RS-3 Temporary Stop

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So... it's all a misunderstanding?

No secrets, no assassinations, no VIP on the train, no nothing?

If there's any VIP that got me on this train, it was you.

Viscount Harold Craigavon, the renowned burdenbeast veterinarian who has become a household name amongst the pastoralists.

Ahem.

I'm honored.

I beg your pardon, Madam Degenbrecher.

It was hard not to make certain inferences from the blood on your gloves.

Blood?

Should I explain?

I guess I could tell you, if you really want to know.

I do. Please.

Lily's birthing wasn't easy.

It was premature. She bled a lot, and I had my hands full.

What?!

Premature...? She bled?

That's no laughing matter. How is my girl?

I performed first aid, but she needs a professional follow-up.

Leones says he trusts you the most, Craigavon.

It's up to you now.

I'll be there in two shakes of a beast's tail!

......

You look disappointed. Were you expecting something else?

Fine enough by me. I could live up to those expectations.

There's no need for that.

So, what's the misunderstanding?

Ah, well... Lake Silberneherze is a nice place, isn't it?

Particularly on a sunny, clear day like this, when even the air smells particularly fresh...

Do Victorians always talk about the weather when they're trying to change the subject?

I must have heard this a few thousand times by now.

Forgive me. We learn from a young age to use Victoria's awful weather as a conversation starter.

Kindly refrain from besmirching the good name of Victoria, My Lord.

Hey—

Why are you guys still standing around chatting?

Is our little misunderstanding all cleared up now?

Of course, of course.

Nothing would have happened, if not for some alarmists amongst us.

......

Whatever, as long as it's all cleared up now.

Running up and down a train was fun, but I've had enough of eating dust under a table.

I went ahead and had a look. A tour guide gave me two maps!

Lake Silberneherze is just down the street from here.

Should we go now?

Well... dreadfully sorry, Rosalind, but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my promise.

There's a lady who needs me at her side, right now.

Lily is a burdenbeast, right? Not some Victorian noble codeword?

Perish the thought!

Fine, fine. Go see to your 'Lily'. I can take care of myself here.

Rosalind...

Wh-What's that look on your face?

You're such a kind, thoughtful girl!

Come, let's exchange contact information.

You must find me, should you ever need anything. I am ever at your service.

And I'll keep an eye out for your father... handsome Kjerag fellow, you said?

Thanks for that, dedushka.

Alright, you guys get back to your chat, I'm gonna get going.

Such a lovely young lady, so strong and cheerful even after losing her mother...

...A handsome Kjerag fellow?

Oh, you heard?

Rosalind came to Kjerag to find her long-lost father.

It's a touching story. I hope her efforts bear fruit.

Her father...?

Is that what she said?

Well, now that our misunderstanding has been resolved...

Madam Degenbrecher, I'm a huge fan of your work. Could I perhaps beg your autogr—

No time.

I'm leaving. Take care of Lily.

Wait, Madam Degenbrecher!

Ach—

She's gone.

The Black Knight does not seem to take much pride in glories past.

Small wonder, considering the manner in which she was exiled from Kazimierz...

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you were still here.

I didn't want to inadvertently offend the Black Knight.

Glad to know you're so self-aware.

It was my mistake. I should have been more careful with my words.

But do you really believe Madam Degenbrecher's reasoning?

......

The Black Knight has ever been Silverash's loyal lieutenant, from the moment she left Kazimierz and followed him to Kjerag.

She has been in the mountains lately, training a new unit of troops for Karlan Trade.

We also have reports of unusual goods moving in and out of Kjerag, involving materials of a sensitive nature.

Your point...?

All conjecture at this time.

But you have your suspicions too, don't you? That's why you kept the young Rosalind's contact.

Looks like your time in Victoria has instilled in you a pathological mistrust of others. What a shame.

That is my profession, after all.

I will report today's events to the Duke, exactly as they happened.

Wait...!

Allow me to remind you once more, My Lord.

You have a duty you are obligated to carry out. Do not fail Her Grace.

This is not a sightseeing trip.

Have you given Karlan Trade's proposal some thought, Mr. Taylor?

I understand Matterhorn has taken you to see our mines and factories. Are you satisfied with what you've seen from Kjerag and Karlan Trade?

I have no complaints about your company, Mr. Silverash.

But you're a businessman too. I'm sure you understand.

I would have few reasons to harbor any doubts, if it was Karlan Trade I was dealing with.

But if I'm to deal with the government of Kjerag, which we know little about... I do feel that more due diligence is in order when it comes to a project of this size.

Of course.

I saw Victorian soldiers on the streets a few days ago.

There's no conflict brewing between Kjerag and Victoria... is there?

I assure you that no harm will come to you in Kjerag.

Take your time, Mr. Taylor. Kjerag won't disappoint you.

