【Viktor】
A military empire with overwhelming territory and weaponry, utilizing rare beastmen and sub-humans like tools in powerful new weapons.

Advocating human supremacy, it thoroughly denies the existence of God or fate.

The Scent of Spring and the Curtain Call

Two shadows leaped from the ash-covered castle. Younger brothers running through the garden below, alongside bright red ripening berries.

──You'll fall if you run that fast, Celest.

I won't fall, stop following me.

The cold air froze the newly melted snow, causing a heel to slip. Clear laughter and cheeks flushed by the spring sunlight glared defiantly at the moon.

"......"

Swayed by a faint breath, the stack of papers held in both hands nearly spilled. The crimson coat walking ahead fluttered, the tip of a whip trailing down as if to rebuke the distracted self.

"......My apologies, ...Your Imperial Majesty."

The high sun shone through the office window, knocking quietly as if to welcome one warmly. Invariably at this time, feet would move toward the window of their own accord.

＿＿＿＿♪

Sunlight entering the office traced the wood grain cheerfully, bringing the melody of a piano along with the north wind. The bouncing melody contained a certain sense of constraint, yet this sound was strangely familiar to the ear.

A violin resting in its case. Reaching for it remained unfulfilled until the end, but... this time spent listening to his sound had become a daily routine.

As the warmest season in Viktor was about to change, I turned at the sound of a whip echoing from the deepest part of the palace. The carpet stretching to the end of the corridor looked like the bloodstains encrusted upon this land, upon this palace.

The sound of tearing through the air was damp, and the cold stone of the basement weighed heavily on the mind. ...Through the gap of the basement door that wasn't completely closed, the sound of incessantly dripping blood and sobs that sounded like they were crushed in the throat to be stifled leaked out.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

It felt as if blood slowly seeped from the carpet beneath my feet. I couldn't cover my ears. Being dyed from the core by the blood, the heat, the sound, the whip.

Thawing Snow, This is the Applauding Praise for You

Brother.

"...What is it?"

......"＿＿＿＿".

...Don't try to watch my end, talking about pride and all that. That really wouldn't be like you, Brother.

"It's a one-way ticket. I went to the trouble of preparing it, so don't lose it. Though I don't think you will."

"We're alike. We... no, maybe not in this one way. I suppose I'm still the coward after all."

True Happiness

The timber of burned-down houses mercilessly crushed the emblem of Viktor. One by one, the members of the Imperial Guard returned to this earth, blooming like crimson flowers.

【Guest】

Commander of the Emperor's Imperial Guard.
Strove to suppress the revolutionary army.

No matter how many times they fire, Guest cannot shake off the gunsmoke obscuring their vision. The hatred searing the skin and the battle cries pressed a gun barrel to their stomach, declaring there was no longer a place for them in this country.

Again, a piece of wood engulfed in flames,

Collapses.

"......Guest"

Amidst the gunfire and roars, Savel took Guest's arm. He pulled firmly and looked straight at them.

He had no intention of wasting words.

"Come."

Happiness.

It always takes a human form.