Nowadays, most independent city-states have been swallowed up by larger powers or are on the brink of extinction, but Siesta is a unique example, a relic of the past embedded in the long southern coastline. It serves as an excellent case study in modern city-states.
Whoops, got it wrong again. Alright, this time from the top.
One, two, three...
Five thousand seven hundred sixty-one, five thousand seven hundred sixty-two... Also, didn't a few end up in Leithanien?
Well, whatever. Let them have their fun. It's about time those tall, ancient, goatee-shaped buildings got shaken up a bit, along with those people whose expressions are as crusty as their music.
Time is precious, or at least it is for them. If they can't concoct something new and exciting within the very limited time they have, then I'm going to be stuck here enduring years of stagnation and emptiness, dammit.
Times like these make me miss the days when I was getting chased around by those long-haired, sharp-fanged folk. But now, they seem to have invented a new game to play in Siracusa. They don't feel like playing with me anymore.
*sigh*... I should also find something fun to do.
The world is always full of twists and turns, and to exist means to change. Yet why do so many people find themselves in trouble because of these all-too-commonplace occurrences?
Just like building a house. It'll always go higher today than it was yesterday. Yet despite that, there are always people who want to go backwards and tear down the old parts. Seriously... spare me already.
If only these fragile and brief lives could last a bit longer, they would have the same wealth of wisdom as I. They would understand existence, or at least the purpose of existing.
I suppose only a few might be able to comprehend this truth, just like that song. How did it go again? The tune went something like laa laa laa... Hrmm...
Damn, forgot again.
Hello?
You again? I've seen your face more than once recently!
The volcano's about to blow, so turn yourself around and don't go any farther!
How many times do I have to tell you? There's nothing good about those black rocks over there, so why–
Ugh, forget it... Why can't they hear me until I get right up in their face? Isn't that a pain?
Well, best not to get too caught up in their lives anyway... Hope luck's on his side.
Umm, now where was I with my counting...?
Set out at seventeen in search for a home, still wand'ring today ♪
Show the fowlbeast the way, ask the adventurer for aid ♪
Trade treasures with a caravan, only to be left behind halfway ♪
I'll remember everyone I met, and give 'em a special name ♪
So no need to send me letters, no need for that I say ♪
Unless you find yourself like me, on some desolate road astray ♪
Not bad. That was a pretty popular tune twenty years ago.
Guitar-Playing Singer
Thanks for the compliment.
Guitar-Playing Singer
I hope this old-fashioned song didn't hurt your business.
An Elder by the Roadside
Haha, that joke's not one bit funny. Take a look around us. Not a single tourist to be seen.
An Elder by the Roadside
The volcano drove away the Siestans, and the sun drove away the noisy tourists.
An Elder by the Roadside
All that's left is a leisure summer I haven't experienced in years, and a carefree happiness that's about to go bottoms-up.
Guitar-Playing Singer
I assume you miss when Siesta was packed with tourists just a few years ago?
An Elder by the Roadside
Who gets hung up on cash? What I miss is when people still had an artistic appreciation for rock n' roll.
An Elder by the Roadside
What people had back then was time and money, so they could sit down and talk about music and art in the abstract, their heads full of imagination for a fanciful future.
Guitar-Playing Singer
It's just like they say. 'If you want to do art, you gotta fill your stomach first.'
An Elder by the Roadside
The golden age of rock 'n roll is passed. Too many youngsters these days think the spirit of rock 'n' roll is restless beats and electronic reverb, the louder the better.
An Elder by the Roadside
But they forget the very beginning, when the longing for a kind of beauty that existed only in fantasy was part of the heart of rock n' roll.
An Elder by the Roadside
Just like what you were playing before. I really dig those clean, elegant chords.
Guitar-Playing Singer
It sounds like you know a lot about music. Do you play any instruments?
An Elder by the Roadside
Bass and accordion.
Guitar-Playing Singer
Heheh, very trendy.
An Elder by the Roadside
Play me another song, young lady. That last drink of yours is on me.
Guitar-Playing Singer
Thanks for the generosity. Now, I hope you don't mind if I charge a little extra for this next song? How does 'A Story' sound?
An Elder by the Roadside
Hah, the old way of driving a bargain, huh?
An Elder by the Roadside
Young lady, where do you come from, and what should I call you?
