BI-2 Smoothing Things Over

Lara, you're a lovely one to your family, helping with work the second you're back.

No, I'm just doing what I should. I'd love to take a good look around too.

Ah, it really does change once you study outside. Far better head on you than my little brother.

What a wonderful girl you are. Shame.

Who knows if I'll ever find one as nice as you again after I move.

Wait, Sasa, you've been living fine here all this time, right? Why the move?

My dad, you know. Yesterday at the Tri-Clan Council, they announced the Saintess would lead the three, right?

Now Dad's all fired up.

Oh... Uncle Zoer was always against Sir Enciodes's open door policy...

Right? We all moved here from up north back then so my brother and I could get work.

And here, Dad pretty much got used to it, over the years.

And now they announce the resignation yesterday, and he's over the moons.

At dinner last night, he was going on and on, mad at Sir Enciodes for everything he'd done these years, and I was fed up hearing it. I even had an argument with him.

But you can't change his mind in the end. We might end up moving straight back to the Paleroches' territory.

So what about your brother's job?

Who knows? Once the resignation's through, it's up in the air if Turicum can still do business like before.

I heard the Paleroches say. See, in the first place, it was the Saintess last Council who wanted Sir Enciodes handing the valleys and mines over.

If she's going to govern Kjerag, Sir Enciodes probably isn't getting any favors.

That's true.

It's a good thing too, though.

You might've missed it, being outside so long, but the three clans got along fine at first. It's just lately, they've fallen out more and more with each other.

A lot of people were scared, after last Council, we'd get into a full-blown war.

Yeah, it's amazing how Sir Enciodes yielded on this. And he's putting power with the Saintess.

Yeah. Just, it should've happened long ago, if you ask me. I don't hate his open door policy, seeing as our family made a good living from it too.

But sometimes it really does feel like the old people say, how Kjerag's not like Kjerag anymore.

Him deciding to give way now and make less of a fuss, everyone approves of that.

It's just old grumps like your big brother against it.

My brother...

I'm back.

Oh, you silly kid. Told you to relax once you got home, but you just had to work.

(Softly) You and your ore-pathy thing. You might not feel bad about your health, but we still hurt over it.

It's alright, Sis. A bit of work like this won't get in the way.

Um, where's Bro?

He said he was heading to the factory just now, and went out all in a hurry. Said he wouldn't be back today, either.

The factory?

Is that the Captain?

Captain, is something up?

Vacation's over, Aurora.

The Doctor got nabbed at the station by the Paleroche family yesterday.

Huh?!

Doctor went with them, voluntarily. You should get what I mean. Likely some sort of plan ticking under that hood.

I took a rough look at the map. Takes some time from the station to the Paleroches'.

The Doctor should've gotten there by now, and we ought to be on our way.

I'm using the pretext to head to yours now to check the situation, then I'll come out and converge with you.

Got it.

I guess I'll go rendezvous with the Captain, then.

I see. So you're the one from Rhodes Island.

Correct.

You're very unique, but I don't know why it is you're so unique.

Hm?

It was no more than a word of advice.

You see? Aren't you under the watch of a group of strangers, unfree to even stroll outside?

Before I answer your question, tell me first. For what reason did you come to Kjerag?

So in other words, you're Enciodes's friend?

Mending the three Silverashes' relations?

You speak some hefty words.

Then your luck is tragic, being drawn into a mess like this without rhyme or reason.

Yet it's beyond me, believing someone who can be so carefree in these circumstances is truly here on a tourist's plan.

I'm very curious—how outsiders like you regard this land of Kjerag.

Peaceful... yes, it's been peaceful here for over a thousand years by now.

And peace of mind signifies stagnation.

Kjerag's people are too used to this status quo, to the point they don't care what happens outside, nor have any interest in it.

It should be a good thing by all rights, but lately, I've felt... *sigh*...

In the end, their belief in Kjeragandr is the root of what condenses the people in this land together.

But at times, I've felt the people are somewhat too dependent on belief.

