act46side

Of course, of course... I doubt that any regime would hinge its legitimacy upon violence. Because, they know all too well that violence will inevitably be undone by greater violence.

Nothing can remain young and mighty forever—neither people, nor governments. Therefore, they must become compassionate, in hope that the same compassion will be afforded to them when they are weak.

So, let us return to that question... Why do the legal principles we take for granted, or rather, the virtues prevalent across the different civilizations sharing this land, exist in the first place?

To where should we direct our questions? Do we possess the 'sublimity' inherent to being human? Are our lives innately meaningful?

Apologies... but I am not well-versed in these subjects of philosophical speculation. May I ask, what is the point of these questions that seem so far-removed from our daily lives?

You mention life... In fact, as long as you seriously reflect upon your own life, you will very easily find that there is nobody on this great land who is entirely devoid of faith.

People always choose to place their faith in something, be it money, violence, knowledge, fame, philanthropy, or pleasure...

If a person genuinely believes that nothing is inherently true, then he will quickly find himself akin to a puppet with its strings cut, unable to move at all.

The followers of Kjeragandr seek the eternal solace of the mind by questioning ourselves and seeking out the traces of Her existence.

An interesting thought indeed... This seems quite different from the common perceptions floating around Kjerag.

Please tell me, what was your perception of Kjerag before you witnessed the human tragedy caused by Catastrophe?

'The last pure land on Terra'? 'A sanctuary protected by the gods?' 'A land of simple and kind, poor but happy people?'

You're quite well-versed in these touristy catch-phrases...

It was your people who discovered and abused the power of Originium, which ruined everything. You know that countless people drowned beneath the waves you stirred.

And it is this guilt that led you people to weave your illusions into the fantasy of Kjerag—a paradise where one can reap the benefits of Originium with none of the costs.

You imagine purity because you know filth. Innocence because you know deception. Magnanimity because you know opportunism. Piety because you know nihilism.

How, then, can you see the farmers who've left their homeland behind, the craftsmen whose unfinished goods pile up like a mountain, and the hunters who return home empty-handed?

You might even deny the existence of these people so that you may feel at ease when you swallow the blood and sweat of us 'savages' to 'purify your souls'.

...As an investigative journalist, it is my responsibility to spread the truth. And, I am hardly the only Victorian who cares about the truth regarding Kjerag.

Young lady, you promised to spread the truth about Kjerag across the lands. Yet your lenses are pointed at those who are more lost, more deserving of pity.

Do you think we should call this the truth? Or simply a fable?

I must admit, your questions have left me chagrined... Be it my colleagues or myself, it is hard to set down our morbid curiosity as onlookers.

All you need to know is that Kjerag's belongings are not playthings sitting behind the glass of a Victorian shop. Kjerag does not, and will not, need anyone's pity or charity.

Kjerag will always be the people of Kjeragandr—the home of the Kjerag people.

All right, I think I'm convinced now.

So, in your opinion, this Catastrophe will not shake the people's faith in Kjeragandr?

Hmm...

To be honest, Kjerag's faith is undergoing a serious test...

I cannot deny that this Catastrophe has sown the seeds of darkness in the hearts of the people, causing them to gradually turn to violence and selfishness, abandoning many of their former virtues...

But was all of this due to a Catastrophe? A seed cannot germinate without the proper soil.

The current turmoil in Kjerag only proves that people's beliefs had already changed, long before the Catastrophe itself. And the cause of all this is...

Enciodes.

Are you referring to... Mr. Enciodes Silverash, the Chairman of Karlan Trade?

For thousands of years, Kjerag has been spared from Catastrophe by our adherence to the order laid down by our god. However, the Vine-Bead Court is not the rigidly conservative institution that outsiders think.

Even in the era before power was restored to the three clans, records in the Vine-Bead Court's Hall of Writings confirm that the Court was involved in, and sometimes even instrumental to, the vast majority of changes across Kjerag's history.

However, we simply remind ourselves constantly of the wisdom and virtues She taught to us, ensuring that each step we take does not become counterproductive.

And, this order formed through the Vine-Bead Court has proven its reliability and stability over the long years.

Yet, when you don your skis and snowboards and zoom down our snow-capped peaks, how often do you turn back to look at those who lack the condition and ability to keep up?

No matter how much you might want to turn back and wait, the falling snow will obstruct your view until the exhilaration carried upon the wind engulfs your every thought.

You believe that Kjerag's current reforms are too radical...

