act12side

The championship that's going on right now?

That's right.

Dossoles's greatest feature, and indeed what it is known for all across the world, is the 'ocean' that surrounds us, and this ship sailing its waters.

It's a piece of renovated Iberian technology. It took much blood, sweat and tears to complete. It's one of my finest masterpieces.

Including the statue on the ship's bow?

Hahaha, that's just my own little addition.

As for the water of this 'sea,' it's all sourced from the actual, vast ocean to the north.

The water gets dirty and starts to stink after a while, so we replace the ocean water at least twice a year.

And this season is when most of us here head to the beach. That's why we have the water replaced around this time.

Changing the water is in itself a mundane process. Not only that, but we even have to take away a day of fun from our esteemed guests.

Nonetheless, I don't want to have our guests play in any filthy seawater either. It would be an insult to Dossoles's fame.

And that's how the Dossoles Warrior Champion came to be.

This is a variety competition event that takes place all across the city, and it is entirely sponsored by me, at my expense.

I will have someone give you a more detailed explanation later if you would like to know more.

What you need to know is that the competition's victor will get to press the button that starts the water changing process. It's an honor that's unique to this city alone.

So you turned something that used to be trouble into a huge event...

Hahaha, that's exactly right.

To tell the truth, I'm very happy that the two of you made it before the competition began.

I heard you were vacationing in Siesta before you left for our city, Ch'en?

Yes.

What do you think of the music festival there?

I don't know much about music, but it was pretty lively.

Haha, I've met their mayor as well. You could say he, too, is trying his best for his city.

Sadly, he doesn't have what it takes to be the master of a city.

Besides, a music festival is nothing compared to my championship! Hahaha!

It looks like you two can handle yourself in a competition. If you're interested, perhaps you would consider joining the fray.

Oh, but if I'm not mistaken, the prelims will be over soon. If you are throwing your hat in the ring, don't wait much longer.

If the two of you win together as a team, not only will you brighten Chief Wei's day, you will also get a special present from me.

I'm not sure about teaming up, but we will give it some thought.

Now what was that extra activity you mentioned?

Oh, look at how forgetful I am. This fun activity has to do with the championship.

Sometime last week, my men busted an explosives and universal Originium circuits smuggling scheme.

I let a lot of things happen within my borders, but that isn't one of them. You should keep this in mind, too.

I don't think we'll need any.

Hahaha, of course. Just joking.

Normally, there would be nothing remotely fun about weapon smuggling, though, as you know, the championship is right around the corner.

So you don't have enough manpower? Looks like they picked an interesting time to try to smuggle weapons into the city...

They are probably trying to pull something funny at the competition. I suggest we start with any gray areas.

Very good. Looks like I made the right decision to prepare this little activity for you two. It's wonderful that you're already interested.

Anyway, if you feel you aren't having as much fun as you'd like at any point during your stay here, you could try your hand at the investigation. For fun.

Investigating this... for fun?

Right, and especially for you, Ch'en. I know you love solving a good case.

Are you not concerned that your city is under threat?

Concerned? Ch'en, my girl, you don't understand.

As long as I'm here, no one can threaten this city.

You are free to forget all about this mission and enjoy your vacation, or join in the competitions.

And even if it leads to any problems down the line, you won't be the ones to blame.

It's just like I said. This is a fun little activity that I prepared specifically for the two of you for your vacation.

Right, we understand.

Okay, and here's the other thing.

I would love to personally show you around Dossoles and tell you about each of the spectacles I personally erected here...

But since Chief Wei didn't come himself, then it also wouldn't be appropriate for me to accompany you two.

So, I assigned you a guide.

Ernesto, come in.

Lady Candela.

This is one of my sharpest diplomats, Ernesto.

Pleasure to meet you, señoritas.

He speaks Yanese too, but most people here speak Victorian and Leithanian. He can translate for you.

No need. I speak both.

Same here...

Oh, wonderful.

In that case, if you run into anything you need help with, such as the specifics of the championship, then he is the person to ask. Right, Ernesto?

Yes, of course.

Alright.

Thank you.

Of course, if you find yourself annoyed by an idiot like him, you are free to come to me with any questions directly, hahaha.

Okay, I still have other guests to meet, so please excuse me. I will leave the rest to the youth.

Thank you very much for your time, Lady Candela.

Pleased to make your acquaintance, lovely ladies. I am the International Trade Management Department's deputy director, Ernesto Salas.

Please just call me Ernesto.

I welcome you two to our city.

If there is anything you would like to know about the city or there is anywhere you would like to visit, please feel free to ask.

My mission from Lady Candela is to make sure that you feel at home.

Please, don't trouble yourself.

I'm good. Thank you.

Haha. Well, first things first, your phones have already been readjusted to connect to our intercity net. You are free to make calls or look up cute videos.

Here's how you can get in touch with me or Lady Candela directly.

And here are the credit cards that the mayor has prepared for you.

All your transactions within the city may be paid using this card, and there is no credit limit. All your expenses will be paid by the government.

You can go on the shopping spree of a lifetime if you'd like.

We don't need all this.

This is the way the city treats its guests. Please, just accept them.

Aside from that... It looks like you have some catching up to do, so I will intrude no longer.

We will be heading to your hotel next. I will wait for you downstairs. Come look for me as soon as you're ready.

Okay...

Long time no see, Ch'en Hui-chieh.

Long time no see, Lin Yühsia.

How long has it been since we last met?

Don't remember. Swire's birthday two years ago?

I wasn't there.

I see. Guess I'm mistaken.

The class reunion the year before, perhaps?

Oh, right.

You look like you're doing well. Lady Fumizuki will be glad.

Maybe.

How is Swire holding up?

You haven't heard from Hoshiguma?

She's more or less the representative there now, and she's pretty good at it. It shouldn't be much longer before she formally takes over your job.

That's good. She's actually pretty capable of the responsibilities that come with the job, if she works on her temperament a little.

That's going to be difficult. She wouldn't be Swire if she knew how to mellow out.