Terminal Velocity

This is hardly what I would call a short stroll, and all sorts of mishaps can befall us while we walk.

Gnosis, are you worried that the ice beneath your feet might shatter?

How very unlike you.

You know that's not what I'm talking about.

Many of the guests of ours who are here to 'attend' will be watching us with keen eyes.

Your plans for defensive maneuvers still lack accurate information, Enciodes. We are not in what I would call a favorable position.

Allowing that Trilby Asher to approach the statue of Kjeragandr yesterday was my mistake.

If we have need of it, I can go and settle things with him right now.

If our quarry has already sensed aught amiss, then acting now would already be too late.

This terrible habit of yours of neglecting the bigger picture when you take action... Forget it, you and Enciodes are pretty much the same. I'm not asking either of you to change your ways.

All I ask is that next time, please go to the trouble of restraining yourselves, just for a little bit. You'll save me from having to wrack my brain to find ways to clean up your messes.

Duly noted, Gnosis. What do you think, Enciodes?

I have not the strength to casually cut apart a giant statue tens of meters high.

Indeed.

You merely invited that Doctor over, who then proceeded to nearly ruin our plans is all.

......

...*sigh*

I have no desire to listen to the two of you jibe and snipe at each other with your nonsense.

Now, about the Tschäggättä responsible for keeping order...

They will be posted to the island ahead of time.

As for who is in charge of the reception for the Victorians, there are several merchants who will take care of the matter.

Gnosis, you are far too tense.

We have already completed all the preparations we can do. All we can do now is wait.

And wait we shall.

Spring is just around the corner.

I still remember when the Saintess descended from atop Mount Karlan three years ago.

That day, Kjeragandr sent us Her blessings, and even that Enciodes couldn't help but kneel... I do not know if we will ever see such miracles again these days.

Seems like seeing the sights of today has hooked up your old memories, my friend.

But Arctosz, don't you think you've been wallowing in those memories too often these past few years?

Rather than putting your efforts into sarcasm, Ratatos, you should care more about today's ceremony.

I've felt that something was off ever since I woke up this morning... Don't you think Kjeragandr's statue looks a little bit different compared to yesterday?

You Browntails were in charge of managing construction, so you'd better think up a real good explanation for the Saintess!

Heh, no need to worry about that...

......

Hey, Arctosz, why's your face look like that?

Did that Trilby Asher rough you up or something?

Well, it's like you said! No need to worry about that!

(Gah...)

(The girl's real feisty, just like Tatyana. Just like me.)

(Not bad.)

Patriarch, Matriarch, everyone is present.

Good. Let the people below know that they can head to their designated positions and wait for now.

The Saintess will arrive soon. If anyone dares to tarnish the Browntail name at this critical moment, I won't be showing any mercy!

Understood, Matriarch.

Wait a moment, Yucatan.

Why's it just you? Where's your wife?

It's almost time already, why's she not here?

Rus told me this morning that she had a few things to do...

She wants to prepare a pleasant surprise for you, Matriarch.

I'm not sure if I should look forward to a pleasant surprise from her.

What could possibly be more important than today's ceremony? Can't she pick a better time to give me a headache?!

I... I'll send her a message right away.

Don't worry, Matriarch. Rus is very clear on what she should be prioritizing.

I should have figured that you'd be on your wife's side.

Alright, alright. She's no longer a girl. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what this 'pleasant surprise' of hers is.

Anyway, if she's off doing things, why didn't she bring you along?

......

Rus already has someone helping her out...

Everyone, the time has come.

The Saintess arrives.

Please, lend me your ears.

It has been three years since the Vine-Bead Court has recognized those foreigners who wish to devote themselves to Kjeragandr.

Kjerag today is capable of incredible growth and development, but that growth rests on the shoulders of the good folk here today, alongside the toil and devotion of all Kjerag's people.

I believe that you all have seen the change that has come to Kjerag these past few years with your own eyes.

Kjeragandr has given Her people, Her children, a challenge, and we have already given Her our answer.

Yet these past three years are merely the beginning.

In the coming days, we will meet with more complex situations than ever before, and Kjerag will see its fair share of trials and tribulations.

However, I hope that we all believe that Kjeragandr will not abandon this land of Kjerag, and neither will She abandon the lives of those who live upon it, for She so loves Her people.

