Romantic Rail Getaway/Script
Imana Rainforest (Marius' Route)[edit | edit source]
Rainforest Invitation[edit | edit source]
You once heard the saying that Tambyani's rail travel tour is the silk that connects pearls.
Following this silk, you can experience the charming wonders of this country.
Marius: I checked the next train's route. Our first stop is Shanya.
Marius: How about we explore our resort once we arrive? We shouldn't tank ourselves on day one. Let's save some energy and take our time.
You: Sure. I read in the brochure that the resort has a huge folk workshop. Wanna try wood carving?
Marius: If you want to go, I'll go with you.
You two excitedly discuss your travel plans.
At the rail platform, other tourists are as equally excited for their wonderful trips to start.
Speaking of this trip, it was because of Marius.
Marius: Hello? Miss, you're on a long break now, right? Any travel plans?
You: Hm... Haven't thought of any for now. I'll get back to you after a few days of good lazing and sleeping!
Marius: After you're done hibernating, can you consider going on a rail travel tour with me to Tambyani?
Marius: A first-rate, high-end, self-service luxury tour, with a travel itinerary personally crafted by Pax's president himself.
You: Tambyani? Isn't this a bit sudden?
That name leaves you perplexed — you've only seen it in geography books.
Tambyani is a small, developing country located in the tropics, near the equator. The natural scenery is absolutely magnificent.
You don't understand why Marius would pick such a remote destination.
Marius: It's for work. Pax invested in a rainforest development project, so I'm going to visit the site myself.
Marius: Since I'm going anyway... I can take you along to have some fun and relax.
You: Oh, I see. Let me think about it...
Marius: No need for thinking — get to packing. I'm taking you to the airport tomorrow. See ya.
Marius moves quick. The next day, you two boarded a private jet to Tambyani.
You directly transferred from the plane to the rail trip station. He planned everything out perfectly.
Just like he said, it is a comfortable yet exciting journey.
You: By the way, you told me on the phone... You're here for a rainforest project?
Marius: Yep. Pax is planning to set up a nature reserve in the Imana Rainforest while conducting research on parrot flowers.
You: Parrot flowers?
Marius: When our people went over to discuss the rainforest conservation zone, they incidentally discovered a rare plant with medicinal value.
You: Hmm... Sounds like one of those curative herbs you hear people talking about.
Marius: Maybe. I'm not sure about the details.
Marius: Once we arrive at Shanya, the person in charge of the project will pick us up. You can ask him for the details.
You: ...Pax even has employees in Shanya?
Marius: He's working in Shanya. I invited him over to report on the progress of the project, just in case.
The corner of Marius' mouth raises, and his eyes also sparkle with a grin.
Marius: Okay, let's talk about this later. Right now, let's think about enjoying lunch on the train.
Marius: They have both Tambyani local cuisine and Western food in the dining car. Which one do you want?
You: Hmm...
Since you're here, you should try some local specialties.
However, you remember seeing some of the local cuisine in guidebooks.
Roasted rainforest ants, stuffed cicada pupae, grilled scorpions... They certainly have some adventurous options...
Are you up to the challenge?
Ah... Maybe not. It's probably better to stick to things more familiar to you.
You: I'll choose the Western buffet.
Marius: Sure. I'll book the deluxe buffet. We can eat once we enter the car.
Marius: But... You sure you don't want to try Tambyani's local cuisine?
Marius: I heard that the black bean and orange rice is pretty good. It's one of the top 10 must-try dishes for tourists.
You: I do... but if it turns out to be too adventurous for me...
Marius: Makes sense. Let's take our time. We can take a look at the special dishes that other tourists ordered.
Marius: If there's something you want to try, we can order it next time.
You: Sure. Let's do that!
You: Okay, I've decided! I want to try some of Tambyani's specialties!
You: According to the online guide, the black bean and orange rice on the train is excellent. Everyone loves it.
You: Wanna order one with me?
Marius: I'll let you in on a little secret. Actually... I was going to recommend the black bean and orange rice. I didn't expect you to say it.
Marius: Great minds think alike!
Marius is beaming, as if he's very proud with himself.
This makes you want to tease him a little.
You: You sure? If it isn't good, you'll regret it.
Marius: C'mon, have some faith. You gotta believe that our decision's the right one!
Marius' eyebrows arch with his grin. Looking at him, you can nearly smell the sweetness of the orange rice.
You: I can't wait to try it.
Choo... Following the sound of the whistle, the travel rail slowly arrives at the platform.
Marius stands up and wheels away both of your large suitcases. He winks at you.
Marius: Let's go. Our rainforest adventure is about to start.
You: Yeah. Coming!
Rainforest Program[edit | edit source]
When the train arrives in Shanya, you follow Marius to explore the resort.
As soon as you two enter the resort entertainment area, you spot a young man dressed in traditional Tambyani attire waving at you from a far distance away.
???: Greetings, Mr. von Hagen, Miss [Player]. I've been expecting you. I hope your trip here went smoothly?
The young man greets you warmly.
???: My name is Akha, and I am in charge of the Rainforest Project. Welcome to Tambyani.
You: Nice to meet you.
Marius: Akha is a rainforest expert that Pax specially hired. He knows everything going on with the rainforest.
Marius: Didn't you say you wanted to know more about the Rainforest Program? You can ask him.
Akha: Mr. von Hagen, you are too kind. Thanks to Pax's support, I have the opportunity to take charge of my dream project.
Akha: If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I will try my best to answer.
You: Can you tell me about this "Rainforest Program"?
Akha: Well, the Pax Group and some of Tambyani's government officials made an agreement to establish a rainforest nature reserve.
Akha: Its main purposes are to revitalize the rainforest's economy and to protect rare plant species.
Akha: The entire conservation project is collectively known as the "Rainforest Program."
You: Hmm... What's the "parrot flower" project? Is it related to the Rainforest Program?
Akha: Parrot flowers are a rare plant that we happened to discover.
Akha: Their rhizomes contain a special alkaloid that are effective for many medical maladies, so they have high medicinal value.
Akha: The rainforest had previously suffered ecological damage and resource theft, so we thought that it had become extinct.
