harold

Lisburn, that shameless bastard. Calls us over to help out with herding this lot, and now him and his lady friend are nowhere to be found.

He isn't actually thinking of settling down in Kjerag, is he? What d'you think?

Weren't you the one egging him on the hardest earlier?

And now you're fussing over him actually going through with it?

Just worried someone's trying to pull a fast one on him.

Kjerag's folk are an honest lot, and if anything shady were happening, it would be <i>us</i> trying to fool <i>them</i>. You think they're swindling Lisburn? Save it. You're just jealous.

You can't say that! We're soldiers! Protecting our country's our duty, and 'falling in love' must be the result of some kind of... subversive action!

Hope you've got the energy to keep yelling like that during your next report.

Hope you've got the barefaced cheek to talk like that during your next report.

Just shut up and get back to herding already.

Hey, I'd take being a herdsman my whole life over getting sent back to the battlefield.

As if that'll happen any time soon.

Don't be so sure about that. The boss got a letter from the Duke a few days ago. I dunno what's it about, but he's been murmuring to himself since he got it.

Murmuring about what?

'Rhodes Island'.

Really? Only thing I've seen him worrying about lately is his prize burdenbeast. Like—

Ohoho, what a good girl! Relax, relax.

(Feeble cry)

Right, that's it, girl. Won't hurt a bit.

(Pained cry)

Now now, Lanny, stay calm, don't be afraid—

The burdenbeast in pain moves two steps towards Harold. He attempts to dodge out of the way while calming her down, but finds himself a step too slow.

'Cr-ack'.

Uh-oh.

He looks down to see his prosthetic leg in pieces.

Hahaha!

Jack.

Haha... Sorry, boss. I know you're going to send me off to the hospital, so at least let me get my laughs in now while I still can?

I am going to send you off, but not to the hospital.

Oh?

I looked into it when we first arrived. The local hospitals can't help me repair this peg-leg of mine.

Then where do I need to go?

I'm afraid Rhodes Island's the only place that can fix this.

Rhodes Island, huh...? I thought there's a bit of bad blood between us, though.

That is precisely why you must go.

This is your last chance to not have to head back into battle, and mine to not have to go back home and deal with nobles.

Seriously? I'll be off right away then, sir!

We've asked Engineering to have a look at your prosthetic, Mr. Craigavon.

Its inner structure was already on the verge of collapse before it got stepped on. Otherwise it wouldn't have broken with the weight of a burdenbeast.

Makes sense. It's been carrying a weight a hundred times greater than any burdenbeast, after all.

So, what's the verdict from the experts?

I've got good news and bad news.

Good news first, if you would.

The good news is that Rhodes Island has just obtained some new equipment that will allow us to repair your prosthetic.

Let me guess, the bad news is that you don't have the material to do it?

No, our agreement with Karlan Trade covers the purchase of the material.

Then... Lack of manpower?

I'm afraid so. The technology in your prosthetic is rather advanced, and none of our operators currently in Kjerag have the technical know-how.

What a pity.

*sigh* After so many years enjoying its retirement, it seems I must put my cane back to its original use.

Wait.

Hmm?

We do have someone from Engineering currently traveling Kjerag.

She's on holiday, though, and she hasn't been in touch with our office since she arrived, so we're not entirely sure what her itinerary looks like.

If we can find her, she might be able to help you.

A hunt it is, then. I'll do it. Got any leads for me?

Hmm... Courier mentioned passing some goods over to her friends. He might know something.

Courier, that would be Weiss...

This puts me in a bit of a pickle.

If it's not convenient for you—

No, I'll go.

But your leg—

Not to worry. I am rather accustomed to walking with my cane. It's been my firm friend for about as long as that metal leg has.

I told him, as per your request, Mr. SilverAsh. He really did go off by himself. Is that everything, then?

Yes. I've discussed it with the Doctor.

Since he wants to use this opportunity to get closer to Rhodes Island, why, we are merely riding his coattails.

He will not be ignorant of this.

The rest is all up to him.

Oh, I see you've come again today, Mr. Weiss.

Yep. I'll be following Sir Enciodes to Rhodes Island soon, so I decided to help out here a bit more often before I'm off.

Oh, that's wonderful to hear!

Ah, right, there's an elderly gentleman who's been waiting for you for quite a while now.

An elderly gentleman?

Long time no see, Mr. Weiss.

It's been quite some time, Lord Viscount.

I thought you would have left Kjerag by now.

Haha, you are such a jocular young fellow, Weiss. Surely my every movement is under your watchful eye, no?

You know that my master has long since called off surveillance on you.

I'm happy for the free time myself. At least I don't have to worry about getting knocked silly.

You're a very straightforward young man. I must say, I much prefer dealing with people like you.

So, why do you need me, all of a sudden?

Well, you see, I'm currently looking for one of Rhodes Island's master engineers to see if she can help repair my prosthetic.

I've heard you know where she's gone off to.

I think I know who you're talking about.

But...

I know, I know, it won't be so easy for me to get information out of you.

I've talked it over with the staff here. How about I help you send your letters once my leg's all fixed up, hmm?

Forgive me. I cannot give out information regarding a Rhodes Island operator to a Victorian officer so lightly.

Bah, figured it wouldn't be quite so easy.

I'm afraid I'll have to ask Jack and the other lads to run around looking for her.

*sigh* No, that won't work. They'll just lead to a misunderstanding.

*sigh*...

Oh? What's going on here, young lady?

*sigh*... It's nothing, just that the stress of work's too much for me.

I don't think I can take much more of it, but I can't afford to lose this job, either.

I'm afraid there's much in life out of our control, madam.

Today's a rare day off for me, but I don't feel happy. Even on vacation, all I can do is sit here like some kind of fool.

What joy is there in a life like this?

Hmm...

Young lady, would you happen to be interested in dance?