skfire

You hear? The Mountbelan girl's back in old Victoria, smack dab in the middle of Caladon.

Here? I thought she'd be off in a bigger city. There's no place more infected than this, and didn't it have a bout of Reunion or something too? I thought she couldn't stand all that?

She's working for the council.

Ahh—the council. The venerable city council. She probably has it easy as could be.

Is that all you're interested in? I thought you'd be delighted.

Delighted? About what?

Haven't you been wanting a leg up for that factory of yours? We all know she's got her head up her behind, and you know what she's done before. She hates the Infected to death.

So now she's working for the council. You find her, let her know what's in it for her, tell her about your factory, and there you go—

...What is this? An invitation?

'We cordially invite you on this day... to share in our celebrations. Champagne tasting and tours... tonight at 8 P.M. We hope to see you there.'

A class reunion? Sometimes it really does puzzle me how something both so time-wasting, and so difficult to refuse, ever got folded into 'etiquette.'

I'll go once hours are over. I just hope the rotten lot of them don't give me any—

Mmph. No, bad. No need for anger on the job.

Let's just get ourselves straight to work.

Oh, hello, old friend. Just last week we met at the drinking party. Your magnificent visage stole the breath from quite a number of people! They've been clamoring to have you back again!

My face, is it?

They're just after my estate. I'm not sure I can blame them; it turned me what would normally be a year's profits in a few short months.

Aren't people still praising Count Adam's dashing appearance, even though his hair resembles corn silk more than anything by now?

*cough*! You haven't changed a whit.

Now, profits, though, you'll want to hear about my winery. I think you'll find that's the real last say...

(Jockeying with each other, flaunting assets, backstabbing the absent. Hmph. These people don't change one jot.)

Count Ambulas, my factory has been set on the right track, and I owe it to your kind attention! But before it can tithe you further profits, I will need just the tiniest sum more...

Ah-hah-hah, it's a true honor you should still remember me! I was sat right behind you, if you remember!

If you'd be willing to cast an eye over my estate, I'd be greatly thankful! ...Ah, I see. Sorry to bother you...

(Treating a dinner party as a springboard up... these people do love their flattery. Honestly... what a typical sight.)

(I've been here for long enough—it's time I left. It'll take a while to get back to Caladon too.)

Miss Mountbelan?

Hm?

Miss Mountbelan, it really is you!

You must try some of the champagne tonight, I'll bring you a glass...

Of all the places to meet you! Do you still remember me? I was sat right behind you in class. I see you've found yourself a fine job!

Excuse me. If it's nothing urgent, I have my own business to attend to.

Ah, well, here's the thing, I hear you're working for the council now, and I just so happen to run a little factory. It's nothing too grand, but...

With just the right opportunity, it could turn a profit on par with Isabella's estate! And naturally I'd give you—my good official—a fabulous token of my thanks.

So, for example, anything council-related...

I have absolutely no interest.

(Could it... be this girl has no clue what my factory even does?)

(She's not one bit less sheltered. Nobles... snooty bloodline-obsessed elitists, the lot of them... Am I not being <i>deferential</i> enough for you—?!)

Miss Mountbelan, my factory is right here in Caladon, if you didn't know. And it's only even here thanks to the great pains I know you and the councilors have gone to.

Haven't you always hated those lowly brutes? I know they paid quite the rightful price for what they did to your beloved pet.

But now—thanks to these policies—the council has finally turned its head our way, hasn't it? Those lowly people exist for our sakes, and I've picked up by now on how to make good and proper use of them—

If I could just grasp one inch further, I'm sure results would be even more plentiful. And you, Miss Mountbelan, would have me doing all I could to repay your kindness!

(How about I burn him to—

No. No.)

You know, I'm finding it a little oddly hot in here.

Miss Mountbelan, what do you say? How about we step outside and chat?

(Can I really not just—

No, no. I can't.)

Here's my business card. Please, by all means!

...Hrmmph. Let me see.

'Barum's Works'?

Exactly!

I see. Well, Barum's Works.

Have you heard of it?

Of course.

We've discussed plans for new acts where your factory has served as a case study.

My professor and I kept tabs on your factory in private too. 'Barum's Works' was top of the list that came in.

Ah, really! Now that's an honor! Then may I...?

I've already signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Of course! Naturally you wouldn't be the sort to break confidentiality! I was just hoping you could let me in on a little of the council chatter, some teatime topics, maybe we could chew the cud on this or that.

Such as...

Such as the act we're imminently proposing regarding working hours?

Exactly!

If I could invite you to my factory for a look around, I'd be utterly honored...

Miss Mountbelan, you have my gratitude for deigning to come here. I had them clean the place thorough a few days ago. Not a speck of dust left!

Didn't I tell you I was here to see things as they are?

Oh, well, cleaning up some dust off to the side wouldn't impact your understanding of how our factory operates.

I don't mean to boast, but you see, the scale of this place—

Not top of the line for Caladon, but remarkable all the same.

I see facilities and protective measures are kept in good order. In the light of present regulations, your site is a clean pass.

Security measures are also fully replete as stipulated.

Miss Mountbelan, I see you've been underestimating me. It's only natural such fundamental work is well done.

How about we take a look at the workshop? It's Infected, however, so even with protective measures ready, I'm sure you wouldn't want to go insi—

I would.

Miss Mountbelan?

Ah, I see, it's that kerfuffle from a few years ago. You want to see if there's any traces of that whole... Reunion Movement inside?

Hm?

Mm, yes, Reunion.

My workers here have all gone through background checks, but you can rest assured, if you're displeased to see <i>anyone</i> in there, you can be sure I'll—

I'll have to see for myself.

Yes, I understand, you'd better get your protective gear on, then. I'll just have to brave the elements...

Is this the place? Where are the workers?

Miss Mountbelan, I didn't think you'd be so concerned with a place like this. How could I possibly have you mingling with Infected? I've ordered them all out for the time being, and the purifier installations are on at maximum.

Let's not stay in here for too long. I'll be honest, this is my first time in here too... er, in a while, I mean.

Ah. I'm just taking a look around.

After all, by your accounts, this place has made you a pretty penny, so my interest is natural. Moreover, did you forget? I and my professor have been keeping a watch on your factory for some time now.

Yes, and I'm honored for it.

Infected are both convenient and less demanding in the way of assurances. I have to thank the council for providing such a fine workforce.

What are those?

Ah, surveillance devices.

We both know, you see, how people tend to skive without motivation or supervision.

And these riot shields?

Ahh. Even less of a concern. Infected don't take simply to discipline, nor are they content with what they have. I imagine you know better than I do. Without a method or two at hand, they'd never stay placid.

Aren't you concerned that just leaving your riot control gear here might cause fear in the Infected, even elicit disorder?

Well... hah-hah, you worry too much, Miss Mountbelan.

They don't see it.

They don't what...?

—Miss Mountbelan, we've been in here for a while now. Should we step out? Even with all the precautions, there's always an off-chance.

Let's take the lift out and pull that gear off, and take some deep breaths. Nice, deep breaths!

Miss Mountbelan, old friend, there's no one but you and me in this lift, so let me be a little honest with you. This may just interest you more in my factory?