level_act27side_04_beg

I'm telling you, everything's weird about that Ann-Maier no-tail!

She eats food and gets eggshell in her mouth, she takes her turn crossing a bridge and the rope somehow snaps, she builds a house and a waterfall floods it, she goes fincatching and gets caught BY a big fin!

Oh, I remember Inam said something about being, uh, what was it? Born under an unhunky star?

Born under an <i>unlucky</i> star.

Don't forget to give Ann-Maier your thanks, you two. With the way you practically party on the job, who knows how long building these houses would've taken without her!

BOOM—

*cough* *cough*, *cough* *cough*!

Wh-What's going on? How did the door explode?

It's fine, I can fix it up ASAP... I was blow-drying the glue on the hinges, and I probably futzed the hairdryer, hahaha...

Glue?

That's my wine pot. My old nocih gave it to me.

*ahem* You've moved everything over, right?

Everything's here now. We spent all morning shifting it! I'm gonna take myself a good long bath tonight.

All morning? This is freight of some kind... coffee?

Yes, it's Siestan coffee. We've opened up a trade route with Siestan merchants, and these are the first goods they sent.

Let me take a look, I think I can see the instructions on these bags... 'Roast the flower seeds and coffee beans together'... Siestans adjust the bitterness of their coffee that way.

My grandpa made coffee like that too, when I was young.

I believe he was a Siestan, Miss Ann-Maier?

Yeah... but we moved to Columbia so long ago. Once I finish work this month, I'll have enough saved to catch a ride back to Siesta!

Huh? I would've let Siesta's merchants take you back if I knew. They left just over an hour ago.

What?

Observation Diary:

Mount Unna, northern Leithanien, September 3rd 1095

Goal of observation: Obtain first-hand survey data for the eruption of Mount Unna, calculate numerical Originium particulate concentration gradient decrease in surrounding environment at time of eruption, establish a theoretical model

Estimated observation time: Five hours

Observation team: Katia, Magna, Keller

In an old notebook is sandwiched a photograph.

Three people lined up in mountaineering gear, three smiling faces reddened by the alpine wind.

Professor Keller was... there in the team lineup too.

She was meant to be a member by all rights on that investigation.

But the day before they ascended, Keller suddenly left the team, and went back to Wilhelm University.

She withdrew just like that? Was there some reason for it?

It's a mystery, and the observation diaries don't make a single mention of it. All we know is right after that accident, Keller showed up at a meeting between Wilhelm University and the Leithanian government.

Mr. Dolly, were you there then...?

*sigh*... You still won't pay attention to me until I find what you're looking for...?

You know, Mr. Dolly, have you heard of volcano watchers? They're a kind of flower that changes color based on a volcano's activity. Is it the seeds of those flowers you're looking for?

Or... obsidian, maybe? With how they're buried in the soil, the black crystals look a lot like seeds too, don't they...?

Adele mumbles to herself, garnering no response, and the tremendous volcanic rock specimen before her is as taciturn as ever.

Am I just overthinking this...?

Mr. Dolly, I'll only be able to find what you're looking for that quickly if you give me more of a hint...

Adele? Are you searching for something?

...No, Professor Keller.

Keller watches Adele close the notebook, and put it away in the storage box.

Adele hangs her head, picks up the other files around her, and buries her parents' notes beneath them.

Adele... if anything is gnawing at you, you can come straight to me.

Adele is silent for a spell.

Nothing I can think of, Professor Keller.

I'm here to catch you up on some matters.

According to data sent back from the forward sensor station, and analysis of the obsidian sample, we've concluded that Mount Siesta's eruption may well come a few days soon.

Readings from the mountain have always been unusual. Active energy from its internal Originium veins peaked two years prior in the summer, then rapidly fell after, before once more slowly rising.

We don't have much time left to prepare; we'll need to act fast.

Oh! The volcano's erupting sooner? How lucky can we be?

(Whisper) Mr. Dolly! Please don't jump out of nowhere...

Adele, are you listening?

Yes! I'm listening!

Adele, I know with the ample experience you already boast as a scholar, pre-observation prep work amounts to little more than busywork for you. But please maintain your focus, okay?

I'm sorry! Professor Keller...

Mrohh... So your professor caught you playing hooky.

Oh, yes, have you bumped into any peculiar tourists at the museum lately?

Did something happen?

A whistling rock specimen in the hands-on area went missing.

A whistling rock? One that sounded musical when blown through?

It looks like we'll want to report to city hall's people to increase security at the museum too.

I'll keep a look out myself.

Maybe it's something about the weather—there's been a lot of strange things happening lately, and authorities say cases of people losing their own possessions have been unusually high.

I was listening to the news this morning, and someone apparently took out their grudge on the depot at the unfinished plate too. They made a complete mess of it over there.

Manager, we've run up the damaged goods. Nothing really unaccounted for, it's mainly notable damage to the outer box packaging. Aside from some foodstuffs, we haven't lost too much at all.

Good, noted.

