In the stories told across the Allen Continent, Prince Aidan was a tragic martyr who died beneath the World Tree in Annan's arms.
"Wasn't that what happened?"
Prince Aidan fell silent, then shook his head with a smile. "I died like a dog in the grass... But I suppose I should thank him for telling it that way."
"As for your question..."
The Chaos Figure in the darkness paused. "At the moment of my death, I did think about many things. But that was only because I couldn't do it over."
"Once I had a second life, I thought, why not try again and do it better?"
"You'll disappoint Annan."
"I've disappointed countless people already: my father, my brothers, and the people who believed in me. What's one more friend?"
"The same goes for you, Albeck. Join the Chaos Cult, and you can begin a second life. Even if you don't want to oppose the Empire, I can send you to the south."
Albeck gave Prince Aidan no answer. He only said, "If anything happens to my nephew, I'd rather die alongside my companions."
Tap, tap, tap—
Footsteps sounded. The Chaos Figure in the darkness collapsed like a cloud of mist and vanished.
Tap, tap, tap.
The echoes faded as the footsteps drew closer. A patrol of Judgment Hall Church Guards passed by.
"I have important information!"
Albeck shouted at the figures outside the Cell. "The Blackwatch cavalrymen are still alive! The Chaos Cult left them in Subspace. Tell the Chief Inquisitor to rescue them!"
"Give up your schemes, traitor," a Church Guard shouted. "Judgment Day is near. Only your head can wash away the Empire's shame!"
"You have to act now—"
The Judgment Hall Church Guards walked past the Cell without stopping. They paid no heed to Albeck's words.