act46side

...Did you hear anything from the Browntails?

No... not yet, at least. What's the matter with the Browntails?

No wonder Sir Arctosz was fuming when he left... I haven't seen him so angry in a long time.

But this—argh!

Listen, brother, I need you to do me a favor. Can you ask Sir Enciodes to go to the Browntail manor at once?

Sir Arctosz is even more hot-headed than I am. I'm afraid he might do something impetuous. Sir Enciodes is the only one who can stop him.

I see... I'll let him know immediately.

I suggest you get your head checked at the hospital, Arctosz. The symptoms of a mild concussion are easy to miss.

Don't try to change the subject!

Answer me! Why is it that only Clan Silverash and mine were attacked, while you Browntails sit safe and sound in your home? What do you know?!

Everything that I know about what happened today came from you.

More excuses!

Even the servants of Silverash knew to show concern, and tell me that Ensia suffered too.

But what about you? You look like you couldn't care less, like it's nothing more than a piece of snow falling on the ground! Is this the Browntail stance?

I apologize for my demeanor. All of Kjerag has suffered in recent days. I ask for your understanding.

Enough of this hypocrisy.

We both know there's been gossip going around about the Browntail Witch.

I never took it seriously. I couldn't care less what you did, as long as you did it for Kjerag and Kjeragandr.

But now?

When did Kjeragandr teach you to stab your allies in the back, Ratatos?

Watch your words, Arctosz. Do not disrespect Kjeragandr, even if you intend to insult and provoke me.

Stop dodging the question and answer!

Was Clan Browntail involved in the attack on me and Ensia?

You're wasting your time. I've already told you multiple times: I know nothing about it, and I express my sympathies.

If that's your final answer, then don't accuse me of going too far.

What do you mean?

Don't think I'm out of Paleroches just because you took Gulo out of action. Before I went out, I told my men when to show.

Clan Browntail's estates will be thoroughly searched. I didn't want to go this far, but I'm afraid Sciurus and her children will have to bear with me a little.

You dare?!

You made me do this, Ratatos!

The door to the drawing room flies open without warning. Arctosz draws his sword immediately.

The sharp-eyed Browntail guards raise their weapons too and stand in front of Ratatos.

I take it you've already discussed the incidents that occurred today.

I came for the same reason, and I've reached certain conclusions. Please, stand down.

Seeing that Arctosz has sheathed his sword, Ratatos raises a hand, and her guards hesitantly back off.

Good timing, Enciodes.

With the leaders of Clans Paleroche and Silverash both present, we demand a thorough audit of Clan Browntail's documents, and cooperation from Clan Browntail in the investigation.

Sorry, Arctosz, but I don't assent to the demand.

What?

Why would Ratatos want to get rid of us?

Assassinating the heads of the other two clans at this moment would only cause even more chaos.

Clan Paleroche has the most warriors, while Clan Silverash runs Karlan Trade.

Ratatos could not hope to keep the situation under control if you and I both died in an accident. Meanwhile, retribution would be swift and harsh.

Am I right?

Ratatos avoids Enciodes's gaze and nods lightly.

That doesn't explain why Clan Browntail wasn't attacked.

Maybe a coincidence, maybe bad timing. Maybe the attackers had something planned for the Browntails too, and we just don't know about it.

You won't convince me with talk of coincidences, Enciodes.

Who would have done such a thing, if not Ratatos?

This is not a question we can solve in a short time.

Don't forget that there are plenty of people looking to take advantage of the chaos, and take a piece of Kjerag for themselves.

This assassination coincided with the arrival of Victorian aid. The mastermind wants to keep us from working together.

The Victorians did this?

They are potential suspects, as is any foreign politician who attempts to intervene at this juncture.

Therefore, I would like to maintain the status quo of our previous meeting—I will continue to handle all external affairs, including those involving Victoria.

I will discover the truth, for Clan Paleroche, for the peace of the three clans... and for Ensia.

I'll trust you one last time...

Hmph...

Don't you dare look smug, Ratatos. You got lucky today. You can thank Enciodes and Sciurus.

If it turns out you're behind all this after all, you'll get what's coming to you!

The sturdy Ursus slams the table, then turns and leaves.

Thank you for calming that maniac down, Enciodes.

But I'm exhausted. I'm sure you understand how tiring it is to deal with baseless accusations.

If you suspect me and want to question me, I—

There's no need for that. Trust between the three clans has never been more important than now.

I have other urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave.

Pardon me for not seeing you out.

Ensia wasn't hurt. You can rest easy.

I was the one they were after.

Obviously. The accident was very likely staged. They targeted your car, without knowing who was inside.

Something's not right... it's too forward. It's as though the people behind this want to make the point that they have no qualms about deploying extreme measures.

They're trying to sow chaos and suspicion. The act itself is more important than the result.

There is another possibility... perhaps it's not me, Ensia, or Arctosz whom they're truly after.

There will be trouble on the mountains.

It's Enya they're after?

If anything happens to the Saintess at this point, it will serve to affirm all the conspiracy theories, and drag Kjerag further into the quagmire.

I need you to protect Enya, Degenbrecher.

Enya set out a long time ago. I can't promise anything.

You need to prepare for the worst.

I believe in Enya.

You 'believe'.

And you will not provide any of your basis for that belief to reassure me? Like you usually do?

Correct.

I believe.