I'm sorry to have this sort of thing happen in Siesta; it was caused by the carelessness of our own work. I can only ask this won't impact your thoughts on collaborating with us...

Of course, if you do decide to suspend partnership, I'll report the full reality to Mayor Herman.

Though in that event, I imagine it'll be tough on him to lose a business partner, and tough on me to lose my job...

Assigning blame is secondary. I first need to ensure nothing like this will happen again.

It looks like... people really aren't welcoming MountainDash's plans for the new plate.

I'm glad that I can still be wholly face-to-face with you to coordinate business.

...Excuse me?

Er, given that having the residents here accept redevelopment isn't meant to be part of your work at all.

MountainDash Logistics's future collaborations with Siesta can't stand independent of their support. I don't want the people to deem the redevelopment a form of unilateral imposition.

That you're concerned at all is really gratifying.

Things being what they are, I'd appreciate city hall keeping an eye on security work around the warehouse. Fingers crossed no accidents like this will be happening again.

Alright, I'll pass on your comments, and I'll make sure they lead to some action.

For my job, my rent, and my worried fiancee's sakes, I thank you, Mr. Bison.

If you have no other arrangements here, I'll be continuing my efforts to talk the commercial district into signing the relocation LOI.

Miss Swire, I'm deeply sorry I couldn't show you the proper hospitality when you paid a visit earlier.

How has your impression of New Siesta been, over your tour these past few days?

Very clean, very eye-candy—but missing a little sense of amusement, possibly even stiff. To be honest, I more prefer how it used to be.

Very coincidentally, my daughter said much the same thing.

But Siesta's been forced to leave its golden shoreline, which means it's only a matter of time before tourism fails as our economic backbone.

Oh, pity. I was quite fond of that 'Old Siesta Fashion Street' and all...

You're very much confident about partnering with MountainDash Logistics, I take it?

I have just as much hope in the differing solution you provide, Miss Swire.

On that note, your family's group maintains its clarion reputation. It was—a surprise, though, that their candidate for investment executive was you.

I also just happened to learn that you've apparently registered a new business here in Siesta, operating in the construction, cultural and recreational fields...?

It appears your trust isn't <i>quite</i> in me, Mr. Mayor. You think I don't hold enough clout in the conglomerate yet?

Of course not—the future is always in your hands as the young ones. Just, the dealings we had with the 'corporation' from Victoria happened to pop into my head. That was thirty-plus years ago by now.

Freeing itself from the swollen ambitions of Victoria wasn't a casual affair for the Siesta of then. Anyone even remotely familiar with Siestan history would understand that.

And the sheer capacity you demonstrated in the dispute, Mayor Herman, still has politicians abuzz today.

For my part, you don't need to be too anxious—I'm not here in any convoluted capacity. Besides, all I've brought are sincere partnership, and more business opportunities.

You, Miss Swire, intend to contest MountainDash Logistics for rights to develop the newly constructed plate. I, of course, am willing to see friendly competition from both sides, and Siesta is always welcoming of partnerships in good faith.

I very much look forward to the proposals you submit at bidding, and wish you pleasant journeys for the rest of your time in Siesta.

After you're back in Lungmen, please, send your grandfather my regards.

I'm not signing this thing!

We've already moved once before, and you're still putting us through this rigmarole... And how do you expect us to make a living once you shut our place down, anyway...?

If the Mayor can't give us a clear explanation, we're not even thinking about relocating.

Or are you going to force us?

Costa, you wormed your way into city hall! Those bigwigs don't even live in the same universe as us, and now all you can do is jump when they say jump? You can't figure something out with us?

Even if you're not here to take over your grandpa's coffee shop, we still need this street to make a living.

*sigh*... We've been wracking our brains looking for a way to spark business here again... Help us think of something, okay?

Ooh, if it isn't Mr. City Hall himself? Here to kick us off our street again? Forget the moment you wore that fancy uniform just where you came from?

I'm ashamed for your grandfather.

I hate my job...

Excuse me, is my ice cream ready?

Coming right up!

Sorry for the wait. Here, your quadruple-scoop.

By the way, that man who got his head chewed off—who's he?

Never mind him. Just an ill omen trying to tear our homes down.

Got what I asked for?

Yes, ma'am.

Did anyone notice you coming here?

Officer, I'm sorry to report, Lut and Liv saw me!

What?!

*ahem*... Alright, is that out of our systems? You can hand me the stuff now.

Did you get down with insiders like this as a cop too? It's kind of cool!

This bag has general info on every shop in the commercial district. How many live at each, roughly how their business is doing, the personalities of the owners you asked about, I've noted you down a little of all that.

In this bag is a series of MountainDash's recent maneuvers. Something about some kind of purchase of Siestan specialties, and they say they're selling them off to Victoria and Columbia. In pretty decent quantities, too.

Well, good going! How did you even get your hands on these MountainDash files?

Totally simple. Just had to apply to be a freight trucker with them.

Well, signs say that Bison kid's trying to buy out the people's will this way... Yes, that <i>does</i> seem his style.