Akha: Everyone's been thrilled that we found the parrot flowers.
Akha: I hope we can better understand their unique properties and use the latest scientific developments to facilitate their growth.
You: I want to see these parrot flowers with my own eyes!
Marius: You can. I'll take you to see some in a few days.
You: Are you allowed to talk about the plans for the reserve?
Akha: Right now, we're planning for an ecological entertainment zone and a nature reserve.
Akha: The ecological entertainment zone will focus on ecological preservation and tourism. We want to attract people to Tambyani so they can appreciate our rainforests.
Akha: The nature reserve is meant to protect rare plant species native to the rainforest. There will be limited tours to increase awareness about environmental protection.
Akha: However, things are still in the planning phase. Changes might happen at any time in the future.
You: Still, hearing all of this is so exciting.
You: Once everything's finished, I feel like this place will be bursting with visitors.
You: You said something about the rainforest's economy...?
Akha: Its main focuses are expanding rainforest tourism projects and investing in sustainable sources of income.
Akha: If the economy does well, then the locals will be more motivated to collaborate with us on future projects.
You: (Feels like Pax is aiming for a big project in Tambyani.)
Marius: All right, that's it for introductions. Why don't we start our tour?
Right... You were so absorbed in the conversation that you nearly forgot the reason you're here.
You: Okay, let's go! Let's check out the resort's entertainment area!
Marius: Yeah. We're here on vacation!
Enjoying the Resort[edit | edit source]
Accompanied by Akha, you and Marius stroll along the main road in Shanya's commercial business district, all the way to the beach.
The warm sunshine accompanied by the sound of waves can almost make one believe that they're vacationing by the sea.
You: I didn't know that Shanya had such a pretty beach.
Akha: This artificial beach is a scenic spot specially built by the Department of Tourism to attract visitors.
Akha: It used to be Shanya's most famous resort. Since it is your first time in Tambyani, I highly recommend that you look inside.
Akha passionately introduces Shanya's popular destinations to you, just like a tour guide.
You: Akha, can you recommend some hot spots in the resort?
Akha: Personally, I recommend stopping by the Rainforest EcoPark and the Indigenous Arts Museum.
Akha: ...I think that these two places best demonstrate Tambyani's scenery and culture.
You: The Rainforest EcoPark will give me a preview of what's to come, right?
Akha: Yes. The Rainforest EcoPark is modeled after Tambyani's famed Imana Rainforest.
Akha: The EcoPark houses more than 200 species of plants, and there are guides who provide more information on them to tourists.
Akha: I think it's a good opportunity for tourists to learn more about rainforests.
You: All right, we'll have to stop by the EcoPark later.
You: I already can't wait to feel the rainforest atmosphere!
You: The Indigenous Arts Museum... I'm assuming it displays works of art made by indigenous peoples?
Akha: Yes. This art museum recently finished construction and is now open to the public.
Akha: It has a lot of modern handicrafts made by the indigenous peoples, and some ancient works of art that were excavated.
Akha: Trust me, it's worth a visit!
You: (Art exhibits... Marius should be interested in them.)
You: Hey, how about we check out the art museum?
Marius: That's what I was thinking. Great minds think alike.
You: I recall that... the online guide said that the resort has a road full of rainforest specialties!
You: Any foods you recommend in particular?
Akha: Haha, there are lots of delicious foods at the resort. As for something in particular...
Akha: I recommend that you two try the hearts of palm salad and the coconut fried shrimp with black beans.
You: Hearts of palm salad?
Akha: Yeah. The cores of certain palm trees are paired with olive oil and fresh fish.
Akha: These hearts of palm are crisp and sweet, and have great nutritional value.
Akha: I guarantee that it will be love at first bite.
You: Sounds great. Marius, can we go try it later?
Marius: Sure. I'll put it on our to-eat list.
You: Coconut fried shrimp with black beans? Hmm... An interesting combination of flavors.
Akha: And it works! Rich black beans, sweet coconut milk, and fresh shrimp meat all come together wonderfully!
Akha: They're breaded and then fried until golden yellow. Your taste buds will definitely thank you!
You: (It sounds like he's reading an ad! This must be his favorite.)
You: Okay, I'll try it when I can!
He patiently describes the various attractions in the resort. You are dying with anticipation.
You: There are so many fun places here.
Marius: Yeah. We have the whole day, so we can take our time.
As you are chatting, Akha's phone suddenly vibrates.
He turns around to answer it. A few minutes later, he hangs up and looks at you two with a conflicted expression.
Akha: Mr. von Hagen, Miss [Player], I'm sorry. I have some matters to attend to, so I need to return to the research center now...
Marius: No problem, do what you need to do.
You: Thank you for showing us so much. I'm sure we can manage from here.
Akha: By the way, this is a travel map of Tambyani. Some popular attractions are marked.
Akha: If you are interested, you can follow the sightseeing routes on the map.
You: This map is really useful. Thank you!
Akha: You are welcome. I hope that you two have fun in Tambyani. See you later.
Cheerful Intentions[edit | edit source]
After bidding the project manager farewell, you and Marius visit the resort.
You two take a walk in the resort's rainforest ecological park to catch a glimpse of what the rainforest will have to offer.
You: The actual rainforest must be even more beautiful, huh?
Marius: Well, the Imana Rainforest is known as the green pearl of Tambyani. It's the most beautiful place in the entire country.
Marius: In two days, we'll be able to witness its charm for ourselves.
You: I've been wanting to ask... Is Pax Technology substantially connected to the Tambyani rainforest reserve project?
Marius: Oh? Why do you ask?
You: You're usually really busy. If it wasn't important, you wouldn't come here personally to inspect things.
Marius: This project never really needed me to personally come over, but...
You: (So you just wanted to have fun with me?)
Marius: I thought it'd be nice to use these two days to give you a fun holiday.
Your guess was spot-on.
You: Marius... Be careful, or else you'll get an earful from the board when you return.
Marius: Miss, are you worried about me?
Marius's voice is spirited, and his eyes twinkle with a hint of mischief.
You know how he ticks — he's waiting for you to deny it so he can tease you.
