Maybe

Cheers!

Cheers!

Hahahaha! Here's to Brande!

Hey, Sparky! Another pint!

Here you go. Your fruit wine.

So what's going on? Why's everybody so cheery?

Mr. Brande just gave us all a bonus along with our payslips for the month!

They say it's a bonus, but it's just a hundred pence.

And considering they work us to the bone, that's the least they could owe us.

You sure you should be here at this hour, though? Might get a beating from the missus?

Jog on! I'm the king of the castle! She wouldn't dare!

Alright. Here's to the king of the castle!

Cheers!

Hey, Sparky! Another pint!

Hahaha... Mr. James, you really should watch your drink, though. We wouldn't want to upset Mrs. James.

Sparky, I heard from your boss you've got something stronger than this piss?

Get us some of that!

Not! Happening!

Remember what Miss Quercus told you. Strong drink is bad for your condition!

You need to take better care of yourself, Stone.

Come on, what's the problem?

This disease is a death sentence. Might as well get a taste of the hard stuff before we cark...

Don't say that!

The doctors in the city told us! Oripathy progresses differently depending on the patient's physical condition!

Lighten up, I'm just...

Stone!

Um... Yeah?

Take care of yourself and live life to the fullest! Stop saying that word all the time!

Er... Sorry?

Look at you. You got Sparky upset.

*Sigh*, I didn't mean to...

Huh? Looks like we've got quite a crowd here today.

Good evening, Mr. Root!

Oi, if it isn't Bitter Root! Come on, come on! Let's drink!

Huh? Something to celebrate today?

How's work today, Bitt? T'ain't often you get the free time to come for a drink.

It's fine. We hired a few extra pair of hands. Things calmed down quite a bit, thanks to them.

Eh? Is it that good working for Rhodes Island? Do they pay well?

What of it? You interested?

Nah, forget I said anything. I can't even read... I'd just be making a fool of myself.

By the way, Jim, I saw your wife on my way here.

What? What?? You sure?! Oh, bugger...

Ahem.

Er... You carry on with the drinks. I... I just remembered I've got a few errands to run. See you around!

Hahaha, there goes our 'king of the castle!'

Yeah, yeah, off I go. We'll do this another time.

Be safe on your way home, Mr. James.

*Sigh*. There goes my drinking buddy.

Come on, Bean, stop spacing out over there. Have a few pints with me.

Quiet down. I'm reading the newspaper.

What's the headlines?

It's all been big news the last couple of days! The whole town's talking about it. Don't tell me you haven't heard!

The new bill, is it? That's some big news, indeed.

What new bill?

The one that's going to improve how us Infected workers are treated! Do you ever do anything except drink? This bill's going to be massive for all of us!

Peh, and here I thought it was something that actually mattered.

You're naive, you know? I gave up on that hokum long ago.

What, you don't want them to start treating us better?

You think the lords actually care about us Infected? On your bike!

I guarantee you, this bill thing's bound to fail. It'll be unanimous, even. And then it'll be like nothing ever happened.

They're doing this just for show, I tell you.

Aha! Too bad, then! You're wrong.

The bill didn't pass, but it didn't fail either.

It was a tie. The final decision's going to have to wait till next time.

I'm still not buying it. It won't pass. What does the paper say, though? What's in that bill, specifically?

One second. Let's see... I remember some bits and pieces of it back when they announced it.

Oh, take a look. It says here that Infected workers cannot work more than fifteen hours a day, that the factories have to give the Infected the same kinds of Originium protective equipment as non-Infected...

Pfft. Don't make me laugh.

There's a snowball's chance that's true. What's that saying again? There's no pies in the sky?

What would you outlanders even know? Me, I'm a born-and-bred Caladonian. I've seen how they do things my whole life. No one knows the nobles how I do.

You're still counting on those stingy tosspots to do anything for you out of their pockets? Dream on.

*Sigh*... You want to at least hold out some hope... Keep a positive outlook on things.

There's no need to be so negative. Who could've thought ten years ago that they'd pass that New Caladonian Infected Act, right?

Now that, that's apples to oranges.

Us Infected can work their factories, and the heads only have to pay us half the money. They get to pocket the other half! Of course they passed that bill!

