BI-6 Diversion

He's not sending any men after the other clans. He's just guarding the Vine-Bead Court.

Right, he's guarding the Vine-Bead Court.

Now he's truly seized the Court.

*Sigh*... You're right about that.

Even I understand the way Enciodes does things now.

Him handing back power is all a feint. He wanted to flip the whole table over all along.

Right. Most of us thought he had no way to overcome the Kjerag people's faith for Kjeragandr. They thought he didn't have what it takes.

The Great Elder, Ratatos, Arctosz... even I thought so.

And he knew that.

That said, I've been wondering about one thing.

A life without God. Does that necessarily mean there should be no gods?

Oh, I'm just musing. I'm not depressed at all.

Faith is gradually becoming an obstacle... At the very least, that's how the Kjerag people's faith in Kjeragandr is. I've known that for a long time now.

Thank you, though.

*Sigh*... Not that this has anything to do with me, a lowly maid who serves the Saintess.

Speaking of which, I thought you'd ask me why I'm here with you.

Just like you have many reasons to choose to interfere, right?

Thank you, Doctor...

I will stand firm with my choice, and I hope you will too.

Doctor, the work is done.

I couldn't keep the clan leaders. Ratatos asked me to give you her thanks, but it looks like she's got her own plans. She went back to her territory.

Arctosz's heading back to his place, too. Looks like he's gathering his forces to fight it out with Enciodes.

Doctor, if we let them go back to their lands, won't that lead inevitably to death?

What the Doctor's saying is that, with how furious the crowd was, they would most likely have gotten a death sentence right there and then if the two of them were caught.

And even if that wasn't the case, they would still no doubt stand trial.

The two of them may be labeled traitors, but the two families' subordinates, especially the Paleroches, won't buy that so easily.

And regardless of whether they take up arms or start infighting, Kjerag will fall into chaos.

But whichever it is, Enciodes will be the righteous one.

To him, even if things start out chaotic and there are considerable casualties during the process, the whole mess can be still be cleaned up in the end.

......

Right, Enciodes went through all that trouble to shape this situation. That means he cares about the masses.

When I bummed around Karlan Trade, I heard a thing or two about his methods. Most of the staff there thinks he's got foresight.

And now that he chose to stir the pot out in the open like that? You can tell it's his best option despite all the risks it comes with.

I... I sure hope so.

The Silverashes and the Browntails were on better terms in the past. Naturally, he's planted more than a few of his pawns who can help control the chaos.

The problem is still the Paleroches. Their equipment and combat prowess may be behind the times, but their numbers are no joke.

Right, and the Silverashes have always been on pretty bad terms with them.

Besides, the Paleroches' men are all very loyal. It's hard to say they'll betray the Paleroche clan even with everything that has transpired.

That's why I can understand why the Doctor decided to help the two of them.

A family can only come together if the family head's still alive, and as long as we can influence the leaders in some way, the Doctor can still pull off some rough plan.

Still though, Doctor, I guess I don't have to say it—

Kjerag's got some complex terrain. It's not easy to get around here. We don't have much time.

Sorry for the wait, Matriarch.

Sorry that you have to help me now, of all times.

Don't mention it. I am a Browntail. This is exactly the time I should stand with my Matriarch.

Do you believe anything Enciodes said?

Of course not. He has to be framing you.

......

How go the preparations?

It'll take some time to get back to the Browntail territory from Silverash lands, though I have a car ready, and I pulled a few strings.

Once you and Madame Sciurus are ready, I will make sure you two are taken back to the our land.

Any news from back home?

After word about the ceremony got out, a few towns near our territory's border started flying the Silverashes' flag.

There's nothing like that toward the center, but...

Enough. I have a decent idea of how many men he planted inside our family. With how many of them there are, I'm afraid I won't be able to count all of them when they're all gathered in one spot.

Has Enciodes been up to anything?

The Silverashes have set up camp at the foot of Mount Karlan and on the mountainside.

Hmph, at least he's a man of his word.

The populace there has been very receptive to him too. Absolutely shameless.

They saw Arctosz's betrayal at the ceremony with their own eyes, after all.

