story_blackd_2_1

Courier has a thick stack of paper in his hands as he stands by the shredder. The first page says 'Kjerag Logistics System Proposal'.

He wears a heavy, hesitant expression on his face, but eventually extends the proposal toward the shredder.

Wait.

Mr. Bison...

Why are you destroying the proposal?

Because it failed.

I'm your logistics lecturer. You're not the one who decides what's failed.

Besides, you didn't have that look on your face when you first told me you were drafting a proposal for Kjerag's logistics system.

May I have a look?

Yes, sir.

Pretty comprehensive.

You've covered all the bases, from manpower to cost to transportation method to storage.

It's a solid proposal.

There's only one problem left to solve—the engineering issues in Terra Nullius.

Right.

A Terra Nullius exists between the zone of actual Kjerag control and our neighboring countries.

I

A full-fledged logistics system requires a more developed transportation infrastructure, but neighboring countries will not simply sit and watch as Kjerag develops Terra Nullius.

I could not find a way to solve this problem, so I decided to give up.

If I recall correctly, I've discussed solutions to similar issues.

One way is to invest in an international logistics company.

In that case, there's no need to write a proposal at all—just leave it to a developed international logistics firm, like MountainDash Logistics.

We discussed this too.

In order to effectively operate in Kjerag, MountainDash would need someone reliable to manage local operations—someone like you.

But you refused. Do you regret that choice?

Well—no.

Another way is to leave Kjerag and establish my own logistics firm.

As clear as such a firm's Kjerag links would be, it would face a lot less opposition, as long as it does not belong to Kjerag officially.

I'm clear on that much, but—

You're not willing to accept it.

Just like you turned down my offer.

Because either way means leaving Karlan Trade, perhaps even leaving Kjerag.

It's the thought of leaving Kjerag that you really want to banish, isn't it?

I realized that everything in this proposal was written with the assumption that I would manage it personally.

The proposal was custom-made for myself. Implementing it means I'm the one who would need to leave Kjerag.

I was too arrogant.

So you're just giving up on the proposal?

I'll write a new one for the Master, so that he may find the right man.

So you're just giving up on the opportunity?

I know how much Kjerag means to you.

But this is a chance for you to show your value, isn't it?

If you're not interested—

Why did you choose to study at Rhodes Island?

Thank you for the kind words, but my mind is made up.

Courier snatches the proposal from Bison before he can react.

Before he can put the proposal in the shredder, however, he hears a crowing from behind him.

The fowlbeast is even faster than he, and whisks the proposal away in its beak. He is familiar with this fowlbeast—Tenzin.

...Master.

Your thoughts seem have been heading down a dangerous path lately.

I... I'm sorry, Master.

But—

But I'm also curious. Let's have you implement the proposal, Weiss.

Mapping, route planning, negotiating with the villages, deploying personnel...

Once you actually put things in place, you may find that they don't require your presence as much as you assumed they would.

Yes, Master.

Wait.

I'll go with you.

But—

You have an avalanche warning team, don't you?

Just treat me as one of them.

Let me see up close whether you really can do what you think you can.

Yes, Master.

Are you sure about this, Mr. SilverAsh?

I am.

It's high time Weiss took a good look at himself.

*Huff*... *huff*...

Here, take my hand, Master.

No need. What of the others?

They're already at the summit.

This trail may be a little difficult for you, sir.

You're just trying to get rid of me, aren't you, Weiss?

Of course not.

But one who spends his time in an office doing paperwork is bound to be less active than those of us who spend most of our time outdoors, no?

Heh.

We can take a break here.

The team at the summit can wait a while. They'll understand.

Let's go.

We can't delay the surveying on my account.

As you wish.

You're right, it has been a long time since I last climbed a hill.

You used to be very good at it.

I took after my mother.

Not so much these days.

You are still very much like her. You've just learned to hide it better.

By the way, I never told you this, but the day I took you in, I was only out there because my sisters made me go hunting with them.

I knew.

Did you?

Your sisters are not as tight-lipped as you are.

By chance, they had you join them on a hunting trip in the mountains that day. By chance, you got separated from them. By chance, you ran into me.

It was snowing heavily that day. You were lost too, weren't you?

You put on a brave face, told me to come with you, and took me to the Silverash manor.

When my grandparents came and begged the old master to take me on as a servant after I had lost my parents at a young age, it was you who persuaded him, saying that you wanted a male companion around your own age.

And so, I became part of Clan Silverash.

Perhaps...

Are your grandparents well?

Thanks to you, my grandfather is quite the man in Turicum's senior center, and my grandmother has opened a little shop of her own. They're rather enjoying their lives.

Good.

To me, Matterhorn is a guardian, one who has always served my family. I almost take him for granted. You're different.

You, I took under my own wing—at least, that's what I thought at the time.

Besides, you were quick and nimble. For a while, I had you carry my messages to others, and their messages back to me.

In truth, I was just trying to show you off.

There's no need to feel guilty about it.

It gave my life meaning.

