Lia, I have one more favor to ask of you. Can you see if the kitchen has these items? If they do, I'd like them to make one additional dish.
Kjarr
I'd like... a fruit and cheese wrap.
Servant
Pulling out the old home cooking?
Servant
But the Saintess normally doesn't touch that stuff.
Kjarr
Now, now. Just listen to me.
Kjarr
Karlan Trade's employees seem to be arriving one after another.
Servant
That's right. The viscount invited not only the Saintess and Master Enciodes, but also the elders of the Vine-Bead Court as well as the employees of Karlan Trade.
Servant
As extravagant as one would expect of a Victorian viscount.
Servant
The man's not all show either. He even invited Turiels, head chef of the Burdenpeak Hotel.
Servant
His foul temper isn't something that can be bought with money.
Kjarr
It goes to show how well they've gotten on with our people during the month they've been in Kjerag.
Kjarr
Hmm?
Sickly Soldier
Chug! Chug!
Karlan Trade Employee
*hic*... Chug, chug!
Karlan Trade Employee
*braaaaap*...
Sickly Soldier
Not bad, not bad! You mountain folk sure know how to hold your booze!
Um... Haha, look how nice the weather is today. Perfect day to be holding a banquet, wouldn't you say?
Harold
Why don't you two go–
Enciodes
Given the Saintess's high praise, there are naturally many things I am afraid of.
Enciodes
I won't prattle on with the details, but take the ceremony for Kjeragandr's statue the day after tomorrow. For such an important occasion, all of Karlan Trade must come together as one, without a single misstep.
That being the case, I would recommend you be thorough and circumspect as well, Sir Enciodes.
Enya
The completion of Kjeragandr's statue is of utmost importance to Kjerag. Not to mention, we are in the presence of our Victorian guests who are eager to 'congratulate' us. There is no such thing as too much caution.
Enciodes
It is as you say.
Enciodes
The Saintess is well-versed in all things divine, and the multitude of preparations made for the ceremony are impeccable and well thought-out. In all respects, a true blessing upon Kjerag.
Enciodes
As for all other affairs, please rest assured that Karlan Trade will take care of the Vine-Bead Court's concerns.
Now, then. It's certainly reassuring to see the two of you so young and promising!
Harold
As a reminder, we're not only here to celebrate, but also to discuss a collaboration––
Enya
Seeing as how you're eloquent as ever, you seem to have no shortage of confidence.
Enya
You've been quite busy making a name for yourself, Sir Enciodes. Though I rarely go down the mountain, news of Karlan Trade's exploits are regularly reaching my ears.
Enya
But, please do not forget this, Sir Enciodes. For thousands of years, Kjerag has relied on hard work and pragmatism from generation to generation to develop our homeland into what it is today, not utilitarianism and reckless adventurism.
Enciodes
The Silverashes will never forget Kjeragandr's admonition of Her people.
Enciodes
However, the Saintess must also understand that along with the people of Kjerag's hard work and pragmatism is an indomitable adventuring spirit, and a desire to ascend the highest summits.
Enciodes
Perhaps a little bit of this spirit is also what we need when it comes to dealing with external developments.
Enya
I only hope that your enthusiasm does not lead you headfirst into danger.
Harold
Haha, the young truly are so full of energy. But, the Saintess is correct. Sometimes, stability is, in fact, necessary.
Harold
I invited the two of you here because I wanted to––
Enciodes
I am truly touched by the Saintess's concern.
Enciodes
Please rest assured that I will handle this matter, and not betray your expectations.
Enciodes
All things in Kjerag must inevitably answer to Kjeragandr's will.
Enciodes
Without sufficient faith, is it not true that I would struggle to take even a single step?
Enya
......
Enciodes
......
Enya
...You're just as awful as you ever were!
Enciodes
Ditto.
Harold
Gah, you two! If you have a disagreement, talk it through like adults! Don't go and ruin the peace!
Harold
Let's move on and discuss our cooperation––
Enya
Sir Enciodes, your brain is as hard and stubborn as the purest Originium ice crystal.
Enciodes
The Saintess remains unmoving and... speaks bluntly for the first time in a long while.
Enya
I can't hold a candle to you in that regard.
Enya
But it seems that even after all these years, our great Sir Enciodes still has not learned to retain his capital.
