'We've confirmed that a high-speed warship belonging to the Duke of Windermere was attacked by an unknown Sarkaz weapon. There were no survivors.'
'Our preliminary conclusion is that the weapon in question is indeed the structure that briefly appeared in the skies over Londinium.'
'Based on frontline evaluation from the remote observation team, the weapon's powerful mid-air suspension abilities and the efficiency of its Originium Arts generator deserve due caution.'
'It is impossible to evaluate the Sarkaz's technological base for manufacturing large-scale armed aerial vehicles given the information we currently have. We are in the process of gathering more intel.'
'However, until it has been proven that the Sarkaz possess the technological means to mass-produce such weapons, we would recommend against categorizing this target at the highest threat level for the time being, as countermeasures have already been deployed.'
'At the moment, we are not planning any large-scale operations against this plate.'
'However, intelligence personnel believe that a series of irregular staffing transfers between the Duke of Windermere's mobile fortress and 'Irnclad Galavae' over the last eight hours is likely related to the situation in Norport.'
'Several analysts have pointed out that the Duke of Windermere's military claims to this plate are more radical than we previously anticipated, and the specific reasons behind this warrant a more in-depth investigation.'
'We are monitoring the other dukes' attitudes and subsequent actions in response to this Sarkaz attack, and will be submitting routine analysis reports at shorter intervals.'
But, it gets the job done. They know full well... that we all care greatly about our own reputations. Especially in the face of Victoria's coming future.
Duke of Caster
So, they also decided to throw out a bit of bait... Hmph. A flying fortress, huh?
Duke of Caster
It pains me to say this, but, as long as they're holding Norport Borough at gunpoint, things are going to get messy.
Duke of Caster
Now, even Wellington doesn't have the nerve to rush over with his high-speed warship, rain fire down on the old logistics area, and snatch away his new toy.
Duke of Caster
But he won't be able to resist the temptation.
High-Ranking Officer
Affirmative. The Duke of Wellington's troops have sped up their advance. We suspect he's already gained intel on the airship.
High-Ranking Officer
This massive airship is indeed beyond our calculations, and it has the potential to reshape future wars. But, as the intelligence says, we're far from the point of things spiraling out of control.
High-Ranking Officer
According to our estimates, even if the Sarkaz had a secret channel for transporting supplies, they wouldn't have had the time or resources to build multiple airships.
High-Ranking Officer
Those damned devils can hardly bring out the value of this technology, but perhaps we can.
Duke of Caster
That's right. Naturally, this is extremely important to me. Even if I don't give the order, I expect that you'll bring it to me.
Duke of Caster
However, our gaze ought to be cast wider than just this singular piece of technology.
Duke of Caster
What really worries me is...
Duke of Caster
We've let the Sarkaz run amok in the Shard for far too long. Even the most dim-witted fools will eventually figure out what lies behind those buttons and levers.
Duke of Caster
Allerdale... I don't blame her. She was never ambitious enough– that was her strong suit, and I allowed her to keep it. But, it doesn't look like there's any way to make use of our 'Stone of the Sword.'
High-Ranking Officer
Rest assured, the dukes who supported you, along with their vassals, are still resolutely on your side.
Duke of Caster
I promised them peace and safety, and I will deliver.
Duke of Caster
Forever honor one's commitments– that has always been the motto of House Caster since ancient times.
High-Ranking Officer
'Trilby Asher' is already being dealt with.
Duke of Caster
Naturally. They always have a way.
High-Ranking Officer
Then, Your Grace, about the citizens of Norport...
Duke of Caster
Lt. Colonel Lettou said that he was preparing a 'rescue plan.'
Duke of Caster
You won't go wrong putting your trust in that Gaulish commander. I've met him before– he's an interesting man.
Duke of Caster
The Sarkaz have never publicly claimed to 'occupy' Londinium, as it has nominally been under the control of the Defense Forces.