This great statue of Kjeragandr will be the main symbol of Kjerag to the outside world.

At the same time, it will become a vessel for all the love that Her faithful show to Her.

Hereafter, one need not climb Mount Karlan to make one's devotions to Her. You need but face towards Her during your prayers.

It is my wish that the faith you have in Her is not constrained by the trappings of ceremony.

I believe that true faith has taken root in the hearts of all of Kjerag's people.

Now, I ask of you to walk with me, walk with me under the gaze of Kjeragandr towards the foot of Her holy statue, where we will pray for Her to bestow Her blessings upon Kjerag!

By Kjeragandr.

By Kjeragandr.

By Kjeragandr!

How the hell are they not here yet?!

Are you kidding me?!

The communicator doesn't work. Didn't they say they'd be getting to Kjerag last night, so they'd definitely catch the train today?!

Huff... hah...

Calm down, Sciurus... Calm down.

Phew...

(Okay... I've calmed down. The Saintess needs to walk across the ice to the island, so the ceremony won't be starting quite so soon. I've still got time.)

(Think about the look on Ratatos's face when this is all over...)

Aha, hahaha!

*cough* *cough* Ahem.

(I've definitely got the time right, and punctuality is par for the course on that side.)

(A little lateness is one thing. We won't be too late now, I'm sure.)

(I think the train to Lake Silberneherze should be pulling into the station right around now.)

Madam Sciurus, that train is a local that stops at every station. It's natural that it's somewhat delayed...

I don't care if it's natural, I need that train here right now!

I...

Damn it all, I can't just sit here and wait!

Get me in touch with the station master! I want that train sped up right away!

If it doesn't need to stop, then it better not stop! Make sure it's going at full speed too!

But, Madam!

If we do that, it would greatly inconvenience the passengers aboard the train!

As long as they end up where they wanted to go, it should be fine, right?

Eh? Ah, well, yes, but...

No buts!

Monch! MONCH!

Here, Madam.

Get in touch with the manager of 'BangBang Burdenbeast' for me! Get them to round up every single one of their free burdenbeasts right now!

Anyone waiting to get on the train at the stations that it passes, get them a burdenbeast to take them wherever they want!

Yes, Madam.

Madam Sciurus, is... is this really alright?

You got a problem with it?

Right, thanks for reminding me.

We'll need to prepare a small gift for everyone already aboard the train. We'll call it a token of apology for disrupting their journey. Use the souvenirs that you sell on the trains for that!

All expenses can go to Clan Browntail... No, wait, put it all on my personal account!

Understood. It shall be done.

I hope that's enough... No, it's definitely enough!

For sure...!

Faster!

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

Yes, sir!

Halt! Gather up!

Form up!

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

Very good then.

And Third Squad?

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

Very good.

Jack, have your squad bring up the rear!

I want constant vigilance! Don't overlook a single enemy!

Yes, sir!

Good, keep those spirits up!

All squads, forward march!

Yes, sir!

......

What are those Victorians up to now? Are they holding... weapons?

Surely not? Aren't they here to attend the ceremony or something?

Have you ever seen them line up in formation like that before? It... It must be all just for show...

But...

I've gotta say, I don't think they've got the same look to them as they did before.

......

By Kjeragandr.

Kjeragandr protect us from harm...

Reporting in, sir!

We've finished scouting ahead. The Saintess has already started leading everyone over to the island!

Are our men all prepared?

Yes, sir!

All troops in formation! Ready to commence operations at any time!

Good. Keep them lined up, and await my orders.

Lake Silberneherze on a winter's day. Truly one of Kjerag's most beautiful sights.

Who would have thought that the next time I clapped eyes on this wonder would be under circumstances like this?

You've become much gloomier these days, Harold.

Have I? Haha, you know as they say, 'soft days make soft men'.

Lisburn, after a whole month of R&R, you're still able to swing your sword around?

It's much heavier than I remember.

How about you, Charles?

It's a battlefield. We're Victorian soldiers.

Not much else I can do.

You're right. In the decades since I joined the army, never have I met finer soldiers than you all.

Am I right, Charles?

I think I'm gonna puke.

But what else can I do?