Therefore, if anyone can be held responsible for the current state of Kjerag, it can only be Enciodes.

So... as an elder of the Vine-Bead Court, are you planning to make any changes in response to this situation?

No... I won't lightly say that I'll be making any changes myself...

I simply believe that... for thousands of years, the enemies of Kjeragandr have all vanished into the snowdrifts of history.

...The registration documents are all here. Please make sure this envelope makes its way to Mr. Edelweiss of Karlan Trade.

Don't worry. We were established by Karlan Trade and know Mr. Edelweiss very well. There won't be any mistakes.

Glad to hear it.

Elena turns her head somewhat nervously. After the Catastrophe, the people of Kjerag have largely preferred to remain at home, with one exception—the market.

Hundreds of people crowded together in residential areas, temples, stores, and street stalls, the sorrow on their faces matching the gloomy weather.

At the far end of the market, Joanna is gesturing to her with her hands, her mouth open as if beckoning for her to come quickly.

Be right there!

(Hushed voice) Ah—gotta keep a low profile.

Elena lowers her head and turns her face away, hurrying away against the flow of pedestrians. Countless Kjerag people brush past her, while another Rhine Lab employee squeezes into the crowd and follows the current.

(Hushed voice) Why should we choose the most crowded place...

People are forced to gather here in order to barter for necessities or to receive relief supplies. That they suppress their fear is a fact worn on their sleeves, many of them showing up in naught but simple, local attire.

Carolin instinctively pulls her coat in tighter, walking past the men and women, until she stops at the entrance to a quiet little temple.

She leans against the door frame, its paint worn and peeling, and hesitantly turns her head to look around, searching for someone else who also has an appointment.

Damn it, the bell already rang.

All I wanted was to find a place to continue my research. Why am I stuck doing this kind of work?

She pounds the wall next to her angrily, until suddenly, a hoarse question reaches her ears.

Oh lost lady, why do you treat the property of Kjeragandr in such a manner?

I'm sorry. How should I make amends?

There's no need for that. Set everything down, and come with me.

Should it be agreeable to you, please rest in the courtyard. I shall explain the profundity of the scriptures to you, so as to soothe your restless heart.

The old man unlocks the temple gate, and Caroline pauses apprehensively to look around before stepping inside. The devotee then follows her in and shuts the gate again.

...You're the one they mentioned. The one who can bring me out.

Choosing to meet up here is incredibly risky, is it not?

People are undoubtedly going to be anxious in the aftermath of a Catastrophe. Wandering around in sparsely-populated, open areas is only going to invite more suspicion.

Let's get down to business. We don't have time to waste.

Have you acquired all the intel?

I have, but it's not meant for you.

The Duke of Caster's men promised that once they took over the mine, I would be able to leave Kjerag via the internal railway.

I don't know what they told you, but now is the time for you to do your part.

The mine is currently in the handover period. Once the Victorians have finished their inspection, I will take you there to meet them.

I ask for your patience, madam. It is a precious virtue indeed.

I hope this is the last time...

Did you hear that?

Hear what?

Sounded a bit like thunder, how strange. Seemed to come from the mountains.

And also... Ah...

Achoo!

What's this? The tip of my nose feels all chilly... Huh?

That's weird. Why is it snowing again?

We're in the middle of the snowy season. What's so strange about that?

No, that can't be it. Even at this time of year, there are always signs before it starts snowing.

*sniff*

The girl lifts her head, her expression suddenly turning serious.

It's snowing, but it doesn't smell like snow. It's very strange...

An old man once said that the snow only loses its scent when something truly terrible is about to happen...

Is Kjeragandr... warning us again?

'Divine will' is less important than how heavy the snowfall is going to be, and how it will threaten our safety.

As for the 'scent of snow' you mentioned... the air temperature and humidity change before it snows, which may give off the illusion of a peculiar scent.

But, to treat this as some way of gauging the weather, or even as a divination of some sort is... well...

I frankly don't think it makes any sense.

No, no. The scent of snow is the scent of snow. Not some other smell.

Kjeragandr has given hunters a keen sense of smell and eyes that can see in the dark. On the snowfields, we know much more than you do!

Okay, then... I don't mean to question your personal experience, but I still have to act according to my own 'experience'.

As Elena speaks, she sets up the observation equipment and begins to carefully record the data.

The girl pouts discontentedly, looking at the device with a distinctively old-fashioned Kjerag look.

That lump of metal of yours has been beeping this entire time, and it's heavy too... We would've gotten here way sooner without having to lug it around...