story_gnosis_1_1

Three times the fowlbeast has flown past the window. Perhaps it had already flown past many times before Gnosis noticed it.

The fowlbeasts of Kjerag build their nests in the mountains. The adults leave their nests before the sun rises, foraging in human lands.

The cold climate has made them strong and sturdy.

Track the flight of a fowlbeast, and one will find that they traverse half of Kjerag in the span of a single day.

At least, that is what the books at home say.

Let's continue from where we left off yesterday, then.

The institutions of Kjerag share certain characteristics with Victoria.

The three clans are analogous to the grand dukes of Victoria, while the Vine-Bead Court performs some of the functions of the king.

By understanding Victoria's institutions, you will gain a greater understanding of where the two systems are similar, and an even greater understanding of where they are different.

Do you concur, Master Enciodes?

I think I know what you mean.

Kjerag's institutions are built upon faith in Kjeragandr. Therefore, despite the similarities with Victoria's institutions, they are fundamentally different.

As written in the 'Kjeragandr', the three clans formed a covenant with Kjeragandr to lead the people. The mantle of authority is merely an insignificant reward.

On this point, the relationship between the three clans and the Vine-Bead Court is fundamentally different from the relationship between the Victorian dukes and the king.

Excellent, Master Enciodes...

Gnosis pays no heed to the exchange, letting his mind wander and imagine the fowlbeast outside the winding gliding on the winds.

These fowlbeasts are smart creatures. They are waiting for leftovers from lunch that the kitchens will throw out soon. The Silverash food is among the finest in Kjerag, after all.

After they have had their fill, they will fly towards Lake Silberneherze, frolicking on the meadows there, or interact with the burdenbeasts basking in the sun.

If they are lucky, they will be thrown a scalecis or two by the fincatchers on the ice.

When the sun sets in the west, they will return to their warm nests and put an end to a productive day, like someone who has just finished a hard day of work.

This concludes today's lesson.

We will have our regular short quiz now.

Gnosis stares at the quiz paper. He finds the questions even easier than a fowlbeast finds looking for food.

His mind wanders to how fowlbeasts live their entire lives between looking for food and sleeping, interposed by the occasional territorial conflict, day after day, year after year, until they die.

It seems almost like there is some kind of law governing it, because the fowlbeasts of Kjerag do not appear to ever think about flying beyond the mountains.

Time's up.

I had two questions that I wasn't sure about. What about you, Gnosis?

I—

Let me guess, you finished ages ago.

Hm? Some of your answers are different from mine—

Now, now, Master Enciodes, Master Gnosis grew up in the Edelweiss sea of books.

Your advantages lie elsewhere, do they not?

Is that supposed to console me?

Put it another way, the higher Master Gnosis's academic achievements, the more help you will receive as the future head of Clan Silverash.

Very well.

Shoot, I need to meet Matterhorn. I'll be going.

Of course.

Say, Gnosis—

One moment, please, Gnosis.

Did you need something, Enciodes?

Oh, er, it's nothing important.

Here's your last test back.

Full marks, as usual.

Your grades are spectacular, Gnosis. You're the brightest student I've ever seen.

Thank you.

I can already picture you on a bigger stage when you study abroad in Victoria.

Patriarch Olafur's study abroad policy is practically tailored to you.

But this supposed signature of your father's is forged, isn't it?

I'm guessing you didn't think you could keep it hidden forever. Your family will eventually find out, after all.

But the longer it takes for them to find out, the better your chance of making this a done deal.

This is the best you could do.

But it's not enough.

I...

Tell me, Gnosis, what do you think of Kjerag after learning about Victoria's institutions?

Don't worry, this is a private conversation. You can trust me to keep a secret.

It's backwards and inefficient.

What do you think about Enciodes, then?

...He will be a respectable leader.

But i don't understand him.

What don't you understand?

His sense of duty, like he was born to lead Kjerag.

Ah, good. You're even more radical than I thought.

It appears that knowledge has given you more questions than it has answers.

Kjerag is clearly too small for you, Gnosis.

I don't know.

Don't fool yourself. You would forge your father's signature in order to study abroad.

You want to get out, don't you?

My father would never agree.

Your little trick won't work. But I can help you.

I can act as if I never noticed. I could even pretend to have seen your father and gotten his consent for you to study abroad.

Why?

Because you're like me.

I'm on your side, Gnosis.

Friends help each other. I helped you. Now I need you to help me with something.

Hey.

Hm?

Gnosis!

Enciodes? You're back?

I was going to ask you to come along, but then you had to stay late.

Go along where?

The first train that Father purchased from Victoria is making a test run today. Do you want to watch?

Why me?

Hm... because we're classmates?

Plus, aren't you interested? It's a train! Kjerag's first ever!

I—

'I'm not interested. I'm going home.'

The words die in his throat.

He could imagine what awaits him back home.

His mother preparing dinner, waiting for his son to bring good news about his studies.

His father buried in his research in a sea of books, with eyes only for the millennia of Kjerag history.

He probably does not know what time it is. He probably does not remember what his son is doing.

