RS-1 Important Information

Hrrh! Hah!

*pant*... *pant*...

Hah....! Hraggh!

Take this!

Haah—! Charge!

Have none of you had anything to eat today?

Again.

Ma'am... W-We can't anymore. We're spent...

Get up.

What did I teach you?

Stand up, and grip your weapons tight!

Yes, ma'am!

*pant*... *pant*... Hargh!

Too slow, and not enough force. Your Arts are too rushed, and your tactics too inflexible.

There's some synergy among you. That's about it.

Overall, you're still too weak.

Of course we're no match for you...

*huff*... *pant*...

A compliment from you makes this training more than worth it.

That's not enough! One day, I'll shatter a boulder with a single bare hand just like you, ma'am!

Just you alone...

......

Looks like you've had enough rest.

Do it again.

Huh—?!

Ma'am! This is bad!

Don't panic.

*pant*... *pant*...

Phew...

What happened?

There's trouble!

Things are looking bad at the foot of the mountain... We can't handle it on our own!

It's real serious, ma'am! You should head right over!

Whoa! It's starting to move!

Hahahahaha! Mom, hurry!

—Wah!

That's why I told you not to run around on the train! Are you hurt?!

(Shakes head)

Look, Mom! A foreigner with a funny hat!

Don't say things like that! And don't point at people! The Saintess has no patience for rude children! Now apologize!

I'm sorry...

I am truly sorry, Sir. You'll have to forgive my boy.

No bother.

Please excuse me. My seat is just up ahead.

......

(The train is, evidently, above capacity.)

(Roughly half locals and half sightseers. Hm, peculiar for a sightseeing train.)

(The sacks in the corner at the back seem strange, too... There's movement inside. Contraband livestock, perhaps?)

(Hm, no other abnormalities, and no strange characters worth keeping an eye on...)

(Intelligence mentions nothing other than a train ride to Lake Silberneherze. Indeed, there are no apparent clues.)

(I should find the opportunity to inspect the cabins...)

......

............

Mister Funny Hat, Mister Funny Hat.

Are you some kind of train freak? I saw you two days ago, too!

You saw me...?

Yep!

Mister, did you fall in love with trains because you had never seen tracks or trains?

Ahem.

Mister, why did you clear your throat? It's okay. I'm not gonna make fun of you.

This train is really amazing. I love it, too! Mom told me that it's all thanks to the amazing Saintess and Sir Enciodes and how Kjeragandr has blessed us all!

How about... I lend you my model train? We can play trains! We'll drive a train together!

Put your toys away! Go back to your seat and stop bothering strangers!

I'm truly, terribly sorry that he bothered you again.

Rest assured, I'll teach him some manners!

No, it's fine...

(......)

(This hat...)

(Does it really look so strange?)

There are quite a few passengers today. It seems this new Kjeragandr statue is very popular!

Every time I get on the trains here, it reminds me of the arenas of the Kazimierz Major—

Yow! Something bit my toe!

Is this... a fowlbeast?

(Biting hard)

O-Ow-Oww, please have mercy, fowlbeast!

Hey!

You're going to just let it go?

You sure that's alright? I'm pretty sure pets aren't allowed on the train.

Indeed, that's the rule, but not everything is inspected so closely. They do cut their fellow countrymen some slack every now and then.

Relax. This kind of fowlbeast is usually kept in sacks. It should be no problem.

Let us speak of other things. Come, young lady, my cabin is just ahead.

Phew... Hah!

Finally, a seat! It was so crowded back there!

I didn't expect tickets for this train to be so hard to come by. Thanks for the help, dedushka!

It was the least I could do, young lady.

No need for the fancy title. Just call me Rosalind.

As the young lady wishes...

'Rosalind.' It's a name that suits you well. A riveting sound to it.

It is pretty great, isn't it? My mamochka picked it.

What do I call you?

My name is Harold. Of course, you can also keep calling me 'dedushka,' if please you.

You're very lucky. Had you missed this train, you likely would not make it to Lake Silberneherze in time.

For real?

Hehe, good thing I made it, then.

You're heading to Lake Silberneherze too, aren't you? What are you doing there?

I believe I've already answered this question?

Kjerag's landscapes are truly magnificent. Of course I must feast my eyes upon the sights she has to offer.

You can't fool me. There's not a single guy in your whole gang who looks like a tourist.

We don't look the part to you?

Nope.

Uh, you look more like you came looking for trouble.

Ah, haha. Us? Perish the thought!

I'm so enamored of Kjerag's scenery and culture. I'm even contemplating spending my retirement here!

Yes, right, so long as there are no major issues, we shall remain nothing but tourists, naturally...

And what if—

—How about you, Rosalind?

You speak the Kjerag tongue fairly well for a tourist. Is this your first time here?

Somebody's changing the subject hard and fast!

Hah.

Whatever. I didn't get to this part, did I?

You could call me half Kjerag, even if I don't really feel like one at all. I grew up in Ursus with my mamochka.

Oh, so your mother is Ursine?

