Half the setting sun had already sunk below the horizon, painting the clouds a dazzling gold and crimson.
In the airship plaza, several enormous airships stood quietly in the dusk, their gasbags glowing warmly in the sunset.
Veronica stood before the gangway, facing the two men who had come to see her off.
Though her eyes were narrowed, there was a sharpness to her gaze.
"Bishop Bernard."
Hearing his name, White-Clad Cardinal Bernard instinctively straightened his back, a fine sheen of cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
Veronica looked at him, her signature smile still on her lips, but her words sent a chill rising from the soles of his feet:
"I know what you and the Archbishop have been doing behind the scenes. Until now, I turned a blind eye because you were at least preserving Lady Seraphina's influence. But now..."
She paused, her voice growing sharper:
"The Imperial Capital has only just suffered a disaster. This city's wounds have yet to heal. If you still intend to play your little games at a time like this, then once I discover them, I will purge our ranks in Lady Seraphina's name. I hope you understand that."
Cold sweat trickled down Bernard's temples.
He hurriedly lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly. "I-I understand. Please rest assured, Your Holiness. I will keep your words firmly in mind."
"Good."
Veronica's gaze shifted away from him to Reinhardt, the man standing on the other side.
Since the previous director of the Tribunal had died in the line of duty during the recent unrest, Reinhardt had automatically been promoted to fill the vacant position.
"Director Reinhardt."
Veronica's tone remained calm:
"You must also fulfill your supervisory duties. The Tribunal's responsibilities extend beyond hunting down heretics to maintaining discipline within the Church. I