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I think I remember you were Siestan.

Yeah. Last year, Herman invited me back to Siesta to build this museum.

For us Siestans, the volcano was always more than just a disaster that forced us to leave our homes. It's also a memory of the past. The volcano and the city have always been closely connected.

'It is not just the objective environment that can bring people together, but memories as well.'

That's from the preface of the university's general curriculum textbook, 'Geology and the History of City-States.'

I see this as an opportunity. I hope this museum can become a place that not only carries the hopes of Siesta, but also showcases the accomplishments of many volcanologists.

While I was researching Mount Siesta, I happened upon a recommendation report you wrote two years ago – perhaps, a stroke of fate.

And now Mount Siesta is about to erupt. So, I'd like to invite you to complete this observation with me, as well as finish setting up the museum.

When the museum was first established, I collected a lot of information related to volcanic geology, and need someone to help me compile all of it into a book.

It would be my pleasure, Professor Keller.

As soon as you get away from the heart of the city, the whole place seems completely different.

I see so many shops closing down left-and-right. Seems like business isn't too hot these days?

It didn't occur to any of us before we moved to the nomadic city. We thought the newly-built hot springs and skyline swimming pools would attract lots of tourists.

Last summer, a whole bunch of people excitedly opened shops all over, but they closed down within months.

I knew it. An economy heavily dominated by tourism is highly susceptible to changes in the external environment.

M-Miss Swire, Miss Swire! I-Is there something wrong with this meter? That number up there... what currency is that in? Columbian gold certificates, or Victorian pounds?

It's... making my head spin...

Young man, ten gold certificates would cover the distance we just traveled back in Columbia, by all reason, and the rates should be even lower here in Siesta.

We've barely just left, and it's already up to twelve – an extra five now?

Wh-What?

I told you before that I'll compensate you, but if you try to pull a fast one on us, I swear I'll–

Wh-What are you doing with that lipstick? I'm not––

What the hell is that? Okay, sorry! My bad!

Alright, I tampered with the meter. It's supposed to charge an extra half a cert per mile!

What? You scoundrel...! Half a gold certificate could've bought me two bags of cookies in the store back there!

Come on now, you two. I skipped work to drive you ladies around. It's only fair you give me a little bonus, isn't it...?

Swire turns around and takes a look in the rear-view mirror. A low-key black vehicle is following behind at a distance of roughly three or four car lengths.

(How'd they catch up so quickly...?)

Young man, I <i>will</i> pay you handsomely, but you've got to listen to me.

Drive a bit faster. Lose that car behind us. Head somewhere crowded, the busier the better.

Um, who exactly are you two...? I'm just trying to do a little side hustle here, I don't want any trouble...

Well, I have no idea what this is about either. We're just a couple of tourists visiting Siesta, and haven't the foggiest why these shady people have been after us ever since we arrived. Maybe they're after our wallets.

But we don't know our way around this place, and it's awfully frightening...

(Miss Swire, you were threatening this gentleman with violence just a moment ago...)

Siesta's tourism industry is already in shambles as it is. Why would anyone be doing stuff like this?!

Let me assure the two of you, at its heart, Siesta is still a tourist city with simple folk customs and beautiful scenery. Please don't go around spreading a negative impression of our city after you get home!

Naturally. That all depends on if we can get the kind-hearted people of Siesta to help us.

Right, sure! If it's for a good and just cause, I'll do everything in my power to help!

Don't you worry. Not even Columbia's greatest racecar driver could catch me on these roads I use for deliveries every day.

Buckle up, you two! I'm gonna step on the gas!

Mr. Mayor.

The Columbian representative just sent another message and hopes to have another meeting with you in the near future.

Decline for me.

They said that Siesta is nominally a part of Columbia, and therefore Congress has a right to the city's latest developments...

Tell them to can it. We had a clear agreement when Siesta relocated.

Siesta would retain the status quo with Columbia. They have no right to intervene in our internal affairs, nor do I have to report a thing to them regarding Siesta's plans.

Very well. I'll forward on.

