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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?

I invited you here out of my own selfish desire.

By Kjeragandr, I should not have hidden this from you.

Why are you all serious all of a sudden?

I can handle it. Just lay it on me.

Oh, child...

There is someone I would like you to meet.

He...

Master?!

There's a real big guy yelling for you over there, batyushka.

He your son?

He's certainly no son of mine.

Give me a moment, young lady.

What are you doing back, Sir?!

Am I not allowed back?

That's not what I mean!

It's just... *sigh* It's not a great time for you to be here...

Great time or not, you're in no place to speak of such things!

How is Arctosz?

He... Sir Arctosz, he...

Out with it already! Speak clearly!

Yes, sir!

Sir Arctosz is currently making preparations for the bonfire banquet!

Don't just give me the good news! What else?!

He's personally checking all the drinks for tomorrow. Right now, he's sampling those from the other regions...

Rotten boy...!

He said he would give up drinking last month, and now this? Ridiculous!

If he keeps flip-flopping, how is anyone supposed to trust a word out of his mouth?!

The patriarch is doing this all for the sake of politics. He's fully dedicated to the Saintess...

Pfah! Sounds like excuses to me!

Haha... Oh, by the way. Who's the girl?

How rude, Gulo!

The young lady is Rosalind, my guest.

Welcome, Madam Rosalind.

(Master, who is Madam Rosalind really?)

(It might just be me, but she looks a bit like Sir Arc—)

(Shh!)

(I'm not certain of anything yet. Don't ask too many questions just now.)

Gulo, bring the young lady inside first.

And then... Wherever that oaf Arctosz is, take her to him.

And don't forget to tell your minions to prepare a room and meal for her. Treat her well, or else.

Yes, Sir!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

No biggie.

You guys finished chatting?

What was it you were going to tell me before that big guy came over?

Someone you wanted me to meet, right?

The man that I wish for you to meet is inside the house.

Follow this one inside first. Your meeting with this man will make everything clear.

Alright.

What about you, batyushka? Not coming with?

We will meet again soon, child.

Very soon...

Please, come with me, Madam Rosalind.

Alright...

Hey, bratan, your name is Gulo, right?

What were you chatting with the old man about?