Can you sympathize? You tell every worry you have to the divine, hoping they'll come to help solve things, and so you turn—

Though, so clearly, you should use your own willpower to change circumstances, you just take divine will as an excuse to stagnate.

Though, so clearly, you till by your own hands to gain your harvest, you still thank the divine for their generosity after the fact.

Though, so clearly, making the choices, putting in the effort, should be for each person's own...

You're very forthcoming.

But most people like you, outsiders... in modern terms, 'foreigners,' hold such a view.

The people outside long since developed plenty to grant them idleness, or in other words, labor-saving technology.

They're accustomed to a convenient life, while most Kjerag folk have never heard of such things.

Maybe the people of Kjerag really can forge diligence and courage out of a harder life, can learn of belief and virtue in an environment far from all the pleasures.

But I also don't feel it should continue for eternity.

The people of Kjerag broke ground on a haven between these snowy mounts, but can they preserve their homeland's solidity and stability forever on tradition alone?

The way you see it, should Kjerag change?

Ah, so you think so too?

Anyone with a sharp eye could tell, honestly, that the transformation Enciodes brought can't be stopped.

Who can so easily decline their own life becoming a little less heavy, a little more convenient?

And here I thought you'd say, everything backwards here should be changed.

I've heard countless people say things like yours already.

And those people, by and large, are those born and raised in Kjerag.

How cautious.

But I don't mind the cautious at all.

It's just a shame. You probably have little time left to learn how this present country manifests.

I...

I have a friend.

This friend has been thinking, all this time, about how to finally change Kjerag for the better.

However, she's thought for a long time, and can't come up with an answer.

She's gradually realized that everyone thinks different to her, and their mindsets, no matter who they are, all disturb her.

She wants to do something, but every time she wants to, there's always someone advising against her.

And now, she finds, she's become slowly unable to stop what those people wish to do.

And it's in this moment you've arrived.

Omen? Perhaps any port in a storm is a more fitting description.

An invitee of Enciodes, come from outer lands. The spectrum and scent of you give me an otherly feeling, peculiar and novel—

Tell me, stranger, what does your arrival portend?

Come on, I only got her last letter not long ago. Seriously, it's like she hasn't written in forever. She's on my case like this every time.

Thank you, Kjarr. You're always the one handing me my sister's letters.

It's alright. The Great Saintess can't descend at will, so I go out and about in her place, and bring back outside news to her. It's as she desires, too.

Sorry, though, I've got no room to write a letter back for now. I'm about to get ready for something else.

Based on the bag next to you... you're going to head outdoors?

Yep.

Where are you going? To climb Jungfrau?

Come on, I forgot until you mentioned it! I still haven't conquered Jungfrau!

But where I'm going is to the valleys this time.

The valleys? Aren't they about to be handed over to the Vine-Bead Court? And there're so many factories there, too. What are you going to do?

The Doctor's gonna head there, which means I have someone to see. Oh, Kjarr, you have no idea who I'm talking about, do you?

Ah, I do believe I've heard tell. The guest taken away by the Paleroches?

Mm-hm. My guest in the first place, concern for the Doctor's safety is really weighing on me.

You're such a good girl.

But take care. I hear things haven't been too calm there lately.

Mm-hm.

Lady Ensia, we can depart now.

Worry not. All responsibility will lie with me on this departure.

You're a huge help, Uncle.

It's rare you ask me to help you with things. How would I ever refuse this?

Kjarr, I might be gone for a little long while. If you can, go back and tell my sister I'll reply to her after I'm done.

It's quite alright, I can wait.

Aurora, I need info to make judgment calls, especially your views as a local. Tell me how you see the Doctor's current situation.

Gnosis was likely in a very sensitive position, given he was formerly in charge of the mines and valleys.

Sir Enciodes putting the Doctor in that same position now is bound to draw Arctosz's attention.

Tell me in detail about why the mines and valleys are such a sensitive area.

Hmm... it'd be more convenient if we had a map on hand.

Kjerag's topography isn't too complicated, and it's not very finely partitioned either.

