Liberi Reader

......

Faster!

Don't forget what we're here to do! In the back, keep pace!

Aye!

Halt! Gather up!

Form up!

Sir! Reporting in! Second Squad in formation, sir!

Very good then.

Has Third Squad reported in?

Sir! Not yet, sir!

......

Sir, it's possible that Third Squad has run into trouble...

Should we wait for them to catch up to us?

No. I had a feeling something like this might happen. Whoever's here first has to be the first to strike!

Aye!

I don't think I need to go over the plan again.

This is an expedition, a right proper Victorian battle! A battle for glory!

Stay alert! Do not underestimate the enemy! We will prevail! Failure is not an option!

Yes, sir!

Good, keep those spirits up!

Second Squad, march on!

Our objective—the stockherd's inn at the foot of the mountain!

We must not let these provincials drink us under the table! This time it will be them who taste defeat!

YES, SIR!

......

What are those Victorians up to this time?

Testing their alcohol tolerance, I think? It's been a whole lot of times with Riley's boys. I hear they're always drinking till they vomit.

By Kjeragandr...

Victorians... If they've got all this free time, then what are they even doing?

Hmm...

No, this one's no good.

'Dremomys' ... Hmm, doesn't sound half bad...

What do you think, Yucatan? How do you like 'Dremomys'?

Sounds good.

Ugh, don't you have anything else to say?!

Every name I suggest, you just say it sounds good!

...Really?

But I really do think that all the names you suggest sound good, Rus.

Nope, can't trust you. I'll need to go over them again. I mean, we're talking about our first...

What I'm trying to say is that I'm definitely going to pick the best name!

'Dremomys' is the one to beat for now. 'Tamiops' sounds pretty good too.

Oh, right! We can also pick a nickname! Something like... 'Nut'!

Pipe down already. I could hear you shouting from outside.

And what's this about a 'Nut'? Picking out names for your kid?

Good day, Matriarch.

No, definitely not...!

M-Mind your own stupid business!

Alright, no more teasing.

Kjeragandr's statue is done. We'll have a ceremony for it in a couple of days.

And I'm afraid I'll be very busy with everything involved in that. You two are going to have to handle anything that might pop up in our territory.

I can handle it! Just relax!

If my darling little sister is handling it, there's no way I can relax.

I'm not gonna mess anything up this time. You won't get to yell at me.

Yucatan, do make sure your wife doesn't wear that gormless look on her face out in public.

Haha...

Laugh it up! I'm telling you, Ratatos, I've got my own plans this time!

And when they come to fruition, that Enciodes is going to owe us Browntails a favor, just you wait and see!

Oh?

Well, I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I'll put my faith in you for now, but here's a word to the wise: try and keep a level head.

Kjeragandr's statue, the Victorians, not to mention Enciodes's scheming...

*sigh* A lot of big things to worry about.

I'm afraid... we're not exactly in for a peaceful time here.

Outrageous! The Victorians have gone too far!

You need only say the word, my Saintess, and I'll gather my men and chase the louts out of Kjerag!

Please calm down, Sir Arctosz.

The Victorian soldiers are only here to congratulate us on the completion of Kjeragandr's statue.

What kind of congratulating needs two thousand men? It's a pretense!

They set up camp at the foot of Mount Karlan, those faithless bastards! Surely it would anger Kjeragandr to allow blasphemers at the ceremony!

......

My Saintess! Are we really going to let them do as they please on our land?!

You are not wrong. I am well aware that they hold no reverence for Kjeragandr in their hearts.

Then we should—!

That is precisely why we should not.

Do you believe that our statue of Kjeragandr was built only for the faithful to revere?

I, well...

Look. Look upon the statue.

As it stands, I still do not endorse some of Sir Enciodes's overly risky decisions.

Despite all the growth that they have brought to Kjerag...

What has Enciodes been up to these past three years?

He's been making smaller moves on the mineral export issue. Could this Victorian business be another one of his disastrous schemes?

...I cannot say.

You cannot say?

I cannot say, Sir Arctosz.

Whatever Sir Enciodes is plotting behind our backs, it will all be in the manner that he sees most fit. I and the Vine-Bead Court alike would not be familiar with his line of thought.

Sometimes, knowing too much is not a good thing.

You mean to say...

I'm just stating the facts, nothing more.

The ceremony must go off without a hitch. For now, we'll make our preparations. Whatever we can do, as best as we can.

......

I understand.

You need not be so worried.

Whatever may come...

Kjeragandr will protect Her people.

......

What is on your mind, Saintess?