Hmph, out of everyone who doesn't trust Arctosz, it's gotta be those who saw his 'crimes' with their own eyes that don't trust him the most.

Let's not talk about him. What about you? What are you getting from Enciodes?

I... I don't follow...?

Drop it already. Your acting's terrible.

Come on out and... Arrest Ratatos.

......

......?!

Gah...

If I couldn't see through that trap of yours, then I had no business leading our clan.

Ratatos, I heard the car's...

What's going on here?!

Take a guess?

He was going to sell us out?!

Looks like you're not as stupid as I made you out to be, dear sister.

Do you have to mock me, even at a time like this?

How many are still on our side?

How many? Right, how many...?

Sciurus, do you understand what a big mess you've caused?

I...

I never thought...

*Sigh*... That's exactly the problem. You never thought. You never think.

What was I supposed to do?! I... I just wanted to show everyone that I can do something for the Browntails too!

I just...

I just wanted to help you...

......

You... You look tired, Ratatos. Are you okay?

And if I say I'm not?

......

Fine, I get it! This whole thing needs to end somehow, right?

I was the one who started all this. So I'll be the one to end it! And I still don't know how Yucatan and... and my subordinate are doing. I can't just sit here and wait any longer!

Wait! Where are you going?!

I'll find that prick Enciodes! I'll tell everyone that it was all a personal grudge between me and him, and none of this has anything to do with the Browntails!

He can take my life if he wants, but he has to hand my people back!

......

Ha, haha...

What's with you?! You stinking bitch! You can laugh at me, even at a time like this?!

Hahaha... *Sigh*... Haha...

(Rus... my silly sister...)

You're probably cursing at me in your head again, aren't you?

Something like that.

Grrr!

*Sigh*, come back. Don't go looking for Enciodes. You should stay out of this... Things aren't as simple as you think.

Sciurus, do you remember we last had a nice chat together?

I don't remember the two of us having a nice chat ever.

I guess not...

Alright, I need to think about what to do from here on out. You should go back to whatever it is you do.

Oh, and be careful on your way home. Don't get caught.

What do you mean? You aren't heading back to our land?

Arctosz most likely hasn't gotten back to his estate yet.

Once he's settled down some, he'll probably go out and pick a fight with Enciodes.

I've got to do something before that happens.

Don't you do anything stupid. Don't forget. Enciodes got Yucatan and Monch!

And you... If anything happens to you, I'm gonna be running the show back home! D-Don't you forget that!

......

Sciurus could end up running the show back home, huh...?

That might not be so bad...

Look, it's Sir Arctosz's team...

I heard he poisoned the Great Elder during the ceremony...

Shut up, all of you! Think about it. Would he possibly do anything as underhanded as poisoning someone?

Well... no... but...

You're a Paleroche, and you don't trust him?!

Eeeek!!

Enough, Gulo.

Taking it out on the common folk. Have you no shame?

But, Sir...!

It doesn't matter if we were framed by Enciodes. What's done is done. Saying anything isn't going to help our case.

But do we really have to swallow our pride and take it?

Swallow our pride? Of course not!

I'll hand it to him. He's good, but do you know what's the biggest mistake he made?

He didn't kill me at the ceremony.

As soon as we get back to the estate and have our forces gathered, we'll head back to finish the fight with him.

We'll show Enciodes just what a big mistake he made.

Very well! I should've expected no less from you, sir!

I won't give you this chance.

Valais?!

Those men behind you... Are you betraying the Paleroches?!

Valais... The house of Paleroche has treated you well. Why are you doing this?

You've treated me well...?

You still don't remember even now, do you?

Remember what? I, Arctosz, am an honorable man. When have I ever—

This is, um?

Don't be afraid, Valais.

Your father will get much better once he takes the Great Elder's elixir and has the evil in him expelled.

He was injured during the Holy Hunt to protect us.

The Great Elder figured he was probably attacked by the Tschäggättä when he was all alone...

He's too weak now... Come, I'll give him the medicine.

Why isn't my father awake yet? And what is this green stuff on his lips...?

The evil has spread too deep. Kjeragandr no longer allows his presence here.

