When my grandfather passed away in the sunlight that shone upon the greenhouse, with his favorite flowers in his hands, he had already arranged everything for me.
I was going to live the rest of my life as both of us had hoped: In this town. In this tiny little greenhouse.
That is, until they arrived.
I was incredibly fearful that my life would be ruined...
But that Sarkaz gave the order, and so my job remained here in the greenhouse.
I am still the town's gardener.
It has been a week since the two 'Self-Salvation Corps' people arrived.
Likewise, it has been a week since I last saw the Sarkaz officer who would turn the soil for the daisies in town.
Good afternoon, Magdelene. Your flowers look just as beautiful as always.
Magdelene
Thanks, Henk. Have you seen Will? I'm looking for him.
Magdelene
He ordered some flowers the first thing this morning, but he still hasn't come to pick them up even though it's afternoon already.
Tired Citizen
Will ordered flowers? Oh, they must be for Freda's birthday.
Tired Citizen
He ditched right around noon. Most likely, he left to prepare whatever surprise he has in store for Freda.
Tired Citizen
Don't worry. He'll remember once Freda gives him a scolding.
Magdelene
Everyone seem very exhausted.
Magdelene
I've been hearing noises around the work site at night. Has no one been getting any proper rest?
Tired Citizen
The devils are apparently trying to show off for somebody. They're working us to the bone like there's no tomorrow, but I haven't seen any bigwigs visiting, either.
Tired Citizen
You're really lucky that you were given a decent job and don't have to suffer like us.
Magdelene
......
Tired Citizen
I didn't expect us to finish building this in a month just by gritting our teeth a little. It's like a miracle!
Tired Citizen
I'm willing to bet that before, the Londinium lords would've hauled all this into their museums!
Magdelene
I thought you used to hate this job...
Tired Citizen
Magdelene, the world has changed.
Tired Citizen
(You should try to get on the Sarkaz officer's good side, too. You have nothing to lose, pet.)
Magdelene
Thanks for the advice. I'll think it over.
Henk's suggestions are always so sincere.
But his idea has left me terrified.
At night, whenever I can't sleep, I'm kept awake by the noise coming from the square, as though there's an iron hammer striking my head repeatedly.
And occasionally, I'm jolted awake from my dreams by those strange rocks.
I can't help but to think back on the worries of those two Self-Salvation Corps people a week ago.
Perhaps the Sarkaz changed more than just the way we live.
Jittery Citizen
Again?
Jittery Citizen
How come the cannonfire's sounding closer lately?
Jittery Citizen
I heard there's more than one group of folks who want to take over Brentwood. If they come to blows, it'll be a hot mess here again.
Jittery Citizen
What's wrong with the way things are now, with everyone getting along? I hope this isn't going to delay our work!
Victorian Boy
Magdelene, finally!
Victorian Boy
That devil who keeps visiting you brought others to wreck your greenhouse!
'What we are planting for the harvest festival represents hope.'
That's what my grandfather taught me. The flowers that line the streets during the festival each year are entrusted with everyone's simple wish for a bountiful harvest.
There is nowhere else that needs hope now more than Brentwood.
Will left them here to mourn my father. I've been keeping the warehouse locked, only occasionally lending him the key when he wants a sip of alcohol.
Magdelene
The cannons here, did Mr. West prepare them for the festival? How magnificent...
Freda
It's all my fault...
Magdelene
Did something happen to him?
Freda
He was stopped by the devils at the Sarkaz barracks just now.
Freda
He came to me earlier than usual for some sort of surprise, but when he found out I was going to the barracks to report on our progress, and he said he'd escort me there...
Magdelene
But the Sarkaz shouldn't have any reason to stop Will... They've never done that before.
Freda
I don't know... I'm scared. I didn't have it in me to say no when they asked to take Will in...
Freda
I've been following their every word. I gave them everything they asked for. Why did they want to take him?
Freda
Why... Did I do something wrong...?
Magdelene
Maybe they only had a few questions for him.
Magdelene
Look on the bright side. They still need him to work for them!
Freda
......
Freda
Right... That bloody thing isn't completed just yet. I am sure they still need Will.
Freda
I have to stay here at the barracks' entrance and wait for him.
Freda smiles.
But I'm not happy about this one bit.
I know I'm lying to her. I'm sure she knows that as well. However, this is all that we can do right now.
These days, we all need that tiny shred of hope to poison our minds.
'Hope.'
Magdelene
......?
Freda
......?
Magdelene
Freda... Did you see that?
There's a strange creature climbing on a house's beams.
I don't know if 'creature' is exactly the right word for it.
It's staring at me with its black body.
The terrifying being's feeble limbs are no longer attached to the beams.
Finally, it lands on the flowers used to mourn the mayor before it dissipates, turning into a drop of blood, and dyes the flower buds.