I was pondering what Arctosz said, about Kjeragandr's statue...

I hope the ceremony goes smoothly.

It will.

'Kjeragandr will protect Her people', no?

I still hope we won't need to bother Her this time.

You wish for Her to simply watch?

Kjerag must learn to face risks and challenges.

A child can't spend its whole life in its mother's arms, Kjarr.

...That much is true.

Ah, yet another chat has turned rather morose.

Speaking of the statue of Kjeragandr, I've half a mind to give that Arctosz a slap.

Why?

He got that big statue's face out of some ancient records, correct? The one it's got right now.

Did he really have to say 'Kjeragandr's appearance is preserved in these books! You are not to deviate from them!'? Who says my...?

*cough* Who says Kjeragandr's face is so wide?

Definitely deserves a slap or two!

......

Saintess?

Enya?

Why'd you turn so quiet?

......

No, you're just teasing me again. Surely.

......

Could I...? No, could Kjeragandr... actually have such a wide face?

In two days, the Saintess will perform the early morning blessing, in celebration of the completion of Kjeragandr's statue.

Here is your invitation, My Lord.

Ah, Sir Enciodes, haha, that is how Kjerag's folk address you, yes?

You are far too kind. We had come specifically for this purpose, and I would not have dared to trouble you for a special invitation.

Worry not, my boys and I will arrive on time, all to celebrate the completion of our statue of Kjeragandr... O Blessed Kjeragandr!

...You seem to have adapted well to life in Kjerag.

Kjerag's scenery is a beauty, her dishes unique, and her people most lively. What's not to like?

Not for nothing does Her Grace so often praise Kjerag's natural bounties. I dare say it's lived up to its reputation!

...Her Grace flatters us.

To have esteemed guests from afar praise us in such a way is an honor for Kjerag and the Silverash clan both.

No need to be modest, Sir Enciodes.

Though we came here to congratulate you on the completion of the statue, I can say that I've been thoroughly captivated by Kjerag's charms during my stay.

I hope that Her Grace, magnanimous as she is, will allow me to extend my pleasurable stay in Kjerag after the ceremony.

......

Sir Enciodes, surely you'll permit me to do some sightseeing, yes?

...But of course.

Considering that My Lord is eager to gain a deeper understanding of Kjerag, I see no reason to refuse.

Though I would note that in this season, Kjerag's winds are bitterly cold, and many unseen dangers lurk atop the mountains.

You and your guards will need to bundle up warmly. I would also request that you steer clear of certain dangerous areas during your tour, so as to avoid blizzards and frostbite.

Truly a most considerate warning!

Kjerag really is a bit too chilly, but don't you worry, Sir Enciodes. That's hardly a problem for us. A thick coat should do the trick.

Of course, speaking personally, I prefer to relax in a warm cabin with a roaring fireplace to traipsing about a snowy wonderland atop some mountain. With some fondue afterwards.

Oh, that flavor, mmm!

I am relieved to hear you say that, My Lord.

Relieved? Oh, heavens no, I wouldn't go that far.

I'm afraid you can't feel too relieved, Sir Enciodes. You should keep your wits about you.

Please, elaborate.

Oh, your relationship with Her Grace notwithstanding, I'm afraid there are many things that I'm not at ease to speak about.

Our friend so kind to those of lower station, with such affection for Kjerag... but is this affection returned by the worthy? Patience certainly has its limits.

And if our cooperation within Kjerag continues along a rough path, well, should Her Grace decide her patience has reached an end...

I'm sure we would both rather not let things come to that, Sir Enciodes.

......

I understand your meaning, My Lord.

As for that 'cooperation', I will give you my response within the next few days. I will not keep Her Grace waiting too long.

Alright...

I'm looking forward to hearing some good news from you, then.

You'll be the first to know.

Having handed over the invitation, I have no further need to trouble you, My Lord.

I look forward to seeing you at the ceremony in two days.

......

That Kjerag fellow didn't even offer a 'hello' as he passed. What a stuck-up prick!

It's just a show he's put on for me.

A show? You men of learning, spending your days playing your games...

Harold, I can tell you've been in a bad mood these past few days. Is he giving you trouble?

Perish the thought! Sure, the lad's got some skills, but nothing to lose sleep over.

Alright, enough of that. No use trying to hide from what's coming, so let's go do what must be done!

Good to hear that you know what you're doing.

If that's all, then I best hurry off first. *hic* I'm counting on you to handle those fancy nobs, Harold!

Wait, just a moment there, did you lot go drinking without me again?

Just one moment! Set the drink aside, did you finish the fondue I was only halfway done with?

