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...I didn't like Kazimierz. Too chaotic, and the people are too loud.

I thought I wouldn't like Kjerag either.

But Kjerag isn't too bad.

That's a fair reason. Having a nice place to retire is important.

As if reaching a tacit agreement, the two sides take a few steps back.

They both realize that their previous moves achieved nothing toward the goal of eliminating the opponent.

They would have to tap into more of their power.

Degenbrecher casts her sword aside, and pulls the swordbreakers from her waist.

Sharp likewise discards his shield and holds his knife with both hands.

An evergreen tree branch buckles under the weight of the snow with a crackling sound.

In the same instant, Sharp and Degenbrecher both vanish from where they were just a second ago.

Honestly, what am I going to do with you?

You actually managed to sneak past everyone and climb all the way up from the foot of the mountain.

Heheh, it was the only way for me to see you.

You were just saying a certain 'the Doctor' sent you up here?

To what end?

The Doctor told me I should stay by your side, protect you when you need it, or help you escape.

When I need it?

Yeah, like if our brother tries to do something bad to you.

I...

Okay, this is what I think.

He has his ideas, and I can't stop him.

But if those ideas end up putting you in danger...

I'll put my life on the line to stop him.

Enya suddenly understands why the Doctor sent her sister to her side.

For protection. For a way out. These are the two reasons told to Ensia.

But the Doctor also knows about her ideals, as well as the fact that being able to see her sister would be inherently meaningful.

Have Ensia protect her?

Have Ensia help her escape?

No, quite the opposite.

She is the one who should protect Ensia.

She is the one who should help Ensia escape.

She is the one –– who should be fighting.

Ensia, I see you're still wearing the bracelet I made for you.

Of course. And I'll keep wearing it.

I'll find the time to make a new one for you.

Really?!

Mmhmm.

So, Ensia...

Yeah?

Do you want to do a little favor for me?

A favor?

Come with me.

(It's awfully quiet outside, but there should still be two guards.)

(The window... If I don't want them to see me from this angle, I have to lead the guards away first.)

(The patrol route... They pass through this area five times a day, and should be coming around soon.)

(No, I can't force open the lock... But if I can pick it...)

(...Then there might still be a chance.)

Sir Enciodes... This time I swear...

(––They're coming!)

The conflict... three clans seems inevitable, but...

...Browntail clan's... burning... Sciurus...

(Sciurus...?!)

(Why did they mention Rus? Did something happen to her?!)

(Dammit, I'm still too far away... I can't hear clearly.)

(No, she can handle herself. I have to find a way out of here first, then find Sciurus and the Matriarch...)

Halt, who are you people?!

Stop them right now–– Guh...

(There's a commotion coming from the entrance... What happened?)

Yucatan, are you alright?!

Rus?! What are you doing here?

Huh? Are you dumb? I'm here for you, obviously!

Everyone else is so worthless, I had to rescue you myself!

But, it's too dangerous!

Rus, how many did you bring with you? Y-You didn't have to come yourself, you know. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you!

Yucatan.

Say one more word and I'm going to beat the crap out of you.

Umm...

Shut up! Think about what you'd do for me. I'll do just the same for you!

And you'd better not forget it!

Also, you're not allowed to abandon me ever again.

Rus...

You know I'd never do that.

Hmph! Of course I know!

Alright, the fact that you're okay is a huge load off my shoulders... Now, I have something else to take care of. I promised Ratatos I'd finish another job after I save you.

A job?

Madame Sciurus, Weiss of the Silverash clan is moving to intercept us!

Right on schedule. I'll tell you the details later, but our job is to cause some trouble for those Silverash bastards.

And... there's someone else I want to talk to. But that comes later!

Things aren't looking too good, and Weiss won't go down easy... But we're in this together. Right, Yucatan?

Of course. I'll be there for you as long as you need me.

Close in on them!

Don't let Arctosz up the mountain path!

Sir, we're about to be completely encircled!

Hmph... I suppose this is as far as we could get just charging through.

Please lay down your arms, Arctosz.

Child of Yek, I don't know what Enciodes offered you to make you so infatuated with him.

The Yek family is prominent in Paleroche lands.

Yet you still chose to help Enciodes usurp Kjerag!

Lay down my arms?

Never.

Arrest Arctosz... But try to take him alive.

Come at me, Silverash scum! Who's brave enough to face me?!

...Aurora?!

Does that mean––

Looks like I caught up to you.;Hey.;(Tug on the brim of your hood)

Doctor––?!

Don't tell me, Degenbrecher...

Ah, Doctor, it's about damned time!

The snow delayed things a bit.;Avoiding Silverash eyes and ears took time.