level_act46side_06_beg

How much longer?

Patience please, Mr. Bellingham.

As you know, the Duke has been very busy lately, having to receive several guests each day.

You should remember, sir, the last time I came here...

*sigh*——

So, I'd like to ask... How has she been lately?

Fairly pleasant for the most part. After all, the negotiations with the Kazimierzians have been nearing completion over the past few days.

As soon as he finishes speaking, a dejected gentleman strides past the Trilby Asher.

The Trilby Asher recognizes him as Derek, head of the press office. Perhaps due to the recent wave of bad publicity, he wipes the sweat off his brow with trembling hands.

...I suspect today is not one such day.

Is that Bellingham outside? Let him in first. Don't keep him waiting.

The butler nods, and the Trilby Asher hesitates for a moment before stepping into the room.

Seated in the middle is the Duke of Caster, with a young noble standing at her side.

...I have another question. What kind of person is this Kazimierzian representative you met?

He is a merchant, Your Grace.

Hmm, Kazimierz...

Tell him that should he agree to my terms, I am willing to lift some of the embargos on industrial equipment.

For them, there are many ways to obtain cheap minerals, and Kjerag is hardly irreplaceable.

I will let him know that only Victoria can satisfy his technological and equipment needs, especially when it comes to Originium—

No.

You are a member of House Caster. These minutiae are best left for servants to convey, whereas we should always leave ourselves room to maneuver.

The Kazimierzians know little about the resources we command, so why not let them exercise their imagination? Do you understand?

No worries. I guarantee that he will side with us.

'Forever honor your commitments.' If you cannot, don't make them in the first place.

That is true of the Kazimierzian representative, and even moreso for me.

You may leave.

Yes... My apologies, Your Grace.

Once again, you have to see me disciplining these good-for-nothing whelps.

Belli.

I thank Your Grace for the trust you have placed in me.

Let's not waste time on small talk. I trust you saw the gentleman who left earlier, yes?

If I'm not mistaken, that was a certain Derek, the man in charge of news and public opinion.

He should have reported to me that the negative press, be it about Kjerag or Victoria, was under control.

He was instead quite profuse with his complaints, going on and on about how he couldn't do it, that it would take too long to communicate with the film crew, that he wanted to trouble me to watch the footage they sent back.

If he feels like he hasn't been given enough time, he should've known that my patience has its limits too.

So, do you have any good news for me, Belli?

...Yes, Your Grace.

Our informant at the Rhine observatory provided very accurate intel—indeed, there is something highly suspicious about the mining site in which Kjerag is working with Kazimierz.

Following the clues she provided, my men successfully infiltrated the site and obtained these data tables.

Just point out the highlights.

Please look at this section, and the subsequent section on the next page...

The former represents the mine's daily output, whereas the latter represents the purchase volume, or export volume. Finally, the last page is the mine's financial report; pay particular attention to the net profitability figure. For example, in the last two months—

The difference is massive... This mining site has been operating at a loss, and the greater the extraction, the greater the losses.

Exactly. We even found this mine import record. Please take a look...

Hmm? A large mining site needs to separately import the very same minerals...?

Therefore, I believe this confirms the earlier theory.

This so-called joint mining project is actually Karlan Trade's arsenal in disguise.

And this is the trump card that has been flipped over? Sitting right there in a mining site shared jointly with a foreign company?

Which is why our agents, including myself, initially overlooked this area. It is hard to imagine that anyone could stomach such a risk.

Placing a piece in what normally would be a blind spot. It's very much his style.

However, you're still one move behind, Belli.

As difficult as it is to admit, when Wellington made his move, it became imperative for us to strengthen ourselves.

Given these circumstances, Kjerag is a valuable asset.

I will not accept a lose-lose scenario; we must ensure that Enciodes's military preparations do not catch us flat-footed.

Only by knowing what his trump card exactly is can we properly plan against Kjerag in advance.

Your Grace, if you wish to confront the Duke of Wellington...

Bringing Kjerag under the control of House Caster, as well as seizing their manpower and resources, is of utmost priority. I personally believe that we should conduct a comprehensive survey of this mining site.

I believe the Kazimierzians will accept your term, and it's only a matter of time until they withdraw from Kjerag.

As soon as we take control of this mining area, I will send our envoys there immediately.

Why not act before the paperwork is officially signed? We cannot give Karlan Trade the time to cover their tracks.

So, under the buyer's name... look for another excuse through the Vine-Bead Court?

Even if they suspect that something is amiss with the Kazimierzians, a hasty retreat would inevitably leave traces behind.

