act30side

Well, at least the kid of mine got a taker.

Were you against the marriage?

What's the point, if the young ones are in love?

I might have said a word or two in my younger days.

But now? Just let them be.

You said you wanted a warding stone for your granddaughter, didn't you?

Hoping that some of Kjeragandr and the Saintess's blessings would rub off, you know.

You can have this.

Th-This mark... it's a stone blessed by the Saintess herself?

Th-That's too precious for someone like me, Master!

Take it. Consider it a welcome gift for your granddaughter as she comes into this world.

I'll pray to Kjeragandr that the children of Kjerag can grow up without illness, pain, or sorrow.

By Kjeragandr.

By Kjeragandr.

Phew...

The Black Knight is definitely more than just a name. To think she wasn't even trying to kill...

A little too much for old bones like mine.

Sir, your injuries...

Just a scratch.

Don't want to miss the Saintess's banquet, after all.

It's not every day that I get to be called 'sir' by you, though.

I think I just lost my appetite, for some reason.

My condolences concerning your appetite, My Lord.

I will report the facts of your performance in Kjerag and the changes in the situation to the Duke.

Suit yourself.

I'm confident that I did nothing to displease Her Grace.

What about you, Trilby Asher?

The waters of Londinium you could muddle, but Kjerag gives you little room to maneuver.

No need to worry about me, My Lord.

I have complete the mission assigned to me by Her Grace.

Oh?

Kjerag is not worth devoting too much time and effort to, but there are elements that require the Duke's attention.

You mean...

We thought it was Karlan Trade, or Kjerag's geographical advantages as a natural fortress and commerce hub...

Seems like Her Grace is truly grounded... or visionary?

Are you here to visit the true form of Kjeragandr?

Of course.

Her Grace wants to know whether Kjeragandr truly exists in Kjerag.

In times of crisis, will Kjeragandr really help Her people?

Interesting.

And your conclusion?

I do not recommend that the Duke confront Kjerag militarily at this time.

Seeing the Kazimierzian corporations that publicly entered into partnership with Karlan Trade, I also ran into a Columbian scientist on the way here...

Force is not the smart plan.

Winning is easy, making money is hard. We're not Ursine. It's not worth it.

It's not every day that we agree with each other.

Did you hit your head or something?

Like you, I'm a pacifist.

Eww...

Just talk like you normally do. Please.

If it saves some time and effort.

My Lord.

Yes?

Are you familiar with this little trinket?

A burdenbeast blind box, they're all the rage right now.

Why would you buy this?

Well, that's not important. Open it up and let's see what's inside.

I've got a full set, but I'm missing the limited-edition secret version.

No one knows what the box holds until it's opened.

The mystery is what makes it alluring. Perhaps I shouldn't open it.

Well, are you going to open it or not?

I'll have it, if you're not going to open it.

I'll open it.

Hm? What's this?

What did you find? Let me see... mother of mercy!

This is...

Frozen crystal burdenbeast! Secret limited edition!

What kind of luck is that? I've been opening these boxes since the first day I arrived in Kjerag, and I've never gotten this one!

By Kjeragandr, this is not fair!

Trilby Asher, we're both in Her Grace's employ. Do you think you could...?

I'm afraid not, My Lord.

I must stay in Kjerag for a while longer after submitting my report.

Thanks to you, I just realized that... collecting burdenbeast accessories isn't such a bad pastime after all.

Can you stand?

Not dead yet. I'll be fine in a few days.

Good.

Gnosis?

He went down first.

He says he's footing the bill tonight.

He has lousy taste. Pick for him.

Okay.

You've been walking around in circles there for ages. You got something to say, out with it.

I'm thinking that my debt to you seems to keep growing, from Kazimierz to here.

One that I don't see a way to repay.

You're afraid I'd jump ship?

It would be a big loss.

You want to repay me?

Name your price. Gnosis will find a way.

Forget it.

All I did was follow an arrogant young man to these bleak frozen hills ten years ago on a whim, a place where the temperature hovers around freezing on the warmest days.

Life here didn't turn out to be so bad, so I started doing what I could.

What does any of that have to do with you, Enciodes?

I guess you're right.

You stayed for the land, not for me.

I didn't think I would hear it from your own mouth.

And don't put on that act about owing me.

Tell the truth. What are you thinking?

I'm thinking...

There will come a day when people from the outside will know more than just Karlan Trade, see more than just the snow, mountains and valleys.

They'll remember the name 'Kjerag'.