After all, I was a wild child who popped suddenly into the family. My presence was unwelcome to many.

How can you be sure I did not use your name for my own designs in the process?

If you did, you hid it well.

Heh. How very you.

Besides—

At first, I did not enjoy running around the hills and mountains.

With time, however, as I walked the forests and the mountain trails—

As I climbed the snowy peaks—

As I breathed the air atop the peaks, and watched the spectacle of the mountains in the distance against the blue sky—

I felt happy.

I began to enjoy it.

Captain, Mast—SilverAsh. You're here.

Report.

We have good news and bad news.

Start with the good news.

This is the last location we're scheduled to visit on this survey trip. We've successfully plotted the Terra Nullius between Kjerag and our neighboring countries.

We have also located all the independent villages in Terra Nullius.

The experts have already plotted the most efficient and cost-effective route for transportation, assuming that the villages could be persuaded to act as hubs and depots.

And the bad news?

The bad news is... although plans for the route are essentially in place, and costs as well as time required are largely within acceptable boundaries...

Not all villages have accepted our proposal.

That's also to be expected. Which ones are they?

Take a look.

These few villages, especially this one.

They are not friendly to outsiders. The village headman, at least, seems reasonable, but opposition from the others puts him in an awkward position.

Wait, this village...

Pack it up.

Abandoning the plan?

No.

I'm going back to Turicum.

The key to persuading those villagers lies there.

Just to make sure I understand this correctly, Mr. Weiss... you need to persuade the villagers in order to establish a logistics route.

That's why you want me to write a letter to my father.

The villagers hold your father in high-esteem, after all.

Of course, we're not going to force you, if you're not willing.

I've already told you the potential risks, and the benefits.

Of course I'm willing!

If not for your recommendation, I would never have come to Kjerag, and I wouldn't have found this job.

Besides, it would be a dream come true if you really managed to establish such a route around Kjerag!

I'll get to it at once!

Wait.

Yes?

It's been a while since you've been home, hasn't it? If there's anything you want to send back to your family, I'll deliver it for you.

I-I couldn't trouble you with that.

It's no trouble. These villages on the frontier rarely get supplies from Kjerag.

Besides, it would improve the chances of swaying your father.

If you put it that way, I guess it would be rude to refuse.

You know the staff at Turicum Station well.

It's the main hub for all mail and cargo that goes through Kjerag.

I like it.

Is that why you chose to study logistics at Rhodes Island?

Yes.

I enjoy running through the mountains.

I enjoy seeing the expressions on faces when messages, letters, and packages are delivered.

Be it your face, or any others.

Be it expressions of joy, pain, or sorrow.

Maybe it all began with a childhood whim of yours—

But I began to enjoy the feeling.

The feeling of linking people together.

Besides...

At first, I didn't understand why you wouldn't give me and Matterhorn specific duties at Karlan Trade.

With time, however, I began to understand—

You wanted us to decide our own futures.

I never thought of myself as your master.

That's why I never thought about determining your fates for you.

But you never tell people what you think.

On this trip, I kept pondering why you wanted to tag along.

It didn't seem like something worth your time and effort, whether you meant to urge me to stay, or urge me to go.

Now, I'm beginning to understand.

Tell me more.

Now is not the time, not yet.

Perhaps you've forgotten—

But we've been to this village that we're about to visit before, more than a decade ago.

Yes?

Here's the letter, Mr. Weiss!

And this is the stuff to send to my folks.

It might be a little too much. If you don't think it works—

It's fine. Give them to this man here.

Wait, isn't that Sir Enciodes—

No, he's a member of the Kjerag Expedition, of which I am the captain.

...I see. I remember it now.

I'll take it.

H-Here you go, sir.

Ugh... it's heavy.

Who are you?

Have you forgotten me, Sage Edwards?

I am Weiss, captain of the Kjerag Expedition. This one here is Matterhorn, a warrior under my charge.

Ah, yes, I remember you.

Come and greet the sage, Matterhorn.

It's been a while, sir.

Very good, very good.

At first I thought you were hillmen coming from who-knows-where. Little could I imagine that you were heralds of Kjerag.

How is that son of mine, Chris, doing in Kjerag?

We came to deliver Chris's letter, sir.

Along with the gifts he prepared for his family.

So many things? My goodness. He shouldn't have.

(Softly) Whew—

(Whisper) Good work, Master.

(Whisper) Thanks.

Chris is doing very well in Kjerag. He is in line for a promotion to manager soon.

Please, go ahead and read the letter. It also explains why we're here.

I see. I know what you're here for.

Let's go inside.

May we count on you to convince the villagers, then?

It's no small business. There will be a lot to discuss.

But don't worry. With Chris's letter and your guarantee, I'm sure they'll come around.

Please feel free to let me know if our presence is warranted.

Very good, very good.

Do you remember now, Master?

Hard not to, after carrying so much all this way.

I wanted you to feel for yourself the importance of logistics.

Besides, I helped you carry half of it.