Give the order already, Harold.

Forgive me, my friends.

Alright, orders incoming!

Everyone, forward march!

Under the guise of building a statue of their goddess, the Kjerags have been secretly transporting military goods under our noses. We will let them know the price of trying to make a fool of Victoria!

Mission objective: destroy the statue of Kjeragandr atop the island!

Yes, sir!

What?

The train won't be making further stops? Are you certain of this?

Okay. Understood.

What's going on?

Why didn't we stop at that station just now?

I am truly, incredibly sorry!

Ladies and gentlemen! Our train has run into a small operational issue!

Until we arrive at the station at Lake Silberneherze, the train will be increasing in speed, and will not be stopping at intervening stations...

Not stopping? This is unacceptable! I'm meant to get off for sightseeing at the next station!

Me too!

I was going to go and visit the local markets too... Whyever can't you stop the train anyway?!

We offer our deepest apologies for this inconvenience to everyone!

As compensation, we have prepared for all our passengers a gift as a token of our apology!

All passengers may freely pick a souvenir of your choice from our store aboard this train! Whether it's specialty cheeses or a burdenbeast blind box, it's all FREE OF CHARGE!!

Oh... Well, if there's compensation, I suppose that's alright.

Ah, that's right! I ask all passengers to note that there is a limited amount of gift-wrapped mountain ice water, so if you would like some, please come as soon as possible—

Alright, alright! No need to go on any more than that!

Okay, sure, speed up the train, no stopping at the stations, whatever! Just gimme one of those super-expensive limited-edition waters already!

Hey, no cutting in line!

Give me a water too!

Things sure are lively today.

What could possibly be so urgent as to rush this train to Lake Silberneherze? Is it to deliver some mystery goods, or perhaps people...?

Either way...

I believe I win this hand.

The trains here have all been handled, Madam.

As per your orders, the premier train next arriving at Lake Silberneherze is now running at top speed.

But are you sure that the guests you invited are aboard that train?

Of course I'm sure!

It's just that, if we happened to be wrong...

No way! They're definitely on that train!

Monch, I must ask, do you know how many new relay stations we've built to ensure a smooth signal across all of Kjerag these past three years?

I... I'm afraid I'm not quite sure.

Well, you've just returned to Kjerag, so I suppose it's natural for you not to know. So listen up and remember this!

In Browntail territory alone, we've built five of those top-of-the-line relay stations to ensure that the signal never breaks!

That many...?

Yep!

We also called in some professionals courtesy of that Doctor from Rhodes Island to help out, just to make sure that even amongst our many mountains, our communications will never be blocked!

So what I'm trying to say is that, theoretically, as long as it's within Kjerag's borders, there shouldn't be any sort of communications mishap.

Aside from some... special places.

Special places...?

......

Hehe, can't figure it out? They're—

Could it possibly be the private rooms on the train, Madam?

......

......

(Oh no, I shouldn't have said that...)

Heh... Bullseye!

It's the private rooms on the train! More specifically, the private rooms on the premier train from the foot of Mount Karlan to Lake Silberneherze!

That train was a special order from Victoria. As for the other trains that we have, they used that train as a prototype to copy- I mean, to study how to manufacture our own.

The walls of the private rooms of that original train are inlaid with materials designed to isolate the occupants from disturbances from outside, so naturally, they will cut off communication signals too.

The other trains don't have this feature, because, er, because it would have drastically inflated construction costs...

I get it now!

So what you're saying is, in determining if our guests are in Kjerag already, the very fact that your communicator can't reach them tells us that they must be in that specific train's private rooms!

That's amazing, Madam! I'm learning so much about the trains as well!

*cough* *cough* Anyways!

Kjerag as it is now and Kjerag as of a few years ago couldn't be more different.

I'm not going to ask where you've been these past few years, Monch, and I don't intend to pry into what you've been up to then. I don't even really care about why you didn't go back to that Gnosis either.

But if you really want to be my assistant, then you'd better get used to the modern-day Kjerag already!

And you'd better not think that I'm still the same old Rus from three years ago, you hear me?

Yes, Madam!

I'll do my best!

Glad to hear it!

Eh? Why's there so many people outside?

Hey, wait, aren't they...?

Get back! I said get back!

All of you, not a step closer!