Hmph, you won't let him get his way that easily!
You: Yeah, I'm "worried" that you'll get spanked by those old guys when you go back.
You: When that happens, don't come crying to me.
Marius: Huh?!
Eyes wide with surprise, Marius is slack-jawed and fumbling for something to say.
After a brief pause of two or three seconds, he tactically coughs and clears his throat.
Marius: Well... We're going to Mangrove Park tomorrow. How about we return to the train early and get some rest?
It's very rare to see Marius at a complete loss for words. Time permitting, you want to see a few more minutes of that spectacle.
But he's right. It really is getting late.
Thinking about the schedule tomorrow, you decide to spare him for now.
You: Sure, sounds good. Let's head back.
Marius is obviously relieved at hearing your words. His usual smile situates itself back on his face again.
Scenic Mangrove[edit | edit source]
The dense mangrove forest covers a large area. Vivid emerald extends as far as the eye can see.
You: The mangroves are beautiful...
Marius: Yeah. It feels nice to breathe fresh air.
In the sea of trees, you feel as if you've become one with the crisp air. You grow especially relaxed.
Marius: Right! According to the guide, Mangrove Park's special attractions are canoeing and mangrove exploration.
Marius: Which one do you want to try?
This needs thinking? Children have to choose, but adults obviously...
You: Everything!
Staff: Hello! Which attractions do you want to try?
You: We want to try canoeing and ziplining.
Staff: The canoeing attraction starts at the mangrove pier. Please walk along the boardwalk on the left to the end.
Staff: Ziplining is conveniently located near the end of the canoeing route.
Staff: After canoeing, walk along the mangrove trail by the river, and you'll arrive at the zipline site.
You: Okay. Thank you!
Staff: You're welcome. Please feel free to ask me any questions you have.
You: What else is there to do in Mangrove Park aside from canoeing and exploring the forests?
Staff: I recommend that you experience the Enchanted Trail and the Root Carving Art Museum.
Staff: These two areas are quite popular in our park. They're worth a visit.
You: What is the Enchanted Trail?
Staff: It is a forest trail that winds through specially shaped mangrove trees.
Staff: We designed the shape of every tree to give visitors the feeling of walking through a fairy tale world.
You: (Walking through a fairy tale world? Sounds romantic.)
You: We'll take a look if we have time.
Marius: Where is the Root Carving Art Museum located?
Staff: It's south, near the art exhibition area.
Staff: It houses a collection of over 100 root carvings, painstakingly crafted by their artists.
Staff: I'm sure you'll be captivated by the root carvings!
You: I read in the guide that there are special experience events in Mangrove Park.
You: What kind of events are they? Can you give us a quick rundown?
Staff: Special events... Those would be our park's root carving class and our restaurant's latest mangrove worm barbecue.
Marius: How do mangrove worms taste?
Marius looks very interested for some reason! Staff: The mangrove worm is a parasitic insect that lives in the trunks of mangrove trees.
Staff: Our chef specially prepares them alongside a local dipping sauce, so they have a refreshing and fruity taste.
Staff: A must-try tasting sensation for any foodie.
Marius: Miss, how about we—
You: Hmm... Maybe later...
You: Hmm... I'm kinda interested in root carving!
Staff: Our root carving class is located on the first floor of the Root Carving Art Museum. Try it out if you're interested.
Staff: Mangrove roots are provided to participants for free, and carvings can also be taken back home.
You: (It's a trial of dexterity. Hmm... With Marius here, it shouldn't be too challenging!)
Staff: Do you two have any other questions?
You: No. Thank you.
Staff: You're welcome. I hope you two have fun!
You: Canoeing, ziplining, the Enchanted Trail, root carving... They all sound pretty interesting.
You: Well, it seems we have a very busy schedule today.
Marius: It's not busy, it's fun-filled.
Marius: Let's go and start our happy, fun-filled day!
Unexpected Occurrence[edit | edit source]
After the Enchanted Trail and the Root Carving Art Museum, you two animatedly head towards the canoeing spot.
But before you can get close, a plume of thick smoke bursts into your face from the thickets, causing you to cough. You: *cough* ... Fire!?
Marius: Yeah, someone's burning something in the forest!
Mangroves grow by muddy banks in wet environments, so it is not likely that this is a natural fire.
It is obvious that someone deliberately set a fire.
Marius: I'll go tell the staff first, and then we can go investigate together.
You: Okay!
The grass and shrubs all show signs of fire damage. The further you go, the more suffocating the smoke becomes.
In the chaos, you see a group of people gathered together.
Some are setting the grass and shrubs on fire with their torches, while others are cutting off branches with axes or clearing debris.
You: What are you all doing?!
Your voice catches their attention. A man steps out to approach you.
Indigenous Leader: We're farming.
Marius: My friend, it doesn't look like it. You're clearly setting fire to the forest and cutting down trees.
As soon as Marius finishes, some of the others begin to loudly shout.
Indigenous Person A: Get rid of them!
Indigenous Person B: Right, right. What would outsiders know? Get out of here!
[Debate]
Indigenous Leader: There's a reason behind our actions. Outsiders, I suggest that you stick to your own business.
The man's tone is very casual, as if cutting down aged trees is as routine as weeding a garden.
Unacceptable. You can't give in so easily!
After some thought, you decide to say something to stall for time until the staff arrive.
You: You can't tell us your reason?
Marius: Please share your story with us. We want to understand.
Indigenous Leader: You sure are some annoying outsiders!
Annoyed by your questions, he puts down his tools and starts to explain.
Indigenous Leader: Planting mangroves here is a waste of such huge land. It would be better to use this area to grow parrot flowers!
You: Y—You want to grow parrot flowers!?
Isn't the parrot flower the rare plant that some of Pax's researchers discovered not too long ago?
From his expression, Marius is as astonished as you are.
However, he quickly changes it to a professional smile.
Marius: What kind of flower is that...? Why haven't I heard of it?
Indigenous Leader: It is Tambyani's divine flower. Eating its petals will cure you of all disease and give you lifelong health.
Marius: If I eat it, I'll never get sick again?
Indigenous Leader: Yes. That's why it's called a divine flower. Outsider, would you like to buy some and try?
