Liberi Reader

They are here, Your Holiness.

Very well.

Are you sure about this? There is no precedent for it, aside from the canonization of the popes. It's risky.

You are correct. I could find no such record in our millennium of history.

But that is of no concern.

What is of concern is the warning I received.

What is it about, specifically?

I would answer your question honestly, if I could.

Our glowing faith has warned us that danger is near. But no one knows what it is, or how it will arrive.

I only see a list of names.

First on the list is the main character of today's performance.

That's why you proposed canonizing him?

Still the title of 'Saint' is special, reserved for the holy ones who built Laterano.

I hold the same title.

Th-That's different! You're the Pope, sir.

You're conceding a significant amount of power. He will have the right to participate in a multitude of matters, even policy-making... this is no small thing!

Easy, Giovanni. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

And, as I said, there is more than one name on the list.

What? Are you proposing that all of them be canonized?!

That's absu—I mean, against the rules!

Don't be so quick to judge, Giovanni. We need to find them first.

I saw some familiar names. Do you know who's on it?

No idea.

In that case, I'll let it remain a secret for a little longer.

Giovanni.

I think I'll visit these friends after the ceremony.

Why are there so many balloons?

There's even a pie throwing competition on that street up ahead. I had to take a detour because of all the pies on the ground... is there some sort of festival on?

No idea. Heard it's a ceremony or something, but I don't know the specifics.

Who cares, at the end of the day? Let's just enjoy the occasion, like we always do.

Say, do you think I could fly if I tied myself to these balloons?

You don't have a prayer, even if you lost twenty pounds.

Don't say that! Maybe I could take off my jacket. It's a pretty warm day...

Hey, look, new balloons!

Here, hold my jacket, I've got to try this!

Hey! Be careful!

Whoooooooa! I'm flying!

Hey, how do I stop climbing?

Oh no! I forgot I'm scared of heights!

Pardon.

Hey! Don't go! Help!

Hm?

Help! Let me down!

Alright.

Ouch!

Man, that hurt... but thanks.

My balloons...

You popped them all? Did you really have to be so cruel?

It was the logical solution, given the circumstances.

I guess... but couldn't you have left me a couple?

He got you down, stop whining. Don't mind this idiot, sir.

Where did you get that outfit? It looks cool.

I can't say.

What do you mean? Was it a gift?

Looks like a work uniform. There's something familiar about it...

Where do you get a uniform like that? I'm applying!

...I'm not sure it's a standard uniform.

You can submit your curriculum vitae to the Curia.

'....They led the Sankta. They built a city and named it Laterano.'

'And when disaster looms once more, a new revelation shall dawn upon the Sankta, and a new guide shall lead forth...'

'The Paradise of the Sankta shall remain eternal, as witnessed by the world.'

We bear witness.

We bear witness.

We bear witness.

Ite, missa est.

You can raise your head now, my child.

No... a different name is appropriate here.

Raise your head and stand by my side, Saint Federico Giallo, the first Chosen of Laterano who does not come from the ranks of the popes.

......

A measured reaction. Not a fan of the balloons?

I don't understand.

Hm?

What is the duty of a Saint? What is the disaster that looms? Does it call for immediate action?

I need to know the details in order to formulate a plan.

An appropriate question, but not one I am able to answer.

The warning I received was as cryptic as it was direct. It does not provide for a specific answer.

Each era has its own trials and tribulations, for which we can only prepare to the best of our ability. It is certain, however, that you have been chosen because It believes that you have the ability to respond to the unknown.

...I don't understand.

There is no hurry. We have time.

Right now, there are other things we can talk about... this garb suits you, Federico.

Makes all the cardinals' bickering over the cut and color worthwhile.

I didn't think that was a cardinal's duty.

Let's not be so strict. People can't help but focus on that which draws their interest.

I've seen your resume, Federico. I can tell that you are an outstanding executor.

The Commandments do not bind your thoughts as they do others, eh?

Rules can be broken, if necessary.

Of course. I can't bring myself to disagree.

You judge matters by your own standards. That is why you always carry out your missions effectively, if somewhat unorthodoxly.

I have a mission for you. I had intended on going myself, but there are other matters that require my attention... now, I've found someone who can go in my stead.

