CV-4 The Man Who Wasn't There

I feel weird saying this, but if the heating's still chugging along and the stove's lit too, why does it feel so cold? The bank's not up to something again, are they?

I hung them up all night and my socks still ain't dry.

Hm? What's that noise?

How many times do I have to tell you to shave, Woody? Every time you take a sip of water, you spill droplets all over the table.

What are you on about? I ain't had a drink since I came in.

Then where did all these water stains come from?

Your diner's just getting old and rickety. Just like my brain these days...

Like, am I remembering this wrong, or has there always been a huge water stain over there?

The pipes— The water pipes ruptured?!

Oh my god... No way my run-down old floorboards can handle all this water damage!

Go and turn off the valve, then look for something to catch the water leaking in. I'll take care of things upstairs!

My poor waist... I can barely even stand up straight. How're things looking up there, Woody?

I suggest you grab a chair and sit down before I tell you. You ain't as spry as you used to be.

Spare me the theatrics and just lay it on me. I've seen it all by now.

It's flooded up to my knees, and all the furniture's ruined.

...What about my clothes in the wardrobe? Are they okay?

Your favorite color is red, right?

I hope this is good news...?

Mm, perfect. The water from the pipe's all rust-colored, so I'm guessing all your clothes will be, too.

...So, what the hell were you doing up there all this time?

Grabbing all this.

Oh... I almost forgot about this box. Where'd you find it?

Where else? In the wardrobe. Not like you have anywhere else to hide stuff. I also grabbed a few things off your nightstand.

*sigh*... At least there's no water inside. Now let's take a look...

...Here's the insurance policy. Should cover today's damages. Also the deed to the land, the house, and... my passbook.

Why're you still hanging onto that? You know you'll never touch none of that money.

Would you throw it away, if you were me?

...

See, you get what I'm talking about, don't you? What he saved up all these years wasn't just the money. It was his conviction too.

Tch. Sentimental old fool.

We're all old fools here, Woody. Compared to the fickle future, the pieces of the past we've built up over the years hit that much closer to home.

Says you.

...Look, it's the novel that was sitting on the nightstand, too. Ain't been opened for the longest time.

The same old clichéd love story about a rich girl and some farmer.

Why you gotta be so grumpy? Ain't got nothing nice to say?

I've got plenty. Like, good luck at the bank tomorrow.

...You should thank your lucky stars I've mellowed with age. So, what about you? Any plans for tomorrow?

I'm gonna bring Jessica along to have a talk with someone.

A talk?

Yup, just your normal talk.

P-Put the gun down, yeah? If you've got something to say, old man, I'm listening.

What're you so scared of? If you ask me, I'm as gentle as they come.

So, you wanna chat? Let's chat. You and the bandits out there have been meeting up in secret these last few days. How about you share what you talked about?

Let go of me, old man! I said... I said...

You spineless wimp!

I...

Give him a good kick, Jessica.

Umm, okay...

What are you doing? Wiping your shoes on my pants?

...Forget it, Jessica. How's your aim?

N-Not too bad, I think.

Perfect. Can you thread a bullet right between his ears?

Aaaaaargh!

S-Sorry, sir, my hand is... still a bit shaky. But it's not like I hit you with that last one, so you can stop screaming.

It's fine. You'll get it after a few tries.

A-Alright!

It... It was...

It was what?

It was because they've been short on manpower these days, so they're trying to recruit us. I figured, seeing how none of us on the plate can repay our debts anyway, might as well give some folks a chance to dig themselves out.

You're talking about converting people to a life of banditry?

It's.. It's not like I forced them or anything. They were ready to jump ship before I even finished talking.

C'mon, like I said, what are you fellas so afraid of? Just tell me the truth.

...Says the man waving a gun in my face. What if we say something that pisses you off?

Where are those bandits hiding now?

H-How would I know? They're so damn slippery...

...

That's enough, Jessica.

Just let us go already, old man. You can take anything you want from this room, please...

Color me surprised. These punks actually have some pretty nice stuff. Even got some bottles of beer and champagne in the corner.

