He's not sending any men after the other clans. He's just guarding the Vine-Bead Court.
Kjarr
Right, he's guarding the Vine-Bead Court.
Kjarr
Now he's truly seized the Court.
On the surface, he's won.History is written by the victor.
Kjarr
*Sigh*... You're right about that.
Kjarr
Even I understand the way Enciodes does things now.
Kjarr
Him handing back power is all a feint. He wanted to flip the whole table over all along.
The people of Kjerag still can't imagine life without their God.Enciodes knows what life is like without God.This isn't Kjeragandr's problem.
Kjarr
Right. Most of us thought he had no way to overcome the Kjerag people's faith for Kjeragandr. They thought he didn't have what it takes.
Kjarr
The Great Elder, Ratatos, Arctosz... even I thought so.
Kjarr
And he knew that.
Kjarr
That said, I've been wondering about one thing.
Kjarr
A life without God. Does that necessarily mean there should be no gods?
Kjarr
Oh, I'm just musing. I'm not depressed at all.
Kjarr
Faith is gradually becoming an obstacle... At the very least, that's how the Kjerag people's faith in Kjeragandr is. I've known that for a long time now.
Kjarr
Thank you, though.
Kjarr
*Sigh*... Not that this has anything to do with me, a lowly maid who serves the Saintess.
Kjarr
Speaking of which, I thought you'd ask me why I'm here with you.
There are many reasons to choose to be an observer.
Kjarr
Just like you have many reasons to choose to interfere, right?
Kjarr
Thank you, Doctor...
Kjarr
I will stand firm with my choice, and I hope you will too.
Sharp
Doctor, the work is done.
Where are they?Good work.
Sharp
I couldn't keep the clan leaders. Ratatos asked me to give you her thanks, but it looks like she's got her own plans. She went back to her territory.
Sharp
Arctosz's heading back to his place, too. Looks like he's gathering his forces to fight it out with Enciodes.
Aurora
Doctor, if we let them go back to their lands, won't that lead inevitably to death?
Only they can control their people.With the way things are, this is how we can keep casualties to a minimum.
Sharp
What the Doctor's saying is that, with how furious the crowd was, they would most likely have gotten a death sentence right there and then if the two of them were caught.
Sharp
And even if that wasn't the case, they would still no doubt stand trial.
Kjarr
The two of them may be labeled traitors, but the two families' subordinates, especially the Paleroches, won't buy that so easily.
Kjarr
And regardless of whether they take up arms or start infighting, Kjerag will fall into chaos.
Sharp
But whichever it is, Enciodes will be the righteous one.
Sharp
To him, even if things start out chaotic and there are considerable casualties during the process, the whole mess can be still be cleaned up in the end.
Aurora
......
He's not the kind of man who'll just sit it out.
Sharp
Right, Enciodes went through all that trouble to shape this situation. That means he cares about the masses.
Sharp
When I bummed around Karlan Trade, I heard a thing or two about his methods. Most of the staff there thinks he's got foresight.
Sharp
And now that he chose to stir the pot out in the open like that? You can tell it's his best option despite all the risks it comes with.
Aurora
I... I sure hope so.
Sharp
The Silverashes and the Browntails were on better terms in the past. Naturally, he's planted more than a few of his pawns who can help control the chaos.
Sharp
The problem is still the Paleroches. Their equipment and combat prowess may be behind the times, but their numbers are no joke.
Kjarr
Right, and the Silverashes have always been on pretty bad terms with them.
Kjarr
Besides, the Paleroches' men are all very loyal. It's hard to say they'll betray the Paleroche clan even with everything that has transpired.
Sharp
That's why I can understand why the Doctor decided to help the two of them.
Sharp
A family can only come together if the family head's still alive, and as long as we can influence the leaders in some way, the Doctor can still pull off some rough plan.
Sharp
Still though, Doctor, I guess I don't have to say it—
Sharp
Kjerag's got some complex terrain. It's not easy to get around here. We don't have much time.
Don't mention it. I am a Browntail. This is exactly the time I should stand with my Matriarch.
Ratatos
Do you believe anything Enciodes said?
Browntail Family Noble
Of course not. He has to be framing you.
Ratatos
......
Ratatos
How go the preparations?
Browntail Family Noble
It'll take some time to get back to the Browntail territory from Silverash lands, though I have a car ready, and I pulled a few strings.
Browntail Family Noble
Once you and Madame Sciurus are ready, I will make sure you two are taken back to the our land.
Ratatos
Any news from back home?
Browntail Family Noble
After word about the ceremony got out, a few towns near our territory's border started flying the Silverashes' flag.
Browntail Family Noble
There's nothing like that toward the center, but...
Ratatos
Enough. I have a decent idea of how many men he planted inside our family. With how many of them there are, I'm afraid I won't be able to count all of them when they're all gathered in one spot.
