>>23388588

Handing the poisoned glass of wine to Degwin, Artesia and the Patriarch of the Zabi family exchange an unbreaking stare with one another as he takes a sip of the liquid. As Degwin swallows, he motions for Artesia to approach him closer, with Degwin whispering his final will to the daughter of Zeon Deikun, just as Deikun had done to him years prior. Stepping back from Degwin, Artesia continues to silently observe as Degwin slumps back in his throne, his face frozen with his last moment of contentment.

>Ramba: Admiral Dozle-
>Dozle: It was...fathers will. A foolish, senile decision...but his decision nevertheless.
>Artesia: Dozle, I-
>Dozle: If the blood debts between our family are settled, can we just work alongside another? Just as your father would have wanted?
>Artesia:...Of course.

Learning of the "natural passing" of her father, Kycilia pinches her nose at the full realization of why Degwin had restricted her from guarding his life.

>Kycilia: (Did we always mean so little to you, father? You foolish, foolish man...)
>Haman: Mistress Kycilia? I...what is the occasion for this?

Kycilia snaps out of her inner thoughts, her eyes lingering down to the pastry in front of her and the middle child of the Karn family.

>Kycilia:...A celebration of Zeon's victory. Please, enjoy it. I made it myself.