act46side

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...

But, it's how we can make sure that every step we take is safe and secure. After a Catastrophe, we must be extremely cautious inside Originium zones—

A sudden gust of wind rises, causing Elena to stumble, but Joanna catches her from behind just in the knick of time.

Thanks—

...Hmph.

The chilly, snowflake-laced wind sweeps over them, and all other noise ceases, save for the whistling wind and its sharp, biting cold.

How did the temperature drop so sharply all of a sudden? Is this...?

I know of a deserted village up ahead. Let's head over there and find a house to shelter in.

Enya, who has been lagging behind the group because she was flipping through her notebook, steps in between the two.

She stretches her palms out, her fingertips only slightly reddened from the cold.

Come. Take my hand.

The fresh snow is too slippery, and the terrain here is steep as well. It would be terrible if someone slipped and fell here.

Hmm... You're both hesitating?

Do you not want to hold my hands?

Enya... I mean, Your Holiness, I...

No, thank you.

One hand extends forward.

Hmph. I'm just doing this for Her Holiness.

Joanna turns her head away, but nevertheless places her hand within Enya's.

Phew... Thankfully, the temple is in a much better state than the other buildings because there still are people who come by occasionally to do repairs.

The three shake off the thick snow from their cloaks. They arrive at the village only briefly before the snow starts to come down heavily, fluttering down like feathers.

You two... Go ahead and rest. I'll see if the fireplace here can still be lit.

You can usually find a small woodshed behind the village temple. I'll go take a look.

Need my help?

...I'm good. You...

Didn't you say you were going to do the weather forecast? Just go do your thing!

I've already set it up. The measuring device will automatically gather data from our surrounding area, so I can help you carry—

I told you I'm good! Don't follow me...!

Before Elena can even stand up, Joanna already manages to feel out the small door behind the temple statue with practiced ease.

The layout of any Kjerag monastery is more or less the same. The girl rushes out back, and the door slams loudly behind her.

Did I do something to upset her...?

Maybe just a little, but not that much. Don't worry about it.

Joanna is a kind girl. Even when she's grumpy, she still wants you to be warm. Just like not long ago, when she protected me from assassins even though she despises me.