Back on Track

Your sleeve, Jack.

Eh? My—How'd you catch that?

Jack, you cheating bastard!

Hey, if you didn't catch me, that's your problem.

You want a problem? I'll shove your goddamn head so far up your arse that—

Just shuffle already.

Alright, shuffling, shuffling.

I've sure got some rotten luck, getting stuck with you sorry lot for this shift.

Doesn't matter who you're on shift with, you're playing cards anyway. And there's only a handful of fellas here who won't try to cheat you. Go on, have a count.

Hmph.

At least there hasn't been much to do today.

You can say that again. Back when the old man said he'd take us sightseeing, I didn't believe him for one second.

Now that it's been a month, I'd say I believe him.

It's been good eating and good drinking.

Certainly has! It feels like my appetite's gone back to when I just enlisted.

Ahhh!!!

What the hell are you screaming out for, Charles?! Scared the crap outta me!

Bloody hell, I had another nightmare.

Dreamt that I got chopped in half by a Sarkaz sword and all.

Gah, thought it'd be something worse. Day afore yesterday I dreamt that I got blown up by some Originium explosives while out scouting.

Right now I'd like to shove some explosives into your gob.

Well hurry up already then.

A guy nuttier than a freaking Vampire out on the battlefield is going to have a few screws loose when off the warfront.

Well, what can I do? I can't control if I have a nightmare or not.

Just think positive. Last time you said you were being minced, this time you said you were being chopped in two.

Maybe it's a good omen or something.

Dammit, you're right.

Alright, enough moping, grab a drink and come play some cards.

Perfect timing really. Now that you're up, come take over my spot for a few rounds.

Why, is something the matter?

Not really. There's a few farmers at the bottom of the mountain that need a hand with their work, so I'm going to help out.

Farmers?

That family that gives us milk all the time, the Turiels.

Oh, I remember them. Their daughter's quite pretty.

Heh, I see how it is, Lisburn.

I'm just helping out. Don't read too much into it.

The hell are you lot doing? Everyone within a hundred meters could hear you yapping away.

You sure have some skills, turning the barracks into your gambling parlor.

Didn't you say we were going to go sightseeing from the start, though?

We're just following orders here.

I told you, you can go help out the locals a bit for some goodwill, let them think we're more than just a bunch of yobs. Have you been yet?

Lisburn's going to help out. He's keeping mum, but I can tell that he's thinking of settling down here.

Oh?

Don't listen to this nutter, boss. I really am just going there to help out.

After all, we came here to...

Alright, that's enough out of you.

Just get going already. Who died and made you chief worrywart, huh?

If a young lad like yourself really does want to become a family man, I'd say you're still a good egg.

Yes, sir!

You've sure got a stink about you, boss.

Still working on your veterinary medicine out there?

Save it. Lily, the Leones' girl, she gave birth prematurely.

Didn't get there in time, all I could do was help with some postpartum care.

*sigh* And then I ran into this one very unlucky chap.

Unlucky?

Another Victorian.

A Victorian? The whole month we've been here I bet I've seen, if not a thousand Victorian tourists, eight hundred at least.

Alright, I get it, you love taking a stroll down the street.

Deal those cards out already.

I'll deal.

Charles had a nightmare again, boss.

Did he?

Let me see.

It's fine, no use troubling yourself over it.

If you lot die, then who's going to fight for me?

We're going to fight?

Shut your mouth for a second and hold still, alright?

Gah—

Hmm... Well, at least it hasn't gotten worse.

Does it still hurt as much as last time?

It's been a lot better since we came to Kjerag.

Hmph, I spent a lot of money greasing palms just to get this opportunity. If you lot aren't feeling any healthier, doesn't it seem like I wasted all that dosh for nothing?

Besides, it's not like there's anything else to do here except get better.

Heh, you're right about that, sir.

This arm's been no good for a while, but you've already helped me a lot.

