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If you don't show your face in public every once in a while, people will start to worry about your private life.

One popular line of speculation is that you've thrown yourself into work as you've been heartbroken over certain things.

There are quite a few variations too. Want me to give you a rundown?

Hahahahahahagah–– *cough* *cough* *cough*–– * Bluuurgh––

I pray you don't choke to death laughing and vomiting at the same time, Gnosis.

If you could laugh like that all the time, our employees wouldn't be so afraid of you.

*cough* *cough*– Don't worry, before I croak, I'll make sure to puke all over your shoes.

So, how did your discussion today go? Reach any agreements?

When it comes to matters concerning Kjerag, there aren't actually that many differences between me and the Saintess.

What about between you and the girl named Enya?

...The only problems worth talking about are those that can be resolved.

If I had to do things over again, I'd make the same decision every time. And she'd still never feel good about it.

We all know that deep down.

Say what you will, but you'll never tell that to her face.

You're not much different, Gnosis.

You're two peas in a pod.

Never saying what needs to be said to the people who need to hear it.

Also, you should be playing dead right about now.

The lights of the office still shine bright in the night. The heating in the main hall is shut off, and silence spreads freely through the room, along with the cold.

A moment later, the silence is broken by the sound of Gnosis retching.

Degenbrecher, I need another pill.

My head hurts.

...And a couple for me too. I might be a bit tipsy.

Both men stretch out their hands towards Degenbrecher at the same time.

That unflappable attitude that someone there knows the truth makes Degenbrecher tingle with irritation for some reason.

There are still many questions that cannot be answered.

But at least here, right in this moment, there's no need to show off, no need for pretense.

Degenbrecher heeds her own will, and slaps each of the two hands in turn.

Gah...

Oh?

Stand up. Go home already, if you're drunk.

Don't squat here.

There's a lot of work to be done tomorrow.

Now, go.

Ugh...

Uh... I...

Is it over? Did we win?

Ouch!

Good, at least you can still feel your arm.

Now get up if you're still alive.

Ouch! Take it easy, Charles!

Enough fooling around. Harold has enough work to do without you adding to it.

Get to the lakeside if you can still walk. Patch yourselves up if you can.

I need a few volunteers to help me carry the ones that can't get up themselves.

I'll come with you, Jefferson.

Just say it if you don't want that leg of yours anymore. We can have Harold make one for you.

God's wounds, I can't believe everyone's still breathing after all that. What a bloody miracle.

Could it really be Kjeragandr's protection?

Isn't it the other way round? A thousand against one, and she's still breathing...

Maybe it really is Kjeragandr's protection.

It's not.

Kjeragandr is kind and watchful, but this result is not the result of Her power.

That no one lost their life here is a miracle that we created together.

That's what I believe.

Y-You're the Saintess of Kjerag?

Your words honor us more than we deserve.

What are your instructions?

I wouldn't call it instructions, per se.

Just an invitation to attend the post-ceremony banquet, as is the place of the host.

After all, aren't you here in Kjerag for the ceremony?

...I thought exile would be the best-case scenario.

We're allowed to participate in the banquet?

Would you rather be here for the banquet, or admit that you're here for a 'military operation' and go to prison?

Uhm.

Go on, be my guest.

Saintess.

Everything is ready. The banquet can begin at any tie.

Thank you, Kjarr.

Why thank me?

No particular reason... just wanted to thank you.

Kjerag will become a better place, Kjarr.

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 will know that there is a country here by the name of Kjerag.

A respectable country with its unique culture and customs, where its people live in prosperity.

Sounds great.

You sure you don't need 'a little help', Enya?

Without that, you wouldn't have any rainbows.

Kjeragandr's blessing reaches into the heart because of how precious it is.

If we ask Kjeragandr for a miracle for every little thing, then what's left is not religion, but reliance.

When you start to take something for granted, that's when you stop respecting it.

Things are fine the way it is.

Let's just hope Kjeragandr doesn't get angry at me for thinking this way.

Hah, don't worry, Enya.

Nothing makes a mother happier than to see her child start to walk on its own two feet.

I'm done, Mr. Silverash.

This is my first outdoor speech. Are you sure this is going to work?

It was perfect, Mr. Mob.

Your voice was filled with passion. No one could pick a flaw in it.

Even though you declined my offer to have someone magnify your voice with Originium Arts, the amplification device that you used performed above and beyond expectations.

Is this your company's new product?

This amplifier?

No, of course not. It's good, but the market for amplifiers is cornered by a few big companies. There's no place for us there... ahem. Forget I said anything.

I've heard about corporate competition in Kazimierz. You didn't say anything that I didn't know.

So, what is it that you're using?

A gift from a friend I met on the train.

They probably thought it was just a toy.

Who could have thought that it would come in so handy when Mr. Silverash made that abrupt request?

I see...

Mr. Mob, Karlan Trade would very much love for our cooperation to extend beyond this one time.

I will have someone take you around Kjerag for the next few days, including tours of our mines and factories.