The Sickness Wealth Brings II

I should head back to Saltore Island. Wouldn't wanna keep Partitio and the others waiting.

Looks like we made it back to that island safe 'n' sound.

Now, I've got an idea of how we can rustle up some money 'round here...

What was that?!

Everyone, come quick! The mine ceiling collapsed!

Some workers're trapped under the rubble. We need your help!

You betcha. C'mon!

I think we got everyone.

I believe we did. But there's no telling if or when the ceiling may give way again. We had best leave before...

Curses! How are they supposed to mine salt now?!

Well, if it ain't Mister Ricketts. Didn't expect to see you here.

You again... What brings you to the mines?

They were helping us evacuate the miners, sir.

Hmph! I don't recall asking for your assistance.

What's with the attitude? If we hadn't helped, those people would've been in serious trouble.

It's alright, Aldo. Lemme handle this.

Say, Mister Ricketts, it sounded like you're between a rock 'n' a hard place. You're worried you'll have to stop minin', right?

Tch. So you petty thieves were listening, were you?

A lot of the healthy workers were injured during the cave-in, so we don't have enough people to move all the rubble.

Silence! I have countless debtors. If we call upon them, we'll have more than enough bodies.

I doubt that. Getting people to come here will prove more difficult than you think. After all, Sarc's untimely demise in Acteul has given others the impression that a horrible illness afflicts this island.

He's right, sir. Many people are refusing to come here because of the rumors.

And even if we bring them by force, they try to flee and we have to find them. It's taking much longer than usual.

Those ingrates! Do they think they can borrow money and still have the luxury of deciding how to repay it?!

If you truly wish to attract new workers, it seems you will have no choice but to improve the conditions here.

Why should I? I don't owe those beggars anything.

Thinkin' about the short term'll only hurt ya in the end, mister.

Don't speak as if you know what's going on here.

I may not know everythin', but I know this: if ya wanna make money, ya gotta invest in the future.

So I say we make a deal, Mister Ricketts. We'll help you remove this rubble.

You can't be serious, Partitio! You actually wanna help this guy?!

What are you scheming? You're not planning on stealing my profits, are you?

Don't you worry about that. I'm not interested in your money or your salt. What I want is...

That rubble.

We'll take everythin' from the cave-in and anythin' we dig up along the way.

You wouldn't know what to do with it anyway, right? I'd say you've got nothin' to lose.

...He has a point, sir. The rocks from the collection site are spilling over into the living quarters. Once that's cleared up, we can turn it into another sleeping quarter and bring even more people over.

Hmm... I don't know what good these useless rocks will do you, but if that's all you want, consider them yours. Take as much as you like. But don't even think about asking me for anything else later.

Likewise, I don't want you backin' out of our deal once we get started.

I'll draft us up a contract just in case. Aldo. Temenos. Why don't you two get a head start?

But how're we supposed to clear this out without any tools?

Guess we'll have to rustle those up first. We'll need shovels 'n' pickaxes.

Alright. This oughta do it.

Then let's start clearing out those mines!

It's time, fellas! Let's get this rubble outta the way!

Well, a deal's a deal. We cleared out the rubble, so we'll be takin' those rocks from the collection site.

Thank you so much. I've opened up the area, so you're welcome to use it as you see fit.

Hoo-ey! Then what're we waitin' for? Follow me, fellas!

So what did you plan to do with all this rubble, Partitio?

Lemme show ya. It's faster that way.

Yeehaw! Knew I'd find ya here. Have a look at this.

It looks like a neverbright stone, but...it's a different color than before.

Yes sirree! I happened to see a couple workers carryin' 'em 'n' thought I might find more 'round here. These tunnels're good for more than just salt. They're full o' neverbright too.

And if we turn 'em into accessories, I reckon we'll make enough coin to buy these folk the food they need.

Didn't Shanie say that neverbright could be found in the same place as firelight stones?

Heh, always knew you were a quick one, Temenos. Real pure stones like those can be sold to merchants 'n' nobles. And once they realize we've got ourselves a stable place to mine 'em, they might even become our patrons.

You really think it'll go that smoothly?

I'll make sure it does. I'm a merchant worth my salt, after all. Alright, first thing we gotta do is find ourselves a craftsman. Someone who can turn ore into more.

Think we'll find someone like that here?