Guitar-Playing Singer
Byrd, from Columbia.
An Elder by the Roadside
A Columbian, huh? I thought every Columbian was like a sand beast digging around in the wasteland, pouring all his time and effort into that place – just like my parents were.
Byrd
I'm also a pioneer, just a pioneer of the spirit.
Byrd
I want to see for myself what the Columbians of old saw when they came to this coast, and why they decided to settle here.
An Elder by the Roadside
Then you're probably too late. That part of the coast has been abandoned at the foot of the volcano.
An Elder by the Roadside
What difference is there between this city built on a nomadic plate and a place like Columbia or Victoria?
An Elder by the Roadside
What can we do about it? 'What the land gives, the land can also take away.'
Byrd
Which is why I'd love to hear the stories here, and get a glimpse into the past.
An Elder by the Roadside
Alright. Then, let me tell you the story of how these stubborn people tried to move their volcanic hot springs and seaside Fashion Street to their new home, even after leaving the coastline.
Bison
Ugh... How did all the stuff I set up just fall over again...?
An Elder by the Roadside
Not sure if it's heatstroke or what, but the last couple days, I've been seeing some strange shadows circling around my eyes.
An Elder by the Roadside
Hey, young man, put all that work aside and come for a drink. Don't you hear the sun telling us it's a great day to kick back and relax?
An Elder by the Roadside
Oh, wait a sec, I think I recognize you. You're the young boss of the newly-opened trading company, aren't you? I bet you're planning to demolish this street, huh?
Bison
Sir, this is just urban planning. We'll work hard to get everyone's consent, and we'll try our best to minimize the impact on your lives.
Bison
I'm sure we can smooth over any conflicts that might arise...
An Elder by the Roadside
What is there to smooth over? If Herman wants to start a new business, he'll have to take apart our homes. If I was a few decades younger, I'd think about throwing a brick through his window.
An Elder by the Roadside
But the years really take a toll on you, and I don't have the energy anymore. So, whatever, do what you must.
Besides, my appointment as commissioner hasn't been announced yet. Why does it feel like the people around me are more anxious about it than I am?
Snowsant
Sorry, Com–
Snowsant
I mean, uh, I've never been on a vacation like this before...
Snowsant
Can I really buy so many things at a discount with this coupon? I was just picking up a year's supply of laundry detergent at the supermarket downstairs when I drew this...
Snowsant
How is it possible? There's no such thing as a free lunch, right...? Wait, I heard there were some scams out there disguised as coupons just like these!
Swire
It's probably Siesta's new marketing strategy, no? After leaving behind the old natural environment, the place needs some new ways of attracting tourists.
Swire
MountainDash Logistics has formed a public-private partnership with Siesta, and they're also the ones who issued the coupons you've got there. Oh, and the company belongs to that Bison guy. I think you already know him.
Swire
If you find any false or misleading info on the coupons, the L.G.D. will be knocking on his door.
Swire
Right now, the two of us are elegant foreign tourists who just got back from a luxury mall shopping spree, and are sorting through their spoils.
Swire
Snowsant, can you hand me the perfume I just bought, and also a smaller screwdriver?
Snowsant
Y-Yes, ma'am! Right away!
Swire
Hmm...
Swire
Ehh...
Swire
Hrmm...
Snowsant
What are you doing, Miss Swire? Please keep your eyes on the road when you're driving...
Swire
A citrus-toned perfume should perfectly compliment the sunset here. Say, the perfume you were staring at before is in that pink bag right there. Why don't you open it up and give it a smell? I think the floral tones will suit you perfectly.
Snowsant
What?! N-No way! That's too expensive! How could I ever–
Swire
Don't stand on ceremony. It's not easy to find a good travelling companion, and there might be some things I need your help with later on...
Swire
Mind passing me the trumpet screwdriver again?
Swire
Heh, you sure did a good job keeping it hidden.
Snowsant
What's that...?
Swire
A tracker with wiretapping capabilities. A previous-generation product that the L.G.D. phased out.
Snowsant
Eh? Didn't we come here to go on vacation? Why... What are we going to do now?
Swire
Don't you worry. This kind of stuff is easier than finding matching eyeshadow for me.
Swire
So, what do you think, Snowsant? Do you like the perfume?
