself, for the Defense Forces, for the people of the city.

But we believe this is safer.

Why you...

Lance, Patty... I hope the children are safe.

I'm scared, Lt. Colonel. Scared that people like you and the Sarkaz may hurt the children. Scared that the children could grow up to be like you.

You sound just like our unconscious guest here.

Yes... we're feeling.

She cares about those young Victorians more than she cares about herself. We can feel it, but we find it difficult to understand, especially since it does not arise from ties of blood.

......

...Sir?

We find you interesting. Through you, we understand ourselves... understand the Sarkaz better.

You want answers? About what?

You did not seem the kind of person to be curious about the Sarkaz, Lettou.

My apologies, sir.

The mission always comes first.

Take Miss Molly back, Lt. Colonel. Watch her closely. We will stay by Ms. Golding's side, and gather intelligence for the coming war.

Yes, sir.

......

What's the matter, sir?

Someone has discovered us.

Should I call the men?

No need. They can't stop him.

He has learned much from Theresa. We will have an... interesting conversation.

......

...Molly.

Hm?

Did anything happen while I was away?

No. Lance and Patty were scared. Ralph and the older kids took the little ones to get some rest.

Good. I've been thinking... the children will enjoy the play, won't they?

Our hard work will mean something?

What are you talking about?

No... nothing.

Don't mind the Commander of the Defense Forces, Ms. Golding.

I... I'm not feeling well. I need some rest.

Sorry, Molly. Could you clean up?

Sure.

There should be an end to the play. The Steam Knights arrived at the palace.

The children will perform the final scene in a few days, won't they?

...Absolutely.

There sure are lots of possibilities, so long as the conclusion of the story hasn't yet been told.

But even a play that's been performed can be changed. People always look for the latest.

You've been watching for a long time, haven't you?

......

The stage is right here. Why don't we start from the beginning, from act one?

Everyone dreams about how things would have been, if none of this had happened.

'What ifs' mean nothing.

But if there is even a remote possibility...

Why don't you join us on stage, sir?