And yet, you have time for a coffee with me despite your busy schedule. I'm honored.

I like to set aside some time for quiet contemplation, no matter how busy my schedule is.

On the other hand, I'd think you wouldn't have much leisure time to spare, Eurill.

The executive manager of the collaboration between MountainDash Logistics and Siesta is my son. Nominally, even I have no right to interfere with his decisions.

In other words, there's nothing for you to worry about. Just treat him as you would any other business partner.

That goes without saying.

As things are now, Herman, do you regret taking this path?

Across Siesta's history, both Victoria and Columbia have been interested in annexing us.

Had we chosen to fall into the hands of either side, we would have achieved far greater stability and prosperity than today, but this would not be the same Siesta.

You should be proud of what you've built, Mr. Mayor.

Look, New Siesta is more than a hundred miles from its previous location. If you stand here and look east, you can just barely make out the peak of that volcano.

If there was a map that could encapsulate this entire land, a line covering a hundred miles wouldn't even be a finger's width, if that.

But, it is nevertheless possible, and promising, for us to connect with the various countries and city-states scattered across the land. The future proposed by MountainDash Logistics makes me want to believe in that.

However, we all know full well that this will be a long and difficult road – starting with this present hardship that Siesta must overcome.

In previous summers, Siesta's streets were crowded with tourists from all over the land, and the sound of concerts could be heard from every corner.

Mister Eurill, do you know the original meaning of the name, 'Siesta'?

It's Iberian for 'afternoon nap.'

At the time, the Columbians wanted to develop in tandem with Iberia. Though the process was not to their satisfaction, they still ended up settling here.

That's right. The Pioneers arrived deep in the south and wanted to establish their first home here.

Back then, the workers would get up before dawn to start working, and would take a long break around lunchtime when the sun was the strongest.

Until evening arrived, when people would emerge from their rooms again, drinking coffee to the sea breeze, and preparing for their nightlife.

I trust that this city, too, is only taking a brief nap. When it next wakes up, it will surely usher in the most beautiful sunset.

M-Miss Swire... Do we still need to take this detour...?

The number on the meter is already enough for a new truck...

(How have we not managed to shake them yet?)

Enis, can you go any faster?

At this point... I guess I can't say no...

Who could say no...? To a chance to race, do something heroic, and beat back the villains!

Check this out–

Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh––!

Pleash shlow down a little––

––What wash that shound?

The vehicle that was tailing them before has disappeared. The delivery truck starts coughing up black smoke and skids to a halt along the side of the road.

Enis pumps the brakes hard as he clutches the steering wheel, wiping the sweat off his brow. Swire pulls Snowsant through the car door and hops out, fearing that the vehicle might explode at any moment.

Fortunately, the worst doesn't come to pass, and the truck finally falls silent after a few frightening whimpers.

My baby!

I spent two weeks' pay fixing her up last month, and now she's broken down again...

Young man, how do you have the nerve to take this thing on the road when you can lose control just stepping on the gas?

Hey, you were the one who asked me to shake them. I would never drive that fast...

M-Mr. Enis, y-your face is bleeding!

Urgh... I must've hit my nose on the steering wheel just now...

I, I'll go find some tissue for you!

Both sides of the street are lined with Siesta's old-fashioned beachside shops.

The over-the-top, extravagantly colored parasols and gravel-streaked surfboards seem like they were plucked right out of space and time from the beaches of the past, preserved as specimens, and dragged-and-dropped into a brand new nomadic city.

You said this was supposed to be the hottest spot in all of Siesta?

Did we... get rid of those bad guys?

Shook 'em off a long time ago, my young hero of justice! C'mon, let's find a place to sit, and we'll talk about your truck.

There should be a restaurant nearby, right...? Huh? Why is there no storefront?

Long time no see, Miss Swire. I heard you'd arrived in Siesta, but the man in charge of your reception wasn't able to find you.

...Huh?

Did you really need to rush out here to meet me in person, Bison? Or, is this your way of showing me your courtesy as landlord?

Let's skip the formalities, Swire. Would you give me a moment of your time?

I'd like to speak with you.