Liberi Reader

Ah, old friend, are you feeling better now?

No, no, you lie down, I'm just here to see you, I'll be leaving soon after. A burdenbeast's work is never done, and the one who saddled me was myself, to boot.

What? No, of course. To you, I'm still the same young lad you know, not the Minister of Finance.

What's the point in fiddling with ranks? We're all here giving our strength to Ursus's vast land, striving for the truly honorable future Our Majesty envisions.

We're all His Majesty's people. The few who've forgotten it, still living in the violent past, will sooner or later become orphans of archaic convention.

Sorry, it seems government business has built up some steam in me.

Don't worry, I can see how my colleagues and fellow strivers are strong in spirit, and I can see how the rot in the rotten eats away at themselves. We will be victorious.

Those loudmouth nobles in the Army... they and those woodworms will very soon be dust at His Majesty's feet, and we will sweep them out of His way.

That's right.

—The State Council is changing.

We'll take everything Ursus, everything of His Majesty's back from those unthinking, undoing aristocrats' hands.

We'll tear the olden days to shreds. Savage them. Profane them. We must open a new way for Ursus, old friend—I will do it. We all will do it. Even if it takes our whole lives.

Ursus needs change.

Today?

The original plan was next week... but today's the best chance.

I just heard the head caretaker say. The Minister of Finance's arrival is clearly intended to rattle that spineless coward. Though the Minister was unwilling to meet him, he was at least willing to move himself.

He's frightened. And fear will make him show openings.

His guards might not have been able to arrange for this sudden meeting in time, but he had no choice except show himself before us, as hastily as possible...

With another Ursus VIP visiting, opting to assassinate the Grand Duke is an extremely risky idea, but this place has never been empty of major players, and I can count the number of times the Grand Duke left his area alone on one hand.

We're still not certain enough.

I'm still not certain enough.

But I trust you are.

I've wanted to believe, even, that you could always do it.

......

Tell me, do you still have any misgivings?

I'll settle them for you, even if I—

Lillia.

My greatest misgiving... is whether you'll live well, as I hope for you to.

No matter how you'll regard what I say next, I still must recognize: in Chernobog, all those youngest, richly idealistic, most ardent scientists... all gave their lives.

I am not willing to see them die. Lillia, I regard you in the same way right now.

......

I can't do that, Kal'tsit.

After this is over, I'll make for Siracusa, then on to Victoria.

If you come with me... and don't continue with your plans in Chernobog, then you don't have to die.

I can't bear traitors stamping footprints on my husband's dried blood, not for even one second.

You're very selfish.

I am. So don't you forget my most selfish request of all...

Look after my daughter, and if she's willing, teach her medicine.

You can surely live on, Kal'tsit.

Old friend.

Winter this year is very cold, but I trust spring will be warm as it ever was.

I still remember the day we first met was at the beginning of spring. Attending that speech so brimming with passion, you didn't cheer, nor did you bellow.

We noticed each other when our eyes met, and of course others too.

No one felt any pride in the successful invasion, those cheering and revering the former Emperor's glory, unable to even see the barren land they stood on, having allowed no one else to survive.

I do not know, old friend. Perhaps.

Spring this year may come slightly early, but my Catastrophe Messenger tells me, following a fierce Catastrophe up north, it may be cooler after some days.

Perhaps we may even return to winter.

I don't like it either, old mate.

But you did warn me, perhaps I should give up the bottle... I shouldn't be weathering winter with drink. All it does is numb. Drunkenness might get me frostbitten.

But winter won't last too long.

Just the fallout of a calamity.

This is...

An eternal rest. The most secure method, completely effective, and not so fast-acting it gives us nowhere to run.

Have you fully prepared our retreat?

From the first day we arrived, I'd already finished preparing everything.

Perhaps we won't have much time.

I understand that, but if we just do it like we practiced, we should have plenty of...

No.

We've taken this sanatorium as far too simple a place.

Your plan doesn't need to change. Leave everything afterwards for me to handle.

What did you find out?

...

Mon3tr discovered traces of the enemy while hibernating. Have you heard of the Grand Duke having dealings with other powers of Ursus, or not?

No, he's been content here all this time.

......

Mon3tr... is that that pet of yours? What did it see? Some Ursus folk legend?

I cannot realistically tell you the facts. That would only shrink our chances of survival to the minimum.

Mm... Ursus has many, many means...

Fear becomes a lure. Investigating this will only serve to affect your judgment. Trust me.

Hm.

Alright. It's about time now.

See the blonde Feline carrying a bag—he's the Grand Duke's private doctor.

I know.

What can a Grand Duke accomplish?

Look at these fellows stuck in their old ways... Of course, the moment that half-blinded governor knelt in front of His Majesty, he ceased to be any more of a threat.

He's very smart, choosing when it suited to save his own skin. Nothing like some people... putting up last stands for their own selfish gains, even squandering what little live power Ursus had left to deal with the aftermath of the rebellions.

It grieves me so... Though I'm no military leader, whenever I see our motherland's production at a standstill, the economy in decline, I lament deep and deeper.

