act30side

Didn't you say we were going to go sightseeing from the start, though?

We're just following orders here.

I told you, you can go help out the locals a bit for some goodwill, let them think we're more than just a bunch of yobs. Have you been yet?

Lisburn's going to help out. He's keeping mum, but I can tell that he's thinking of settling down here.

Oh?

Don't listen to this nutter, boss. I really am just going there to help out.

After all, we came here to...

Alright, that's enough out of you.

Just get going already. Who died and made you chief worrywart, huh?

If a young lad like yourself really does want to become a family man, I'd say you're still a good egg.

Yes, sir!

You've sure got a stink about you, boss.

Still working on your veterinary medicine out there?

Save it. Lily, the Leones' girl, she gave birth prematurely.

Didn't get there in time, all I could do was help with some postpartum care.

*sigh* And then I ran into this one very unlucky chap.

Unlucky?

Another Victorian.

A Victorian? The whole month we've been here I bet I've seen, if not a thousand Victorian tourists, eight hundred at least.

Alright, I get it, you love taking a stroll down the street.

Deal those cards out already.

I'll deal.

Charles had a nightmare again, boss.

Did he?

Let me see.

It's fine, no use troubling yourself over it.

If you lot die, then who's going to fight for me?

We're going to fight?

Shut your mouth for a second and hold still, alright?

Gah—

Hmm... Well, at least it hasn't gotten worse.

Does it still hurt as much as last time?

It's been a lot better since we came to Kjerag.

Hmph, I spent a lot of money greasing palms just to get this opportunity. If you lot aren't feeling any healthier, doesn't it seem like I wasted all that dosh for nothing?

Besides, it's not like there's anything else to do here except get better.

Heh, you're right about that, sir.

This arm's been no good for a while, but you've already helped me a lot.

If I ever lose both my arms, well, at least I can still carry a weapon into battle with my teeth.

What use is a soldier with no arms?

There's no need to show off. You lads just need to remember that you're here to—

Allow me to remind you once more, My Lord.

You have a duty you are obligated to carry out. Do not fail Her Grace.

This is not a sightseeing trip.

Hey, boss?

You finally gone senile?

I'm not the same as you simpletons who care nothing for your health.

When <i>you've</i> gone senile, I'm still going to be fit as a fiddle.

Hey, we might not even get to live that long.

*sigh*

Forget it.

For the sake of my retirement, this old fogey's willing to go all in.

What are you talking about?

I don't think a hoity-toity lord like you throwing your money around is going to fit in well with the locals, honestly.

But nobody's going to turn down a sumptuous banquet.

You go on and play your cards.

Sure you're not just looking for an excuse to drop a crappy hand?

Let me see...

Four Jacks, not great, not terrible.

Hah! Now that hits the spot!

Enciodes sent it over specially, said it would be given out at the bonfire banquet the night before the ceremony. That uh, what was it called again...?

'Karlan Manor's Snow Realm Spring', Sir!

They've been talking about it on television every day, enough times that I've memorized it.

Pah, it's all just claptrap for the masses!

I will say that this drink is exquisite. Very robust. I dare say it's the one good thing Enciodes has done.

However! It hardly holds a candle to our very own aged Paleroche akvavit!

Should we keep drinking this stuff, Sir?

Counting what we got from the Browntails, there's still three other drinks to try.

Of course we'll keep drinking it! If we don't try for ourselves then how will we know which is the best?

Since the Saintess has bestowed the privilege of organizing the banquet on Clan Paleroche, this is of course one of my duties.

Drink is our top priority! I must pick Kjerag's best spirits for this banquet! I cannot let the Saintess down!

Alright, go, get the rest of the booze up here for a taste test!

Yes, Sir!

Guards, with me! Let's carry up those drinks!

General, I have a question.

Go ahead.

Although the Patriarch did say that this is all preparation for the ceremony just now, isn't this way too much booze?

The boys are totally worn out.

You're thinking too much. Completing Kjeragandr's statue is more important than any amount of booze.

Ask the men to bear with it for a while longer. When everything's settled, I'll treat you all to a fine meal.

Alright then.

(The Paleroches could stand to be a bit more attentive.)

(I didn't think infiltrating them would be this easy.)

(Their former patriarch's already brought Rosalind over.)

(Next, I need to check what exactly Clan Paleroche has up its sleeve.)

(Moreover—All this booze... Based off of Arctosz's attitude, is it really all for the banquet?)

(Yet another trail to follow.)

What's with all the lollygagging? Come over and help out already.

Yes, sir!

(But if the Paleroches truly are keeping some terrible secret, Rosalind must surely be involved as well.)

(Finding her has become a priority.)

We have arrived.

Is this your house?

These rooms are pretty big. Are you one of those low-key rich guys? You don't look it.

Hardly. This is merely some family property.

Ahem. Look here, young lady.

This house is built right into the mountain. When you begin your climb tomorrow, you can use the shortcut behind it.

Got it.

Thanks a lot, batyushka.

I should apologize to you first.

Eh? But why though?