act12side

Alright.

Mr. Lin, I'm sure you, too, received the invitation?

As always. Is something the matter?

Personally, I am quite fond of the idea of going on a holiday there, but you know how Yenwu is. You couldn't find a lazier person if you tried.

Of course. But it seems you have a different idea?

I would like Yühsia to visit the city in Yenwu's stead.

That's...

I will persuade Yenwu. You needn't worry.

Absolutely, you are the boss, after all. But that's not what concerns me...

I'll get to the point. It's far too soon for Yühsia to take on so much responsibility.

Dad, what did Lady Fumizuki say?

She wants you to go to Dossoles in Wei Yenwu's stead.

I'll go.

Yühsia.

I am going.

Mr. Lin?

Fine, if my daughter wants to go on a trip, is it her father's place to say no?

She can go.

Very well. Yühsia, make sure to pack for a long trip.

I will.

Yühsia.

I'll bring you some souvenirs, Dad.

*Sigh*... Nei go sei seoi neoi ah...

Alright, then. It's settled. Get yourself ready for the trip. You will be away for some time. Have your mother help you pack.

Alright.

If this is what Lady Fumizuki wants, I am sure there is more to it than we know. A holiday... Does this have something to do with Ch'en?

Whatever... No use thinking about it so much. It's not like she'd want to pull any strings to take advantage of Yühsia, what with how fond of the youngsters she is.

That aside... *Sigh*.

Looks like there's no keeping her home when she's all grown up.

Fumizuki, did you arrange for Lin Yühsia's trip to Dossoles?

I did.

What's the problem? They invited us not because they had any actual business to discuss with you. It's just a vacation trip.

You wanted to send Hui-chieh, didn't you?

That's right. I was never trying to hide it from you, however.

If Lin Yühsia is my representative there, Hui-chieh will get to take it easy and have as much fun as she wants, but...

Ch'en is at Rhodes Island right now. Although I trust them, I have no way of knowing how she is doing there.

Besides, I know our little Ch'en is in no position to represent you right now. Yühsia, on the other hand, always does a good job with everything. She is the perfect substitute.

The Rat King's daughter won't necessarily become the Rat King herself.

If that's what she wants, then give her a chance, and if she manages to seize the opportunity, it just shows how capable she is.

Or will the venerable Chief Wei send all of Lungmen's forces after me, a frail lady, for overstepping my boundaries?

You know I always listen to you when I make these decisions. It's just...

You've met Candela. Hui-chieh and Yühsia are still far too young to handle her.

For how often you call me a worrywart, it certainly seems like you are the biggest in the room.

If it wasn't for your personality, perhaps you could've found yourself on better terms with our little Ch'en.

We are not discussing this right now, Fumizuki.

*Sigh*, Dossoles is famous not only in Bolívar, but all across the world, and it is in no small part because of her. She is no ordinary woman.

We've been there before. It's a city you could never have imagined in a thousand years.

Given she built it singlehandedly, it's no wonder that you fear her, both as the Chief of Lungmen and from a personal standpoint.

You agree with me, then...

But you big shots are always so calculating, trying to get the upper hand over each other, and it's always the first thing that crosses your mind when meeting anyone.

If I have to say, I saw it the moment I laid my eyes on Candela. She's the kind of person who's capable of many things. Bad things. But she definitely won't do anything that puts Ch'en and Yühsia in harm's way.

You think she will be a bad example for the children, but I think there's no better place to send them.

If you are so worried, Yühsia most likely hasn't left for Dossoles yet, and I haven't sent the letter out to Ch'en either. There is still time.

Fine, we'll do as you say.

Hm, I spotted a few Rhodes Islanders just now, I think...? Don't tell me they came to Siesta too...

Guess I'll go find out in a minute.

Who is it?

Miss Ch'en, sorry to interrupt your vacation.

Shirayuki? What are you doing here?

I have a letter for you from the Princess. It's of the utmost importance.

Did something happen in Lungmen?!

Not at all. Please, read the letter.

Where is it...?

Here.

There's an invitation inside...? I'll start with the letter.

Dear Ch'en, It's been a long while. Are you doing well at Rhodes Island? Have you been eating right and getting enough rest?

She's always such a worrywart.

Here's the thing. I am sure you have already found attached with the letter an invitation. It was sent to us by the mayor of a Bolívarian city. Alas, we don't have the time to make this visit ourselves, so after I discussed this with Yenwu, we would like you to visit the city in our place.

The city is named Dossoles; you might have heard of it. There is a large artificial lake there and many entertainment facilities. It's a great place for a holiday. I am sure the fatigue must be adding up with how Rhodes Island is sending you everywhere. You should take this chance to get some rest. I will talk to Rhodes Island, so you needn't worry. From, Wei Fumizuki

But... I'm on a holiday right now.

It would seem the princess isn't aware of this.

Right. Still, Dossoles, huh...? Shirayuki, do you know how far away that is?

The city is in northwestern Bolívar. If you leave now, it will take roughly fifteen days.

There's no date on the invitation. Looks like any time will do for them...

Will you accept, Miss Ch'en?

How could I say no to her kindness? All I have to do is take my holiday elsewhere.

I, Shirayuki, will pass on your thanks to Lady Fumizuki, Miss Ch'en.

I've told you this more times than I can count, Shirayuki. We're both operators. Stop it with the 'Miss.'

And my answer will remain the same, Miss. You will always be Miss Ch'en to me.

Eh, whatever.

Are you coming?

No, I'm afraid I have other matters I must attend to. My apologies.

Alright, looks like it's a solo trip for me again.

On another note, it seems that the Doctor and a few other operators have come to this city after completing their mission. If you would like, perhaps you should meet with them before you depart.

Hm? So I guess my eyes didn't deceive me.

Well, I'll pass. I'll see them when I'm back at Rhodes Island.

Indeed. Now...

Not so fast, Shirayuki. You have the time to at least stay the evening, don't you? Have dinner with me tonight. We'll head out together tomorrow morning.

As you wish, Miss.

Finally. So this is Dossoles...

It's just like they say. Stepping into the city is enough to make you forget you're in Bolívar.

In any case, I should first...

Excuse me, but are you Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh?

That's me, and you would be...?

The mayor instructed me to await your arrival here.

I'm only here for a holiday. Let's not go through all that trouble.

No, the mayor specifically instructed us to contact her as soon as you arrive. Please give me just a moment.

This is Control Point No. 2. We have successfully intercepted Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh.

Yes... Okay, understood.

Please come with us. The mayor would like to meet with you.