If I ever lose both my arms, well, at least I can still carry a weapon into battle with my teeth.

What use is a soldier with no arms?

There's no need to show off. You lads just need to remember that you're here to—

Allow me to remind you once more, My Lord.

You have a duty you are obligated to carry out. Do not fail Her Grace.

This is not a sightseeing trip.

Hey, boss?

You finally gone senile?

......

I'm not the same as you simpletons who care nothing for your health.

When you've gone senile, I'm still going to be fit as a fiddle.

Hey, we might not even get to live that long.

......

*sigh*

Forget it.

For the sake of my retirement, this old fogey's willing to go all in.

What are you talking about?

I don't think a hoity-toity lord like you throwing your money around is going to fit in well with the locals, honestly.

But nobody's going to turn down a sumptuous banquet.

You go on and play your cards.

Sure you're not just looking for an excuse to drop a crappy hand?

Let me see...

Four Jacks, not great, not terrible.

Hah! Now that hits the spot!

Enciodes sent it over specially, said it would be given out at the bonfire banquet the night before the ceremony. That uh, what was it called again...?

'Karlan Manor's Snow Realm Spring', Sir!

They've been talking about it on television every day, enough times that I've memorized it.

Pah, it's all just claptrap for the masses!

I will say that this drink is exquisite. Very robust. I dare say it's the one good thing Enciodes has done.

However! It hardly holds a candle to our very own aged Paleroche akvavit!

Should we keep drinking this stuff, Sir?

Counting what we got from the Browntails, there's still three other drinks to try.

Of course we'll keep drinking it! If we don't try for ourselves then how will we know which is the best?

Since the Saintess has bestowed the privilege of organizing the banquet on Clan Paleroche, this is of course one of my duties.

Drink is our top priority! I must pick Kjerag's best spirits for this banquet! I cannot let the Saintess down!

Alright, go, get the rest of the booze up here for a taste test!

Yes, Sir!

Guards, with me! Let's carry up those drinks!

General, I have a question.

Go ahead.

Although the Patriarch did say that this is all preparation for the ceremony just now, isn't this way too much booze?

The boys are totally worn out.

You're thinking too much. Completing Kjeragandr's statue is more important than any amount of booze.

Ask the men to bear with it for a while longer. When everything's settled, I'll treat you all to a fine meal.

Alright then.

(The Paleroches could stand to be a bit more attentive.)

(I didn't think infiltrating them would be this easy.)

(Their former patriarch's already brought Rosalind over.)

(Next, I need to check what exactly Clan Paleroche has up its sleeve.)

(Moreover—All this booze... Based off of Arctosz's attitude, is it really all for the banquet?)

(Yet another trail to follow.)

What's with all the lollygagging? Come over and help out already.

Yes, sir!

(But if the Paleroches truly are keeping some terrible secret, Rosalind must surely be involved as well.)

(Finding her has become a priority.)

We have arrived.

Is this your house?

These rooms are pretty big. Are you one of those low-key rich guys? You don't look it.

Hardly. This is merely some family property.

Ahem. Look here, young lady.

This house is built right into the mountain. When you begin your climb tomorrow, you can use the shortcut behind it.

Got it.

Thanks a lot, batyushka.

......

I should apologize to you first.

Eh? But why though?

I invited you here out of my own selfish desire.

By Kjeragandr, I should not have hidden this from you.

Why are you all serious all of a sudden?

I can handle it. Just lay it on me.

Oh, child...

There is someone I would like you to meet.

He...

Master?!

......

There's a real big guy yelling for you over there, batyushka.

He your son?

He's certainly no son of mine.

Give me a moment, young lady.

What are you doing back, Sir?!

Am I not allowed back?

That's not what I mean!

It's just... *sigh* It's not a great time for you to be here...

Great time or not, you're in no place to speak of such things!

How is Arctosz?

He... Sir Arctosz, he...

Out with it already! Speak clearly!

