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We temporarily raised the security clearance level and strictly restricted access in the interim before professionals can handle the situation.

I fully understand Her Grace's concern about the assets acquired, but for your safety, could I ask that this inspection be postponed?

I accept the risks at hand. Just open the door.

All else aside, this is Kjerag's mine.

Should pollutants leak, or any other dangerous situation arises, Kjerag does not rule out the right to intervene through administrative measures.

Before you offer to take responsibility, I suggest you contact Her Grace the Duke once more.

You're...

Good to see you again, Mr. Matterhorn.

Pardon me, Father. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to wait at reception for now. I currently have business with our diplomatic guest.

Mr. Edelweiss, I was expressly invited here by the Victorians.

Since when is the Vine-Bead Court so concerned with temporal affairs?

Today, both the clan leadership and the general public are dissatisfied with the way Karlan Trade has been engaging with Victoria.

The Great Elder has summoned Sir Enciodes to an inquiry into the matter; perhaps, you will also need to report to the Vine-Bead Court soon.

Why, then, would a cleric feel a need to accept an invitation to come here before that?

I wish to ensure a smooth handover process, and hope that Karlan Trade is willing to cooperate to the fullest extent.

Please open the warehouse door, Mr. Edelweiss.

Given that power has been restored by the three clans, perhaps the Vine-Bead Court would be more representative of Kjerag's 'administrative measures'?

Matterhorn, open the door.

The door slowly opens, and the Victorian ambassador is caught unaware by the dust that diffuses from within. He squints and fans the air in front of him with his hand.

There is neither the smell of industrial waste nor the texture of Originium dust. The ambassador's eyes gradually adjust to the vast, unobstructed warehouse, within which is—

...Nothing but scrap metal?

As I stated, there is nothing here but industrial waste.

Please leave as soon as you've finished your inspection. Staying here for an extended period of time would be detrimental to your health.

Everyone, stay put. I'm conducting the inspection myself.

As soon as he enters the warehouse, he feels the vast space around him dilating in all directions, the steel frames stretching straight to the ceiling surrounded by scrap metal of all shapes and sizes.

There's no way such a large warehouse was set up just to store these things. It's far too pretentious.

He approaches the bottom of one of the shelves and reaches out to rummage through it with no particular aim in mind. The clanging of metal echoes through the warehouse.

(Hushed voice) Wait, this is...

(Hushed voice) It's still half-intact, and I can still make out the insignia of Silverash's private army, the 'Tschäggättä'. Were these originally weapons and gear not improperly disposed of after being thrown in the shredder...?

An idea bubbles up, and he keeps looking elsewhere. Though Karlan Trade has been quite meticulous, a few clues are bound to leak through. Of this, he is certain.

(Hushed voice) Replicas of Victoria's newest equipment, as well as large-caliber naval gun parts...

(Hushed voice) All failures, unable to break through the technical barrier...

The army designations. The insignias. Many other terms in the Kjeragi language. He quietly memorizes them all.

Sir! Are you done yet?

...Yes, I am.

The ambassador returns to the group.

I've more or less seen what I needed to see, Mr. Edelweiss.

I will summarize the entire situation and faithfully report it to the Duke.

Sir, the internal railway in the mining site has just been cleared, and you haven't had time to inspect it yet.

Does Victoria also need to use that internal railway?

Yes, we've contacted a number of suppliers for quotes. Using the internal railway can significantly reduce transportation costs.

Father, is the Vine-Bead Court aware of this? If you are so keen to get involved in diplomatic affairs, Karlan Trade hopes that you will also be willing to verify any business entities that wish to join.

Gnosis's concern interrupts the thoughts of the Vine-Bead Court envoy, who then looks away from the railway.

...That would require the Great Elder's input.

I understand.

By Kjeragandr, I ask that the Vine-Bead Court not make things difficult for Enciodes. I will remain at Karlan Trade's headquarters, awaiting your summons.

By Kjeragandr.