act46side

What the hell is this, Enciodes?

Arctosz tosses a package bearing the Victorian crest on the table.

A supply package, containing a day's ready-to-eat rations, as well as emergency medicine.

Don't play the fool! I'm asking, why are there so many Victorians in Kjerag at a time like this!

Their reporters are babbling all over the place, soldiers dressed in worker's garb everywhere. I saw more Victorians than burdenbeasts on my way here!

Don't tell me you don't know about this. I'm well aware that Karlan Trade has been handing this stuff out!

The Vine-Bead Court never enacted a ban on Victorians entering Kjerag.

Besides, Victoria's help has been substantial in our present situation.

What would it do to Kjerag's international reputation if we rejected a country's assistance, for no reason, at a time like this? Let alone expelling our visitors.

Some bloody help! Do you think we can't overcome this Catastrophe on our own, without those hypocrites pretending to be good neighbors?

The teacup on the table ripples, sending part of its contents splashing onto the wooden surface.

It faintly reflects the heads of the three clans, like three mountains of different heights.

Besides, what kind of help can the Victorians bring?

Oh, I remember—that man Harold 'helped', didn't he?

Drinking with our people, chatting them up, going into the pens, treating the beasts and delivering new foals... He made the burdenbeasts fat and plump.

People say, he's a Victorian, but he's not a bad guy.

And what happened? What did he do at Lake Silbernherze?

Here I thought you were supposed to be the smart one, Enciodes, but you couldn't even learn that lesson?

I'm telling you, no matter what the Silverashes and Browntails think, not one Victorian will set foot on Paleroche land from this day forth.

I don't care about your 'political goals' or 'international reputation'. I won't let the Victorians have their way on Kjerag soil!

Calm down, Arctosz. Are we going to fight amongst ourselves before we've dealt with the foreigners?

Then... What do you think, Ratatos?

The fireplace continues to crackle. Ratatos's voice is calm, the dark rings around her eyes showing the toll that the past few days have taken on her.

This time, I'm with Arctosz.

You've dealt with the Victorians the most. You know their ways, especially at a time like this.

Victoria does not show kindness to Kjerag for no reason. The aid could turn into a poison pill at any time.

All the chaos we've seen over the past few years, what part of it had nothing to do with foreigners? You, of all people, should understand the risks.

I completely agree, Ratatos.

But we must not forget that, while stagnation may be the least risky course of action at present, it is also the surest way to doom.

Sending people at a time like this, Victoria is testing us. They are hoping that we will fall apart on our own.

It has taken so long and so much for Kjerag to finally see the results of reform. To close our doors again at this junction would be to lay waste to all that we've done over the years.

You're set on dealing with the Victorians?

You have my word.

Karlan Trade has taken responsibility for establishing contact with other nations. We will handle Kjerag's relationship with Victoria.

How can you be so sure?

As you said, Victoria has never given up on exploiting us.

Have they ever succeeded, though?

That look again... like you're always in control, always so sure of yourself.

Kjerag is changing. Not just the changes that you've brought about, but also the changes brought about by Catastrophe, and by progress.

Nothing stays the same forever. That's true of your past successes too.

And it's true of the great powers' lofty perch.

By Kjeragandr, I hope you know what you're doing...

In the distance, the evening prayer bell tolls at the Vine-Bead Court, echoing amongst the pillars.

Sir Enciodes.

The Saintess requests your presence at the Hall of Lectures.

The Saintess?

It seems we'll have to continue this conversation another day.

Even if we have not reached an accord, do not forget it was the decision of the Vine-Bead Court to open up Kjerag to foreign dialogues.

To cross the line now is to defy the Vine-Bead Court and the Saintess herself.

Hmph... don't try to keep my head down with some tough words.

But remember this: My eye is open, and I won't allow anyone to do anything that will harm this land.

There's no length I won't go to protect Kjerag.

Do remember, Sir Enciodes, that your decisions affect more than just your domain and your company. This whole nation will be affected.

I hope Kjerag will not pay the price for your pride...

No one can make Kjerag 'pay', as long our people remain united.

Hm...?

Excuse me.

Your visitor is here, Saintess.

Wait at the door.

Do not allow anyone to enter without my permission.

Yes, Saintess.

For what purpose do you summon me, Saintess?

Nothing important. I just realized that it has been some time since your presence last graced the Hall of Lectures.

If I am being charged with impiety, then I have no defense.

I will come to hear your lectures each week, once the current crisis has passed.

I know you are a busy man, but I have rarely seen you so fatigued.

I take it the matters at hand have been troubling.

I'm sure you understand that the people have been restless in the aftermath of the Catastrophe. There is much to be done.

But the Vine-Bead Court will only grow busier... take care.

Enciodes gestures under his eyes with his finger. Enya sees it, but says nothing.

The fire burns bright in the fireplace, its warmth reaching the eyebrows and noses of the Silverash siblings, warming their pale and alike complexions.

They are not looking at one another, but towards a solemn statue.

I saw Arctosz today. He looked out of sorts as he greeted me. Even Ratatos did not seem her normal self.

It won't be the first time the three of you have fought, but a situation like this... I haven't seen in a long time.

What happened?

Temporal matters that you need not worry yourself about.

Then please tell me—what are the 'temporal matters' that trouble Kjerag?

Is it the Victorians?

Yes and no.

They immediately sent a large relief effort to Kjerag, as soon as news about the Catastrophe got out.

The Columbians also learned about the incident at the observation station, and threatened to send troops to protect and evacuate their scientists.

They are paying close attention to this Catastrophe, each for their own reasons.

So they understand Kjerag better than we think... they know well what this Catastrophe means to Kjerag.

The politicians smell chaos, and see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extend their influence into Kjerag.

We know that Victoria has been doing far more within our borders for a long time. They have simply stopped trying to hide it.

I have a good guess as to who is behind Victoria's movements. Her plot is not hard to decipher; it is simply the instincts of a politician.

If I was in her shoes, I'd agree it would be but another chess piece to move—

You know I don't like it when you get like that.

I apologize. I spoke out of turn in this holy place.

Why do you keep putting yourself in the plotter's seat, treating everything around you as chess pieces, or bargaining chips—do you enjoy games like this?

This is our reality, one that florid words cannot conceal.

If we want to be strong, independent, even sit as equals with the great powers at the same table, then we must play by the same rules.

Is this the most absurd part of it?

Kjerag is not the only country that preaches virtue and goodness. Those politicians, too, play the part of leaders and teachers in their own country.

They are hypocritical and deceitful, but they teach their people to be honest and sincere; they are avaricious and insatiable, but they teach their people to be gentle and kind.

I ask, then, Sir Enciodes...

Are the virtues that I preach to the people of Kjerag as Saintess, and the tenets of the scriptures, all lies and nonsense to you?

Enya.

The fire flickers as a charred piece of wood snaps into two.

The name, buried for so many years, is once again uttered by a Silverash.