Lovely Neighbors

'Remember that the wind wrapping the mountains does not come from nowhere.'

'It is Her breath, sweeping down from the snow-white peaks.'

'It is Her ever-vigilant watch, rising from the deepest valley to the highest cloud.'

'It will drive out the miasma of evil, and the parasites that hide amongst the rocks.'

'It brings all the sounds back to Her ears, so that She will hear, and the mountains bright and clear—'

Wait... is that door moving?

Yes! They're opening the door! Our protest worked!

Open up! Open up and hear our voice!

Listen to the true voice of Kjeragandr's people! Listen to the voice of Kjerag! You are not welcome here! You must leave!

Outsiders off Mount Karlan! Go back where you came from!

Outsiders off Mount Karlan!

Outsiders off Mount Karlan!

...

...

That garb... are they from Clan Silverash?

The one behind them... the Edelweiss? Did he come to send these outsiders away?

He'd better. They were the ones who brought those people in, and they should be the ones to pick up the mess. But... something about his expression...

Clear out the protesters. Avoid casualties.

Put down your weapons! Back off!

Edelweiss! Whose side are you on?!

Whose side do you think they're on? Their weapons and shields are pointed towards us... isn't it clear enough who his friends and enemies are?

...

A blizzard is coming.

You should leave before the road is completely blocked.

Grandma, wait, don't—

May Kjeragandr forgive your sins.

May Her miracle drive out the miasma of evil, and the parasites that hide amongst the rocks from you...

Remember that the winds of Kjeragandr have visited upon your stubbornness before.

Now, you send Her away.

...

Go home, madam.

The winds on the mountains are harsh. Don't catch a cold.

The faith of Kjerag isn't so weak! The people of Kjerag have never wavered, even before the toughest trial!

I'll set out for Mount Karlan once the Catastrophe is cleaned up and my leg is good again.

The sun of Kjerag will drive out all corruption and evil, and those who bathe in it need fear neither pain nor illness, nor the Stone Disease...

Kjeragandr is great, Kjeragandr is kind. She will never abandon Kjerag. Everything will go back to the way it was, once we clean up the snow...

Of course! It's all the fault of those Rhine Lab people!

Everything started going bad when they came! Kjerag doesn't need no observation station! All we need is Kjeragandr's protection!

Drive them out! Give me back my peaceful life... and my mom and dad...

Is there anything I can help... wait, you're Victorian?

Get your pitchforks! Who let this one into the village? Columbians and Victorians, is everybody making their homes on our turf now?

Get lost! You're not welcome here!

Phew... this will be tougher than I thought.

Do you need some help?

Hi... I'm fine, I'm just short on film. I don't suppose I'll be able to find any here...

Let me see... you can get this model from the central mall in the Silverash domain.

Nice pics. Are you a photographer from Victoria?

A reporter, to be exact.

Good timing. May I get an interview?

Who? Me?

How do you view the Catastrophe that just occurred in Kjerag? How do you view your faith, when Kjeragandr no longer protects Kjerag from Catastrophe?

Ah, I thought I heard you talking about Kjeragandr and Catastrophes from over there...

You want to know how Kjerag people think?

Of course. We came to report on the true Kjerag. People in other lands know very little about it, and we want your voices to reach them.

There's no need to be burdened by the weight of religion. Liberate yourself from the systemic oppression of rules and tradition, and tell me what you truly feel.

Wow, I've never heard so many big words spoken in a single breath...

My view on Catastrophes is simple... Catastrophes outside Kjerag are really bad, and it's the same for this Catastrophe in Kjerag.

People suffer and get hurt everywhere. It makes me sad, and I wish these things never happened.

As for 'faith'... may I ask a question? Does Victoria have a god too?

Victoria...?

Yes. I'm curious what the god of Victoria is like. Is He really petty? Does He get angry easily?

You've been going around the village asking questions for days, but you don't talk about anything other than 'Kjeragandr is angry' and 'Kjeragandr has abandoned you.'

So I thought, maybe 'faith' to you is something that's colder, harsher.

I believe the god of Kjerag isn't like that.

Kjeragandr is like the people of Kjerag, generous and kind.

She doesn't get angry over cable cars and factories, or light bulbs and books. And, She won't throw a tantrum by causing a Catastrophe and taking lives.

Kjeragandr isn't petty like that.

Heave, ho! One more box, move over—

Alright, put it down. You've got room on your truck. We got another fifteen barrels of burdenbeast milk wine? Can you bring it with you?

Fifteen barrels? Mm...

You ought to keep it. Can't have a big bar like this and nothing for guests.

The three great clans alone have donated plenty of stuff to the affected village, not to mention the local gentry. A few barrels of wine more or less won't make much difference.

