Arknights story · Retracing Our Steps
OS-3 Among Snowy Shrubs
The Victorian ambassador meets with Ratatos and expresses a desire to work directly with Clan Browntail. Attempts are made on the lives of the leaders of Clans Silverash and Paleroche, while Enya is also attacked by assassins during her Pilgrimage. She is rescued by a young huntress.
2 scenes, 344 lines
1. Before Operation
151 linesMadame Ratatos, I bring a message from my master regarding the meeting of the three clans a few days ago.
The Paleroches' stance towards the outsiders is firm. We can never be too careful regarding the faithless.
We must be even more vigilant now, with the Saintess out on pilgrimage and state affairs deferred to the three clans.
My master does not think ill of Sir Enciodes, but it is true that Clan Silverash has been too close to the Victorians. We do not know if he has other intentions.
My master has chosen to communicate with you, as he sees you as a woman who has always upheld Kjerag's traditions. He is happy to meet with you in person, if you have any thoughts you would like to share.
Are you finished?
Out of respect for Arctosz, please bring this message back to him.
I don't know if Arctosz is harboring a grudge because the Catastrophe occurred on Paleroche soil, and I don't care.
But at the last meeting, we reached the conclusion that none of us should make a move without direction from the Vine-Bead Court.
While the Saintess is absent, the best thing we can do for the nation is to take care of our own business and avoid causing more issues.
That will be all.
I see there is no avoiding these issues.
I apologize. But this little thing is no cause for concern.
Let us return to the topic at hand—long-term cooperation between premium Victorian clothing brands and Clan Browntail...
No, wait. With all due respect, Madam Browntail... I'm afraid this is not an issue I can ignore.
If the people of Kjerag are so hostile to Victoria, how are we to believe that any cooperation can last?
Our three clans may have our differences, but I am the sole representative of Clan Browntail. You may take my word on that.
This conflict between the three clans... I suppose that's not hard for a Victorian to understand. Not at all.
I have made great efforts to learn about Kjerag during my time here. Your culture is exotic, and fascinating.
While all of Kjerag is united by your Kjeragandr faith, the same tenets seem to have had different influence on the three clans.
The brave Paleroches, the clever Silverashes... but you Browntails, I must apologize that I find it hard to summarize your virtues in a single word.
I suppose the way I would put it, is that Clan Browntail is noble and trustworthy.
My sympathies for the homework you have to do.
Knowledge is the foundation of cooperation.
Her Grace the Duke values cooperation with Kjerag highly, and she is looking for a reliable, proper representative of your land to work with.
A representative of Kjerag? Is Her Grace unsatisfied with Karlan Trade?
Mr. Silverash is a most astute businessman, but this is also his greatest flaw. He will not permit any other winner in his game.
I'm sure you understand, as his neighbor.
Hmph... a keen summary.
Therein lies the problem. The three clans may equally be Kjeragandr's children in name, but in the eye of an onlooker like me, they are not.
Even an outsider like me can tell that your clan and the Paleroches have had virtually no effective role in response to this Catastrophe.
The Silverashes and Karlan Trade have not only monopolized Kjerag's foreign commerce, but also all of her foreign affairs.
And your nominal head of state, the Saintess—Mr. Silverash's sister, seems to have no objection to the present situation.
Mind your words, sir. Do not presume to blaspheme the Saintess's piety with your prejudice.
Oh, I apologize if my frankness has offended you. Please understand that I am speaking out of good faith, and simply conveying what I have observed as an outsider.
Cut to the chase. What's your proposal?
A simple one. Victoria is seeking friendly, equal, and truly mutually beneficial cooperation.
Effective, long-term cooperation. Not one that only benefits one side, or limited by narrow-minded nationalism.
Her Grace thinks highly of Clan Browntail, and of you personally. My presence here is proof of that.
The opinions of foreigners is of no importance to Clan Browntail. Your promise is the very proof of the shifting nature of Victoria's position.
You are wrong if you think Clan Browntail is simply another Clan Silverash, but easier to manipulate.
No, of course not, Madam Ratatos.
The Empire of Victoria does not seek subservience or dependence. She seeks to do the right thing.
Clan Silverash is a window that is sometimes open, sometimes closed. Only those inside the room can truly know its contents.
Tell me, Madam Browntail. Are you not tired of the constant, meaningless tribal conflicts that haunt this land?
Or perhaps... you aspire to lead Kjerag into a new era yourself?
...
I think that will do for today.
Thank you for your visit. I fully understand your proposal, and I have a message for you to bring back to the Duke.