That day, I wanted to see what the outside was like, after my lessons.

So I hopped on one of the downhill transport carts, and dragged you along with me.

I was scared out of my wits.

It was actually Matterhorn whom I wanted to bring first.

But thinking again, I was sure he would try to stop me, so I turned to you.

What made you so sure I wouldn't try to stop you?

You never stopped anyone from doing anything stupid, even me.

Besides, you wanted to see the outside too, didn't you?

I told you to turn back when we descended the mountain and saw nothing but a barren plain.

You just wouldn't listen.

We were getting chewed out by Mother regardless. We might as well take a few more steps forward. Maybe there would be a surprise lying in wait for us.

We would've starved to death if I didn't steal some food from the kitchen before we left.

I was cursing you under my breath all the way.

I thought you were grateful to me for saving your life.

No one wants to starve in the wilderness.

Sure enough. I certainly don't.

That's why I began to regret it when we ran out of food.

Fortunately, we found this village. Old Edwards was sweeping snow from his door. His hair wasn't white yet.

Do you remember how he almost chased us away because he thought we were hillmen?

I do.

You whipped up the name of some expedition out of nowhere and said you were the captain.

Somehow, he believed you, invited us into his home, and treated us to warm cystymilk.

What were you thinking at the time?

The old master had told me that there were people with ill-intent towards Clan Silverash. I thought it inadvisable to say the name of the family.

It's always the leader who has the target on his back, which was why I said I was the captain.

I thought it was a genius idea at the time. Now it seems so childish.

It's alright. I thought it was a genius idea at the time too.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have claimed to be the bravest warrior under your banner.

Courier falls silent for some reason.

He turns to look in the direction of Kjerag.

When we got back, Madam punished us by making us eat outside.

That was the harshest punishment Mother ever gave me.

I still remember the tears in her eyes—

'If you want to be out in the ice and snow so much, you might as well eat in it!'

That was it.

It was Lady Enya who delivered our meals the first day, then Lady Ensia the second day.

On day three, the old master came out to eat with us together.

In the end, Madam let us back in.

Mother always treated you as her son, and I treated you as my brother.

I know.

And I know why you've come along.

Why?

You wanted to tell me that you'll never forget the ties that bind me and the Silverashes.

And you wanted to hear the answer from my heart, directly.

What's your answer?

My answer is—

That proposal was not the product of my arrogance.

It's something that only I can do.

Therefore...

I request a leave of absence from Kjerag, Master.

The company registration office is just ahead.

Courier clutches the documents in his hand tightly and gulps.

You look just like I did when I was brooding over whether to knock on the door of House Caster.

Were you afraid, at the time?

Afraid? I was excited, excited for the surprises that might lie behind the door.

I've done many bold things, and I believe there are many ways in which I can serve you.

But leaving Kjerag was the one thing that I never thought I would do.

Why?

I used to believe it was out of loyalty.

People say I'm lucky to have loyal lieutenants like Weiss and Matterhorn.

They don't realize I have no interest in blind loyalty, and it's not your loyalty that makes me trust you.

We happen to be of similar minds, and I happen to not have strayed from the path yet. That's all there is to it, isn't it?

Perhaps.

The Weiss I know isn't just a kind and gentle soul.

He watches everything and keeps it to himself. People believe he doesn't think for himself. Little do they know that he has long found the answer.

Do you know my answer?

All I know that we're still of similar minds on the matter.

You and I both know that I'm the only man for the job.

I just wasn't sure if I'm ready to take this step.

You went to all the effort, coming on this trip with me, just to tell me—

You know, and you remember.

You came to see me off, didn't you?

I was waiting for the most nimble Itra in the mountains to muster the courage to descend into the vast unknown.

You will lose your most loyal lieutenant.

I will gain a new friend, an interesting ally, a worthy competitor.

Master. I expect this is the last time I'll call you that. I'll leave your side and leave Clan Silverash.

I'll establish my own logistics company.

It will not be registered in Kjerag. It will focus on the development of routes in the Terra Nullius surrounding Kjerag, in conjunction with MountainDash Logistics.

Its operations will not be limited to logistics. It will participate in the development of villages in Terra Nullius, and improve the state of transportation around Kjerag.

Perhaps it will even build a new nomadic city on the outskirts of Kjerag.

Will it be Karlan Trade's ally, or enemy?

I can only promise that it will remain a friend to Kjerag. It was you who taught me that there is no such thing as an absolute ally or enemy in the realm of business.

You think you can persuade Bison to work with you?

Between a worthwhile partner and a subordinate whose loyalty is uncertain, he knows which choice to make.

My name won't carry much weight outside Kjerag.

The things I've learned over the years by your side and from Rhodes Island will last me a while.

I'm never going to hear the end of it from Ensia about how I keep driving people away.

You'll deserve it. Of course, Silverash Manor is still my home, and I could hardly be faulted for coming home once in a while.

What should we call this company, this new friend of Kjerag?

I think 'Courier Logistics' will do nicely.