When he reads something that excites him, he will call out to his son, then his wife will tell him that his son is studying with the son of Master Olafur.

He would mutter a response and continue with his research. By the time his son came home, he would have forgotten what he wanted to say.

He would talk nonstop at the dinner table about what he discovered that day, and what he would discover the next.

To Gnosis, his father is like a drowning man stretching out his hand to tell his son about all the mysteries hidden in the lake.

If that is the case—

Well? What's the answer? Are you going or not?

...I'm going.

That's more like it!

Shh—

Alright, the coast is clear.

Why is the scion of Silverash acting like a thief?

Because Father won't actually let me watch.

Why?

He says that the train is still being tested, and it might be dangerous.

Then you—

I'm curious.

We so much to learn about engineering, science, and literature every day. It makes my head want to explode.

But it's things that we have to learn. So I want to at least see what learning these things could do for me.

You don't like them either?

Well... I didn't, at first.

But I found a way.

A way?

I began thinking about what knowledge can become.

For example, all the knowledge about engineering that eventually becomes a train.

I've found that it motivates me to study when I actually get to see the things I read about.

You're so strange.

Am I?

Just imagine. This train will let us traverse all of Kjerag in a single day once it enters service.

And we built it with our own hands. It's exciting, isn't it?

You—

What is it?

You're even more childish than I thought.

I don't want to be like my father, always engaged in a battle of wit and will against nobles and merchants from abroad. He doesn't even smile when he's with his family.

He didn't use to be like that.

You're going to be a leader. You need to get used to it.

Maybe. If that's the case, then at least I'll smile and laugh to my heart's content before I get to that point.

Say, I used to think you were one of those people whose brain is filled with Kjerag history and nothing else.

But you're always watching the fowlbeasts outside the window. That's when I began to think that you may be different from how I imagined.

Well...

Do you enjoy observing them?

No—

The train's about to stop.

Let's get off here. We'll get a terrible earful if we're found out.

Enciodes.

Yes?

Would you accompany me somewhere?

Alright.

Why did you bring me here?

Friends help each other. I helped you. Now I need you to help me with something.

Bring Enciodes. I want to have a chat with him too.

I'm not sure. But the teacher said he wanted to see you here?

He did?

Who's there?!

No need to get excited. Just letting Master Enciodes take a little nap.

Sir?!

Take him.

Righto.

Now, now, be gentle with the young master.

Don't worry, I'll be careful. He's our money, after all.

Who are you?!

Just a tutor who was hired to instruct the scions of Clans Silverash and Edelweiss.

Being a tutor doesn't pay that well, though, so I started a little side business.

What do you want?

Don't look at me like that. You brought him here, didn't you?

Why you—!

My dear Master Gnosis, did you really think I didn't talk to your parents?

Just as you suspected, your father refused to consent to you studying abroad, and your mother is against it too.

You believe you could make this a done deal, but my feeling is that they will come after you, no matter how far you run.

I'm helping you, Master Gnosis.

If you want to leave Kjerag, get away from this boring, dead-end life—

Tell your parents and Master Olafur...

That Master Enciodes and you will be sowing your wild oats for a while, and you don't want to be disturbed.

Master Olafur? It's me, Gnosis.

Yes, Master Enciodes is with me.

I'm sorry, we sneaked onto the train. I just wanted to let you know, so you won't worry too much about us.

...No, he hasn't caused me any trouble. It was I—

When will we be back?

Gnosis looks up to see a flock of fowlbeasts streak across the sky.

A young fowlbeast separates from the flock, flying off in another direction, beyond the snow-capped mountains.

The northern wind often gives fledglings reckless courage, the belief that they can break the iron-clad rules, but it is often cruel reality that awaits.

He's known this.

He's known he is not ready.

Perhaps he would still try to fly beyond the mountains, but not in this way.

Don't worry, we'll be back soon.

Any movement?

No.

Alright.

I hope you brought good news.

I—I talked to them. They won't suspect anything for a while.

Looks like you kept our deal.

How did these people—

Well, if you really want to know... they just marched in like they owned the place.

Kjerag is too primitive. This might be the easiest job we've ever done.

What are you going to do to Enciodes?

Easy. Make Master Olafur pay a little price for his carelessness.

Then, we head for Victoria.

We?

Yes, we.

Did you think I was going to fail to uphold my end of the deal?

Isn't that what crooks do best?

Now, don't be so sarcastic, boy.

You can hate me now.

I'll send you to school, help you learn whatever you want. All I ask is a little favor every now and then.

It's a good deal, isn't it?

Enciodes must be hungry. I'll bring him his food.

Sure... You can say goodbye.

Oh, I didn't expect you. I thought it would be somebody else.

Are you sure about revealing your involvement? Things won't go well for you if I somehow manage to get out.

You sure are confident.

Just a little joke.

My family—

They don't know yet.

Yes, with your cover story, it'll take them some time to realize that I've been kidnapped.

Our teacher sure is thorough, isn't he?

It's time to eat.

How am I supposed to eat with my hands tied behind my back?

Go on, feed me.

Thanks. The taste's not so bad.

Aren't you scared?