I don't like to hear that.

They can donate but I can't? Who are you to decide whether they need it or not? Which of us has actually seen a Catastrophe before?

But that's too much...

It's not. I know you're short on wine.

Not only does wine keep people warm, it can also be used in medicine, and even to disinfect wounds when necessary.

If we had all this stuff back then... well, never mind.

Anyway, you're taking it, not one barrel less, or I'll take it as you saying that I'm not one of you and I don't belong to Kjerag!

Wait, wait, that's not what I meant!

Then take it. Think of it as doing me a favor. You know how that father-in-law of mine is like.

He's endured hardship all his life, but he's never been stingy when it comes to sharing with hungry people... now move aside and let me put the cargo in.

Just don't get in any trouble and make him even angrier.

I still remember how he huffed and puffed when you proposed to his daughter.

'I thought he was a nice guy who just wanted to help, turns out he was after my little girl Freya!' He said.

He said it and he was still mad, so he pulled out his cane... hehe...

What are you lot chatting so excitedly about?

Let's get to work. Dad and I just checked our stock. We still have about two truckloads of stuff, mostly dried meat and cheese, plus some butter and herbs.

Good thing I caught you before you left, Crete. Need to tell Karlan Trade to send another truck here.

Two trucks? You...

I told you, Crete.

Fine, fine, suit yourself. You're the only newlyweds I know who'd rather give away their whole storehouse before taking any gifts.

It's a Catastrophe, after all.

It's never happened to Kjerag. No one knows how bad it is.

But now is the time for us to work together and help each other... in Kjeragandr's name.

In Kjeragandr's name. We'll work together and pull through.

...

Let's go back, Lisburn. The wind's getting stronger.

I can't help but have a feeling...

A feeling of what?

A strange feeling... that something's about to happen...

No, I must be overthinking it...

Your intuition is as sharp as always.

...?

Wait... Harold? Is this real? Am I dreaming?

Well, that's certainly an honor.

You still remember my name. Looks like you haven't forgotten the time we fought alongside each other.

Please, stop making fun of me. What brings you here?

What else could it be?

We've heard there's a spot of trouble in Kjerag, so we came to offer some warmth, as a good neighbor should.

Wow... a whole truck of supplies...

A truck? Take another look.

Some warmth, you say?

Well, we're warmer than some other folk, to be sure.

I must emphasize our concerns regarding this matter, Mr. Silverash.

We consider Karlan Trade a reliable partner, and Kjerag a respectable nation.

We had hoped that the observation station would be the tip of the spear of our mutual understanding and cooperation.

I have to say, at the moment, we are disappointed.

I understand Your Excellency's concerns. Allow me to explain—

No, I don't need an explanation. We understand the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen Kjerag and we express our deepest sympathies.

But that is no reason for Kjerag mobs to attack innocent Columbian scientists.

We're seeing verbal abuse of our scientists, promoting hate and xenophobia—

We are outraged by Kjerag's contempt for and violation of the safety of other people.

Should your government continue to allow the situation to spiral out of control, the Columbian side will take action to ensure the safety of Rhine Lab's researchers by evacuating them, in accordance with our treaty.

Regarding the incident at the Rhine Lab observation station, Karlan Trade personnel have arrived on site, and are working to de-escalate the conflict, preventing the situation from further deteriorating.

As I understand it, there has been no injury to person or property.

Should we thank our lucky stars? Or that public sentiment has not yet reached a boiling point?

Should we continue to trust in Kjerag's ability to stabilize the situation? Or should that public outrage dissipate overnight?

We respect the professionalism, sincerity, and capability that Karlan Trade has demonstrated in the past.

It has allowed our cooperation and scientific collaboration to progress safely, up to this point.

Now, however, the Columbia's best and brightest are in danger on your land, danger that they never should have found themselves in.

Kjerag needs to provide a solution... or at least, demonstrate a will to resolve the situation.

Your Excellency cannot ask so much of a... developing country.

Considering Kjerag's current circumstances, I find Mr. Silverash's performance thus far quite impressive.

...I see that Victoria shows great care for her neighbor.

But of course.

A kind neighbor should always be ready to lend a kind hand. Remember the prince of Victorian folklore, who gave his golden crown to a fowlbeast in the snow.

Here is a checklist for the first catch of humanitarian assistance.

Food, blankets, medicine, spirits, sugar, salt, a team of doctors, and two veteran peacekeeping squads.

Exactly what Kjerag needs right now.

This is very generous. Kjerag appreciates your kindness.

Not mine. This is the kindness of the Empire of Victoria.