He argued with the Vine-Bead Court several times before. He must have been under the Tschäggättä's influence, and it culminated in the Tschäggättä coming to take him back today.

If the elixir couldn't regain his strength and faith, then this must be Her will.

......

The wine the Great Elder drank. It can't be!

Yes.

Do you remember the bottle of elixir that the Great Elder brought with him when he visited my father? How it was nowhere to be found?

I'm sorry, my master. I had my doubts, and I didn't fully believe it either... until the moment the Great Elder collapsed during the ceremony.

......

I... I sent my own officer to... with my own hands...

I don't blame you. It wasn't your fault.

But perhaps it's high time that Kjerag saw change for the better. I hope you won't stand in my way.

Please think of it as a way to avoid having even more loyal Kjerag warriors end the way he did...

Keep Arctosz from running into any trouble on his way, huh...? Looks like the Doctor got it right again.

But––

I really should've brought Blaze with me. Out of all the elite operators who take the enemy head on, she's the only one who's got the mobility to traverse the mountainous terrain here.

With the trains stopped, Kjerag's transportation network might as well be nonexistent...

Oh, whatever. Let's get going.

......

Do you have to go?

Yeah, my parents have already decided. There's no room for us in Kjerag anymore.

I still don't believe it was your parents who did it, and it's definitely got nothing to do with you.

I believe it, though.

What do you mean?

I don't know if my parents really did it, and I also don't know... if I was an accomplice somehow.

Even if you were, I'd forgive you.

No one looks up to my father more than you. I know that.

Enciodes, remember our dream?

Of course I remember.

The two of us will turn Kjerag into the most powerful country in the world.

But you're leaving...

I'll be back.

Really?

Yeah. My parents are thinking of moving to Victoria, and I'll go to school there.

This is a good opportunity. I'll study all the advanced stuff there, and once I am done, I'll come back and help you.

Heh... You jerk.

In that case, I'll let you in on this idea that I have. I haven't told anyone about this yet.

What is it?

I'm going to leave Kjerag once both Enya and Ensia have grown up.

Like you, I'll study lots of things and come back.

You're the future clan leader... Can you really leave Kjerag that long?

I'll come find you when that happens.

Hey, Gnosis. Here's your food.

......

Tsk, don't think you're getting out of this mess just because you're keeping quiet.

Let me tell you. Every last person in the Silverash clan wants to skin you alive right now.

How dare you do what you did to Sir Enciodes and the Saintess? If it wasn't for his orders to keep you locked up here, I wouldn't give you even a sip of water, let alone food.

......

Not going to eat, drink, or even make a peep, huh?

Alright, then. You can rot here and die for all I care!

......

Gnosis, you've changed quite a lot.

You never used to sneer at people, much less belittle them as worthless.

I could tell you the same.

You would never use your status as a weapon, and you never thought much of social pleasantries.

It was something I had to learn to deal with the nobles.

And I couldn't care less how others see me if it means I can better focus on my research.

What kind of research are you working on?

Life science as well as Originium analysis.

Sounds complicated.

What about you? Surely you must already have a certain standing among the nobles here.

Do you remember what we said to each other when you left Kjerag?

......

I'm very glad that I left Kjerag, Gnosis.

It wasn't until I came to the outside world that I realized we no longer live in times where isolation is enough to keep ourselves out of the affairs around us.

In the past hundred years, there have been countless exchanges and conflicts between nations. Columbia rose quickly in a conflict, while Gaul, a powerful country, was also wiped out in a conflict.

All the world's nations are slowly changing in these times separated by Catastrophes. Refusing relations with others is no longer an option.

If Kjerag remains as it is, keeping its borders closed under the assumption that will earn us a life of peace and tranquility.

Then only destruction awaits us.

We've reached the end of this peace and tranquility. We can't wait for anyone to throw open these gates for us. Kjerag must make contact with the outside world. We must take that step forward while we still have control.

Come help me, Gnosis.

Hmph...

*Sigh*, this sucks balls.

Stop complaining. You're starting to make me feel that way too.