That's true. Oftentimes, they don't even pay us with cash, just Wage Tickets.

Things take time. I think you could be more optimistic about this.

Keep in mind that Caladon willingly accepts Infected from all the cities out there, and even offers work. You don't see that anywhere else in Victoria.

I heard from some of the foremen these policies are... what... 'Columbian-style?'

Are all the Columbian cities like this?

Well... It's complicated. There's a tiny bit of difference.

Whatever, time for a new topic. Any other news?

Let's see...

'Terror in Caladon! Loud Roars Heard Underground at Night!'

And then... 'Possible Infected Smuggling Activity Spotted in Abandoned Districts in Caladon Outskirts.'

Then there's also this... 'Public Safety in Jeopardy, Convicts and Wanted Criminals Have Infiltrated the Infected Community.'

Why are all the headlines like that?

That's the 'Caladon Daily' and their rubbish reporting for you. They love their terrorizing headlines, and they take care to add the word 'Infected' in there. Just talking about those hack journos makes me want to puke.

It's true, but you should still be careful, Susie. Caladon hasn't been all that safe lately.

Hahaha... I'll watch out. Thanks.

Fin fillets, potatoes, green onions... I guess that's about it?

Oh, and the pepper, too!

I just have to deliver these to Mr. Kells, right?

Yes, please.

On my way!

Foreigners go home!

Out with the Infected! This is our home!!

Out with the Infected!

It's the Infected's fault us porters lost all our jobs!

Hey, you! The Infected there! Get over here!

I-I'm just walking past...

What's that you're holding? Eh?

It's just...

What's that in your basket! Let me see it!

These are items I'm delivering to a customer!

Shouldn't your lot be working in the factories right now? What are you wandering around here for?!

It's part of my job to deliver things too...

Who said you could talk back?!

Urgh...

(Ouch...)

Spark... Arts...

(Bear with it, Susie... Don't fight back...)

(This isn't the first time something like this has happened...)

What gives you Infected the right to walk the streets in broad daylight anyway?

It's all your fault the air here has gotten so polluted!

Bunch of pests! Go back to the sewers, where you belong!

(But you're the one who came to the Infected community...)

What? What are you looking at me for? Looking for a fight?!

That's enough, mister. Let's not overdo it.

And who are you?

There's no reason to lay hands on an unarmed lady now. It's not a very honorable thing to do, wouldn't you agree?

What? She's just an Infected!

And what's with you? Trying to be a hero?

Well? If you want some, come and get it!

......

Coward.

Mr. Red!

Hmph.

I'm afraid I don't have what it takes to offend you, kind sir.

Though before you continue, I should inform you that I have Originium crystals on my face, and your punch landed right on one.

W-What...?

Oh, sir, this isn't good. Look, I'm bleeding out of my mouth, and your hand is injured.

It might just get you infected too.

What?! But...!

Hurry! To the hospital! You can still make it!

Damn you, Ursus! You'd better watch your back! You'll regret this!

Enough now! Get to the hospital!

Um, thanks... Mr. Red.

A-Are you okay?

Don't worry about me. I'm used to taking a beating.

I could ask you the same. Look at your face. It's all swollen.

I-I'm okay... I'll put some ice on it when I get home.

There've been more anti-Infected protests here lately. You should avoid this area on your way back.

Where are you headed? I'll go with you.

Thanks, but don't you have work? I wouldn't want to be a bother...

Don't worry yourself. I have errands in the area too.

But... Mr. Red, is that man really going to catch Oripathy?

Of course not. You don't just get infected like that. I was only scaring him.

Oripathy can spread through blood, but he only had some minor scrapes.

It's pretty effective as a bluff, though.

Hahaha, I see.

Those bastards... What a lot of utter scumbags!

Laying hands on a young lady? Have they no shame?

Don't get yourself all worked up. I'm okay.

So they ran off after they hit you? Did you see where they went?

They ran north, so my guess is they headed to the Boil.

The Boil, eh? It won't be easy to find them, then.

In any case, I'll make a note. They've been fairly short staffed at the Guards lately.

