That's a huge stack of documents... I can lend you a hand if you're struggling to clear them, Doctor… Oh, sorry. I should be on standby waiting for your request.

Hildegard doesn't care how Leithanians think of her, and I'm not some civil servant mincing words for her. It's just that we've been together for a long time now, so I'm able to stand in for her on unofficial occasions, to speak words she's not at liberty to speak, or meet people unsuitable for her to see.

That must have been Federico earlier... He's also the type to think of normal conversation as stepping on glass. But once you know them long enough, you'll be able to understand what they're perplexed with, or what they're chasing after. My advice? Get used to awkward silence.

I just heard some people discussing my age, but I don't see the issue, really. I met a sickly fellow in Zwillingstürme. He was younger than me by a few months, but he's skating on thin ice every day due to his status as Graf... Well, at least I don't have to worry about my own safety like that.

'Wolfgang, everything you say and do will affect Wulfsburg's future.' That's what I told myself back then. My life is my answer sheet, which I keep neat. But the problem is... maybe not everything has to be treated as an exam... Um, I still seem tense, even now?

Thank you for your concern, but I don't mind Hildegard's disappearance at all. She told me the enclosure of war was built so that it could be torn down in the future without any worries. She must have been somewhat aware of it that day, but she still... Anyway, my mission isn't over yet, and I remain her envoy still.

Doctor, why are fowlbeasts unable to touch the stars no matter how far they fly? Uh, no, I'm just used to breaking the silence when it gets too quiet. Please pay me no heed. I don't think the answer's that important...? It's because they can't even fly right when they're... Ahem, seeing stars.

Didn't I soundproof the room with Arts...? This castanet? It's a gift from Lieselotte, given during my first audience with her. When I was living in the Spire, I would kick it at the books in my room. Knocking them down one by one, then put them back before the sun came up. It's normal for me to be childish at my age, isn't it?

You two are so similar... Sorry for disturbing you with my sudden words, Doctor... I was just thinking about how you and Hildegard are so alike. Both of you shoulder so many responsibilities in silence, and I can't tell when to step in. Can I help you? Or... can you help me?

My tuba? Of course I can play it... Speaking of which, can you play the piano? Can you practice with me when you're free?

Doctor, I am here at the behest of Empress Hildegard of Leithanien, and I hope to maintain friendly relations with you. I can act as a your Messenger, and perform music for you as well.

I've already seen this... Hold on, I have some old recordings of the annual Kaiserinnensfest. Would you like to watch them together with me?

Phew... Seems like I haven't disappointed you. Uh, Doctor. Should I be acting more nonchalant about this?

Mm... I'm glad to have met your expectations.

I'll follow your baton for the time being.

I knew you were too lazy to show up, so I went to run some errands... I'm very much used to this.

A music score or a battle plan—you have to give me one of those at least.

Hm. Dissonances.

Opening with a tuba? A rare arrangement.

Am I the only tuba in your band?

I'll warm up my fingers first.

I'll join in the performance at the right section.

Can you hear it, the restorative vigor of that fortissimo?

Can you feel it, the melodious emotions of that pianissimo?

A shrill howl? That's what happens when you mess up while performing.

Out of my way, or I'll shove your head up this tuba.

While the tuba is one of the most difficult instruments to play, I'm sure I'll get somewhat proficient at it in time. But you, you seem like a musician who was born proficient with all kinds of instruments... Life is so unfair.

Your ingenuity put to shame any conductor I've seen.

How does one keep their musicality in tip-top shape? Practice. A flawed performance simply means you haven't practiced enough.

Did we fail? I don't think so. People like you usually factor failure into your plans, yes?

The soundproofing here should be decent...?

Ahh... you gave me a fright.

Doctor, I'm just about to replace the bell on my tuba. Can you lend me a hand?

Arknights.

The new year was just a month away when I left Wulfsburg. They said we had to hurry to meet Their Majesties, so that we could make it to the annual celebration in Zwillingstürme. I was practicing the whole way, but... I really liked that piece.

Are you resting well, Doctor?

The annual Empresses' Celebration is always a stunning event. The Royal Orchestra performs for the people, and it closes with a grand ensemble with Their Majesties on the covered bridge. The main reason we hold it every year is to make everyone believe in the path beneath their feet. Rhodes Island doesn't have celebrations as grand as that, but your footsteps are still full of conviction.