Duke of Caster
And this Lieutenant Colonel has managed to survive in his position for four years without getting caught up in any major trouble either...
Duke of Caster
We all know how what those devils are like, so that fact alone is respectable enough.
Duke of Caster
Who knows, maybe he's more keen on becoming a 'savior' than we are.
High-Ranking Officer
I see what you're saying.
Duke of Caster
Getting the right people into the right positions, and turning valued friends into truly loyal partners... is harder than we initially expected.
Duke of Caster
Old Wellington knows what I want, and I know what he wants.
Duke of Caster
Though we've never talked about these things openly, we naturally helped each other, all while keeping an extra knife sharpened for one another.
Duke of Caster
Poor thing. Windermere's been playing with the Leithanians for so long, it might be a while until she remembers how Victoria works.
High-Ranking Officer
Indeed, we still don't quite understand why the Duke of Windermere is so keenly interested in Norport's affairs. Does she also want that airship technology?
High-Ranking Officer
Maybe she wants to add another card to her hand? She knows she's in for a rough time soon.
Duke of Caster
With opportunity comes desire. Both are as honey, equally effective at leading people into the abyss.
Duke of Caster
That cousin of mine failed to understand this, which is why he's been dead for twenty-six years.
Duke of Caster
You know, he still appears in my dreams, from time to time.
Duke of Caster
Can't say I ever liked him. He was a bombastic, self-righteous boy.
Duke of Caster
When we were young, he'd run up and down the corridors of the palace, spouting quotes from past kings he saw in some book.
Duke of Caster
And, he'd always spew the same trite platitudes.
Duke of Caster
'A role model for the masses,' 'noblesse oblige,' what have you.
Duke of Caster
He treated those words as his guiding compass, though they probably didn't even come from the kings they were attributed to. In all likelihood, they were flattering embellishments added by the royal archivists.
Duke of Caster
He actually believed those words, and paid the price for it.
Duke of Caster
But despite all that, I sometimes still miss him.
Duke of Caster
During those years he was still around, we could pretend that all was well.
Duke of Caster
But now, even the dullest of men must open their eyes.
Duke of Caster
Open their eyes, and bear witness to all our ugliness, covetousness, and opportunism–
Duke of Caster
War has broken out, and its advent has fulfilled everyone's wishes at all.
High-Ranking Officer
Your Grace, this is also your chance to unite Victoria.
Duke of Caster
Hah. Unity...
High-Ranking Officer
Victoria has been trodden upon and sullied for far too long. You have the right to restore her glory.
High-Ranking Officer
This war is for Victoria.
Duke of Caster
No, no, my child. This war is not for Victoria alone.
Duke of Caster
'Victoria.' How we love to speak the name of our country–
Duke of Caster
No. It's nothing more than a rag to cover festering abscesses when the people are in need of morality, an empty husk to exploit hope when the people are in need of dignity.
Duke of Caster
All those farmers, laborers, soldiers, and nobles... All these who despise each other, who grope at each others' throats. Why does lumping all of them together make the great Victoria?
Duke of Caster
When they speak of Victoria, what is it they refer to? The fields they've tilled for half a lifetime? The factories that've gorged on their blood and tears?
Duke of Caster
Collections of looted artifacts? Great halls of imported carpets? A splotch of color with a line of text on an atlas? Or, a news headline and a set of economic figures on a television set?
Duke of Caster
Or, is it the vast, glorious, and invincible empire built upon the foundations of each man's imagination?
Duke of Caster
Let us prepare ourselves. Let us wait with bated breath.
Duke of Caster
Take a good look. Witness where this war will take us.
Lemme guess. You wanna be strung up on that fence too, huh?
Sarkaz Soldier
To be honest, I don't have a lot of fun with that job. I suggest you turn around and crawl back to where you belong.
Timid Citizen
No, please wait, good sir! I just... The others just wanted me to come talk to you...
