act14side

You never used to sneer at people, much less belittle them as worthless.

I could tell you the same.

You would never use your status as a weapon, and you never thought much of social pleasantries.

It was something I had to learn to deal with the nobles.

And I couldn't care less how others see me if it means I can better focus on my research.

What kind of research are you working on?

Life science as well as Originium analysis.

Sounds complicated.

What about you? Surely you must already have a certain standing among the nobles here.

Do you remember what we said to each other when you left Kjerag?

I'm very glad that I left Kjerag, Gnosis.

It wasn't until I came to the outside world that I realized we no longer live in times where isolation is enough to keep ourselves out of the affairs around us.

In the past hundred years, there have been countless exchanges and conflicts between nations. Columbia rose quickly in a conflict, while Gaul, a powerful country, was also wiped out in a conflict.

All the world's nations are slowly changing in these times separated by Catastrophes. Refusing relations with others is no longer an option.

If Kjerag remains as it is, keeping its borders closed under the assumption that will earn us a life of peace and tranquility.

Then only destruction awaits us.

We've reached the end of this peace and tranquility. We can't wait for anyone to throw open these gates for us. Kjerag must make contact with the outside world. We must take that step forward while we still have control.

Come help me, Gnosis.

Hmph...

*Sigh*, this sucks balls.

Stop complaining. You're starting to make me feel that way too.

I really don't get it. Why is Sir Enciodes only locking up Gnosis?

If I were him, I'd separate the traitor's head from his neck straight away.

What do you know? How is beheading him going to calm Sir Enciodes's anger?

He treated Gnosis so well, only to be betrayed.

If I were him, I'd torture this guy some.

You have a point, but aren't we about to go to war with the other two clans? I want to be on the front lines.

Look at you, all bloodthirsty.

Master.

How is Gnosis doing?

He's fasted for a full day, sir.

He hasn't said a word since we put him in there. Didn't even respond when we shouted at him.

Let me talk to him.

Of course.

Hey, what do you think Sir Enciodes is going to talk about?

How would I know?

Didn't Gnosis used to be a trusted confidant? I'm betting Sir Enciodes is going to poison him. Give him a honorable death.

You've been reading too many novels.

That said...

It seems Ratatos is seeking the Great Elder's help.

Both you and I knew this would happen sooner or later.

They can't possibly believe everything you have done is in the name of Kjerag.

Most of the company's employees know that it is Karlan Trade they're working for, not Kjerag.

A war is not something you start when you have a choice. I hope you can understand my hand was forced.

Perhaps you're worrying too much.

Bring down the other two families and rebuild. It's much easier than the 'honorable' solution you're pursuing.

Kjerag would never truly accept me if I seized power by force.

In that case, let me do it.

I have far less worries than you do.

Let you do... what?

You can drop the act, Enciodes.

This idea has crossed your mind. We both know that.

Let me, the son of a sinner, the villain of Karlan Trade, be a traitor again. There is no one more suitable for the job.

I'm not your pawn, Enciodes, and I most definitely am not your underling.

I'm your partner-in-crime.

Even if you don't agree to it, I'll still do this.

Actually, it'll be for the better if you don't. Our charade will be that much more realistic.

Kjerag has no room for me. Truth be told, I couldn't care less whether it had any room for me.

It'll just be another item on my list of charges. I don't care.

What's on your mind?

I'm thinking that you actually haven't changed much over the last twenty years.

And why is that?

You're a conceited perfectionist.

You always want the perfect result, and you always think that you can get it.

The perfect result would be if Arctosz and Ratatos had not been in our way.

The Great Elder would also have accepted the change that Kjerag is about to go through, and everything would naturally have unfolded the way we wanted.

That isn't the perfect result. You know that. At most, it's the perfect dream.

They can't see what you and I can see. In that case, you should never have expected them to share the same ideas as us.

But you and I think drastically differently as well.

I told you, Enciodes. I'm not your pawn, and I'm not your underling.

I have my own judgment, and our judgments share many overlapping points.

Or would you like to finish me, the traitor, and make this farce real?

Under the dim light, Enciodes reaches his hand out to Gnosis.

I'm just glad that you are my dearest friend.

Gnosis keeps silent for a moment. Then, he reaches out to shake Enciodes's hand.

I told you. It'll just be another item on my list of charges. I'm more than used to that.

Nothing has changed from all those years ago.

Arctosz is amassing his forces.

What about Ratatos?

Take a look at this.

Dear Enciodes, The Browntails and Silverashes have long enjoyed an amiable relationship. Although we have had our differences in recent years, they are merely the natural result of our differing views on Kjerag's future.

With Kjerag's future having never looked so bright, it is now clear to me that the Silverashes have come to represent the aspirations of the masses. With the transfer of powers in place, to prevent any unnecessary disputes and to uphold Kjerag's peace— I, Ratatos, would like to pledge the Browntails' allegiance to the Silverashes.

I would like to meet with you on this matter, if you would be so kind as to set aside our differences. In addition, I would also like to talk to you about the truth behind your parents' passing. Yours, Ratatos

An obvious trap...

It's worth going, nonetheless.

The situation is not so optimistic that you can take meaningless risks.

We've won, Gnosis.

We've achieved our original goal. Now, the Paleroches and the Browntails are traitors to Kjerag.

My spies inside the Browntail family will help us with the public opinion. As for the Paleroches, they may be stubborn, but they are all upstanding people.

Once they wrap their minds around the gravity of Arctosz's crime, much of the Paleroches' doors will open to us.

We have ample time to sort out what comes next.

Arctosz and Ratatos will not give up so easily.

That is exactly why I will meet her.

If Ratatos had come with me to Victoria to study all those years ago, she would not be so much weaker than I am.

And now she has put her chips on the table, just like that. It would be untactful of me to not call this bet.

You will one day die of your arrogance, Enciodes.

Then so be it, but that won't happen today or during this outing.

As for Arctosz, he's not entirely without surprises, and that is why I am having you step up now.

What can a hot-headed moron like him accomplish?

Arctosz himself can't, though Dr. {@nickname} certainly surprised me.