She does not yet have a sufficient understanding of Kjerag, but I sincerely hope she will one day find it.
Noted. Unfortunately, any commercial cooperation must remain on hold while political issues remain unresolved.
But we have plenty of patience for an important partner such as yourself.
We look forward to your answer.
Dear Ensia, I hope this letter finds you well.
By the time you read this, you will have already learned of my decision.
Don't worry. Think of it as your sister going on a long trip. She'll be back before you know it.
I'm sorry that we'll have to put our plans for fondue in the Vine-Bead Court's kitchen on hold, but I promise I'll be good as my word once I get back.
Don't worry about Enciodes either. He has his plans, though he might be busy for a while. We'll count on you to take care of things at home, alright?
There are a lot of things going on. Stay safe and be especially careful when going out.
I hope I'll find you as cheerful as always when I return.
I'll pray to Kjeragandr for both of you.
P.S.: Remember to keep your appointments at Rhodes Island, follow your doctor's orders, and wear protective gear when climbing the mountains.
...
A letter from Enya?
Yeah...
It's always like this.
Same for Enciodes. It's quiet enough at home to begin with, and ever since I came back from my trip, he's barely been around!
These are exceptional times. They're doing all they can to protect Kjerag.
All we can do is trust them and support them...
I know... I just wanted to blow off some steam.
They still treat me like a kid, never telling me anything. I don't even know what I'm worrying for.
I want to help them too...
Lady Ensia, Master Chester...
Is Sir Enciodes here?
He's probably at the office. Why?
A herald has arrived from the Vine-Bead Court. They said they're meeting with Clan Paleroche to discuss cooperation in the joint mining venture, and they want Sir Enciodes to submit the relevant documents early.
I have the documents... but submit them early? Is this a temporary notice?
The herald didn't explain...
Very well. Prepare the car, I'll go—
Before he can finish, Ensia grabs the documents and runs out the door.
You can stay home, Uncle Chester! Let me handle it!
Ensia! Come back!
Sir Enciodes said you are not to go outside without permission!
It's alright! Enciodes must have forgotten to bring these with him. I'll have a good laugh at him later!
Come on, let's go!
Oh dear...
I should let Sir Enciodes know...
A brown car is driving on the mountain path to the Vine-Bead Court. Sitting in the back seat, Arctosz rubs his neck.
*yawn*
Why call me over so early in the morning? Is the mine thing so urgent?
I hear Sir Enciodes often stays overnight at the company these days. An early-morning meeting would fit his recent routine.
Hmph—
It's not like there's much to discuss. I'm just waiting for the Silverash documents to sign off on.
Give me the minutes from last time, Gulo. I'll take another look.
Yes, sir.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Gulo takes the documents from the glove box and is about to hand them to Arctosz when the car is violently jolted.
Gah! What was that?!
F-Falling rocks! They almost hit us!
Falling rocks? Here?
The car is once again violently jolted before he could finish, as falling rubble slams against the trunk.
It's not safe inside! We need to get out, sir! The road ahead is blocked!
Fy faen!
The three of them abandon the car and run to the mountainside, but the amount of falling rubble is overwhelming.
Look out—
A rock falls towards Arctosz. Gulo pushes him out of the way, and is struck by the sharp edge of the rock on his forehead. His massive frame falls on the ground, bleeding.
Arctosz crawls towards Gulo and pulls him closer to the mountain, leaving a long trail of blood on the ground.
The blood is soon covered by the falling rocks.
Gulo! GULO!
...
The tranquility of the mountain is broken by the roaring sound of engines as the morning mist disperses. Tranquility is not what Degenbrecher seeks right now.
She pushes her bike to its limits. The scenery flies by swiftly, but she does not see what she is looking for.
The tracks are still visible on the road; the target was here not long ago.
There—!
Degenbrecher jumps off the bike and rounds a corner—
...
Two cars are burning on the road after a collision, sending rancid smoke skywards.
Degenbrecher pulls her weapon and creates a gust that extinguishes the fire, revealing the familiar silhouette of a Silverash car.
The door is easily cut open. There is no one inside. Degenbrecher's worst fears have not come true.
She hears the sound of rocks clashing from the direction of the cliff.
Degenbrecher looks down at the source of the sound, and finds the one she is looking for, despite the dirt and soot on her face.
Degenbrecher!
...
Hanging off the side of the cliff with a hook, Ensia looks up at Degenbrecher, unsure how to hide her embarrassment.
Heheh... uh... I guess I screwed up...
...'Her kingdom promises not tomorrow.'
'Nor was it built for yesterday.'
