act15side

They're most likely hiding in one of the Three Mounts.

How do you figure?

Our friend is unpredictable, but every once in a while they show up at the mountainside liquor shops to buy alcohol, with no regularity whatsoever.

But they've never come down to the valleys, nor have they ever appeared in the nomadic cities. In which case, they're most likely somewhere in the mountains.

Very well, then. The Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks it is. Sounds like a fun trip.

Legend has it that our friend is an appreciator of fine weather and scenery. And they enjoy lounging in pavilions and writing poetry all the more.

Legend, huh?

It is more than mere legend, actually...

So you're familiar with them?

Not exactly.

In the end, you may just have to try your luck, troublesome as it sounds.

Do we have a deadline?

I'd appreciate it if you'd take care of this as soon as possible. As you can tell, a few too many people are already mixed up in this affair. The longer it continues, the greater the chance it will get even more out of hand.

As for the cup... Seeing as someone has their eyes on it, we should keep it in the safety of my estate.

Amazing, Mr. Liang. First you had me bring it to you across thousands of li, then you want me to find its owner, and now you won't even let me hold it?

You're really putting me in quite a bind. Perhaps next time you'll arrange for me to help you from the comfort of Lungmen?

This is a sign of my trust in you.

It's true though that if someone has their eyes on it, then keeping it on my person is asking for trouble.

As for the Xingyu Inn...

We're investigating it. Be careful on your way. If you need help, I can arrange for someone to accompany you.

No need. A bodyguard tagging along would just make me stand out. It's trouble, and you know it.

Are you certain you'll be fine on your own, though...?

Sure, as long as you aren't hiding anything else from me.

I'm looking for someone, not investigating a scary smuggler ring in Lungmen. How much trouble can it be?

At least talk to Master Shen. As a veteran boatman, he can help you get anywhere in Shangshu.

Very well.

Incidentally...

Is there a Zuanjiang Peak among Shangshu's Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks?

Urgh! Just how stubborn are you, bitch?!

Well, you're the only lead I've got. Not letting you go.

You're all alone, with no lackeys. And are you sure you want to start a fight in a bustling part of town like this?

Hmph...

How much did that thief from Lungmen pay you to cover him like this?

I don't know how things got to this point, but Mr. Lee is one of our most important partners.

Partners? Business then. And you believe him, just like that? You sure he's not swindling you?

I trust Rhodes Island, so I trust him. Simple as that.

Oh...? Seems we won't be coming to an agreement, then.

Looks like.

But Innkeeper Zheng also said not to get you any more mixed up in this than you already are.

Oh... Judging by your reaction, Mr. Lee got it right, then? You're in this with the innkeeper?

You... Playing me for a fool, are you?! You're just some shady girl from who-knows-where! How dare you make a fool of me!

Fine, I'll make sure you pay for this!

So we're doing this for real, huh?

Alright, I've actually got a few things to ask you—Nothing to do with Mr. Lee, but still.

Regarding Miss Du...

She may be my daughter, but I'm ashamed to say she is still very immature.

No, she's your family. I am in no position to meddle in your household affairs.

How many inns and restaurants have you opened here in your town?

Hohoh... I've spent my entire my life savings on this business. Fortunately, my old pals take care of me these days. The connections I made over the years finally came in handy.

*Sigh*... While it takes connections to survive in this business, of course, in the end it's all down to how capable you are. Being a businessman is another thing entirely. It takes skills to start a business, but connections to build it up.

No doubt you are already well aware of that though.

Not at all. My father always tells me what youngsters like me lack isn't persistence or conviction. It's an understanding of everything that surrounds us.

Wise words. Indeed, being holed up in a castle in the clouds is no way to live.

Still, General Zuo is a good father, but it doesn't matter what your father thinks. What is truly important is... what you think.

Don't worry about that too much. When you are young, there is no shame in letting your frustration, curiosity, or anger get the better of you.

On the contrary, young man, you don't want to lose your edge too early.

Thank you for your advice.

*Sigh*... My advice wasn't just for you. It may sound simple, but it is no simple matter. I had to hear it for myself, all the same.

My daughter... What a headache she is.

––Hraaaagh!

Hm. Nice moves.

Spare me the act... It didn't even connect.

How come you're like a whole different person when you're fighting...? My mate Mr. Nothing is like that too. Are all you Yanese like that?

I don't want to hurt anyone, that's all.

You called us thieves, didn't you? Aren't you going a little too easy on a thief?

Save it.

That's not going to fly this time.

Heh... How about we stop beating around the bush, then?

Sure thing, I'm all for it. Gotta warn you, though. I'm not exactly speaking for Mr. Lee here.

Doesn't matter. Neither you nor that conman are the honest sort. The sooner we get this conversation over with, the better.

Who did you say you were again?

Codename Kroos, an Operator currently on deployment from Rhodes Island.

So Mr. Nothing is that guy's codename?

Something like that. He's not quite on the job just yet, though.

You work behind fake names, hiding knives beneath your smiles. What a sketchy lot.

Whoa... Never heard that one before...

Someone hired us to take the cup back from the Lungmenite.

Yanese is a tricky language, and I can't say I've had time to master it, but wouldn't you say using the phrase 'take back' here is a little too convenient?

I trust Mr. Lee. If you really had a grievance, or if this were all a misunderstanding, did it really have to come to blows?

This is the Yanese heartland, not Siracusa or Bolívar... violence won't get you anywhere.

I have my reasons to open with hostilities instead of courtesies... That said, do you seriously not know anything?

Oh, so now I'm the one who's getting played for a fool, huh?

If you really don't know, you'd best stay out of this and dig no further. I've already spoken with the Lungmenite. If you insist on sticking your nose into this, you'll ruin it for everyone.

Well, aren't a righteous one?

What we are doing is righteous. Naturally, our reasons are righteous too.

Now that I've told you this much, I might as make this clear, whether you believe me or not:

—I didn't rob the Liang estate.

But you know who did.

Perhaps.

You say you've already talked to Mr. Lee... so how about a truce? Can you give us an explanation we'd accept?

An explanation...?

You said the Lungmenite was hired by Magistrate Liang to deliver a goblet from Lungmen—

—So the one who hired the Escort Association could be someone even Liang Xun is afraid to offend.

What?

It's beyond complicated. Don't count on me to explain it to you.

Miss Du!

Benefactor! Are you alright?!

You punk! You here to get in our way too?!

I haven't even said anything yet!

Get him, boys!