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Well, I can see that MountainDash has a clear vision. Thank you for your time.

The secretary steps forward, ready to receive the documents Herman is handing back.

Eurill then leans forward.

Mr. Mayor, what do you think of Columbia's pioneering business model?

Tkaronto circles the country year-round, bringing continuous economic benefits to Columbia.

Tkaronto?

Tkaronto.

Designed as a pioneer trade city, it will never have a future beyond what Columbia has planned for it.

Pioneer cities have always been different from other nomadic cities. They couldn't have less in common with Siesta.

The only common thread is that its immediate benefit to Columbia far outweighs the potential risks of its somewhat independent status.

So Tkaronto will continue to chug along, extracting things from the wastelands that other nomadic cities cannot.

Do you understand me, Mr. Eurill?

Of course.

Ultimately, you are the mayor of Siesta, and you have the final say.

However, Tkaronto's economic model has been set in stone, and will not change in the future.

By contrast, Siesta is now moving away from this beautiful beach.

Who will have the final say when the water is no longer visible?

Haha! As you know, Mr. Mayor, Great Yan is thousands of miles from here. Quite the journey, even with modern transportation.

MountainDash is but a private company in distant Lungmen, unable to do anything drastic. But since you extended your courtesy to us, we came.

Take a look at this, if you please.

Though we've always conducted business in and around Lungmen, our earnings can hardly be considered insignificant.

From what I hear, that volcano's giving Siesta a hard time limit. This city could be gone before my kid here is old enough to start a family.

Opportunities are scarce, and time waits for no man.

...So that's why you brought a watch.

Herman casts a glance at Bison, who is sitting farther back along the table.

And what does your son think of this proposal?

My son?

Oh, me? Sorry Mr. Mayor, I'm actually not involved in this...

Haha, don't worry, I'm just making small talk.

So to be clear, you want us to finish negotiating this contract by today?

...As the executive manager of MountainDash Logistics, that is my hope.

I know.

Though I may not be personally involved with this project, I do know that as logistics companies develop in the future, they will not be merely transporting goods and materials, but also facilitating the exchange of economies and cultures.

We have both the vision and the capacity, and we will not fall short of your expectations.

So how about it, Mr. Mayor?

Hahaha!

I have a daughter who also thinks a great deal about Siesta.

Before she and my other daughter left the city, I promised her I'd work to create her ideal version of it.

The nomadic city of Siesta. It will be a wonderful place.

Hah, thanks for all your hard work in making this contract possible.

That said, the sun is about to set, and the view around this time is most spectacular. Shall we continue our discussion outside?

That's the last of the batch. Once we finish selling our inventory, we should pack up and head for the new city.

Heh, the nostalgia's really starting to catch up with me. I grew up here since I was a little kid, and can recognize every grain of sand.

I'll have to bring a bottle of it with me when I leave. Who knows if I'll ever get the chance to return.

I won't, will I...?

Who can say? It's too early to start moping.

Oh, someone's heading our way. Go get their attention!

Welcome, welcome! Try our special charcoal-grilled sandworm legs! The shop's about to relocate in a few days, and we might have to change to a completely different menu by then! Get them while you still can!

Wh-What is this?

Sandworm... legs?!

What are you freaking out over this time?

...I must say, the scenery isn't the only thing unique about Siesta.

Ah, during the last Obsidian Festival, there was a young lady who sold this sort of barbecue.

It became an instant hit, and now it's a popular local snack.

(Hold up, is that the mayor?)

(Why are you asking me? You think I've met the mayor? Am I not meeting the exact same people as you every day?)

(Should we...?)

(I think we just act normal.)

Hahaha, would our wonderful visitors like to give it a try?

Uh...

Uh...

I think we'll pass for now?

I am curious though. What is that facility over there that's been spinning around this whole time?

Oh, that? That's the burdenbeast carousel.

It's another attraction that popped up during the Obsidian Festival. For whatever reason, a large number of people kept going to ride it every day.

I see.

Are you all tourists?

Here, I'll give you a free sample. Give it a try! If you like the taste, take a few more with you!

Oh, thank you. I guess I'll take another one then. Here's your money.

So you're not just cute, but courteous too!

Oh, uh... thank you.

Huh?

You know I'm still here, right?

Haha!

Mr. Mayor, Mr. Eurill, this way please.

Enjoying a meal while overlooking the ocean is incredibly popular among tourists. The view here is simply unbeatable.

Even after the relocation, Siesta will continue to retain this aspect. Even as a nomadic city, she will not lose what was once hers.

Of course not. You've done your diligence to ensure that.

Your dishes are ready. Please enjoy.

Ahh, beautiful scenery and delicious food. Fresh fin sashimi truly is an altogether different experience. By the way, those two shopkeepers earlier mentioned changing their menu after relocating.

There's no shortage of things to take into account as a small businessman.

Some of the beachside recreational facilities have yet to be removed. You and your son are welcome to experience them for yourselves.

I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll be fine here.

Your son is incredibly well-behaved. Most children his age would've already dragged their parents off to buy tickets.

Hah. That's the heir of MountainDash Logistics you're looking at. Though I'm also fine with him walking his own path.

By the looks of things, you've been teaching him well from an early age.

It's good to have an eye out for the future.

Hah, as if. It's also apparent that he still has a long way to go.

He's a bit better-behaved these days, but you have no idea how much he worried me when he was younger.

You're being too modest, Mr. Eurill.

This isn't a matter of modesty. If you ask me, every father has gone through the same thing. Just don't laugh at what I'm about to tell you—

When he was around four years old, the school held a parent-child event, and I went to participate.

But when I got there, I realized it was actually a tug-of-war competition. His mother wasn't in good health at the time, so I had to join in.

I assume you've never lost a game of tug-of-war?

...Right, nobody can beat me in that, so it didn't take long for us to get first place.

But the problem was, the other little kids weren't going to take their loss lying down. After seeing us win, they all wanted in on it. They started running over and tugging at my legs, calling me 'dad' in the hopes that I'd help them win.

Pfft... *cough* *cough*...

What'd your wife say...?

She wasn't there at the time, because of her poor health.

Lucky man.