Marius: Sure. How much?
As expected of Marius. His manner and tone perfectly encapsulate the air of an oblivious and simple tourist.
The man gradually lets down his guard and becomes more amicable.
Indigenous Leader: Prices are negotiable for friends!
Indigenous Leader: We have our own flower field elsewhere. How about I take you there and show you?
Marius: Where's this flower field? Can I get a discount if I buy in bulk?
Indigenous Leader: Hah, don't worry about that! We have a whole field of parrot flowers in the Imana Rainforest. There won't be any shortage of supplies!
Indigenous Leader: As for a discount... That depends on how much you purchase.
You: (If I keep asking, these people probably will take us to their flower fields to see their product.)
You've stalled for a long time; staff should be arriving soon.
You secretly tug on Marius's sleeve, hinting that he should stop. Receiving your hint, he turns his head and winks at you.
Indigenous Leader: Enough talk. Are you two buying parrot flowers?
Marius: I've given it serious thought... I don't think this is reliable.
Marius: Plus, before you get all excited about doing business, I suggest you consider the environment first.
Indigenous Leader: What?!
From somewhere close by, you hear the faint sound of sirens and rolling wheels.
Seeing their plan ruined, the people all look very angry.
Indigenous Leader: You outsiders are so annoying!
However, their renewed indignation proves futile, as staff and police quickly arrive and bring the situation under control.
This incident has come to an end, at least for now.
Indigenous Leader: Cease your words. Outsiders, it's best if you mind your own business.
You: ...
You: (Calm down, calm down... Think of another way to persuade him!)
Unexpected Disturbance[edit | edit source]
The sky grows dark, and the chaos of the mangrove park slowly quiets down.
The burnt smell in the air reminds you of the disaster that this mangrove suffered not long ago.
In such an atmosphere, neither of you are in the mood for fun.
You two have a quick bite by the river and call it a day.
You: I didn't think today would be so eventful.
Marius: Well, so much for our canoeing and mangrove ziplining exploration plan.
In low spirits, Marius draws circles on the ground with a branch.
Images of trees being cut down and forests being set on fire appear in your mind.
You: The trickiest part is convincing those cutting down the forest to stop... What if they keep destroying the mangrove park tomorrow?
Marius: I'll send someone to talk to the person in charge and have them send someone to monitor the situation.
You: Well... This is all we can do for now.
Marius: These are only temporary measures.
Marius: They don't seem to realize that burning forests and cutting down trees are bad things...
You: I have the same feeling... Maybe in their eyes, we're the bad guys for intervening.
Marius: Apparently, they even planted a large field of parrot flowers in the Imana rainforest.
Marius: If I didn't look things up before, I definitely would've thought that parrot flowers were a local herbal panacea.
You: Maybe they really do believe that the flowers they're growing are parrot flowers.
Tambyani's economy is still developing, and the gap between the rich and the poor is concerning.
Any potential short-term gains from deforestation are heavily outweighed by the long-term effects.
Uninhibited deforestation will have a detrimental effect on the environment.
If that's the case, then who knows how much of the forest will be destroyed. What should you do?
You: Why don't we go into the Imana Rainforest and look at the field of flowers they mentioned?
You: We can't confirm the situation based on hearsay... We need to see it for ourselves.
Marius: Sure thing. The train will be stopping near the Imana Rainforest village tomorrow, so we can swing by and check things out.
You: Okay, then it's settled!
You: Marius... Any ideas on what to do?
Marius: Let me think... The train will stop near the Imana Rainforest village tomorrow...
Marius: Why don't we go and look at the field of flowers that they mentioned?
You: True... After all, seeing is believing. Only when we understand the details can we think of a solution.
You: Let's see when we arrive at the rainforest tomorrow!
Slash-and-Burn Crisis[edit | edit source]
Indigenous Leader: I'm warning you: don't touch our parrot flowers or there'll be trouble.
Akha: I've tried to tell you all so many times. What you're growing are not parrot flowers!
Indigenous Leader: It's true just because you say it? Why should we listen to you?!
Indigenous Leader: You outsiders just want to get rid of us so you can grow flowers and make money with the villagers in the forest!
Akha: You people always act so aggressively towards us. How are we supposed to discuss this with you?
Indigenous Leader: We don't want to talk with you! Get lost, now!
As soon as you enter the Imana Rainforest village, you hear shouts arising from a dispute.
You: Akha? He's fighting with the people we ran into yesterday?!
Marius: Oh, what a coincidence... We come to the Imana Rainforest and immediately run into them.
Indigenous Leader: All you scientists do is talk nonsense day in and day out! How else can we make a living?!
Seeing them cut down trees so relentlessly, you and Akha go up and try to stop them.
You: Logging and burning rainforests are serious crimes. Please stop immediately!
Indigenous Leader: You guys again? You outsiders are so annoying!
[Debate]
Indigenous Leader: What we do has nothing to do with you, outsiders!
Because he failed to argue with you, the man starts to glare and shout at you in a rage.
You already prepared yourself to debate with him, but the disturbance fortunately roused the attention of nearby villagers...
More and more people come to intervene, so the group has no choice but to resentfully leave.
They don't seem hurried, as if they are already used to this.
Akha: Mr. von Hagen, Miss [Player], thank you two for your help.
Seeing Akha's grim face... You can tell that what happened today has been troubling him for a long time.
You: What's going on with these people? We also ran into them yesterday...
You tell Akha about what happened yesterday. After he hears your story, his face grows serious.
Akha: They are a group of people that live near Napo Jungle.
Akha: They somehow heard about the parrot flower's medicinal effects, so they've started growing them for profit.
Akha: But the problem is that the plants they're growing aren't even parrot flowers!
Akha: I've explained to them many times, but they don't believe me. They think I'm trying to stop them from making better lives for themselves...
Marius: So what exactly is the flower they're planting?
Akha: It's a common rainforest flower called the parrot plant. It doesn't have any medicinal value.
Akha indignantly points at a large, empty plot in front of him.
Akha: The worst part is that they think growing flowers requires a large amount of land, just like growing wheat or corn...