It will not be an easy task. Expect unexpected complications, the likes of which you have never seen.

But I believe you are up to it. I want to see why He chose you.

Will you go, Federico?

Executor Federico, ready for assignment.

What is your command?

What are you looking at, Arturia?

The flowers, Excellency.

This is the only place in the monastery where they grow. I'm glad I made it in time for bloom season. It's a view worth savoring.

Clément would be happy to hear it.

It has been a long time since anyone came to see the flowers that he cared for. They used to grow all around the abbey.

This is all that is left.

A shame. I understand there is a beautiful story behind them.

There was.

What about now?

Perhaps there still is. But my eyes have grown weak. Flowers are no longer pure enjoyment for me. I've grown too old, spent too much time here.

Flowers cannot fill an empty stomach, just as your music can soothe pain but not avert aging.

I know things don't always go according to plan. Perhaps this was inevitable the moment our call for help reached Laterano.

Now...

Only the bitter fruit remains.

Bitter fruit. Even the name itself leaves a bitterness on the tip of the tongue that does not go away. I rather like it, actually.

Poor soil does not bear sweet fruit.

Poor soil. Yes, poor soil.

But it's home for people like us.

I thought we would find a better, more peaceful life.

We had walls that protected us from wind and rain, we had faith unwavering. Our longing for a peaceful life won out over our longing for home.

All that was left was to find a quiet corner of the world where we could live in peace.

But now...

How many years has it been? Fifty? Sixty? More?

When disaster came from the sea, when we rejected the Inquisition's demands and left Iberia to settle here... I've seen children born, and then buried those same children.

Life has become hard.

Life is always hard.

Yes, you're right...

Look at the living. To where do they belong? I can't tell.

Are they of Iberia, or of Laterano?

We've come too far in too long...

......

Arturia.

Am I still a Lateran, after all these years?

Only you know the answer, Abbot Stefano Torregrossa.

I hope I still am.

Then you are.

You spoke the truth, Arturia.

There's no need to test me anymore.

A misunderstanding. I never intended to probe your secrets.

I permitted you to stay because these doors are open to all who bear no ill intentions.

But I still don't know what you are seeking, Arturia.

What if I said I seek nothing?

......

I take it you don't believe it.

Then let me put it this way. Pay no heed to me. I promise I will not interfere with anything here, nor with your decisions.

I'm simply a traveler, drawn to this place by the stories here, praying that the ending is a good one.

Should I swear in the name of my halo?

You're a cunning one, Arturia.

But I believe your words.

The Holy City never answered, all these years, but I never stopped praying.

My faith taught me to love, to be kind. It did not teach me to abandon our brothers and sisters, our loyal friends.

To abandon the few for the happiness of the many...

The devoted would call it a shameful betrayal.

Do you?

I don't have that answer, Arturia.

Where does the believer go, if faith has betrayed itself?

Here's the stuff.

Get it salted and dried quickly. It should last the winter.

I'll get someone on it!

Gratias. This meat will buy us some time...

...I'm sorry.

Finding game was harder than I thought, with the weather is getting colder.

Don't say that!

Thanks to you, there will be meat on the table for the children tonight... don't apologize.

Ha. Okay, forget what I said. Make them something good for dinner.

I would love to, but we've got to ration.

Where's Hyman? She didn't get hurt, did she?

Don't worry, she's fine.

Really?

Don't hide anything, okay? An injury is no small thing.

No problem, we'll come back if we do need anything.

It's getting late. I should go.

Hey, Gerald!

Hm?

Everyone's been talking about Laterano. They mean no harm; they're just a little anxious.

Please, don't mind it if someone lets something slip.

......

I understand.

I-I see, that's good... yes...

......

Thanks for coming, Raimund.

Let's go. We're not needed here. Is Hyman back yet?

Haven't seen her all day. Davy led a group out to look for her. I'll join them later.

We have a scout team ready. We'll have concrete intel when they get back tonight.

Good. Carry on.

Brother Gerald...

Are we really going to accept things as they are right now?

Calm down, Raimund.

You know we never had of a choice.

So we're compromising?

What are we? What have all these years been for? What's the difference between us and them? We're just—

Raimund!

That's enough.

But—

No buts.

I know you don't like it, Raimund.