'Those who walk the present are closest to Her.'
'Her blessings are ever beneath the traveler's feet.'
...
The snowflakes stick to her fur collar. The lone traveler pulls her hood tighter and walks up the mountain, against the cold wind that blows through the forest.
Enya pulls her cloak tighter around herself, her steps slowed by falling branches mixed with snow.
The clerics often say that Kjeragandr tests Her people with wind and snow, but Enya knows 'She' would never torment her like this.
Kjarr...
The Saintess sees the smoke of a campfire deep in the woods. Perhaps there is a place to rest.
Enya walks towards it and finds the fire still burning, providing a rare source of warmth. She reaches out to it at once.
The hides hanging around shows that it belongs to a hunter. Short shrubs surround a lone wooden house, but the owner is nowhere to be seen.
Then, one of the shrubs rustles. The tip of a metal bolt protrudes from it, pointing towards the campfire—
Who's there?
Enya turns around quickly, but not quick enough to avoid the bolt that strikes her right leg, soaking her thick clothing with blood.
She raises her bell instinctively as she stumbles from the pain. The attacker has emerged from the bushes, aiming his next bolt at the Saintess's heart.
Whoosh—
The attacker falls as the bell rings, his body quickly covered in snow. Slowly, the small lump turns red. It was not the holy bell that did this.
Enya gets closer, and sees a crossbow bolt in the attacker's neck.
A rough hand, small but strong, grabs Enya's shoulders and pulls her to one side.
Another bolt cuts through the air, taking down another attacker, but more of them continue to emerge from the forest.
Holzchopf bandits! How dare you commit murder at MY camp while I'm away!
A young huntress, carrying a heavy crossbow that seems too big for her, stands in front of Enya. She smells of herbs and cloudbeast.
Stop daydreaming!
...
You're a Silverash... What are you doing here?
Never mind... Stay close to me!
2. After Operation
193 linesThis is...
My home.
Last I saw, they were going the opposite way. It's safe here. I'll wrap you up, and then you need to leave.
Thank you. I—
Don't talk and don't fidget, Silverash.
...
Your wounds aren't that bad. There was some distance, and your thick clothes absorbed some of the impact.
But the bolt has a hooked head. It'll hurt when I pull it out. I'll try to be steady.
The young huntress snaps the arrow shaft and grabs the remaining part. She glances at the wounded woman, who simply nods, showing no sign of fear.
The huntress takes a deep breath and slowly pulls the arrow. Even she shivers at the sensation of the hook grating against flesh.
She does her best to keep her hands steady, until the arrowhead is completely pulled out.
Phew—finally...
Thank you... very much...
I'm not done yet. Hang in there a little longer.
She takes out a packet of powdered medicine, lifts the edge of Enya's dress, and rubs it skillfully on the wound before bandaging it up.
You can yelp if it hurts. I won't laugh.
I don't want to make you more nervous.
It'll only hurt more if your hands are shaking.
Hmph.
...Huh?
A slender, snow-white cloudbeast pokes its head out of the huntress's hood, hanging onto her braids with its claws and poking its wet nose around Enya's fur collar.
Then, it reaches out to sniff at the stranger's scent.
Don't touch it. It doesn't like strangers.
Before the huntress can finish, Enya's finger has already reached the little cloudbeast's chin. Simply touching its soft fur seems to bring warmth to her heart, even in the bitter cold.
(Whisper) Get back in, Rift Cloudbeast...
You call it... the Rift Cloudbeast?
Come to think of it, I don't know your name yet, my hero.
...
Joanna.
I don't need to know your name, Silverash. Don't think for a moment that we're friends.
Why? You've been good to me.
And how have you people treated me?!
Hmph... forget it. Nothing to do with you, anyway.
By 'you people', do you mean Clan Silverash?
Or Enciodes...?
Not just him.
My dad says the Silverashes have been obsessed with blaspheming Kjeragandr ever since Enciodes's father was clan leader.
He poured asphalt on Kjeragandr's backbone, and poison on Kjeragandr's tail. His greed led to his downfall.
...
Enciodes hasn't learned his lesson. He's done even more to wreck Kjeragandr's peace.
But his greatest sin was the hole he dug in Kjeragandr's flesh. This disaster is proof that Silverash has angered Kjeragandr.
But Kjerag can't stay in the snowy mountains forever.
Haven't industry and trade brought us better lives? Why would the kind Kjeragandr punish us just because we're living better lives?
Better lives?
You Silverashes sit by the warm fireside, eating the best food and drinking the best wine...
