Liberi Reader

You know, it's real hard getting an audience with you these days.

...Enciodes.

I am truly sorry I was unable to attend the Matriarch's funeral.

Madam Sciurus, I am deeply saddened by what has befallen the Browntail clan. Please let me know if there is anything Clan Silverash can do to help.

Thanks, Enciodes.

But that's not what I came here to discuss.

Your visit this time, Madam Sciurus, must be to give me a chance to earn your trust.

Hmph... My sister once told me that you're least trustworthy when you lower your head like this.

I wonder about your opinion of me, then.

You don't have to beat around the bush. I don't like it.

My sister used to scold me for being impulsive, and for not always thinking things through before I speak or act.

I wanted to prove to her that I didn't need to hide under her wing, that I could do something for Clan Browntail.

But now, as new matriarch of the clan, there is no one left for me to prove anything to.

...

I understand how you feel. I... also have two younger sisters.

And you think they're both smarter than me, huh? Both Ensia, and the Saintess...

You think too little of yourself, Madam Sciurus.

However, I do think they share your persistence and determination.

...

Is Ensia okay? I heard... she was in an accident.

Thank you for your concern. She is safe and sound, and has already returned home.

You always keep that calm and composed demeanor.

What I want to know is... these attacks on Kjerag, including what happened to my sister... Did you know about them ahead of time?

So this is the real reason you decided to visit me today.

Enciodes, my sister had been helping you this entire time, isn't that right?

I wasn't totally in the dark about it, but it wasn't until her passing that I learned...

Your plans—for Victoria, Rhine Lab, and what Monch has been investigating... There's too much I don't know anything about.

...

Don't try to deny it. Don't lie to me, Enciodes. You have to know the truth behind her murder.

If you truly believe I had a hand in the Matriarch's death—

No... That's not what I mean.

I don't know what Ratatos was plotting with you, but I know for sure... that whatever it was, it was to protect Kjerag.

So... I will follow in her footsteps... Whatever Clan Browntail's affairs may be, I will take responsibility for them.

Which is why... I need you to tell me exactly what happened to her—

My apologies, Sir Enciodes, but they were determined to break in no matter what—

...?

To what do I owe the honor, for you all to barge into my home like this?

Sir Enciodes, why did Karlan Trade transfer all its shares in the Kjerag-Kazimierz joint mining operation to Victoria without authorization?

Where did this news come from?

It is an observable fact—the mines have completely been taken over by the Victorians.

Great Elder Adso believes that such actions by Karlan Trade constitute illegal collusion with a foreign power, and as such, the Vine-Bead Court has no choice but to exercise its authority to intervene.

We require that you report to the Vine-Bead Court immediately to explain yourself.

If I understand this correctly, the Vine-Bead Court means to formally interrogate Clan Silverash?

The people of Kjerag are uneasy enough as it is. The last thing we want is to see this conflict escalate further.

However, Sir Enciodes, as the head of the clan, if you still believe you bear responsibility for Kjerag, please go to the Vine-Bead Court with us to discuss the next steps.

Very well. I have no reason to refuse.

However, if I am to explain the situation, I will need some time to prepare the relevant documents. Please allow me that.

Furthermore, I still have some things to discuss with Madam Sciurus, so I would like to ask for your patience.

Of course, Sir Enciodes.

Madam Sciurus, thank you for taking the time to look after Ensia. I would like to formally invite you to be a guest of Clan Silverash.

I would also like to thank you for your concern in person, while Ensia is present as well.

Wha...?

It would have been more courteous to have sent the invitation to you in a formal capacity.

But given the hasty nature of this matter, the best I can do is to throw something together by hand. I do hope you'll forgive me.

We look forward to you gracing us with your presence.

Thank you for the invitation.

I'll be there on time.

...

Come in.

I was just looking for you, Director.

Take this letter over to Enciodes. Classify it top secret.

Yes, sir. Right away.

Any other news?

Yes—the observation post previously dispatched to the mining site has sent back a sighting report.

A convoy bearing Victorian markings is approaching the outskirts of the mine, but the specific origins are unknown.

Matterhorn led his clansmen there ahead of time. He said that he would try to stall for as much time as possible and await your judgment.

The Victorians would've come sooner or later. Looks like we won't have to wait any longer.

Prepare vehicles as soon as possible. Matterhorn may not be able to hold them off for long.

Tell him to let the other party make the first move, and prioritize observation. I will arrive shortly.