Ratatos
Has Enciodes been up to anything?
Browntail Family Noble
The Silverashes have set up camp at the foot of Mount Karlan and on the mountainside.
Ratatos
Hmph, at least he's a man of his word.
Browntail Family Noble
The populace there has been very receptive to him too. Absolutely shameless.
Ratatos
They saw Arctosz's betrayal at the ceremony with their own eyes, after all.
Ratatos
Hmph, out of everyone who doesn't trust Arctosz, it's gotta be those who saw his 'crimes' with their own eyes that don't trust him the most.
Ratatos
Let's not talk about him. What about you? What are you getting from Enciodes?
Browntail Family Noble
I... I don't follow...?
Ratatos
Drop it already. Your acting's terrible.
Browntail Family Noble
Come on out and... Arrest Ratatos.
Browntail Family Noble
......
Browntail Family Noble
......?!
Browntail Family Noble
Gah...
Ratatos
If I couldn't see through that trap of yours, then I had no business leading our clan.
Sciurus
Ratatos, I heard the car's...
Sciurus
What's going on here?!
Ratatos
Take a guess?
Sciurus
He was going to sell us out?!
Ratatos
Looks like you're not as stupid as I made you out to be, dear sister.
Sciurus
Do you have to mock me, even at a time like this?
Sciurus
How many are still on our side?
Ratatos
How many? Right, how many...?
Ratatos
Sciurus, do you understand what a big mess you've caused?
Sciurus
I...
Sciurus
I never thought...
Ratatos
*Sigh*... That's exactly the problem. You never thought. You never think.
Sciurus
What was I supposed to do?! I... I just wanted to show everyone that I can do something for the Browntails too!
Sciurus
I just...
Sciurus
I just wanted to help you...
Ratatos
......
Sciurus
You... You look tired, Ratatos. Are you okay?
Ratatos
And if I say I'm not?
Sciurus
......
Sciurus
Fine, I get it! This whole thing needs to end somehow, right?
Sciurus
I was the one who started all this. So I'll be the one to end it! And I still don't know how Yucatan and... and my subordinate are doing. I can't just sit here and wait any longer!
Ratatos
Wait! Where are you going?!
Sciurus
I'll find that prick Enciodes! I'll tell everyone that it was all a personal grudge between me and him, and none of this has anything to do with the Browntails!
Sciurus
He can take my life if he wants, but he has to hand my people back!
Sis, Sis! Why did Grandpa yell at you again? You've done so well!
Is it because you're going to lead the family? Is that why he keeps yelling at you?
I-In that case, I'll be the clan leader! I'll go to Grandpa and ask him to stop yelling at you all the time. I'll lead the family, so he can yell at me all he wants!
Hehe, it's okay. You don't need to worry about me, Sis. I've got Yucatan there for me. We promised each other we'll always play with each other! He'll help me. He's really good at studying too!
Also...
You never cry when you get yelled at, Sis.
Even though you never cry, I don't know why, it really makes my heart ache...
Your father will get much better once he takes the Great Elder's elixir and has the evil in him expelled.
Arctosz
He was injured during the Holy Hunt to protect us.
Arctosz
The Great Elder figured he was probably attacked by the Tschäggättä when he was all alone...
Arctosz
He's too weak now... Come, I'll give him the medicine.
Valais
Why isn't my father awake yet? And what is this green stuff on his lips...?
Great Elder
The evil has spread too deep. Kjeragandr no longer allows his presence here.
Great Elder
He argued with the Vine-Bead Court several times before. He must have been under the Tschäggättä's influence, and it culminated in the Tschäggättä coming to take him back today.
Great Elder
If the elixir couldn't regain his strength and faith, then this must be Her will.
Keep Arctosz from running into any trouble on his way, huh...? Looks like the Doctor got it right again.
Sharp
But––
Sharp
I really should've brought Blaze with me. Out of all the elite operators who take the enemy head on, she's the only one who's got the mobility to traverse the mountainous terrain here.
Sharp
With the trains stopped, Kjerag's transportation network might as well be nonexistent...
Tsk, don't think you're getting out of this mess just because you're keeping quiet.
Kjerag Warrior A
Let me tell you. Every last person in the Silverash clan wants to skin you alive right now.
Kjerag Warrior A
How dare you do what you did to Sir Enciodes and the Saintess? If it wasn't for his orders to keep you locked up here, I wouldn't give you even a sip of water, let alone food.
Gnosis
......
Kjerag Warrior A
Not going to eat, drink, or even make a peep, huh?
Kjerag Warrior A
Alright, then. You can rot here and die for all I care!
You never used to sneer at people, much less belittle them as worthless.
Young Gnosis
I could tell you the same.
