Orimo (voice raised, frustration sharp):
"But why did you do that!?"
Auransa remained still for a moment, then exhaled.
Auransa:
"They're illegal immigrants. I ordered the royal army to treat them with care. To deliver food. They were kept outside the walls because our citizens felt unsafe."
He looks away, jaw clenched.
"In the name of humanity… we did what we could. But without citizenship, we can't legally provide full support."
Ryuki's eyes narrow.
Orimo:
"Your soldiers treat them like trash. The doctors refused to treat a dying child."
Auransa's expression shifts.
A quiet realization.
A guilt that hits late — but hits deep.
Auransa (soft, almost broken):
"…I didn't recall any of that happening."
His voice trembles.
"Maybe… I chose not to recall it."
A slow, painful breath.
"I turned a blind eye. I'm sorry. And I appreciate what you did… acting on the suffering I ignored."
He bows his head.
"It's my fault."
Orimo's eyes widen slightly.
Orimo (thinking):
He's… owning it.
Auransa:
"I'll punish any guard or doctor responsible. That I promise."
Ryuki rests her sword on her shoulder, a faint grin forming.
Ryuki:
"Then we don't have a reason to fight you anymore."
Auransa gives a relieved, heavy laugh.
Auransa:
"I appreciate that. Well… would you two like some food? Drinks, perhaps?"
Orimo:
"Yeah. Sure."
Ryuki:
"Do you have a newspaper?"
Auransa nods and hands one over.
Ryuki unfolds it.
Her eyes widen — shock tightening her grip.
Orimo:
"What's wrong?"
Ryuki (voice low, serious):
"A war… at Marine Headquarters. Against one of the Conquerors of the Sea… the only rival to the Devil King."
Orimo:
"What's a Conqueror?"
Ryuki slowly lowers the paper and looks him in the eyes.
Ryuki:
"They're pirates who surpassed all others. Monsters of the ocean. Kings of entire seas."
Her voice goes quiet.
"They rule the world's tides… and bring fear like natural disasters."
"Their power is… terrifying."
Wind moves through the ruined street.
Something bigger is coming.
Much bigger.