MEMORY: lessons with saint-germain.

I NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING... BUT YOU MAKE ME FEEL SAFE.

After breakfast, Saint-Germain and I walk the streets of London again.
... Or, that's what I expected.
For some reason, he takes me back to the Tower Bridge, where we have already been.

CARDIA

Saint-Germain? Why did we come back here?

SAINT-GERMAIN

Ahah, I thought I would show you something that I didn't tell you about last time.

CARDIA

...?

SAINT-GERMAIN

In addition to the road we walk on, there is an accessway above the Tower Bridge.

CARDIA

An accessway...

SAINT-GERMAIN

As they say, seeing is believing.
It's probably faster for me to simply show you than try to explain. This way, please.

I follow his lead.
Soon—
There is a staircase in one section of the bridge, and it seems we can climb up it.

CARDIA

Wow... I didn't know there was a place like this.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Isn't the architecture unique?
It seems your father has an interesting way of thinking.

We climb a short flight of stairs, and suddenly there is light.

CARDIA

What a view!

I slowly open my eyes into the glare and see a sight of London that I'm not used to spread out before us.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Isn't this a nice view? There aren't too many places in London where you can enjoy a view like this.

CARDIA

Yes, it's beautiful.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Dreams, desires, steam, machines, people...
Steel London is overflowing with a variety of different things.

SAINT-GERMAIN

I would like to talk with you today about this city's history, which is comparable to Babylon, a prosperous ancient city.

CARDIA

Will knowing the history of London help me with self-defence?

SAINT-GERMAIN

Yes, certainly. A deeper understanding of matters is connected to everything, from your thought processes to your actions.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Understanding London on a deeper level will cement your safety within this city.

CARDIA

... All right. Tell me about it, Count.

Saint-Germain nods, then begins to talk.

SAINT-GERMAIN

London's beginning lies far back in history, and has its origins as a settlement of the Roman Empire, long ago.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Since then, London has continued to prosper as the centre of Britain's history.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Much like all other cities, London's development followed a natural path in step with the advancement of civilisation.

SAINT-GERMAIN

But thirteen years ago...

SAINT-GERMAIN

Due to the influence of a single man, Isaac Beckford, London deviated from the natural course of history and the world.

Isaac Beckford...
My father.
I continue to listen as Saint-Germain talks.
Listening to him, I feel as if his words are spreading the history of London out before my very eyes.
He continues to speak about how London developed.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Isaac Beckford...

SAINT-GERMAIN

When he was discovered by Queen Victoria, everything began to change.

SAINT-GERMAIN

He altered London in a drastic and fundamental way.

Isaac was the one who conceptualised the plans to reconstruct London into "Steel London," a city and massive fortress.
At the time, London was in crisis.
The previous king, Queen Victoria's father, had been expanding his colonies too rapidly, and was being frowned upon by other nations.
At the time, there was so much tension that practically anything could have sparked a war with the rest of Europe.
What prevented war from breaking out?

SAINT-GERMAIN

It is said that Queen Victoria and Isaac's motives in rebuilding London were the main force behind preventing a war.

Victoria wanted to make a declaration to the other nations of the world:
Starting an armed conflict with Britain would not go well for them.
She needed to flaunt Britain's strength.

SAINT-GERMAIN

And so, Steel London, based on Isaac's invention of the NeoSteam Engine, needed to be a symbol of British military power.

SAINT-GERMAIN

The huge outer wall surrounding the city, and the multitude of gun turrets atop it, make this city both a fortress and a symbol.

Victoria invited representatives of every country to London and held a World's Fair once reconstruction was complete.
Many experts say her intention in displaying her military might was to try to stop the possibility of a world war.

SAINT-GERMAIN

... What stands out here is that, for some reason, Isaac Beckford disappeared at some point during London's reconstruction.

CARDIA

My father disappeared...

The city before my eyes was created by my family, whom I have yet to meet.
This is very strange to me.

SAINT-GERMAIN

I can understand why Lupin wants to search London for Isaac.

SAINT-GERMAIN

He has left many footprints here.
Perhaps too many, one might say.

A while later—
We leave the accessway behind us and walk together. As we go, Saint-Germain continues to tell me London's history in detail.

SAINT-GERMAIN

There is likely a great secret slumbering here in London. Yes... Something that turns its back on even God's teachings.

Saint-Germain falls silent, as if absorbed in contemplation.
His usual kind smile disappears, and I sense that he has sunk into the depths of thought.

CARDIA

Count...? What's the matter?

SAINT-GERMAIN

... Oh! Excuse me. I couldn't help but think about what kind of secret may be lying here.

I look at Saint-Germain's smile, think for a moment... and then speak up.

CARDIA

Saint-Germain, you're very...

CARDIA

You're very mysterious.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Mysterious? Whatever makes you say that?

CARDIA

I never know what you're thinking...
But you make me feel safe.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Ahah, is that so?
I'm glad you feel that way.

CARDIA

There's something I've been wanting to thank you for.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Thank me? For what?

CARDIA

Thank you for letting me live in your mansion, even though you barely know me.

SAINT-GERMAIN

Ah, that?

SAINT-GERMAIN

I would have assumed you understood that I welcome any person who amuses me.
After all, I let a known thief stay there.

CARDIA

Do I amuse you?

SAINT-GERMAIN

Yes, you're definitely interesting.
And...

Saint-Germain looks into my eyes.
His face is so handsome and perfect...

SAINT-GERMAIN

I can tell by looking into your eyes that you are a kind person, and worth helping.

CARDIA

... Thank you, Count.

I feel a little awkward, and avert my eyes as I reply.
For a while after that, we walk around the city and talk about many different things.

When the sun is high in the sky—

SAINT-GERMAIN

Let's get going, Miss Cardia.

CARDIA

Where are we going now?

SAINT-GERMAIN

It's almost time for lunch. I've been looking forward to a meal together, just the two of us.

CARDIA

You have? Why?

SAINT-GERMAIN

There is not a gentleman alive who does not look forward to dining with a beautiful lady.

Beautiful lady...

CARDIA

Thank you, Count. Even if you're just being nice, it's kind of you to say.

SAINT-GERMAIN

I'm hardly just being nice.
Please, let me escort you.

Saint-Germain holds out his arm, and I take it.
The afternoon soon carries a gentle breeze with it, and low clouds pass shadows above.
I walk alongside the Count into the city.