Usually, us locals just call each area the mines, valleys, woodlands, lakes, mountains, creeks, and plains.

The creeks and plains, and most of the lakes, are the Paleroches' in the north.

The Browntails in the west are mainly the woodlands, and the minority of the lakes.

The Silverashes are mainly the mountains, valleys and mines. They have so little of the lakes, you can essentially ignore it.

And the valleys and mines... actually, they represent nearly half of the Silverashes' territory already.

Between them, the mines have always been incredibly important land to the Silverashes, because practically all the ore used in Kjerag comes from there.

While the valleys were only developed in recent years.

Originally, they were extremely poor land to work, and there weren't more than a few hamlets. People always considered it an area with no use.

But after Sir Enciodes founded Karlan Trade, he chose that land to use for siting factories.

The majority of Karlan Trade's manufacturing is built there, and it's extremely close to Mount Karlan, too.

On top of that, I exchanged some info with Kjerag merchants before we left—but everyone who comes outside to do business is related to Karlan Trade in some way.

A month ago, with the Great Saintess's backing, the Browntails and Paleroches requested and organized a team to investigate health and safety issues at the factories.

But the team met a surprise attack secretly ordered by Gnosis, who wouldn't play along at all. I don't know how that info came out, but everyone believes Gnosis was involved in it.

That led to the Paleroches' head, Arctosz, getting inspiration from the Vine-Bead Court to send troops to station in the valleys, and it's because of the consequences of Gnosis's extreme actions that he was finally removed.

At the meeting, the Doctor mentioned Enciodes's reason for making the invitation.

We do help construct Oripathy-related facilities for Karlan Trade, but he never mentioned having the Doctor manage anything in his place before.

Which is to say, the Doctor's actively climbed onto the scales of this conspiracy. Very Doctor-like to do.

That seems likely, but Karlan Trade and Rhodes Island have a perfectly fine relationship, and the Doctor would probably only accept because of that relationship.

For now, I can't imagine the reason why Sir Enciodes would want to set up the Doctor...

What do we do now? Contact Dr. Kal'tsit?

The landship's headed for Victoria. We'd need the use of a local large-scale comms station, because our handheld equipment's got no way to get in touch.

(Breathes a long sigh)

Captain...?

I surveyed for a stretch. Guard force at the Doctor's present placement is low-strength.

The Paleroche residence should have about two hundred in guards, training and arms not up to outside army standard. We can break through on a surprise raid.

I've checked surrounding terrain too. Alternate plan is we infiltrate, but that needs setting up explosives in multiple locations beforehand.

Going in and pulling out both need manufactured explosions to draw attention. There're some points in the wall structure that'll let...

Wait! Captain!

Hm?

I feel like... things aren't going to get to that point.

No matter what happens, we need to ensure the Doctor's safety. That's our first priority.

...I agree with that, but...

If we bring force against the house of Paleroche in the run-up to the Grand Ceremony, then I'm worried Rhodes Island will end up an enemy of Mount Karlan.

What will the Kjerag operators at Rhodes Island do?

I need to consider the worst-case scenario, and the least honorable way of solving things. The present outlook is pessimistic, and if I have to make a choice, you know I'll only choose the Doctor.

We all hope things won't go that far, but you know as well as I that it doesn't depend on us, and I have a responsibility to the Doctor and Rhodes Island.

I just can't shake the sense that... Sir Enciodes probably has his own plans.

The Doctor chose to play them at their own game, so some kind of clue must've been there long ago, and the Doctor's already prepped to deal with it...

I've never doubted the Doctor's abilities for a moment. I believe.

But I need to make my own preparations beforehand. The Doctor put me on standby, so there's a place for us in the plan.

We need to get in touch with the Doctor first.

Aurora.

Hm?

You respect Enciodes a lot.

Yes... Without him, I would've never been able to leave Kjerag, and come into contact with the outside world.

Understandable.

But for the moment, I want you to forget that. Starting now, you treat him as a hypothetical enemy. Can you do that?