Akha: That's why they keep cutting down trees in the rainforest for more land.
Akha: Look. All of this used to covered in vegetation, but now it's completely bare...
You: (So this is the large flower field in Imana Rainforest that they mentioned yesterday.)
You: Why are they doing this...?
Akha: To try and make a better life for themselves, of course.
Akha: They generally rely on mining, excavating, and simple handicrafts to make ends meet.
Akha: After hearing that parrot flowers are valuable, they began to plant them in the hopes that they would lead to a better life.
Akha: However, given that what they are planting aren't parrot flowers, not only will this not work out economically, but it'll damage the rainforest's ecosystem and detract from local resources.
Akha: If the rainforest's ecosystem becomes unbalanced, it will be a catastrophic blow to the whole of Tambyani.
You: Akha, what brought you here?
Akha: Ah, I came because I received a call for help from a colleague in Shanya the other day.
Akha: He found some oddly shaped vines in Imana Rainforest and asked me to come and gather information on them.
Akha: I didn't expect to run into those people after coming, though...
Akha: They cut down all the vines we had marked when we weren't watching! Seriously...
Akha looks very upset and keeps sighing.
Akha: The villagers from the rainforest also helped me try to persuade them several times, but it never worked.
Akha: I'm planning on staying in the village for two days to patrol with the villagers and prevent people from damaging the rainforest again.
Marius: This is a real headache...
You: If only we could find a way to resolve this.
You can tell that Akha has been very worried about that group of people lately.
However, patrolling is merely a temporary measure. It'll likely take a long time to truly resolve this situation.
Indigenous Leader: I don't care what you all say. I won't listen to you anyway.
You: (Hmm... What should I do?)
You: (Calm down, relax... Let me think of other ways to convince him!)
New Plan[edit | edit source]
After a long and complicated day, night finally falls on the Imana Rainforest.
A bonfire is lit in the rainforest, far from all the noise. The ember sparks and hum of insects impart a campfire mood upon the surrounding area.
You sit by the bonfire with Marius to talk about what you experienced during the day.
You: So this whole thing just seems to be a massive misunderstanding.
The allure of a quick buck has led people to chop down the rainforest, but the long-term repercussions...
Marius: I'm really not sure what to say.
Cutting down trees and damaging the rainforest is bad for the environment.
But at the same time, you can also understand what's driving people to do so.
They just want to earn money to improve their own quality of living.
However... Rainforests are a finite resource — they won't last forever.
Marius: Even if we stop people this time, others will follow behind them...
Marius: This cycle will keep continuing unless we find a more lucrative and environmentally sustainable solution...
You: ...I understand.
You completely understand what Marius is trying to say, but...
You: I want to do something to help them.
Marius: Quit scowling. You have me here, don't you?
Marius caresses your forehead. The warmth from his fingers radiates onto your skin. Stunned, you look up, your eyes meeting his.
Marius: I saw this quote on a lunar calendar once... "If a problem can be solved with money, then it isn't a problem."
Marius: Everything's fixed if we just think of a way to help them make more money, right?
His silliness dispels the apprehension you were harboring within your heart.
You: Pfft... Where'd you find this kind of calendar?
Marius: The von Hagen family's ancestral calendar.
Marius: Fine, I'll give a real answer.
Marius: Tomorrow, the train will arrive at the Napo Jungle station. Pax built a biological research station there.
Marius: First, let's check out these magical parrot flowers and see just what exactly their medicinal and economic values are.
Marius: If they're really that amazing, it'd be nice if more people could grow it.
You: You mean... combining science with local knowledge to increase sustainability and profitability?
You have a rough idea of what Marius is saying.
Yes, if executed correctly, you might be able to find a way to increase local profits without further damaging the environment.
It shouldn't be hard for Pax to establish a supply chain for mass producing plants.
You: Marius, you're amazing!
Marius doesn't respond. Uncharacteristically, he shakes his head with extreme caution.
Marius: It's just a rough idea. I can't guarantee that it'll be successful.
Marius: That's why I need you to hold your praise for now... After this is over, you can compliment me twice as much.
He winks at you. Moonlight shines through the dense rainforest canopy and illuminates his face, which flickers with the swaying of the boughs above.
From his handsome features, you can see the strength of his determination and calmness.
Napo Jungle Exploration[edit | edit source]
At the Napo Jungle station, you get off the train with Marius and walk along a path towards the biological research station on the outskirts of the jungle.
After walking for 10 minutes, you see a woman dressed in outdoor gear waving at you.
???: Mr. von Hagen, Miss [Player], it's nice to meet you.
???: I'm Leyla Casey, a researcher at the Napo Biological Research Station. Nice to meet you.
You: It's nice to meet you too, Leyla.
Leyla Casey: Yesterday, Mr. von Hagen said that he would be visiting our research station. On behalf of all the staff here, welcome.
Oh? When did Marius say that?
As your confusion grows, you see him smirking proudly beside you.
Marius: We were originally supposed to be here for sightseeing.
Marius: Who would've guessed that we'd get stuck in a pothole on our trip... All we can do is solve that problem first.
You: By the way, any progress on the parrot flower study?
Leyla Casey: Yes. We recently performed a parrot flower growth experiment, and germination was thankfully successful.
Leyla Casey: Let's walk and talk, and I'll introduce the Napo Jungle to you on our way. How does that sound?
You: All right, that would be great.
On the way to the biological research station, Leyla passionately talks to you two.
Leyla Casey: Napo Jungle is truly beautiful.
Leyla Casey: After a busy day at work, we usually head to the jungle to sightsee and relax.
Leyla Casey: Oh, right... There's an indigenous village in the southern part of the jungle...
Leyla Casey: It has some amazing cultural customs. I highly recommend going for a visit, if you have time.
You: What kinds of customs?
Leyla Casey: For example, they prepare a special sour drink for guests.
Leyla Casey: If you finish it in one gulp, they say you'll be recognized by their deities, and you'll receive the villagers' warmest hospitality.
You: (Huh? Sounds kinda exciting...)
Leyla Casey: They also have a fun fishing festival!
Leyla Casey: Every autumn when the fish are at peak growth, they'll have a huge fishing event.