Yes, sir!

Sir Arctosz is currently making preparations for the bonfire banquet!

Don't just give me the good news! What else?!

He's personally checking all the drinks for tomorrow. Right now, he's sampling those from the other regions...

Rotten boy...!

He said he would give up drinking last month, and now this? Ridiculous!

If he keeps flip-flopping, how is anyone supposed to trust a word out of his mouth?!

The patriarch is doing this all for the sake of politics. He's fully dedicated to the Saintess...

Pfah! Sounds like excuses to me!

Haha... Oh, by the way. Who's the girl?

How rude, Gulo!

The young lady is Rosalind, my guest.

Welcome, Madam Rosalind.

......

(Master, who is Madam Rosalind really?)

(It might just be me, but she looks a bit like Sir Arc—)

(Shh!)

(I'm not certain of anything yet. Don't ask too many questions just now.)

Gulo, bring the young lady inside first.

And then... Wherever that oaf Arctosz is, take her to him.

And don't forget to tell your minions to prepare a room and meal for her. Treat her well, or else.

Yes, Sir!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

No biggie.

You guys finished chatting?

What was it you were going to tell me before that big guy came over?

Someone you wanted me to meet, right?

The man that I wish for you to meet is inside the house.

Follow this one inside first. Your meeting with this man will make everything clear.

Alright.

What about you, batyushka? Not coming with?

We will meet again soon, child.

Very soon...

Please, come with me, Madam Rosalind.

Alright...

Hey, bratan, your name is Gulo, right?

What were you chatting with the old man about?

......

Something you can't tell me?

......

C'mon, bratan, say something.

(*making an X with his fingers*)

You really can't say?

(*yet another X, followed by a constant barrage of Xs*)

Urgh... Fine, I'll stop bothering you about it.

Anyway, as soon as I meet this guy, I'll know, right? I'm also real curious as to why you two keep staring at my face.

What, is it 'cause I look like someone, or does someone look like me?

Nah, can't be, the way the old man talked about the guy he wants me to meet, it's like—

That—It's not—Well, no...!

Alright, calm down, a guy like you couldn't lie your way out of a finbowl.

Well, I'm not lying, you guys were stealing some real strange glances earlier.

If you're up to some funny business, it's gonna come down to my fists.

—!

Weren't we going inside? C'mon already.

Ah! Madam Rosalind!

Wahahaha! This is a fine drink, incredibly fine!

Come, finish this glass with me!

Hahaha!

......

This is the guy the old man wanted me to meet?

A... bearded drunk?

Eh?

What's this girl babbling about?!

I am Arctosz, Patriarch of the Paleroche Clan. How could I possibly get drunk on a sip of wine?!

Hah.

All the drunks say stuff like that.

And here I thought... Nah, couldn't be, my papa would definitely be way cooler.

You're Father's guest, *hic* so I won't argue with you.

Still...

Come a bit closer, girl. Let me have a proper look.

Wha—What the hell are you trying to pull?!

I... I feel like your face is sort of familiar...

You're...

*cough*, *cough*...

......

Where did I put it?

I think it was...

...Ah, good, here it is.

Thank goodness...

I kept it, even as I never expected this day to come.

Rosalind has grown up well, Tatyana...

So many years, and with so much time passed.

I had planned to give this to Rosalind, but I never expected...

Arctosz did not want to see you two bear the blame, and so I locked this room, and told him that he must not speak in your stead.

And then it was I, for the sake of Clan Paleroche, who exiled you and yours.

If there is anyone to blame, Tatyana, then blame me.

Now, the Paleroche clan is in Arctosz's hands.

Kjerag too, is not as she once was.

I pledged to live the rest of my days as a simple devotee, so that as long as I lived, I would keep the road ahead clear for Kjeragandr.

If only it had been like this...

......

I must be truly old now, daydreaming like that.

By Kjeragandr.

By Kjeragandr...