Liberi Reader

I was treating this like a holiday in Laterano... Never thought something like this would happen.

Kjerag is a theocracy too, so why couldn't we have done this?

Laterano is much more influential. The Legati were all part of the Apostle's plan.

We simply don't have that sort of foundation.

Influence, eh? It's only after leaving Kjerag that I learned how troublesome influence can be.

Pretty amazing how Enciodes managed to negotiate with our neighboring countries all on his own.

The Saintess's influence is on the rise too. We have our own advantages.

But do you really think what the Lateran Pope is talking about is possible?

I don't know.

I can't imagine a world where all the nations are so tightly entwined with one another. It sounds like a dream, or maybe a nightmare.

But no one can ignore the miracle that happened that day, or the Pope's speech.

Is Laterano really the blessed city?

What do the Sankta think of all this, Ezell?

Huh? Well, er... it was stunning?

Figured as much. Apparently, that bell has not rung for thousands of years.

So what will happen to Laterano now?

Perhaps not all that much, from what I know of the Laterans. Or maybe it's the same everywhere.

Turning points in history don't always seem so important at the time.

But we do perceive that change is happening, and we'll take up our own duties and responsibilities.

Well said, brother.

You can leave us here. We have a car on the way.

Thank you.

No problem. Cardinal Velliv is at a hospital not far from here. I'll be reporting back to her directly.

Please give her our thanks.

As long as you're satisfied. Those were her instructions.

Nothing gets past her, huh?

Say, can you take a photo of me and my husband?

Sure.

How is that?

You're a pretty good photographer.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Say, Fiammetta, do you feel like your steps are heavier than usual?

Where's this coming from?

You don't feel a weight on your shoulders, after what His Holiness said?

Get to the point.

Well, I'm thinking I'm due for a career change. I'm not really cut out for a job with too much responsibility.

And you seem like just the girl to take my—

In your dreams.

Good afternoon.

Long time no see, Ezell.

It's only been two weeks...

Are you on a mission?

An errand on behalf of Cardinal Velliv. I was just about to report back to her.

This is my final task in Laterano.

Not bad. Once you've seen the world, you'll realize how boring this place is.

There aren't as many great desserts out there, but... life is about more than just enjoyment, don't you think?

So you're going to meet with Velliv? Where is she?

Stevonus Central Hospital.

......

Let's go together then. We're headed the same way.

Have you made up your mind?

Yes, I have.

I thought you'd need to mull it over a little longer.

I just felt that I can't be the only one standing still, while everyone else has already taken the next step.

Then I have nothing to add. I'm glad you accepted.

It's wonderful to have someone like you join us, times being what they are.

I knew you'd be here, Velliv.

How did you...?

We ran into Ezell.

The emissaries from Kjerag have reached their destination.

Good work.

But don't leave just yet. I've got another task I could use your presence for.

Understood.

See you next week, Lemuen.

See you.

Have you decided to join the Seventh Tribunal, Lemuen?

Already on the job.

Hm, it won't be easy over there, after this conference.

Don't you think we're a match made in heaven though?

I suppose.

You've all chosen your paths. It's about time for me to think about what I can do too.

Speaking of, I was just talking to Fiammetta about quitting my job as a Legata.

Too much trouble?

I mean, with the old man? I can already see the trouble waiting in the future.

But you're not getting away that easily, Mostima. You answer to me now.

Oh.

Here's your first job: bring this letter to El.

Can I say no?

Nope.

Deliver it to her personally.

Unemployment is sounding more appealing by the second.

Quit it with the lame excuses.

And there's my old taskmaster.

You won't give up.

How can you be so sure?

Don't pretend that you don't need this job.

You're looking for an answer, aren't you?

I'm not Andoain.

I didn't say you were.

But you have a choice to make, about who you are.

And to find that answer... one must have journeyed far enough.

......

So how does it feel to be seen right through, Mostima? Sounds like you don't even need a halo to.

This is my own path, then. You shouldn't follow me, Fiammetta.

You think the world revolves around you? We just happen to be taking the same road.

I have his gun.

If he still sees himself as Sankta, he'll be back for it.

Then he'll pay for what he did!

And you'll help me.

Fine...

By the way, the Astray that were caught in the city have been set free.

Is that His Holiness's will?

Uh-huh.

His mercy is none of my business.

I thought you might say something like that.

Oh, and you'll be dispatched to Rhodes Island under the agreement with the Notarial Hall, through the Fifth Tribunal.

Er, you mean the pharmaceutical company that Mostima and Lemuel work part-time at?

Where's this coming from?

Velliv wants to deepen our cooperation. You're as good as anyone for the role.

Plus, we have a good track record with them. You should be well-supported.

Alright.

Oh, by the way, I have some really good news for you!

You get to choose from one of three code names for your next mission!

Do we really have to keep up this farce, now that you're our liaison?

We only used a temporary name in the first place because there's no clear role for keeping tabs on her.

I've had enough of these monthly name changes!

Didn't you like Shimmering Vigil? What was it that you said... 'they've finally come up with a decent name'?

Shut up.

Hey, nice flowers.

Hate to break it to you, but the tradition of changing your title has become a rule unto itself. Just accept it.

Here are your choices: Void Gourmet, Wasteland Pilot, or Dawn Destroyer.

...Dawn Destroyer.

Man, your tastes are so easy to guess.

I told you to shut up already!

