Forget it. I'm almost retired, and it's about time I enjoyed some leisure... there's no end to work. How about you stop shutting yourself in here and go outside with me for once? It's a fine day out there.

The young man at the front desk gave me a huge cake. Good thing a few kids passed by, and they got through the whole thing pretty quick. Take it home? No, there's only me at home, and I wouldn't be able to finish it before it spoiled.

Why ask about His Holiness? I can't tell you much. We never quite saw eye-to-eye from a young age, though we managed to work together for decades because we shared the same devotion to the Holy City. Even today, I wouldn't say we're much more than acquaintances... but then, perhaps the fact that we're not friends is precisely the reason we've been able to tolerate each other for so long.

I was delighted when Fia said she wanted to become a gun-knight. Nothing makes you prouder than your child wanting to take up your mantle. She being a Liberi was no obstacle at all, smart and hard-working as she is. And I would have done anything to make her dream come true. But kids grow up, people change...

There were lots of friends I tried to convince to stay, but failed. It was only a long time later I realized it wasn't because of me that they left, but because of Laterano. The city's glory is like the sun, its brilliant radiance suffers no stars. But it is the duty of the stars to shine upon the night where the sun does not.

Laterano has been turned on its head. The old Law is gone. But I still have faith in the Holy City, and in the ties that bind us to one another. Otherwise, why would those who left the Holy City return to defend it together with me... right, Doctor?

I heard Fia made some friends here. Does she get along with the others? She's got a sharp tongue, but deep down she's hiding a heart of gold... I guess it's my fault for making fun of her too much when she was little. But then, where's the fun in raising a child, if you don't make fun of her?

What a tear-jerker. I should've picked a comedy for movie night. How embarrassing, crying my heart out like that in front of you... the tear glands get so much weaker as you age, you know. Say, am I imagining it, or are your eyes even redder than mine are? Come now, no need to fight the tears.

This letter? Oh, it's nothing, just word that an old friend has passed away. I personally escorted her out of the Holy City when she contracted Oripathy, many years ago. I don't even remember what she looked like, how awful I am. I wish I could've seen her one last time, even if it meant getting punched in the face.

Feel free to lean against me if you're tired, though I'm not exactly soft. This suit is almost as ancient as I am. It's gone through quite a few major overhauls, but it's still a... reliable partner.

A pleasure to meet you, Doctor. You know me as Fia's grandpa, if you've heard of... the Sankta Miksaparato... I really regret letting Fia fill out my recommendation form.

That was one wild shot from Fia. Reminds me of when I was young.

What is WRONG with your medics?! Do they think I'm a child? A medal just for cooperating with medical personnel? Shouldn't that be common sense? And… what're they giggling about?

You see all these medals? That Vampire told me to come here to claim my prize. I can't guess what you're going to give me. Another medal? Is it a 'collect twenty to get the grand prize' deal?

I'll help, but you'd better sit down with me for a mug of mead once this is over.

Why do I feel like I'm taking a bunch of kids out to a picnic?

Why does this suit of armor feel like it's gotten tighter, especially around the waist? Thankfully, my gun still feels the same as it ever has.

What are you doing standing there? Come at me! And don't expect me to give you your last rites!

Good, a chance to try out my new hip.

My bones will get rusty if I don't exercise.

I'll hold this ground all on my own.

Don't underestimate these old bones.

I will not fall.

You will not fall.

No one will fall.

No one will touch that which I defend.

Blood? No, I'm not hurt. Just a loose tooth that fell out. Lucky, spares me a visit to the dentist.

No need to thank me. I hardly broke a sweat.

Are we done? We should go home, then. If we didn't do bad, then I say we did good.

I'm fine. I've been in worse pickles before. Come now, don't look so sullen. Maybe a bit of ice cream will cheer you up? My treat.

Anyone in the mood for some classic Lateran soap operas? They're pretty good up to the point where you fall asleep.

Take it easy, you'll shatter my old bones.

A little pot of tea, a big plate of raspberry pie. Let's sit down and talk.

Arknights.

Don't complain about me being late. What's half an hour more or less? Have you any idea how long I waited for Fia to bring you folks to see me in Laterano? Besides, I still need to fix my hair since it got crushed under a helmet all day.

I brought some pastries. You can share them.

I heard it's your birthday. So I brought a vintage from my cellar to join in the fun... Oh, no need to be so polite. A bottle doesn't compare to a good time spent with friends.

The people by your side will leave you someday, Doctor, but they're never truly gone. They are the stars adorning the sky that is your life when you look up at night; distant though they may be, the light they leave behind for you will never die.