Enciodes
To what does the Great Saintess refer?
Enya
Have your old habits not flared up again? Taking on every bit of risk with no regard for the consequences?
Enciodes
The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
Enya
I hope you won't regret your choices later on down the road.
Enya
Nobody's going to sneak money under your pillow today!
Enciodes
Indeed, that won't be happening again.
Enciodes
No longer will I be woken by the jingling of coins, or have to buy candies and snacks on margin and pay back thrice the amount.
Enya
I never asked you to pay me back!
Harold
Please, you two––
Enciodes & Enya
Just one moment please, Your Lordship.
Enya
......
Enciodes
......
Harold
*sigh*... Fine, I suppose I'll drink to myself for now...
Holy Saintess, Sir Enciodes, I have no intention of involving myself in your private affairs.
Harold
But, if the Saintess has her own thoughts about Kjerag's present situation...
Harold
Then, reciprocating the Duke's offer may be the perfect option for you.
Enya
What do you mean?
Harold
Holy Saintess, might I tell you what I've found most impressive about Kjerag?
Enya
Please do.
Harold
I recall the time I paid a medical call to a herdsman, Leones was his name. A young beast in his herd had gotten lost while grazing.
Harold
I offered to help him search for it, but he declined and told me not to worry.
Harold
He had me wait until sundown, and left to have supper.
Harold
And so I waited.
Harold
After finishing the treatment, I set up a cooking pot over the grass with him. We lit the pot, and he found a good piece of cheese. You should've heard the sizzling sound it made when he threw it in.
Harold
I was sitting to the side on a short bench, still thinking about the young beast, when I heard a high-pitched cry in the distance.
Harold
This might be something you see all the time in Kjerag.
Harold
But for me, when I saw that young beast returning to the pasture at sunset; the way it found its way back to its mothers side, the two nuzzling against each other––
Harold
What I felt at that moment... was something I don't know how to describe.
Harold
Old Leones told me that burdenbeasts recognize the scent of their kin, especially foals, which are particularly sensitive to their mother's scent.
Harold
Even if they get lost, they'll always find their way back by following their mother's scent.
Harold
That blood bond reminds me of the way the people of Kjerag view their land.
Harold
It reminds me... of the way Sir Enciodes gave up Victoria in all her glory to return to Kjerag.
Enya
I see Your Lordship speaks very highly of Sir Enciodes. It is true that he has made many achievements thus far––
Enya
But if you are comparing him to a young burdenbeast returning to his homeland thanks to his ties with his 'mother' by the name of Kjerag, I find that joke quite droll.
Harold
It is indeed thanks to Sir Enciodes's longing for his homeland that House Caster decided to fund Karlan Trade.
Harold
Moreover, the Duke believed that since Sir Enciodes greatly treasured the Kjerag blood flowing in his veins, he likewise would not come to despise the other half of his blood–
Harold
The Caster bloodline.
Harold
Holy Saintess, as I have previously stated, I am not here to stoke conflict.
Harold
But, at the inception of Karlan Trade, it was Caster who extended a helping hand to Sir Enciodes.
Harold
And now that Sir Enciodes has proven his worth, the Duke believes that it is time to collect a bit of interest.
Enya
It appears that a few pieces of candy will no longer be sufficient, Sir Enciodes.
Enciodes
......
Harold
It's not so complicated, really. What the Duke wants is simply a show of sincerity.
Harold
Her Grace wishes to see this goodwill from Sir Enciodes, from Karlan Trade, and ultimately, from Kjerag itself.
Harold
A show of sincerity towards the Duke of Caster, and towards Victoria.
Harold
So long as this sincerity exists, then our future cooperation will only become more intimate.
Enya
And if we fail to express such sincerity?
Harold
......
Harold puts down his tableware, then walks over to the window and opens it.
The cold wind laced with snow and ice instantly pours into the room. Even the burning stove is helpless to resist the chill.
He quickly closes the window once more.
Harold
Haha, my apologies.
Harold
The Saintess's question was so incisive, I found myself wanting a breath of fresh air.
Harold
After staying in this warm room for so long, I had forgotten how cold it was outside, you see.
Enya
......
Enya
That being the case, Your Lordship could have simply entertained Sir Enciodes at this banquet. Why is my presence necessary?
