act27side

Alright. Then, let me tell you the story of how these stubborn people tried to move their volcanic hot springs and seaside Fashion Street to their new home, even after leaving the coastline.

Ugh... How did all the stuff I set up just fall over again...?

Not sure if it's heatstroke or what, but the last couple days, I've been seeing some strange shadows circling around my eyes.

Hey, young man, put all that work aside and come for a drink. Don't you hear the sun telling us it's a great day to kick back and relax?

Oh, wait a sec, I think I recognize you. You're the young boss of the newly-opened trading company, aren't you? I bet you're planning to demolish this street, huh?

Sir, this is just urban planning. We'll work hard to get everyone's consent, and we'll try our best to minimize the impact on your lives.

I'm sure we can smooth over any conflicts that might arise...

What is there to smooth over? If Herman wants to start a new business, he'll have to take apart our homes. If I was a few decades younger, I'd think about throwing a brick through his window.

But the years really take a toll on you, and I don't have the energy anymore. So, whatever, do what you must.

Excuse me, Commissioner Swire...

Snowsant... You don't need to call me out here.

Besides, my appointment as commissioner hasn't been announced yet. Why does it feel like the people around me are more anxious about it than I am?

Sorry, Com–

I mean, uh, I've never been on a vacation like this before...

Can I really buy so many things at a discount with this coupon? I was just picking up a year's supply of laundry detergent at the supermarket downstairs when I drew this...

How is it possible? There's no such thing as a free lunch, right...? Wait, I heard there were some scams out there disguised as coupons just like these!

It's probably Siesta's new marketing strategy, no? After leaving behind the old natural environment, the place needs some new ways of attracting tourists.

MountainDash Logistics has formed a public-private partnership with Siesta, and they're also the ones who issued the coupons you've got there. Oh, and the company belongs to that Bison guy. I think you already know him.

If you find any false or misleading info on the coupons, the L.G.D. will be knocking on his door.

Right now, the two of us are elegant foreign tourists who just got back from a luxury mall shopping spree, and are sorting through their spoils.

Snowsant, can you hand me the perfume I just bought, and also a smaller screwdriver?

Y-Yes, ma'am! Right away!

Hmm...

Ehh...

Hrmm...

What are you doing, Miss Swire? Please keep your eyes on the road when you're driving...

A citrus-toned perfume should perfectly compliment the sunset here. Say, the perfume you were staring at before is in that pink bag right there. Why don't you open it up and give it a smell? I think the floral tones will suit you perfectly.

What?! N-No way! That's too expensive! How could I ever–

Don't stand on ceremony. It's not easy to find a good travelling companion, and there might be some things I need your help with later on...

Mind passing me the trumpet screwdriver again?

Heh, you sure did a good job keeping it hidden.

What's that...?

A tracker with wiretapping capabilities. A previous-generation product that the L.G.D. phased out.

Eh? Didn't we come here to go on vacation? Why... What are we going to do now?

Don't you worry. This kind of stuff is easier than finding matching eyeshadow for me.

So, what do you think, Snowsant? Do you like the perfume?

Yes! It smells great!

Then, we're all set.

Swire turns around, picks up her terminal, and enters a string of codes.

The tracker that has just been disassembled starts flashing in vain in the palm of its intended target.

After three busy signals, the person on the other side takes the call.

Hello...? Yeah, I've already arrived in Siesta.

Found some trash in the car though. Looks like they're really taking us seriously.

No need to worry yourself over this. If anything, why don't you check if there aren't any surprises on your end?

By the way... Since we're drawing this much attention as it is, we might need to meet up in advance.

Phew. Looks like I'm getting pretty good at picking out gifts.

I'm sure they'll really enjoy this one too.

Huh?

Snowsant, we're getting out of the car. If someone sends us a gift, of course we have to return the favor.

See that truck stopped at the red light? Soon, the tracker's going to be following it all around Siesta.

We still have a good chunk of morning to enjoy the sunshine in Siesta before they realize something's wrong.

Huh? How can you be so calm even though we're being tailed?

Do we need to completely change our appearance? Get a head-to-toe makeover? Stick to large crowds?

I don't think we should let any of these minor inconveniences get in the way of our vacation. After all, it's not every day we come to Siesta, and enjoying our trip takes top priority.

Umm... Actually, when I was studying in Columbia, I always wanted to see Siesta but never had the time or money.

I heard that when Siesta relocated, they used a special method to bring the volcano along with them, but that sounds kind of crazy...

Is the engineering technology here so advanced that they can build their own artificial mini-volcanoes?

I assume 'bringing the volcano with them' is just a poetic expression.

See? Look over there.

//怎样运镜呢

In the midst of the low-rise buildings, taller buildings of various heights vaguely form the shape of a volcano.

People driving along the roads somewhat resemble climbers at the foot of the mountain gazing up at the summit.

There really is a volcano in the middle of the city...

//怎样运镜呢

Skyscrapers stand high in the steam from hot springs all over the city... It feels just like a real volcano!

It goes without saying that you can't just pick up a volcano. But when New Siesta was being built, the buildings in the city center were designed to resemble a volcano. You can say it's a way of paying homage to the past.

No matter where you go, people always get hung up on this kind of stuff.

The city's past carries on in its new home, in another form...

Let me see... The place where I'm supposed to meet that city hall guy should be right over here. Give me a minute.

Umm, will someone be coming to pick us up? We're not going to have to walk there ourselves? I even bought two extra buns and ate them this morning to make sure I would have the energy.

(Phew... Finally managed to finish unloading the delivery. I might be able to make it in time for my afternoon shift at the post office.)

(After that, I should still have time to pick up the two passengers in front of the city. Then, I need to remember to fix up the lights in Rachel's grocery store tonight. Hopefully, that'll be enough to pay off my bills in cash this time.)

(I don't have much time left... Need to hurry up...)

Hmm?

Well, you sure seem to be in a hurry...

Miss Swire, what are you looking at–

Oh, sorry, sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going! You're not hurt, are you?

Owwie... Oh, I... I think I'm fine...

Oh right, that's the guy!

Umm...?

Huh?

That's our driver from city hall!

I beg your pardon? If you're joking around, please don't. I have a ton of work to do and don't have time for that.

(*whispers*) Not a word.

(Hands over a wad of cash)

Err...

Oh, uhh... Yes, I am...

See? I told you someone would be coming to get us.

(*whispers*) Umm... I think this is a delivery truck for transporting goods...

(*whispers*) When I was in Dossoles last time, I was riding around in a heavy boat, on land. Just go with the flow!

No, screw that! I need to get to my next job, so please...

(Hands over another wad of cash)

This is your deposit. I've booked your afternoon as well as your vehicle. Now, I'll have you take us around.

By all means, welcome aboard!

After several failed attempts to ignite the truck, the man slaps its dashboard vigorously and fiddles with the blinking buttons.

(*whispers*) Miss Swire... Miss Swire! This vehicle seems to have been modified aftermarket and is well beyond its normal service life...

I really don't know if we can trust this guy!

What are you talking about?! I'm no worse at souping up cars than any repair shop, and I do it at a fraction of the cost!

By the way... My name's Enis.

Alright, Enis. Now, it's time for you to prove your skills. Hurry up and start the truck.