In one of Central Theater's reception halls, Amar and the White Knight converse about his investigation. Amar holds a bitter grudge toward the White Knight, as her husband died protecting him during the Ecksegrande war with the Otherworld many years ago. Nearby, Hailak and Anissida listen carefully to every word, having been instructed by Alliah to join the investigation.
While Lejos's scarf flutters down precariously in search of a would-be rescuer...
Viceroy Amar receives her guests—the White Knight and his entourage—in one of Central Theater's reception halls.
White Knight
Viceroy Amar. You stand accused of allowing illegal trade to proliferate on this island.
White Knight
The purpose of my visit is to investigate the truth behind these accusations. Do you have anything to say at this time?
Amar
Why, whatever do you mean, oh dignified Luminary?
White Knight
Watch your tone. You are addressing a representative of His Majesty, the True King.
Amar
...
Seeing that Amar chooses not to speak, the White Knight moves on to the matter at hand.
White Knight
Surely you are aware that suppliers are putting up masks for sale.
White Knight
Masks are able to manifest due to composite primal beast Zoetrope and its pact with the island.
White Knight
The power of each island's composite beast can be thought of as the kingdom's assets.
White Knight
It should come as no surprise that the trafficking of masks, in essence the kingdom's assets, is unequivocally prohibited.
The White Knight continues, trying to provoke Amar to speak.
White Knight
To say nothing of the exorbitant prices set by the mask sellers.
White Knight
Now we are seeing the emergence of individuals taking impulsive risks in order to obtain rare experiences and memories.
White Knight
As the viceroy tasked with managing the needs of the citizens and the island, what do you have to say for yourself?
The viceroy considers the White Knight's goading at length, then delivers her answer with a sigh.
Amar
You've got a smart mouth for a knight who spends his time watching the fields out on the frontier.
White Knight
What is that supposed to mean?
Amar
It means exactly what I said.
Amar
The Seven Luminary Knights, aside from Golden Knight Alliah, spend all their time overseeing the fringes of the skydoms.
Amar
There's only one skydom as far as I'm concerned, and it's the Great Oarlyegrande Skydom.
Amar
You think guarding a sliver of empty space gives you the clout to talk down to a viceroy?
White Knight
Perhaps I didn't make myself clear when I said I was made the hand of the True King.
Amar
How can you say that without feeling pathetic? Look at you strutting around on borrowed authority.
Amar
Let me tell you about the masks. The value isn't in the masks themselves.
Amar
People are ultimately buying and selling memories. Experiences. The masks are purely vessels.
Amar
When you order a glass of milk, have you now purchased the glass it comes in as well?
White Knight
That's not—
Amar
Yes, there has been some trouble associated with the mask trade, but nothing that has disrupted public order. In any case, people are liable for their own injuries.
Amar
Our security forces haven't reported a sharp uptick in criminals either.
Amar
Am I to restrict personal freedoms even further in order to crack down on a minority of fools?
Amar
On an island which people have come to seek respite and diversion?
White Knight
That wasn't the—
Amar
Libertaria plays the role that's demanded of it. Nothing more, nothing less.
Since the White Knight has nothing to add, Amar continues expressing her displeasure.
Amar
This island and I are doing what we're supposed to be doing.
Amar
Can you say the same about your duties as a Luminary Knight?
Amar
Did my beloved really give his life to save you so you could turn out this way?
White Knight
...
Amar
I'll never forgive you nor the Ecksegrande war campaign.
Amar
It wasn't the armies of the Otherworld that killed my beloved.
Amar
At his wake, you said you'd inherit his will and sacrifice your heart and soul for the skies.
Amar
You said, "I'll take back Ecksegrande from the Otherworld."
Amar
Do you honestly believe you can fulfill that promise given your current circumstances?
White Knight
...
Aides to the White Knight stand at attention off to the side, quietly observing the tense exchange.
Anissida
I'd heard that Amar's husband was killed in action during the campaign in Ecksegrande.
Anissida
I had no idea it was personally connected to the White Knight too.
Hailak
Ecksegrande falls under the White Knight's jurisdiction. I understand the responsibility that comes with the seat, but...
Hailak
The invasion by the Otherworld occurred over ten years ago.
Hailak
Wouldn't that put the White Knight in his teenage years or younger?
Anissida
I'm not sure if the seat had been passed down yet at the time.
Anissida
But a soldier did lay down his life to protect someone he thought absolutely had to be protected. That much is undisputed.
Anissida
If I came face-to-face with the guy who survived the carnage in exchange for my husband's life, I'd certainly have some things on my mind.
Hailak
When Alliah suggested we join this investigation, I wondered what her angle was.
Hailak
She wanted us to delve into internal affairs, didn't she?
Anissida
Bleh, I'm not good with these high-pressure situations...
Despite wanting to get away from the oppressive mood, the two soldiers strain to overhear every word that's being uttered.
143: Thrill of Anticipation 