Harold
Well, you see, I've been eating and drinking remarkably well here. During my morning constitutional, my blood pressure had gone down even as my blood sugar was up a tad.
Harold
I wouldn't mind staying here for another year or so.
Harold
But you see, I find the Duke's incessant nagging quite bothersome.
Harold
Nowadays, Karlan Trade has become a pillar of Kjerag, and the kinship between the Great Saintess and Sir Enciodes runs deep.
Harold
I simply wanted to provide an opportunity for the two of you to sit down and talk things over.
Harold
I would like you to help me convince Sir Enciodes.
Enya
I appreciate Your Lordship's candor.
Enya
However, everything that has a beginning must also have an end.
Enya
It is true that Kjerag owes much of its current standing to Karlan Trade; but if I, as the Saintess, were to say that I know nothing of this, it would simply be avoiding responsibility.
Enya
If you accept that I am the leader of this nation, then it must follow that I am also responsible for its current condition.
Enya
I cannot come up here and confidently proclaim that the ways of the past were wrong.
Enya
Sir Enciodes always boasts about how he was the one who chose Kjerag's current path.
Enya
However, to this day, everything in Kjerag is the result of decisions that we have collectively made as a people, of which I am but one member.
Enya
Sir Enciodes himself has no right to rebuke Kjerag, as she is today.
Enya
And the same is true for me.
Harold
...I see now.
Harold
It seems I really ought to try more of Kjerag's food while I still have the appetite.
At least the bit of silver lining is the Trilby Ashers can't accuse me of doing nothing.
Harold
I've done what needed doing, and the ceremony is about to begin. I suppose it's time to head back.
Harold
Oh right, can't forget to pick up souvenirs for the wife and daughter.
Harold
And also––
Harold
......
Harold
Alas, it would be remiss of me to leave any regrets behind on this trip.
Degenbrecher
......
Degenbrecher
Hmph.
Harold
Ah, there you are, Madam Degenbrecher.
Harold
I see you've found yourself a lovely spot! Clean and––
Harold
Hey now, don't go!
Degenbrecher
If you want an audience, go talk to Enciodes. Or Gnosis.
Degenbrecher
I'll have nothing to do with your little games.
Harold
Come now. That's no way to be talking.
Harold
With all this delicious food and drink in front of you, would it really kill you to exchange a few pleasantries?
Harold
For example, shall we toast?
Degenbrecher
Nein danke.
Harold
Oh? Are you a woman who can't handle her drink?
Degenbrecher
I'm much better at handling men who try to ply me with drink.
Degenbrecher
Shall I prove it to you?
Harold
Hahaha! No need, I'll take your word for it.
Harold
Oh, right. Lily's in fine shape now, thanks to your timely handling of the matter.
Harold
I've already arranged for follow-up care, and her little ones are in good health as well.
Harold
Leones said to leave one for you to name.
Degenbrecher
...I'm glad things worked out.
Degenbrecher
And I'll pass on that last part. Don't have much of a naming sense.
Harold
Aha! In that case, why not let me do it for you?
Harold
Never fear. Naming is a bit of a science in Victoria, and I happen to have a bit of expertise in the field!
Harold
The little one is a girl, so my suggestion would be to name her Olivia Turnbottom Michelle Craigavon!
Harold
I put together my last name, my wife's maiden name, and my grandmother's first name, making her the same as my daughter's––
Degenbrecher
I've changed my mind. Her name's Dolor.
Harold
*cough* *cough* *cough*––!
Harold
B-But I wasn't finished yet, Madam Degenbrecher––
Degenbrecher
Her name is Dolor.
Harold
But, Olivia...
Degenbrecher
Dolor.
Harold
..Alright, alright!
Harold
Dolor, umm, is also a fine name for a girl. 'Healthy and strong', right?
Harold
Even though I still think Olivia Turnbottom Michelle Craigavon has a bit more charm to it...
Harold
Nevertheless, I think Leones will be quite fond of the name, fitting as it is for a Kjerag girl.
Harold
Madam Degenbrecher, I also have another favor to ask of you, presumptuous as it may be. Please take a look at this... I'm afraid I'll be leaving empty handed on this business trip.
Harold
I would at least like to leave a little memento for myself, as a personal note.