I really don't get it. Why is Sir Enciodes only locking up Gnosis?

If I were him, I'd separate the traitor's head from his neck straight away.

What do you know? How is beheading him going to calm Sir Enciodes's anger?

He treated Gnosis so well, only to be betrayed.

If I were him, I'd torture this guy some.

You have a point, but aren't we about to go to war with the other two clans? I want to be on the front lines.

Look at you, all bloodthirsty.

Master.

How is Gnosis doing?

He's fasted for a full day, sir.

He hasn't said a word since we put him in there. Didn't even respond when we shouted at him.

Let me talk to him.

Of course.

Hey, what do you think Sir Enciodes is going to talk about?

How would I know?

Didn't Gnosis used to be a trusted confidant? I'm betting Sir Enciodes is going to poison him. Give him a honorable death.

You've been reading too many novels.

That said...

It seems Ratatos is seeking the Great Elder's help.

Both you and I knew this would happen sooner or later.

They can't possibly believe everything you have done is in the name of Kjerag.

Most of the company's employees know that it is Karlan Trade they're working for, not Kjerag.

A war is not something you start when you have a choice. I hope you can understand my hand was forced.

Perhaps you're worrying too much.

Bring down the other two families and rebuild. It's much easier than the 'honorable' solution you're pursuing.

Kjerag would never truly accept me if I seized power by force.

In that case, let me do it.

I have far less worries than you do.

Let you do... what?

You can drop the act, Enciodes.

This idea has crossed your mind. We both know that.

Let me, the son of a sinner, the villain of Karlan Trade, be a traitor again. There is no one more suitable for the job.

......

I'm not your pawn, Enciodes, and I most definitely am not your underling.

I'm your partner-in-crime.

Even if you don't agree to it, I'll still do this.

Actually, it'll be for the better if you don't. Our charade will be that much more realistic.

Kjerag has no room for me. Truth be told, I couldn't care less whether it had any room for me.

It'll just be another item on my list of charges. I don't care.

......

......

......

What's on your mind?

I'm thinking that you actually haven't changed much over the last twenty years.

And why is that?

You're a conceited perfectionist.

You always want the perfect result, and you always think that you can get it.

The perfect result would be if Arctosz and Ratatos had not been in our way.

The Great Elder would also have accepted the change that Kjerag is about to go through, and everything would naturally have unfolded the way we wanted.

That isn't the perfect result. You know that. At most, it's the perfect dream.

They can't see what you and I can see. In that case, you should never have expected them to share the same ideas as us.

But you and I think drastically differently as well.

I told you, Enciodes. I'm not your pawn, and I'm not your underling.

I have my own judgment, and our judgments share many overlapping points.

Or would you like to finish me, the traitor, and make this farce real?

......

I'm just glad that you are my dearest friend.

......

I told you. It'll just be another item on my list of charges. I'm more than used to that.

Arctosz is amassing his forces.

What about Ratatos?

Take a look at this.

An obvious trap...

It's worth going, nonetheless.

The situation is not so optimistic that you can take meaningless risks.

We've won, Gnosis.

We've achieved our original goal. Now, the Paleroches and the Browntails are traitors to Kjerag.

My spies inside the Browntail family will help us with the public opinion. As for the Paleroches, they may be stubborn, but they are all upstanding people.

Once they wrap their minds around the gravity of Arctosz's crime, much of the Paleroches' doors will open to us.

We have ample time to sort out what comes next.

Arctosz and Ratatos will not give up so easily.

That is exactly why I will meet her.

If Ratatos had come with me to Victoria to study all those years ago, she would not be so much weaker than I am.

And now she has put her chips on the table, just like that. It would be untactful of me to not call this bet.

You will one day die of your arrogance, Enciodes.

Then so be it, but that won't happen today or during this outing.

As for Arctosz, he's not entirely without surprises, and that is why I am having you step up now.

What can a hot-headed moron like him accomplish?

Arctosz himself can't, though Dr. Doctor certainly surprised me.

That is the greatest variable in this game of ours, and it's one that I have to watch out for.

Dr. Doctor.

