Incense and Shadows

One moment, please.

Silverash... What is the meaning of this?

Are you not investigating the ties between Karlan Trade and Victoria?

I had someone compile all the documents related to the last decade of business dealings between Karlan Trade and Victoria. It is quite the voluminous collection, so much so that we had to fill several trucks.

Great Elder Adso, if it interests you, please take your time to read through it.

Good... Very good.

Unload everything, then tell your people to leave.

I'm afraid I can't do that.

What is the meaning this, Enciodes?

It is true that as of late, Kjerag has had to weather great turmoil. Undoubtedly, Victoria has been at the heart of many of these incidents.

Indeed, our troops have discovered evidence of contact between the Vine-Bead Court and Victorian spies.

Empty accusations. Without proof, what right do you have to investigate the Vine-Bead Court?

Investigate? I would never dream of such a thing. However, the Vine-Bead Court has accused me of 'colluding with Victoria', and so I am here.

By my command, nobody is to leave the Vine-Bead Court today until Great Elder Adso and I reach a conclusion.

Yessir!

Now then, Great Elder Adso.

...

...We've never talked like this before.

I have hardly even seen you on my past visits to the Vine-Bead Court, let alone spoken with you.

I've heard from many clerics that you spent years in seclusion, studying the scriptures in the Hall of Writings and never concerning yourself with temporal affairs.

It seems you've also come to handle the affairs of the Vine-Bead Court with ease.

The only thing I've done over the years is ensure that Kjerag follows the path She ordained.

Moreover, we stand at a critical juncture concerning our survival. Should the Vine-Bead Court stand by and watch you drag Kjerag into the abyss, allowing Kazimierz, Victoria, or any other foreign power to devour us?

You are not the king of Kjerag, Sir Enciodes.

Thank you for the admonition, Great Elder. If Kjerag were to have a king, it could only be Her.

If there are diplomatic errors the Vine-Bead Court wishes to correct, then Karlan Trade will do our best to cooperate.

However, there is one question that puzzles me, for which I seek your guidance.

How exactly is the Vine-Bead Court negotiating with Victoria?

Is it using all of Kjerag as a bargaining chip?

Elder!

(Whispering) We just took a look around. Silverash's troops have already blocked the way down the mountain.

(Whispering) We, we'll go check the back door and—

The secret passage?

I wouldn't bother with that unless you're keen on searching for Tschäggättä.

Ahh!

Don't be alarmed. By Kjeragandr, I have no intention of attacking the Vine-Bead Court.

...

Tell everyone outside to rest where they are. No one is to move without my order.

...Enciodes, you accuse the Vine-Bead Court of betraying Kjerag to Victoria. Where is the evidence for your claim?

Please be patient, Great Elder. It will take some time for the evidence to be delivered here.

In other words, you came empty-handed yet still chose to resort to violence against us.

You should know what the price is for doing this, head of the Silverash clan.

Look down at the people beneath the mountain. Your elite troops might be able to block off the Vine-Bead Court, but you cannot fight all of Kjerag.

I am willing to give you time... But if you cannot produce conclusive evidence before sundown, I'm afraid that the reputation of Karlan Trade, and even that of the entire Silverash name, will be in tatters.

You will become untouchables throughout the land of Kjerag.

Indeed. I am, of course, well-aware of the consequences of my actions.

What I do not know, however, is what it would mean for Kjerag if the Vine-Bead Court is found to be colluding with an enemy that assassinated leaders from the three clans, and was caught in the act of espionage.

I will be with you to witness that moment, Elder.

...I know exactly what you're waiting for.

But, time is not on your side, Sir Enciodes.

Let us in! We were invited by the Vine-Bead Court to participate in the blessing ceremony, and Silverash's goons have no right to stop us!

...

Why haven't we seen a single cleric here? What is Silverash trying to pull?!

Please calm down, everyone. The Vine-Bead Court... has encountered some extenuating circumstances, and Sir Enciodes is assisting with the investigation.

We came here on an invitation, and you're telling us that there are 'extenuating circumstances' now that we're here? Cut the crap!

Sir Enciodes will issue an explanation to the public after things have settled down. Please, I ask that you all return home for now.

...Ma'am, be careful—

I'm fine, Degenbrecher. I can stand on my own...

We all trust you. We know that you're a daughter of Kjerag and would never bring us harm.

So, can you tell this old woman exactly what is happening with the Vine-Bead Court? What do you know about this whole thing?

...

The signal's a little better now.

According to our informant, Victoria and the people from the Vine-Bead Court have left the mining site, and have not made any further moves.

But given this weather, we can expect more heavy snow... It'll take a lot longer to get back to headquarters than expected.

Compared to THAT, this little hiccup can hardly be considered beyond our expectations.

Are you referring to those Victorians from earlier?

They got the intel they wanted, but so did we.

I mean the Vine-Bead Court.

The Vine-Bead Court, huh...

The fact that they'd show up here instead of calming the populace is rather strange indeed...

