clour

What a sturdy metal door. Is this... a protective net?

Almost like it's been designed to keep out feral beasts. As expected of Rhodes Island.

You can't get in without a staff member's badge. Is there any other way in... Hmm, there's a keyhole hidden underneath, which can probably be picked.

But... I gave my dagger to Lena.

♪Hummm.... Hmm-hmm.... Hmmm...♪

Huh?

...Hmm? This isn't the bar. It's—

Shoot, I got way too absorbed in my music and I ended up walking all the way to the cafeteria.

I need to head back now, or I'll miss the last batch of fins and chips...

Who's there?! ––Huh? Vermeil?

Phew... Frostleaf.

What are you doing here?

(*gulp*––)

Did you bring a knife? Can you lend it to me real quick?

Mm, here.

Thanks. I have nothing of value on me right now. I'll think of some way to repay you later.

Um, what exactly are you doing?

Cutting this wire here. Then, inserting the knife into this keyhole...

Where did you learn to do stuff like this?

The mercenary camp in Ursus. Give it a few tries and you'll figure it out.

...Wait, that's not the point! Are you trying to force open the kitchen door?!

Yes, because that's where the kitchenware is... I need some.

You need to stop that, now. If someone sees you, they might think you're a thief...

Speaking of which, where's the usual worker from Logistics? Why aren't they here right now?

Found the lock cylinder. All that's left is...

Okay. Door's open.

I'm back–– Vermeil? Where'd you go?

The staff worker's back!

Vermeil, hurry up and leave already–– Huh? Why are you going inside?

First pot secured. Second pot...

Huh? Is someone in the kitchen?

Shoot, this is bad.

Just one more chunk of beast meat.

Vermeil! Go!

*pant*, *pant*... Nobody's chasing after us, right?

Nope... Frostleaf, you sure bolted out of there with the meat.

I don't think that's anything to be proud of... W-Wait, what are you doing now?!

Starting a fire.

How are you going to start a fire HERE? And isn't it just going to trigger the alarm?

Nope. I come here all the time.

...In any case, I really need to get going.

The bar's already closed.

I grabbed two pots. This one, for the herbs. This one, for stewed meat.

Stewed meat?

You helped me, so I'll give you some in return. Is that good enough?

In return? What I did hardly counts as helping you out... Plus–

Fair trade. That's the rule.

...Way back in Columbia, I saw some of the settlers in the barrens trading. The hunters would exchange their catch with the tribesmen for their daily necessities.

That's how they could step into the wastes, one day at a time. Abiding by those rules.

Sounds familiar. Reminds me of my old life... A long, long time ago, before I was brought to Rhodes Island. Maybe even before that.

Someone brought you to Rhodes Island?

He said it was to treat my condition. And that my medical bills were already paid for.

He didn't seem like a bad guy, but... he could hardly be called a good guy either. I didn't trust him. Things don't work like that in these lands.

Then, you should talk things through with the Doctor. The Doctor is a good person, and looks the part too.

I already told the Doctor, or whatever. What I said is, I don't need anybody's charity. I earn my keep, and work for everything I have.

Didn't say anything back, so they must have agreed.

...Rhodes Island isn't that kind of place.

You don't need to try and fool me. I've been to plenty of places outside the wilds. Ursus camps, and other settlements outside.

It's true that you don't always need to trade with what you hunt yourself, but in places where you don't, you use shiny golden coins instead.

Every place has been like that, and I've seen plenty.

Oh, the water's ready.

Pour the water over the meat... and use the remaining water to boil the herbs. And then, close the lid.

Now we're good. Just give it a little while.

The Vulpo girl wipes her hands on the walls out of habit, then squats down on the edge of the platform. She looks outside blankly.

Rhodes Island is sailing across the land, and beneath its strong headlights, one can clearly see the gravel in its path being ground into fine dust.

A gust of wind sweeps across the barrens, and in its wake, not even that dust remains.

As long as I sit here... Nobody will bother me. I can sit here for a long time.

Rhodes Island is a good place. A good home beyond home.

But it is not my home...

Frostleaf looks at the back of the small figure in front of her and lets out a soft sigh.

Suddenly, she approaches that figure, and brings her headphones close to Vermeil.

The next moment, the sound of music flows into Vermeil's ears.

♪Don't need your promise, don't need your gifts♪

♪The sun always rises, and that's all it takes♪

♪So grab my hand, and let's set out on a trip♪

♪To the far horizon, or what's beyond it♪

This song... reminds me of what my old tribe used to sing. When we'd divide all the food up among us, and sing while clapping on the table...

Thanks for sharing it with me. I'll find a way to—

The value of a song can't be measured, and it's not something you can trade for. The same is also true for... a whole lot of other things.

How about this... If I can't stay here, then after I leave, I'll think carefully about your words.

Leave? For good? Where are you going?

I can't stay in Rhodes Island. They won't let me.

Who's they?

Mm. The sun's about to come up. I need to hurry up and make the final push...

What a pain... I've stayed up so many nights now that I can't even fall asleep...

Why does the hallway smell like burnt wood... *sniff* Whoa, something smells good.

Is that Vermeil... and Frostleaf?

Someone's found us. Vermeil?

Ver—

She's gone... along with the pot.

Wait––

Seriously, where did that kid run off to?

After making her way to the cafeteria, she disappeared without a trace... Could she be linked to that kitchen break-in last night?

But there are way too many people who'd do that sort of thing, and Vermeil isn't one of the usual suspects.

*sigh* I'm so hungry... I've been so caught up trying to find her that I forgot to eat dinner.

I wonder if there's anything left of the food Gavial hid in the office. It might not be healthy, but...

It should be fine as long as I only pick out the vegetables... right? I mean, I need to keep my energy up to continue searching. And it's not like Gavial would mind... right?

*sigh*...

(A noise coming from the office? Is someone working overtime?)

Hello? Is someone in here?