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This is for Kjerag. We can only go forward, not back.

But we can't hide this forever, Gnosis.

It's too big, with too many people involved.

Even if the Trilby Asher didn't run into the girl today, he might've run into a certain boy another day.

He will find out, sooner or later.

Enciodes better have a plan, or even the full authority of the Saintess and all Kjerag won't save his hide.

And if Victoria finds Karlan Trade to be more important, then we truly have no card to play.

It's good for all of us that the Saintess and Enciodes have taken up different positions.

Sigh.

I guess I'd better cancel my family dinner tomorrow.

Since when are you a family woman?

Isn't that what Kjerag has always been about? Family, bloodlines. Old-fashioned, I guess, but...

The Saintess and Enciodes are siblings, aren't they?

I see... I see...

Your mother gave birth to you in Kjerag, but she brought you to Ursus while you were still small.

You came back all this way, praying before the statue of Kjeragandr and preparing to climb the mountain to fulfill your mother's last wish.

I see...

That's the story, basically.

Good girl... good girl.

Smart, brave... and handsome too.

Oh, shucks. Now you're just flattering me.

I'm not.

You're a blessing from Kjeragandr to your family!

Well, er...

I wouldn't say that... I guess you could say Mamochka was blessed.

But it has nothing to do with my papa, who might as well never have existed.

Ahem. Well...

Your father... hrm...

You don't know who he might be, do you?

Hm...

It's strange.

Mamochka said I look a lot like my papa, and he's supposed to be the handsomest man in Kjerag. I thought finding him would be a piece of cake.

Could it be...?

Maybe my dad was actually pretty ordinary, and beauty was all in the eye of the beholder?

O-Of course not! That's not the case at all!

Whoa! Why are you so excited all of a sudden?

But I figured that's the most reasonable explanation.

Ah... it's hard to explain.

Well, I'm in no hurry. We can talk about it later.

Are you familiar with these parts?

I can't say I know everything, but I do know a thing or two.

So you're familiar, then...?

Do you know the best route up that mountain?

I hear it's a make-out point or something. Do I need to buy a ticket or...?

No need for tickets.

Other than Karlan, the seat of the Saintess, all the mountains and rivers of Kjerag belong to the children of Kjeragandr.

Who would have asked such a question in the Kjerag of the past?

This was a much quieter place back then.

No sightseeing spots, no attractions, few tourists. Faith was strong in the people, who respected the mountains, rivers, and lakes.

It has become like this because Clan Silverash wanted to open up to the outside, and the Saintess chose not to intervene...

What's so bad about opening up?

Well, that's not for an old man like me to judge.

Are you climbing the mountain today?

Hm... It's getting a little late.

I'm thinking about spending the night somewhere and climbing up first thing in the morning.

Any good hotels around here?

I have a few spare rooms, if it's a roof over your head you're looking for.

That is, if you're willing to stay in my humble abode...

Of course! Let's go.

Thank you so much! Mamochka always said the people of Kjerag were warm and kind.

N-Now, listen, girl!

Don't be so quick to accept an offer like that! You need to be careful!

What would you do if I had ulterior motives?

Why are you angry when you're the one who offered?

Don't worry.

I went through a lot in Ursus. I'm no pushover.

Don't be a fool!

How would you protect yourself if your assailant was stronger than you?

I'm not a fool...

Alright, I know, you're worried about me.

Actually, I'm not sure why, but I just felt... well...

What?

I can't put it into words. I just had a feeling...

I don't think you'd hurt me.

Did you find the mark?

No. I scanned the island with binoculars, but I didn't see anyone.

We're dealing with a master of disguise. He won't slip up so easily.

Then why tell me to look?

Just in case.

Our mission is to follow the girl, make sure no harm comes to her, and avoid detection.

The Tschäggättä still have a lot to learn about counter-reconnaissance.

But if the girl has encountered the former head of Clan Paleroche...

And the Tschäggättä are here too...

Hm?

What's that—

What's that?

I'll take a look.

(Imitates burdenbeast cry)

Just a wild burdenbeast.

You never know when a trick might come in handy.

Eek— my back—

Look, Enya.

Look more carefully!

This statue...

It's not right, is it? Doesn't look like Kjeragandr at all.

Is that so?

I thought it was alright.

It's not alright!

The face needs to be a little thinner, and the body...

That will do, Kjarr.