Did we seriously just... let them walk away scot-free?

All I care about is finding those missing people. If these punks wanna leave the plate, that's their call. I'm ain't gonna judge them for it.

But, I think...

Want something to drink?

I think I'll pass.

...Hm. Mellow, full-bodied fragrance of hops, and a refreshing aftertaste... Where the hell did they get such quality booze?

...

My sincerest apologies, Helena, ma'am. After a preliminary review and discussion, we cannot accept your compensation application. The damage to the water pipes in your incident photos is clearly manmade.

Manmade? Wait... You mean, someone's messing with us again?

Considering your restaurant's revenue and liabilities, we have ample reason to believe that you deliberately damaged your own water system to cash out on the insurance plan.

...You think this is insurance fraud?

No, ma'am, we're simply saying it's a reasonable conclusion to make. As long as you can provide professional proof that eliminates that possibility, we'll be able to move on to the claims process.

How the hell am I supposed to find a judge or a lawyer on this damn plate?! It's been ages since they all left!

My apologies, but we're simply following procedure. If that's all, then I'd like to assist the next customer. There's a long line behind you.

Then... Withdraw the money from this passbook.

This passbook... Yes, this jogs my memory. You've already applied several times before, but can you prove that you came by this source of income legally?

He sent me this passbook along with a letter, but by the time I arrived in Davistown, he'd already passed away! All his neighbors can attest to that!

Do you really expect that to hold up, legally speaking?

...Just gimme back my stuff. I'm leaving.

All your belongings are right here. Remember to take them with you, ma'am. Also, may I offer you a little reminder?

What is it?

Based on the photos you provided, we can only guarantee one thing: the flooding to your restaurant has significantly reduced its value. Meaning it is no longer enough to offset your existing debts.

If you don't want to enter the compulsory liquidation process, I recommend you consider the following—

I've heard enough... Just keep your trap shut, bastard.

Helena?

Looks like she didn't notice us.

Why are there so many people here today? What's the bank up to?

This is the collection notice I received earlier this morning. It says that I'm insolvent and will be declared bankrupt soon, but I've been making my payments...

Ma'am, we've been extending your loan term so far, but we're no longer able to grant you leniency.

The good news is that after liquidating your existing assets, your remaining balance will be only two thousand gold certificates. Which I'm sure you'll have no trouble procuring?

Please, can you extend it just another two months? No, one month is enough.

Unfortunately, no. We can't push it back even a single day.

If you're unable to make your payment, we'll have no choice but to begin the compulsory process.

All your property will be confiscated, and you'll have to leave Davistown within the time allotted. While continuing to pay your debt of roughly ten thousand certs, of course. Failure to do so will result in criminal liability.

But I can't afford that! Whether it's two or ten thousand! Please, I beg you, just one more month's grace!

If you truly have no other options, then please take a look at this.

...The Pioneer Plan. If you apply now, you'll be able to enjoy a certain amount of loan forgiveness.

But I'm already so old. Even if I went out the frontier, what could I possibly do?

Are you in any position to worry about that?

Will you continue to carry your debt at the risk of criminal liability and lose the roof over your head, or would you rather shed some of your debt and start a new life on the frontier? ...Do you really need to hear my opinion?

...

I'll sign it.

Excellent. Please head to your right. My colleagues there will help you get signed up.

Next customer!

What... What the hell is this...

If you two are here to discuss business, please get in line—

Oh, if it isn't Miss Liskarm and Miss Franka. How are you doing? Have you finished looking over the list?

You've got some explaining to do! Why are you forcing people out into the barrens?

By signing the agreement, they can shed a lot of their existing debt and start over without that weight on their backs. Isn't that the best possible outcome?

...And what about the list? How are any of these people supposed to be bandits? They're just a bunch of destitute old folks who don't want to be run out of their homes!

Once they go bankrupt, their houses no longer belong to them, but rather to us, the creditors. What else would you call it when someone takes advantage of the lack of police to squat on someone else's property? Is that not a crime?

So your so-called 'law and order' is just driving out poor people who can't pay up?

