Chapter 12 - Loyalty Amiya Rai: ...The people of Rai are all deeply loyal. They work for me like my own hands and feet. Amiya Rai: But somewhere along the way, loyalty became too much of a virtue. Amiya Rai: The world might be coming to an end, and yet they can't decide anything for themselves. Isn’t that heartbreaking... U Lutri: I don't think that's necessarily true. Amiya Rai: ... U Lutri: There’s comfort in working under someone capable, without having to think for yourself. I’d say it’s a happy thing. U Lutri: I used to be like that, myself. I had a good partner...Letting him take charge was so easy. U Lutri: Maybe that burdened him too much, though... Anyway, you're a good leader. Amiya Rai: ...I'm surprised. U Lutri: By what? Amiya Rai: By the fact that you'd compliment me. U Lutri: ... U Lutri: ‘kay then, I take it back. Amiya Rai: Haha... Oh, it's done. Here. U Lutri: Ah, thanks…Gh…Whoops... Amiya Rai: ...Your arm. U Lutri: Huh? Amiya Rai: It's in your way, isn't it? Let's take those shackles off. U Lutri: ……..Haha... Isn't it a bit too early to trust me? Amiya Rai: I agree. Amiya Rai: Come on, give me your arm. U Lutri: ... U Lutri: ...Thanks. Amiya Rai: It's nothing… Amiya Rai: ...The wind's picking up… I'll keep watch over the fire. Finish eating and get some sleep. U Lutri: ...You go first. Amiya Rai: ... U Lutri: I'm not gonna run away. Traveling's easier with two people, anyway. U Lutri: ...And I want to see Ebisu. I’d appreciate your help. Amiya Rai: ...Alright. U Lutri: Mm... Amiya Rai: Good night, Lutri. U Lutri: Yeah, good night, Amiya... U Lutri: ... U Lutri: ...What am I even doing… [Cut to the Imperial castle.] Suncia Panthera: ...Lord Umarit! Lord Umarit! Umarit Imuse: You're making quite the ruckus. Suncia Panthera: I need to speak with you! It's about what happened last night... Umarit Imuse: Clear the room. Suncia Panthera: ...Everyone, please step back. Suncia Panthera: ...One of the knights informed me. Why did you order them to fire!? Suncia Panthera: The capital's in shambles. Some people even believe the Federation army has invaded. Suncia Panthera: Not to mention, that person who was with the intruders last night is- Umarit Imuse: That Echo Knight lost their mind out of fear, it seems. Suncia Panthera: ...What do you mean? Umarit Imuse: They gave orders to the artillery unit without my permission and attacked the intruders who'd broken into the palace. Umarit Imuse: It truly is regrettable, but it seems His Majesty our great Emperor, who was abducted by those bandits, has lost his life as well. Umarit Imuse: We received a report that his body's been found. Suncia Panthera: ...Wh...His Majesty is dead... Umarit Imuse: Shh... Suncia, keep your voice down... Umarit Imuse: This matter has only been disclosed to the Empire's highest officials so far. Umarit Imuse: Before we inform the public of His Majesty's passing, we must find and execute the criminals who took his life. Umarit Imuse: I've already entrusted that task to your subordinate, the one who bombarded the town. Suncia Panthera: Please let me handle this. It's too much for him to bear alone. Umarit Imuse: Don't be so eager for glory, Suncia. He'll hunt down those criminals with his life on the line, after all. Umarit Imuse: If he fails to find them, then the responsibility for that reckless bombardment, for the citizens' deaths, and for His Majesty's death as well... Umarit Imuse: ...will fall entirely on him. Suncia Panthera: ... Suncia Panthera: Don't tell me…you did this…on purpose... Umarit Imuse: Suncia. Do not utter another word. Suncia Panthera: ...Gh, Lord Umarit... That's... Please, anything but that- Umarit Imuse: Be quiet, Suncia. I won't let anything bad happen to you. Umarit Imuse: Don’t you remember? it was His Majesty himself who first doubted my loyalty. Umarit Imuse: You were angry about that too, weren't you? Your shoulders were shaking, you said it was unforgivable... Wasn't that so? Hmmm? Suncia Panthera: ...Tch… Umarit Imuse: That's right... That's good. They say silence is golden, don't they? Swallow this secret deep down your throat. Umarit Imuse: Become my right hand, in place of your late brother…Your answer? Suncia Panthera: ...Lord Umarit... Umarit Imuse: Can you pledge your loyalty to me? Or… Suncia Panthera: ... I... I became an Echo Knight to serve the Empire and His Majesty... Umarit Imuse: ... Umarit Imuse: And? Umarit Imuse: I asked whether you can pledge your loyalty to me, Suncia. Suncia Panthera: ...Gh ... Umarit Imuse: ... Suncia Panthera: ...I sw... Suncia Panthera: I swear it... Umarit Imuse: ... Suncia Panthera: ...I pledge my loyalty to you, Lord Umarit... Umarit Imuse: Good. That's exactly what I was waiting to hear, Suncia. Umarit Imuse: If you hadn't sworn that oath to me, I'd have had to tear out that throat of yours, dear as a little brother as you are to me. Suncia Panthera: ...Gh… Umarit Imuse: You must be tired today. Return to your estate and get some rest. Suncia Panthera: ...Yes... To be continued...