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Who would believe words like these from someone trampling on the faith of Kjeragandr?!

Trampling?

I know that's how you see it. Many harbor prejudice towards the change Karlan Trade has brought.

But labor is the very foundation on which Kjerag was stood.

Forget not that should they still have work at noon, the Browntails' people pass on kneeling in prayer to Karlan.

And if things are busy, they certainly do not take the monthly visit to Karlan to hear the teachings.

Ha. Enciodes, pulling some hamfisted strawman like this isn't one bit persuasive.

What next? Are you going to say that everything you've done to Karlan is by Kjeragandr's counsel?

'Kjeragandr,' Page 1, Line 1.

'Her tears are the ice eternally unmelting, Her back the unbreaking mountain, Her breath the cold wind of winter, Her smile the warm light of spring.'

'When She awakes, shall the mountains summon Her, and the sky cast down lustrous spectra.'

No one has ever said that the Holy Mount can truly stand for Her.

Mt. Karlan's uniqueness is owed to the Vine-Bead Court being situated on it.

If you denounce me for harm of the Vine-Bead Court's interests, I will readily concede that. Besides, I have brought my full good faith.

And in addition, 'those who toil will hold power, and those who idle will suffer.'

I have never gone against Her teachings.

Utter, utter tripe!

The Vine-Bead Court is Kjeragandr's representative upon this land, and the Saintess of the Vine-Bead Court Her Terran speaker! How do you think you can change this with a mere few utterances?!

Great Elder, will the Vine-Bead Court suffer these wild lies?!

Naturally, I have to protest what Mr. Enciodes says.

However, day in and day out, the scholars wage countless disputes over interpretations of Her words. The Vine-Bead Court is not a place of outlawed dissent, by any means.

Who is right, and who is wrong? Far be it from you or me to have the final say, Arctosz.

Page 3, Line 5.

'In the beginning, Kjerag had but one untamed settlement, so until She lifted Her head from amidst the mountains.'

This time, following Enciodes's start, some nobles present notably begin to recite alongside him.

'She became as human, and lived in survival with the untamed. Yet they feared Her might, and honored Her as Divine.'

'More came to gather at Her side, and so was Kjerag born, and She, its first ruler.'

'Under Her guidance, did Kjerag flourish and thrive in bountifulness.'

Arctosz, tell me. What does Page 321, Line 1 say?

'...After She held the kingdom for three centuries, there came one sudden day when She passed the ruler's title to Her helper, and vanished amidst the blizzard.'

'Henceforth, Kjerag was given unto the people's hands.'

Everyone, we are all of Kjerag, and all Her people.

It is exactly as I said before—

If there is someone able to determine how we should proceed, then it is not I, nor you, nor Ratatos.

This someone must be Her speaker, the Saintess.

That we do not trust each other won't matter.

The Saintess will determine for us, and show us towards the future.

Or do you mean to admit, somehow, that you don't trust the Saintess to make the fairest ruling, that you don't trust Her speaker upon the land?

In an instant, the attention of every noble there focuses onto Arctosz.

You...! Enciodes, how dare you!

Enciodes, if you're hoping this level of provocation will rouse any reaction in us, then that's far too disappointing of you.

The Saintess was born a Silverash, that we all know.

But her character is equivalently common knowledge.

She is still Kjerag's Saintess. From the moment she received the glory and duty of Kjeragandr, the people of Kjerag have been witness to her every word and action.

Her conduct has been impartial, ever since she took up the title. As things stand, how can we be skeptical of her simply for her common birth?

It's like you just said. Kjeragandr was broad of heart, and resolved to give Kjerag's future to Her people.

But you. You, Enciodes, choosing only now after all this time to bring up Kjeragandr, expounding on Her virtue and benevolence. Is that not out of some ulterior motive, really?

You are the one disrespecting the Saintess, Enciodes, coming in with sophistry to coerce and take advantage of her people!

That's a grave accusation, Ratatos, far graver than your criticisms of Karlan Trade.

It seems our continuing this discussion further will only add to the maelstrom of conjecture. Given so, we may as well ask the Saintess to come here, and we'll set things straight in front of her.

Hmph, no objections. With all three clans gathered here, I expect there won't be any room for your tricks.

Well, then. In the interest of fairness, may we trouble the Great Elder in our humble request of the Saintess?

So be it. I'll go and ask her. Exercise patience, please.

I think it might be snowing outside.

What's so strange about that? The snow never stops falling on this mountain.

Something's different.

...So, Enciodes proposes the three families hand their power to me, for me to decide Kjerag's future?

Indeed.

What do you think of it, Enya?

I...

Well met, Great Elder.

Enya. Here you are.

I imagine you've probably heard about the assembly's affairs.

If you mean the transferral of power, yes, I already know.

There's been progress, then, if you've come for me now?

Keen ever since you were little, young one.

It's reached the point where the clans' views clash like fire and water.

Before this Council convened, Silverash gave me a hint or two... that under the current situation, the plan he'd suggest may well deescalate.

It seems you don't approve of my actions last Council after all, Great Elder.

Enya, oh, Enya.

Come... child, look outside. Could you know the years it took, for the frost and snow to finally cover these mountains?

And could you know, how many years had to pass, for us to have this pure and holy summit where we stand?

...I understand.

But—'Her tears are the ice eternally unmelting, Her back the unbreaking mountain, Her breath the cold wind of winter, Her smile the warm light of spring.'

If everything was Kjeragandr's gift, then why must Kjeragandr's people still fear the blizzard?

...In that respect, you and him do seem alike... yet different, too...

Um, pardon me...?

Nothing, just an old man thinking aloud.

What you say is correct, Saintess.

You've spent all your time atop this summit, and the mountains have bowed to Kjeragandr's speaker in turn. To think so is quite right.

However, in snow this great, built up over so many years, how many of Kjeragandr's people would be buried, should it ever collapse?

To me, Kjerag's peace of mind has always come first and foremost.

I trust, Saintess, that you are the same.

Hum... it's about time.

The three are still in the hall awaiting you. You cannot appear too soon, but I wouldn't advise you be too late either. Now is the perfect time.

May you both come this way, please.

Alright.

Kjerag's peace of mind...

Letting this snow carry on building underfoot, without a place for us to clear a way... will that be peace for Kjerag?

Kjeragandr, I pray, watch over your people...

'The Saintess arrives.'

In the wake of the blizzard sweeping the mountain, the clear, sharp bell strokes come as if from the heavens to the ears of Kjeragandr's people.

Where she passes, no noble fails to stand, offering the most formal etiquette, chanting the most devout prayer.

'Frost and snow have fallen by your will, to bring to Kjerag blessings.'

Saintess, it's been long.

With your litany of occupations, you've neglected worship, Sir Enciodes. It truly has been long.

You requested an investigation of the valleys and mines prior, Saintess. I could not, of course, neglect that.

Once all this is settled and done with, I will personally lead a procession in worship to Karlan.

Your faith in Kjeragandr is apparent throughout. Why be so elaborate in proving it?

That's a fine jest, Great Saintess.