Our prince had a heart of gold. He would give his prized sword in the same way he would offer gold and silver. It all depends on what you need, and what manner of threat you face.

...Hmph.

There is no need to fear or worry. I'm sure you will make a decision that is satisfactory... to all three sides of us.

After all, survival is an art form in the Snow Realm... is it not, Mr. Silverash?

What are your thoughts, Mr. Silverash?

I have no reason to refuse, do I?

As you said, this is exactly what Kjerag needs right now.

The supplies will keep the people fed, and the doctors will help us win more battles against illness and death.

As for trained soldiers... I'm sure I do not need to expound upon usefulness.

To the question that was interrupted, Madam Ambassador...

Kjerag vowed to protect the safety of each and every researcher at the station when it was first established.

That vow has not been broken. I'm not sure why you are so eager to reach the conclusion that Kjerag has lost control of the situation.

The Vine-Bead Court and Karlan Trade will uphold our end of the bargain. May I ask you to continue to trust in Kjerag's ability to deal with our own problems?

As for whether the incident at the observation station was an accident, or instigated by those with ulterior motives... I believe that time will tell.

Very well, Mr. Silverash. I look forward to your show of competence.

But I must remind you how important the project is to Columbia. We believe it to be of paramount significance to all Terra.

Therefore, the Columbian side will deploy any means necessary to protect our scientists and their findings. Any means necessary.

Indeed. I, too, believe that the scientific exploration taking place in Kjerag belongs to all of Terra.

The Empire of Victoria will do our part to maintain Kjerag's stability.

Of course...

I'm sure we're all of one mind on this matter.

Such a wise decision. It seems all of us have gotten what we wanted.

...Phew.

Is the meeting over?

How long have you been waiting?

Half an hour. I made good use of it going through four reports while I was waiting.

Take a seat. If you want a drink, help yourself.

Thank you, but I've already helped myself to the tea that you kept on top of the shelf. It has been there for a little too long.

...

There's finally time to ask you. What's the situation at Rhine Lab?

They have no insights into the Catastrophe. As expected.

Our people demonstrated enough restraint. There weren't any real attempts at violence. Most satisfied themselves with reciting the Kjeragandr as they held hands.

But I noticed that there were a few people at the front who shouted the loudest, only to disappear into the crowd when they saw the soldiers.

Are you concerned?

I'm concerned that this may only be the first incident.

The observation station is not the only place where conflict is happening. There have been protests and rallies in the domains of the other two clans. Strikes at our factories as well—I'm dealing with it.

Someone understands that they can use this Catastrophe as a weapon. They know the power of the people's will.

A trick that you've deployed before. But the weapon is not in your hand this time.

Hm...

You skipped the part where someone threw snow in your face.

...Is that important?

It's the only thing that's unexpected.

Did you expect Columbia and Victoria to sit you down for a game of good cop/bad cop?

Yes and no.

The Columbians' attitude is aggressive, but at the end of the day, it's continued cooperation that they want. The most important thing, for them, is that the observation station delivers results.

As for the Victorians... they're more anxious than we thought.

I saw Harold's caravan. I'm sure he's wandering about the streets, telling neighborly stories with his 'old friends'.

His wandering should take him to Karlan Trade headquarters in another twenty minutes.

I suppose you've already signed and received the goods. And I don't suppose we had a choice.

The Paleroches and Browntails will find out soon. As for how they'll take it... let's just say you should be prepared for the Tri-Clan Council.

...

Getting cold feet?

I'm used to it.

This nonchalant attitude of yours is why people hate you so much.

Thank you for the compliment.

At the end of the day, however, none of us expected this Catastrophe to happen.

You can act as unflappable as you like, but don't tell me this disaster hasn't actually fazed you.

I don't think you're actually that thick.

...I know.

With risk, however, comes opportunity... it's the first Catastrophe that Kjerag has seen in a thousand years. Perhaps it's time for certain things that have lasted a thousand years to change.

There's one other thing that you should know.

The avalanche caused by the Catastrophe destroyed the train station at the foot of the mountain. Strangely, and fortunately, there were fewer people inside the station than expected.

It was only in later interviews that we learned that someone had shouted about a bomb in the station, causing the crowd to flee.

Who?

We don't know, yet.

But the researcher who disappeared from Rhine Lab remains unaccounted for.

If they are one and the same, then she had not cleared the borders of Kjerag when the Catastrophe occurred. She should still be somewhere in the realm.

I see.

You're the only one I can count on for this, Gnosis.

Find this woman, without triggering a response from Rhine Lab.

You're finally starting to look serious... should I ask why?

You'll learn soon enough.

But ideally, one should not have to rely on trick plays in the game of chess.