They were close to entering the safe territory of the Federacy, after many hours of marching waiting for the refugees after a solid rest. The mission was almost completed, but the sour mood dominated Republic's citizens' minds. The unrest spread rapidly, with every tired person looking for someone to blame. Seeing the Eighty-Six in their vehicles for the whole journey didn't help the public sentiment. Some pleaded to the alleged saintess to get rid of the unrighteousness, while others cursed her treacherous name as an enemy.
Lena had heard many of the insults thrown at her and the Eighty-Six. The most amusing to her was being called a 'race traitor', 'pig whore', and 'corrupted saintess'. She never wanted to be the symbol of the Republic anyway, but those people still managed to be disillusioned with the imagined version of her in such a short time. It was ironic how quickly they cast their judgments when she had never made any promises. More so, Lena openly criticized this country long before the Large-Scale Offensive. The public sentiment was unpredictable, swinging like a child on the swing between worship and loathing. Maybe it was the same for the former Saint, as the intense feelings can quickly change from love to hatred. Either way, she had no intention of becoming one herself, drawing a clear line between her and the Republic. It was a tough choice, with the love for her country defining who she was. But if this ambiguity only hurt her friends and allies, it was time to let it go. Some things were beyond saving. Lena took a deep breath, and transmitted the following message with the loudspeakers of the Vanadis:
"People of the Republic of San Magnolia. Responding to the rumors and accusations being spread about me, I looked into my soul, resulting in the following. After completing this mission I, Colonel Vladilena Milizé, am officially renouncing my citizenship and position. From then on, please stop viewing me as a political tool to spread your imaginary supremacy. I denounce the Republic's deeds, cutting all my ties with its government, once and for all. So go on, curse me all you want. Unless you get to the Federacy on your own feet, it's going to be my viewpoint against the dead."
October 11th Republic Year 368 (Stellar Year 2149)
47 days since the start of Legion's Large-Scale Offensive
After countless weeks under the smoke-covered sky, the clear blue color made Lena feel at peace. An endless sea of the lycoris flowers danced in the rhythm of the wind, with the rebellious red petals swirling into the air, disturbing its sacred uniformity. She saw a solitary Feldreß lying in the picturesque landscape, seemingly unable to move. As if driven by fate, Lena freely flowed across the sea towards the wreck. And then, they've met again.