Won't know for sure till we try. Let's have ourselves a look around, 'n' be all secret-like. Wouldn't want Mister Ricketts findin' out.

I haven't worked with gems since shutting down shop, so I'm not sure how much help I'll be.

Don't you worry, mister. Skill like that don't just vanish overnight. I know ya still got it in ya.

...That should do it. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

Whoa... I can't believe it. These look nothing like the stones we found in the rubble.

What's going on? It sounds like you guys are having fun.

Sure are. Take a gander at these, Shanie. They're accessories, made of neverbright.

Oh, wow! You made these from the ore?

Not me. This fella right here. He's a bona fide craftsman.

This is incredible. This pendant's pretty too...

How about these earrings, miss? I think they match you perfectly.

How is everyone faring, Castti? Recovering well, I hope.

Yes. I've administered medicine for the pain. They should be fine with some rest.

That's a relief. And if Partitio's plan succeeds, we will have solved the issue of nutrition as well. This island's future is looking brighter already.

What is it exactly that Partitio is planning?

Ah, right. We haven't told you about that yet, Castti. Y'see, what happened is...

...So you're going to sell accessories to make money for food. A fine plan.

I appreciate you folks looking for solutions. I've had my hands full here, so it's a big help.

But of course. We're merely doing what we can, seeing as you're the only one who can tend to the sick.

Have a look at this, Castti. It's a neverbright ring. Isn't it cute?

It is. Its colors aren't as vivid as gemstones, but I think that gives it an entirely different charm.

Right? And this blue really suits you. Try it on!

Thank you, but rings will get in the way of my work.

Wait. Don't tell me you don't like accessories!

It's not a matter of like or dislike, Shanie...

Well, if you don't dislike them, then...how about this pendant?

Come now. These accessories are meant to be sold, aren't they? We shouldn't be playing around with them.

Right, Partitio? Don't you and these accessories have somewhere to be?

That we do. I'll take these beauties back to Acteul, then. Wouldn't wanna go too far from the island.

I'll go with you. Not sure how good I'll be at selling things, but I'll do what I can.

Heh, thankee kindly. Ya can leave the sellin' to me, though.

Find someone who can process the gems.

I arranged the goods, but...does it look alright, Partitio?

Yup. So long as they don't overlap 'n' people can see 'em clearly, you're all good. This's my first time sellin' wares in this world. Time to show off my business acumen!

Howdy, folks! Gather 'round!

Today, I've got a fine 'n' fresh deal for y'all! They're accessories, made o' neverbright! But don't let the name fool ya! These beauties're tens o' thousands o' years in the makin'.

They've been workin' hard to become shinin' stones long before you or I were even born. I'm sure y'all know someone workin' toward a dream too. And these gems can help those dreams come true.

They say birds of a feather flock together. So why not let this stone flock with someone just as hardworkin'? Don't you wanna be part of a future that shines as bright as these here jewels?

Wow. I didn't know neverbrights could do that...

I'll take one, please.

Heh, sure thing. Which one would ya like?

Hmm... What do you recommend?

How's about this green one here? It's called dragon's eye 'cause the black patch makes it look like one's starin' ya down. That's what makes it such a good talisman. That sharp serpentine glare wards off any bad luck that comes close.

Then that's the one I want!

Could I have one too?

That was fast... We're completely sold out.

This should be enough to hold 'em over for a few days.

Right. Then let's go get some food and head back to the island.

Is something wrong, Temenos?

No... I was simply thinking about these medicinal herbs.

Namely, why this scurvy grass grows here. And why no one used it to cure the illness running rampant on the island.

I guess they just didn't know about it. I didn't, either.

...Perhaps, but I have my doubts. (Scurvy grass should have its own name in this world, just like opal and neverbright.) (And yet no one had even heard of it. Almost as if it never existed in this world to begin with...)

Or I could simply be overthinking things.

Well, we got what we came for. Let's go deliver these to Castti.

We're back!

Hey! You look like you're in a good mood. I guess that means it went well.

Sure did! We were able to buy plenty o' food with the profits.

Partitio was incredible. His pitch stopped people in their tracks and got 'em to buy up all the wares.

Wow, I'd love to see that!

I reckon you'll have plenty of chances to.

This's all thanks to you, friend. So eat your fill today.

C-Can I really?!

'Course ya can. We need ya to be at full strength, so eat up!

