Seeing his companions, Andoain greeted them with his characteristic warmth, gently gesturing for them to keep their voices down.
This was, after all, the Requiem Church—the place where the deceased Sankta slept. There might be people outside mourning their lost loved ones even at this hour; it was best not to disturb them.
In the gathering around him, one could see not only Sankta and Liberi, but also several Forte and Ursus, and even some Sarkaz standing among them. It became clear why the group earlier had wrapped themselves so tightly in robes—the presence of a Sarkaz in this city was not something that simple festival excitement could mask.
That a Sankta could gather such a diverse group, including a significant number of Sarkaz, was a feat nearly unimaginable to the outside world. In the lands beyond Laterano, these two races had evolved to a point where a chance encounter almost inevitably ended in the death of one party.
Andoain looked at the companions who had been worrying over him, deeply moved. He bowed his head slightly and spoke to the group:
"My apologies. I encountered some minor trouble while entering the city, which caused a bit of a delay. I am sorry to have made you fear for my safety."
The group quickly voiced their reassurances. They had only acted out of genuine concern for their Guide.
"Guide, what is our next step?"
A burly Sarkaz asked the question on everyone's mind. He was curious as to why the Guide had abandoned their previous operational plans to rush back to Laterano at this specific time. According to their original schedule, they were supposed to be maneuvering around the outskirts of the country. It was Andoain who had suddenly changed the course.
However, to this Sarkaz, the reasons didn't truly matter. If the Guide gave the order, he had the courage to attempt an assassination of the Pope himself. In fact, everyone present shared that same resolve; they possessed the courage to sacrifice everything for the great ideal Andoain spoke of.
"Do not be in a hurry; the time has not yet come. What we must do now is hide in places where we will not be discovered and wait for the right moment."
Andoain quickly counseled his hot-headed companions, urging them against any impulsive or reckless actions. He knew they were willing to give their lives for his plan, but he desperately hoped they wouldn't have to pay such a price.
"Do not be deceived by the outward innocence of Laterano. The reason this nation has stood for a thousand years is not because of sugar and an optimistic mindset."
This was a phrase he often repeated to them. Having once belonged to the Garrison, he knew exactly how formidable the power protecting this "paradise" truly was. This was also the root of his existential doubt: with such power at their disposal, why could they not protect the innocent who were not Sankta?
"I know you are wondering why I hurried into the city before the New Year, and why I brought you all with me."
Andoain stood up and looked at them. His eyes held an unprecedented spark, his pupils shimmering with an intense, excited light. He looked around at each of his companions before explaining the specific reason.
"Because this festival is a magnificent opportunity for us. It is a chance to find the answers we seek. If we miss it, who knows when the next opportunity will come?"
The group looked on with expressions of realization. It wasn't that they had ignored the festival, but rather that they hadn't seen it as a strategic opening. To them, it was just a local celebration, a bit of fun that was arguably less significant than Christmas. Those who cared little for Laterano's traditions naturally didn't expect this year's event to hold any special weight.
But Andoain knew better. Upon learning how grand this particular celebration would be, he realized it was his best chance to see that person.
Because the festivities were more elaborate than usual, the city's attention would be hyper-focused on the jubilant Sankta. To ensure the revelry didn't spiral into chaos, Laterano's internal security forces would be concentrated heavily around the main venue areas.
Furthermore, he knew that a portion of the Apostolic Knights and a large number of the Garrison were currently outside the city, intercepting Sarkaz mercenaries and Victorian soldiers who had failed to escape the region.
"When the time comes, I need you to create a disturbance in a remote area. Once that is done, your mission is complete. I will use the distraction to find a way to slip in and see him."
The companions broke into a cold sweat. Though Andoain spoke with such calm and detachment, the plan was incredibly risky. Even if security was stretched thin, it was impossible for the Pope to be left entirely unguarded. Setting aside the knights on duty, the Cardinals currently in the Basilica were not to be trifled with; running into even one of them would lead to a disastrous situation.
"Guide, are we being too hasty? I feel it might be better to wait for a more suitable timing," Patia said softly. She admired Andoain deeply and feared he was walking into a trap. Perhaps it was just her imagination, but she felt the Guide was becoming desperate for his answer—and desperate to see the person he was looking for.
"Wait for the next time? That is indeed a very good suggestion, Patia."
Andoain turned and praised her, causing the Liberi girl to feel a brief moment of joy, thinking they were on the same page. But in the next second, his tone shifted sharply.
"But when will the next chance be? A year from now? Five years? Ten? Perhaps we will never have another chance!"
His voice carried a rare trace of agitation. He had waited too long for this moment, which was why he was willing to take such a gamble. Then, his tone leveled out again as he addressed the room.
"For this, I must also apologize. This action is not only for our cause; it also involves my own selfish desires. I am sorry for using you in this way."
Andoain bowed deeply to them. He refused to deceive them about the personal nature of his quest. But the group understood; he wasn't just acting for himself, but for the goal they all believed in.
One by one, they began to leave. The hour was late, and they needed to rest before beginning their part of the plan. Creating a distraction without harming innocents—as Andoain strictly required—was no easy task.
After everyone had gone, Patia remained behind. She told him about her encounter with Fiammetta and Mostima.
"I see. So they have returned as well."
A look of reminiscence entered Andoain's eyes. His thoughts seemed to drift back several years, to the days before their group had fractured.
"Do you know why they returned? Ah, likely just to visit friends. I wonder how she is doing now."
Before Patia could respond, Andoain guessed she had no further information and provided his own logical explanation. Having been away from Laterano for so long, he had no idea that Lemuen had made a miraculous recovery and had already been discharged from the hospital. He still believed she was bedridden. He knew exactly how heavy-handed he had been back then; simply waking up would have been an achievement in his eyes.
"I understand. The rest is a matter between them and me. Thank you for bringing me this news."
Andoain knew Patia didn't fully understand the history between him and Mostima, only that the four of them had once been a squad. He had inquired about Mostima in the past, seemingly searching for something in her possession.
Now, however, his hunger for that "item" had faded. He had found a new goal.
Once Patia left, Andoain stood by the window, staring out at the pitch-black night sky, lost in thought.