Excellent! I look forward to a fruitful partnership, Mr. Silverash.

You will continue to serve as Mr. Taylor's guide tomorrow, Matterhorn.

Attend to any need he has, within reason.

Yes, sir.

But... are we really going to work with him?

You don't think he'd be a good partner?

It's not my place to judge.

However, he has found various excuses to put off signing the contract while here in Kjerag, and went back on his word more than once on profit sharing. I fear...

Indeed, he is a shrewd merchant.

Kjerag has no choice but to work with shrewd merchants at present, while these same shrewd merchants have their pick of options.

My job is to make Kjerag their only choice.

Sir...

Go and check on Degenbrecher's recruits.

Have them escort Mr. Taylor.

Yes, sir.

Enciodes?

Yes.

Look at that, you're using a communicator. I thought you didn't like these long-range methods.

I just don't like to be contacted.

There's something you should know, Enciodes.

I ran into a girl from Rhodes Island on the train to Lake Silberneherze.

Did you enter into a new partnership with them?

Kjerag snow cheese, burdenbeast accessories, Saintess portraits!

All Kjerag specialties, get them here!

Burdenbeast blind boxes! Limited edition! While supplies last!

It's so lively here.

What are they selling?

Portraits of the Saintess? That's not what Pramanix looks like...

Now, now, girly, the Saintess personally approved this portrait! It's the real deal!

Right, whatever you say.

I'll have some snow cheese, then. Is that the most popular treat?

I might've had some when I was little.

You're a local?

You could say that.

Should've said so. Don't buy the snow cheese.

Huh?

That's for tourists. We don't buy that stuff.

This shaved cheese is much cheaper and tastes pretty much the same.

Wait, aren't you just ripping off tourists then?

Hey, don't put it like that!

Look at the packaging on this snow cheese. See how nice it is? That's what the tourists want. Something nice and classy-looking.

All I'm doing is making a few francs off the packaging. It's not like I'm selling inferior stuff. The cheese itself is first-rate!

I guess you have a point.

I'll have the shaved cheese, then. Can I ask you something else, too?

Is there a man in Kjerag that everyone agrees is the handsomest?

The handsomest man, huh?

Well... I'm a Paleroche, but I'm not gonna lie.

Sir Enciodes has got to be the handsomest fellow in Kjerag.

Enciodes... Wait, SilverAsh?!

Yeah, the patriarch of Clan Silverash.

No, no way... it can't be...

How about another guy? Anybody else?

Er, well... um...

Never mind, just a random thought. Forget I asked.

How about something else...? That mountain by the shore of Lake Silberneherze?

Does it have a name or something?

Oh, that's Mount Fugen!

It's famous for its romantic atmosphere. Lots of young couples go there.

Young couples...?

They say any couple that watches the sunrise there will stay together forever. What's that old saying again? 'Kjerag's love is like the unmelting ice.' Humbug, if you ask me.

But lots of tourists go there. They hang the golden lock of love or something... oh, now that I think of it.

Sir Arctosz likes to go there to hunt, and he's none too happy about all the tourists who get in his way.

Hm...

Alright. Here's the money for the cheese.

Thank you. Come again!

So this is the Lake Silberneherze that Mamochka always talked about...

And that's Mount Fugen.

Not a bad view, but Ursus has icy lakes just like it.

Oh, the ice goes pretty deep.

Is that the statue of Kjeragandr? Can't see the face.

Wow, it's big alright. Wonder how much stone they used to build it.

Stone?

Our Kjeragandr statue wouldn't settle for stone!

Huh?

Gotta hand it to you: You've got good taste. This is the best spot to admire Kjeragandr's statue.

Er... who might you be?

I'm—

A-Ahem! That's not important. What's important is what you just said!

Kjeragandr's statue isn't made from any old stone. We used the finest materials to express our love for Her!

The finest, huh?

Like, what?

Like I said, the finest—

—Ow!

What? Did you bite your tongue!

It's a secret, of course! Can't just go around blabbering to tourists.

I can't tell you the details, but anyway... just know that it's really amazing!

You almost let it slip.

Just almost.

Fine, fine, you didn't say anything.

Well, enjoy the view. I gotta get going.

Oh, hey, wait up!

What is it this time?

You...

Hey, you're a tourist, right?

Kjeragandr's statue's getting officially unveiled right here the day after tomorrow, in the morning.

If you're still in Kjerag, you won't wanna miss it!

Now you're just talking to yourself.

Who knows what's gonna happen in two days? Makes no difference looking at it today.

Of course it makes a difference!

The Saintess is officiating the ceremony herself! You might even get to see Kjeragandr in spirit!

You... say, what's your name?

Rosalind.

Full name.

Ty nevynosima...

(Ursine) Rosalind Tatyanovna Larina.

