act14side

Didn't you agree to it without thinking twice?

That's because there wasn't a point to dragging it out.

No one had any grounds to object.

It doesn't matter whether he really wants me to be Kjerag's leader. There wasn't anyone who could reject the proposal then and there.

And if we had set the issue aside, more people would've found out.

You told me that the masses have gotten used to peace, just like they've gotten used to the endless snow on the mountains.

The people of Kjerag wish for peace first and foremost, and they gravitate toward those who can bring them peace.

Right, peace. Whether it's the peace that Enciodes brought them or the peace that the Vine-Bead Court brought.

That's why, even if I turned down the offer, the people would've asked me to accept.

So I might as well take the initiative myself before the Great Elder makes all the arrangements.

You think Enciodes foresaw that?

He made a proposal that no one could refuse. Under normal circumstances, he would've been the last person to suggest this.

I am sure both Arctosz and Ratatos thought the same thing.

I can see why Arctosz went along with it, but Ratatos... She was never the kind of person to give up easily.

What a headache. I really hope Kjeragandr will hear my prayers and teach the Great Elder and the three clan leaders a good lesson.

Perhaps She has already heard your prayers, and it just isn't time yet.

Do you want Her to take care of Enciodes too?

For him, as cruel as possible.

Pff.

Now let's put this necklace on you... and we're done!

Mmhmm.

Right, would you give this letter and scarf to Ensia? Also...

Ask her to come pay the mountain a visit, right?

You know me well.

Hehe.

Also, send the word out that I'll be analyzing scriptures today, and I don't want to be disturbed.

I... I need some time to think.

Of course.

After Kjarr leaves the room, Enya opens her drawer to see an exquisitely decorated base, holding an eye-catching, elegant rock.

O Kjeragandr, please guide me. What should I do?

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.

Kjerag cannot continue to lock itself away on these snowy mounts. Kjeragandr's protection—if Kjeragandr really exists in the first place—can bring the Snow Realm this far.

If we are to go any further, Kjerag must grow stronger than ever before.

The millennium of peace and quiet has reached its end, and we cannot wait for others to open the door for us.

Kjerag needs to make contact with the outside world. We must take that step forward while we still have control. That's the Silverash tradition.

Kjerag must remain Kjerag. We still have a chance, but time grows short for the snowy mountains.

I have seen our world... I have to make a difference. Everything I've witnessed needs to have meaning.

So you are Gnosis.

That's right.

Do you know who I am?

Sciurus Browntail, sister of the Browntail clan matriarch, Ratatos Browntail.

You know that, and you have the balls to forgo a salute?

Why must I salute someone whom I have nothing to do with?

You! Don't you know your manners?!

If we must talk manners, you should work on yours first, Sciurus Browntail.

I heard all your commotion outside the door. What's more, when nobles meet, they must each first curtsey to each other with a Karlan bow.

If you show up here without affording me any courtesy, why should I show you any?

J-Just how outdated is your idea of etiquette?!

Etiquette never dies. It's only slowly forgotten. As a noble, you should feel sorrow in that.

The Edelweisses have long been in charge of the management of Kjerag's texts and records. I admire your knowledge of Kjerag etiquette, Mr. Gnosis.

Still though, I'm afraid Madame Sciurus isn't here to discuss Kjerag etiquette. Could we please move on to the main topic?

Very well. I'm curious. Considering Ratatos refused my capitulation, why is she now reaching out to me?

Hmph, do you have to ask?! It's because your master proposed handing his powers over to the Saintess at the Tri-Clan Council!

I see. In that case...

Go home and tell Ratatos. Now that things have come to this, I am likely not the only one who will cooperate, given the right amount of sincerity.

Per Sir Arctosz's orders, please stay here while you are not attending to your duties.

If you need to head outside, we will serve as your bodyguards. Kjerag may be a safe place, but we cannot guarantee no one will take the chance to cause trouble.

You will be served the finest delicacies that Kjerag has to offer. You may also use anything here as you see fit. All your daily needs will be met during your stay with us.

If you require anything, please let the servants know. You may also have them relay anything to me.

Very well. I look forward to dinner.

(Keeping an eye on me whenever I head out, huh...?)

Oripathy consultation... and the Grand Ceremony... Are those the only reasons my brother is inviting you to the Snow Realm?

Oh, the Grand Ceremony takes place annually in Kjerag. It's the biggest event, and the most important thing to the Kjerag people.

On that day, everyone in Kjerag stops what they're doing and offers Kjeragandr, the goddess of our mountains, our most sincere prayers.

We pray for a happy, peaceful year under our mountain goddess's protection.

As for the Oripathy problem, Kjerag didn't have many Infected in the past, so most of us don't know much about Oripathy. In the Snow Realms, Oripathy is far from the greatest threat we face.

But ever since my brother got the mountains connected by railway, we've been getting more and more visitors, and life has also gotten much better. Thanks to that, everyone's starting to learn more about the Infected and Oripathy.

I guess Oripathy's stepping into the limelight since there are no other pressing issues.

Kjerag still doesn't have any professional means to test for Oripathy, let alone helping the Infected get settled and get treatment.

Given the situation, you might be the best consultant they can get.

Doctor, are you going to accept the invitation?

That's not something I can decide all by myself.;......;Do you want me to?

Right, you have a lot on your plate right now, but still...

I know it's not easy to make a decision when this invitation came out of nowhere, but still...

Huh?

Personally, I really want you to go.

My parents died in an accident when I was still a kid...

And after they died, my brother, Enciodes, took over their business to support the family.

He kept us afloat all by himself until I came of age. Then, to ensure our family's future, he left Kjerag to study in Victoria.

Our family was already on pretty shaky ground before he left Kjerag, and that was around when he started getting more and more headstrong...

But at least we all still got along well as siblings.

But things changed ever since he came back and started Karlan Trade.

Both my brother and sister treated me very well, but, for some reason, the two of them started talking less, and their relationship soured.

Five years ago, when the last Saintess passed away, my sister joined the trials and became the new Kjerag Saintess.

She's rarely left Mount Karlan since, and I haven't had a lot of chances to see her. We only write to each other now.

And ever since she became the Saintess, it feels like my brother's often at odds with her...

I may be very good at mountain climbing, but I wouldn't know where to start to mend relationships.

But you're really amazing, Doctor. You get along with everyone, and you've solved a lot of problems for people.

That's why I was thinking that... if we ever had the chance, maybe you could help me come up with ideas...

But...

But?

Doctor, I guess this might seem weird coming from me...

But I know my brother better than anyone else. He's amazing, but he's the kind of person who doesn't mind doing whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

I'm actually a little worried that you'll end up becoming a pawn in his game, if you go.

So that's why it's okay if you don't want to!

I'll bear with it for the now.

That's why I told you you should've gotten out while you still could.

Look at you now. You're caught.