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And when the Catastrophe struck Wolumonde, she didn't run away. She offered us help.

I have the utmost respect for the good doctor. I hope nothing happened to her.

But after the fire, you saw it yourself, some of the Infected folks don't have the same ideas.

Not that I blame them. The town's cut off from the outside world. We're short on supplies. And a gang of armed Infected are out there circling.

Armed Infected?

Outlanders. All of them Infected, all of them armed. Most are Leithanian, but there are a few devils among them.

The term is 'Sarkaz,' please. I hope the meaning of the word is not lost on you. Do you have any other information about the armed Infected?

They're merely vultures waiting to pick our bones. And they're not the first.

Oh? So why didn't they immediately show up to plunder the town? Why are they just 'loitering' out there?

Just come out with it already.

Wolumonde's lack of sensitivity toward the Infected is understandable.

After all, it's a miracle Leithanien was letting infected people live alongside non-infected people for so long—

—But it's also an opportunity for bad actors to take advantage of such leniency.

What do you mean?

I told you, Rhodes Island isn't just a bunch of doctors. We're also experts at dealing with the Infected.

There are some areas... where I'd rather trust our own judgment.

For example... have you ever heard of the 'Reunion Movement?'

Before the Great Rift, I saw that name in the newspapers from time to time. Mostly reports from Ursus, but occasionally in Leithanien.

But to a small tourist town, it doesn't mean much. Folks around here would rather listen to the gossip from the next town over than official reports on faraway countries.

What are you getting at? You think Reunion has something to do with this?

No, I don't want to jump to conclusions. Let's leave it there for now.

Right... *Cough*. Either way, thanks for the info.

Speaking from experience, I don't think your side of the story will have much influence on our mission.

That's too bad. But honestly, I didn't expect much.

We may have to do some investigating around town. We need to find out what the deal with this 'disappearance' is...

Rhodes Island will demand the necessary compensation from the relevant people.

Er...

...Understood.

I've no reason to argue with that face of yours.

You can move about the town freely, as Dr. Atro's associates. You are honored guests of Wolumonde.

Ah! But of course! Please, make yourselves at home here. Upstairs is the Wolumonde government's finest parlor.

You must be tired from your long journey? Please, take a rest upstairs while we—

No need. I have something to attend to.

Can we start our investigation now?

We'll prepare the paperwork and notify the residents after the meeting. As you wish.

Thank you.

Suzuran, let's go.

Oh? Er, okay! See you soon, Wolumonders!

...*Sigh*.

How long can you keep them in the dark?

Did you see her expression?

I did.

You did. Rhodes Island may not be the type of company to try to extort us, but who knows what they might do to avenge a lost colleague?

The way I see it, it all ends the same.

But... but, it wasn't our fault. Shouldn't they be after the damned Infected that caused the fire?!

We have no proof.

But we can't just take the blame either!

We tolerated the Infected as much as we could, and how did they repay us? Ever since the Gendarmerie left, they've completely been running rampant!

...Indeed. As for the truth, truth is a fickle thing. See this match? Matches are more reliable than the truth.

The doctor's right. You really should quit. You've got a long life ahead of you.

They're 'operators.' I only listen to 'doctors.'

Touché...

Tatjana, keep an eye on our guests. Make sure they don't get into trouble.

Ah, yes, sir! Of course!

Her?

That one, what was the name... Folinic. Yes.

Do you know what Folinic's expression of pain and anger reminded me of?

Don't keep me waiting.

Tatjana. It made me think of her. Why didn't she show me a face like that?

Thor was very nearly her husband. You'd think she'd be a little sad.