I agree that one has done many things beyond my expectation since arriving in Kjerag, but is this Doctor really worthy of your concern?

One who knows almost nothing about Kjerag has stepped into one of the stage's most vital roles within such a short period of time, greatly disrupting our plans.

I can honestly say that if I were in that position, I would not have been able to do it.

And I also cannot begin to imagine what the Doctor is planning to do next. Perhaps the Doctor won't do a thing, or perhaps—

The Doctor can do something that I couldn't begin to imagine.

Hmph, this isn't my first time telling you this—If you're afraid to lose, you better not act like you're enjoying the challenge.

You've fooled many, but you cannot fool me. You cannot fool the bodyguard you hired from Kazimierz either.

Likewise, this isn't my first time to offer you this rebuttal. Taking delight in a gamble and not wanting to lose are not mutually exclusive.

Much of the joy one derives from a gamble comes not from the result. Rather, it comes from the whole march towards victory.

Fine, say no more. This is always the hardest part for us to reach a consensus. I only wish that I still have a chance to save you before your arrogance ends up killing you.

We will have many opportunities to debate this later. In any case, I will leave you in charge while I meet with Ratatos.

Is there anyone left in Karlan Trade who would listen to me?

Weiss, Matterhorn.

The two of them will pass on any of your orders.

Gnosis, Sir Enciodes has told us everything. We owe you much.

I never thought it could all be a ruse...

Let's save the pleasantries.

Tsk, and here I thought I could finally get some quiet time.

My research has been halted for far too long already. At least I could read some books if you'd kept me locked in here.

You're my partner-in-crime, and this undertaking is ours together. You will have more than enough time to do your research in the future.

That's only if you make it back here alive...

It's time to go, Enciodes.

I'm leaving everything in your hands, Gnosis.

......

......

I'm curious. Back at the ceremony, were you going at it for real?

What if I was?

Then perhaps you need to spend some time to work on your skills.

You looked worse than before.

I needn't you worry.

My impression is that you could make half an enemy of mine. I have to worry, lest life get a bit too boring.

Caster is only a side job to me.

Your acting could be that much better too, if you were a little stronger.

......

That said, I've never seen you even a little excited.

Convincing performance.

Not that you're acting.

......

Gnosis, what should we...?

Where's Monch?

Monch is being held in another room. I can take you there.

Does she know?

Sir Enciodes said it'd be best for you to tell her yourself.

Lead the way.

......

Sir Gnosis...

Don't do anything stupid, Monch.

......

It looks like you're well...

Thank goodness.

I'm fine.

You've done a great job.

I... I promised you.

Whatever your orders, your wish is my command...

......

Judging by your look, I assume you've figured it all out.

Right, Enciodes and I had all of this planned in advance.

......

I see, so that's really how it is...

The Silverashes' Weiss was waiting below the cliff to rescue me, and I've been wondering ever since.

If this was all a charade planned in advance, then what role do I play in it?

And now that I find you here, I'm finally sure...

......

My apologies.

You needn't ever apologize to me...

Monch, you stand firm in your beliefs. I understand, but I will judge for myself what I say.

......

Enciodes and I had a rift, leading me to leave Karlan Trade and make contact with Ratatos. That was our plan all along.

And the fewer people who knew of this plan, the better. That's why I never told you.

......

Both of us knew the risks.

I had to make sure even the finest details were under our control. Everything had to be absolutely perfect. This isn't one of my usual maneuvers... There is no do-over.

If that displeases you in any way, I must apologize.

......

No... T-That's not it...

......

Why...

What?

It doesn't matter what it is you want to do or what plans you have. I...

...I will always support you.

......

Why didn't you believe me?

You could've trusted me.

......

Monch, I hope you can understand.

It's because I fully trust you that I handed you such an important task under those circumstances.

I trust you, my finest subordinate, to perfectly execute my plans.

......

Don't overthink it. You've done very well, and everything is over now. Try to relax a little.

You should take the time to rest.

......

Looks like you're not in the mood to talk...

I'll come see you again.

......

Trust me...?

Who trusts me? And where are they...?

......

Sir Gnosis... Can I still trust you?

......