Don't condemn His Majesty's benevolence. Compared to putting up with a few shrewd but provisionally loyal nobles, what we truly cannot bear is continuing our endless internal friction.

We must think of ways to pull out the weeds and pests. We must sow the seeds. We must, when spring comes again, see the new buds.

For this I've strived... please pardon my language; I very rarely say such things, but I swear upon His Majesty, I do feel pride in my own present status.

Old friend, be reassured. Those sacrificed cannot complete their undertaking. All those who survived will keep trying, and trying.

His Majesty will bring a new future to Ursus. Even the most stubborn nobles, and those twisted deities, and those monsters planted in the darkest corners of our motherland, they all must fear—they all must fear our Emperor.

My duty is simply to ensure this.

......

Halt.

Did the head caretaker not tell you? Grand Duke Vanya has requisitioned this place, and no one is to come near.

I'm the doctor on shift today. I'm the Grand Duke's medical consultant, by all rights. This is my work permit.

You're new here?

Yes.

Grand Duke Vanya's doctor on duty is his private doctor. It's an unwritten rule. Lucky you, you pretty much get a vacation today.

Seeing as it's your first time, I won't blame you. But wander around this corridor again, and your death will not be pretty.

Now, get out. Find somewhere to spend your vacation while you have it.

It's me. Not much. The doctor on shift at the retreat. I'll get them out of here...

What...? The quack's vanished?

But it'd be dangerous to... erm... the Minister of Finance is here, I know...

You two, halt.

Yes, we're listening to you.

Can I ask if something's the matter?

Come with me.

Listen. No matter what you find, it's because of the Grand Duke's same old problems. Don't make a fuss over nothing.

Be dependable. Take care of him properly. Get out quickly after the sun's down, and don't disturb his peace.

Treat him properly, and you'll be rewarded. Amply. Enough for... poor people like you to live happily for a long time.

Thank you kindly. We're honored to have this chance... Kal'tsit, where's your thanks?

Ah... right. Thank you kindly, good sir.

Hmph, country people. Don't mess this up.

We'll pay full attention.

......

Hold it.

It's always been one person going in alone. We can't make an exception this time, or the Grand Duke will turn his rage on us.

Let this servant go in.

—But, sir, I'm the doctor here—

We prepare the medicine the Grand Duke takes. You just stay here and wait, and if anything happens, go in then.

I don't understand—

I am saying to wait here for three hours, on standby.

And then, you. You cannot be in there for more than ten minutes.

If you take too long, no matter why, you will not leave alive.

Search, and then let this servant go in first.

As you command.

...

Grand Duke.

Is it the doctor?

No, I am only a servant.

Alright... come, come closer.

As you command.

Are you Ursus?

No.

Lower your head. Let me feel your face.

As you command.

Ah... Vulpo, or maybe Feline? An adorable race.

Are... Are your eyes unsighted?

Yes. A problem from last month.

I'm due to die. Suppose it today, suppose it tomorrow. So you've come in vain, child.

......

They won't allow the doctor in—they're murdering me.

Won't you protest? You are a Grand Duke.

Exactly why. I am powerless to resist Ursus. I have since accepted that.

How is the weather today? I can feel the sunshine, turning warm now.

Not a cloud in sight, Grand Duke.

Ah... not a cloud in sight. It's been long. Since the last day like this.

Do you feel despair?

Despair...? Despair is but a passer-by of the start. Our endless lives are always suffused with an emotion. It neither induces despair, nor makes your life bottomless joy.

We are all living in compromise. Some would call it apathy, and some would say, I am simply reaping what I sowed.

Yes. The weather is warming. That gust of wind just now failed to chill me to the bone.

Who sent you, young lady?

You've already surmised.

And you are not astonished? Say, I thought a sum failure like myself would have been scapegoated in the limelight, forever looked down on by the young.

I have never looked down on a single person, let alone you, a Grand Duke of Ursus.

Of course you wouldn't tell me honestly... as to be expected. Let me take a guess...

The Minister of Finance? No, no-no-no... he and my affairs are entirely unrelated. He does not possess this kind of finesse to interfere in others' stations. If it were his idea... I would rather it his idea.

Well, then, was it some woodworm in the Army? Those old, timid, cowardly bastards... not them, not them either, they have simpler ways...

Let me guess, young one, who sent you here...

......

Are you still there, young one?

I am.

Was it His Majesty's idea? His Majesty wants an... arrogant fool like me to pay the price for his own stupid actions?

Oh, I knew that evening was not but a nightmare...

Do you know how it feels to be blind in both eyes? From that dark view I had long been used to, I felt some more warped thing, squirming... the otherly sensation of fear.

You mean the fear that cannot even be concealed by blindness.

That was the Royal Guard's will, young one. That evening, the Emperor's Blade was only a step away from my throat.

What? A paring knife? Let me do it.

The journey will be very tight, but if I don't even have the time to peel an apple for my friend, I can't help but be disillusioned.

Are you mocking me?

Don't joke with me, old friend. I'm just peeling an apple. Don't tell me you're about to rave superstitious at me?