If you feel like you can't, you can head back right now. I won't blame you.

But at the same time, I'm an employee of Rhodes Island too.

Remember what you've just said.

Understood.

But... do we have to watch out for Cliffheart and the rest too?

I trust Cliffheart, but have no confidence in Ensia Silverash.

For now. We figure how to meet up with the Doctor.

You're the Doctor's subordinates?

...(Slash)

Wow, that's a rare way to use a sword here.

Who are you?

Well, there's no need to be this ferocious to an ordinary girl you've just met.

Pinning this position, and cracking a joke in this context? Does that make you an ordinary girl?

Put the blade down first! Your Rhodes Island Doctor sent me.

I was asked to bring you a message.

Well, well, you actually came to us Browntails' territory for a visit all by your lonesome. You got balls, Gnosis Edelweiss.

I've always been upright and honorable.

Hmph, that's rich coming from you after you were kicked out of Karlan Trade for your shady business.

I thought I'd see Ratatos here.

Anyone could bluff like that. Ratatos wasn't going to just take your word so easily.

......

As I said before, it takes two to cooperate. It seems my words have reached her, and that's more than enough to me.

Hmph, talk all you want.

So, since you came here all by yourself... You said last time 'things have come to this.' What's that all about?

What things have come to what?

*Sigh*.

Why do you think Enciodes proposed this transfer of powers?

Hmph, isn't that because he can't take on both the Paleroches and us, and so he figured to compromise?

Compromise?

Hoh, compromise.

Think again, Madame Sciurus. I dare say that your sister thinks otherwise.

Ever since Enciodes came back to Kjerag, was there any single thing he did that wasn't in pursuit of his ultimate victory? Is his proposal to put the Saintess back in power really a compromise?

......

Here's a hint—The Ceremony.

Hm...? What about the Ceremony? Don't tell me he's going to throw a fit there and refuse to turn over his powers.

The Ceremony is nigh, and there will be more trains coming in and out of the Silverashes' territory transporting both resources and people.

Take a guess, why did Enciodes himself propose to hand the Saintess his powers, even arranging for it to happen on the day of the Ceremony?

Arctosz's a short-sighted man. He thinks Enciodes will pull some kind of dirty trick once she's in control.

And so he reassigned his men to guard the valleys and the mines, even to keep an eye on the Doctor that Enciodes invited.

But the funny thing is that he doesn't know it's all pointless!

......!

Ratatos, you can't be that stupid.

I will tell you what Enciodes is planning.

But you'd better see me yourself next time.

Even if I have to see his schemes come to fruition and you two imprisoned—

I won't allow myself be made a fool of again.

......

Now excuse me.

Ratatos...

Hey, Ratatos! I know you're there!

Pipe down, Sciurus.

You believe in what he said?

Maybe I should say I'm shocked that you never considered the possibility, sister.

But even the Saintess is on our side now!

Can Enciodes really be so unscrupulous that he...

That he...?

Don't be silly, Sciurus.

From the moment he first trampled our faith, when he laid his train tracks straight to Kjerag and broke away from the Saintess...

No, ever since he so calmly agreed to let his sister become the Saintess in exchange for his seat in the Tri-Clan Council, he hasn't cared.

We all know how well those siblings got along in their earlier years. I also once thought that letting the devout Enya become the Vine-Bead Court's hostage was a brilliant move.

But now? Hmph, I wouldn't be surprised if he one day brought his men up the mountain to burn down the whole Vine-Bead Court.

Don't tell me Enciodes is really going to use force...

Slow down, sister.

There's another possibility. He could be pulling our leg.

Why...?

To make us think he's up to something shady so we end up making the first move.

What good does that do him?

If he's not trying to have somebody else do his dirty work and off his enemies, he's trying to find an excuse to start a war and earn himself some clout in the end.

Hmph, whatever it is, we're probably all in trouble.

Well...

How do we figure this out?

No idea.

None at all?

I'm not exactly omniscient here.

But if he's lying, there's got to be holes.

You.

Your orders, Matriarch?

