Do Not Go Gently into That Good Night

Annan could no longer write back.

Everything he did seemed to be keeping an inevitable tragedy alive.

Holding the letter, Annan opened the window facing Breeze City.

The scent of grass mingled with cooking smoke and drifted into the Study on a flood of light. The splendid, bustling districts showed no sign of sleep, while the towering Mage Tower shone eternally, guarding Breeze City.

But its protection extended only to the city as a whole.

In wealthy districts and slums alike, death, separation, and suffering played out every day.

Annan set the letter alight, placed it on the windowsill, and murmured:

"Weiss, this is a letter from your sister. If the rumors are true and you've become a spirit wandering Breeze City... don't let revenge blind you. Go home and see them. They're waiting for you."

A cool breeze swept past the window, lifting the letter's ashes into the deep night.

Annan gazed at the old moon veiled by clouds. He could almost see those scraps of longing flying steadfastly east, toward the ancient land called Ossulund Territory.

After a long while, Annan's distant gaze returned to the street below, where a Carriage had stopped outside the Manor.

"Young Master Annan, Augusta Olmedo is outside."

The Head Maid's voice came from beyond the door.

"Let him in."

The Manor gates opened, and the Carriage drove inside.

Annan put aside his nighttime melancholy, closed the window, and waited for the Head Maid to bring Augusta Olmedo in.

Knock, knock, knock—

The door opened. Annan saw Augusta Olmedo, and another figure behind him.

"Martin...?"

"Cousin!"

Martin wrapped Annan in an Aunt Susan-style hug.

He wore Noble-style formal attire, with a collar buttoned when it should have been left open and lace-trimmed cuffs. His hair was shaved short around the sides, leaving only