Thaw out a Second Life

Nothing to Hide

Neumark shifts to mocking Bismarck to provoke any reaction from her as she's getting bored seeing Bismarck trying to appeal to her conscience.

"I don't regret my actions and I don't give a damn even if you give me a death sentence. You're the only loser here, Bismarck!" Neumark slams her handcuffed hands on the table
"What are you protecting, Neumark? For you to go this far and not fear death......."
"I know you. You're bound to find out the truth yourself sooner or later" Neumark sighs
"What is this truth you're referring?"
"I'm not the right person to tell you anything. I'm dragged into this problem because there was a sword to my neck"
"So you were threatened after all......"

For Bismarck, she believes it's Bismarck META frankly threatening her outright with death when Neumark is actually thinking of the night King George V slides her sword right beside her neck.

"Bismarck, once you face the truth yourself, I'm certain you'll come back here to reepsredly me ask all sorts of questions" Neumark is certain
"Why is that?"
"I still played a part in it and it will not make sense to you because it has been the truth for you even now"
"Truth?"
"That's as far as I can advice to you. My job is done and I did all I could to keep you away from the harsh truth"
"You're afraid of telling me the truth......"

Earlier, Bismarck's ask of Neumark's fear and sharp enough to notice it even if Neumark refuses to make her answers specific just to avoid confessing.

"Does this truth involve my younger sister" Bismarck clenches her left fist
"......." Neumark frowns a bit
"You don't trust me with the truth, but since I figured it concerns my sister" Bismarck stands up

At the same time, the door slowly creaks open a familiar figure in exposed dress and adorning a golden wreath enters the room.

"Victorious?!" Neumark stands up in shock
"B-Bismarck invited me just in case....and you might know something about Tirpitz because you were responsible for her maintenance and check-ups" Victorious takes small steps entering
"This room is soundproof. The moment I leave, not a single word will escape" Bismarck walks to the door
"Why did you invite her, Bismarck?!"
"I'm not the only one worried about Tirpitz. More importantly, if you don't want to talk with someone from Iron Blood, then Tirpitz's Royal Navy friend might be a different case" Bismarck steps out of the room
"You-!"

Neumark grits her teeth out of the unexpected move that Bismarck can catch her off guard and actually deduce correctly. Namely, it's Bismarck's remaining faith that Neumark's motive isn't out of malice or selfish desires.

"Why do you regret saving Tirpitz?"

After the door closes, Victorious takes her seat, but she doesn't replace the role of the interrogator. She's only present out of her personal concern.

"It's not that I didn't want to save Tirpitz. It's how......it would have been merciful to let her die in her sleep"
"How can you say that?!" Victorious slams both palms at the table
"It's cruel....." Neumark lowers her head
"Huh?"
"You know her more than anyone, but she's trying her best to be the one you knew" Neumark wryly smiles
"I don't understand......"
"The personality is similar....sometimes, but Tirpitz is still there. She's just a little afraid......after the whole ordeal with Victorious META"
"What about my dead META version?"
"......."

Silence falls for almost minute because Neumark is reluctant to be more specific, but she can't deny speaking out the conflicting concern and conscience for Tirpitz's friend.

"Have you ever discussed Victorious META with her? I'm sure you barely bring it up" Neumark sighs
"Huh?" Victorious blinks in confusion
"Victorious, you know Tirpitz more than Bismarck does"
"......."
"Even if she doesn't say anything, you can understand her just by her expression and the way she acts"
"What are you trying to say?"
"Remind her of Victorious META's sin. You'll know who you're looking at" Neumark lowers her head again
"Why are you telling me this but not Bismarck?"
"More than Bismarck, you're the only person.....who can understand her. Even if you will never accept it, at least you'll be understand why she's doing all of this"
"......"