Yep, but she told me I was born in Kjerag, and my papa is from here...

I don't remember much about anything that happened when I was a kid. I guess you could call this a vacation.

Hmm, I see.

By the way, I've been meaning to ask since we met...

What is that box you are holding, Rosalind?

Oh, this...?

......

Forgive me. If that intrudes upon your privacy in any way, you need not answer.

It's okay. It's not really a secret or anything. I'm just figuring out how to explain it...

It's something that... my mamochka left to me.

My...

Please accept my condolences.

I am sorry to raise such a painful topic, Rosalind.

Truly sorry.

Hmph, what's so painful about this?

I'm here to fulfill Mamochka's wishes.

......

Madam Degenbrecher, I...

Everything is okay now.

I've taken care of everything that needs taking care of.

Thank you so much, Madam.

If it wasn't for you, who knows what would have happened to me? Thank Kjeragandr I'm still alive.

This is all that I can do.

Sorry. It's not... a pretty sight.

*sigh*. There wasn't any other way...

Ma'am, you have blood all over you. Maybe you should clean up first?

Later.

Time is of the essence. Even though I may have solved the problem for now, I can't guarantee this will be the end of it.

The most important thing is to find the one we're looking for.

But, ma'am, we got news that they're already leaving the station.

Asking the railway to stop the train would only cause a panic.

Stop the train?

There's no need for that.

What else can we do?

Look down.

Wait...

The train is about to pass right under us!

Yes.

Wait, m-ma'am?!

......

Right then.

Where might they be?

So... It wasn't until you entered secondary school that you learned you were born in Kjerag?

That's right. Mamochka never told me before. I thought she was kidding at first!

I don't remember much of my childhood. All I can picture is snow everywhere... And there's snow everywhere in Ursus, too!

How was I supposed to know?

Hm, now that you mention it, they are alike in that way.

However, from what I remember, Ursus is colder than Kjerag.

Hm... That is true. Ursus's colder.

Have you been?

Hah, many years ago.

I didn't have much chance to sightsee, though. What a shame!

Then I'll be your guide the next time you visit.

Forget the rest of Ursus, Deity Grypherburg is a sight in itself.

Very well, then. Seems I may have to get myself a couple of coats to keep me warm.

But until I have the opportunity to visit Ursus and take you up on the offer, let me be your guide instead.

I'll start by telling you about this train's destination—the newly built statue of Kjeragandr.

It is built atop the island in the middle of Lake Silberneherze. Very conspicuous. You'll see it as soon as you step outside the station.

Of course, for you, the statue is not the point of your trip...

You came to Kjerag for something more important than sightseeing.

Yeah, sure did.

I need to take a good look at the Kjeragandr statue for my mamochka, though. It's... It's something she stressed before she left us.

Then, I'll head up the mountain next to Lake Silberneherze.

I need to take the box to the peak.

What's inside?

No idea. She never told me.

She just said I had to dump what's inside on the mountain, and that she'd be satisfied if I did.

Coming to your foreign homeland all by yourself only to fulfill your mother's wishes...

What a kind, faithful daughter! It moves my very soul!

Eh, that's really too much.

What are your plans after that?

After I take this up the mountain? I'm not too sure. I might travel around.

......

I might... look for my papa.

Is your father still in Kjerag?

Perhaps I could offer my assistance in searching for him?

For real? But I don't even know his name, and I don't remember what he looks like.

But Mamochka told me he was very handsome.

Aha, a handsome fellow.

Yeah! I guess he used to be a famous, handsome guy. Like, pretty popular, too.

Oh, right, and she told me my eyes look just like his.

A famous, handsome man from Kjerag? Hm...

Do you know anybody like that?

Hmm...

To have a daughter your age, he could only have done the deed while studying in Victoria... Hm...

No. No, no, no. That would be far too outrageous...

Ursus in those days... Could it be...?

Could it be what?

Uh, hah, I must give this some more thought.

I really hope we'll be able to find him.

You're hoping for a touching father-daughter reunion?

Ugh.

Not exactly.

All I want is to see what this bastard who's been gone for over a decade even looks like.

Welcome aboard the new Saintess Express. Our train has reached cruising speed. You may appreciate the finest natural sights that Kjerag has to offer through the windows on both sides of the train.

During our journey, we have a variety of local Kjerag delicacies available for purchase!

From all our favorite treats like yogurt snacks to the ever popular burdenbeast blind boxes, and even Karlan Trade's limited edition mountain ice waters, everything we have on offer is produced locally, handpicked by the Saintess herself, and guaranteed to be of the finest quality!

Please feel free to browse our selections...

Excuse me. I have a question.

Ah, what can I get you today, good sir?

I'm not buying anything.

These delicacies are not to your fancy? How about this limited edition mountain ice water?

This is the Tri-Clan's official drinking water, and it's the Saintess's personal favorite. We don't have many in stock today. A rare opportunity. It can be yours right now for just four francs!

Holy Saintess... four francs? I could buy out a restaurant for that price!

