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He dodges the blast waves, the snow flying everywhere, and her murderous intent as he leaps down the mountain.

Degenbrecher gives chase.

The burdenbeast observation car is about to depart for Lake Silberneherze.

Our professionally trained burdenbeasts can bring you to every scenic spot and all the best views!

Travelers who want to enjoy spectacular vistas to on the way to the lake, don't miss this chance!

I need to head over to Lake Silberneherze. Give me your fastest burdenbeast.

You'll have to pay extra for that, sir.

Name your price. I'm currently being hunted by a sinister woman, so do me a favor, friend.

If someone asks where I went, just tell them you don't know. Alright?

I've seen something like this before, on those discs my daughter sent me.

(Whistle)

That's the one. Fastest girl I got, Takme.

And don't worry, sir. My lips are sealed.

Many thanks.

The Trilby Asher nimbly jumps into the seat on the burdenbeast's back.

The beast begins to move, and breaks into a run towards the lake.

Pfft. Foreigners are so funny. I'll have to tell my girl about this when she comes back.

Have you seen a foreigner dressed in a black coat?

It's really happening! Sorry, I didn't—

Eh? Madam Degenbrecher?

You know me?

Don't you remember, when my Takme got stuck in a quagmire while transporting goods last year? You happened to be passing by and pulled her out!

Oh, right. That happened.

So, you didn't see anyone, right? Then—

Wait.

Hm?

That bastard actually called you sinister, and I even let him borrow Takme!

I'm going to teach him a lesson for sure!

He picks up a transceiver.

Takme! Stop, that's a bad guy!

Phew. A burdenbeast's adaptability is not to be underestimated, but the crucial trait is its robust endurance.

Perhaps it could serve as a strategic resource—

Eh?

The burdenbeast underneath him suddenly turns restless with impatience.

Madam Degenbrecher, Takme's over here!

Thanks.

Gah—Have I been caught?

Bloody—

Grr—

Give up already. I'll be watching whatever it is you're up to today.

Even if my only desire is to see the local sights?

I know Kjerag pretty well.

I can't be doing this.

*sigh*

I'm definitely learning how to ice-skate today.

You've been saying that for a month already, and summer's already on its way.

You'll have to wait for a long, long time for the lake to freeze over.

And that's why I'll definitely get it down today!

Okay, okay, okay.

Sorry, I need to borrow these for a bit.

Hey, my skates!

Here's some money for a new pair.

During his thorough investigation of Kjerag, the Trilby Asher has seen many locals skating on the ice underneath the warm winter sun.

He's thought that an activity like this could be somewhat enjoyable, and has wanted to try it, if he had the time.

An opportunity has unexpectedly presented itself to him.

But soon, he discovers he has made a gross misjudgment—

Oh, um—

I thought you knew how to skate, man.

He's obviously new, so unstable.

Stable? Oh, I see.

Gah, sod it.

Move.

Eh?

Whoaaaaa! Someone's flying in from up high!

Stability, balance, right, yes, I've got it!

With a loud bang, Degenbrecher's attack smashes a gigantic hole into the icy surface.

The Trilby Asher dodges the blow in the nick of time.

Wow, I got it down!

How delightful. I'll definitely promote this sport after I return home!

Of course, I have to survive the day first.

H-H-He, he actually learned how to skate!

I've never seen someone get it down that quickly...

Hmph. Is there a spare pair around?

Ah, why don't I, lend you mine?

Thanks.

Do you...

I do.

So fast!

It was more than twenty years ago.

I remember that winter was so much colder than in previous years. The snow never stopped, and the wind was almost strong enough to blow you away.

The weather was so bad no one would willingly go outdoors.

Everyone stayed inside with their furnaces lit from day to night. There was always tea heating atop the stove for convenient pick-me-ups.

The burdenbeast sheds were specially reinforced before winter came, and the beasts huddled together, hibernating in groups.

Time seemed to slow down in Kjerag that year. Every passing day felt like a slog to go through, and yet the subsequent days would bring the same wind and snow.

I was still young then, and I just couldn't bear to live that way anymore. I snuck out with a few men in tow that day, with a plan to hunt in the mountains.

But the snow overwhelmed us, and there wasn't a single target to be found. I got separated from the others halfway, and could only continue ascending the mountain with all the effort I could barely muster.

And then, it was here...

I met Tatyana on this very spot.

Gah, what lousy weather today!

Don't even have a single strand of meatbeast hair on my hands, Dad's going to call me a...

Huh?

What's that noise...?

Huh! Who's there?!

Enough with your tricks! Come out and face me if you have the guts to—

Yowch!

As if responding to Arctosz's words, a snowball falls from a tree branch up high and hits his head.

A clear female voice rings from above.

Hahaha, right on target.

Hey, I'm over here.

Why didn't you hide, you big dummy?