Leyla Casey: The brave participants have to craft their own tools to catch fish in the river...
Leyla Casey: Whoever catches the most fish will be considered the luckiest and most blessed by the gods.
You: Leyla, does the village have any specialty foods? Have you tried them?
Leyla Casey: There's a lot! During my last romp there, I ate a lot of wonderful food.
You: Like what?
Leyla Casey: Well... For example, they have a roast pork that's made by wrapping pork in banana leaves and grilling it over a charcoal fire. It's so good!
Leyla Casey: The fragrance of the banana leaves complements the fatty pork. When you take a bite... Ahh, I'm drooling just thinking about it!
You: (Judging by Leyla's face, it really must be that delicious!)
You: Napo Jungle sounds like a lot of fun!
Leyla Casey: Yeah! The next time you're free, you have to come back for a proper tour. I can show you around the village!
You: Marius, let's go there the next time we're here.
You: We can go to the fishing festival and try the jungle's specialty foods.
Marius: Yeah. I want to win that fishing festival.
You: Sure, sure. I'll cheer you on from the riverbank.
Research Station Visit[edit | edit source]
Accompanied by Leyla, you arrive at the biological research station at the edge of the Napo Jungle.
The Pax Technology logo on the sign in front of the station makes you feel like you're back in Stellis.
You: (Pax is expanding so quickly. In the near future, we may be able to see its logo all over the world.)
Leyla Casey: Look. We cleared this area as an experimental field for growing parrot flowers.
In the experimental area behind the biological research station, you two finally see the famous parrot flower.
You: These are... parrot flowers?
The soft soil is dotted with green, sparsely spread seedlings that appear to have recently sprouted.
No matter how you look at it, it's very different from the rare flower in your imagination.
Leyla Casey: Yes, these are the parrot flowers that we're cultivating.
Regardless of Leyla's affirmative reply, you still can't help but ask questions.
You: Aren't these just sprouts? The parrot flowers aren't here?
Leyla Casey: No. The original parrot flowers are still in the rainforest reserve.
Leyla Casey: We didn't want to damage its root system, so we only collected a few samples to try our hand at artificially growing them.
Leyla Casey: We've had a few twists and turns in the growing process...
Leyla Casey: But good thing we already knew the basics of cultivating the sprouts. Their survival and budding rates are fairly stable.
Marius: Can you give us a simplified explanation of the sprout-growing process?
Leyla Casey: Parrot flowers can only grow well when in a symbiotic relationship with certain rainforest ferns.
Leyla Casey: So we figured out how to blend a special nutrient soil.
Leyla Casey: In the rainforest's humid climate, sprouts usually break soil within seven to 10 days.
Marius: Hmm... Do you think this flower could eventually be grown on a larger scale?
Leyla Casey: It's theoretically possible if the correct techniques are utilized.
You: Can you tell us how you grow them?
Leyla Casey: It's actually not that hard. Parrot flowers can be propagated with the standard cutting method.
Leyla Casey: Our research center is currently developing an improved nutrient solution that will improve our efficiency in growing parrot flowers.
Marius: Are you currently able to validate the medicinal value of parrot flowers?
Leyla Casey: Right now, we can confirm that parrot flowers contain an alkaloid that demonstrates a significant antagonistic effect against autoimmune diseases.
Leyla Casey: I'm sure we'll learn even more after future pharmacological analyses.
Marius: Based on what we know so far, is it safe to say that parrot flowers have economic value?
Leyla Casey: Yes. I'm sure they'll be worth a lot if they can be grown en masse.
Leyla Casey: Of course, everything is in the planning stage and needs to be verified by further experimental data.
Marius: Yeah, about as expected... "Project Growth Support" should work.
Growth support? You recall the project that Marius mentioned yesterday, and your curiosity is piqued again.
As you're about to ask Marius about the project, suddenly a noise comes from outside the research station.
Researcher: Not good, not good. Those people are stirring up trouble again.
Researcher: They heard that we're cultivating parrot flowers, so they're demanding that we give them some of the seedlings!
You: (This again...)
Even after being driven away several times, those people have unexpectedly returned to the Napo Jungle again.
Marius: What are the chances? I've been meaning to look for them...
You: Did you already decide on your plan?
Marius nods and throws you a reassuring smile.
Marius: Yeah. Time to host a lecture about my "plan."
Promised Reward[edit | edit source]
Indigenous Leader: You... Are you serious? Your people wish to work with us?
After hearing Marius's proposal to help with cultivating parrot flowers, the locals grow quiet.
They suspiciously scrutinize you two, who come from beyond the rainforest.
They seem to be trying to understand your reason for proposing such a plan.
Marius: It's true. Why would I lie to you?
Indigenous Leader: I—I don't know. Why would outsiders want to help us?
Marius: Well... I should probably talk about things like environmental protection and preserving ecological balance.
Marius: But I'm too lazy to talk about such serious topics. I just want to tell you all one thing...
Marius: It's not wrong for us to want to live a good life, but we need to work together to leave something for future generations, too.
Indigenous Leader: ...
The villagers go quiet. The previous speaker stares intently at Marius.
Indigenous Leader: Tell us: How do you want to work with us?
Marius: It's simple. We work together, combining local know-how with modern science to understand how to best grow parrot flowers.
Marius: Once the flowers you grow start to gain economic benefit, things should slowly start to get better.
The villagers gather and discuss things in the local language for quite some time.
You: (...Things should be all right.)
After some time, the previous speaker steps forward, seemingly ready to address you.
Indigenous Leader: We... will trust you this time.
Marius: Good. I'll have the head of the biological research station take things from here.
The villagers nod in approval to what Marius said.
You: (We did it!)
While the researcher begins discussions with the locals, Marius tugs your sleeve and looks you in the eyes.
Marius: Miss... What do you think of my solution?
You: It's great. I didn't expect you to solve things so perfectly.
Marius: Does this mean I get double the reward?
Reward? Does he mean your unfinished compliment from last night?
You: Yeah, I have newfound respect for you!
Marius: That's too cliché. No creativity at all.
Marius: For all my efforts, don't I deserve even greater praise...?
