act18side

Though I sent the both of you off at the selections, things have changed. You two are now the primary candidates for Morgen und Abend.

Things have changed? What do you mean?

The two who were to perform Morgen und Abend cannot attend the concert now, which is why I had you two brought in.

Cannot attend... Did something happen with them?

They went to a tavern yesterday afternoon to eat and drink their fill.

Normal enough, but something piddling made those two clowns pick a fight.

So now, the flautist has a fractured arm, and worse still, the cellist somehow fell on his tailbone. He can't even sit, and there he is lying on his bed claiming he can play standing instead. Ridiculous!

What?

You seem shocked.

This is honestly... beyond expectation.

Is it?

It only took the second day of selections for this to happen, if I'm frank. If this was anything more than a chance bar fight, then you would be the greatest suspect.

Would I?

No—no, no, no, this has less than nothing to do with me.

My desire is to move you through music, not rough up the innocent.

Fine enough for you to say.

But you have the money to back Kreide. Paying to stir up trouble should be easy enough for you, shouldn't it?

Herr Czerny, I can testify Ebenholz never did anything like that.

You, testify? Did you glue your eyes to him for all of yesterday?

—I did.

And why did you do that?

I...

Of course he didn't 'glue his eyes to me,' the two of us were just together, discussing how to change your mind.

Though we never came to any conclusion in the end.

Kreide, is that the truth?

It is.

(Shakes head)

For the time being, in the moment being, I'll believe Kreide.

Thank you, Herr Czerny!

So...

Don't start parading.

All told, you're standing in. You're still some way from what I require.

Especially you, Ebenholz. You're the drag.

I'll give you the one day to rehearse. Come back to my home this evening, and I'll cast my eye.

You will only be chosen if you can meet my minimum standards. Otherwise, I would rather strike Morgen und Abend from the program. Understand?

Yes. You may rest assured.

Also, Kreide, weren't you missing a cello? Take this one with you.

Ca... Can I really?

Of course you can.

If you can meet my demands this evening, then this cello will be yours.

—Thank you, so, so much!

Alright, off you go. I need to sort out my own thoughts as is—

Is that Ursula? Did you forget your key again?

Mr. Czerny, I'm an operator from Rhodes Island. You can call me Hibiscus.

Hibiscus! Oh, no, did something happen with my grandpa—

Hello, Mr. Czerny, it's nice to meet you.

Hello.

My talk with them is done. If you have business, feel free to take them away.

Hibiscus, is there anything new with my grandpa's condition?

Relax, it's okay. Your grandpa's gotten treatment already, and he's looking a lot more stable.

Mr. Czerny, it's not Kreide. I actually came here looking for you.

Me?

I'm hoping to get some insight into any change in your condition. Would right now be convenient for you?

What do you want me for?

There's been quite a few recent Infected cases of abnormal recovery around the Afterglow. I came here to investigate the whole phenomenon.

On top of that, you're a household name around here, so I was wondering if you had more of a handle on what's going on.

I'm sorry, but I've been just fine all along, and I can't say I know how anyone else is doing.

But aren't you holding a farewell concert? That usually—

I'm—sorry—but I need quiet. Can I ask you to leave, for now?

Who is it this time?

Mein Herr, open her up. I forgot m'dang key.

Kreide, could you go out of your way to open the door again?

That's an awful lot you're carrying, Oma.

Good boy, you go have a seat. I can carry it by m'self.

It's okay, I can bring this into the kitchen for you!

And this is...?

Ursula, distant relative of mine. She's cared for me, always.

Well, this is a rare sight, so many people at our home...

Bowl me over, you're a noble, aren't you? Oh, m'pologies!

Hardly. You can simply call me Ebenholz, if you so wish.

Oh, your Lordy sort better not joke around with old codgers like m'self.

It's no joke at all. You can just call me Ebenholz.

Honest?

Of course.

Then if you don't mind me, please.

Hello, Ms. Ursula!

Oof, what's this Sarka—

Bah, no! Slip of the tongue, Fräulein, I didn't mean that. Don't take it seriously, now!

It's okay, Ms. Ursula, I'm used to it.

Oh, no, no, I have to apologize... really, pardon me!

What do you need Mein Herr for? Concert matters again?

Not in particular. I wanted to ask if there was any change in Mr. Czerny's condition recently.

You a doctor?

I'm an operator from Rhodes Island. You can call me Hibiscus.

So you and Andante are coworkers?

Andante's a local operator. I'm here at Vyseheim on business from the landship.

That's a relief, then.

It's Andante who gives Mein Herr and me our medicine. Lots of folk get prescriptions from Rhodes Island, here in the Afterglow.

Mein Herr, how's the last few days...

Ahem.

Mein Herr, she's a doctor, now, a doctor who cares about your health. This is good for you.

I didn't ask her to come in!

Well, that's silly, now. If you didn't let her in, she wouldn't be in here.

Last year's when he started feeling unwell. No change when spring came this year. Wouldn't be wanting to do any farewell concert otherwise.

But since yesterday, he's been looking in much better spirits.

Is there anything else as well?

Let me think...

Ursula!

Alright, alright, m'lips are sealed.

Thank you so much for your help, Ms. Ursula.