Look, how fresh the fruits here at the retreat are. These'll be good for your health, too.

You're too feeble. You might cut your own hand open.

No, I don't think that.

Ah, fine, old friend, have the knife. Be very careful.

——

What are you—Doctor!—What are you doing?!

Why treat yourself like this—Cutting your own finger—Doctor!

What is all this for...!

......

......

What's with all the people running around today... ugh, a flock of idiots who don't know the rules.

Stay here and don't move. I'm taking a look.

Alright, sir.

(I don't know what Kal'tsit's doing in there...)

(Ugh. We don't have much time.)

Hey, you, back to Room 116.

What? But my helper is still in—

A servant is enough either way, here. No need for a doctor.

This is the Minister of Finance's request. If you upset a minister, we'll never survive it.

Now leave! You want to see the gallows?!

Yes, yes, sorry, I'm going now, right now...

(Kal'tsit...! Quick!)

Young one, come, sit here. What's your name?

Kal'tsit.

That is neither a nom de guerre, nor a nom de plume, correct?

I can hear... from the manner in which you introduce yourself, I can hear, you love this name, don't you, Kal'tsit?

Hard to say.

We don't have long, Grand Duke. In a short moment, your guards will come charging in here.

Oh... it seems I must make space for the assassin after my own life...

Hmm. My communicator should be right by my side...

Here it is.

Ha. What a prudent murderer. Just when did you pilfer it?

Please give it to me.

......

Thank you for your trust, young one. You make such ease of it... no matter who sent you, I trust you will become one vastly capable.

Sir, this is a servant of the retreat... who hails from my homeland. I wish to chat with her further. Do not disturb us, until I give the order.

Trespassers are in violation of military order. Do you understand?

Good.

Where is your homeland?

Right on the other side of Pine Valley.

Are you so willing to trust me because you have all your means well prepared? Even if they came charging in, you could still escape unscathed, couldn't you?

I will not answer that.

Or you really aren't from the Royal Guard. You are neither twisted nor terrible. Yes, how could the Royal Guard leave their work to others?

They are Ursus's most selfless monitors. Only those capable of being weighed on the scales, will the Royal Guard look at with value.

Alright. I've lost, young one. I cannot guess at all at your oh-so-mysterious past.

Why have you come?

My duty lies here.

Kal'tsit, will I pass away painfully?

You won't. The drug will slowly erode your nervous system. You'll fall asleep as though entering a coma, and never wake up.

To an old soul plagued by illness, this may even be considered a favor.

I thank you.

......

I've been meaning to ask, are you a doctor? A scientist?

Do you have a shining pair of eyes? Do the odors of medicine cling to your fingers?

Do—

—Hold on, hold on. Did you come... come for that affair in Chernobog?

Kal'tsit... Kal'tsit... the director who died in the inferno that day, was that the name?

If you truly remember every sacrifice, then perhaps I'm unable to escape the all-seeing eye of Ursus.

Ah... it's you, you're the very Kal'tsit...

How strange... that you hid from the Secret Police. What's more, and stole into this place without even changing your name...?

How did you do it?

There are always ways, Grand Duke.

Some want me dead, and some do not. I thought you a scientist, one that should not be so... easily fooled.

Ah... or could it be, some have paid you off? Some have exploited your vengeful rage, so as to have me killed?

I believe I have no comment, Your Grace.

It is time. I will inject the drug.

Ah, you have signed my death warrant. Very good. This may be leagues simpler than such torture...

Hmm...

......

It's done, Your Grace.

How much time do I have left?

Fifteen minutes, Your Grace.

Tell me, young one, is the scenery before me very beautiful?

Sir, the Grand Duke has fallen asleep.

You don't need to tell me. We've had orders. We can only enter after half an hour.

Hah. Same home as the Grand Duke, hmph?

I've heard why you young women are all squeezing to work in this retreat. It's just to seek patronage from important nobles, isn't it?

Are you satisfied now? What are you staring off for? Don't tell me you want me to shine your shoes?

No, how could I dare... I'm very sorry! Sir, don't be angry, I'll be going right now...

Gah, lowlife...

Paring knives will very easily rust, and lead to infection. We'll pay close attention to his condition, rest assured.

Good, thank you.

It seems the blood rushing to my friend's head has cost me a considerable amount of time...

After he leaves the infirmary, please tell him, he has set alight the blaze in our hearts, and please have him trust. Trust his friend Islam Witte.

But for now, I must be on my way with my Messenger.

Safe travels.

......

......

(Kal'tsit—!)

(We leave immediately.)

(The Minister of Finance will have those bureaucrats' subordinates jumping at shadows. That's our best cover.)

(Is... is he dead?)

(The time to effect was shorter than I thought. He couldn't hold himself together much longer in the first place.)

(There are countless people who'll want to exploit his death. Maybe them fighting on all fronts will create an opening for us.)

(Let's go.)

Kal'tsit—

Thank you.

For me... For us, you've put an end to it all, with your own hands.

It isn't over yet.

No matter in what form it takes... perhaps sooner or later, we'll confront this empire once again.