act27side

There are greedy people everywhere... where did you get this map?

I said I wanted to borrow a map to look up some sightseeing routes, and Mr. Enis gave this to me. He says it's a commemorative edition issued for Siesta's relocation.

And so he charged me some more gold certificates...

The map is creased, with a few barely legible routes on it, and childish scribblings for the sea and volcanoes.

This map's being handed out for free at the city entrance.

(Look of surprise)

I'll teach him a lesson, next time I see him.

Hum hum♪

Enis! You're in a good mood. Swindled another new visitor? Someone's gonna beat you up one of these days.

I wasn't ripping off some poor shmoe. These folks, my friend, were filthy rich.

She was talking big business with that guy from the trade company, hoping to make god knows how much money. Call it a little deductible on behalf of the citizens of Siesta.

Let's go!

Is it this one?

No, look at the shape. It has three peaks, the one in the photo only has two.

Let's keep looking.

Volcano Watchers? I've seen these plants in my mother's notes.

There's a Siestan legend about flowers that change color based on volcanic activity. Katia and Magna came looking for it the first time they were here.

There were reports of massive blooms on the slopes before every recorded volcanic activity on Mount Siesta, a beautiful warning of danger.

Did the flowers go extinct?

The flowers are just a legend. There's no proof that they ever existed, and this word-of-mouth stuff gives us little to work with.

It would make sense for Originium activity to affect nearby plants.

Would finding this flower provide another way to prevent volcanic disasters?

Perhaps, but I've never heard of it growing anywhere else.

That's the way Siesta is. There are many legends here; who knows how many were made up just to attract tourists.

Pink clouds on a sunny day, white cliffs by the mouth of a volcano... many people come seeking these legendary sights every year.

I remember you met my parents in Siesta, Professor Keller?

...Yes, I did.

They said they came to Siesta to survey the volcanoes, and ran into a geology student writing her thesis in one of the cafes.

So they brought her with them when they climbed the volcano.

I didn't specialize in volcanoes at the time... it was my first time climbing that one. A beautiful sight, it delayed my thesis.

Mutti and Vati were always reminiscing about that time.

I want to hear more stories about them. Can you tell me more?

The scholar gazes away, towards the stack of documents in her hand. The air of recollection is quickly diluted by the labors of reality.

Now is not the time to chat. Let's focus on our work.

Professor Keller.

Is the city council meeting over?

There is increasing public opposition to moving away from the current beachfront. The city council is keen to have an accurate estimation of when the volcano will erupt, and wants us to provide a guarantee for the estimate that we gave.

I rejected it on the spot as being impossible and irresponsible. We try to give an estimate that is as accurate as possible, but scientific survey cannot be held responsible for the government's opinion polls.

Thank you for taking care of that, Dr. Kahn.

No need to thank me. The volcano museum is your project, and I promised to help so you could focus on more important things.

This is something that matters to all volcanologists, and I hope—

...Adele?

Kahn!

I forgot. Of course you knew each other.

...Of course.

Is she here at your behest?

The museum's collection includes Mr. and Mrs. Naumann's research, and the eruption of Mount Siesta is a rare opportunity. I wanted to respect Adele's wishes...

I just didn't think it was the kind of work that needed to recruit a sickly... someone who's not in the best of health.

I came to help out while on vacation. It's not really a bother...

Kahn has a point. Your health is important. You have to take it easy, Adele.

Let's call it a day. May I ask you to bring Adele back to her accommodations, Dr. Kahn?

...Of course.

Have a cocktail on me! Reward for fetching a rare new customer.

You just wanted someone to test it for poison...

I call it 'Cotton Sunset'. How is it?

It has a... er... 'unique' flavor.

You're one tough customer.

So, was that girl a friend of yours?

She... forget it, I haven't got the nerve to befriend her.

Shame.

Truck driver, Messenger, ticket seller, swimming coach... how many jobs are you working?

It's the high season, after all. Got to seize the opportunity.

What do you need money for? Got a girl you fancy?

I could give you an advance on your wages, if you're running short on pocket money.

I don't—

Forget it... seeing how business has been these few months, I should feel lucky that I even get my meals. You should be worrying about dorm fees for the little ones.

Hah, this is nothing compared to the stuff I've seen in the past.

Are you going to tell that story about how you led a protest against the local magnate in Kazimierz through rock music, then went on to a career in Siesta's rock n' roll scene, finally settling down here with this bar? Again?

Good memory on you.

I'm too old for bedtime stories.

Say, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about.

Business hasn't been great since last year. I heard things have been going well at the engineered lava hot springs. If we...

Getting funny ideas again, young man?

Don't get ahead of yourself. I'm still the owner of this place on paper. You haven't taken over yet.

This is the coolest cocktail bar in Siesta, and it hasn't changed one bit from Old Siesta to New Siesta. I'm not about to abandon it over a few slow months.

This isn't a short-term thing... city council people have been here a few times. The whole street could be demolished.

Yet you fixed the sign for the folks next door, while you haven't bothered to fix ours, even though it's been broken for days.

Is a sign going to save the shop?

Stop worrying about troubles that aren't even here yet. Life isn't nearly as bad as you think.

Act your age for once. Leave the worrying to the old folks.

I want to travel a little once the high season is over.

Sure. Columbia? Victoria?

Or even further away, just like him. See the world, expand your horizons.

You're too young to be worrying about the little things.

What I mean is... I could be gone for a while.

What's this about?

Oh, I had a little bump while moving some stuff. I thought it was nothing.

Well, the summer is pretty dry this year. You should have more fruits and veggies. Need a recipe from me?

I'm not a kid anymore...

Then don't make me have to worry about you. Look the part, if you want to be taking care of other people.

Alright, Mom.

Thanks for the escort, Kahn.

I'm sure you have a lot of work to do. I'll be fine the rest of the way.

I...

Sorry, could you speak up a little? It's noisy out here and I couldn't quite hear you.

Are you worried about me? Don't be, everyday life isn't much trouble anymore.

I didn't think I would see you in Siesta... are you okay?

Your disease...

Well, the Oripathy getting worse can't be helped... but things are largely under control now.

I have to wear a hearing aid and glasses, but I'm getting used to it. I've also gotten pretty good at lip reading!