Suppose he manages to build a new distribution center here. Would the populace here want to switch jobs?

Enis, gimme a curaçao!

...You got it.

What's got you moody? I can tell, actually. You're sick of it too, no? Hanging the sign back up again and all—you guys doing a little protesting that way?

All this crap is a killer. The lovefowls next door were all over each other at first. Now they're arguing day by day about the rehousing...

Here's your drink, one curaçao!

...There's <i>negative</i> interest in moving on this street.

For the most part, yeah... Moving means planning a whole new life from scratch. We only just moved aboard the nomadic city, even, and a lot of us are still getting used to it.

Even tourists are a rarity now, after all. Business is hard enough as is, and plenty ended up unemployed. Move again, and life gets even harder...

Enis shakes his head, and gives up on the subject.

Enis, if I wanted to run a place like yours, how much would upkeep be on average?

Per month, about... five hundred gold certificates, just under that?

Hm? That little?

I can buy a lot of stuff second-hand elsewhere, or just make it myself. Plus with how we usually conserve on utility bills, it adds up to a lot less than you think.

Sometimes it really makes me wonder... Have rich people like you just gone your whole lives without much worry?

Does a person just need enough money, and everything in life shakes out how they want?

...Money's a hassle-killer, but not an issue-solver.

*sigh*. If we have to move, if there's no other choice, then what are you thinking? Once you get contracted for this plate, what are you going to build here?

I'd rather ask <i>you</i> first. If a rebuild is guaranteed, then what would <i>you</i> want this high street to become?

Strictly in fantasy terms?

Mm-hm.

...A giant waterpark.

We'd build the land's biggest waterpark, second to none. Maybe it might even draw in some tourists. That way, we wouldn't need to let this bar go either. Probably.

And plus, my little brother and sister have been hounding us forever about going to a waterpark.

Ooh, good idea.

Is that all it takes...?

You make me feel like you're not even here to compete for real, versus the MountainDash boy...

Hmph. Plenty who've vied with me thought the same thing.

And?

They all rolled over and lost.

Pfft. That's some kind of power.

Enis! Help me paint the shop sign here. The trade fair's right around the corner, and we need our storefront looking the best it can.

Coming!

Y'know, we still have paint left over from last time, and I bought a couple string lights for cheap a few days ago. Want me to go put those up in a bit?

Sure, and if there's any paint left after that, give the tables and chairs and picture frames a new coat too. Lut and Liv were saying they learned how to draw from someone, right? Can you tag them in too?

Sure, will do now!

Hey, Enis!

Paint the sign in orange. I have eyes you can trust—this'll draw in more customers than before, guaranteed.

Costa forgets how he even got here.

At some point since moving to New Siesta, this atypically architected building cropped up on his route home from work. Buried somewhere in him is the impression he'd handled its paperwork.

The Volcano Museum? Why would people go to all the effort to put a museum for <i>this</i> on this luxurious plate? What's to study about volcanoes?

Stop it!

Nuh-uh! I wanna see the big rock! I wanna see the lava!

*sigh* Why you're desperate to see this stuff is a total mystery.

Volcanoes are really cool!

Hrmph! Cool...

A phrase floats to Costa's mind. 'You can see such beautiful things from the tops of volcanoes,' he vaguely remembers someone telling him.

Can you name all these volcanoes? I can!

Why would I ever need to know...?

Okay, I'll tell you! This one is Mount Tambora, this one is Mount Katla, this one is Mount Merapi, this one is Mount Ya... Yaaaa...

'Yasur'.

Wah! You were behind me and you just came up and said a thing and you scared me!

Ah, sorry for that...

(How did I know that? I don't remember anymore.)

Humph! I knew Mount Yasur, I knew that! It's the prettiest volcano on the land, and on top of it you can see flowing lava everywhere, and they're like gentle little streams...

I got that all from a book! I remember it really really well!

But I can't find any signs that explain stuff here... I need to show you how I got everything right!

You did, you're right! Are we done? There's not even a placard in sight here, we're going—

Apologies for inconveniencing you on your trip. This exhibition area isn't fully arranged yet, but explanatory texts will soon be laid out on these—

No, Mr. Volcano Man, I'm not done yet, you gotta keep listening!

Costa is tugged by the hem of his jacket. Somewhat helplessly stopped in place, he tries to explain that he really needs to go.

He turns his head, and reflected in the glass display shelves, he sees an unexpected face.

You...?

Costa...?

You're... you're back?

...Mm.

And I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd! ♪

You're gonna hear my voice when I shout it out lou-oud! It's my life! ♪

Ah, my bad, I didn't realize there were customers in.

That's weird, though. How come someone's sitting in a cafe reading quietly while the Obsidian Festival's on? You mind if I practice guitar here?

*sigh* No, Grandpa'll rag on me for bothering customers again. Maybe I'll just bide my time so I get a new guitar sooner.

What's that you're reading? A book about volcanoes... This is pretty cool. Can you lend me it?

Will you be here again, tomorrow?