gnosis

Alright, the coast is clear.

Why is the scion of Silverash acting like a thief?

Because Father won't actually let me watch.

Why?

He says that the train is still being tested, and it might be dangerous.

Then you—

I'm curious.

We so much to learn about engineering, science, and literature every day. It makes my head want to explode.

But it's things that we have to learn. So I want to at least see what learning these things could do for me.

You don't like them either?

Well... I didn't, at first.

But I found a way.

A way?

I began thinking about what knowledge can become.

For example, all the knowledge about engineering that eventually becomes a train.

I've found that it motivates me to study when I actually get to see the things I read about.

You're so strange.

Am I?

Just imagine. This train will let us traverse all of Kjerag in a single day once it enters service.

And we built it with our own hands. It's exciting, isn't it?

You—

What is it?

You're even more childish than I thought.

I don't want to be like my father, always engaged in a battle of wit and will against nobles and merchants from abroad. He doesn't even smile when he's with his family.

He didn't use to be like that.

You're going to be a leader. You need to get used to it.

Maybe. If that's the case, then at least I'll smile and laugh to my heart's content before I get to that point.

Say, I used to think you were one of those people whose brain is filled with Kjerag history and nothing else.

But you're always watching the fowlbeasts outside the window. That's when I began to think that you may be different from how I imagined.

Well...

Do you enjoy observing them?

No—

The train's about to stop.

Let's get off here. We'll get a terrible earful if we're found out.

Enciodes.

Yes?

Would you accompany me somewhere?

Alright.

Why did you bring me here?

Friends help each other. I helped you. Now I need you to help me with something.

Bring Enciodes. I want to have a chat with him too.

I'm not sure. But the teacher said he wanted to see you here?

He did?

Who's there?!

No need to get excited. Just letting Master Enciodes take a little nap.

Sir?!

Take him.

Righto.

Now, now, be gentle with the young master.

Don't worry, I'll be careful. He's our money, after all.

Who are you?!

Just a tutor who was hired to instruct the scions of Clans Silverash and Edelweiss.

Being a tutor doesn't pay that well, though, so I started a little side business.

What do you want?

Don't look at me like that. You brought him here, didn't you?

Why you—!

My dear Master Gnosis, did you really think I didn't talk to your parents?

Just as you suspected, your father refused to consent to you studying abroad, and your mother is against it too.

You believe you could make this a done deal, but my feeling is that they will come after you, no matter how far you run.

I'm helping you, Master Gnosis.

If you want to leave Kjerag, get away from this boring, dead-end life—

Tell your parents and Master Olafur...

That Master Enciodes and you will be sowing your wild oats for a while, and you don't want to be disturbed.

Master Olafur? It's me, Gnosis.

Yes, Master Enciodes is with me.

I'm sorry, we sneaked onto the train. I just wanted to let you know, so you won't worry too much about us.

...No, he hasn't caused me any trouble. It was I—

When will we be back?

Gnosis looks up to see a flock of fowlbeasts streak across the sky.

A young fowlbeast separates from the flock, flying off in another direction, beyond the snow-capped mountains.

The northern wind often gives fledglings reckless courage, the belief that they can break the iron-clad rules, but it is often cruel reality that awaits.

He's known this.

He's known he is not ready.

Perhaps he would still try to fly beyond the mountains, but not in this way.

Don't worry, we'll be back soon.

Any movement?

No.

Alright.

I hope you brought good news.

I—I talked to them. They won't suspect anything for a while.

Looks like you kept our deal.

How did these people—

Well, if you really want to know... they just marched in like they owned the place.

Kjerag is too primitive. This might be the easiest job we've ever done.

What are you going to do to Enciodes?

Easy. Make Master Olafur pay a little price for his carelessness.

Then, we head for Victoria.

We?

Yes, we.

Did you think I was going to fail to uphold my end of the deal?

Isn't that what crooks do best?

Now, don't be so sarcastic, boy.

You can hate me now.

I'll send you to school, help you learn whatever you want. All I ask is a little favor every now and then.

It's a good deal, isn't it?

Enciodes must be hungry. I'll bring him his food.

Sure... You can say goodbye.

Oh, I didn't expect you. I thought it would be somebody else.

Are you sure about revealing your involvement? Things won't go well for you if I somehow manage to get out.

You sure are confident.