Let me see... The place where I'm supposed to meet that city hall guy should be right over here. Give me a minute.
Snowsant
Umm, will someone be coming to pick us up? We're not going to have to walk there ourselves? I even bought two extra buns and ate them this morning to make sure I would have the energy.
Male Passerby
(Phew... Finally managed to finish unloading the delivery. I might be able to make it in time for my afternoon shift at the post office.)
Male Passerby
(After that, I should still have time to pick up the two passengers in front of the city. Then, I need to remember to fix up the lights in Rachel's grocery store tonight. Hopefully, that'll be enough to pay off my bills in cash this time.)
Male Passerby
(I don't have much time left... Need to hurry up...)
Swire
Hmm?
Swire
Well, you sure seem to be in a hurry...
Snowsant
Miss Swire, what are you looking at–
Male Passerby
Oh, sorry, sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going! You're not hurt, are you?
Snowsant
Owwie... Oh, I... I think I'm fine...
Swire
Oh right, that's the guy!
Snowsant
Umm...?
Male Passerby
Huh?
Swire
That's our driver from city hall!
Male Passerby
I beg your pardon? If you're joking around, please don't. I have a ton of work to do and don't have time for that.
Swire
(*whispers*) Not a word.
Swire
(Hands over a wad of cash)
Male Passerby
Err...
Male Passerby
Oh, uhh... Yes, I am...
Swire
See? I told you someone would be coming to get us.
Snowsant
(*whispers*) Umm... I think this is a delivery truck for transporting goods...
Swire
(*whispers*) When I was in Dossoles last time, I was riding around in a heavy boat, on land. Just go with the flow!
Male Passerby
No, screw that! I need to get to my next job, so please...
Swire
(Hands over another wad of cash)
Swire
This is your deposit. I've booked your afternoon as well as your vehicle. Now, I'll have you take us around.
Male Passerby
By all means, welcome aboard!
After several failed attempts to ignite the truck, the man slaps its dashboard vigorously and fiddles with the blinking buttons.
Snowsant
(*whispers*) Miss Swire... Miss Swire! This vehicle seems to have been modified aftermarket and is well beyond its normal service life...
Snowsant
I really don't know if we can trust this guy!
Guiltless Man
What are you talking about?! I'm no worse at souping up cars than any repair shop, and I do it at a fraction of the cost!
Guiltless Man
By the way... My name's Enis.
Swire
Alright, Enis. Now, it's time for you to prove your skills. Hurry up and start the truck.
The old pickup truck resembles an aged burdenbeast, its original color faded beyond recognition. After a few heavy gasps, its engine finally sputters to life, carrying the three young people into the distance.
Tired Government Employee
Hello? I'm here.
Tired Government Employee
No sign of her... The big investor from Lungmen...
Tired Government Employee
Yes... I know, she's a very important guest. I'll keep waiting...
I never knew they left anything like this behind...
Keller
After the Mount Unna accident, I found this suit in the warehouse of my research lab at Wilhelm University in Leithanien.
Keller
I was going to send it to you along with the rest of their belongings, but a bit of selfishness kicked in... I wanted to preserve something in their memory.
Keller
I should've consulted you beforehand... If you don't want it here, you're more than welcome to take it with you.
Adele
You were my parents' best friend. You worked together for so many years, this suit is part of your shared memories.
Adele
It makes sense to leave this here, as an exhibit...
Keller
Those who have left us aren't coming back. Preserving their memory so that others may learn of what they accomplished might be the last thing we can do for them.
Adele looks over at the older scholar beside her, showing no emotion on her dainty features. As if the topic of their conversation was something far, far away from her.
The life story of the suit's owner is written on a plaque in the corner of the exhibit glass. The solemn, cold words recount a tale all too familiar, and the numbers written front-and-center seem almost surreal.
Katia Naumann (1051-1095)
Magna Naumann (1053-1095)
The light overhead blazes, making it somewhat hot. Just like how the heat of lava passes through a protective insulation layer and transfers into the skin.
The reflection off the glass pierces her eyes, and she feels a spell of dizziness.
Keller
Adele?
Adele
I... I'm fine.
Adele
I haven't heard from you since Mutti and Vati passed away... Are you no longer involved in volcano research?
Keller
Magna and Katia and I spent more than a decade on those volcanoes. But, I'm not as strong as them. I have no choice but to stop.