But who has to pay the price?
Us, we do!
Many beasts lived at the foot of the mountains when I was little.
For a thousand years they lived off the land—drank from the rivers, and went back to the forest to find berries and leaves.
But Karlan Trade's railroads divided the mountains and rivers, forcing the beasts to risk their lives crossing the railway.
You even blame them when your trains run them over!
The beasts were forced to move higher, but there isn't enough room there for large packs. They had to fight each other for space and food, and their numbers dwindled.
Not to mention all the cloudbeasts that are sensitive to noise... you have no idea how many died, and how I ended up taking in my Rift Cloudbeast!
But the farmers by the mountains need the fertilizers and seeds that the trains bring. And sick people on the mountains need medicine.
Where's the bountiful game that Kjeragandr once gifted us, then?
The beasts grow fewer each year. Even water from the springs is less sweet.
My family made a living hunting in the mountains for generations, following the holy teachings of Kjeragandr, and we show our faith by sculpting statues in Her image.
Dad... myself, and my siblings, we've always prayed to Kjeragandr, always paid our respects.
Why are WE the ones who have to pay the price?!
Spooked by the sudden outburst, the Rift Cloudbeast leaps down from a trembling Joanna and goes over to Enya.
Enya bends down and lifts it up, placing it back on Joanna's shoulder.
Don't move, or your wounds will reopen.
This is the first time I've heard about any of that.
If you want to argue, go ahead, Silverash.
No, I don't.
I'm... different from the others. I have to stay at home most of the time, and what I know about the land today comes mostly from the accounts of others.
Sometimes I go out and experience things for myself, but it's not enough.
Kjeragandr will never abandon any children of Kjerag. I promise.
Hmph...
You better promise yourself that you pull through whatever's going on...
What was with those bandits, anyway? I know all the hunters living on the mountain. I didn't recognize any of those guys.
I think... they came for me.
For you? Do you have enemies?
Hmm... It's a long story.
If that's the case, you'd better stay put tonight. They won't give up so easily.
My dad's friend has a shop in town, and my siblings have been helping out these past few days. I'll go get some medicine from him.
And get help to fight the bandits.
...
No, don't.
Why? Are you afraid to be on your own? I'm fast and strong. I can be back by tomorrow morning if I go down the mountain now.
That's not what I'm worried about...
Why? You Silverashes are such a bother. If you have something to say, just say it.
If you can't fight, I have no choice but to get help from town. That's the deal.
Wait, I can tell you—
Enya hurriedly gets up, tugging at the sleeve of the huntress who is about to leave, causing her own cloak to fall off.
...!
The S-Saintess...?
Actually, I'm...
I-I'm sorry!
Please, Your Holiness, punish me for my insolence!
No, I'm not going to punish you...
Please, just sit down...
Enya tries to stop the huntress, but she quickly takes a step back, putting more distance between herself and Enya.
She turns to leave, but then seems to remember something, and spins back around and bows reverentially to Enya, before finally leaving the room.
*sigh*...
General Gulo...
Could you knock on the cheibe door before barging in, Yek boy?
What are you doing here?
I was accompanying Lady Ensia for a checkup. She suffered a car accident this morning, but fortunately she's unharmed.
I was told you were here too, so I thought I should pay a visit—are you alright?
Hmph, just a scratch. But—
Wait, you said something happened to the young Silverash lady?
Lady Ensia was delivering something to Sir Enciodes when she suffered a head-on collision with another vehicle on the way to the Vine-Bead Court. It was fortunate that Madam Degenbrecher quickly arrived on the scene.
You said she was going to the Vine-Bead Court too?
Strange. My master received a summons from the Vine-Bead Court this morning, saying there was a meeting, and it was on the way there that we were struck by falling rocks.
...Did you hear anything from the Browntails?
No... not yet, at least. What's the matter with the Browntails?
No wonder Sir Arctosz was fuming when he left... I haven't seen him so angry in a long time.
But this—argh!
Listen, brother, I need you to do me a favor. Can you ask Sir Enciodes to go to the Browntail manor at once?
Sir Arctosz is even more hot-headed than I am. I'm afraid he might do something impetuous. Sir Enciodes is the only one who can stop him.
I see... I'll let him know immediately.
I suggest you get your head checked at the hospital, Arctosz. The symptoms of a mild concussion are easy to miss.
Don't try to change the subject!
Answer me! Why is it that only Clan Silverash and mine were attacked, while you Browntails sit safe and sound in your home? What do you know?!
Everything that I know about what happened today came from you.
More excuses!