The Vine-Bead Court is ultimately an expendable asset. Due to your previous botch job, there is no way Enciodes would not have his eye on them.

Then, we'll squeeze every last drop of value from the Vine-Bead Court before Enciodes makes his move.

Is that truly the missing step, Belli? Be more economical, and think it through some more.

The current Great Elder has consistently turned down my goodwill, and given the inability to mobilize the full strength of the Vine-Bead Court, we must be more careful when accessing the feasibility of this plan.

Yet, Your Grace, he did not stop us from infiltrating the lower and middle ranks either.

Perhaps this is the Vine-Bead Court's persistent arrogance, ripe for us to take advantage.

Perhaps the allure of overthrowing Enciodes will prove to be a gift too irresistible for Kjerag's religious figures.

So, do you intend to—

You are free to move the pawns inside the Vine-Bead Court as you please, but you must find out exactly what is going on within the mining site.

Let us wait to see how Enciodes reacts. He might just give us another reason to get involved in Kjerag.

Yes, Your Grace.

Right, I'd like you to do me a favor.

Derek left some odds-and-ends behind. Go ahead and take them with you.

When it comes to our dealings with foreign nations, we always have some journalist friends who make too much noise.

Can I set the camera up right here?

Thank you... Let's get started if you're ready.

Venerable Great Elder Adso, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. I sincerely hope you are willing to answer a few of my questions, as well as those of the countless others who want to know more about Kjerag.

First, I'd like to ask about something that many around Kjerag have been curious about recently.

The people of Kjerag broadly believe that Kjeragandr protects this land. In your opinion, how would you explain this Catastrophe? Does this mean that Kjerag has lost its divine protection?

That is correct. Kjeragandr indeed watches over this land.

However, She is not a tyrant who imposes harsh decrees, but rather a patient mentor and a guiding hand. Her protection of Kjerag is not as straightforward as many would imagine.

Her knowledge of the true way of life runs deep, and so She taught the people of Kjerag how to live in this land filled with calamity and devoid of thought.

Thus, the people of Kjerag came to have a soul, and the many calamities no longer disturbed them.

Even so, I am still very curious as to how a god who neither reveals its true form nor has performed any 'miracles' as proof of its divinity can earn a people's faith.

This belief seems to lack any grounding in evidence.

Hahaha... Guest from afar, I can see that you hide your arrogance behind polite words.

You try to reduce Kjerag's beliefs into a most basic form of logic, which you then criticize in an attempt to extol your own correctness and wisdom...

Please believe me... that was not my intent.

It's fine. Don't worry...

Then, may I ask you a question first? In your opinion, what kind of principles do the Victorians, who observe no religion, follow in their lives?

That's a simple answer— Victoria has her own laws.

Who drafted these laws? And who granted them the authority to do so?

If you're asking about the legitimacy of the Victorian regime, we need only look back at history to answer that question.

The land was originally occupied by Dracos until about three hundred years ago, when Aslans from Sargon launched a rebellion in Victoria, ultimately seizing control of the country.

Then, I take it that in your view, might makes right?

Aslans are strong, and therefore righteous. Dracos are weak, and therefore unjust. This so-called justice shifts just as easily as the balance of power in war.

By the same logic, the devils of Kazdel should feel no shame or remorse about invading the lands of other nations, their only sin being that they fell one step short of ultimate victory.

...That is a patently absurd conclusion.

Of course, of course... I doubt that any regime would hinge its legitimacy upon violence. Because, they know all too well that violence will inevitably be undone by greater violence.

Nothing can remain young and mighty forever—neither people, nor governments. Therefore, they must become compassionate, in hope that the same compassion will be afforded to them when they are weak.

So, let us return to that question... Why do the legal principles we take for granted, or rather, the virtues prevalent across the different civilizations sharing this land, exist in the first place?

To where should we direct our questions? Do we possess the 'sublimity' inherent to being human? Are our lives innately meaningful?

Apologies... but I am not well-versed in these subjects of philosophical speculation. May I ask, what is the point of these questions that seem so far-removed from our daily lives?

You mention life... In fact, as long as you seriously reflect upon your own life, you will very easily find that there is nobody on this great land who is entirely devoid of faith.

People always choose to place their faith in something, be it money, violence, knowledge, fame, philanthropy, or pleasure...

If a person genuinely believes that nothing is inherently true, then he will quickly find himself akin to a puppet with its strings cut, unable to move at all.

The followers of Kjeragandr seek the eternal solace of the mind by questioning ourselves and seeking out the traces of Her existence.

An interesting thought indeed... This seems quite different from the common perceptions floating around Kjerag.