Here, Castti. We got the fruits and vegetables you asked for, and a bunch of other things too.

Thank you. This is exactly what these people need.

Is that...food?

Sure is. Now come on over and have some, will ya?

A-Are you sure?

Food tastes better with company. But it don't come free. We'll need ya to help us out if you wanna eat.

We will! Of course!

Great. The more hands we've got, the more neverbright we can mine. Things're gonna get busy 'round here!

It's so nice to see everyone looking so healthy. I hardly recognize this place now.

The island's full of life and the workers seem to enjoy mining neverbright. You've really turned this place around, Partitio.

And I'm just gettin' started!

Really? What're you gonna do next?

Wish I could tell ya, but I think I'll keep it to myself a little while longer. Besides, we've still got today's share of accessories to sell. And I'd like to show 'em off somewhere bigger than Acteul.

I could take you to Palsifal Palace, if you want.

If it's a palace we're going to, perhaps firelight stones would serve us better. I believe we now have enough to sell.

I like the sound of that. Palsifal Palace, here we come!

Good luck out there!

What have those travelers been up to these days?

They've gathered the workers who used to be injured and ill and have them sorting through the rubble. It seems there are precious gems mixed within.

Gems?! Why didn't you say so sooner?!

Well, I didn't think it necessary. After all, it's a trifling amount compared to salt, and the rubble does belong to them...

This is my island! That means everything on it belongs to me!

Those damned travelers... They tricked me! They knew there were gems in there, yet didn't say a word!

They'll pay for this! That money is mine, and I will have it!

Come one, come all! Whaddaya think, mister? Can't resist that gorgeous sheen, can ya?

Hmm... It is a fine gem, indeed. Might I see your other wares?

'Course ya can! Lemme introduce you to a little beauty made o' firelight.

The deep crimson really shines against the black, like a flame in the night. Worthy of its name, ain't it?

Yes, that's it! Firelight! I'll take everything you have!

Sorry to say, I only got these on hand. There's a lot more where that came from, but it'll take some time with the resources I've got...

But we still have a few firelight stones left, Partitio... Want me to bring 'em?

Leave 'em. If I let this fella buy the lot, we'll have nothin' to show the other merchants.

Did you find these stones yourself, sir?

Somethin' like that. Y'know that island everyone's been talkin' 'bout? The one with the salt?

Yes, it's owned by Ricketts. I've worked with him in the past, but...I had no idea there was more than just salt there.

There sure is, but the workers had it real bad there...

...And we'll be able to get a whole lot more salt 'n' firelight gems if we improve their diet over there.

So whaddaya say? Know anyone who'd like to give us a hand? Be our patron? The more people we have behind us, the better. With enough money, we can improve how they eat, live, 'n' more. And someday, we could buy that island off Ricketts 'n' make it a place those folk're happy to work on!

You're a fine merchant to have prepared such a thorough business plan.

But there is one problem. I cannot see Ricketts agreeing to selling, even if we offered him the fortune of every merchant here. That's how great the value of the island has grown.

But if the island is really worth that much, how did Ricketts manage to buy it?

He didn't. He inherited it from his forefathers. Salt was only discovered there recently. That man has luck, if nothing else. Imagine how grand it must be to find a literal goldmine in one's backyard.

Grand, yes. But at what cost? Gaining so much wealth overnight could drive a man mad.

I wouldn't doubt it. But for a working man like me, that kind of money is a dream come true.

A dream, you say? Well, then perhaps this neverbright stone could help you achieve that.

Oh, alright! I'll take one of those, too!

Thankee kindly! By the way, you said merchants wouldn't be able to buy the island, so... Do ya know anyone with pockets deep enough who could?

Unfortunately, no one comes to mind...

And besides, why am I the only one buying here? You ought to purchase something in exchange for the information.

If you have any food, we'll take it. As much as you can spare.

Thank you. I may not be able to become your patron, but I'll give you what I can for those workers. I pray for their good health. Take care of yourselves.

So you wanna buy the island, huh? What're you gonna do now that we don't have a patron?

Good question. You wouldn't happen to have any really well-to-do friends in the area, would ya?

Not in this time, at least.

Well, I know we won't make enough just sellin' gems, so we'll need another way... But what?

Wait. This's a palace, ain't it? That means there's a ruler here.

Yeah. King Palsifal, but...

But what? You will have to speak up, Aldo.