I should've expected no less, Enciodes. Coming to this meeting with just a single bodyguard.

I'm not here to fight, and my guess is you aren't here for that either.

Hmph, I'd love to, though.

Too bad, the Browntails don't have an enormous army like the Paleroches.

Are you coming inside, Degenbrecher?

Would you like me to?

You can if you want.

Degenbrecher, wait outside.

Are you sure about that? I don't mind at all.

A show of good faith.

Enciodes, you hide your true thoughts well.

Good faith? You're just thinking that there's nothing I can do to you.

Or you could say I'm waiting for you to do something meaningful.

You won't be disappointed, then. Come in.

If I remember correctly, this patch of land used to belong to the Edelweiss family.

Right. Nice house, isn't it?

It's in a good location, with a wonderful view. It's a splendid home, indeed.

Generation after generation, the Edelweiss family has been in charge of Kjerag's texts and scriptures, and they've always enjoyed a decent relationship with the three clans. It was my grandfather who ordered this house built as a villa.

I'd heard Luca had an interest in architecture, and judging from the building's design, I dare say that even Victoria's celebrity architects would have plenty of praise for it.

Hahaha, I doubt he'd be so happy to hear your approval.

If you like it so much, though, I could show you its original blueprints.

I will think about it.

Ratatos, now that we're sitting here to share a conversation, do you know what I'm reminded of?

What?

That time seven years ago.

Seven years ago... Oh.

You'd just come back from Victoria. You brought lots of things with you to develop your territory.

Then, you wanted to restore the Silverashes' seat on the Tri-Clan Council and to throw the country's gates wide open, so you came to me.

You told me that once we opened those gates, we'd have business, and the people of Kjerag would get to eat better, dress better.

After that, you and I persuaded Arctosz and the Great Elder together, and so Kjerag's gates were flung wide open, allowing us to do business with the outside.

Those were wonderful times.

Yet you chose to put an end to these wonderful times yourself.

Ratatos, I used to believe that you were an excellent partner.

You were a disappointment yourself, Enciodes.

Those wonderful times were yours, not mine. Nor was it Arctosz, and much less Kjerag's.

In the end, only Karlan Trade lived the good life. No one else did. How is that in any way wonderful?

Still, it's too late for me to say all this. The match's been decided, and I lost.

The loser has no right to talk so loftily.

No loser would call herself a loser, Ratatos.

Tell me, what do you know about my parents' deaths?

Enciodes, do you think your parents were murdered by my grandfather and Arctosz?

......

The investigation at the time concluded that my parents were killed in a train accident caused by Gnosis's parents.

I never believed it, though. At the time, just like the Tri-Clan Council of today, both Luca and Arctosz's father opposed my parents' industrialization plans.

I find it very hard to believe that these were not connected in any way.

In that case, let me tell you the truth.

The truth is that your parents did indeed die in a train accident. The only difference is that my grandfather framed the Edelweisses.

......

Hold on. I'm not done yet.

My grandfather had actually been planning to have your parents killed.

This house was prepared so that your parents could be burned alive inside during their visit.

Alas, they died on their way here.

And so this place, meant to be their tomb, was spared.

Right, Arctosz's father acquiesced to my grandfather's plan too.

And, as you know, a few years after your parents' passing, Arctosz's old man passed his clan's title over to him and went off somewhere.

Nobody knows if he's still alive.

I assume you didn't invite me here just to boast, Ratatos.

I never imagined this woud happen, you see. I didn't want anything to do with my grandfather's dealings.

Yet, in the end, the house where he was going to murder your parents is now where you and I will die together.

That is indeed ironic.

Two bargaining chips for your life. I'd say it's a fair deal.

Wait... Isn't that the trap house Grandpa left behind? Why is it on fire?!

Isn't she in there with Enciodes...?

Don't tell me—She wants to die with Enciodes?!

Ratatos! Hey, what are you doing? Come out, Ratatos!

Stinking bitch... Dammit... Why won't this door open no matter how many times I hack at it?!

Ratatos! Rata... Ratatos—Sis!!

Dammit...!

......

Taking herself out with him, huh...? I see. That's an unexpected one.