Keller
This museum is probably the last thing I can do in the name of volcanic research.
Adele
I think I remember you were Siestan.
Keller
Yeah. Last year, Herman invited me back to Siesta to build this museum.
Keller
For us Siestans, the volcano was always more than just a disaster that forced us to leave our homes. It's also a memory of the past. The volcano and the city have always been closely connected.
Keller
'It is not just the objective environment that can bring people together, but memories as well.'
Adele
That's from the preface of the university's general curriculum textbook, 'Geology and the History of City-States.'
Keller
I see this as an opportunity. I hope this museum can become a place that not only carries the hopes of Siesta, but also showcases the accomplishments of many volcanologists.
Keller
While I was researching Mount Siesta, I happened upon a recommendation report you wrote two years ago – perhaps, a stroke of fate.
Keller
And now Mount Siesta is about to erupt. So, I'd like to invite you to complete this observation with me, as well as finish setting up the museum.
Keller
When the museum was first established, I collected a lot of information related to volcanic geology, and need someone to help me compile all of it into a book.
As soon as you get away from the heart of the city, the whole place seems completely different.
Swire
I see so many shops closing down left-and-right. Seems like business isn't too hot these days?
Enis
It didn't occur to any of us before we moved to the nomadic city. We thought the newly-built hot springs and skyline swimming pools would attract lots of tourists.
Enis
Last summer, a whole bunch of people excitedly opened shops all over, but they closed down within months.
Swire
I knew it. An economy heavily dominated by tourism is highly susceptible to changes in the external environment.
Snowsant
M-Miss Swire, Miss Swire! I-Is there something wrong with this meter? That number up there... what currency is that in? Columbian gold certificates, or Victorian pounds?
Snowsant
It's... making my head spin...
Swire
Young man, ten gold certificates would cover the distance we just traveled back in Columbia, by all reason, and the rates should be even lower here in Siesta.
Swire
We've barely just left, and it's already up to twelve – an extra five now?
Enis
Wh-What?
Swire
I told you before that I'll compensate you, but if you try to pull a fast one on us, I swear I'll–
Enis
Wh-What are you doing with that lipstick? I'm not––
Enis
What the hell is that? Okay, sorry! My bad!
Enis
Alright, I tampered with the meter. It's supposed to charge an extra half a cert per mile!
Snowsant
What? You scoundrel...! Half a gold certificate could've bought me two bags of cookies in the store back there!
Enis
Come on now, you two. I skipped work to drive you ladies around. It's only fair you give me a little bonus, isn't it...?
Swire turns around and takes a look in the rear-view mirror. A low-key black vehicle is following behind at a distance of roughly three or four car lengths.
Swire
(How'd they catch up so quickly...?)
Swire
Young man, I will pay you handsomely, but you've got to listen to me.
Swire
Drive a bit faster. Lose that car behind us. Head somewhere crowded, the busier the better.
Enis
Um, who exactly are you two...? I'm just trying to do a little side hustle here, I don't want any trouble...
Swire
Well, I have no idea what this is about either. We're just a couple of tourists visiting Siesta, and haven't the foggiest why these shady people have been after us ever since we arrived. Maybe they're after our wallets.
Swire
But we don't know our way around this place, and it's awfully frightening...
Snowsant
(Miss Swire, you were threatening this gentleman with violence just a moment ago...)
Enis
Siesta's tourism industry is already in shambles as it is. Why would anyone be doing stuff like this?!
Enis
Let me assure the two of you, at its heart, Siesta is still a tourist city with simple folk customs and beautiful scenery. Please don't go around spreading a negative impression of our city after you get home!
Swire
Naturally. That all depends on if we can get the kind-hearted people of Siesta to help us.
Enis
Right, sure! If it's for a good and just cause, I'll do everything in my power to help!
Enis
Don't you worry. Not even Columbia's greatest racecar driver could catch me on these roads I use for deliveries every day.
The Columbian representative just sent another message and hopes to have another meeting with you in the near future.
Herman
Decline for me.
City Hall Staffer
They said that Siesta is nominally a part of Columbia, and therefore Congress has a right to the city's latest developments...
Herman
Tell them to can it. We had a clear agreement when Siesta relocated.
