act46side

In moments like these, I can only understand Enya and Ensia's urge to slam his head against the ground.

Alright, enough grumbling now.

Moving on then. There's only one set of shoulders the heavy responsibility of handling Karlan Trade can fall on now. Do your best... Chairman Edelweiss.

I wish you the very best in your new position.

I thank you for your kindness.

But I am currently considering creating a special position for the Black Knight.

Director of Public Relations, perhaps, or maybe a brand ambassador, things like that. Just know that it won't be light work.

Alright. Defeat me, and I'll take the job. Right here, right now.

...I forfeit.

Nothing you can do about it, then.

Take care now, Chairman Gnosis.

Wait, Degenbrecher.

...Are you going to leave?

I know not everything happening right now is as he promised.

'Making Kjerag big enough for the both of us'. That's what he said.

While the stage he set for us is hardly small, what he asks us to do is not as we first intended.

So if you're feeling weary of all this—

Time flies. I've been working for him for a while now, now that I think about it.

Enjoying myself? Hardly. Feeling weary? I would not go that far.

But there was one thing off about your little speech.

The ones standing in this room are not Enciodes's subordinates or attendants, and are certainly not cubs that need his care.

We were never waiting for him to create something for us, nor were we expecting something in return from him.

We each walk our own roads, roads that just happened to go the same way for a while.

So if there is anything you really can't get done without me, come find me.

Hah...

But there is one thing I will not compromise on.

No promotion ceremonies.

So, we finally get the chance to meet.

Mr. Silverash.

I am truly honored to receive you in person. I hope your trip to the Snow Realm has been smooth so far.

Smoother than silk, aside from my secretary banning me from skiing. That one's a mighty shame.

First of all, I'd like to thank you.

When I was talking with our scientists, they all gave rave reviews when it came to Karlan Trade providing them a safe working environment in Kjerag.

Whether it's making sure the observation station was supplied during the Catastrophe or protecting the scientists during the unrest, Kjerag has shown the responsibility a modern civilization should have.

Rhine Lab's preliminary work in Kjerag is going smoothly, and you and your team deserve some recognition.

We were merely doing our jobs.

I hope this will make you believe just how much our cooperation with Columbia means to us.

Kjerag has made our preparations. We will do all we can so that when the next Terra-shaking wave strikes, we can seize the opportunity.

'Future'. It's a word that really captivates people.

From a certain point of view, Columbia and Kjerag are both 'young' nations.

I believe there are times that youth isn't such a bad thing.

Because it's the young who have the courage and energy to embrace the future one step ahead of the others.

Oh, right, on my way to Kjerag, I heard about a little incident that really surprised me.

I hear your Kjerag had a little 'friction' with Victoria's Duke of Caster a few days ago.

So I wanted to ask: do you think Victoria is a credible threat to Kjerag, and to the safety of Rhine Lab?

Please believe me when I say that Columbia is willing and able to work alongside Kjerag to preserve the international order among the core nations.

If you're interested—

I thank you for your kindness, Mr. Vice-President.

Victoria is our neighbor, and they have always kept a close watch on Kjerag's development. On this one point, they are the same as Columbia.

Oh, I hope that's not meant to be criticism.

Haha. Since competition and friction are unavoidable, Kjerag has no intention of complicating such matters.

What I hope for more is to be able to have an open and sincere dialog between us.

This ancient land of Kjerag still has many mysteries that urgently need resolving. We must keep in mind that this is the very reason we are seeking cooperation.

History and religion, ancient mysteries full of charm...

One of the rumors I heard said the Duke called the retreat because she saw Kjerag's protector god, Kjeragandr, work a 'miracle' at a pivotal moment.

The Duke of Caster is a shrewd politician. A mere miracle would not sway her, I'm afraid.

It is simply that she realized if she wanted to achieve her political goals in Kjerag, she would have to pay a much higher price than she anticipated. This is why she abandoned the idea of making us her foe.

A brilliant gambit, I must say... But in the eyes of others, this is also a signal.

Within the landscape of the core nations, a new state has risen—and Kjerag stands ready for the next round of competition, which will be crueler than ever.

Do you think this is what you intended?

Rather than saying this is any one person's desire, I would rather say it is the inevitable outcome.

Terra cannot give Kjerag the time we need to develop, and since competition and conflict are unavoidable, showing our neighbors our determination is not necessarily bad.

It will let them know that Kjerag will not give up the chase simply because we have lagged behind a moment, nor will we lose heart in defending our interests because of a lack of military power.

Through competition, advance development. Amidst conflict, seek peace. This is Kjerag's choice.

You sure are something, Mr. Silverash. You're like a seasoned statesman when it comes to all sorts of things.

Might be a bit bold, but would you mind one last question?

You've resigned your position as Chairman of Karlan Trade, and you've maintained the legitimacy of the Vine-Bead Court in Kjerag. What would you say your role in the country is?

A determined, proactive reformer, or a powerful warlord, or maybe the true power behind Kjerag, hidden in the shadows?

I am afraid this is not a question I can answer for you, Mr. Vice-President.

When people in the distant future discuss this period of history, see if they still remember the Silverash name.

I hope they will see the name as one of the countless stones forming the foundation of Kjerag's ascent into the coming era.

The manse is deserted.

All is arranged as it was, yet shines as if new. Standing here once more brings only the sense of a lifetime having passed by.

Master? You've returned.

I have.

Are my sisters not here?

*sigh* The young mistresses were unaware you would be returning today. If I had known, I would have asked them to stay. How long has it been since you last had a meal together—

No need to trouble yourself. There will always be time later.

I think I shall take a little break today. It has been a long while since my last.

Then I am afraid I shall have to trouble you with another matter. As it so happens, you have just received a telephone call.

Is it a telephone? Or one of those 'long-distance information transfer'... One of those new-fangled Columbian toys. Would you be receiving it now?

Connect me.

Ah, yes, I thought it might be you.

All is well here, thanks to your aid with the prior matter. It was of highest importance to Kjerag.

A victory? I don't believe we should call it that.

Our patient set-up and long-term build-up are receiving the outcome they deserve, nothing more.

Save your suspense over victory or defeat for the next time we meet across the board.

Surface temperature, 17.8 degrees, stable.

Radioactivity index, 97.5, stable.

All indices within safe limits. Target is stable. Proceed with sampling.

By Kjeragandr... This really is something that fell from outer space. Didn't think we'd get to see it for ourselves.

By Kjeragandr indeed... Our Kjerag's been changing a little too fast, I feel like.

Hello? Elena, can you hear me?

How're you doing in there? Hunky-dory?

Ah... I don't... feel too great, honestly. This new model of power armor... Still not too used to it.

Everything's gone dark in here, I think I might have hit a power switch or something by accident... Wait, it's you, Director Muelsyse! You're blocking the camera!

Oopsies sorries!

Look, there's no need to be so nervous, most of the armor's functions are automated. Just imagine you're wearing a nice, thick hazmat suit.

Also, Nasti promised me this model has a hundred-percent reliable emergency eject function. It'll shoot you out to safety the moment it smells trouble.

It'll <i>shoot</i> me out?! What if I go too high or something—