Alright, Rosalind, I'll make this official!

I, Sciurus Browntail, formally invite Rosalind Tatyanovna Larina to attend the unveiling ceremony for Kjeragandr's statue that takes place in two day's time!

Then you'll know that this Kjeragandr is special. There's no other like Her.

You sure are confident.

Well, I guess I'll look forward to it.

Wait, I haven't given you the invitation letter yet!

Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?

Sciurus, younger sister of the Browntail Matriarch. Frequently visits other countries on behalf of Kjerag, in recent years.

Did she arrange for Rosalind to be here?

I should find a way to eavesdrop...

Sir, you've been standing in front of my stall holding that newspaper of yours for five minutes.

I need you to buy something, or move out of the way.

Oh, pardon me. One burdenbeast milk tea au lait, please.

......

Alright, I guess that takes care of that bitch Ratatos's job.

Makes no sense... why do I have to keep an eye on a some kid? Even talk to her, no less?

Gotta say, though, the girl looks slightly familiar...

Rus?

Are you sure you don't need my help?

Yucatan!

Leave it to me. I got this.

Let's go. I want Ratatos to tell me what the deal is with that Rosalind girl!

The Kjeragandr looks even bigger up close.

So that's what She looks like.

Hm...

Pray... to Kjeragandr...

What did Mamochka teach me again?

No, I can't remember. I mean, it all happened before I was three.

I guess I should start praying—

Close my eyes... what do I do with my hands again?

Stretch your right palm out flat and place it before your chest.

In Kjeragandr's presence, we close our eyes that do not truly see, and bow our overly proud heads.

Drive stray thoughts from our minds, and recite Kjeragandr's name in our hearts.

Come, child, after me.

Okay!

(Kjeragandr...)

(I'm not your follower, and I don't need your blessing.)

(But if you really do protect your believers, please, protect Mamochka.)

(I wouldn't have come if she didn't ask me to.)

......

Hm, no, that's not good enough.

What?

Kjeragandr!

Kjeragandr—!

Please, protect my mother! She's a devout follower of yours!

She told me how great Kjerag is! I'll see how great it is for myself!

What's that about?

Is that what Kjerag prayers are like?

Phew...

Ok, that's good.

What are you doing, girl?

Praying, of course.

I mean, it's better to pray aloud, isn't it? Make sure Kjeragandr can hear me.

Uh...

Don't want to leave behind any regrets, you know!

Oh, and thanks for teaching me!

Well, I suppose Kjeragandr is hardly one to be picky about petty details...

No need to thank me.

Kjeragandr sounds like a pretty nice lady!

Just like you, batyushka.

—

It's... you... You're...

......

What?

No, it's nothing...

I've seen plenty of tourists in my time, but no one who's done what you did.

Really? Did I do something weird?

What's your name?

Rosalind. It's Rosalind.

Rosalind...

How old are you, Rosalind?

Me? Almost twenty.

......

Are you Kjerag?

You can tell?

You look like...

Yes, you really do...

Well, you called it. I was born here.

But I spent my whole life in Ursus. This is my first time back.

I guess only half of me is Kjerag.

You grew up in Ursus?

Ursus...

Ursus... that's good too. Yes.

Why have you come to Kjerag, then?

Alright, stick to what you're doing.

No, actually, that's enough. Too much is suspicious.

The girl? It's a long story. I'll tell you over dinner or something. Talk to you later.

Alright? Satisfied?

For now.

Are you sure the Trilby Asher didn't find anything else?

No need to be paranoid, Gnosis.

The Duke would not stay put if things had gotten to the point that you fear they have.

Don't forget the troops stationed in the foothills. Craigavon is no pushover.

A Trilby Asher showing up on the train indicates that they've sensed something.

I have had dealings with the Trilby Ashers. On the surface, they are the groveling servants of the nobles, armed with nothing but silvery tongues.

But we can't ignore the fact that they grew up in the embers of an empire at war.

Karma catching up to the two of you, maybe?

If we're talking about karma, then you won't get far yourself.

Of course I won't. Why wouldn't we suffer payback for delivering a young girl to a Victorian spy?

She will distract the Trilby Asher. That's why we need the Victorians to believe that she is important.

Do not forget that there will be many eyes on this place, with Kjeragandr's statue complete and the ceremony about to begin.

We must all be careful.

I don't need you to remind me.

Relax, I'll be careful. It's not a game we're playing here, after all. The Browntails couldn't pull out if we wanted to.

Or rather...

If I showed even the slightest hint that I wanted out today, I'm plenty sure I would suffer an 'unfortunate accident' tomorrow.

...I see no reason to engage in speculation about the impossible.

This is for Kjerag. We can only go forward, not back.

But we can't hide this forever, Gnosis.

It's too big, with too many people involved.

