This type of work is not my wheelhouse. I'll do my best, if you can explain it. What should I give you for teaching me? Well, my students bring me beans, grapes, and fins. Would any of those be appropriate?

Is it possible for Rhodes Island to adjust course five degrees to the west? Following this river would bring us across a floodplain. It may not affect Rhodes, but the vegetation there is fragile. The river would... no, I would thank you.

You can come out now, Doctor. The Medical people have left, but I'm sure they'll be back. Why are you avoiding them…? Me? Why bother wasting time treating Oripathy. Every day I still live is a gift.

Medjehtiqedti came looking for you. Remember to get back to her... why are you staring at me like that? I know what kind of place Rhodes Island is, and I won't do anything to the Sargonians here. But don't try telling me to 'empty the bottomless cup of hate' or whatever.

If you ever get to visit Athenius, I could take you for a morning cruise on the Delphi Canal. The city is cool and quiet, with few people on the streets and few boats on the rivers. The sun rises over the temple and upon the canal, glimmering in the morning mist… I hope Minos never changes.

Athenius is not my home. The Sargonians destroyed my home. The Delphi Canal is wonderful, undoubtedly. But even the real Delphi River cannot replace the memory of my river back home, the night-veiled water where the fincatching lamps sway with the current… my first river.

—Oh! …Sorry, Doctor. Did you knock the cup over? I'll clean it up. Sorry if I spooked you, it's just the sudden sound provoked me… I'm fine. Just didn't sleep well after hearing armored burdenbeast hooves in my dreams last night.

Where are you taking me, Doctor? This way leads to the Medical Department, and I don't think you're scheduled for an exam today. I came to repay my debt to Rhodes Island for saving my life, not to get treatment… Alright, if you insist.

I've seen off too many young people who deserved to live longer than me… when I think about how this sort of thing could happen again, I feel… fear. But why do I see the same fear in your eyes, Doctor?

What burdens you so heavily?

The Doctor, is it? Lena said I would find you here. Give me an order, if you need me to do something. Just don't put me together with any Sargonians. It's better for everyone that way.

Did you give the orders in all these battles?

You have my gratitude, but I must decline. I'm willing to fight for you, but I'm not interested in commendations—this one is for saving the pothos plant in the Doctor's office…? Thank you. I'm honored.

I don't believe in this peace you speak of. I will never give up my hatred. If the Sargonians ever invade Minos again, I will gladly trade my life for their blood. Would you still trust a man like me…? Alright, then.

Reporting.

Follow me.

Understood.

On guard.

Yes.

I'm here.

Location secure.

Ready to move.

Death to slavers!

Down with tyrants!

I do not fear death!

Blood for blood!

How do you do it? I don't mean your orders, strategies or even tricks. I mean how you dare to promise, even in the face of desperation.

You're responsible for victory, and the lives of those who follow your orders… it's a wonderful thing.

No strategy is ever perfect. Don't be too hard on yourself.

The losses were acceptable. It's time for you to retreat. You're more important.

I can hear a poem being read…

What are your orders?

Sometimes you call to me without giving an order. What does it mean?

Arknights.

The mountains and streams on the outer plates of Athenius make me forget that it is a nomadic city sometimes. This place is different. It's an unfamiliar feeling, to welcome a new year with the scenery rushing by. Would you like to go out on deck? Maybe we'll see the first river of the year.

You're early, Doctor. I saw a book of poems on your desk. Can I borrow it when you're done? I won't read it at work.

Could you close your eyes for a moment, Doctor…? Alright. Hear the sound of the Delphi River in spring, when snowmelt from Mt. Hymnoi sends a freshet down the Delphi River. For me, it's the sound of winter departing. I hope you like it.

Might and mercy rarely walk together. Greed grows continuously when unchecked. But the Rhodes Island… I would not have believed that people like you could exist, before I saw it with my own eyes. I still don't believe you will succeed... but I hope so.