Young Gnosis
You would never use your status as a weapon, and you never thought much of social pleasantries.
Young Enciodes
It was something I had to learn to deal with the nobles.
Young Gnosis
And I couldn't care less how others see me if it means I can better focus on my research.
Young Enciodes
What kind of research are you working on?
Young Gnosis
Life science as well as Originium analysis.
Young Enciodes
Sounds complicated.
Young Gnosis
What about you? Surely you must already have a certain standing among the nobles here.
Young Enciodes
Do you remember what we said to each other when you left Kjerag?
Young Gnosis
......
Young Enciodes
I'm very glad that I left Kjerag, Gnosis.
Young Enciodes
It wasn't until I came to the outside world that I realized we no longer live in times where isolation is enough to keep ourselves out of the affairs around us.
Young Enciodes
In the past hundred years, there have been countless exchanges and conflicts between nations. Columbia rose quickly in a conflict, while Gaul, a powerful country, was also wiped out in a conflict.
Young Enciodes
All the world's nations are slowly changing in these times separated by Catastrophes. Refusing relations with others is no longer an option.
Young Enciodes
If Kjerag remains as it is, keeping its borders closed under the assumption that will earn us a life of peace and tranquility.
Young Enciodes
Then only destruction awaits us.
Young Enciodes
We've reached the end of this peace and tranquility. We can't wait for anyone to throw open these gates for us. Kjerag must make contact with the outside world. We must take that step forward while we still have control.
I'm thinking that you actually haven't changed much over the last twenty years.
Enciodes
And why is that?
Gnosis
You're a conceited perfectionist.
Gnosis
You always want the perfect result, and you always think that you can get it.
Enciodes
The perfect result would be if Arctosz and Ratatos had not been in our way.
Enciodes
The Great Elder would also have accepted the change that Kjerag is about to go through, and everything would naturally have unfolded the way we wanted.
Gnosis
That isn't the perfect result. You know that. At most, it's the perfect dream.
Gnosis
They can't see what you and I can see. In that case, you should never have expected them to share the same ideas as us.
Enciodes
But you and I think drastically differently as well.
Dear Enciodes,\nThe Browntails and Silverashes have long enjoyed an amiable relationship. Although we have had our differences in recent years, they are merely the natural result of our differing views on Kjerag's future.
With Kjerag's future having never looked so bright, it is now clear to me that the Silverashes have come to represent the aspirations of the masses.\nWith the transfer of powers in place, to prevent any unnecessary disputes and to uphold Kjerag's peace—\nI, Ratatos, would like to pledge the Browntails' allegiance to the Silverashes.
I would like to meet with you on this matter, if you would be so kind as to set aside our differences.\nIn addition, I would also like to talk to you about the truth behind your parents' passing.\nYours, Ratatos
Gnosis
An obvious trap...
Enciodes
It's worth going, nonetheless.
Gnosis
The situation is not so optimistic that you can take meaningless risks.
Enciodes
We've won, Gnosis.
Enciodes
We've achieved our original goal. Now, the Paleroches and the Browntails are traitors to Kjerag.
Enciodes
My spies inside the Browntail family will help us with the public opinion. As for the Paleroches, they may be stubborn, but they are all upstanding people.
Enciodes
Once they wrap their minds around the gravity of Arctosz's crime, much of the Paleroches' doors will open to us.
Enciodes
We have ample time to sort out what comes next.
Gnosis
Arctosz and Ratatos will not give up so easily.
Enciodes
That is exactly why I will meet her.
Enciodes
If Ratatos had come with me to Victoria to study all those years ago, she would not be so much weaker than I am.
Enciodes
And now she has put her chips on the table, just like that. It would be untactful of me to not call this bet.
Gnosis
You will one day die of your arrogance, Enciodes.
Enciodes
Then so be it, but that won't happen today or during this outing.
Enciodes
As for Arctosz, he's not entirely without surprises, and that is why I am having you step up now.
Gnosis
What can a hot-headed moron like him accomplish?
Enciodes
Arctosz himself can't, though Dr. {@nickname} certainly surprised me.
Enciodes
That is the greatest variable in this game of ours, and it's one that I have to watch out for.
Gnosis
Dr. {@nickname}.
Gnosis
I agree that one has done many things beyond my expectation since arriving in Kjerag, but is this Doctor really worthy of your concern?
Enciodes
One who knows almost nothing about Kjerag has stepped into one of the stage's most vital roles within such a short period of time, greatly disrupting our plans.
Enciodes
I can honestly say that if I were in that position, I would not have been able to do it.
Enciodes
And I also cannot begin to imagine what the Doctor is planning to do next. Perhaps the Doctor won't do a thing, or perhaps—
Enciodes
The Doctor can do something that I couldn't begin to imagine.
