act10mini

Is he infected or not? Will he really sell the shop to me?

He's selling it to me so cheap. Could it be a scam?

Is he doing this because, like everyone else, he just wants to make fun of me, to humiliate me?

M-Maybe Quercus isn't Infected either... Maybe they're in on this together, just to...

Ahhh! What am I thinking!

I smack my face hard.

I'm using pain to suppress these shameful, despicable emotions.

Don't be like this, Susie! This is hideous!

I stare into the mirror. The only thing that can be heard inside the quiet shop is the clock's ticking.

It's like torture.

Susie! Are you there?

Ehhh?!

Watch your Arts!

What's the matter with you? What are you so scared of? Did something happen?

No... I'm okay! Good morning, Miss Quercus.

(Doubtful glare)

Look at those dark circles under your eyes!

What's wrong? Did you not sleep well?

Hahaha... I was a little nervous.

Good morning, Miss Susie.

Oh! Mr. Root! Sorry, I didn't see...

Huh? What time is it?

Oh, sorry, Mr. Root. We aren't open today. Did you need something?

You haven't told her yet, Quercus?

Oh, you're right. I haven't.

Huh?

I forgot to mention it, but he's the landlord who owns the shop.

Eh?

Ehhh??

Mr. Root's the landlord? So the previous owners signed their contracts with Mr. Root?!

It's a long story... Anyway, Rhodes Island actually owns this property.

I've heard the details from Quercus. Miss Susie, you want to buy the store, is that right?

Permit me to ask, then. What kind of business do you want to run here?

Business?

Oh! Business!

M-My father was a hairdresser.

When I was little, he often said... we shouldn't change our attitude towards life just because we're poor.

Hairdressing may seem trivial, but if someone's putting in the effort to keep themselves groomed, then they must still carry the will to live.

That's why I thought...

It would be nice... to open a hair salon in the Infected community.

Hairdressing, huh...? For the Infected?

That sounds very nice.

It's a deal, then! Someone will come to sort out the contract later.

Eh? That's it?

We've known each other for a long time, haven't we? You'll be fine, Susie.

My own shop... It feels like... I'm dreaming.

That reminds me. Where will you go now, Miss Quercus? Are you going to leave the city?

Oh, don't look at me like that. It's not like I won't ever come back.

I'll stop by every now and then. I have lots of friends in town, you know?

Oh, and one last thing.

Susie, Quercus got you a little gift.

A gift? Huh?

Come, Susie. Everyone's waiting for you.

Congratulations!

You did it, Susie!

Officer Grani! Why are you here?!

Alright! Now Sparky's the owner! Make sure you keep the booze we like on the taps!

Congratulations, Susie.

Mr. Red! Aren't you supposed to be working?!

Oh, we took the day off. We weren't going to miss the moment you took over the shop.

That's right. I've been coming here every day for the last few years now. I probably know this place better than I do my own home.

Your wife could give you a good socking for that.

Alrighty, then. Miss Susie, our new owner, the shop is all yours!

*Sob*...

Oh, why are you tearing up? Don't cry!

Yeah, no crying.

Life's been hard for all of us lately. It's not often we get something to celebrate, yeah?

Cheer up!

Anyway, it doesn't matter what you turn the place into. I'll be here.

Hahaha... What's this? Tears of joy?

(Breaking up) Miss Quercus... I...

Okay, okay now. No more tears...

My dream—

To the Infected, dreams are distant and unattainable.

My dream has always been to have my own shop, my own life.

So I wouldn't have to be a burden on my family anymore.

And now, my dream is about to come true. It's an unimaginable luxury for an Infected.

Does that make me lucky?

November 24th, 1097, 6:35 A.M.

Smoke...

A thick layer of smoke spreads from a corner of the Infected community, breaking the morning tranquility.

Evacuate the nearby residents first!

You there, quit dawdling about! Nothing to see here!

Over here! The fire's still going!

Check again for casualties! This is the Infected community!

Look for any traces of Originium, like damaged appliances!

Don't let any activated dust spread!

Bloody hell... Why's somebody setting fires around here?!

Why...

Evacuate everyone first! Hey, you, Feline over there! What are you doing?!

Smoke...

The smoke and scorched stench fill the air.

The burning leather and timber crack apart in the lingering heat.

Don't run in there! Are you daft?!

Hold her back!

Why...

The girl is unwilling to believe what she sees before her. She wants to close her eyes.

This has to be a dream.

This has to be a bad dream.

Right. The moment she opens her eyes, she'll be free of this nightmare.