There's nothing 'so-called' about it. That is law and order, Miss Franka.

Insurance fraud?! ...They're declaring you bankrupt?!

That's why I didn't wanna talk about it. I feel like I'm gonna pop a blood vessel.

If the bank is purposely depreciating the value of the diner, how much are they slashing it by?

I've been going back and forth with them for a while now, but seems like they're settling at fifty thousand certs.

If it's only fifty thousand, I can... lend you the rest.

Just like you secretly 'lent' money to Leone?

Sylvia told you?!

It's been eating her up inside, so she told me this morning. Don't worry though, I can keep a secret.

...

If you want to lend me money, of course I'd accept it. But who knows how long it'll take to pay it back, if ever.

I don't mind, even if you never pay it back.

No, stop it... Don't say things like that. I'll definitely find a way to return the favor someday.

Here. When the bank comes to collect, give them this check. Sorry...

*sigh*... And why are you apologizing? It ain't like you're the one borrowing money.

By the way, one other thing. Leone was too embarrassed to tell you himself, but he wanted me to pass this on.

He found out about the money?!

You silly girl... I told you, your secret's safe with me. Why would I tell him? He just wants to treat you to a meal.

Seems like bandits ain't the only thing Woodrow's been tracking. He's got a good catch of fowlbeasts. Miles and Benny'll be there too.

Oh, okay then...

You don't sound too happy about it.

That's because... Actually, I saw a lot of people outside the bank on my way here. They were signing agreements... to head out to the frontier.

I asked around, and it seems like it's a way of shedding some of their debt.

But why do they have to abandon everything and risk their lives to start over in a place with nothing, just for a little bit of debt relief?

Can they... even survive that ordeal?

And last but not least, the main course. Garlic-crusted fowlbeast with roast potatoes.

Whoa, that smells amazing...

I'll have this piece.

Put it down, Woody. That's for Jessica.

You heard her. She's the star of tonight's feast.

It's no big deal. I just saw what was going on in Davistown and felt that I couldn't sit back and watch... As for the food, I'm fine with whatever, really. I even had some biscuits earlier, so I'm not that hungry.

See, she's fine with it.

No means no. Benny, this one's for you.

Oh, wow... Th-Thank you very much.

Tch...

...

What's so funny?

N-Nothing. It just occurred to me how different you seem, compared to when we first met.

Yeah... He's been like that for ages. When he first strolled in town, he immediately pissed off pretty much everyone in the mines. We all thought that this grumpy, sharp-tongued asshole was here to cause trouble.

And what happened after that?

Then, he met Helena.

He really should be thanking her. If it weren't for her warmth and willingness to put in a few good words for him with those unlikable fellas...

But chat a bit today, and you'll find common ground tomorrow. In the end, she discovered his more... charming side, and showed it off to the others.

There was even a song going around at that time, probably written by one of her admirers. Still remember how it goes, Miles?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... Right, there was that song. I think it's coming back to me.

Give us the intro, and let's sing it together—

Who gave you jerks permission to sing in my restaurant—

♪I wandered here alone, not a penny to my name♪

♪My hometown far behind me, miles and miles away♪

♪The barrens stretch before me, as far as I can see♪

♪And who's waiting at the end, who indeed but she♪

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

Is this song... about Helena?

Who else?

If you ask me... the 'her' it mentions might not be a specific person, but rather a broader idea.

What sort of idea?

Maybe this 'she' is a home filled with everyone's dreams. Davistown itself.

Hey, that makes sense!

Think about it. The second verse talks about her 'body,' right? That's the energy tower. Her 'hair' is the white smoke coming from it, and her 'burning heart' must be the plant's furnace.

And, in that section you fellas just sang, with her 'arms' and her 'embrace'? Ain't that just like those two long railroad tracks... embracing everyone here?

So many pioneers carved out this piece of land, bit by bit, with the tools in their hands. It'd become the place they started their families and businesses in.

And after that, even more youngsters arrived with their dreams and aspirations, following the footsteps of the previous generation and pitching in their youth and passion.

