......

Huh?

I could be imagining it, but it seems like the soldiers are moving slower than before.

The rumors are spreading, Sirius.

Melina! Where have you been?

Sirius, this is more important than that.

I feel like the rumors going through the city are going to matter a lot more to you than where I've been.

Rumors?

Yes. They're everywhere. Things like, "The emperor has vanished from the palace..."

What?!

Apparently the palace guards are searching for him, but they're not having any luck.

Father has...? H-He couldn't have already...

No! It's too soon! Isn't there any time left to talk him out of it?!

In any case, I've got to get back to the palace! Melina, come with me!

No, I can't do that.

Huh?!

I actually came here to say goodbye to you, Sirius...

...since you've been so kind to me in the past.

To say goodbye?

After this, I'm headed out to meet with Uncle Chrome.

And regardless of what happens after that, I don't expect to ever return here.

Honestly, giving me Uncle Chrome was the only thing this country ever did for me.

That's why I won't fight for it. After this, I'm just going to live as I please.

Melina...

Also, I feel like I've already paid my debt to Bariura for raising me...

...by finding "that" for Selvia.

Melina, I'm sorry.

I knew how Father... No, how this country was treating you.

I knew, and I wasn't able to stop it.

You don't have to apologize.

This is true of Elza and Alice, too, even if they're not here to hear it...

...but I feel like all of my siblings had it similarly, even if we all had different perspectives.

Oh, and one more thing.

Apparently, Myuze is wandering around helping civilians near the palace.

It's hard to imagine given her usual attitude, though.

What?!

Myuze...! After I told her very clearly...!

Well, that's all I had to say.

This is goodbye, Sirius...

Melina...

No, I don't have time to think right now.

I've got to get to the palace as soon as possible, and find out what's really going on.