Dig up anything you can find on Gnosis. We looked into him before, but he's had lots of dealings since his job got handed off. There should be a lot more clues now. Start there.

Understood.

You'd better not disappoint me, Gnosis Edelweiss.

Ratatos... If he was telling the truth, would you really take him in?

Why not?

He's an Edelweiss! The family who got Enciodes's father killed fifteen years ago!

So what?

They betrayed the Silverashes, but when Enciodes came back from studying in Victoria, this guy tagged along, wanting a slice of the pie.

If you ask me, he's the type who doesn't give two licks about loyalty, only profit and success. Now that he's made an enemy of his master, he's got to find a new sugar daddy to get his revenge.

Right, that's the most obvious reason.

So you...

Sciurus... 'The Silverashes control the gates, the Paleroches have their rich farmlands and their army, but the Browntails have nothing. Why do you think we stand as one of Kjerag's three families?'

'...Because what we do earns the highest return.'

I learned Grandpa's lessons just as well as you did.

Right, since I'm letting you in, there are lots of things that you really must spend some time pondering.

As a child of the Browntails, in times like these, you need to know the best course of action. It's more than just knowing the risks of dealing with a criminal. You need to learn to assess all this yourself.

Profit always comes with risks. We need to learn how to mitigate these risks beyond just shutting them out along with the profits, dear sister.

Our biggest worry is that everything he just said was true, but also part of a lie.

Another thing.

You've gotten really close with that servant of yours, haven't you?

You mean Monch?

Monch, conch, gonch, whatever.

Don't trust anyone too much, sister.

Grr, I don't need you to tell me what to do!

I'll show you how much stronger I can make Browntails without you!

*Sigh*... I should never have given Enciodes this chance.

I have that braindead moron Arctosz to thank. Take Enya away from her scumbag brother? Don't make me laugh.

Whatever. Yucatan.

Yes, Matriarch?

Let the Paleroches know that I'll visit in a few days.

Of course.

Doctor, we've entered the valley.

Sorry... Sir Arctosz never permitted any rail tracks to be built in the Paleroches' territory, and it's not in our habit to use cars.

I suppose it may not be easy for a foreigner like you to ride a burdenbeast.

Dr. Doctor, welcome. I am Sir Enciodes's secretary, Chester.

Please allow me to accompany you as you survey the area.

To give Sir Arctosz the absolute peace of mind, we'll ask you to inspect each and every factory and mine site before they're declared closed.

Once you have checked everything here, both Sir Arctosz and the Great Elder will give their approval. Only then will the transfer be considered complete.

What do you think, General Valais?

That would be for the best, of course.

In that case, please follow me. We'll take stroll and get a grasp of the environment and situation here.

Still, this is just way too sudden...

Right, I had heard there was bad news from the last Tri-Clan Council. But that's not enough to send us running.

My son was hurt while working in the factory not too long ago. I'm still waiting for his medical subsidy.

We... We've always believed in Sir Enciodes! He's not going to abandon us, is he?

All of us put in so much work to improve the Kjerag's livelihood. He can't just shut the factory down like that!

What about Infected like us? We finally found work at the factory...

Please, everyone, calm down. Listen to me—

Oh, nice timing, Doctor.

It's been a while. I'm really sorry that we dragged you into our local affairs.

Please bear with it for a little longer. Once the Ceremony is over, the Silverashes will properly receive you.

But, before that, I think I might need your help with something.

......

Sharp as always, Doctor.

Don't be so humble, Doctor. Your abilities are on another level. I've seen for myself.

And we'll need your help with many other things as well.

Well then, I'll need to borrow the Doctor for this job of mine. Just for a bit. Would the Paleroches mind?

By all means.

Friends and countrymen, Sir Enciodes has personally instructed me to offer all those affected an explanation on his behalf.

It so happens that the Doctor is here too. The Doctor is Sir Enciodes's esteemed guest, and Karlan Trade's current chief technical officer.