Does your face still hurt? Need me to massage it a bit?

Haha... It's okay. Don't worry about me, Officer Grani.

It's true how Caladon hasn't been that safe lately... but I didn't expect you to get attacked, Susie.

No loss of property... and that's filed. This is all I can do for you right now.

I'm off now. Come find me if there's any more trouble.

Thank you, Officer Grani.

The idiots better hope I don't find them first.

What if you do find them?

I'll beat the life out of them!

Think, Stone. The moment you lay a finger, everyone around will start screaming and making a fuss.

Then, the next morning, the front page of 'Caladon Daily' will read 'Infected Batters Innocent Citizen, Security Problems Worse by the Day.'

Well...

And I remember that rotten boy and his loud mouth.

A month ago, he was protesting the crowd in overalls, complaining how the factory he worked at was shut down because of the Infected.

Two months ago, he protested with the hawkers and said the Infected stole his merchandise.

So what is he today?

I think he said he was a 'porter'?

What in the world!

Sounds like something the gangs of the Boil would do. He was probably hired. Now which lord did we offend again?

The Infected community's always been a thorn in the side of certain people. As long as the councilors who support the new bill aren't in the majority, these things will keep happening.

We'd better keep our eyes peeled.

This prick, though... Forget Susie. He even tried to fight you, bossman, and how dare he!

Alright, enough. Your pint's getting lonely.

*Sigh*... How am I supposed to drink, knowing our little Sparky got harassed?

Hahaha, you're just exaggerating.

Sparky, take this.

Huh? What is it?

It's an ointment that helps reduce swelling. Anywhere it hurts, just rub some on there after you wash your face tonight.

Huh? Now how come you're not giving me some of that?

This is from Yan! You know how expensive it is? Besides, look how rough you are! What do you need it for?!

Oh... If it's that expensive, I can't take it.

No, do. Best not work a pub with a swollen face.

Hahaha... This isn't exactly a pub, though...

Thanks, Mr. Bean.

In that case, your drinks are on the house tonight.

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Susie, are you sure you have to go?

Yes, Mum... Staying here... isn't going to do any of us any good.

No, Susie, listen to me... I found another job this month. Don't worry about the medicine. We'll figure something out!

Please don't... I can't be a burden on the family anymore, not when my baby brother and sister still have school. And when my big brothers are all still healthy.

I can't let my daughter go to another city alone!

Don't worry about me. I heard how the Infected working in Caladon get medicine as part of their pay.

I'm sorry... It's all my fault, Susie... I'm so sorry.

I'll take care of myself. Don't worry, Mum.

Welcome!

Look who's here!

Huh? Hi, boss!

Li'l~ Susie~

Let me give your ears a good rub!

Hahaha... boss... that tickles!

Boss again? Come on, don't be such a stranger!

Hahaha... Miss Quercus.

Hm?

Quercus...

That's more like it!

Why open a lighting shop?

Because I want to.

Why did you come back this time? Did you need something?

Oh? I'm not allowed to come see you without a special reason?

Hahaha...

I have something to take care. What, have you forgotten? It's almost the end of the year!

Oh, right...

So you've saved up all this? That's amazing, Susie!

But, Quercus... Are you sure it's okay? Isn't it a bit on the low side for a place like this?

How many times have you asked me that now? Do you not trust me?

No, I mean... Of course I trust you.

I'll get you a meeting with the landlord sometime next week for you to work out the details. He's a dependable one.

Next week, huh...?

Here's your tea, Miss Mountbelan.

Thanks.

Judging by your look, I suppose the lords did something to make you unhappy?

Can you believe it? Can you believe it?!

I spent two weeks preparing all that data, and they only read a single page of it!

Just one page!!

How short-sighted can they be?! The issues I raised are urgent to the point they need addressing right now! You can't tell me it doesn't worry them one bit?!

Oh, they don't worry about the fire until it's started burning them.

It this drags on, it'll immolate them completely.

Hasn't the Reunion mayhem in Gododdin taught them anything?

The flames of Reunion Gododdin were stomped out two years ago. Why would it be a problem to these noble lords?