You... What the hell do you think you're doing?!

How dare you try and pull this stunt under Kjeragandr's gaze! Don't even think about trying to ruin today's ceremony!

Jack?

That's you, isn't it, Jack? What are you playing at?!

......

You... You've just had a bit too much to drink, right?

A word of advice from me, today's not the time to make a ruckus! Go tell the others quick, Jack—

Enough!

I am under orders to shoot dead the next person who steps forward!

Eek!

......

You know, back when you first showed up, people said that a bunch of foreign soldiers showing up in Kjerag couldn't be up to any good.

I didn't believe them. I even spoke up for you guys.

It seems that I was blind this entire time. So, this was your real purpose? To ruin our ceremony for Kjeragandr? To strike us down?

......

Kjeragandr will not forgive you for this.

You invite Her wrath upon yourselves!

Hah. Let Her try.

We were punished enough as it is, a long time ago.

—!

Those are Victorian soldiers. Something's not right. They have their uniforms on, and they've got their weapons out too!

It looks like there's been some sort of commotion outside!

Please, hide yourself, Madam...

(Shh!)

(Don't say a word, Monch. We need to stay hidden!)

(Those Victorians... Didn't they say they were just here to attend the ceremony? Hmph. I guess they've finally shown their true colors.)

(This operation of theirs seems pretty big.)

(That bitch Ratatos wouldn't know about this trouble yet, would she?)

(Madam, they have a whole squad of Tschäggättä stationed there, alongside Degenbrecher from Karlan Trade. If trouble reaches them, it probably won't last very long.)

(Yeah... You're probably right.)

(And with Yucatan there, my sister will be safe.)

(......)

(Madam, allow me to escort you somewhere safe. I'll go assist Sir Yucatan next.)

(No. I have to stay here to watch them. If things get even more heated here, at least I can stop them for a bit.)

(Look, don't worry, nothing's going to happen to me. Even if I did get found, considering that I'm an envoy between Kjerag and Victoria for multiple cooperative business ventures, I doubt they'll have the stones to mess with me.)

(Madam...)

(Don't look at me like that! I already told you, I'm not the same as I was three years ago!)

(Okay, listen up, Monch. I've got something I need you to do.)

(Yes, Madam! You need only say the word!)

(That Enciodes definitely has some sort of contingency plan up his sleeve for those Victorians. Considering how big this commotion's grown, I can only suspect that something's gone wrong with the deployment of his men.)

(Monch, I need you to investigate things for me. Go check up on what's happening over there, and if you get the chance, making the Silverashes owe the Browntails a favor would be pretty nice.)

(Understood. I'll get it done.)

(......)

(What? Something on my face?)

(Madam...)

(You really have grown.)

(Wh-Who asked you?!)

(You're a lot younger than me, you know! Stop acting like you're the big sister! Really, you should be treating me like the big sister!)

(Can I really call you sister?)

(*cough* *cough* We... We'll discuss this later!)

(Alright, get moving already!)

(Yes, Madam!)

Thinking back to old times?

I remember that year when we had just arrived back in Kjerag from Victoria, we had crossed Lake Silberneherze as well.

......

But back then, it was because all the roads had been snowed out.

With no railroads or mechanized shovels or vehicles specially designed to handle snow, we were barely able to maintain a handful of flat main streets.

Under such heavy snowfalls, and with Karlan Trade only barely having started up, goods piled up behind snowbanks blocking the road, and the trade routes stagnated. We were on the brink of coming to a complete stop...

In the end, it was you who helped Leones gather up his burdenbeasts, and by using them to carry those goods across Lake Silberneherze, we were able to alleviate that particular crisis.

You talk too much, Enciodes.

I assumed that you would have shown more solemnity in light of the ceremony, not take it as an opportunity to babble about old happenings.

My apologies.

Some things are simply too unexpected in the moment, and so it is hard not to constantly bring them back to the forefront of one's mind, especially during interesting times such as these.

Who would have expected the great Black Knight to be so proficient at riding a burdenbeast.

Enciodes.

What?

If you are curious as to why I know how to ride a burdenbeast, then you need only ask.

......

I learnt it when I was young.

In Leithanien?

In Leithanien.

If there is ever the opportunity, I could bring the both of you to do some sightseeing.