It's evident that they were completely unprepared for the situation, and their deliberate attempts to hide their schemes are easily seen through.

If some of them are willing to play cover-up for the Victorians—

Then, it's only a matter of time until the mask comes off.

It's nearly time.

Turn back to the mining site.

Are you trying to...?

The exit ways there are now open, making it a good place to leave the country.

As you just heard, Enciodes has already surrounded the Vine-Bead Court with his men. He has deliberately made a big show of things to alert the enemy.

Those hiding in Kjerag will definitely be itching to seize the moment.

Our undercover agent friend we've been tracking seems to have a particular fondness for this kind of stuff, and should be arriving in the vicinity soon.

Moreover, I suspect she's not the only one either.

Instead of looking for her, we should just let her come to us.

Gather everyone together and keep a close eye on the entrance to the mining site. Pay extra attention to—

The people who helped her escape.

...While you were on your way, the clergy throughout the city were already inviting people to come up the mountain for the ceremony.

I wonder, how long Degenbrecher can hold them back?

Did the Vine-Bead Court stoop to these desperate measures knowing I would not point my weapons at the people?

It's true that I'm using them, just as you did to Arctosz and Ratatos during the Holy Hunt a few years ago.

Perhaps I overestimated you, Sir Enciodes. Even if you're hungry for power, you should be less obvious about it.

Before you commit a grave error, I am willing to announce to the public that you've come to the Vine-Bead Court to capture the Victorian assassin.

If you truly thought highly of me in any capacity, you would not think that I am only 'seeking power'.

All I care about is the future of the land of Kjerag.

So, a violent coup is the best path forward?

Yes.

Because our Victorian friend sits in a position that cannot be reached except through violence.

Hahahaha! What you say is true, Sir Enciodes.

The unarmed Vine-Bead Court, driven to despair by the descendants of Victorians and their acolytes, helpless to defend themselves even when thieves cry thief in front of them.

Behavior determines identity better than blood.

It is a fact that since the attack on Ensia, people from the Vine-Bead Court have been falling over themselves to back Victoria.

If you are so confident you know what I'm waiting for—

The cleric and the Victorian spy caught red-handed together. Be it for the general public or the three clans, the rest speaks for itself.

I know no more about the conduct of these clerics than you do.

Even if the Duke of Caster were to come here herself, she would only tell you that I firmly rejected her offer.

That is nothing more than an excuse. A failure to control your subordinates means you are equally responsible for them, and the same applies to Karlan Trade.

...What you suggest is that the clergy of the Vine-Bead Court indulge in pleasure and collude with foreigners, while I remain oblivious and allow them to sell out Kjerag?

You and Victoria share many of the same delusions; in reality, the Vine-Bead Court has only ever wanted to use this as a pretext to expel Victoria and their true ally—

Enciodes Silverash.

However, the reality is that they ended up aligning with Victoria in practice—

All the clergy who've associated with Victoria have sworn an oath of death after you are expelled.

Their bones will nourish Kjerag's future, and they will leave no regrets behind.

...

So, what you propose is that Kjerag should purge itself, down to those who hunt Victorian spies to this day, those who the Duke of Caster considers enemies...

And THAT is the only way to defeat Victoria?

Who is it?

...Stay back!

Sorry to keep you waiting, young lady of Victoria.

It's you...

Please pardon my intrusion, but due to the situation changing, you will be transferred to a new destination ahead of schedule.

What?

...What happened?

I only know the gist of the Vine-Bead Court's decision.

A 'gist' isn't good enough. We need to have a concrete plan of action, or else...

I will take full responsibility for the operation until you have safely left Kjerag's borders.

All you need to do is follow the instructions. As for how to leave and who will help you—

Don't overly concern yourself about such things.

Kjeragandr witnesses all, and She shall walk with us.

Stop trying to fool me with your vague and nondescript dogma...

By Kjeragandr.

...

...

In other words, I've become your responsibility now, right?

I am but a follower of Her will.

Fine. You have your beliefs, and I have mine.

But since we'll be working together, let me remind you that if this operation fails, your side will also be exposed.

That's right.

Does that not worry you at all?

No, young lady.

All I need is faith.

You can also place your faith in us. As long as we are of one heart, we can overcome our fear.

Cleric of the Vine-Bead Court.

I don't think we need to discuss this any further.

Instead, let's focus on something useful, like when we leave.

My apologies, young lady. This is a cleric's robe that I sewed myself. Please put it on for now.

This journey will take you past many people and countless eyes. If you encounter someone who comes up to you seeking prayer or answers, do not try to please them. Stay silent, and avoid them.

I will walk with you, no matter what dangers we may face.

Color me curious. Why do people pray to your god for protection even after a Catastrophe?

...

Just in case.

Believe me, young lady. You know too little about Kjerag.

Now, please pack your belongings. I will wait for you outside.

By Kjeragandr.

May this devout body be blessed, and may it spread Your holy will.

They brought excellent seeds to Kjerag as well as machinery... The Vine-Bead Court has never denied these contributions.