Zzz... *snore*...

(Kjerag) Grüezi... Ha det...

Zzz... Zzz...

Mamochka...

Don't worry... Zzz... I can do it...

*unintelligible Kjerag*

*snore*... Zzz...

Whoa!

Who's there?! Who has the guts to ambush me—!

...Oh.

How long have I been asleep...?

Ugh... My butt hurts. This ride's real bumpy, feels like my whole body is shaking apart.

Mmm—hah. That's much comfier.

So this is Kjerag...

......

It's just snow.

And mountains.

It's got a few more of those than Ursus, but other than that, what's the difference? Snow everywhere, dry and cold.

......

I don't see what's worth you always going on about...

Whew! Here at last!

'Scuse me, pardon me, sorry about that!

Whew, finally made it out...!

Wow, crazy, the station is way too crowded!

Alright, let me see, get off the train and turn left, leave through the ticketing gates, and then...

...Hey, what's the deal with this map?!

Moo—!

Whoa! Wha-What the hell!

Moo—! Moo—!

Huh? A burdenbeast? Why's there a burdenbeast in the station...?

You look like a real tough one.

Hoho, young lady, could this be your first time in Kjerag?

Not bad, muzhchina. How'd you figure that one out?

Hah, I have an eye for foreigners, I pick 'em out with just a glance.

You could say that this burdenbeast's our own Kjerag specialty, one named by the Great Saintess herself!

They're called, uh, what was it again... Oh right! They're called 'BangBang Burdenbeast'!

'BangBang Burdenbeast'...?

Moo, moomoo—

That's right, that's what they're called!

Look here, young lady. Over here.

If you want to take the burdenbeast for a ride, just press this button here, and the pen opens.

Moo!

Alright, settle down, settle down.

We've been taming these beasts for a long while now. Each and every one of them handpicked, and they're smart to boot!

Wherever you're heading, just put the fare in that pouch on the burdenbeast when you get there, and you're solid!

Haha! Sounds fun! Can I really ride this burdenbeast down the street? That's super cool! I'm in!

Hey, muzhchina, what happens if someone just... doesn't pay?

I think you'll find, young lady, it's not quite so easy to cut and run in Kjerag!

Didn't you see the disclaimer over there?

Moo—! Moomoomoo!

Let's take a look...

'In the case of any breach of contract by the customer, the company holds no responsibility for attacks by the supplied burdenbeast, or any other bodily injury or loss/damage of property'...

Will the burdenbeast take the cash itself or something?

Moomoo!

Hrrmh—! Hrrmph—moo!

Well alright then! That's exactly how you should handle faredodgers!

I'll definitely give it a try if I get a chance later!

That's great to hear, young lady.

Well, I won't keep you any longer. Welcome to Kjerag!

Oh, wait a sec, muzhchina...!

He sure walks fast. I was going to ask him which way I should go...

If I cross over there... Hmm, that should be right, right?

Platform 3, Platform 3...

Huh?

Halt! Gather up!

Form up!

Yes, sir!

Why are there soldiers in the train station?

Did something happen?

......

Attention!

Aye!

No need to worry, last time I saw them buy some knickknacks to take home. Maybe they just came for some sightseeing.

Though it looks like their uniforms aren't very warm. You see? That young fellow over there's so cold his nose is running!

......

(Dammit, wipe your nose already!)

(Where are those coats I bought you? Why aren't you wearing them?)

(Harold, please! Those coats you bought... they've all got 'I ♥ Snow' stitched on!)

(What's the problem? I think they look great.)

(I think they look great too.)

(Alright, you keep wearing yours then.)

(......)

(Hey, wait, who's the kid?!)

Hah... Whew, you're too much.

Alright, that's enough of that. I need to hit the road. Hope I can get to Lake Silberneherze before it's dark...

Hold it. Listen.

Did you hear that, young lady?

Hear what...? That platform announcement?

Correct. It happens to be announcing the arrival of the train at Platform 3.

And it seems that I, coincidentally, am headed the same way as you.

You are?

To put it more plainly, my destination is the statue of Kjeragandr atop Lake Silberneherze.

Not just my destination, mind you. All these upstanding young fellows as well. We're all getting on that train.

In two days' time, everyone will be gazing upon that grand statue... And that's precisely why we're here.

...Oh?

This Kjeragandr statue they built, is it really that amazing...?

Perhaps so! As a tourist myself, I do think it will become quite the popular attraction.

Now, with that all said—I'm hoping I could have the pleasure of your company on our little tour, young lady?