It's not a very exciting place, so don't expect too much.

How is it, compared to Kjerag?

It's not as good.

Kjerag is nowhere near as cold.

This is the first time I've ever heard you give such an idealistic assessment.

That's enough out of you.

Alright. We've arrived.

Everyone, please come forward.

With Kjeragandr as our witness, this ceremony shall soon begin.

Let us pray—

...It appears that some of our more excitable guests can't wait for their cue.

Just who is causing that clamor there?

(Gah, I didn't need this pain in my ass right now!)

Yucatan! Why the hell isn't your wife here yet?!

I just got in contact with her, and she says she's nearly here...!

What do you mean 'nearly here'?!

Listen, you get back in touch with her right now, tell her to go to the moons or something, as far away as possible, just don't come over!

What is going on over here?! What's all this commotion about?!

Sir! Those Victorians don't look as friendly as they usually do!

I saw that they've got some pretty big weapons of some kind, and they looked real enough to me!

I knew that they were going stab us in the back!

Let them come! It's a good thing I told the Paleroche boys to prepare for this! We meet them in battle!

Hold, Sir Arctosz!

But... Saintess!

Saintess! Sir Enciodes!

The Victorian troops have broken through our guards who were maintaining order, they draw near!

Send out several squads, and prioritize the safety of any commoners about!

Yes, Saintess!

They have made their move. It appears they have several squads of their own lined up to approach us.

And at their head is that viscount.

What's the plan?

Where are Weiss and Matterhorn?

We haven't received any news from them since last night.

They should have been watching the movements of the Victorian Army very closely, and an operation of this size would have prompted a report by now.

Unless they had no way of sending that report.

Beware Victorians, even as they bear gifts.

Despite my belief that I had managed to establish a strong enough relationship with Viscount Craigavon, it appears that we have not been able to move his heart from its course.

This is no time to stand around licking your wounds, Enciodes.

They're already far past the point of pretending to be friendly with us.

They are professional Victorian troops. Whether using drone arrays to bombard us, or hiding their casters in the crowd, their ruthless efficacy is clear.

This is still what they consider 'pressure'. They have not begin to use 'force' just yet.

And I assume you have some sort of plan for this?

We cannot allow them to disrupt the ceremony.

Not only will the Vine-Bead Court and the three clans suffer a drastic blow to their reputations, they will lose the trust of the people of Kjerag, alongside the respect of those outside its borders... We would be caught in truly dire straits.

Not exactly the easiest task.

Indeed.

You sound concerned, Enciodes.

We must not allow a true war with Victoria to begin. We need only wait until the next perso... the next distinguished guest arrives.

But at the very least, we cannot allow them to get any closer to the statue of Kjeragandr.

But they're pretty much here already.

I'll go stop them.

Now's not a good time for jokes.

They've got at least two thousand troops out there, how exactly are you going to fight them alone?

It will be easier than me having to handle you after a night out, Gnosis.

Like I said, this really isn't a good time to joke around!

Who do you think, out of the many people that he knows, Enciodes always calls first?

...*sigh* You're going to get yourself killed.

If you don't want me to be killed, then you should put in some more work, Gnosis.

Degenbrecher, I'm sure you're already aware of the risks at hand.

I need you to hold them back, at least until we have settled our arrangements here.

At this time, Karlan Trade, no, 'Kjerag' cannot assist you in the slightest. This is to be the sole work of the Black Knight.

Are you able to do it?

Heh. This wouldn't be the first time.

You all wait here.

......

It's not good to hold your anger in, Gnosis.

The two of you have talked it over already. I'm not one to make a fuss.

At least while Degenbrecher holds back those Victorians, I can send out men to find Weiss and Matterhorn, as well as our 'distinguished guests'.

If they arrive a bit sooner than expected, things might just start looking up for us.

I'll leave that to you then.

News of what is happening here will spread fast. I should be bracing myself right about now, so that I can deal with these beasts who saw fit to bare their fangs.

Hark, they come.

Halt! Everyone, gather up!

Get back into formation!

Yes, sir!

This fog's mighty thick.

Strange, have the Tschäggättä not made their move yet? Why are they just watching from all around the sides?