To be frank, I have never seen anyone so complicated in my already-withering life...

Hero.

This does nothing to dispel my doubts.

Compared to these acts, the Vine-Bead Court seems only to recognize friend and foe based on where they come from.

Then, allow me to ask you a question first, Sir Enciodes.

In your heart of hearts, what exactly is Kjerag?

...I have already answered this through my actions.

Victorian-style buildings. Victorian-style weapons. Victorian-mandated laws.

Is this your answer?

Unless we choose to seclude ourselves deeper within the mountains, shunning both external disturbances and any further advancement.

Otherwise, you might even be able to see things from Laterano or Leithanien one day.

Until one day, the people of Kjerag believe in nothing but Originium and money, unless faith itself can be sold.

Once the shell of Kjeragandr is ripped open, the people shall no longer hold any reverence for eternity. They will only chase after their own values and desires.

They will hate the strong because in this new 'theater', the more one abandons his morality, the stronger he becomes.

They will hate the weak because the weak will come to occupy the crevices of pity and charity.

Nihilism will become the most popular ideology; the people's hearts will become empty and detached, and they will take pride in this emptiness.

Your ideals are slaughtering the people of Kjerag, turning Victoria's present into our future.

...The Kjeragandr that the Vine-Bead Court worships is far more fragile than the one I worship.

If all it takes to overthrow our sacred beliefs are a few foreign tools, then how has Mount Karlan stood to this day?

How could it be that foreign tools can cover our mountains and rivers, yet foreign ideas can never be touched?

If this is what you believe, then you must also admit that what can conquer the body can also conquer the soul.

Born into a dark and hopeless era, you must race faster than the clouds to avoid being swallowed by darkness.

Faith should not drive people to become accustomed to the darkness, but rather unwaveringly affirm the yearning for light.

Yet, the more pious one is, the more destitute he becomes. In due time, he will see piety as a noose, and begin to hate the history of faith itself.

Which is why those who adhered to the teachings of Kjeragandr were ridiculed as pedantic and ignorant.

Without turning on the tap, there is no clean drinking water. Without applying chemical fertilizers, there is no fertile farmland.

You leveled the mountains and forests to build your factories, then sent the displaced back to the ruins of their homes to either sell their labor or die.

The lives you've improved for some, are fed by the happiness you've stolen from others.

O eloquent grandmaster, I ask you—how should we deal with the 'stragglers' left in your wake?

...You are right. It is a heavy responsibility that I must accept.

However, the Vine-Bead Court only fantasizes about incremental change while continuing to regard doing nothing as a virtue.

Such people have no right to judge me.

I have never sought to block Kjerag's progress. My only responsibility is to pull the reins on self-important tourists before things spiral out of control.

You're moving too quickly, Sir Enciodes.

The way to format the Kjeragandr, the way to punctuate prayer passages, which hand to raise during rituals... are debates that can last for centuries.

Elder of Clan Browntail, you have both the talent and the platform, and yet you only yearn for the solace of the other shore.

Yet when you hide away in the Hall of Writings and philosophize from your armchair, do you know anything about where Kjerag is actually headed?

...

What I know... is that Kjerag would never let an apostate take the helm. And, I have never been one to 'philosophize from my armchair'.

You are not the first apostate I've dealt with.

What memories come to mind when you hear the names, Olafur and Elizabeth Silverash?

What...?

...

This bloody weather again... Damn it, why's there a traffic jam in a place like this?

Hey, you in the back. The road's about to get real bumpy.

If you want to be able to stand after getting out of the truck, I'd recommend taking a nap now and conserving your energy.

Shit, what's that thing in front of me?!

Urgh...

I've never tried to hide where I come from, even though it's something that others have long forgotten.

...Luca Browntail. Ratatos and Sciurus's grandfather. My cousin.

In order to achieve the same goal, we accepted different fates—to safeguard Kjerag's order through the Tri-Clan Council and the Vine-Bead Court.

Though known for his ruthlessness, he still harbored fantasies about the Silverashes until the very end.

He said: 'A peaceful resolution is never impossible, as long as the couple are willing to make concessions.'

...But, I have never lived in fantasy.

That train accident...

Hahaha... Is that what you believe? Or, did Ratatos make you believe it?

How many clergymen and devotees do you think are out there among the commoners?

If the masses wish for Kjeragandr to punish the apostates, then I, serving the Vine-Bead Court, shall deliver on those wishes.

...

...Sir Enciodes!

The man who killed your parents is right in front of you.

Those who commit murder will be punished twice over by Kjeragandr. This crippled body has lost any meaning for me long ago!

I grant you permission to dispose of me as you wish for reasons private and public, not for treason, but for murder. Arrest me here and put me on trial!

Let the people of Kjerag see just how sinful it is to kill an apostate!

If you're trying to provoke me into acting out of line, I'm afraid your efforts are in vain.

I won't lay a finger on you here...

All I can do is ensure that you receive a fair trial...