Herman
Siesta would retain the status quo with Columbia. They have no right to intervene in our internal affairs, nor do I have to report a thing to them regarding Siesta's plans.
City Hall Staffer
Very well. I'll forward on.
Eurill
And yet, you have time for a coffee with me despite your busy schedule. I'm honored.
Herman
I like to set aside some time for quiet contemplation, no matter how busy my schedule is.
Herman
On the other hand, I'd think you wouldn't have much leisure time to spare, Eurill.
Eurill
The executive manager of the collaboration between MountainDash Logistics and Siesta is my son. Nominally, even I have no right to interfere with his decisions.
Eurill
In other words, there's nothing for you to worry about. Just treat him as you would any other business partner.
Herman
That goes without saying.
Eurill
As things are now, Herman, do you regret taking this path?
Herman
Across Siesta's history, both Victoria and Columbia have been interested in annexing us.
Herman
Had we chosen to fall into the hands of either side, we would have achieved far greater stability and prosperity than today, but this would not be the same Siesta.
Eurill
You should be proud of what you've built, Mr. Mayor.
Herman
Look, New Siesta is more than a hundred miles from its previous location. If you stand here and look east, you can just barely make out the peak of that volcano.
Herman
If there was a map that could encapsulate this entire land, a line covering a hundred miles wouldn't even be a finger's width, if that.
Herman
But, it is nevertheless possible, and promising, for us to connect with the various countries and city-states scattered across the land. The future proposed by MountainDash Logistics makes me want to believe in that.
Eurill
However, we all know full well that this will be a long and difficult road – starting with this present hardship that Siesta must overcome.
Eurill
In previous summers, Siesta's streets were crowded with tourists from all over the land, and the sound of concerts could be heard from every corner.
Herman
Mister Eurill, do you know the original meaning of the name, 'Siesta'?
Eurill
It's Iberian for 'afternoon nap.'
Eurill
At the time, the Columbians wanted to develop in tandem with Iberia. Though the process was not to their satisfaction, they still ended up settling here.
Herman
That's right. The Pioneers arrived deep in the south and wanted to establish their first home here.
Herman
Back then, the workers would get up before dawn to start working, and would take a long break around lunchtime when the sun was the strongest.
Herman
Until evening arrived, when people would emerge from their rooms again, drinking coffee to the sea breeze, and preparing for their nightlife.
Herman
I trust that this city, too, is only taking a brief nap. When it next wakes up, it will surely usher in the most beautiful sunset.
The vehicle that was tailing them before has disappeared. The delivery truck starts coughing up black smoke and skids to a halt along the side of the road.
Enis pumps the brakes hard as he clutches the steering wheel, wiping the sweat off his brow. Swire pulls Snowsant through the car door and hops out, fearing that the vehicle might explode at any moment.
Fortunately, the worst doesn't come to pass, and the truck finally falls silent after a few frightening whimpers.
Enis
My baby!
Enis
I spent two weeks' pay fixing her up last month, and now she's broken down again...
Swire
Young man, how do you have the nerve to take this thing on the road when you can lose control just stepping on the gas?
Enis
Hey, you were the one who asked me to shake them. I would never drive that fast...
Snowsant
M-Mr. Enis, y-your face is bleeding!
Enis
Urgh... I must've hit my nose on the steering wheel just now...
Snowsant
I, I'll go find some tissue for you!
Both sides of the street are lined with Siesta's old-fashioned beachside shops.
The over-the-top, extravagantly colored parasols and gravel-streaked surfboards seem like they were plucked right out of space and time from the beaches of the past, preserved as specimens, and dragged-and-dropped into a brand new nomadic city.
Swire
You said this was supposed to be the hottest spot in all of Siesta?
Enis
Did we... get rid of those bad guys?
Swire
Shook 'em off a long time ago, my young hero of justice! C'mon, let's find a place to sit, and we'll talk about your truck.
Swire
There should be a restaurant nearby, right...? Huh? Why is there no storefront?
Bison
Long time no see, Miss Swire. I heard you'd arrived in Siesta, but the man in charge of your reception wasn't able to find you.
Swire
...Huh?
Swire
Did you really need to rush out here to meet me in person, Bison? Or, is this your way of showing me your courtesy as landlord?
Bison
Let's skip the formalities, Swire. Would you give me a moment of your time?
