act30side

Arctosz!

What is it?! I need to hurry—

Stop right there!

...Just. Stay. You need to hear this.

Arctosz stops in his tracks from his father's yelling, and an ill omen stirs uncontrollably in his heart.

Perhaps it's his hangover, but a sudden headache descends on him, his stomach seems to drop to the floor, and his back feels as if something cold is creeping up on him.

Only now does Arctosz realize his father's back, which he has not seen in a long time, is slightly stooped, like a wilting tree, no longer tall and upright as he remembered.

But the dry and aged voice of the devotee continues, undeterred by Arctosz's panic.

Rosalind told me she and her mother had been living in Ursus since they left.

She was too young to remember anything of this place.

She said she never knew who her father was, all the time she grew up.

And this time she's here not only to see our Kjeragandr's statue, but also...

She's brought back her mother's remains.

Ill omens always seem to bear out.

The wind and snow roaring outside their home, the flames flickering inside the furnace, and even their indistinguishable breathing all seem to freeze for a moment.

...What?

Remains...?

What do you mean?

B-But, Tatyana was so young. How could she...?

I don't believe it... how can that be...?

I heard it from the girl myself.

What happened back then... it was Clan Paleroche that failed mother and daughter.

I carry the shame in my heart, but not regret.

What about you, Arctosz?

I...

Fine, it doesn't matter what you want to say. There's no point telling me.

Your father is no perfect man, nor a saint, and certainly not the victim here.

This old man is too old to hear you out, let alone offer any advice.

I only wish to spend the rest of my days sweeping the dust at Kjeragandr's feet.

But you... should think carefully.

Tatyana... Rosalind...

Sir, Master!

Matriarch Ratatos is here, she says there's something urgent to discuss!

Ugh. The place reeks of booze...

The ceremony's tomorrow, Arctosz. Don't you drink too much and ruin it all.

I'm in no mood to play with you.

Just tell me what happened. You're not the type to make social calls, Ratatos.

Heheh, you sure know me well.

Fine, I'll get straight to the point, Arctosz. I came here to tip you off.

I still recall that you married an Ursine woman, despite your family's objections, and even had a child with her?

Something happened to the Silverashes, and soon after your wife left Kjerag with daughter in tow. This affair was kept within the tri-clans, but it was no secret to us.

Hmph, I see your nose is as sharp as ever.

I'll take that as a compliment.

I'm here to tell you about your daughter, the girl named Rosalind.

What happened to her?! You better not be taking advantage the situation!

She has nothing to do with our clan business!

I'm not here to settle any old scores, but her untimely return is really unfortunate.

Do you know where she is right now?

She's probably already in the sights of a Victorian spy.

Finally!

But the cable car only goes up this far, and I have to climb the rest myself?

Well, the summit isn't that far anyway.

I could still see a few tourists earlier, but now there's no one else around.

White everywhere... Sheesh, it's a little scary.

Huh...?

...How... unlucky...

Wh-What was that?

...Ever since I came to Kjerag... Not a single thing has gone smoothly...

Who's that? C-Come out! Don't even think you can scare me!

Is that... a hole?

Who could be so bored as to dig a hole by the trail? No, this can't be just a hole...

It's a trap!

Sure enough. A trap indeed.

Watch your step, Madam.

Also, if it's not too much of a bother, could I trouble you to pull me up?