Please tell me, what was your perception of Kjerag before you witnessed the human tragedy caused by Catastrophe?

'The last pure land on Terra'? 'A sanctuary protected by the gods?' 'A land of simple and kind, poor but happy people?'

You're quite well-versed in these touristy catch-phrases...

It was your people who discovered and abused the power of Originium, which ruined everything. You know that countless people drowned beneath the waves you stirred.

And it is this guilt that led you people to weave your illusions into the fantasy of Kjerag—a paradise where one can reap the benefits of Originium with none of the costs.

You imagine purity because you know filth. Innocence because you know deception. Magnanimity because you know opportunism. Piety because you know nihilism.

How, then, can you see the farmers who've left their homeland behind, the craftsmen whose unfinished goods pile up like a mountain, and the hunters who return home empty-handed?

You might even deny the existence of these people so that you may feel at ease when you swallow the blood and sweat of us 'savages' to 'purify your souls'.

...As an investigative journalist, it is my responsibility to spread the truth. And, I am hardly the only Victorian who cares about the truth regarding Kjerag.

Young lady, you promised to spread the truth about Kjerag across the lands. Yet your lenses are pointed at those who are more lost, more deserving of pity.

Do you think we should call this the truth? Or simply a fable?

I must admit, your questions have left me chagrined... Be it my colleagues or myself, it is hard to set down our morbid curiosity as onlookers.

All you need to know is that Kjerag's belongings are not playthings sitting behind the glass of a Victorian shop. Kjerag does not, and will not, need anyone's pity or charity.

Kjerag will always be the people of Kjeragandr—the home of the Kjerag people.

All right, I think I'm convinced now.

So, in your opinion, this Catastrophe will not shake the people's faith in Kjeragandr?

Hmm...

To be honest, Kjerag's faith is undergoing a serious test...

I cannot deny that this Catastrophe has sown the seeds of darkness in the hearts of the people, causing them to gradually turn to violence and selfishness, abandoning many of their former virtues...

But was all of this due to a Catastrophe? A seed cannot germinate without the proper soil.

The current turmoil in Kjerag only proves that people's beliefs had already changed, long before the Catastrophe itself. And the cause of all this is...

Enciodes.

Are you referring to... Mr. Enciodes Silverash, the Chairman of Karlan Trade?

For thousands of years, Kjerag has been spared from Catastrophe by our adherence to the order laid down by our god. However, the Vine-Bead Court is not the rigidly conservative institution that outsiders think.

Even in the era before power was restored to the three clans, records in the Vine-Bead Court's Hall of Writings confirm that the Court was involved in, and sometimes even instrumental to, the vast majority of changes across Kjerag's history.

However, we simply remind ourselves constantly of the wisdom and virtues She taught to us, ensuring that each step we take does not become counterproductive.

And, this order formed through the Vine-Bead Court has proven its reliability and stability over the long years.

Yet, when you don your skis and snowboards and zoom down our snow-capped peaks, how often do you turn back to look at those who lack the condition and ability to keep up?

No matter how much you might want to turn back and wait, the falling snow will obstruct your view until the exhilaration carried upon the wind engulfs your every thought.

You believe that Kjerag's current reforms are too radical...

Therefore, if anyone can be held responsible for the current state of Kjerag, it can only be Enciodes.

So... as an elder of the Vine-Bead Court, are you planning to make any changes in response to this situation?

No... I won't lightly say that I'll be making any changes myself...

I simply believe that... for thousands of years, the enemies of Kjeragandr have all vanished into the snowdrifts of history.

...The registration documents are all here. Please make sure this envelope makes its way to Mr. Edelweiss of Karlan Trade.

Don't worry. We were established by Karlan Trade and know Mr. Edelweiss very well. There won't be any mistakes.

Glad to hear it.

Elena turns her head somewhat nervously. After the Catastrophe, the people of Kjerag have largely preferred to remain at home, with one exception—the market.

Hundreds of people crowded together in residential areas, temples, stores, and street stalls, the sorrow on their faces matching the gloomy weather.

At the far end of the market, Joanna is gesturing to her with her hands, her mouth open as if beckoning for her to come quickly.

Be right there!

(Hushed voice) Ah—gotta keep a low profile.

Elena lowers her head and turns her face away, hurrying away against the flow of pedestrians. Countless Kjerag people brush past her, while another Rhine Lab employee squeezes into the crowd and follows the current.

(Hushed voice) Why should we choose the most crowded place...

People are forced to gather here in order to barter for necessities or to receive relief supplies. That they suppress their fear is a fact worn on their sleeves, many of them showing up in naught but simple, local attire.