Even the servants of Silverash knew to show concern, and tell me that Ensia suffered too.
But what about you? You look like you couldn't care less, like it's nothing more than a piece of snow falling on the ground! Is this the Browntail stance?
I apologize for my demeanor. All of Kjerag has suffered in recent days. I ask for your understanding.
Enough of this hypocrisy.
We both know there's been gossip going around about the Browntail Witch.
I never took it seriously. I couldn't care less what you did, as long as you did it for Kjerag and Kjeragandr.
But now?
When did Kjeragandr teach you to stab your allies in the back, Ratatos?
Watch your words, Arctosz. Do not disrespect Kjeragandr, even if you intend to insult and provoke me.
Stop dodging the question and answer!
Was Clan Browntail involved in the attack on me and Ensia?
You're wasting your time. I've already told you multiple times: I know nothing about it, and I express my sympathies.
If that's your final answer, then don't accuse me of going too far.
What do you mean?
Don't think I'm out of Paleroches just because you took Gulo out of action. Before I went out, I told my men when to show.
Clan Browntail's estates will be thoroughly searched. I didn't want to go this far, but I'm afraid Sciurus and her children will have to bear with me a little.
You dare?!
You made me do this, Ratatos!
The door to the drawing room flies open without warning. Arctosz draws his sword immediately.
The sharp-eyed Browntail guards raise their weapons too and stand in front of Ratatos.
...
I take it you've already discussed the incidents that occurred today.
I came for the same reason, and I've reached certain conclusions. Please, stand down.
Seeing that Arctosz has sheathed his sword, Ratatos raises a hand, and her guards hesitantly back off.
Good timing, Enciodes.
With the leaders of Clans Paleroche and Silverash both present, we demand a thorough audit of Clan Browntail's documents, and cooperation from Clan Browntail in the investigation.
Sorry, Arctosz, but I don't assent to the demand.
What?
Why would Ratatos want to get rid of us?
Assassinating the heads of the other two clans at this moment would only cause even more chaos.
Clan Paleroche has the most warriors, while Clan Silverash runs Karlan Trade.
Ratatos could not hope to keep the situation under control if you and I both died in an accident. Meanwhile, retribution would be swift and harsh.
Am I right?
Ratatos avoids Enciodes's gaze and nods lightly.
That doesn't explain why Clan Browntail wasn't attacked.
Maybe a coincidence, maybe bad timing. Maybe the attackers had something planned for the Browntails too, and we just don't know about it.
You won't convince me with talk of coincidences, Enciodes.
Who would have done such a thing, if not Ratatos?
This is not a question we can solve in a short time.
Don't forget that there are plenty of people looking to take advantage of the chaos, and take a piece of Kjerag for themselves.
This assassination coincided with the arrival of Victorian aid. The mastermind wants to keep us from working together.
The Victorians did this?
They are potential suspects, as is any foreign politician who attempts to intervene at this juncture.
Therefore, I would like to maintain the status quo of our previous meeting—I will continue to handle all external affairs, including those involving Victoria.
I will discover the truth, for Clan Paleroche, for the peace of the three clans... and for Ensia.
...
I'll trust you one last time...
Hmph...
Don't you dare look smug, Ratatos. You got lucky today. You can thank Enciodes and Sciurus.
If it turns out you're behind all this after all, you'll get what's coming to you!
The sturdy Ursus slams the table, then turns and leaves.
Thank you for calming that maniac down, Enciodes.
But I'm exhausted. I'm sure you understand how tiring it is to deal with baseless accusations.
If you suspect me and want to question me, I—
There's no need for that. Trust between the three clans has never been more important than now.
I have other urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave.
Pardon me for not seeing you out.
Ensia wasn't hurt. You can rest easy.
I was the one they were after.
Obviously. The accident was very likely staged. They targeted your car, without knowing who was inside.
Something's not right... it's too forward. It's as though the people behind this want to make the point that they have no qualms about deploying extreme measures.
They're trying to sow chaos and suspicion. The act itself is more important than the result.
There is another possibility... perhaps it's not me, Ensia, or Arctosz whom they're truly after.
There will be trouble on the mountains.
It's Enya they're after?
If anything happens to the Saintess at this point, it will serve to affirm all the conspiracy theories, and drag Kjerag further into the quagmire.
I need you to protect Enya, Degenbrecher.
...
Enya set out a long time ago. I can't promise anything.
You need to prepare for the worst.
...
I believe in Enya.
You 'believe'.
And you will not provide any of your basis for that belief to reassure me? Like you usually do?
Correct.
I believe.