act30side

Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at our terminus—

Lake Silberneherze Station.

Located in the center of a basin, clear and scenic Lake Silberneherze is one of the gems of Kjerag.

Legends say that it is the first tear shed by Kjeragandr. In winter, one can walk on the frozen surface and see into the depths of the lake.

The newly-built statue of Kjeragandr stands on an island in the middle of the lake, watching over Kjerag and her people.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived...

So... it's all a misunderstanding?

No secrets, no assassinations, no VIP on the train, no nothing?

If there's any VIP that got me on this train, it was you.

Viscount Harold Craigavon, the renowned burdenbeast veterinarian who has become a household name amongst the pastoralists.

Ahem.

I'm honored.

I beg your pardon, Madam Degenbrecher.

It was hard not to make certain inferences from the blood on your gloves.

Blood?

Should I explain?

I guess I could tell you, if you really want to know.

I do. Please.

Lily's birthing wasn't easy.

It was premature. She bled a lot, and I had my hands full.

What?!

Premature...? She bled?

That's no laughing matter. How is my girl?

I performed first aid, but she needs a professional follow-up.

Leones says he trusts you the most, Craigavon.

It's up to you now.

I'll be there in two shakes of a beast's tail!

You look disappointed. Were you expecting something else?

Fine enough by me. I could live up to those expectations.

There's no need for that.

So, what's the misunderstanding?

Ah, well... Lake Silberneherze is a nice place, isn't it?

Particularly on a sunny, clear day like this, when even the air smells particularly fresh...

Do Victorians always talk about the weather when they're trying to change the subject?

I must have heard this a few thousand times by now.

Forgive me. We learn from a young age to use Victoria's awful weather as a conversation starter.

Kindly refrain from besmirching the good name of Victoria, My Lord.

Hey—

Why are you guys still standing around chatting?

Is our little misunderstanding all cleared up now?

Of course, of course.

Nothing would have happened, if not for some alarmists amongst us.

Whatever, as long as it's all cleared up now.

Running up and down a train was fun, but I've had enough of eating dust under a table.

I went ahead and had a look. A tour guide gave me two maps!

Lake Silberneherze is just down the street from here.

Should we go now?

Well... dreadfully sorry, Rosalind, but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep my promise.

There's a lady who needs me at her side, right now.

Lily is a burdenbeast, right? Not some Victorian noble codeword?

Perish the thought!

Fine, fine. Go see to your 'Lily'. I can take care of myself here.

Rosalind...

Wh-What's that look on your face?

You're such a kind, thoughtful girl!

Come, let's exchange contact information.

You must find me, should you ever need anything. I am ever at your service.

And I'll keep an eye out for your father... handsome Kjerag fellow, you said?

Thanks for that, dedushka.

Alright, you guys get back to your chat, I'm gonna get going.

Such a lovely young lady, so strong and cheerful even after losing her mother...

...A handsome Kjerag fellow?

Oh, you heard?

Rosalind came to Kjerag to find her long-lost father.

It's a touching story. I hope her efforts bear fruit.

Her father...?

Is that what she said?

Well, now that our misunderstanding has been resolved...

Madam Degenbrecher, I'm a huge fan of your work. Could I perhaps beg your autogr—

No time.

I'm leaving. Take care of Lily.

Wait, Madam Degenbrecher!

Ach—

She's gone.

The Black Knight does not seem to take much pride in glories past.

Small wonder, considering the manner in which she was exiled from Kazimierz...

Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot you were still here.

I didn't want to inadvertently offend the Black Knight.

Glad to know you're so self-aware.

It was my mistake. I should have been more careful with my words.

But do you really believe Madam Degenbrecher's reasoning?

The Black Knight has ever been Silverash's loyal lieutenant, from the moment she left Kazimierz and followed him to Kjerag.

She has been in the mountains lately, training a new unit of troops for Karlan Trade.

We also have reports of unusual goods moving in and out of Kjerag, involving materials of a sensitive nature.

Your point...?

All conjecture at this time.

But you have your suspicions too, don't you? That's why you kept the young Rosalind's contact.

Looks like your time in Victoria has instilled in you a pathological mistrust of others. What a shame.

That is my profession, after all.

I will report today's events to the Duke, exactly as they happened.

Wait...!

Allow me to remind you once more, My Lord.

You have a duty you are obligated to carry out. Do not fail Her Grace.

This is not a sightseeing trip.

Have you given Karlan Trade's proposal some thought, Mr. Taylor?

I understand Matterhorn has taken you to see our mines and factories. Are you satisfied with what you've seen from Kjerag and Karlan Trade?

I have no complaints about your company, Mr. Silverash.

But you're a businessman too. I'm sure you understand.

I would have few reasons to harbor any doubts, if it was Karlan Trade I was dealing with.

But if I'm to deal with the government of Kjerag, which we know little about... I do feel that more due diligence is in order when it comes to a project of this size.