bgsnow

Alright... Let's go, then.

20 votes for 'Super Alcohol Stirrer Bumper Cars'!

And 309 abstentions!

The majority didn't vote!

*sigh*... The Durins' way of speaking is too hard to mimic.

No matter how much I long to integrate into their way of life... it would seem I'm still reluctant to use a word like 'Recordkeeper' as my surname.

Why did so many folks abstain? Looks like we're gonna have to have a fourth contest.

Maybe entertainment facilities aren't popular anymore? Should we go for art sculptures as the next theme?

Hah, whatever it ends up being, my design's gonna be way more popular than yours for sure!

As designers participating in this contest, surely you two must be very familiar with the street?

Of course.

Then would you happen to know of a workshop run by two craftsmen that used to be there half a month ago?

I commissioned them to make me a fountain pen, but they disappeared without a trace after they took the job.

Oh...

It's gotta be that place, right?

Gotta be.

What do you mean?

They forgot about your commission.

Huh?

If not, they would've contacted you when their house was torn down.

Relax. It's just a fountain pen. It's not like it really matters.

It matters to me.

Oh, you're a big fan of fountain pens?

So are you into calligraphy? Or are you more into writing?

I...

Alright, alright, quit it with the long face. When we have a huge project going on, craftsmen who aren't drunk usually come help out. You'll bump into them eventually.

Say, when a victor is finally crowned in this contest.

Right. Speaking of the contest, I think you could give me some great ideas! Tell me, what's it like on the surface?

Hey, I wanted to ask her about that!

In that case, let's have a vote right now, and see who she'll share her inspirations from the surface with.

Alright!

—Stop. Let's not.

You don't want to tell us?

...I'll tell both of you.

I just want someone to come up with a proposal that will win over every Durin, so I can look for the two craftsmen I commissioned as soon as possible.

You were hunted?

Oh—I get it! You're talking about those races where you can get in others' way!

Towering walls! But there was a standoff in a narrow corridor!

A big reception hall! Where everyone got super drunk!

That's violent! Super violent!

I have an idea! Let's go!

Do these Durins really have no idea what it means to be hunted or poisoned?

And I...

Hold on. I just told them all those hideous truths.

'Inside her heart, there is nothing but towering stone walls that block out the cold wind, a corridor adorned with paintings, and a long table with nothing but hot food and fine wine on top...'

'The moment she begins this sentence, she must continue her account and write about the walls that came crumbling down, the kind, tender faces in the painting that burnt away in the flames, and the blood red wine staining the white tablecloth.'

I've spilt the wine. Now that they've been exposed to the idea of evil, they can no longer be rid of it. Right now, all I can do is...

...stop them from spreading my story through Zeruertza!

How come I've never thought of this before? We could've held all our contests this way!

Right, now we can really battle it out with each other.

This is— 'The Super Water Cannon Battle!'

Look here. I'll put water guns at every window, guaranteed to blast whatever you end up building on the other side of street.

But if only one of us gets her design chosen, we won't get our showdown, no?

Hm, you're right.

That's why we gotta team up and join the fourth contest together!

Great idea!

You wanna advertise our brand new mead? Hm... Who're you?

I'm... a lover of fine drinks.

Oh, you love our mead? You've got great tastes, lady.

Since I arrived, I've seen many a Durin have this drink, and a single cup is usually enough to knock them out... My guess is it's very strong.

Hahaha, you know your stuff! Even I can get drunk for days on end with just two cups of this!

I imagine you're using an awfully large cup then.

But that's wonderful.

Let's delay no further and head out with the mead.

(If I treat those two designers to mead as a promotion, not only will they harbor no suspicions, they'll drink until they are absolutely inebriated.)

(To keep them from spreading my story around, I just need the two of them to sleep past the deadline. They might even forget about it completely.)

Alright, then. Let's share a toast to making this promotion a success!

Hold on, I've never had alcohol before...

(After all those sharp gazes I've had to endure, I wouldn't dare drink or let myself fall asleep in the middle of the day...)

No, I mean, I need to stay sober for work. Why don't we have this drink later tonight?

I-I'll be off now!

Hello, you two. Would you like to try some—

Hear, hear!

Well said, Master Finch!

—They don't seem interested.

Amazing. The construct's contours are elegant and simple. There's absolutely no space wasted on any unnecessary surfaces.

And he's right. With this design, the commercial district will have somewhat different lighting than our normal, direct artificial sunlight. With this kinda lighting, some products will look even more attractive.

I can't wait to see Finch's genius designs brought to life!

And that's even though we were gonna turn that place into a entertainment facility.

In that case, may all those who agree with this proposal raise their hands.

...So many.

Even at a glance, I can tell the majority are in favor.

But didn't that designer use to always complain on stage about the way the Durins live?!

Welp, that's our design down the drain.

Finch's got a point though. Over a quarter the area in Zeruertza is already used for entertainment facilities.

Oh hey, tall girl. Didn't see you there. Did you catch Finch's speech?

Yes, part of it.

I also happened to hear that you've abandoned the design you were working on—

That aroma! Fresh mead! No doubt about it!

Since we've already broken the ice, might as well help ourselves!

*sigh*... You don't have the slightest idea what he meant when he said you must live your lives with restraint, do you?

Well... this isn't so bad, either.

Make way! Make way! Finch made this vending truck just for us, and we're testing out its capabilities now!

Faster, faster! Make a quick turn around that pillar up ahead!

You sure we have room to make a turn?

We'll make this a crash test, then!

Hm, seems safe enough. Maybe because we don't have anything in the back.

...Hello.

I've been waiting for you ever since work on this street started.

Hm? Hmm... You seem somewhat familiar.