There's still time. If there's someone you want to see, go and see them.

I wanted to try to persuade you, but now is not really the time.

You're weak. Too many things interfere with our thoughts, warp our judgment, preventing us from following the guidance of our faith.

......

You can no longer hear me, can you?

It's almost winter. The sun has become a rare sight.

This building is like a remote island. It has held out long enough. It can no longer hold out.

See the gaps in the walls, where the draught comes through.

There is little fuel left. Many will suffer in the cold without winter supplies.

Of course, we're not entirely helpless.

There are a couple of small Originium veins nearby, aren't there?

Originium can be mined there for energy generation, as you have done for many years.

But it's dangerous. Everyone knows the risk of Oripathy infection.

Who would take such a risk if they had a choice? Oripathy is a death sentence on an island like this.

You left your homes and came here. You accepted the most dangerous jobs in order to find a place to call your new home.

You're an indispensable part of this abbey.

......

You still can't hear me, can you?

......

I must admit...

I feel a little sad.

Hello? Anyone? Any—

Whoa!

What's with all the broken glass?

Fortuna? Good timing.

Give me a hand with this window frame, will you? The wind broke the window. I'm trying to plug it up.

No problem!

Didn't we fix this a couple of days ago? I remember my teeth chattering in the cold while listening to Father Stefano's sermon.

Should I get some tape?

I'm afraid tape won't do. The pieces are all over the place, and I don't think I can put it back. Sorry...

Why apologize to me, Patruus Clément? It's not your fault.

What should we do? Find something to block it up. The wind's rather cold... should I find some unused fabric?

Don't waste it, save it for clothes. It's getting cold.

There should be some planks left from when Gerald took those old houses apart. I'll go look for them.

That will do it for the frame. Thanks, Fortuna.

What were you here for anyway?

Oh! I wanted to see if there's anything to eat because I missed lunch. It's all Fina's fault...

What's my fault?

Fina!

What are you doing here?

Listening to you talk behind my back.

I'm just telling it like it is! That wouldn't have taken so long if you didn't keep going on and on about it.

It's because you were dumb enough to get scammed!

I told you to be careful of Lemuen! She's been talking to everyone, pretending to care. Who knows what she's really after?

You've been absent-minded lately. Did she say something to you?

No! No one said anything to me! I'm not being absent-minded!

Yes, you are.

We're all Sankta, Tuna. You can't fool me.

......

So is Lemuen. You know she has no ill intentions. Why won't you trust her?

Why do you hate people from Laterano so much? We were Laterans too, weren't we?

Father Stefano says we can go back soon. Why did we lock up the Lateran emissaries?

Why don't we go back?

Because Raimund and the others can't go with us! Isn't that reason enough?

You want to leave them behind? Well, I don't!

That's not what I mean!

Then what do you mean?!

Enough!

The Abbot has his reasons. Say no more.

......

......

I'll find some planks to board up the window... you two calm down.

Can't you sense my thoughts, Fina?

I can, Tuna.

But I...

Never mind. I lost my cool. I know that wasn't what you meant.

I was wrong too.

You always have that gun with you. You got it from your dad, right? I thought it didn't work anymore.

It doesn't. Maybe it's a parts problem. And I don't know how to use a gun myself...

But I'm not carrying it to use it anyway.

I always thought it was a decorative accessory.

Partly.

Holding the gun like this is like praying.

That's what Dad said when he gave it to me. He said it was a Sankta practice.

I don't know about any practices like that.

My grandma's gun is in a canyon.

We can share, Fina.

I'll try to get it fixed, then we can use it together.

Now, let us pray.

The planks should be here somewhere...

Aha. There.

That should be enough. I could fix the outside windows too, if there are any leftover.

And fuel...

Not much fuel left. *sigh*

Hm?

Who goes there?!

......

...No one?

Am I seeing things?

The terrain is so strange. Do you still call this a desert? There's a canyon below?

Mind your step.

I never knew you were such a gentleman, Richele.

Nothing good ever happens comes from you complimenting me...

Don't be so uptight. Your bank account is safe this time.

Is that the nomadic abbey we're looking for?

I think so.

What do we do? Knock on the front door?

You think someone will answer?

What do you think, Federico?