Even if the Trilby Asher didn't run into the girl today, he might've run into a certain boy another day.

He will find out, sooner or later.

Enciodes better have a plan, or even the full authority of the Saintess and all Kjerag won't save his hide.

And if Victoria finds Karlan Trade to be more important, then we truly have no card to play.

It's good for all of us that the Saintess and Enciodes have taken up different positions.

Sigh.

I guess I'd better cancel my family dinner tomorrow.

Since when are you a family woman?

Isn't that what Kjerag has always been about? Family, bloodlines. Old-fashioned, I guess, but...

The Saintess and Enciodes are siblings, aren't they?

I see... I see...

Your mother gave birth to you in Kjerag, but she brought you to Ursus while you were still small.

You came back all this way, praying before the statue of Kjeragandr and preparing to climb the mountain to fulfill your mother's last wish.

I see...

That's the story, basically.

Good girl... good girl.

Smart, brave... and handsome too.

Oh, shucks. Now you're just flattering me.

I'm not.

You're a blessing from Kjeragandr to your family!

Well, er...

I wouldn't say that... I guess you could say Mamochka was blessed.

But it has nothing to do with my papa, who might as well never have existed.

Ahem. Well...

Your father... hrm...

You don't know who he might be, do you?

Hm...

It's strange.

Mamochka said I look a lot like my papa, and he's supposed to be the handsomest man in Kjerag. I thought finding him would be a piece of cake.

Could it be...?

......

Maybe my dad was actually pretty ordinary, and beauty was all in the eye of the beholder?

O-Of course not! That's not the case at all!

Whoa! Why are you so excited all of a sudden?

But I figured that's the most reasonable explanation.

Ah... it's hard to explain.

Well, I'm in no hurry. We can talk about it later.

Are you familiar with these parts?

I can't say I know everything, but I do know a thing or two.

So you're familiar, then...?

Do you know the best route up that mountain?

I hear it's a make-out point or something. Do I need to buy a ticket or...?

No need for tickets.

Other than Karlan, the seat of the Saintess, all the mountains and rivers of Kjerag belong to the children of Kjeragandr.

Who would have asked such a question in the Kjerag of the past?

This was a much quieter place back then.

No sightseeing spots, no attractions, few tourists. Faith was strong in the people, who respected the mountains, rivers, and lakes.

It has become like this because Clan Silverash wanted to open up to the outside, and the Saintess chose not to intervene...

What's so bad about opening up?

Well, that's not for an old man like me to judge.

Are you climbing the mountain today?

Hm... It's getting a little late.

I'm thinking about spending the night somewhere and climbing up first thing in the morning.

Any good hotels around here?

I have a few spare rooms, if it's a roof over your head you're looking for.

That is, if you're willing to stay in my humble abode...

Of course! Let's go.

Thank you so much! Mamochka always said the people of Kjerag were warm and kind.

N-Now, listen, girl!

Don't be so quick to accept an offer like that! You need to be careful!

What would you do if I had ulterior motives?

Why are you angry when you're the one who offered?

Don't worry.

I went through a lot in Ursus. I'm no pushover.

Don't be a fool!

How would you protect yourself if your assailant was stronger than you?

I'm not a fool...

Alright, I know, you're worried about me.

Actually, I'm not sure why, but I just felt... well...

What?

I can't put it into words. I just had a feeling...

I don't think you'd hurt me.

Did you find the mark?

No. I scanned the island with binoculars, but I didn't see anyone.

We're dealing with a master of disguise. He won't slip up so easily.

Then why tell me to look?

Just in case.

Our mission is to follow the girl, make sure no harm comes to her, and avoid detection.

The Tschäggättä still have a lot to learn about counter-reconnaissance.

But if the girl has encountered the former head of Clan Paleroche...

And the Tschäggättä are here too...

Hm?

What's that—

What's that?

I'll take a look.

(Imitates burdenbeast cry)

Just a wild burdenbeast.

You never know when a trick might come in handy.

Eek— my back—

Look, Enya.

Look more carefully!

This statue...

It's not right, is it? Doesn't look like Kjeragandr at all.

Is that so?

I thought it was alright.

It's not alright!

The face needs to be a little thinner, and the body...

That will do, Kjarr.

It's up to the people of Kjerag. The Kjeragandr standing here is the one that they want to worship.

You know there's not much can change on that front.

Sigh.

No more sighs.

Did you hear the girl, Kjarr?

The one with the loud voice?

Of course I did. Interesting one. Kind of makes sense, you know.

Not even Kjeragandr can read minds, if you don't pray out loud.

Kjarr...

People's minds are such complicated things. Who can tell what you're thinking if you don't put it into words?

You're right.

So...

Will you heed the plea of your humble handmaiden, Saintess?

This statue—

Nope.

Enya, Enya!

Not even if you beg.