svrash

And get off your knees already, you're going to dirty up my floor.

We'll need a spare protective suit.

Roger that.

Surprised?

Somewhat.

No, I'll admit it, I'm surprised.

Now I better understand why he said I can't do anything for him...

And Kate, how long do you plan on following us?

I'm sorry...

Did you know of this?

Yes, I knew. But there's nothing I can do.

If I went up there right now, Carle would just tell me to leave.

I know this is shameful Enciodes, but... I- I want you to help my brother!

He's already refused my help.

If he were only after the ransom, I wouldn't have risked myself to come here, so... I don't want you to misunderstand him.

But, you've always been ever so reliable, and there is no one else I can turn to, so please!

I'll do what I can.

As you said, I was, in fact, the one to bring up the kidnapping plan.

And ever since my 'kidnapping', I've been living with my brother and the other Infected.

While I dare not say that I completely understand their plight, I have at least some idea of what they're going through.

Back then, he plunged a chunk of Originium into his arm, right in front of me and our parents, before rushing out of the house.

It took two years to find him again in the slums, completely by chance.

His impetuous temper from before had turned violent, as you've seen, but to me, the biggest change in him was that––

Even though he's alive, he doesn't seem to be living.

Sorry, I'm not sure how exactly to describe it...

He's gotten himself battered and bruised so many times for the sake of his friends, but he doesn't seem to care.

And as you saw just now, he'll grovel and denigrate himself without a second thought as long as it's for the sake of others.

The only person he doesn't care about is himself.

It's the same with the kidnapping, really...

He's never cared about the ransom.;He wants to give up his life for something?

Yes...

Kate...?

Oh no, Carle...

Enciodes too, and even Hood...? Y-You saw everything?

Did you bring them here, Kate?

No, I swear.

We followed you.

Lords these days. How easily they admit to tailing people, hah!

Carle.

I already told you, there's nothing you can do for me.

So just stay up there in your ivory tower. You shouldn't feel even a pang of conscience over a pathetic existence like mine.

It's better this way. For you and me both.

Let's go, Kate.

Umm...

I'm sorry, Enciodes.

Doctor, I brought what you asked for.

Thanks.

So what do you think?

Oh, were you asking me?

That's right, you.

Well, I've been basically watching over you in secret this whole time, so I more or less saw the whole thing.

And I do have an opinion on it. Since you asked, maybe you can tell me if I'm right.

The ransom is only part of what this Carle guy is after.

He does want it, but not for himself. It's for the other Infected who've gathered at his side.

Meanwhile, he doesn't really care what happens to himself.

He used to be nobility, a young lord. But after infecting himself, he's lived in the city as a beggar for years.

Falling from such a great height has only highlighted the oppression of the Infected for him.

Because before all that, he may well have been one of the oppressors.

From another perspective, the death of his loved one made him choose the most irrational, impulsive method of exacting revenge on his father.

And the consequences of that not only banished him to the streets, but also drove his father to ratchet up the oppression.

That has always been a source of the contradiction in his heart.

So I think what he really wants comes after he gets the ransom.

As for his specific plans... Well, the lives of normal people mean little to him, let alone the lives of our Infected.

So I'm guessing either murder or suicide.

Let's go.

Doctor, that's the direction of Carle's camp.

I know where I'm going.

That being the case, I suppose this is where we part ways for now.

There is one thing I'd like to apologize to you for.

I should have stayed out of this after I took on the role of an intermediary and passed the commission on to Rhodes Island.

But it would appear that the situation has changed.

I'll admit, even when you got involved in Kjerag, I didn't feel as restricted as I do now.

You are reminding me to answer a question that I've been avoiding for over a year.

I must ask you once more, just how important is this question for you, Dr. {@nickname}?

For me personally, very.;I choose my partners carefully.

In that case, I'm afraid I have no choice but to produce my answer.

Rhodes Island will uphold the way it's always done things.

Just as I have my own methods.

I just have one question.

Enciodes, what will you use to bargain for his life?

Three days later

To be honest, Doctor, even now I find it hard to believe that you're the one from Rhodes Island who saved all those Infected.

I always thought you were just a legend.

What I find even harder to believe though is that you came here with Enciodes.

Life works in mysterious ways.;We just happen to be acquainted.

...Haha, true. It really does.

I really hated that guy, back in the day.

But there was nothing in particular I hated about him. I was just jealous.

I still am.

Setting everything else aside though, I'm willing to place my trust in you, Doctor.

So, if something happens to me... I'd like you to take care of Kate and my brothers.

Enciodes? What are you doing here?!

Did you really think that Viscount Walden would risk coming out to this barren wasteland to cut a deal in person?

What the—?!

The Viscount has authorized me to serve as his agent in this transaction.

He... This is his flesh-and-blood daughter we're talking about! How could he... How dare he!

You were the one who kidnapped his daughter. What right do you have to judge his decisions?

Good... Great! This is just perfect!

If that's what you want... fine! Someone, bring out the hostage!

Carle...