But...it might be best not to ask him. For a lot of reasons.

Alright. I won't ask what those reasons are, but it's good to know who's got the most purchasin' power here.

Yeah. A man named King Palsifal rules this land.

Well, now we know who's got the most purchasin' power 'round here.

H-Hold on. Don't tell me you're gonna sell to the king!

Maybe not His Majesty, but whoever holds the strings to his coin purse.

I think you may be onto something. It is not uncommon for the trade of salt to be conducted under national jurisdiction. It is, after all, an essential part of life, regardless of one's wealth. And those in power have funds stable enough to buy it.

Exactly. There's a good chance they'll hear us out. Then all we gotta do is find out how much they're willin' to give.

Won't it have to be Ricketts's asking price?

It'd be nice of they'd just give it to us in one big ol' lump sum, but no one wants to lose money. They probably wanna know how much profit they can make 'n' how long it'll take to recover their investment. That means we've gotta do some research before we can enter into negotiations.

Heh. This's got me more excited than a cat with a fish!

Hm...

Excuse me. I think I could help you with that.

Hey, I know you. You're Phai, right?

I am, yes. We met back on that island.

I apologize, but...I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.

Think nothing of it. Now then, you said you could help. In what way are you able to lend a hand?

I can take you to the treasurer.

I have no connections myself, but Father is a purveyor to the crown, and he knows the treasurer personally.

I'll ask if he can get you an audience with him. I want to help the people on that island.

Sarc gave his life to try and save them, and if I don't do anything, then his efforts will be for naught. So, please...let me help you in his place. I want to honor my brother's memory.

Do you still carry your brother's stone, Phai?

Of course. I keep it on me at all times.

You remember what I said, yes? That stone is meant to help the holder achieve their dreams. And it will do just that when you get us an audience with the royal treasurer.

Thank you so much!

Partitio, if I may. I have an idea. Might you leave the negotiations to me this time?

I know you got a way with words, Temenos, but this is business. And with royalty, too. It won't be easy. You sure 'bout this?

I am. The inhumane treatment on that island cannot be allowed to continue. I will return to the island with good tidings. I promise.

Alright, if ya say so. If there's anythin' ya need, just say the word.

I will. Thank you.

(Though I doubt there's much a merchant can do in this situation.)

Well, in the meantime, we'll make sure this food gets back to the island.

What happened here?!

I'm glad you two made it back safely. Where's Temenos?

He had some business to attend to, but we can talk about that later. What happened here?

Ricketts suddenly came to the collection site and attacked the workers.

He kept saying everything on this island belonged to him, then stole all the firelight ore.

I'm so sorry. By the time we got there, it was too late...

Forgive us, Partitio... We tried to stop him, but...

That's enough. You're still injured. You need to lie down and rest.

What did Ricketts do?

He whipped them repeatedly. They'll be fine with rest, but...these wounds will take time to heal.

Do we have to go back to eating gruel?

Not if I have anythin' to say 'bout it.

What are you going to do? I don't think he'll listen to reason.

Then I won't give 'im reason. After all he's done, makin' a bad thing even worse...

I'll hit 'im with everythin' I've got!

I know you're angry, I am too, but shouldn't we wait for Temenos?

We ain't got time to waste. No wares means no food, and I won't let these folks go hungry! It's now or never!

Where's Mister Ricketts?

I think he went to the Saltore Mines.

Alright. C'mon, Aldo. Time for a showdown!

H-Hey! Wait! Partitio!

I get where he's coming from, but...I'm worried he'll do something drastic. Should we have let him go like that?

You're right.

Things could get out of hand if we don't step in. Let's go after them and make sure it doesn't get...excessive.

Right. We can't let them go overboard.

Found you!

We had a deal, Ricketts! We earned those rocks fair 'n' square after clearin' out the mines. Ya got no right takin' 'em back!

There was nothing fair about it. You. Tricked. Me. If I had known there were precious gems hidden within those rocks, I would never have agreed!

Which makes this contract null and void!

Oh, that really, really gets my goat! You're a dishonest, rotten scoundrel, breakin' a contract just 'cause the terms don't suit ya no more. You don't got an eye for people or rocks.

You're a lousy merchant, and ya ain't worth your salt, or any salt, for that matter! You're sittin' on a mountain o' treasure, one that could bring happiness to people the world over. But ya don't wanna share!