*exhales*...

You're awake?

Luck has really not been on my side lately.

What's wrong? Getting bedsores from too much lying down?

No, forget I said anything.

Huh? Ezell?

I wanted him to see what happens to those who come close to betraying Laterano.

Er...

Stop bullying the kid, Velliv.

Are you implying that I'm not young myself?

Sorry.

You're no longer a Legatus.

If that's the price I must pay, then...

But you're still my subordinate.

...it's a heavy one.

You talk a big talk, Oren. Let's see what you learned in Victoria.

Does that mean you need me to do things my way?

Remember that question you asked? I can answer it now.

I have no interest in being a woman of integrity.

But I respect those who have worked hard to earn the title.

Well... I can't argue with that.

Was that intended for me as well?

Of course.

Treasure the opportunity you've been given with Cecelia. Don't ever let me know what... influence she will have on Laterano.

You don't want her returning here?

If I didn't, why would I waste time crafting an identity for her?

Other than, well, compassion. And the fact that she still has potential value that outweighs her risks.

......

Trust me, there's no harm in getting this sort of candid promise.

I understand.

No need to be nervous. I'm simply expressing Laterano's sincerity.

If you two ever get tired of traveling, Laterano will be here.

Her doors will be open.

Come in.

Federico?

Cardinal Velliv, here are the past two years of records regarding the activities of the former Legatus, Oren Argiolas.

Thank you, Executor Federico.

Er...

Just in case.

There is reason to believe that Executor Richele may be his accomplice. Should I summon him?

No need. He'll only claim to have been tricked by an old classmate, now won't he, Oren?

Remind me never to pick a fight with you again.

I'll let Richele be. For now.

But I would like to speak with him through you, when it's convenient. You don't have a problem with that, do you?

N-No, not at all.

Then the two of them have been dealt with for the moment, Executor Federico.

......

Hold on, Federico.

What is it?

I've been thinking. It couldn't have been easy to deduce that it was Feoria who met with the Sarkaz, just from a few sentences in a journal.

Why were you so obsessed?

Who were you seeking?

...Arturia.

Arturia... huh? Arturia?

The wanted criminal?

What exactly is your relationship with her?

A distant relative.

Hahahaha!

Seriously, man.

If I could stand right now, I'd be dragging you to the nearest bar.

I don't have time.

You do, because I happened to run into an infamous fugitive a few years back. By the name of Arturia.

......

Wait! Calm down, Velliv!

I wasn't looking for her! It was a coincidence!

Seriously, I like to think of myself as a veteran, but just thinking back on that experience sends a shiver down my spine.

Where did you see her?

Three years ago, in Leithanien.

Mister Ezell!

Cecelia!

Richele...

The paperwork is in order. She's now free to leave Laterano.

Thank you, Richele.

Just doing my job.

You know where you're going, right?

Well, we'll meet up with Federico and join a company by the name of Rhodes Island under a cooperation agreement. Apparently, it's more convenient this way, since we'll be spending a lot of time outside.

Good. I've already contacted them.

But you're still an executor of the Notarial Hall. Missions will be issued to you through Rhodes Island when it's inconvenient for you to return.

That said, I have a hunch that your journey with her will go smoothly. You might find what you're looking for sooner rather than later.

And my hunches are usually right.

Er, thanks?

I'll be going, then. Goodbye, Cecelia.

Bye-bye, Mister Richele.

Ah-choo!

Yikes. I'm getting a hunch that something bad's gonna happen...

Richele is an eccentric one too.

Hey, wait, how did he know that we're looking for something?

What's wrong, Mister Ezell?

Nothing.

Is there anything else you want to say before we go?

......

(I'm leaving Laterano, Mamma.)

(But I'm not running away.)

(I'm gonna find Papà on my own, and tell him what you said.)

(I wanna see the outside world for myself... I wanna see Kazdel.)

(I'm happy, Mamma. Now, just like before...)

(Please, watch over me.)

Can I pick a white flower?

Of course.

Thank you!

You want to take this flower?

Uh-huh.

Fresh flowers won't last long. I can press it for you.

Will you teach me? I wanna learn for myself.

Thanks, Mister Ezell.

Huh?

I'm the one who should be thanking you.

Eh? Is that...?

Patia, are you really coming with me?

Of course.

I was thinking you could stay here.

Laterano doesn't have what I'm looking for.

...?

What is it, Patia?

Excuse me, that was out of line.

But... did you just smile?

Not to say that you don't normally—it's just that, well, something seems different.

Hmm...

For many years, I thought we walked alone in the wilderness. I was arrogant and immature.

Did you hear the old man's speech?

I heard the second half when it woke me up. It was being broadcast all over the city. Loudly.

Yvangelista, the Patron Saint of Sacrifice and Unity. Perhaps he will go even further than the ten who took that name before him.

What a grand, yet fragile vision.

But one upon which I offer my blessings.

What did you learn that day?

It's not important, Patia. Not so important, anyway.

Even if there is no reward waiting at the end of the journey, the act of continuing onward is, in itself, carrying the torch. Therefore, I will continue onward.

We do not trade for blessings, nor for pity. We walk the path that we believe in.

Because... it is the only way to live with dignity, is it not?

We should depart, Guide, before the sun sets.

Let us go, my brothers and sisters.

What are you looking at, Cecelia?

No, nothing.

The sunset is beautiful.