Gnosis
Hmph, this isn't my first time telling you this—If you're afraid to lose, you better not act like you're enjoying the challenge.
Gnosis
You've fooled many, but you cannot fool me. You cannot fool the bodyguard you hired from Kazimierz either.
Enciodes
Likewise, this isn't my first time to offer you this rebuttal. Taking delight in a gamble and not wanting to lose are not mutually exclusive.
Enciodes
Much of the joy one derives from a gamble comes not from the result. Rather, it comes from the whole march towards victory.
Gnosis
Fine, say no more. This is always the hardest part for us to reach a consensus. I only wish that I still have a chance to save you before your arrogance ends up killing you.
Enciodes
We will have many opportunities to debate this later. In any case, I will leave you in charge while I meet with Ratatos.
Gnosis
Is there anyone left in Karlan Trade who would listen to me?
Enciodes
Weiss, Matterhorn.
Enciodes
The two of them will pass on any of your orders.
Matterhorn
Gnosis, Sir Enciodes has told us everything. We owe you much.
Weiss
I never thought it could all be a ruse...
Gnosis
Let's save the pleasantries.
Gnosis
Tsk, and here I thought I could finally get some quiet time.
Gnosis
My research has been halted for far too long already. At least I could read some books if you'd kept me locked in here.
Enciodes
You're my partner-in-crime, and this undertaking is ours together. You will have more than enough time to do your research in the future.
Gnosis
That's only if you make it back here alive...
Degenbrecher
It's time to go, Enciodes.
Enciodes
I'm leaving everything in your hands, Gnosis.
Degenbrecher
......
Gnosis
......
Degenbrecher
I'm curious. Back at the ceremony, were you going at it for real?
Gnosis
What if I was?
Degenbrecher
Then perhaps you need to spend some time to work on your skills.
Degenbrecher
You looked worse than before.
Gnosis
I needn't you worry.
Degenbrecher
My impression is that you could make half an enemy of mine. I have to worry, lest life get a bit too boring.
Gnosis
Caster is only a side job to me.
Degenbrecher
Your acting could be that much better too, if you were a little stronger.
Gnosis
......
Degenbrecher
That said, I've never seen you even a little excited.
Degenbrecher
Convincing performance.
Degenbrecher
Not that you're acting.
Gnosis
......
Weiss
Gnosis, what should we...?
Gnosis
Where's Monch?
Weiss
Monch is being held in another room. I can take you there.
Gnosis
Does she know?
Weiss
Sir Enciodes said it'd be best for you to tell her yourself.
Monch takes out a dagger from her boot. It is her most prized weapon.
It is a gift that Gnosis made for her between his experiments.
She lightly strokes the dagger, her eyes clouded with doubt and uncertainty.
Gnosis
Don't do anything stupid, Monch.
Monch
......
Monch
It looks like you're well...
Monch
Thank goodness.
Gnosis
I'm fine.
Gnosis
You've done a great job.
Monch
I... I promised you.
Monch
Whatever your orders, your wish is my command...
Monch
......
Gnosis
Judging by your look, I assume you've figured it all out.
Gnosis
Right, Enciodes and I had all of this planned in advance.
Monch
......
Monch
I see, so that's really how it is...
Monch
The Silverashes' Weiss was waiting below the cliff to rescue me, and I've been wondering ever since.
Monch
If this was all a charade planned in advance, then what role do I play in it?
Monch
And now that I find you here, I'm finally sure...
Gnosis
......
Gnosis
My apologies.
Monch
You needn't ever apologize to me...
Gnosis
Monch, you stand firm in your beliefs. I understand, but I will judge for myself what I say.
Monch
......
Gnosis
Enciodes and I had a rift, leading me to leave Karlan Trade and make contact with Ratatos. That was our plan all along.
Gnosis
And the fewer people who knew of this plan, the better. That's why I never told you.
Monch
......
Gnosis
Both of us knew the risks.
Gnosis
I had to make sure even the finest details were under our control. Everything had to be absolutely perfect. This isn't one of my usual maneuvers... There is no do-over.
Gnosis
If that displeases you in any way, I must apologize.
Monch
......
Monch
No... T-That's not it...
Monch
......
Monch
Why...
Gnosis
What?
Monch
It doesn't matter what it is you want to do or what plans you have. I...
Monch
...I will always support you.
Gnosis
......
Monch
Why didn't you believe me?
Monch
You could've trusted me.
Gnosis
......
Gnosis
Monch, I hope you can understand.
Gnosis
It's because I fully trust you that I handed you such an important task under those circumstances.
Gnosis
I trust you, my finest subordinate, to perfectly execute my plans.
Monch
......
Gnosis
Don't overthink it. You've done very well, and everything is over now. Try to relax a little.
