act14side

Now that this is settled, the three clans must start liaising frequently with one another.

We must further discuss the specific of the transfer of powers to the Saintess and what powers each family is allowed to keep.

However, aside from this, the preparations the three of us must make for the ritual are equally important.

Therefore, with the upcoming ceremony, I propose we seize the occasion and transfer our powers to the Saintess at the same time.

The ceremony and the transfer of powers are managed by different individuals. As such, both can be conducted at the same time. What's more, the ceremony also calls for the participation of the clan leaders. What do you think of the idea, if I may so ask?

The decision has been made. It will happen in due course.

*Sigh*...

This year's ceremony will also be a ceremony for the transfer of powers to the Saintess, huh? Guess we have something to look forward to.

In that case, I will have my men draft the relevant documents and distribute them across Kjerag.

I am sure the masses will be rejoiced to learn of this.

Wait.

Is something the matter?

You can't hoodwink your way out of this, Enciodes. Who will manage the valleys and the mines the next few days? Gnosis was in charge, but you had him fired. Who will take care of all that?

You needn't worry, Arctosz.

I hired an expert from outside Kjerag.

This expert will conduct a field investigation on the valley and the mine from a disease prevention perspective and construct a medical facility within Silverash territory.

I will put this person in complete control of the two areas.

Look at the time. The train should be arriving in Karlan right about now. If you two would like to meet the expert, you need only wait a short moment longer.

Enough of this nonsense! I have no idea who you hired and what you are planning with this medical charade. However...!

This so called 'expert' of yours will stay within my sight at all times!

This is my guest you're talking about, Arctosz.

That's exactly why, Enciodes.

You said the overmining was Gnosis's doing, and I couldn't care less whether that's the case or not.

The way I see it, anyone you hire might as well be another Gnosis. We may be rid of one, but there will always be more.

You want to leave your men in charge of the place? Fine, but you will have to show me what this expert is capable of.

If your expert does well, then not only will they be your guest, Enciodes, I vow to welcome them with my warmest hospitality as my own guest.

What's the matter? You were talking so big. Do you really need so much time to think?

If everything is as you said, what is there to hesitate about? Or do you mean to tell us this person you hired is indeed another Gnosis, here to do your dirty work again?

The Paleroches have always been in charge of the Vine-Bead Court's security. Now that I've agreed to turn these lands over to the Court, I cannot be more reassured with the Paleroches looking after them.

That said...

A word of advice, Arctosz. You'd best be careful. Entertaining this guest of ours will be no walk in the park.

Hah, not a problem. There are no guests we Paleroches cannot 'entertain.'

—Let's find out whether this guest is as stiff-necked as you.

Sciurus, I need you to look into this guest.

Having me run your errands again?

I'm not in the mood for your sharp tongue.

Grr.

Monch, Monch!

Monch here.

Get me a car!

Of course.

Yucatan, go!

Please watch your step, Madame.

Valais... What's your view on all this?

I'm afraid I'm not capable enough to see Enciodes's intent.

I don't blame you, but I certainly didn't expect that crafty woman Ratatos to agree to it. I don't get it.

It's Matriarch Ratatos. I'm sure she has her ideas.

Hmph, all I know is that Silverash brat has to be planning something.

And he may sound like he has a point, but I will never believe anything he says so easily!

Tell Gulo to 'invite' Enciodes's guest over. We'll figure out what to do later.

Yessir.

Man, I didn't expect it to start snowing the moment we got off the train.

Doctor, let's wait till it stops before we head up the mountain.

Okay.;That's some heavy snow.;Snowball fight! Who's in?

This actually isn't so bad. We get snowstorms like this in Kjerag all the time.

Hm?

Actually, that sounds like fun...

But we still have a long way to go. We should save our strength.

Eh... It's kind of a pain to get to Karlan right now.

I hope the train will take us all the way to the foot of the mountain one day.

We may call this the Karlan Railway, but there's actually a stretch of distance from the station to the foot of the mountain where we aren't allowed to build anything.

They still aren't allowed to build anything there?;Sounds like it's going to be difficult, then.

There is a lot of resistance to the idea... I'm not too sure about this stuff, but I don't think it's going to be easy.

A lot of the people here insist on walking every single step up Mount Karlan, thinking to do otherwise would be unfaithful, but I don't think Kjeragandr would mind.

We Kjerag folk always keep faith in our hearts. How would taking a train straight to the mountain change any of that?

Sir Enciodes has always wanted to have the railway go straight to Karlan.

Alas, the lands up ahead belong to the Paleroches.

Sir Arctosz would never let him build any tracks there.

Half a year ago, there was even a bit of a tussle between General Gulo of the Paleroches and Gnosis.

With Gnosis?

Oh, right, I haven't heard anything about him for a while. Is he doing okay?

He... He was fired because of that scuffle.

One of the reasons Sir Enciodes invited the Doctor here is because he wanted the Doctor to fill his role.

Huh? How come no one told me that?

Doctor, did anyone...

What's the matter...? Who are you people?!

Lady Ensia...! Get behind me!

On Sir Arctosz's orders, I'm here to extend the Silverashes' guest, {@nickname}, an invitation to the Arctosz estate.

You're bringing all these soldiers along to invite OUR guest to your place? What kind of sick joke is this?!

This place belongs to my family, the Silverashes! General Gulo, you may work for the Paleroches, but I suggest you don't do anything out of line.

I see you're here as well, Lady Ensia. You'll have to pardon me for my intrusion.

I'll cut to the chase. Dr. {@nickname} is the Silverashes' guest, and you aren't bringing anyone along on your way home. Not on my watch.

Relax, Lady Ensia. Sir Arctosz only wanted to invite the esteemed guest to pay our humble abode a visit.

As if my brother would agree to something that unreasonable!

Not to worry, Lady Ensia. Your brother... Sir Enciodes has already given us his approval.

No way!

It's true.

Also, Lady Ensia, mentioned the ownership of the land here...

—This isn't Silverash territory anymore.

From now on, the land belongs to the Vine-Bead Court.

Come again?!

Weiss, what's the meaning of this? First, it's the reason the Doctor was invited here. Then, it's the ownership of the lands. What else are you keeping from me?!

Sorry, Lady Ensia...

Weiss, come on... what's happening?

Which one of you is {@nickname}?

It's me.;It's him.;Definitely ain't me.

The one in the hood... Right, it's you.

It's me.

Hm? I'm pretty sure I'm looking for someone in a hood...

No way, it's gotta be you!