act18side

Eh, really? Heehee.

Lava's the kind of girl who remembers who's been good to her, even if she's bad at expressing it. She's always getting into trouble.

She's also Infected, but unlike me, she's really into studying her own Originium Arts. That's why she needs to pay extra attention to her diet.

Plus, she tends to miss meals or stay up too late because of her training, and I always have to remind her––

Oh my, I'm sorry. Whenever I talk about Lava, I can't help myself...

The food's going to go cold, so let's dig in! I'm going to go change Kreide's grandpa's bandages first, and then I'll be right back.

She sure loves her little sister.

That's what siblings are for.

Can't help but wonder at times, if Mein Herr had a brother or sister of his own, maybe he'd be a bit more easygoing.

Ursula!

Haha.

Hibiscus, are you done changing his bandages?

I'll be there in a moment––

Coming, coming! Thanks for waiting!

Now then, don't stand on ceremony, go ahead and dig in!

Here you go, one order of pan-fried sauerkraut!

Thank you.

Finally, something normal to eat.

Wait, huh? You even packed some of her 'health food' to go?!

I must admit the taste was rather odd, but I don't think it's good to waste food.

You can eat that yourself tomorrow!

Care for another bowl of soup, Mein Herr?

No thanks... I'm full.

You didn't notice anything off with her cooking, when you were in the kitchen?

Couldn't just go around tasting food, being in someone else's kitchen and all.

Besides, she does cook plenty healthy, I could see that much.

S'pose I could also learn a thing or two from Hibiscus, change up m'own cookin'...

Ah, Mein Herr, I'm just jokin', come back––

I'm back!

How was it? Have you eaten yet? If not––

––Thanks for the offer! But I already ate out!

Aw, I even saved a portion just for you.

Sorry for making you do the detective legwork, but it's hard for me to get around right now.

Don't worry about it. I'm also a part of the Afterglow. If I can find some way to improve the situation, it'll benefit me just fine.

Now for the data analysis...

I must say, this setup surpasses my expectations.

Far from it, Mein Herr.

This is your farewell concert after all. If anything, it ought to be more grandiose.

I was talking about the instruments.

Ah, yes. Dame Gertrude spent a significant amount of money procuring the highest-quality instruments. We've tried our best to meet you and your musicians' needs when it comes to the venue and equipment.

Now that you've had a good look around...

If I'm not mistaken, I believe I still haven't seen the lounge?

Ah, look at this sorry memory of mine.

Right this way.

That's strange, why won't this door open?

Is there someone inside?

Yes. Someone indeed is inside.

Dame Gertrude?

Considering the significance of this concert, I am personally inspecting the concert hall's furnishings.

That you would have to come handle such trivial matters in person means that we have failed in our duties! Sincerest apologies!

It's fine.

If I heard right, Herr Czerny is also here?

Yes, I am. What are you doing in there?

I'm checking the lounge's interior.

In my opinion, while the lounge does meet the bare minimum as set by you and your musicians, it leaves much to be desired.

(Sighs audibly)

Water stains on the mirrors, rusting on the drawer handles' plating, small holes in the carpet, just to name a few of the problems...

I told you before, this concert doesn't need so much pomp and flair. As long as things work, it's good enough.

That will not do. As your sponsor, my reputation is closely tied to the performance that you and your underlings put on.

How many times do I have to tell you, they are musicians who've volunteered to play in the concert, not my 'underlings!'

There is no difference in the eyes of the people you've invited.

Have it your way.

I'll open the door for you now. You're free to inspect the facilities yourself.

Never mind, I'll just leave it in your hands.

Do you not want to come in and take a look?

Not in the slightest, so you can stop putting on airs.

I trust you didn't want to see my face either, right? So let's make things easy for one another.

(Whispers) Herr Czerny, your tone...

This is how we've always talked to each other.

Then run along and do as you please. I'll proceed with the needed inspections here.

I just hope that these mundane affairs will prove to be a benefit to you on the day of the concert, rather than a hindrance.

(Yawn)

Coming, I'll be right there...

Hibiscus?

Good morning... You're up early today. It's barely light out––

Where's Ebenholz?

Hm? He's still asleep.

Your eyes are all bloodshot... Did you stay up all night?

––Wake him too. Hurry.

False recovery?

I have no idea what you're trying to say.

Do you really not understand me, or are you just––

Fine, I'll explain it one more time.

The reason I came to the Afterglow was to investigate why the Infected people here were suddenly getting better.

But according to our visits over the last few days, the Infected here in the Afterglow are not getting better, but exhibiting something called a 'false recovery.'

In other words, the patient's condition appears to be getting better, but in reality is taking a turn for the worse.

Why would they appear to be improving then if they're getting worse?

Let me explain it another way.

Generally speaking, whenever the body is injured, the best outcome is for it to 'return to its original state.'

If it is unable to return to its original state, the body will mobilize its non-damaged parts to cover for the functions lost through the injury, a process we call 'compensation.'

Right now, most of the Infected in the Afterglow have activated their body's compensation functions, causing them to appear to be in very good shape.

But inside them, where the eye cannot see, the severity of their Oripathy is rapidly getting worse.

At the current rate, a certain cohort is about to enter the decompensation stage.

Decompensation?

Once the extent of the damage exceeds the body's maximum ability to compensate, the fragile equilibrium is broken and the patient quickly lapses into the acute exacerbation stage of Oripathy, where their condition deteriorates sharply and becomes life-threatening.

Actually, there are already people starting to enter the acute stage.

How...?

I get the gist of what you're talking about, but what does this have to do with––

Wait, are you saying that Kreide is at risk too?

No...