'She,' and only 'she,' is worthy of everyone's admiration.

I knew it... I knew it!

It all makes sense now!

Anyhow, no way in hell anybody's pinning all their hopes and dreams on my body.

♪And who's waiting at the end, who indeed but she♪

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

♪She spread her arms, spread her heart, showed me that pretty face♪

♪And from that moment on, I found my dreams in her embrace♪

I still remember when you fellas got together to sing that, back in the day. Your voices lit up the entire room... Felt like your singing cleared up the winter fog that year.

Always the same song as just now, ma'am?

Haha, hardly. They knew all sorts of songs. The miners came from all over, bringing so many songs in so many languages.

Umm... Does Woodrow also know how to sing?

He ain't much of a talker. Whenever we all get together, he just stuffs his face. Like now.

*cough* *cough*... Helena, when are you gonna crack open the bottle of champagne I brought back?

Shoot, I really am getting old, huh? Nearly forgot.

Umm, about Miles... He...

Don't worry about him. Said he wanted to take a stroll, so he did.

Just pop the cork and pour him a glass. We can toast when he comes back!

Alright, without further ado—

Here, Jessica, you're the star tonight, so the first glass is for you.

Thank you...

Next up is you, Woody. Thanks for helping her talk some sense into that stubborn old burdenbeast.

Don't mention it.

This one's for Miles... This one's for me... And last and definitely least is you, Leone. For killing us with worry all this time.

Okay, I deserved that.

To be perfectly honest, I actually—

If you got something to say, better wait for Miles. You ain't gonna leave him out like that, are you?

Ah, yeah, makes sense.

Excuse me...

What is it, Benny?

Actually... there's something I wanted to announce to everyone...

Was wondering why you were so quiet today, but I guess you had something brewing. Waiting to snatch the spotlight from your dad at the dinner table?

Benny, why don't you wait for Miles too?

No... I think now's the best time.

I...

I'm leaving.

Hah, guess you finally got sick of us noisy old farts. Can't you wait for Miles to get back, so we can share one last drink before we say goodbye?

No... I meant I'm leaving Davistown.

Look at this kid, getting drunk without touching a drop of champagne.

No, I'm perfectly sober.

It's something I've been meaning to get off my chest... But I never got the chance, so I'm saying it now.

......

What's wrong? Why's everyone look like it just started raining?

Miles, I...

Benny just said... that he wants to leave Davistown.

Wh-What?

How long you been thinking about this, boy?

About a year or so...

Last month, Ms. Selena from next door came over and said that her daughter in Ironforge City managed to find a caravan willing to come through here. She said she was planning to go with it to follow her daughter.

She asked if I wanted to come. She thought it'd be a waste of my talents to stay. No matter how much I learn here, I wouldn't have a place to use any of it.

She told me... she didn't want me to become the next Sylvia.

What about your living expenses? Tuition? Where are you gonna live?

Don't worry, there are plenty of boarding schools in Ironforge City willing to provide scholarships so I can study there.

Benny... why wait so long to discuss this with us? It's a big decision... You know better than that.

...I'm sorry, Miles.

He ain't asking for our input.

Just letting us know the decision he's made.

...Have you thought this through? Weighed the pros and cons? Who knows, this place might perk up once it gets moving again. You can always decide then.

I don't want to wait that long.

The only reason you're all willing to stay put and pray things get better is because you remember the good old days.

But I don't. This place has been a dump for as long as I can remember.

...My adoptive father worked so hard for this place, throwing away everything else without hesitation. My brother took his place as a pillar of the family, and wanted to join a mercenary group when he came of age. To earn money to send back home.

But a few years later... Those people sent his belongings back, with no explanation in the attached letter except a few lines saying they're sorry.

There should've been another path for him back then. Just like... there should be one for me now.

....Am I wrong?

So when are you leaving?

...Tomorrow. I know I shouldn't have waited this long to tell you, but if I don't say it now... I'll never get another chance.

Leone...

It's fine... It'll be alright...

It's not a bad idea...

You should leave... You deserve it...