Marius puts on a sulking expression and his classic puppy-dog eyes.
You know that he's intentionally doing this as a joke, but you can't help but feel for him just a little.
You: Um... Let's be pragmatic... After we return, I'll take you out for dinner, a movie, and games?
Marius: No, no, that's even more half-assed.
Marius: If you ask me, you can reward me by... coming with me to eat fried fish with grilled ant sauce.
You: Sure th— Wait, grilled what now?
Marius: Fried fish with grilled ant sauce. It's a local specialty.
Marius looks very eager as he repeats his words seriously. He's not messing with you, is he?!
You: That's all you want...?
Marius: I'm serious. It'd be a waste to come all the way here and not try something new, right?
Marius: I remember that the sauce uses ants that are unique to the Napo Jungle...
Marius: It tastes like ginger and lemongrass. It'll go perfectly with arapaima.
Marius: Miss, try it with me, will ya?
You: Looks like we're in this together...
Future of the Reserve[edit | edit source]
The train arrives at the final stop of the journey: the rainforest reserve.
After resolving the interpersonal conflict, you feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
You can finally immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the rainforest and enjoy the comforts of its natural beauty.
Marius: This rainforest is a natural scenic spot. The rare fauna zone and rainforest survey base are up ahead.
Marius: This place is a bit smaller than the currently planned area for the Imana Rainforest's nature reserve...
Marius: There are over 400 kinds of rare plants here. The resources here are no less abundant than in the Imana Rainforest.
Marius introduces the reserve as the two of you walk. He seems to be very familiar with this place.
You: Did Pax also fund the construction of this reserve?
Marius: Yep. It was built about six or seven years ago.
Marius: At that time, Pax had just established its agreement with Tambyani, and we wanted to try something new.
Marius: Because that was established early on, Tambyani made this place a priority area when they were planning their tourism expansion.
You: I see.
You had thought that Pax invested in the nature reserve on a whim, but it has been in the works for a long time.
It appears that Pax will be heavily involved with the nature reserve and rainforest development project for the next several years.
You: Right! You're here because of Imana Rainforest's conservation project, which means...
You: ...Pax is simultaneously investing in two of Tambyani's rainforest conservation projects?
Marius: Yes, but the Imana Rainforest project isn't exactly the same as this one.
Marius: The Imana Rainforest reserve will mainly serve as a tourist attraction and be open to visitors around the world.
Marius: On the other hand... This reserve is mostly focused on academic research and scientific studies.
Marius: Differentiating them will be helpful for future planning and development.
You: Mr. von Hagen, are you at liberty to casually divulge information about the reserve's future plans?
Marius: I technically shouldn't, since they're business secrets. But...
Marius: Since it was you who asked, I can spill a few beans.
Marius: The plan is... I want to make this nature reserve the best in the entire world.
You: That sounds... more like a goal than a plan?
Marius: Goals can be set in advance, but a concrete plan needs to be negotiated with Tambyani representatives. It's hard to say at this stage.
Marius: So this is all I'm able to tell you for now. Trust me, this place is going to be just as great as I envision.
You: Then I hope that your dream becomes reality soon.
Marius: It will.
The corners of his lips curve up charmingly.
Marius: How's that? Any other questions?
Marius: As long as it's something I know, I'll do my best to answer.
You: Then... Mr. von Hagen, could you please introduce the species found in your rainforest reserve?
Marius: Miss, that's outside my area of expertise!
Marius: Let's leave the professional questions to the professionals.
Forest Project Area Exploration[edit | edit source]
Following Marius' footsteps, you walk from the natural scenic spot to the rainforest project area.
Staff: Hello and welcome to the rainforest project area.
Marius: Look, a professional.
As soon as he sees the staff member, Marius winks at you.
Marius: [Player], if there's anything you want to know, you can ask now.
Did he specifically bring you here so that your questions could be answered by a staff member?
You actually had just wanted to tease him a little... You didn't think he'd take things to heart.
You: Hello! I'm curious about the plants and animals in the rainforest. Can you tell me more about them?
Staff: Of course. What do you want to know?
You: I heard there are a lot of beautiful flowers here. Can you tell us about some of them?
Staff: Sure. Most flowers in the rainforest are brightly colored, and one of the prettier ones is...
Staff: I think the Purple Joy water lily is the best-looking one.
You: Are they in bloom now?
Staff: Purple Joy is a valuable water lily with bluish-purple petals. It's a stunning flower.
Staff: But... It only blooms for seven days every summer, so I can't show you any at this time of year.
You: (That's a shame. I'd really love to see them the next time I have a chance.)
You: Oh, I saw some small monkeys in the trees when I came here.
You: Look...
You show the photos on your phone to the staff member.
In the photo, some small, black monkeys are sitting in a row on a tree branch. Their round eyes curiously focus on the humans trekking through the rainforest.
Staff: Oh, those are young spider monkeys. They're unique to our rainforest reserve.
You: Why are they called spider monkeys? They look nothing like spiders.
Staff: Because of their long limbs and how they move among the trees, they resemble large spiders.
You: They're definitely cuter than spiders...
Staff: They may look cute, but this species of spider monkey is actually timid and can get aggressive.
Staff: If you wanna look at spider monkeys, be sure not to get too close.
You: Got it. I'll keep a safe distance between myself and the animals here.
You: The butterflies resting on that tree trunk... Blue morphos?
When you had entered the rainforest reserve, you had noticed some beautifully blue butterflies on a tree trunk.
You finally found a chance to ask about them.
Staff: Yes. That's the Menelaus blue morpho, a common sight in the rainforest.
You: It's so pretty. Marius, look at how shiny its wings are in the sun!
Marius: It sure lives up to its name.
Staff: Their beauty is also one of the things that threaten their survival.
Staff: Before the reserve was set up, many people poached them to sell on the market.
Staff: For a long time, these beautiful butterflies were hardly seen in the rainforest.
You: Good thing the reserve was made...
You: I have a few questions...
Staff: Shoot. I'll tell you anything as long as I know it.
As time goes by, there are more and more things you want to understand.
The staff member's passionate and patient explanations keep you captivated.