...I'm warning you, don't get in our way, if you know what's good for you.

I am simply following orders. The area ahead is a restricted warehouse, and nobody is allowed to enter without Karlan Trade's permission.

Has no one informed you that House Caster has acquired all of Kazimierz's rights to this site?

To the best of my knowledge, the handover process is still underway. We were only notified by Kazimierz yesterday.

Which is why we have to inspect all the assets in advance. If you have an complaints, you can take them up with Her Grace the Duke.

Now, listen to your betters and open the warehouse door post-haste.

Finally, someone worth talking to.

Mr. Gnosis Edelweiss of Karlan Trade.

It seems the introduction I've prepared will be going to waste, good sir.

Of course. Naturally, you also understand who I'm representing here.

Due to your mismanagement and the resultant substantial financial losses, Her Grace the Duke has decided to dismiss some key employees of Karlan Trade employed at this site, including the former executive manager.

To this, I have no objection. I will cooperate fully during this handover process.

Excellent. Now then, Mr. Edelweiss, please open the warehouse door.

...However, on this point alone, I cannot comply.

What Matterhorn said is true. There indeed are regulations pertaining to this confidential warehouse. I humbly ask for yours and Her Grace's understanding.

Based on the information I have, the security clearance level on this warehouse was raised just recently.

What do you say to this, Mr. Edelweiss?

Allow me to explain.

This warehouse is mainly used to store various kinds of industrial waste, but recently, the purification system and negative pressure ventilation system both malfunctioned.

We temporarily raised the security clearance level and strictly restricted access in the interim before professionals can handle the situation.

I fully understand Her Grace's concern about the assets acquired, but for your safety, could I ask that this inspection be postponed?

I accept the risks at hand. Just open the door.

All else aside, this is Kjerag's mine.

Should pollutants leak, or any other dangerous situation arises, Kjerag does not rule out the right to intervene through administrative measures.

Before you offer to take responsibility, I suggest you contact Her Grace the Duke once more.

You're...

Good to see you again, Mr. Matterhorn.

Pardon me, Father. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to wait at reception for now. I currently have business with our diplomatic guest.

Mr. Edelweiss, I was expressly invited here by the Victorians.

Since when is the Vine-Bead Court so concerned with temporal affairs?

Today, both the clan leadership and the general public are dissatisfied with the way Karlan Trade has been engaging with Victoria.

The Great Elder has summoned Sir Enciodes to an inquiry into the matter; perhaps, you will also need to report to the Vine-Bead Court soon.

Why, then, would a cleric feel a need to accept an invitation to come here before that?

I wish to ensure a smooth handover process, and hope that Karlan Trade is willing to cooperate to the fullest extent.

Please open the warehouse door, Mr. Edelweiss.

Given that power has been restored by the three clans, perhaps the Vine-Bead Court would be more representative of Kjerag's 'administrative measures'?

...

Matterhorn, open the door.

...Nothing but scrap metal?

...

As I stated, there is nothing here but industrial waste.

Please leave as soon as you've finished your inspection. Staying here for an extended period of time would be detrimental to your health.

Everyone, stay put. I'm conducting the inspection myself.

(Hushed voice) Wait, this is...

(Hushed voice) It's still half-intact, and I can still make out the insignia of Silverash's private army, the 'Tschäggättä'. Were these originally weapons and gear not improperly disposed of after being thrown in the shredder...?

(Hushed voice) Replicas of Victoria's newest equipment, as well as large-caliber naval gun parts...

(Hushed voice) All failures, unable to break through the technical barrier...

Sir! Are you done yet?

...Yes, I am.

I've more or less seen what I needed to see, Mr. Edelweiss.

I will summarize the entire situation and faithfully report it to the Duke.

Sir, the internal railway in the mining site has just been cleared, and you haven't had time to inspect it yet.

Does Victoria also need to use that internal railway?

Yes, we've contacted a number of suppliers for quotes. Using the internal railway can significantly reduce transportation costs.

Father, is the Vine-Bead Court aware of this? If you are so keen to get involved in diplomatic affairs, Karlan Trade hopes that you will also be willing to verify any business entities that wish to join.

...That would require the Great Elder's input.

I understand.

By Kjeragandr, I ask that the Vine-Bead Court not make things difficult for Enciodes. I will remain at Karlan Trade's headquarters, awaiting your summons.

By Kjeragandr.