It's fine, Helena. I'll be alright... This is how it should be...

Then, I wish you a safe journey. Take care of yourself, kid.

Why's it so damn cold here?

I picked up some wood we can burn. Feel any better yet?

Judging from how you curled up into a ball, I'm guessing you've never been through anything like this? *sigh*... How could your folks think you'd make it as a mercenary?

Huh? You decided on it yourself? But why? Did you get in a fight with your family?

Oh... There are people you want to protect, and problems you want to solve, huh? Mm, sounds pretty ambitious, if you ask me. I'm a bit jealous, to be honest.

Most people you see out here in these ruins, on the battlefield, were pushed here by circumstance. Myself included.

Driven by poverty. By injustice. By darkness and violence. We often pick up our weapons and rashly open fire, without worrying about what we're aiming at.

Right up until we finally step in a puddle of mud and look down at our footprints, only to realize that what we just stepped in... was a river of blood.

When that happens, I'm sure there's some noble ideal that can keep you from collapsing in defeat. Too bad I never found out what it was... I was only in it for the money.

My family owes a lot of money. And my little brother, well, he's damn smart. If he'd been born rich, he'd be at the top of his class.

But if he stays back home... the only future he's got is as a debt collector.

......

I... I don't think that counts as being in it only for the money. You're doing it for your family... That's noble too.

Eh, who can say? But for now at least...

We're doing it just to survive.

The attack's about to begin...

Stop drinking already, Leone.

...Can I sleep at the diner tonight?

If you want.

(*whispers*) Poor fella... Just look at him... *sigh*...

(*whispers*) It's just like seven years ago...

What, you guys gonna talk about Carl now? Don't mind me. No need to tiptoe around it.

This is already the second time... The second time...

Twice now... So why're you avoiding me? You think... you think I can't handle it?

Thank you for bringing me here, Jessica. You can head back now.

I... still don't feel very good about this.

I don't think your boss would be happy with how you're always fretting over us.

I just... can't bear to stand on the sidelines when there's something I can do.

Still, you helped Dad keep the house, so thanks again.

But the reason he finally sold his shares... was because of you.

I know. He had to give up what was most precious to him just to keep a roof over my head. But with me gone, he'll finally be free to do what he really wants.

In that sense, the house was never the obstacle. It was me and my brother.

...Do you remember my brother?

You're talking about Carl? I've heard you and Helena mention him before.

Yeah, we know him as Carl... But over at Blacksteel, he went by a codename—Blackplate.

...Blackplate?

It's water under the bridge, Leone. Why dredge it up now...

No point trying to stop him, Miles. Just let him talk. He never brought it up, so we didn't say nothing. But now that he wants to look back, it's our job to let him.

...I suppose.

I didn't ask for these thoughts... But in the dead of night, do I really have any control over what pops into my head?

The more I dwelled on it, the more painful it was. The more painful it was, the less it made sense... But, Benny figured that all out a long time ago.

He was right. Every step Carl took was never really his own choice. Because I was too stubborn, too arrogant. I ended up running everything dry... our money, our lives, and our choices.

When I was little, there was a miner who'd always complain how nothing was easy anymore when you're middle-aged. You run outta energy and can only focus on a few things at a time.

So you gotta be smart, gotta keep your eyes on what really matters. Stop being greedy.

But when it was my turn to grow old, I just refused to accept it. I grabbed the wrong end of the rope, and held on for dear life. Told myself I was a brave warrior, fighting the good fight against fate itself...

And what do I have to show for it?

Fought my way into a mountain of debt. Fought for a Davistown on its last legs. Fought for my eldest to die on the battlefield. My second son saw right through me, so why wouldn't he run the hell away?!

Leone, we all know how much the mine means to you...

Then tell me, how much?! Because I haven't a damn clue at this point!

All I know is that I should've held onto those little hands back then. The hands of my children...

I was a damn fool. How could I not see the writing on the walls when I heard that complaint?

I should've etched those words into my mind...

My dad might be an old fool with the memory of a sieve, but I'm not.