Hm? You're... Ratatos's sister?

Who are you?!

You... You're the one who's always following Enciodes around...

You'll stand in my way?

Wait! Who gave you permission to move? Stop, all of you!

Hm?

What is it? Here for a little chat?

Why would I want a chat with you?!

Let's cut the crap. Do you have any way through this door?!

*cough*... *cough*...

It's so loud outside...

After all these years, his trap still worked perfectly.

I thought your next move would be to escape while I was distracted.

If I was could run, wouldn't that mean that you could get away too?

There's no way out in this room. Once it's activated, everyone inside is as good as dead.

It won't be easy for anyone outside to break in and help, either.

Please, I beg you, Enciodes. Die with me here. You'll have me go out with you.

It's my time to wonder, Ratatos.

What is it that drove you to go this far just to stop me?

Everyone always says that, just like Old Luca, Ratatos looks cares for nothing but profit. Sure, I am his granddaughter, how could I not?

I started working with you because I had my eyes on the riches that trade with the outside world could get us. In the end, you and Karlan Trade gobbled up all the profits.

That's why I was going to crush Karlan Trade through the Great Elder. That way, I could take the lucre for myself.

That's what everyone thinks. That's been my reputation the past couple years.

And you think the same way.

I won't argue that.

My grandfather always wanted to make the Browntails the greatest clan in Kjerag.

That's what separates the two of us.

Right before he died, he summoned me to his deathbed, and loudly mocked Arctosz's old man for being a coward.

Then, he told me to swallow both your family and the Paleroches whole.

The way I see it, Arctosz's dad was a more decent human being.

I agree.

And I also think that even if the Browntails became the only clan in Kjerag, the people wouldn't call themselves Browntails anyway.

Kjerag is called Kjerag is because Kjeragandr herself named this place so.

Because our faith stood in these lands for over a thousand years.

But, look at us now. It's been several hundred years since the clans started to manage their own lands.

Before you came back, all the Tri-Clan Council ever discussed was each year's events and which family would foot a bigger portion of the ceremony's bill.

We stand on the same lands, we speak the same language, eat the same food, and believe in the same Goddess...

Yet we grew further and further apart because we belonged to different clans, and the truth is that's how we differentiate ourselves.

Kjeragandr's still in the people's hearts, but the Kjerag name is slowly being forgotten.

When you came back to Kjerag and told me about your plans to open the borders, I was really happy.

I was happy because you told me that not only will the Silverashes trade with the other countries, you wanted the other clans to join. I thought that could bring all three families together.

Karlan Trade trades with the outside world as the Silverash family business. It's naturally a different beast from operating it as Kjerag's window to the outside world.

And I've actually considered uniting the three clans myself.

You have? *Cough*.

I studied up on economics quite a bit to figure out what it is you were doing.

You lowered the tax rate to lure foreign capital and gave them special treatment.

To keep the money flowing, you signed all kinds of unequal trade agreements with those big corporations.

And, you should know, I knew you were building factories to shore up the military. You were never going to be able to hide that from me.

Do you think I called it quits because I had my eyes on your money?

I was scared.

I couldn't see anything that suggested you were going to unite the three cans. All I could see was you trying to turn Kjerag into something of your own. That, or somebody else's.

If the choice is between you and the Great Elder, I choose the Great Elder every time.

......

I have to admit that I have misjudged you, Ratatos.

If you're opening up to me, I may as well tell you a little about this.

Kjerag may be rich in minerals and other raw resources, but, crucially, we lack any technology of our own.

This places us at a disadvantage when it comes to technological trade.

Some technologies can be bought with money, while others cannot.

Do you know what that means?

......

For example, the rights to operate the Mount Karlan trade route bought us an entire set of last generation railway signals, as well as the right of first offer for soon-to-be-retired railcars.

Without these, we'd have to rely on what my parents left us with. The old tracks and a railcar fleet over a decade old. They were practically useless for both industrial or civilian transportation.

As another example, we traded the collaborative mining rights to the eastern mines for Rim Billiton's ore smelting technology and equipment.