Harold
As I said back at the station, I'm a huge fan of yours, see? Would you be willing to give me your autograph?
Degenbrecher
You don't seem like the type to obsess over knightsports.
Harold
You think too highly of me. Vulgar man that I am, far be it from me to avoid vulgar pleasures.
Harold
Though the arena is certainly different from the battlefield, the victors all have something that elevates them above the crowd.
Harold
It certainly is a fine pastime–– and I hope you take no offense to me saying that, as none is intended.
Degenbrecher
That much is true.
Harold
You say that, but you still refuse to give this poor old man your autograph, even as he's holding this card out.
Harold
I've treasured this trading card for a long time, you know. It was a limited release from the first time you won the Major. You never released another card...
Harold
It's a darn shame that I can't seem to win your favor no matter what.
Harold
That aside, when it comes to naming, there is something I've been curious about, and would appreciate if you could shed some light on the matter. Of course, you don't have to answer if you find it offensive.
Harold
'Degenbrecher' –– Is that your real name?
Degenbrecher
You're certainly brave to ask, Craigavon.
Harold
I'm a man of few talents, but courage is something I do carry.
Degenbrecher
What if it is?
Harold
Just consider it scratching the itchy curiosity of your fans, Madam.
Harold
After all, every angle of your being has been under the spotlight since the first time you won the Major. The origins of the Black Knight, and where her path ultimately led her... Countless eyes have been following you.
Harold
Which brings me to my next question, Madam Degenbrecher, is your contract with Karlan Trade about to expire?
Harold
I do wonder if you'd spare me the honor of inviting you to be a guest of Victoria? No doubt, the Duke would be more than glad to welcome your arrival, and perhaps, we'd even be able to discuss new horizons of cooperation...
Degenbrecher
Uh huh. Is that all you wanted to ask?
Degenbrecher
If that's all you're here for, I've heard you out. Now, if you'd leave me in peace––
Degenbrecher
I've spent a decade in Kjerag.
Degenbrecher
I'm one of her people.
Degenbrecher
And I plan to live out my days here.
Degenbrecher
Good enough for you?
Harold
Ah... Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Harold
I had my own speculation about the answer, but I must admit, it was quite moving to hear it in your own words... Why, you didn't even try to dress it up with more local flair!
Degenbrecher
True, I suppose you're dressed with a bit of color.
Degenbrecher
Where'd you get the fur collar?
Harold
Ah, this is from a souvenir shop I'm rather partial to. It's quite warm.
Harold
Alright, alright. It's getting late and the banquet should be drawing to an end soon, so I won't pester you any longer.
Harold
Though I wasn't fortunate enough to win your signature, I do want to say one thing...
What he said. There are still some chores I need to take care of.
Enya
Long time no see, Uncle Chester.
Chester
Saintess.
Enya
Just call me by name on these occasions.
Chester
Enya... I'm so glad to see you safe and sound.
Enya
The feeling is mutual. I'm relieved that you're in good health.
Harold
Now then, I shall take my leave, Holy Saintess, Sir Enciodes.
Enya
Very well.
Enya
My Lord.
Harold
Yes, Holy Saintess?
Enya
All else aside, I hope you have a wonderful time in Kjerag.
Harold
...Thank you for your kind words.
Enya
Kjarr.
Kjarr
Yes, Saintess?
Enya
Please have the maids clean the mess.
Kjarr
Oh, there's no need for that.
Kjarr
The good soldiers not only helped clean everything up, but even took away the leftover food. They said they were going to bring it to the Infected soldiers who weren't able to attend the banquet.
Enya
This Viscount actually seems quite respectable. It feels as if he's playing the villain.
Enya
Though, I trust that's something Sir Enciodes here can relate to.
Enciodes
You flatter me, Saintess.
Enya
It's getting dark. Be careful on your way back.
Enciodes
You too.
Enciodes
Saintess.
Enya
Did you need something else?
Enciodes
In the name of Kjeragandr, Kjerag has arrived where she is today despite the gulf between us.
Enciodes
What would Kjeragandr think, were She to look down upon Her land today? Would She condemn us?
Kjarr
......
Enya
Are you getting cold feet?
Enciodes
Of course not. The miracle three years ago will forever be engraved in the hearts of all Kjerag.
