act14side

level_act14side_06_end

My dearest sister, you're jealous of everything I have. My authority, my standing, and my wealth.

Yet you don't know that I'm jealous of you for everything you have as well. Your romantic life, your freedom, and your future.

I often wish that we had the opportunity to trade places even though I know we can't.

To hand the Browntail clan over to you would mean our family's destruction.

Likewise, if I could live your life, it would probably be a life of failure.

I should've expected no less, Enciodes. Coming to this meeting with just a single bodyguard.

I'm not here to fight, and my guess is you aren't here for that either.

Hmph, I'd love to, though.

Too bad, the Browntails don't have an enormous army like the Paleroches.

Are you coming inside, Degenbrecher?

Would you like me to?

You can if you want.

Degenbrecher, wait outside.

Are you sure about that? I don't mind at all.

A show of good faith.

Enciodes, you hide your true thoughts well.

Good faith? You're just thinking that there's nothing I can do to you.

Or you could say I'm waiting for you to do something meaningful.

You won't be disappointed, then. Come in.

If I remember correctly, this patch of land used to belong to the Edelweiss family.

Right. Nice house, isn't it?

It's in a good location, with a wonderful view. It's a splendid home, indeed.

Generation after generation, the Edelweiss family has been in charge of Kjerag's texts and scriptures, and they've always enjoyed a decent relationship with the three clans. It was my grandfather who ordered this house built as a villa.

I'd heard Luca had an interest in architecture, and judging from the building's design, I dare say that even Victoria's celebrity architects would have plenty of praise for it.

Hahaha, I doubt he'd be so happy to hear your approval.

If you like it so much, though, I could show you its original blueprints.

I will think about it.

Ratatos, now that we're sitting here to share a conversation, do you know what I'm reminded of?

What?

That time seven years ago.

Seven years ago... Oh.

You'd just come back from Victoria. You brought lots of things with you to develop your territory.

Then, you wanted to restore the Silverashes' seat on the Tri-Clan Council and to throw the country's gates wide open, so you came to me.

You told me that once we opened those gates, we'd have business, and the people of Kjerag would get to eat better, dress better.

After that, you and I persuaded Arctosz and the Great Elder together, and so Kjerag's gates were flung wide open, allowing us to do business with the outside.

Those were wonderful times.

Ratatos takes a sip of her cystymilk, her words carrying a hint of nostalgia.

Those were indeed wonderful times. The Silverashes and the Browntails worked together, side-by-side, while Karlan Trade, representing Kjerag, traded with the outside world.

Capital, technology, and skilled workers flowed into Kjerag, and everything seemed to be going in the right direction.

Yet you chose to put an end to these wonderful times yourself.

Ratatos, I used to believe that you were an excellent partner.

You were a disappointment yourself, Enciodes.

Those wonderful times were yours, not mine. Nor was it Arctosz, and much less Kjerag's.

In the end, only Karlan Trade lived the good life. No one else did. How is that in any way wonderful?

Still, it's too late for me to say all this. The match's been decided, and I lost.

The loser has no right to talk so loftily.

No loser would call herself a loser, Ratatos.

Tell me, what do you know about my parents' deaths?

Enciodes, do you think your parents were murdered by my grandfather and Arctosz?

The investigation at the time concluded that my parents were killed in a train accident caused by Gnosis's parents.

I never believed it, though. At the time, just like the Tri-Clan Council of today, both Luca and Arctosz's father opposed my parents' industrialization plans.

I find it very hard to believe that these were not connected in any way.

In that case, let me tell you the truth.

The truth is that your parents did indeed die in a train accident. The only difference is that my grandfather framed the Edelweisses.

Hold on. I'm not done yet.

My grandfather had actually been planning to have your parents killed.

This house was prepared so that your parents could be burned alive inside during their visit.

Alas, they died on their way here.

And so this place, meant to be their tomb, was spared.

Right, Arctosz's father acquiesced to my grandfather's plan too.

And, as you know, a few years after your parents' passing, Arctosz's old man passed his clan's title over to him and went off somewhere.

Nobody knows if he's still alive.

I assume you didn't invite me here just to boast, Ratatos.

I never imagined this woud happen, you see. I didn't want anything to do with my grandfather's dealings.

Yet, in the end, the house where he was going to murder your parents is now where you and I will die together.

That is indeed ironic.

Two bargaining chips for your life. I'd say it's a fair deal.

Ratatos pulls the handle by her right hand.

A chorus of mechanical sounds can be heard from beyond the ceiling and walls.

Almost like sharp laughter.

Wait... Isn't that the trap house Grandpa left behind? Why is it on fire?!

Isn't she in there with Enciodes...?

Don't tell me—She wants to die with Enciodes?!

Ratatos! Hey, what are you doing? Come out, Ratatos!

Stinking bitch... Dammit... Why won't this door open no matter how many times I hack at it?!

Ratatos! Rata... Ratatos—Sis!!

Dammit...!

Taking herself out with him, huh...? I see. That's an unexpected one.

Hm? You're... Ratatos's sister?

Who are you?!

You... You're the one who's always following Enciodes around...

You'll stand in my way?

Wait! Who gave you permission to move? Stop, all of you!

Hm?

What is it? Here for a little chat?

Why would I want a chat with you?!

Let's cut the crap. Do you have any way through this door?!

*cough*... *cough*...

It's so loud outside...

After all these years, his trap still worked perfectly.

I thought your next move would be to escape while I was distracted.

If I was could run, wouldn't that mean that you could get away too?

There's no way out in this room. Once it's activated, everyone inside is as good as dead.

It won't be easy for anyone outside to break in and help, either.

Please, I beg you, Enciodes. Die with me here. You'll have me go out with you.

It's my time to wonder, Ratatos.

What is it that drove you to go this far just to stop me?

Everyone always says that, just like Old Luca, Ratatos looks cares for nothing but profit. Sure, I am his granddaughter, how could I not?

I started working with you because I had my eyes on the riches that trade with the outside world could get us. In the end, you and Karlan Trade gobbled up all the profits.