Timid Citizen
Err, that's not what I meant... We just have a few trivial issues, so if you could show us a bit of mercy...
Sarkaz Soldier
When did you Victorians start taking us devils for a bunch of bleeding hearts?
Timid Citizen
All we wanted... was to know what's going on in Norport Borough...
Sarkaz Soldier
Nothing worth mentioning.
Timid Citizen
What if... Look, we can still scrounge up some valuable trinkets. Surely, you've heard of Sargon's gems...? I have a number of them here...
Sarkaz Soldier
Get lost.
Timid Citizen
I get it, you're not interested, huh? I also have a collection of old Gaulish paintings that are said to be priceless– Oh, alright! M-Maybe I was out of line to say that. This is going to cost me my life, isn't it...?
Timid Citizen
How about a Sankta patron firearm? I just happen to have one stashed away back home...
Sarkaz Soldier
Interesting... You got your hands on an angel's guardian gun huh?
Timid Citizen
Oh, um, it's not mine though! It's just for safekeeping... Heavens, those angels from the Notarial Hall are going to flay me alive if they find out, but if you're interested–
Timid Citizen
I just happened to hear, you– Err, the Sarkaz enjoy collecting them, so...
Sarkaz Soldier
Listen up. I prefer my angelic toys freshly looted from a pile of corpses. Now, piss off.
Angry Citizen
Sarkaz! We just want to know what's going on! This is a perfectly legitimate request!
Angry Citizen
So many of us have been driven out of our homes and crammed into a little ghetto with no place to live, no food, and no freedom. Now, all we want is an explanation!
Sarkaz Soldier
Are all these houses not good enough for you? Pick a door, any door– knock on one of them, and get your sorry ass inside. What more do you want? A bathtub with a built-in back massager?
Angry Citizen
You can't treat us like this! Where are the Defense Forces? I personally know Lettou and want to speak with him! We haven't broken any rules!
Feline Woman
That's enough, mister. Be careful...
Feline Woman
They're armed!
Angry Citizen
Let go of me! What do I have to be careful for? Listen up, Sarkaz! I've lived here for thirty years! This is my city! This is my neighborhood!
Angry Citizen
I know you've taken over those factories. I know you lust after Londinium's wealth, so take it. Splitting off a few factories won't put a dent in Victoria's glory.
Angry Citizen
But I am my own man! Not even the King can take my home!
Angry Citizen
Tell me, why did Norport Borough drive out of Londinium overnight? What's the meaning of all these walls outside the borough?!
Feline Woman
Hey... Are you trying to get yourself killed?
Sarkaz Soldier
What possessed you into thinking... that you could challenge my authority?
Timid Citizen
Wait, please, good sir! He doesn't know what he's talking about!
Angry Citizen
Urk... Nngh...
Sarkaz Soldier
What a waste.
Sarkaz Soldier
Listen up, you sorry worms. To tell the truth, I'd like nothing more than to slaughter each and every one of you right now. Seeing your faces makes me sick. But the boss says you lot are still useful.
Sarkaz Soldier
So I promised him– I'd show a little restraint.
Sarkaz Soldier
This is the grace I've afforded you, but know that I can take it back just as easily.
Feline Woman
Hurry! Run! Get away from here!
Timid Citizen
H-Help!
Sarkaz Soldier
Run, run, as fast you can, pathetic Victorians! You've had your fun already! Now, it's your time to get a taste of the life once forced onto us!
Sarkaz Soldier
Hide in every nook and cranny, hide beneath every shadow. Rip up your morality and swallow your dignity! This is everything we Sarkaz have experienced! Now, rejoice, because it's yours too!
Sarkaz Soldier
Call it equality. This is the kind of equality you've never known!
Sarkaz Soldier
Explain myself? Answer your questions?
Sarkaz Soldier
No, this is war, you dipshits!
Sarkaz Soldier
Learn it! Embrace it! Just like we did for thousands of years!