Things aren't that simple, though! It's as though they don't even understand the crux of the matter! Reunion isn't just a band of thugs or bandits. There's a reason they started that uprising.

Oi, is it just me or did it get warmer in here all of a sudden?

Yeah, I think it did.

Not again. Cool it a little. Don't burn my store down.

*Sigh*... Never mind.

Hahaha... Calm down, Miss Mountbelan.

You're off work. Try to keep a happier face on, I think.

Here, give these a try.

What do you have here... Sweets?

That's right. Quercus made these vanilla mints herself. Let them calm your rage.

*Sigh*... Thanks...

I was on a holiday in Siesta just a few months ago... and now I'm starting to miss that place.

It sounds like you've really had it tough, Miss Mountbelan. Loosen up some if you can.

At least I have you lot to listen to me grumble here.

You can't do that at Rhodes Island?

You think my case is bad? Everyone has it tough there... Kicking up a fuss at work would only hurt morale.

Don't worry, we're all a bunch of idiots. By the time you finish a sentence, we've gone and forgotten what you said.

So, what conclusion did the lords arrive at?

Well, halfway through the meeting, they started fixating on all those silly rumors.

You mean like the 'sounds in the city underground' and 'criminals have infiltrated the Infected community?'

In the end, it's all the Infected's fault, eh?

Right, it's all just baseless conspiracy theories. It's a mystery to me who's even been spreading them.

Anyway, the meeting devolved into a pointless shouting match after that.

It sounds like a lot of the lords support the Infected community, though?

We do solve a lot of their problems, after all. Some of the lords have made a good bit of dough over the last few years. Likelihood is they're just more amenable to it than most, considering they're directly profiting.

Besides, the community doesn't only concern the Infected anymore. There's plenty of non-Infected working here now, right?

That's true. I'm one of them right here.

Right, that's a fair point... but talking about it all here and now won't change a thing. I still have other engagements tomorrow, so if you'll excuse me.

Be careful out there.

Now setting that aside...

Why are you working here in our community, James? It's strange for me to say, but isn't it a bit risky, on shift with the Infected?

Risky... eh?

Tell you the truth, risks are, in the end, nothing more than an unknown. Putting food on the table, that's the immediate problem.

If worse comes to worst, suppose I actually catch Oripathy, my family are still going to live better than if I didn't have a job.

I've got two little mouths to feed. I can't just leave it to my wife to be the breadwinner. Besides, it's not like she makes much, selling scarves. We wouldn't be able to get by.

My mum's got asthma. It costs an arm and a leg to treat. My dad's got some serious bone disease too. He can't even get out of bed.

I don't have a choice. If only I could find better work...

*Sigh*... How come it sounds like your life's more of a mess than mine?

......

Why're you so quiet today, Stone? Did something happen?

*cough*... How old did James say his kids are again?

One's eight, the other twelve. Why?

No... No reason. Just thinking.

Come on, if you've got something on your mind, just say it. It's not like we're strangers.

Did you run into some kind of trouble, Stone?

Trouble, huh...? *Sigh*.

I-I got a letter from my wife. She said she'll come pay me a visit with our daughter.

A daughter? You have a daughter?!

Eh? I didn't know you were married!

What?! Is it that strange to you?

No, not like that. Just... an Infected having a kid...

Oh, don't you worry about that. I caught Oripathy afterwards. My wife and daughter are fine.

Isn't that a good thing? Why the long face?

Right, you got Oripathy, and your wife didn't abandon you. Wish the missus cared about me like that.

*Sigh*, look at me. How am I supposed to face them the way I am now?

What's wrong with the way you are?

Right, why look down on yourself like that?

It's true, though. You're not exactly in good shape to see her.

Why don't we get you a haircut? You could at least be a little better groomed?

Alright! If it's a haircut Stone needs...

(Brandishes a pair of scissors and a comb)

Hold your beasties! You know how to cut hair, Sparky?

Now, don't underestimate her! My girl Susie's a master hairdresser.

Ta-dah!

Well, doesn't that look pretty good?

I don't usually cut it so short. Feels all breezy...

Hey, you're looking fresh.

I think you can do a lot for yourself if you pay just a little more attention to your hair, Stone.