I won't allow you to have your way here. Not anymore. I'm done makin' honest deals with ya, but I trust ya don't got a problem with that.

Say what you will about me, but a merchant who resorts to violence is no different than a petty thief!

Men, seize him!

......

Did you hear me?! I said seize him!

I'm sorry, Lord Ricketts, but we don't take orders from you anymore. We may be watchmen, but the miners are still our allies. Or at least...they should have been.

And we refuse to see them hurt anymore...

They're objects! They don't have feelings! Don't be fools. There's nothing you can gain by defending them!

I'm sorry, sir, but our minds are made up...

So what now, Mister Ricketts? There ain't no one to protect ya anymore.

Dammit! Someone stop this madman! I'll pay you for it!

You really think your money's gonna change anyone's mind at this point?

It won't save you from what's comin'.

S-Stop this at once!

See, what goes 'round comes 'round!

That's far enough, Partitio.

There's no need to dirty your hands with his blood.

Temenos! You're back already? Does that mean what I think it means?

Now, Ricketts, I have something you'll want to see.

It's an official notification of seizure from Palsifal Palace to you.

Seizure? They ain't gonna buy it from him?

That is what I asked for initially.

But the royal treasurer was hesitant, stating that purchasing the island would cost too great a sum. He changed his mind when I mentioned the situation here, though.

I get it now. You weren't plannin' on negotiatin' in the first place.

Now, with the king being away, the signature is that of a representative. Nevertheless, I imagine a mere merchant like yourself to be unable to refuse a royal order.

Lies! All of it! You forged this, I know it!

Doubt me if you must. But when the palace inspector arrives, all of your misdeeds will immediately be brought to light.

No...

This is my island... Mine! It's been in my family for generations!

I refuse to be a miserable miner ever again! All the wealth here belongs to me, and me alone! You can't have it! Not you, not anyone!

Now wait just a second!

Oh my. I did not expect him to quietly accept his fate, but to flee?

Isn't this tunnel a dead end? I wonder where he thinks he's going...

He's taken leave of his senses. We should find him before he does something drastic.

Right. After him!

This is my island. Mine! No one can have it... No one!

There he is!

This is as far as you go, Ricketts. Now set these people free!

Never. Not as long as I live! All this island's wealth belongs to me!

And no one will stand in my way!

H-He turned into a monster?!

What's going on?

It's mine... This island... Its wealth... All mine...

Y'know, I heard you weren't always like this. But sacrificin' your fellow workers to fill your coffers'll turn anyone into a monster.

What'd you want with that much money anyway?

What else? I wanted money...to have it... to hold it...

Money ain't there just to have. It's meant to be used, to get the things ya want. Everyone on this island's workin' for somethin' they want.

And I won't let you get in the way of that!

This is my island! You're the one in MY way!

It appears your words fall on deaf ears.

Then we'll have to use force. I think it's about time he understood the pain of the people he's hurt.

And I won't be able to treat him in this condition.

You can heal him? Even after he's come this far?

I don't know. But he looks like he's in pain, so I have to try.

Then let's do this!

Then let's do this!

Huh? Looks like he dropped something.

It's a ring...

......

It's that traveler's memories again...

Is something wrong, Aldo?

No, it's nothing.

But this ring looks just like the one Odysso gave me.

Does that mean this is somehow connected to that man?

Ricketts was enveloped in a sinister light just before the battle began. And it appeared that light came from this ring...

So's the ring what caused Ricketts to change?

We won't know for sure until we ask the man himself, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility.

Nngh...

Awake already?

My body...hurts... Why am I...in pain?

Could ya have a look at 'im, Castti?

Nothing seems to be amiss, although...you will be in pain for some time.

Thank you, miss... By the way, um...what am I doing here? Aren't these the Saltore Mines?

You mean you can't recall what happened?

I remember coming here and receiving a ring from a mysterious man... How long ago was that? I can't seem to recall...

Was his name Odysso by any chance?

Unfortunately, I never asked his name. But he did mention wealth, Hnngh!

Why don't we return to the sleeping quarters? I'll mix up some pain medicine there.

C'mon, I'll help ya. Whether you remember it or not, you've got a lot to get straightened out, fella.

Yes. Thank you.

Once he's settled, let's return to the Spacetime Rift. It seems we need to have another talk with Odysso.

Yeah. We better nip this in the bud before things get worse.