Sure I'm scared. But that won't help. I was thinking maybe I should get used to this.

Are you out of your mind?

This is the state of Kjerag right now. So weak that this may not be the last time something like this happens.

Are you going to leave Kjerag with that man?

None of your business.

I would say it is, given that it was passage bought with my safety.

...I suppose you're right.

Why? Did you dislike Kjerag?

I don't dislike it. I just... I don't know. I don't understand why people like my father would bury their heads in history, obsessing over the events of the past.

I can't help but feel the urge to run away when I think about how I'm supposed to become a scholar like him.

Ah, your father. We've met a few times. Not the easiest man to get along with.

I should have invited you to my house more often.

Maybe I wouldn't have had to deal with my two sisters so much if I introduced you.

I doubt I would have gotten along with them either.

Is there anything you want to do once you get out?

...I haven't decided.

Well, that's not good. But then, my father says that he began his studies with no particular goal in mind, then began to find one along the way.

You—

You're the one in danger. Stop worrying about me.

Come now, Gnosis.

What?

You wanted to leave Kjerag because it's boring. Am I right?

Not entirely.

You wouldn't understand.

I suppose I wouldn't. Not entirely, at least.

But what if I told you that I can make Kjerag less boring?

What?

I haven't told anyone else. Keep it secret for me.

I understand why Father says that Kjerag is weak and needs to learn to accept compromise.

But I'm getting tired of seeing him bow his head to foreigners. It's like you said: Boring.

We need to be stronger, tougher, fiercer. Let the foreigners know that they can't walk over the people of Kjerag so easily.

Shh—

Alright, visiting hours are over.

What are you dallying for? The boss is looking for you. I'll watch this one.

Hmph.

Do you always carry an Arts Unit with you, Gnosis?

I took the scenic route.

Don't move, I'll untie you.

I felt safer when I was tied up.

They don't see Kjerag as an equal partner. Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile.

Makes sense.

I'm sorry... I didn't know he would do that.

I'm starting to like you, Gnosis.

Oh?

I thought our little chat was proof enough that I forgive you.

This is this and that is that.

Getting you kidnapped and rescuing you after having second thoughts are two different matters.

That's what I like.

So, do you have a plan to get away?

A sliver of one. I've been thinking about it.

So you came to rescue me from the get-go?

That's not what I said.

Gotcha!

Hmph.

What's that? Trying to scratch an itch?

Surrender, and maybe the boss will let you off easy.

In your dreams.

Gugh—

You... won't... get... away...

Well, that was close.

Can I ask a question?

What?

You're intentionally making noise along the way, right? Like how you used Arts in that fight just now.

Yes, because—

Here they come.

This was not smart, Gnosis.

I agree.

Can you tell me why?

It's true that I don't like my life right now.

I don't know what kind of life I want.

But that doesn't mean I want to leave with you.

What a shame.

You've lost your one shot at freedom.

Here, you'll never know how big the world outside is.

Not necessarily.

How do you know that world doesn't lie in the future of Kjerag?

My dear Master Enciodes, do you really think that Victoria will allow you to develop?

Victoria takes pity on Kjerag at the moment, because you're too weak.

They will reap the fruit that belongs to them, when the time comes.

You're only 'developing' for their sake.

I've heard this many times, and my answer is the same as my father's.

We'll see.

Hah. Do you think you'll get the chance?

You're a long way from town. Even if your father realizes you've disappeared, it'll take a long time for him to find you.

No one will save you.

No.

You outsiders don't know Kjerag.

A lot of wild burdenbeasts live in these lush forests.

Before the people of Kjerag learned to domesticate them, this was where they caught wild burdenbeasts and tamed them. You're hiding in one of the old ruins that they left behind.

Burdenbeasts? What are those docile animals going to do?

A common misunderstanding. Burdenbeasts are not naturally docile. The tame ones that you see are the result of centuries of domestication.

In the wild, burdenbeasts are—

What's going on?!

Over there! Burdenbeasts! A whole stampede of them!

Wild burdenbeasts don't like to be disturbed while they're resting.

Get them!

You better know how to ride a burdenbeast, Enciodes!

Ha! Who do you think you're talking to?

(Excited cry)

Good boy, good boy.

(Placid cry)

Sorry to interrupt your rest.

You can go now.

(Low cry)

We should be safe now.

Yes, the commotion has probably caught the attention of people in town. All we need to do is hide until they find us.

Then—

Well, let's hope Master Olafur's fury doesn't extend to my family.

What are you talking about, Gnosis?

You're the hero who rescued me.

You must be joking. No excuse can change the fact that I—

What does it matter? Friends are supposed to forgive each other's mistakes.

Friends?

Friends.

Matterhorn has been with me since I was little, and Weiss's situation is kind of unusual. I don't have any other friends.

You'll be the first.

Let's make a promise, Gnosis.

What?

I'll make Kjerag big enough for you.

And you'll stay.

What kind of promise is that?

No good?

If we're going to do this, we'll make Kjerag big enough for the both of us.

You're on board?

You did say I'm the first friend you've made other than Matterhorn and Weiss?

I did.

You're my first friend, too.