It's a little pricey, but just look at the packaging. This clean, pure sensation. It's a perfect fit for your splendid appearance!

...I'll pass.

I'll... take a blind box. Thank you.

Thank you very much!

How long until the next station?

This train is a nonstop limited express. The next stop will be the terminus, Lake Silberneherze.

We are about two hours from our destination!

If you would like to stop somewhere during our journey to better take in the sights along the way, we also offer regular trains that stop at every station on the route!

Okay, thank you.

You are very welcome.

(......)

(Blind box? Are these trinkets really so popular?)

(It's just a meaningless ornament, no matter how I look at it.)

(Still two hours to go. That's more than enough time.)

(Next... Hm?)

......

A fowlbeast?

(Pecks fiercely)

What...?!

(Fly everywhere)

(Attack all over)

Gkh—Gkhhh!

Eh, my fowlbeasts! How did they get out?

Where? I'll help you catch them!

I'll help, too!

Mom, I want to catch fowlbeasts!

(...Not good.)

Hey, mister! Where are you going?

......

Why don't you help?

Catching fowlbeasts is so much fun!

............

(Phew.)

(To think mere fowlbeasts and a toddler could be so fierce together.)

(Seems Kjerag isn't to be underestimated.)

(But this does give me a legitimate excuse to check the train cars.)

Good afternoon, sirs, have any of you seen any runaway fowlbeasts?

No? Thank you. Sorry for disturbing you.

(Nothing out of the ordinary here.)

(Nothing strange in the car up ahead, either. Only the last few cabins left.)

(Looks like this will be another futile journey.)

Excuse me, have you...?

...If I find him, I'll make him pay for that decade!

Look at this. Before I came here, I had Natalya and Anna—they're my friends, you see. I asked them to help me math all this out.

Living expenses, education, medical—oh, and this 'emotional absenteeism' fee that Natalya came up with. It's all here.

Doesn't matter how good-looking he is! It's not like that ever fed me!

Hahahahaha, emotional absenteeism. Not bad. Very good. I approve!

Hm? A guest? Please...

...come in...

......

......

...Have you seen any escaped fowlbeasts?

Fowlbeasts? Oh, I saw one earlier...

Ah, right, of course! We did see one!

Come, come, come, good sir. Let us head outside and discuss that fowlbeast in the greatest detail!

Huh? What detail is there to a—

What the heck? Why are they acting so funny?

......

Hm... Victorians. I hope everything's okay...

Alright, kind sir, shall we discuss the fowlbeast?

I'm very curious what kind of fowlbeast would require a Trilby Asher coming to me in person.

I did not expect to find you on this train, Lord Viscount.

Oh, please. I could say the very same. Minus the viscount bit.

Why is it that I've never noticed that the Trilby Ashers had such an interest in sightseeing? Or is it that your early retirement has finally been approved?

......

Seems not.

No need for the interrogation, My Lord.

I'm merely doing a routine investigation on certain rumors that I've heard.

Now, I can't say I buy that.

You and I both help lift the weight off Her Grace. We should have more trust in one another.

What about you, My Lord? What is your purpose here? And the young lady with you... Is she Ursine?

She looks a little familiar.

Trilby Asher...

I must say. If that was an attempt to make a move on the lady, it was rather behind the times.

...No.

That is not my intention at all, but thank you for the reminder.

As for me. I am, of course, sightseeing.

Are you?

Mind your words now. We should have more trust in one another!

The Kjeragandr statue ceremony is in two days. I received an invitation, and I thought I ought to do a little sightseeing before the unveiling.

I bought two small Saintess sculptures that I am bringing with me on the day. Pretty well-made, if you ask me.

Anyway, enough chit-chat. I see no... 'fowlbeasts' here.

You should get back to work, Trilby Asher.

You too, My Lord.

I hope you haven't forgotten why we're here.

(This is the last one. Nothing out of the ordinary.)

(Except Viscount Craigavon and the girl with him...)

(That one traveling with the Viscount... Who exactly is she? It seems I must look into this once I get back.)

(But first, I should finish checking this last cabin—)

Pardon—

......

Hm?

Please excuse me.

......

Phew...

No, that's impossible.

The intel says she is training new recruits in the mountains. She can't be here.

She shouldn't be...

Need something?

If you need something, out with it. Or is it so much fun to open random doors?

......

(—?!)

(It really is her...?! The Black Knight who works for the Silverashes...?)

(There are bloodstains on her hands. Who forced her hand?)

(...This is bad.)

(But this also means the intel's not wrong. There's trouble on this route.)

......

No, before I consider that...

Who are the intelligence officers in charge of watching Degenbrecher...?

Ah, there we are.

For them to miss such an important piece of information... They can expect to see a court-martial.

Intelligence officers, you say?

Don't blame them. There aren't many who can keep up with me.

Thank you for speaking up for them.

It's the truth.

Now, tell me what you're doing here.

Surely you must have already come up with an excuse or two?

Trilby Asher?