“But you must remember, when that day truly comes and the whole world slides into the abyss because of your hesitation and so-called rationality, do not regret today’s choice. Because this price will be one that you, and countless others who harbor such delusions of luck, will pay together with your blood and souls.”
Then, Laurence’s tone softened slightly as he offered a choice that seemed more reasonable and noble.
“But there is a second path, Vera.” Laurence slowly raised a second finger. The intensity and threat in his voice faded, replaced by a deeper, more suppressed, and seemingly more rational tone.
“Join me. Before the situation spirals completely out of control, we will find Aurelia and rectify the grave mistake of letting her leave. This isn’t just for a trial… at least, not entirely.”
He paused for a moment, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls toward a distant and uncertain future.
“Let’s do this,” Laurence suddenly shifted the conversation. “Our goal will shift to focusing on capturing Aurelia alive. If she hasn’t lost her true self, we will help her purge the Power of Calamity and bring that Aurelia back to us. How does that sound?”
Vera was instantly stunned. She could hardly believe her ears.
‘Capture her alive? Help her purge the Power of Calamity? Bring Liya back?’
Hearing these words from Laurence now made him seem like a completely different person compared to the one who had just spoken with such cold, destructive certainty about her elimination.
She jerked her head up, and the extinguished light in her eyes seemed to flicker with a faint, newfound spark.
‘Is it a trap? Is it bait? Or… is there actually a sliver of mercy left deep within the Captain’s heart?’
Vera stared intently at Laurence, trying to discern from his expression and gaze how much of this was sincere and how much was merely bait for the sake of expediency.
“I know what you’re thinking, Vera.” He sighed softly, his tone turning helpless. “You think I’m lying to you just to get you to cooperate, don’t you?”
He turned back and looked Vera directly in the eye. Within those golden pupils, the intense paranoia seemed to have receded slightly.
“I also hope things are as simple as the Bishop said, and as you wish… just some unfortunate accident, an erosion that can be purified. I want Aurelia to still be the Aurelia we know more than anyone else.”
The first half of this sentence was a calculation against his best teammate, while the second half… even he could no longer tell how much was genuine longing and how much was a need for self-persuasion.
“But hope cannot replace judgment, and it certainly cannot mask danger.” His tone turned cold and hard again, but this time, it seemed to be wrapped in a more complex layer of consideration.
“My bloodline warns me. The prophetic visions I have seen all point toward the worst-case scenario. I cannot, and dare not, gamble the safety of countless people on a chance so slim it is practically non-existent.”
He paused as if organizing his thoughts, or perhaps searching for a reason for his compromise that even he could temporarily accept.
“Therefore, what we must do is not wait or pray, but take the initiative and seize control of the situation. We must find her again before things become irreversible. And then…”
He took a deep breath, as if saying the next words required immense resolve.
“If… and I mean if, she truly is as you think and her true self remains, then we will restrain her and bring her back to the Holy City. Under the witness of His Holiness the Pope, we will use my Braveblood and His Holiness’s divine arts to drive the Disaster from her body. This is the only way… to possibly save her and stop the catastrophe at the same time.”
He gazed at Vera. His eyes seemed honest, but a desire for control lurked deep within them.
“This is the last chance we can win for her, and for everyone, Vera. We must intervene and grasp that one thread of potential survival before the situation slides into an irredeemable abyss.”
***
He said he hoped Liya was still Liya. He spoke of fighting for a final chance at life, of avoiding a greater disaster…
Every word struck her at her most vulnerable, the parts of herself she was most unwilling to face.
‘Stay behind?’ She could not endure the doomsday the Captain described, nor could she bear the ignorance and helplessness regarding Liya’s fate. Furthermore, she could not handle the consequences of breaking with the Captain now, leaving the Sword of Saint Radiance, and facing everything alone.
By accepting this proposal, at least she would be there. She could do something. At the final moment, perhaps there would still be room for redemption? Even a tiny chance was better than nothing.
“… I understand.” She nodded slightly, no longer hesitating, though her voice was very dry.
“I will… assist you in finding Liya and try to control the situation.” She intentionally avoided words like “expulsion” or “judgment,” as if doing so would allow her to keep a bit of self-deceiving leeway.
Seeing that Vera finally agreed with him, Laurence breathed a sigh of relief, returning to his former gentle and steady self.
He could not just leave the eradication of the Disaster as talk. Once his injuries healed and the Hero’s Coronation Ceremony was over, he would use the advantages provided by the Church and his own memories… to end it all.
But for now, he needed everyone at the Base to fully agree with his perspective; Vera was only the first. To prevent her from changing her mind at the last minute… he needed to appoint a watcher.
“Thank you, Vera. Afterward… I will have that Church Knight accompany you. He can represent the Church’s stance, stabilize morale, and even provide military support if necessary.”
“Also… please have someone repair the damaged room. Clear it out and stop using it.”
Laurence paused, as if something had occurred to him, and added, “If any of her other personal belongings are found… seal them separately and bring them to me. I will… dispose of them personally.”
“All right, rest easy. I will do my best to complete the task.” She gave an ambiguous answer and did not stay any longer, turning to leave the room.
“Wait!” Laurence called out to Vera. She did not turn back but tilted her face, waiting for him to continue.
“While you are comforting the Companions… please keep a close watch. Observe whose emotions or comments are the most unusual now that Aurelia has left. Whether it is excessive anger, sadness, or ill-timed questioning.”
“… Understood.” With that, Vera closed the door and walked quickly toward the hall with the Church Knight.