*Sigh*. Look at me, though. My life's a disaster. How am I supposed to find time to care about my hair?

Don't think like that!

It's because life's so hard that we should find our own ways to live better.

Right. No one's ever said the Infected have to live in misery.

Chin up. Your wife will be delighted to see you like this.

Take it slow. You come to my room later.

I've got some clean clothes I've been holding onto. Haven't worn them much. Give them a wash and see if they fit.

Eh... You sure about that?

What's to stand on ceremony? Just take them!

Now come on, drink up!

Susie! Get it together!

You're just meeting with the landlord! He's just a landlord!

From tomorrow onwards, you'll be the shop's owner! Your dream is coming true!

You're almost there, Susie!

How should I greet him?

'Nice to meet you, sir! I'm very glad to...'

No, the smile's too stiff.

Ahhh! What am I thinking!

Don't be like this, Susie! This is hideous!

Susie! Are you there?

Ehhh?!

Watch your Arts!

What's the matter with you? What are you so scared of? Did something happen?

No... I'm okay! Good morning, Miss Quercus.

(Doubtful glare)

Look at those dark circles under your eyes!

What's wrong? Did you not sleep well?

Hahaha... I was a little nervous.

Good morning, Miss Susie.

Oh! Mr. Root! Sorry, I didn't see...

Huh? What time is it?

Oh, sorry, Mr. Root. We aren't open today. Did you need something?

You haven't told her yet, Quercus?

Oh, you're right. I haven't.

Huh?

I forgot to mention it, but he's the landlord who owns the shop.

Eh?

Ehhh??

Mr. Root's the landlord? So the previous owners signed their contracts with Mr. Root?!

It's a long story... Anyway, Rhodes Island actually owns this property.

I've heard the details from Quercus. Miss Susie, you want to buy the store, is that right?

Permit me to ask, then. What kind of business do you want to run here?

Business?

Oh! Business!

......

M-My father was a hairdresser.

When I was little, he often said... we shouldn't change our attitude towards life just because we're poor.

Hairdressing may seem trivial, but if someone's putting in the effort to keep themselves groomed, then they must still carry the will to live.

That's why I thought...

It would be nice... to open a hair salon in the Infected community.

Hairdressing, huh...? For the Infected?

That sounds very nice.

It's a deal, then! Someone will come to sort out the contract later.

Eh? That's it?

We've known each other for a long time, haven't we? You'll be fine, Susie.

My own shop... It feels like... I'm dreaming.

That reminds me. Where will you go now, Miss Quercus? Are you going to leave the city?

Oh, don't look at me like that. It's not like I won't ever come back.

I'll stop by every now and then. I have lots of friends in town, you know?

Oh, and one last thing.

Susie, Quercus got you a little gift.

A gift? Huh?

Come, Susie. Everyone's waiting for you.

Congratulations!

You did it, Susie!

Officer Grani! Why are you here?!

Alright! Now Sparky's the owner! Make sure you keep the booze we like on the taps!

Congratulations, Susie.

Mr. Red! Aren't you supposed to be working?!

Oh, we took the day off. We weren't going to miss the moment you took over the shop.

That's right. I've been coming here every day for the last few years now. I probably know this place better than I do my own home.

Your wife could give you a good socking for that.

Alrighty, then. Miss Susie, our new owner, the shop is all yours!

......

*Sob*...

Oh, why are you tearing up? Don't cry!

Yeah, no crying.

Life's been hard for all of us lately. It's not often we get something to celebrate, yeah?

Cheer up!

Anyway, it doesn't matter what you turn the place into. I'll be here.

Hahaha... What's this? Tears of joy?

(Breaking up) Miss Quercus... I...

Okay, okay now. No more tears...

Evacuate the nearby residents first!

You there, quit dawdling about! Nothing to see here!

Over here! The fire's still going!

Check again for casualties! This is the Infected community!

Look for any traces of Originium, like damaged appliances!

Don't let any activated dust spread!

Bloody hell... Why's somebody setting fires around here?!

Why...

Evacuate everyone first! Hey, you, Feline over there! What are you doing?!

Don't run in there! Are you daft?!

Hold her back!

Why...

Why...?