Sure, our operation might have caught them with their pants down, but surely they're going to put up some resistance, right?

Don't be so quick to dismiss them. The head of the Silverash clan's one wily fellow.

*sigh* Kjerag can't afford to go to war with Victoria, but us? We can pretty much take a crap atop their holiest of holies. It's a real funny thing, diplomacy.

The way things are now, I don't think they've got any room to play defense at the moment.

Well, you won't know until you give them a poke.

Let some other men advance for now! If the Saintess and Clan Silverash still don't react, then we continue with our original plan and prepare to bombard the statue of Kjeragandr.

Understood.

Hmm?

Wait, it looks like there's movement on their side!

No, that can't be...

They've only got... one person over there?

It's her. The Black Knight. Of course. It could only be her.

Although I had guessed that this sort of thing might happen...

Seeing the real deal with your own eyes, it's enough to make a man's heart drum with excitement.

A lone woman holding back a thousand soldiers. Wow. This really is right out of one of those knight novels.

You're joking.

There's no one person who's got the strength to resist a whole army. The Zhayedans can't, the Silverlance Pegasi can't, not even one of the devils' Royal Courts could.

We've seen this sort of thing before ourselves, Harold.

I know. Of course I do. 'You might kill us, but you won't kill any more.'

But do we really have to pay this price to get what we want?

Our army is a machine, consuming an unending amount of fresh meat just so that it can lurch forward once more. Right now, hah, there's just us old boys left.

We can't bear the cost of it much longer.

You know me, Lisburn.

I've always been a bit of a miser.

And a miser's heart weeps at every coin lost. As long as they keep bubbling up to the top of my mind, I can hardly sleep soundly at night.

We're soldiers. We've got no choice.

You're right. It's all for Victoria.

Send the order down, all men, prepare for war!

I'll take the lead, and I'll bring along my top brass to meet the legendary Black Knight face to face!

Yes, sir!

Hey, Harold, I'm not going to stop you now.

But I've got to ask, how's it feel having to face down the Black Knight that you like so much in the ring?

Not great.

Reminds me of one time during my youth, when I was getting teased at one of the Duke's parties. I ended up drinking an entire cup's worth of straight shots at once.

A lot of bitterness, a lot of burning, and a lot of retching.

Enough to make you faint, but I will say that I also feel a bit of... excitement.

This is as far as you go.

And you will go no further.

If you wish to watch the ceremony, you may watch from here alongside me.

I would be truly honored to have you accompany me, Madam Degenbrecher!

By all rights, I should accept your kind offer, but...

As a most trusted partner, Her Grace is very concerned about Kjerag's development issues, and has given me orders to approach the base of Kjeragandr, so as to show our good faith.

Concern?

Concern armed to the teeth and carrying cannons is a very rare sight indeed.

Force of circumstance, I do hope you understand.

Lately, there has been a most unlawful force at play, wantonly moving prohibited materials about Kjerag under the guise of constructing the statue of Kjeragandr.

According to our intelligence, the stronghold of this force happens to be exactly under this holy statue of yours.

And so, Her Grace was so concerned about this issue that she commissioned me and my men overnight to investigate.

......

A likely story.

It is, in the end, Her Grace's intent.

Who could say if there truly is such a dangerous power underneath the feet of Kjeragandr's statue?

But if the Great Saintess and Sir Enciodes were to meet with unfortunate accidents, it would be far too late for regrets by then.

Nobody would like to see something like that happen, am I right, Madam Degenbrecher?

I don't really care what you say.

And naturally, what we do here is none of your business.

The people of Kjerag will handle their own issues. We don't need outsiders to order us about.

*sigh*...

I'm afraid that's that, then. I'm truly sorry it came to this, but this is where I must carry out my duty.

Also, please excuse my curiosity, Madam Degenbrecher, but considering you managed to hold your tongue so well while I jabbered on...

You don't plan on causing delay for us, do you?

......

You talk far too much.

Haha, well, when you're at my age, it's hard not to be a bit of a windbag.

But as for you, Madam Degenbrecher.

As I've now learnt, you're not the sort of person to indulge in mindless chatter.

...Hmph.

That's why I hate overly-chatty smartasses.

This manner is more to my tastes.

I'll say it again.

You will go no further.

—None may enter.