act30side

Please come with me, both of you.

Once again, I must thank you for your hospitality today, My Lord.

I hope my choice of dishes will suit both your tastes. They are traditional Kjerag dishes that I specially requested Chef Turiels prepare.

Wow, this cheese wrap looks positively splendid!

Cheese wraps? And, there are even fruit chunks inside...

...Truly, a traditional household dish.

Dig in, my friends. Don't be shy.

After you, Sir Enciodes.

Very well... if you insist.

...That smell again.

You still remember it?

Of course.

Gnosis should be here. Where is he?

Sir, there were these Victorian soldiers earlier...

Soldiers?

It all makes sense now.

It would be unbefitting of the Saintess to personally appear before Victorian soldiers, no?

Do as you will. Don't worry about me.

Now then, I shall not take up any more of your time, Holy Saintess.

It really is that same smell.

*sigh*—

At least the bit of silver lining is the Trilby Ashers can't accuse me of doing nothing.

I've done what needed doing, and the ceremony is about to begin. I suppose it's time to head back.

Oh right, can't forget to pick up souvenirs for the wife and daughter.

And also––

Alas, it would be remiss of me to leave any regrets behind on this trip.

Hmph.

Ah, there you are, Madam Degenbrecher.

I see you've found yourself a lovely spot! Clean and––

Hey now, don't go!

If you want an audience, go talk to Enciodes. Or Gnosis.

I'll have nothing to do with your little games.

Come now. That's no way to be talking.

With all this delicious food and drink in front of you, would it really kill you to exchange a few pleasantries?

For example, shall we toast?

Nein danke.

Oh? Are you a woman who can't handle her drink?

I'm much better at <i>handling</i> men who try to ply me with drink.

Shall I prove it to you?

Hahaha! No need, I'll take your word for it.

Oh, right. Lily's in fine shape now, thanks to your timely handling of the matter.

I've already arranged for follow-up care, and her little ones are in good health as well.

Leones said to leave one for you to name.

...I'm glad things worked out.

And I'll pass on that last part. Don't have much of a naming sense.

Aha! In that case, why not let me do it for you?

Never fear. Naming is a bit of a science in Victoria, and I happen to have a bit of expertise in the field!

The little one is a girl, so my suggestion would be to name her Olivia Turnbottom Michelle Craigavon!

I put together my last name, my wife's maiden name, and my grandmother's first name, making her the same as my daughter's––

I've changed my mind. Her name's Dolor.

*cough* *cough* *cough*––!

B-But I wasn't finished yet, Madam Degenbrecher––

Her name is Dolor.

But, Olivia...

Dolor.

..Alright, alright!

Dolor, umm, is also a fine name for a girl. 'Healthy and strong', right?

Even though I still think Olivia Turnbottom Michelle Craigavon has a bit more charm to it...

Nevertheless, I think Leones will be quite fond of the name, fitting as it is for a Kjerag girl.

Madam Degenbrecher, I also have another favor to ask of you, presumptuous as it may be. Please take a look at this... I'm afraid I'll be leaving empty handed on this business trip.

I would at least like to leave a little memento for myself, as a personal note.

As I said back at the station, I'm a huge fan of yours, see? Would you be willing to give me your autograph?

You don't seem like the type to obsess over knightsports.

You think too highly of me. Vulgar man that I am, far be it from me to avoid vulgar pleasures.

Though the arena is certainly different from the battlefield, the victors all have something that elevates them above the crowd.

It certainly is a fine pastime–– and I hope you take no offense to me saying that, as none is intended.

That much is true.

You say that, but you still refuse to give this poor old man your autograph, even as he's holding this card out.

I've treasured this trading card for a long time, you know. It was a limited release from the first time you won the Major. You never released another card...

It's a darn shame that I can't seem to win your favor no matter what.

That aside, when it comes to naming, there is something I've been curious about, and would appreciate if you could shed some light on the matter. Of course, you don't have to answer if you find it offensive.

'Degenbrecher' –– Is that your real name?

You're certainly brave to ask, Craigavon.

I'm a man of few talents, but courage is something I do carry.

What if it is?

Just consider it scratching the itchy curiosity of your fans, Madam.

After all, every angle of your being has been under the spotlight since the first time you won the Major. The origins of the Black Knight, and where her path ultimately led her... Countless eyes have been following you.

Which brings me to my next question, Madam Degenbrecher, is your contract with Karlan Trade about to expire?

I do wonder if you'd spare me the honor of inviting you to be a guest of Victoria? No doubt, the Duke would be more than glad to welcome your arrival, and perhaps, we'd even be able to discuss new horizons of cooperation...

Uh huh. Is that all you wanted to ask?

If that's all you're here for, I've heard you out. Now, if you'd leave me in peace––

I've spent a decade in Kjerag.

I'm one of her people.

And I plan to live out my days here.

Good enough for you?

Ah... Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to hear.

I had my own speculation about the answer, but I must admit, it was quite moving to hear it in your own words... Why, you didn't even try to dress it up with more local flair!

True, I suppose you're dressed with a bit of color.

Where'd you get the fur collar?

Ah, this is from a souvenir shop I'm rather partial to. It's quite warm.

Alright, alright. It's getting late and the banquet should be drawing to an end soon, so I won't pester you any longer.

Though I wasn't fortunate enough to win your signature, I do want to say one thing...

I enjoyed our chat very much, Madam.

Please watch your step, Sir Enciodes.

Enciodes, I've brought the car.

Thank you, Uncle.

Are you returning to the mansion?

Back... to the office...

Enciodes?

What he said. There are still some chores I need to take care of.