I recognized you the moment I saw you. The emblem on your uniform and your gear. It's the exact same one I saw on the bag with Carl's personal affects.

He... He was your brother... I never realized...

Did he never tell you his real name? Or did you simply forget all about him?

I remember him... I didn't work with him for very long, but how could I forget?

You actually worked with Carl?

In Chernobog. We were left together to scout out the strength of the enemies hidden in the ruins... I was there when he was injured. I-I was so flustered at the time, my mind went completely blank. I-I...

You were there when he died.

Y-Yes... I was.

But you still didn't know his real name.

Actually...

...I'm sorry.

It's alright. That wasn't the point I was trying to make.

What I wanted to know is, have you ever seen a silver ring inlaid with diamonds?

It belonged to his biological mother, and he always carried it with him. But it wasn't in the bag sent back by your company.

If you watched him die... then surely you know what happened to it. Were you the one who took it? If so, give me back my brother's things.

No... I-I have no idea. I've never seen him with a ring like that... Maybe it got lost.

...How could Carl possibly lose that ring?

Finally done with the last one... Let's take a look. Oho, number 120.

With just a few strokes of the pen, a hundred and twenty people have been sent to the frontier.

Well, you better keep that pen moving or you'll be next.

Sylvia, mind getting the lights? I'm going to go lie down for a sec.

A hundred and twenty people...

......

Carl... What should I do?

What else... is there for me to do...?

Since you don't know where it is... Head back, Jessica. Thanks for sending me off.

Honestly, I'm grateful that you convinced Dad to choose the house. Now, even if I decide to leave... he won't be left with nothing.

At the end of the day, those shares did nothing but make him feel a bit better. Not a damn thing.

If... If he ultimately wasn't able to keep the house, w-would you still have chosen to leave?

...I don't know. I don't want to be an obstinate fool, but... I don't want to be an ingrate either.

Alright, this is goodbye for real, Jessica.

......

Why are you still following me? What do you hope to accomplish? What can you even do at this point?

I-I'm not sure myself... All I know is... I don't think you should leave like this.

Please, go back already. I'm begging you.

You're holding a golden nail in your hand. It's extremely valuable, but... please don't use it to repair paper houses.

In the end, no matter how hard you work at it, all you'll be left with are a few extra holes.

Paper that thin will crumble under its weight anyway.

Go back to where you belong, the house swathed in silver and gold. Find a place where you can drive that nail in. That's where it truly belongs.

......

So please, just stop following me. Alright?

......

Has Benny gone back yet?

Yes, Woodrow. I saw him home.

Then why ain't you heading back, too?

I won't be able to fall asleep even if I do. I wanted a little bit of time to myself.

What the hell did that brat say to you?

Just something... very reasonable. It reminded me of...

Oh?

It reminded me of a few things. A few things I should've already known.

...Ever since I was little, helping others was like grabbing a little yellow toy fowlbeast in a crystal-clear bathtub. All I had to do was extend my hand, and I'd be able to prevent the tub from spilling over.

But that's because the faucet built with the wealth and authority bestowed to me only dispensed the warmest, clearest water. That's why everything around me always looked so pristine.

But as soon as I stepped out from that bathtub, from my family circle, I came face-to-face with... reality.

...Reality is a murky quagmire. When you reach in, you have no idea what you'll pull out. Or what you'll touch.

There's no reason for you to agonize over this.

To be blunt, nothing you did meant a damn thing to Benny's final decision.

I watched that kid grow up. He's been full of good ideas since he was little. Great ideas. He...

He really takes after someone I once knew. When he sorts things out in his head and makes up his mind, he'll set off in a straight line and never look back. He'll clear a path forward, but no way back.

Sounds like... an extremely determined person. Almost irrationally so.

Hardly. He was the most rational person I know: the source of all our problems, as well as the solutions, can only be found on the road ahead of us.

I... I'm a bit jealous of people like that. Being that perceptive at a young age must save you a lot of unnecessary detours.

Don't ever envy people for that, Jessica.

...Why do you say that?

Because they'll end up bald. Not a single strand of hair.

...Thanks for the reassurance.