Carolin instinctively pulls her coat in tighter, walking past the men and women, until she stops at the entrance to a quiet little temple.

She leans against the door frame, its paint worn and peeling, and hesitantly turns her head to look around, searching for someone else who also has an appointment.

Damn it, the bell already rang.

All I wanted was to find a place to continue my research. Why am I stuck doing this kind of work?

She pounds the wall next to her angrily, until suddenly, a hoarse question reaches her ears.

Oh lost lady, why do you treat the property of Kjeragandr in such a manner?

I'm sorry. How should I make amends?

There's no need for that. Set everything down, and come with me.

Should it be agreeable to you, please rest in the courtyard. I shall explain the profundity of the scriptures to you, so as to soothe your restless heart.

The old man unlocks the temple gate, and Caroline pauses apprehensively to look around before stepping inside. The devotee then follows her in and shuts the gate again.

...You're the one they mentioned. The one who can bring me out.

Choosing to meet up here is incredibly risky, is it not?

People are undoubtedly going to be anxious in the aftermath of a Catastrophe. Wandering around in sparsely-populated, open areas is only going to invite more suspicion.

Let's get down to business. We don't have time to waste.

Have you acquired all the intel?

I have, but it's not meant for you.

The Duke of Caster's men promised that once they took over the mine, I would be able to leave Kjerag via the internal railway.

I don't know what they told you, but now is the time for you to do your part.

The mine is currently in the handover period. Once the Victorians have finished their inspection, I will take you there to meet them.

I ask for your patience, madam. It is a precious virtue indeed.

I hope this is the last time...

Did you hear that?

Hear what?

Sounded a bit like thunder, how strange. Seemed to come from the mountains.

And also... Ah...

Achoo!

What's this? The tip of my nose feels all chilly... Huh?

That's weird. Why is it snowing again?

We're in the middle of the snowy season. What's so strange about that?

No, that can't be it. Even at this time of year, there are always signs before it starts snowing.

*sniff*

The girl lifts her head, her expression suddenly turning serious.

It's snowing, but it doesn't smell like snow. It's very strange...

An old man once said that the snow only loses its scent when something truly terrible is about to happen...

Is Kjeragandr... warning us again?

'Divine will' is less important than how heavy the snowfall is going to be, and how it will threaten our safety.

As for the 'scent of snow' you mentioned... the air temperature and humidity change before it snows, which may give off the illusion of a peculiar scent.

But, to treat this as some way of gauging the weather, or even as a divination of some sort is... well...

I frankly don't think it makes any sense.

No, no. The scent of snow is the scent of snow. Not some other smell.

Kjeragandr has given hunters a keen sense of smell and eyes that can see in the dark. On the snowfields, we know much more than you do!

Okay, then... I don't mean to question your personal experience, but I still have to act according to my own 'experience'.

As Elena speaks, she sets up the observation equipment and begins to carefully record the data.

The girl pouts discontentedly, looking at the device with a distinctively old-fashioned Kjerag look.

That lump of metal of yours has been beeping this entire time, and it's heavy too... We would've gotten here way sooner without having to lug it around...

But, it's how we can make sure that every step we take is safe and secure. After a Catastrophe, we must be extremely cautious inside Originium zones—

A sudden gust of wind rises, causing Elena to stumble, but Joanna catches her from behind just in the knick of time.

Thanks—

...Hmph.

The chilly, snowflake-laced wind sweeps over them, and all other noise ceases, save for the whistling wind and its sharp, biting cold.

How did the temperature drop so sharply all of a sudden? Is this...?

I know of a deserted village up ahead. Let's head over there and find a house to shelter in.

Enya, who has been lagging behind the group because she was flipping through her notebook, steps in between the two.

She stretches her palms out, her fingertips only slightly reddened from the cold.

Come. Take my hand.

The fresh snow is too slippery, and the terrain here is steep as well. It would be terrible if someone slipped and fell here.

Hmm... You're both hesitating?

Do you not want to hold my hands?

Enya... I mean, Your Holiness, I...

No, thank you.

One hand extends forward.

Hmph. I'm just doing this for Her Holiness.

Joanna turns her head away, but nevertheless places her hand within Enya's.

Phew... Thankfully, the temple is in a much better state than the other buildings because there still are people who come by occasionally to do repairs.

The three shake off the thick snow from their cloaks. They arrive at the village only briefly before the snow starts to come down heavily, fluttering down like feathers.

You two... Go ahead and rest. I'll see if the fireplace here can still be lit.

You can usually find a small woodshed behind the village temple. I'll go take a look.

Need my help?

...I'm good. You...

Didn't you say you were going to do the weather forecast? Just go do your thing!

