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Honestly, I didn't expect it either.

But I hope you understand now.

The foreigners are given better treatment because they have what Kjerag doesn't, what Kjerag can't even imagine.

Think about it, Mr. Edwin.

Would you, or those behind you rather get swept away by the tide?

Or would you rather ride it and watch as we conquer what once seemed insurmountable?

Is it too late to get on board?

It's never too late.

Sir Enciodes welcomes everyone who is willing to build a new Kjerag together.

A moment of silence, then the old man nods, if only reluctantly.

I suppose I've grown old.

Not that old. Kjerag still needs you.

...I'll think about it. And I'll talk to them.

We're counting on it.

Weiss smiles.

The old man has seen Weiss smile many times. He knows that, more often than not, it is simply a form of self-defense.

But this time, it is sincere.

Sunlight dances on his face, and his smile is radiant.

Courier has a thick stack of paper in his hands as he stands by the shredder. The first page says 'Kjerag Logistics System Proposal'.

He wears a heavy, hesitant expression on his face, but eventually extends the proposal toward the shredder.

Wait.

Mr. Bison...

Why are you destroying the proposal?

Because it failed.

I'm your logistics lecturer. You're not the one who decides what's failed.

Besides, you didn't have that look on your face when you first told me you were drafting a proposal for Kjerag's logistics system.

May I have a look?

Yes, sir.

Pretty comprehensive.

You've covered all the bases, from manpower to cost to transportation method to storage.

It's a solid proposal.

There's only one problem left to solve—the engineering issues in Terra Nullius.

Right.

A Terra Nullius exists between the zone of actual Kjerag control and our neighboring countries.

I

A full-fledged logistics system requires a more developed transportation infrastructure, but neighboring countries will not simply sit and watch as Kjerag develops Terra Nullius.

I could not find a way to solve this problem, so I decided to give up.

If I recall correctly, I've discussed solutions to similar issues.

One way is to invest in an international logistics company.

In that case, there's no need to write a proposal at all—just leave it to a developed international logistics firm, like MountainDash Logistics.

We discussed this too.

In order to effectively operate in Kjerag, MountainDash would need someone reliable to manage local operations—someone like you.

But you refused. Do you regret that choice?

Well—no.

Another way is to leave Kjerag and establish my own logistics firm.

As clear as such a firm's Kjerag links would be, it would face a lot less opposition, as long as it does not belong to Kjerag officially.

I'm clear on that much, but—

You're not willing to accept it.

Just like you turned down my offer.

Because either way means leaving Karlan Trade, perhaps even leaving Kjerag.

It's the thought of leaving Kjerag that you really want to banish, isn't it?

I realized that everything in this proposal was written with the assumption that I would manage it personally.

The proposal was custom-made for myself. Implementing it means I'm the one who would need to leave Kjerag.

I was too arrogant.

So you're just giving up on the proposal?

I'll write a new one for the Master, so that he may find the right man.

So you're just giving up on the opportunity?

I know how much Kjerag means to you.

But this is a chance for you to show your value, isn't it?

If you're not interested—

Why did you choose to study at Rhodes Island?

Thank you for the kind words, but my mind is made up.

Courier snatches the proposal from Bison before he can react.

Before he can put the proposal in the shredder, however, he hears a crowing from behind him.

The fowlbeast is even faster than he, and whisks the proposal away in its beak. He is familiar with this fowlbeast—Tenzin.

...Master.

Your thoughts seem have been heading down a dangerous path lately.

I... I'm sorry, Master.

But—

But I'm also curious. Let's have you implement the proposal, Weiss.

Mapping, route planning, negotiating with the villages, deploying personnel...

Once you actually put things in place, you may find that they don't require your presence as much as you assumed they would.

Yes, Master.

Wait.

I'll go with you.

But—

You have an avalanche warning team, don't you?

Just treat me as one of them.

Let me see up close whether you really can do what you think you can.

Yes, Master.

Are you sure about this, Mr. SilverAsh?

I am.

It's high time Weiss took a good look at himself.

*Huff*... *huff*...

Here, take my hand, Master.

No need. What of the others?

They're already at the summit.

This trail may be a little difficult for you, sir.

You're just trying to get rid of me, aren't you, Weiss?

Of course not.

But one who spends his time in an office doing paperwork is bound to be less active than those of us who spend most of our time outdoors, no?

Heh.

We can take a break here.

The team at the summit can wait a while. They'll understand.

Let's go.

We can't delay the surveying on my account.

As you wish.

You're right, it has been a long time since I last climbed a hill.

You used to be very good at it.

I took after my mother.