Today, together with all of you, our guest will bear witness to this message:

At the Tri-Clan Council, the great houses and the Vine-Bead Court reached an understanding for the interim, and will begin discussion on any follow-up matters.

Because of the grave mistakes made by Gnosis, the previous CTO, Karlan Trade must shut down all of its factories in a show of goodwill.

Once the transfer of powers is complete, the Silverash family will actively work with the Vine-Bead Court and advocate for a gradual reopening of some of our factories in a controlled, carefully-planned manner.

Hmph...

......

Please trust me and trust the Silverash family that this is for the best.

Now, as I introduced earlier, and will emphasize once more, this is Sir Enciodes's esteemed guest as well as Karlan Trade's current CTO.

Our guest is a master not only of the production and mining technologies that we are all familiar with, but also the prevention and treatment of Oripathy.

The Doctor likewise represents a medical organization that will help Karlan Trade answer the critical questions that we are all struggling with, including the medical support issue we were just discussing.

Such things would not be possible in our mountains of yore, and, together with the Doctor, Karlan Trade will bring about this new future.

At the same time, it is Sir Enciodes's wish for the territorial subjects of the other two houses to cast aside their differences and help us build Kjerag.

There is no need for panic. Please put your faith in Sir Enciodes and the Saintess. Have faith that Kjeragandr will never abandon Her children.

Aah, by Kjeragandr!

By Kjeragandr.

By Kjeragandr.

Now then, I will...

Wait! Hold on a minute!

After hearing you out... I-I have something to say!

Please.

It's not that we don't trust the other two houses.

It's just we've really had it fairly nice the last couple years thanks to Sir Enciodes. We have work, we get enough food to eat, and we even get painkillers.

We never had it so easy before...

Since we heard the factory was going to be shut down, we've all been worried that the good times are coming to an end...

Please rest assured.

The Doctor, as I introduced just now, is an Oripathy scholar. Karlan Trade invited the Doctor here precisely because we are concerned about our Infected workforce's livelihood.

So please put your faith in us, Karlan Trade.

Yes, is there something you would like to add, Doctor?

There are also those of the mind that his ideas are impractical.

My apologies. I have misspoken.

......

*Sigh*... Very well. Looks like I'm not going to fool you, Doctor.

Ugh...

So merciless, Doctor.

Friends, it's true. I am not done yet.

We didn't keep our internal affairs in check, and that led to you losing your jobs. That is entirely our fault.

Karlan Trade promises to keep your original positions unfilled. You will continue to be compensated, and we will arrange job opportunities with equal or even greater pay and benefits.

And I am sure you can already tell that, unlike Gnosis, the Doctor actually understands what you truly need.

The Doctor will bring Karlan Trade the technologies that will truly benefit our day-to-day lives.

Right, this is what Sir Enciodes truly wanted all of us to know!

Sound great! I'll head back and let everybody know!

Good, that's very good, but don't forget Kjeragandr's teachings, young man...

Phew...

Good work.

Not at all. It's my job to speak for him.

Thank you, Doctor.

But I'm sure you'll agree that this was worth helping?

Okay, Doctor... I'll take you out for some fondue. My treat.

Not at all, Doctor.

Actually, if it wasn't for you, I probably would've forgotten to say all that.

Okay, I will take my leave now.

Yes?

......

I'm not sure what you are talking about, Doctor.

......

All the requirements have been met, just as Madame Sciurus expected.

Enciodes sent Weiss presumably as some kind of insurance policy.

But that's not nearly enough.

You are to ensure that things go according to Madame Sciurus's plans once Weiss is gone.

Yes!

......

You were followed.

......!

What?! I didn't...

There was only one of them, now long gone, running after the men Sciurus assigned to you.

I'm very sorry for betraying your expectations, Sir Gnosis.

No, perhaps this is for the better.

I'm prepared to be your pawn and to do whatever you say.

I'm just a researcher, Monch.

Pawns are meaningless to me. What I want is a partner that I can work with.

......

Proceed with the plan. Don't worry. Ratatos and Sciurus won't catch you.

Understood.