I've already set it up. The measuring device will automatically gather data from our surrounding area, so I can help you carry—

I told you I'm good! Don't follow me...!

Before Elena can even stand up, Joanna already manages to feel out the small door behind the temple statue with practiced ease.

The layout of any Kjerag monastery is more or less the same. The girl rushes out back, and the door slams loudly behind her.

Did I do something to upset her...?

Maybe just a little, but not that much. Don't worry about it.

Joanna is a kind girl. Even when she's grumpy, she still wants you to be warm. Just like not long ago, when she protected me from assassins even though she despises me.

However, for many of Kjerag's villagers, your thoughts and words can hurt them, even if they are without malice.

I'm sorry... I was too rash...

That's not your fault, nor is it the fault of Kjerag's people. If anything is at fault... perhaps it is simply your differences.

Any sort of communication between people... is about these differences.

Even partners who work together in the lab, sharing the same ideas and goals, can still have disagreements.

Which is why... communication and understanding between people is so precious.

Enya folds her cloak and puts it aside, point to a snowflake on it that has not yet melted.

Oh, look at that.

...A snowflake?

The people of Kjerag sometimes use snowflakes that have not melted upon stepping indoors as a form of divination. These unbroken, branch-like snowflakes are a sign that our journey will be smooth.

According to folklore, the snow is a messenger protected by Kjeragandr, carrying important truths and omens.

It can predict the harvest, the hunt, the craftsman's hammer-fall, and even quarrels between friends and lovers.

Some may say that this iconic, tree-like hexagonal snowflake with well-defined branches is a sign of good fortune. But, others just as easily see within it a broken connection, an omen of disaster.

And so... regardless of what happens in the end, the fortune-teller always has something to say.

Worst-case scenario, they always say, 'the diviner you met was just bad; the movement of the stars had already revealed the truth long ago,' and use that to defend their authority.

You also seem quite knowledgeable about divination, Elena.

You could say I've had some run-ins with them... due to family circumstances.

In any case, most divination has nothing to do with revealing the truth. It's just... a form of self-delusion and sophistry.

A place where no people wish to go, has no roads leading to it.

If a problem does not exist, there will be no solution created to resolve it.

Fate is a fickle thing, just as your science should acknowledge that there are many things on this land that cannot be controlled or predicted.

On this great land, we are but tiny people trying to grasp a glimmer of the prophetic and the true.

Is this so different from the origins of 'scientific' discovery? Knowledge is what makes people feel safe and allows them to face an unreasonably uncertain future.

In a sense, coincidence, probability, and fate are all the same concept. Fate falls on many, just as this snowflake has fallen on my cloak.

I get it. Even placebos can be an efficacious type of medicine.

But... I've also seen many things in modern Kjerag.

In the past, I always tried to see such strong beliefs as a kind of cultural phenomenon; a ritual, a projection, a form of comfort-seeking...

But... what exactly are they to you people?

She asks the question in a soft, subdued voice. The wind outside the window has already subsided significantly.

Kjerag's Saintess looks up at the statue of Kjeragandr on the altar. Beneath a slab of stone engraved with messy markings, several brightly-colored figurines sit side-by-side.

They were exhibition goods produced around the time of the Lake Silberneherze ceremony. By the looks of things, someone brought them to this village temple as an offering to the reclusive Kjeragandr.

The clerics of the Vine-Bead Court often describe faith as walking into the darkness without a lamp, or leaping fearlessly into a silent ravine.

Everyone always seems to yearn for Her. Ascetics, devout believers, faithful followers of the Commandments—countless people endure innumerable hardships just to reach Her side.

But... for me...

She tries hard to recall, but the memories in her mind are now but struggling fragments, jumping around like frames from a movie, shrouded in a dark haze.

A strong emotion surges once more within Enya's heart.

Trouble—!

Joanna suddenly rushes in with a gasp, firewood in her arms, her cheeks flushed from running.

I just... I just saw, coming down the mountain... Lots of Victorian cars, heading for the mine!

Victorians? That mine is a joint operation with Kazimierz. What are they trying to do there...?

Have they already picked up our trail?

Don't panic just yet. Regardless of what business they have with the mine, we have to hurry.

Let's pack up our things and set out immediately. We need to be even more careful and discreet on the road ahead.

Just a second, please. I need to pack up my instrument first, and it...

Wait, how could this...?

What are you dawdling around for? Hurry and pack it up! Here, I'll help you...

What... is this?

This... 'Moderate Catastrophe Risk' written here... does it mean what I think it means?

Catastrophe...

Could there be another Catastrophe brewing...?