act10mini

Thank you, Officer Grani.

The idiots better hope I don't find them first.

What if you do find them?

I'll beat the life out of them!

Think, Stone. The moment you lay a finger, everyone around will start screaming and making a fuss.

Then, the next morning, the front page of 'Caladon Daily' will read 'Infected Batters Innocent Citizen, Security Problems Worse by the Day.'

Well...

And I remember that rotten boy and his loud mouth.

A month ago, he was protesting the crowd in overalls, complaining how the factory he worked at was shut down because of the Infected.

Two months ago, he protested with the hawkers and said the Infected stole his merchandise.

So what is he today?

I think he said he was a 'porter'?

What in the world!

Sounds like something the gangs of the Boil would do. He was probably hired. Now which lord did we offend again?

The Infected community's always been a thorn in the side of certain people. As long as the councilors who support the new bill aren't in the majority, these things will keep happening.

We'd better keep our eyes peeled.

This prick, though... Forget Susie. He even tried to fight you, bossman, and how dare he!

Alright, enough. Your pint's getting lonely.

*Sigh*... How am I supposed to drink, knowing our little Sparky got harassed?

Hahaha, you're just exaggerating.

Sparky, take this.

Huh? What is it?

It's an ointment that helps reduce swelling. Anywhere it hurts, just rub some on there after you wash your face tonight.

Huh? Now how come you're not giving me some of that?

This is from Yan! You know how expensive it is? Besides, look how rough you are! What do you need it for?!

Oh... If it's that expensive, I can't take it.

No, do. Best not work a pub with a swollen face.

Hahaha... This isn't exactly a pub, though...

Thanks, Mr. Bean.

In that case, your drinks are on the house tonight.

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Susie, are you sure you have to go?

Yes, Mum... Staying here... isn't going to do any of us any good.

No, Susie, listen to me... I found another job this month. Don't worry about the medicine. We'll figure something out!

Please don't... I can't be a burden on the family anymore, not when my baby brother and sister still have school. And when my big brothers are all still healthy.

I can't let my daughter go to another city alone!

Don't worry about me. I heard how the Infected working in Caladon get medicine as part of their pay.

I'm sorry... It's all my fault, Susie... I'm so sorry.

I'll take care of myself. Don't worry, Mum.

November 18th, 1097, 9:20 A.M.

Every now and then, I dream of my family.

I was born in Boschendal, a small town at the northern edge of Victoria.

When I was little, back when my father was still alive, he would take our whole family out to picnics.

When you're up on Mount Shay, gazing out into the distance, you can even see the vast Kazimierzian Plains.

It's been five years since the last time I went home, but my mother still sends me letters.

My family's situation has taken a turn for the better since I left. It was difficult to pay all the expenses an Infected needs with just my mother and my brothers' income.

They're living a better life, and that's more than enough for me.

Welcome!

Look who's here!

Huh? Hi, boss!

Li'l~ Susie~

Let me give your ears a good rub!

Hahaha... boss... that tickles!

Boss again? Come on, don't be such a stranger!

Hahaha... Miss Quercus.

Hm?

Quercus...

That's more like it!

Quercus is a free-spirit, and also the owner of the shop.

Although most people here treat it like a pub, it's actually Quercus's arboretum and lighting shop.

Many have asked us why she would open such a shop in the Infected community.

And her answer has always been a very simple one.

Why open a lighting shop?

Because I want to.

That said, Quercus actually spends very little time in Caladon.

The shop seems only to be a hobby of hers. In other words, she really meant it when she said she wanted to. She mostly works as a Messenger, spending her time bustling about in the wilderness. Most people call her the 'Druid of Gododdin.'

By the way, Quercus's Arts are actually very unique. She plants all kinds of strange flora around the shop, and she brewed most of the alcohol we sell here herself.

She even gave me my staff and Arts Unit because they can apparently help me control my own Originium Arts.

Why did you come back this time? Did you need something?

Oh? I'm not allowed to come see you without a special reason?

Hahaha...

I have something to take care. What, have you forgotten? It's almost the end of the year!

Oh, right...

This is a defining moment for me.

I've been saving up money for a few years now. I want to buy this place.

I want to have my own shop here in Caladon. No matter what I do, this will be the beginning of my independence.

And Quercus often tells me that the shop's landlord has been thinking about renting to someone else, and that she doesn't have much time to take care of it.

So you've saved up all this? That's amazing, Susie!

But, Quercus... Are you sure it's okay? Isn't it a bit on the low side for a place like this?

How many times have you asked me that now? Do you not trust me?

No, I mean... Of course I trust you.

I'll get you a meeting with the landlord sometime next week for you to work out the details. He's a dependable one.

Next week, huh...?

November 18th, 1097, 9:56 P.M.

Here's your tea, Miss Mountbelan.

Thanks.

Ethelflaed Julie Mountbelan is one of our regulars. She's just Miss Mountbelan to us.

She's another of Rhodes Island's experts. She's in charge of coming up with solutions to solve Infected problems for the council.

Just like Mr. Root, she got along with our other customers straight away.

The Mountbelan name is known far and wide in the country, so I still haven't grown completely used to seeing a lady from such a prestigious family having tea around the Infected community.

Judging by your look, I suppose the lords did something to make you unhappy?

Miss Mountbelan takes a sip of tea. Both her lips and the blood vessels on her forehead are twitching.

Can you believe it? Can you believe it?!

I spent two weeks preparing all that data, and they only read a single page of it!

Just one page!!

How short-sighted can they be?! The issues I raised are urgent to the point they need addressing right now! You can't tell me it doesn't worry them one bit?!

Oh, they don't worry about the fire until it's started burning them.

It this drags on, it'll immolate them completely.

Hasn't the Reunion mayhem in Gododdin taught them anything?

The flames of Reunion Gododdin were stomped out two years ago. Why would it be a problem to these noble lords?