Liberi Reader

Good morning, Siesta. Today is August 16, 1099.

The humidity is 75%, visibility 18km, wind's blowing south-southwest.

Estimated fifteen days until volcanic eruption.

While it's a fine day outside, we would like to remind everyone to refrain from going into the water beyond the coast outside the nomadic city.

Remember that the calm surface of the sea hides countless hidden reefs and undercurrents, just like the many troubles beneath the surface of a calm life.

Here's a little pick-me-up for this sunny morning: Life Always Goes On, brought to you by the Bonez n' Bonez band.

7am, wake from a dream, kissing the one I love ♪

Open my eyes, same old story, sunlight and trouble after me ♪

Welcome, our first customer of the day... as expected.

Are you bringing me any better news than an erupting volcano this fine morning?

The news I bring wouldn't be so bad if you would be less stubborn, Harley, ma'am.

Don't call me ma'am. I'm not that old.

I'll give you a few minutes, just because it's nice outside. What's the story this time?

Employment subsidies and tax breaks?

Forget it.

And what 'employment' are you talking about, exactly, when we move to the city center?

Can't be any worse than a shopping street with no tourists.

You're not the only one on this street, Harley, and some of your neighbors are willing to sign this memorandum of understanding.

And I won't be the only one giving you an earful.

I suggest you people figure out what the folks who live here really want.

Two years ago, Herman told us this bloody volcano was going to blow. Two years later, the volcano is still there, with nothing to show for the trouble that the people of Siesta have had to go through.

Except for guys like you, coming out with a nice job at city hall.

The 'White Volcano' isn't just a house. It's a home to me and three children.

We've already had to move once on account of a volcano. Herman can't make us move again, especially when it's not clear he's sober when he tells us to.

Harley, this isn't just one person's home—

This is my place, my life ♪

Don't tell me what to do, or I'm gonna kill you ♪

I love this song.

......

Alright, then, Costa. Or should I say, 'Mr. City Hall'?

Excuse me... are you still hiring singers?

You're looking at a Siesta Volcanic Originium Slug.

Living in a volcanic habitat has caused them to evolve vastly different characteristics and habits from Originium Slugs elsewhere, a matter of considerable interest to biologists.

Interestingly, the activities of these Originium Slugs continue to follow the patterns of Siestan volcanic activity, even though they have been removed from their native habitat and placed in a temperature-controlled box.

It's a prominent example of how organisms and their environment interact with each other...

Not bad, Eyjafjalla.

Swire! Are you here on vacation?

You could say that. Here to enjoy a rare summer break.

What about you? This might be the first time I've seen your researcher side.

I'm just here to help with the museum archives.

You seem to have the attention of the tourists. I even saw people taking notes. And I have a question for you too.

Would you tell me more about these exhibits?

Am I imagining things, or is Swire more interested in land prices around the museum than the exhibits themselves?

Land prices?

Mr. Dolly? Why are you...

No need to look surprised. I came because there are a lot of pictures of volcanoes in this house.

What is a 'land price'?

...How much you have to pay to get a piece land.

The more prosperous a place is, the more expensive the land tends to be.

Interesting. Humans put a price on land.

Volcanic craters must be the most expensive, then.

Er... not really. Anyway, is it really okay for you to be here with so many people around?

There's nothing to worry about.

S-Swire!

Hm? What is it?

Why are you looking at me like you've seen a ghost?

Er, it's nothing. Oh, your hat's a little off. Let me fix it for you.

See, she didn't notice at all.

Isn't that astonishing?

(Whisper) It's rude to stand on people's heads!

I know, I know... that's the annoying thing about dealing with you humans.

It's why only those who interest me can perceive me. Less trouble that way.

It's getting late. I'll be going. Don't forget our arrangement.

Eyjafjalla? Hello? Eyja?

Oh! Sorry, I got distracted.

Er... Eyja?

Your new nickname. I just came up with it.

Give yourself some time to relax. You're in Siesta, after all. We can go to the hot springs together!

Delivery for the museum—

Anybody home?

Hello?

Package for the museum. Can you sign for it?

Oh, okay.

From Leithanien... Wilhelm University... probably Professor Keller.

...Huh?

Is this... Mount Unna?

Excuse me!

Is there a problem?

This letter was sent from Leithanien, and this is the delivery address. Everything should be in order.

Do you know who the sender is? Or when was it sent?

Sorry to bother you, but this is important.

The sender's information should be on the envelope?

Well...

Oh, I remember now. There was a letter with a damaged envelope.

The original Messenger for this batch called in sick. The letter was already like that when I got it. This was the only place I could think of when I saw 'volcano' on the envelope.

I know as much as you do, if there's no information about the sender on the letter, there's no information.

......

Sorry to trouble you...

Looking for something?

Are there any notes from my father in the museum archives?

Professor Katia? About what?

Anything, as long as it's his handwriting!

Hm...

Let's see... Keller left some research materials from Wilhelm University here, but Professor Katia's focus is on Originium Arts, so I'm not sure there's much about volcanoes...

'Volcanic Plants', 'Originium Energy Conversion in Volcanic Activity', 'Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions'... all notes from Professor Magna.

Wait, this 'Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions' doesn't seem to be Mutti's.

I don't remember having seen this notebook before.

Me neither... the topic is up Professor Katia's alley, though.

What are you looking for, Adele? Is it urgent?

Kahn... can a letter be... delayed, so that it only reaches its destination years later?

It's not unusual for international mail to be lost, but if you're talking about a delay of several years...

I...

Hello...

Welcome to the Obsidian Hot Springs Hotel...

Bed, meal, or bath? The price list is right there. Just leave the money on the counter and you can go in.

What a beautiful place!

Why does it have obsidian in the name?

Because obsidian is the soul of Siesta!

Er... wh-why?

The solid yet refined texture, the rich and warm color... its rare beauty captivates anyone who gazes upon it!

Every piece of obsidian is unique. Do you get it?

It's a treasure of nature, the essence of volcanoes!

Are you interested in obsidian too?

Y-Yes! I am!

Uncouth fools call obsidian a commodity. Commodity! Come, let me show you my collection. No need to be shy! Let me see, shall we start here?

Thank you for the explanation...

May I ask if you have any obsidian for sale in your collection?

Huh?

No, absolutely not.

This is a collection. Do you know what a collection is?

Collections exist to be admired by someone who truly appreciates their beauty, not to be bought or sold.

So you're one of the uncouth fools too... I guess there's nothing for us to talk about.

But...

That's enough, Pelipper.

Kahn?

I'll take it from here.

You again... sorry, we're closed for today. Have a good one.

Be reasonable, Pelipper.

Siesta banned obsidian mining many years ago, but we're well aware that you know how to get more.

We don't need much for the volcano research, and I'm not interested in all those ornaments you have. I just need a few that have been dug up from that volcano in the past two years.

This is for Siesta. Come on, act like a normal person for once.

There's nothing to talk about. I don't need you to tell me what's the proper Siestan thing to do.

Sorry, I couldn't...

It's okay. Let's go.

Hey you, girl, one second.

You look like you're easier to talk to than that bespectacled moron.

Have you changed your mind?

My stuff's not for sale, but it just happens that I do, in fact, know a source...

Thank you!

Don't tell anyone about this.

Of course!

......

Hey, why are you eating signs and addresses?

Addresses...? Don't tell me you ate the address on the envelope?