Enciodes
Even I must admit that Kjeragandr indeed is the bedrock of this land.
The first time you had to carry me and Gnosis back.
Enciodes
Oh, that banquet.
Degenbrecher
Yes.
Degenbrecher
Where Gnosis got piss drunk and you didn't, yet you were worse for wear because of it.
Enciodes
Look at him now. His liver is clearly a lot tougher these days.
Enciodes
At least he's not passing out all over the place.
Degenbrecher
You sure this one's still conscious?
Gnosis
Before you two start badmouthing me to my face, blurgh––
Gnosis
Can you bring me some hangover remedy?
The man slumped over on the steps does not lift his head, merely stretching his hand out towards his ill-spirited friend.
Degenbrecher raises her eyebrows, then takes a pack of pills out of her pocket and places them in Gnosis's hand.
She watches him open up the blister pack with practiced motions and swallow the contents along with a big gulp of water. After a while, she lets out a sigh of relief.
Gnosis
That's a bit better.
Gnosis
But this doesn't seem to be the same medicine I took before.
Degenbrecher
It's not a hangover cure.
Degenbrecher
It's a poison I made.
Degenbrecher
Enciodes put me up to it.
Enciodes
Yes, quite right.
Gnosis
Is that so? Then, why am I not dead yet? Doesn't seem like your poison's very effective.
Gnosis
How dull... Are you two not tired of this routine yet?
Degenbrecher
I thought it was pretty funny.
Degenbrecher
It was more fun back when you actually believed it and tried to make yourself vomit.
Gnosis
......
Gnosis
That was years ago.
Enciodes
But, that was a different pill, wasn't it?
Enciodes
It didn't look the same as the previous one.
Degenbrecher
Riley sent it.
Degenbrecher
He often goes drinking with the Victorians and says this one works better.
Gnosis
Enciodes, it seems that Degenbrecher has become the most popular of us three among the people of Kjerag.
Gnosis
Noticed the promotional pictures of the Black Knight hanging off the burdenbeast billboards by the station?
Gnosis
Hand-drawn, too.
Degenbrecher
Is that a problem?
Enciodes
Of course not.
Enciodes
I've become increasingly busy in recent years and have neglected many things.
Enciodes
Once the situation calms a bit, Gnosis and I really need to start going out more often.
Degenbrecher
That's for sure.
Degenbrecher
If you don't show your face in public every once in a while, people will start to worry about your private life.
Degenbrecher
One popular line of speculation is that you've thrown yourself into work as you've been heartbroken over certain things.
Degenbrecher
There are quite a few variations too. Want me to give you a rundown?
I pray you don't choke to death laughing and vomiting at the same time, Gnosis.
Enciodes
If you could laugh like that all the time, our employees wouldn't be so afraid of you.
Gnosis
*cough* *cough*– Don't worry, before I croak, I'll make sure to puke all over your shoes.
Gnosis
So, how did your discussion today go? Reach any agreements?
Enciodes
When it comes to matters concerning Kjerag, there aren't actually that many differences between me and the Saintess.
Degenbrecher
What about between you and the girl named Enya?
Enciodes
...The only problems worth talking about are those that can be resolved.
Enciodes
If I had to do things over again, I'd make the same decision every time. And she'd still never feel good about it.
Enciodes
We all know that deep down.
Gnosis
Say what you will, but you'll never tell that to her face.
Degenbrecher
You're not much different, Gnosis.
Degenbrecher
You're two peas in a pod.
Degenbrecher
Never saying what needs to be said to the people who need to hear it.
Gnosis
......
Enciodes
......
Degenbrecher
Also, you should be playing dead right about now.
The lights of the office still shine bright in the night. The heating in the main hall is shut off, and silence spreads freely through the room, along with the cold.
A moment later, the silence is broken by the sound of Gnosis retching.
Gnosis
Degenbrecher, I need another pill.
Gnosis
My head hurts.
Enciodes
...And a couple for me too. I might be a bit tipsy.
Both men stretch out their hands towards Degenbrecher at the same time.
That unflappable attitude that someone there knows the truth makes Degenbrecher tingle with irritation for some reason.
There are still many questions that cannot be answered.
But at least here, right in this moment, there's no need to show off, no need for pretense.
Degenbrecher heeds her own will, and slaps each of the two hands in turn.
