I doze with you in front of the mirror, with rouge fingertips
This hand unexpectedly showed weakness and blocked your lips
I made a promise with you that day
And now we can't remember it
Why don't I have wings to float in the sky,
like the wind, like the clouds?
Why don't I have wings to sink into the all-enveloping night,
like the stars, like the moon? Ahh
Esther.
Verheyen is in an uproar.
I see...
Radcon's death was just waiting to happen.
You're the Star of Istvan, you know.
Bishop...
Esther. This star mark of yours is a symbol of hope from God!
God gave me this star?
Listen, Esther. God gave you this star mark.
Please use its sparkle to lead this grey city of Istvan
to the light of a peaceful spring!
I always thank the Lord that I met you!
OK!
I'm sorry, Bishop!
Someone has to do it...
Please watch over me!
My, how forlorn...
I heard a Sister would be here to pick me up, but where could she be?
It sure is gloomy...
Is this what the "Pearl of the Danube" looks like?
I'm told it was a city worthy of the name prior to Armageddon.
Forget pearl, it's more like a rock on the roadside.
It's hardly surprising.
This sovereign city of Istvan is a buffer zone
between the Vatican to the west and the Empire to the east...
A void between the human and vampire worlds, basically.
If one side intervenes, the balance between the two will fall apart.
I assume you know what that would entail?
Yes... I am here to find the star to keep that from happening.
Well, I'll be on standby.
Well, I guess I should...
I know! I'll splurge and take a taxi!
Four dinars?
Four dinars, yet again?!
O Lord, why is it always four dinars?!
Get back here!
Mister! Could you get the ball?!
Over here!
Present arms!
You must be tired from your long trip to the Empire, Your Lordship!
Yes.
Did anything happen while I was away?
Actually... Someone shot and killed Colonel Radcon.
I see.
Your Lordship!
We've caught a suspicious character!
U-umm, as you can see, I'm just a simple, harmless priest!
Take him away.
- Yes, sir! - Eh?!
That's so cruel!
A portrait of my wife.
Umm, could you please really believe me?
I'm just a simple priest...
My name is Abel Nightroad; I'm here because I was transferred
to your Church of St. Matthias.
You could verify my identity with the Vatican, if you'd like.
Knowing that you're a priest from the Vatican is more than enough.
So, I'd like to explain the rules for working in this city as a priest.
Rules?
Indeed. Your predecessor lost her life because she broke the rules.
Now that you're in Istvan, do not forget that you're under my control...
The control of a Methuselah that your Vatican so greatly abhors.
I consider you all as equal human beings.
Equal human beings?
My wife said the same thing...
Basically, these are the rules, priest.
I despise the church.
But as it serves to control the Terrans, it must remain functional.
You are my hostages against the Vatican.
Living as hostages, there's no way to wish for hope,
but the church's existence gives hope to the Terrans...
Do you understand?
Gyula-sama.
What?
An escort from the Church of St. Matthias is here for Father Nightroad.
We'll be there shortly.
It would seem I've been transferred to one heck of a place...
I'm Sister Esther! I've come to get Father Nightroad!
Umm, it's nice to meet you, Sister Esther!
It's nice to meet you, Father Nightroad. Let us go!
Don't take your eyes off the priest.
Status?
I'm done with the hardware. I'm checking the software now.
I'll be done shortly.
Good.
About Colonel Radcon...
Merely the usual Terran struggling. It's of no real concern.
What's wrong?
I'm sure you have your own feelings about it as a Terran,
but don't worry; I won't bring harm to you.
I can't revive the star without you, after all.
How did things go at the Empire?
They're as stubborn as ever.
Apparently, they won't support our rise to action, no matter what.
But I'm sure their tune will change once they see this thing's power.
Except...
Except?
A Vatican priest came today. They could be aware.
I apologize for having so very little, Father!
No, no need to apologize! Nothing tastes bad on an empty stomach!
No, no!
I didn't mean that your cooking was bad or anything!
I just hadn't eaten since morning and had no money to buy anything,
so I was famished all day...
Oh... I'm sorry I was so late picking you up!
You certainly seem busy...
My predecessor?
Bishop Laura Vitez.
Ever since I was little, she treated me kindly, like a real mother.
Real mother?
I grew up in this church.
I'm told my father entrusted me to the church when I was just a baby.
To me, this is my home, and my mother is the bishop.
She was a very kind and proud believer! But...
It can never be forgiven!
Until now, the Vampire of Istvan... the Marquis of Hungaria...
has pretended to submit to Vatican rule
while controlling the municipal assembly as his puppet all the while!
But neglecting the city's situation would be a great disgrace to us!
Then let us resolve the situation, Brother.
Yes! The reason I have gathered you here today
is to ask for your approval for a resolution.
As earthly agents of God's will, there is but one thing for us to do!
Combine our military forces!
If we're to mobilize our military, we first need absolute proof
that the Marquis of Hungaria wields the city's true power.
We can completely crush Istvan at any time we wish,
but can we really mobilize our forces without justification?
Combining them is acceptable.
But our balance with the Empire only remains because Istvan exists.
We must act cautiously...
Is that how you plan to postpone this issue?!
Sources say the marquis has also made contact with the Empire!
There is no time to waste!
How disgraceful... Even after all that food I ate earlier...
Gyula has made finding Radcon's killer the city police's top priority.
But their investigation hasn't reached here, so don't worry.
So Gyula's next?
Are you all set?
Yes. I worked hard all day to be ready!
Alright. We'll do it just like with Radcon. I'm sure it'll go smoothly.
Esther-san... You've...
...killed someone?
To avenge the bishop!
Please don't stop us, Father!
Who are you?
My name is Dietrich.
Gyula murdered my family...
And he understood how I felt...
I wouldn't have been able to kill Radcon without him!
I see...
Esther. I think I should kill Gyula. I can still get close to him!
No! There's no need for you to get your hands bloody, too!
I'm the one who started this!
Please wait!
Don't do it!
Move, Father!
I said don't!
Father...
I know how you two feel! I know all too well!
I know how it feels to want to get revenge for a loved one's murder!
But even so, murder isn't right! Revenge doesn't solve anything!
Instead, let's figure out what to do for pride and freedom!
I'm certain those who perished would like that much more!
You're too soft, Father...
Fire!
Dietrich!
Don't take it personally.
His Lordship's orders...
No!
No! Let go! This isn't right!
No!
L... I killed him!
It's all my fault! Dietrich, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
Esther Blanchett!
You're under arrest for the murder of Colonel Radcon!
W-wait a minute! You can't just...
Hey, now! Get back!
Esther-san!
Hey!
It's alright, Father. I killed a man. It's what I deserve.
Even so...
But I don't intend to give up until the very end...
Please wait!
Come on, Captain!
If you're going to take Esther-san, then take me, too!
Father... Why?
Why? Well, because...
Because I'm on your side.
Ready!
Fire!
No!
Soon, Maria...
I know this will not remain forever
However, it's beautiful
Your eyes, hands, and your warm smile
They're my treasure
It's hard to forget
I wish there was a solution
Don't spend your time in confusion
I'll turn back now and spread
My broken wings... still strong enough to cross the ocean with
My broken wings... how far should I go drifting in the wind
Higher and higher in the light (My broken wings)
Still strong enough to cross the ocean with
My broken wings... how far should I go drifting in the wind
Across the sky, just keep on flying
(What's falling from the sky is not rain... )
Next time... Episode 4: "The Star of Sorrow (II. Hunters' Banquet)"
Let thine eyes be not diverted.