Honkai Impact 3rd: Don't Die For Me/ Book 3 Paradise

Chapter 65 One Day More Significant

<Unknown Backalley>

"Are you knowledgable of the tales of Bianka the Wise? She was hailed a hero much like you. Only she was overshadowed by the achievements of your father, hidden by those sharing her blood, and forgotten by those who trusted her. Rebellion begets death and the details of her demise have left a sultry stain. Your father was lesser than her. Ignorant, wool-eyed, and sheepish he was. Focusing only on the Paladin's name and its duties. Though questions can remain, how much did he know?"

Shackles clinked and glowed in the encroaching darkness of the alley. It was Kallen's imagination but this narrow long road seemed to spell doom for her. Besides her, dragged by chains was the former cardinal, Marguerite. She was due to be executed in an indefinite future. What could be exhumed from her mind could prove vital to eradicating the Black Rose.

"My mentor is here?"

A cautious gaze scanned the grimy surroundings. It was a deeper nooked alley—one where all the rainwater would seep into eventually. As for the scent, it was hellish for even normal people. It was the worst of aged cheese combined with black mold and corpse rags.

"Fret not he's alive."

Marguerite shot Marth a crooked smile. The childish tracker couldn't help but shudder. Marguerite was chained and bound with arms and legs. She was not able to walk without assistance nor was she able to move her arms. If one were to view her figure from a distance one would judge she was armless. Still, she was treated better than expected. Her face was healed with no trace of Kallen's brutal assault days prior.

"He was the catalyst. Risa's remnants have a chance thanks to his revelations. We caught him when he snuck you out. How he procured such information is still unknown. Miss Kaslana you've been rather quiet. He holds the information you'd find most interesting. That is unless you read the origin of the Revelation."

They arrived at a door, the only clean part of the alleyway. A semicircle of polished stone greeted them as did the door that swung open upon their arrival. There were maids, several of them, and a butler.

"I've been caught. I've failed. Surrender."

Kallen scrunched her nose and for the first time since their long stroll, she turned to face the smiling Marguerite. There were no words needed between the two but Marguerite wouldn't let the conversation end at a gaze.

"The well-dressed man is a Thorn. Tabnor, please escort us to the attic. After that, you may release those we've kept here. Valkyries surround the building. Guards too."

"Understood, ma'am."

It was an ordinary building like any other. The front entrance on the street level was a seamstress's shop. In a poor area, under the shadow of the wall, it was strange. Most assumed they only do repair and there were rarely customers. It wasn't long before they sat before Cardigan, who aged terribly. His iris started to turn milky and his bread had gone from grey to pure white. His wrinkles increased and his knuckles were visible through his pale skin.

"Teacher."

Marth approached and knelt respectfully. Cardigan's gaze swept over the chained Cardinal and Kallen before smiling and finally patting Marth's head. Kallen prepared to leave, her promise had been fulfilled but Marguirties words stopped her in her tracks.

"He worked with Otto Apocalypse. I won't share anything but Cardigan, do you have anything to say?"

Tortured eyes met Kallen's questions. Despite his years, he could make foolish decisions at the end of his days.