Do you know how much more efficient our processes became thanks to this technology?

I don't care what you managed to trade, Enciodes. I care about what you gave them.

We are out of time, Ratatos.

Be it Victoria, Minos, Columbia, or Kazimierz.

The only reason they haven't yet laid their fingers on Kjerag is that they don't have to.

In earlier times, before nomadic cities were invented, when men were sent scrambling across the world by Catastrophes, the different cultures that had been broken up all across the lands knew little about one another.

Modern nations had yet to be established, and there were no communications or contact between them.

Then, the age of innovation came two hundred years ago. It was still a time when everyone focused only on their own development, rarely making contact with one another.

However, fast forward to a few decades ago, the nations in the world gradually began making contact and clashing.

With Gaul's support, Columbia declared its independence from Victoria.

However, barely a decade after that, the Battle of the Four Emperors led to Gaul's destruction.

Columbia and Leithanien's war over Bolívar continues to this day.

Not only that, but the conflicts between nations sped up their communications with one another. Countries began to enter into trade agreements, establishing trading companies in each other's territories...

None of them could keep themselves isolated anymore, and they all began to find ways to get along with the other nations.

And when all of this was happening, Kjerag was completely oblivious.

And now that the danger is at our doorstep, we're still oblivious.

Victoria is busy with its own mess. Columbia's pioneering efforts are nearing its western mountain ranges.

For a long time, Kjerag has been nothing but a barren, impoverished territory not worthy of occupation.

But if Victoria solves its internal problems, if Columbia has any ideas about Victoria, or even if Kazimierz wants to head south.

When the time comes, do you think Kjerag will still be able to enjoy peace?

......

Hey, I'm talking to you! A-Are you even listening?!

Look, I'm begging you! Do you have a way to bust open this stinking door?!

How clamorous.

What was that?!

Pipe down, and don't come too close. You'll ruin my uniform.

Is now the time to worry about that?!

This is your clan's. Are you sure you don't want to stop me?

Why the hell would I?! Do it already!

Heh.

If I knew this would happen, I would have ignored Enciodes and thrown my old buddy into the storeroom.

It's too much of a pain to do this with a sword.

I have to admit that I never expected you to feel this way about Kjerag.

If our conversation had happened sooner, things would not have come to this.

But it seems this must have been inevitable.

Were it not for the situation we are in, we would never have had this heart-to-heart.

Hmph, you got that right.

Inevitable.

Right, inevitable.

And if it's so inevitable, we might as well go meet Kjeragandr together.

Ratatos!

Time to go, Enciodes.

Hff—

Ratatos, you're finally awake!

......

I'm alive?!

You'll never die with Degenbrecher around.

So our trap house, the pride of the Browntails, couldn't stop you, huh?

The wall itself wasn't a problem, but it was a pain to find your room.

......

Why save me?

I'm here to accept the Browntails' surrender, not to claim the head of their master.

I only said that to lure you here... and now that you kept me alive, you should know I'm not going let you have the Browntails under your thumb.

Sir Enciodes... It's Sir Enciodes!

Sir Enciodes, did you really escape from a burning house?

Ratatos... She's the one who did this, isn't she?!

Don't worry about her. Quick, find us a coat.

Take mine. Sir Enciodes, take my coat!

Not only did he not arrest Ratatos, he gave her the coat... He is far too generous!

Hey, Ratatos's here. Should we, you know...?

Sir Enciodes just spared her! I'm not sure that's a good idea.

What do you know? Sir Enciodes is giving us this opportunity!

What do you think you're doing?

Hmph, Sciurus, huh? Don't worry. We'll take care of you too.

Scram! All of you!

Gah, this bitch is nuts!

Hey, Ratatos.

......

Ratatos!

Snap out of it. We gotta move!

To where? Where can we go?

Look around us. They're all Browntail subjects.

Can't you tell, just looking at their eyes?

I've lost everything.

Grr...

Looks like I got here too late.

You... You're the one who saved me and Arctosz.

So even you come to laugh in my face?

No, the Doctor would like to have a chat with you.

......

I...

I'll pass...

Looking where we've ended up, what good would that bring us?