You don't know how many questions you've asked or how long you've been talking about the rainforest with them.
You feel like there are so many things about this rainforest and this land waiting to be explored and discovered.
Burning Passion[edit | edit source]
After bidding farewell to the staff in the rainforest project area, Marius secretly takes you into the depths of the forest.
The dense vegetation gradually isolates you from external noise...
In the silence, you feel like there is nothing in the world but the sound of your and Marius' footsteps.
You: Where are we going?
Marius: To the depths of the rainforest reserve.
You: Huh? Isn't this all part of the reserve?
Marius: This reserve is for scientists to conduct investigations and research.
Marius: We're going to the experimental growing area deep in the rainforest. It's a restricted area in the reserve.
Marius sounds like he's presenting some sort of treasure. His voice carries excitement and pride.
If your intuition is correct, there must be some sort of surprise waiting for you in the reserve he mentioned.
Thinking of this, you become excited with anticipation.
You: I'm looking forward to it!
In the depths of the rainforest, the vegetation and boughs simultaneously open up like curtains...
The true experimental growing reserve comes into view.
A splendidly colorful tree is in bloom, its light purple and pink petals resemble parrots perching on the branches with their wings outspread.
A miracle of nature manifests into reality in front of you.
Marius: Look, these are real parrot flowers. Beautiful, huh?
You: They deserve their name. They're gorgeous.
From a distance, you carefully observe the parrot flowers from different angles, being sure to take in all their details.
Marius: Unfortunately, we only have one precious tree right now. You can only look at it.
Marius: Once the technology to cultivate it becomes more developed... I want to showcase it to the world so more people can see it.
Marius: That way, more people will visit the rainforest to enjoy its scenery.
The rainforest is a treasure trove, rich in resources. In the past, people only plundered from it.
What Marius wants to do is the exact opposite...
He wants people from all over to better understand it so they can invest resources into such a hidden gem.
His ideas are creative and fresh. Maybe this is part of Marius's personal charm.
You: Can I take some pictures as a souvenir?
Marius: Sure. Take as many as you want.
You take up your camera and start adjusting your shooting angle.
It's hard enough to focus inside the rainforest due to the dim lighting, let alone with Marius messing with you.
You: Stop it... You're blocking the light.
Marius: Fine, I'll leave you alone. I'll go take pictures from the other side.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Marius walking to the other side. He's pointing something directly at you...
He wants to take a picture of you? Hmph, as if you'll let him.
You quickly get up and aim your camera at Marius before he can react.
You: Marius, smile!
His camera, poised and ready to shoot, and his handsomely sharp features, tinged with surprise; a single shot captures it all.
You: Haha, what a nice shot. Definitely keeping it.
Marius: Can I take a look?
Marius goes around the tree and looks at the photo you took, head tilted.
You: Look, I caught you in the middle of your crime.
Marius: ...Miss, you cheated!
Marius: What crime? You're the one who took a pic of me, all right?
You: As if. I took the high ground.
Marius: Anyway, it's my turn now!
Marius takes the camera from your hand and stands at a distance away from you and the parrot flowers.
Marius: Look at the camera.
From the other side of the flowering tree, he holds up the camera and does a little wiggle, copying the words you had just said to him.
Marius: [Player], smile!
Marius: ...One, two, three, cheese.
You: Cheese.
He looks at you with ardent passion. The dazzling light in his bright eyes draws you in.
After being dumbstruck by such a brilliant moment, you laugh out loud with him.
Amma Savanna (Luke's Route)[edit | edit source]
Special Plan[edit | edit source]
You: Where should I go...
The sun warms the house on a lovely afternoon. You bask in the sun as you browse through travel guidebooks with Luke on the sofa.
After having closed a few big cases this year, a period of peace has finally graced the law firm.
Celestine had arranged for everyone to go on a holiday to rest and recover.
Luke: It's such a hard-earned vacation. How about we take a trip to somewhere far?
You: Agreed. I just don't really have any destination in mind.
You want to make good use of such a hard-earned vacation, but despite flipping through a variety of travel guides, nothing really stood out to you.
Luke: [Player], do you want to go to Tambyani?
You: Why the sudden mention of Tambyani? It sounds like a very remote location...
Your impression of Tambyani was of a remote tropical country where people seldom visited.
Luke: There's a new scenic rail tour in Tambyani where you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful savanna just by riding on the train.
Luke tells you about it while flipping through the travel guidebooks.
Luke: There will be free time at each stop. We can choose to participate in the activities we're interested in.
You: Sounds interesting!
You: Let me see... The package includes a savanna culture experience, and you can also experience what it's like to be a native there... Oh! They even have animal interactions!
The tropical savanna, filled with a wide variety of wildlife, and brilliant native cultures...
You are instantly drawn by the novelty of the idea and are suddenly filled with anticipation.
You: Let's go on this scenic rail tour in Tambyani!
Luke: As always, just leave the travel planning to me! All you have to do is to wait and enjoy this holiday of yours!
After deciding on the destination, together you take the plane to Tambyani.
You: ...We're finally here.
The plains roast under the scorching sun and the warm wind breezes past your cheeks, bringing with it the smell of earth.
This place was completely different from the usual hustle and bustle of the city.
You: When can we see the savanna, Luke?
You: I want to see elephants, antelopes, and giraffes!
Luke: Be patient. According to the schedule, the train will only stop near the actual savanna on the second day.
Luke plops a straw hat on your head.
Luke: Put on the straw hat. Don't get sunburned.
Luke: Also, be sure to follow closely after me during our free time later. Otherwise...
You: Okay, okay. I've got it. You've said this multiple times on the plane.
You: I'll follow you closely, Mr. Tour Guide. Don't worry, yeah?
Luke: I promise to give you the best and most comfortable vacation, my Watson.
Luke looks at the travel plan on his phone, which he made with you before the trip.
You suddenly think of something important as he browses through the plan.
You: By the way, didn't you get a case? Shall we ask around and see if there's any information we can glean?
While you were making travel plans, a small incident happened.
A rich businessman hired Luke to find the whereabouts of a precious golden diamond.
He paid a large deposit to a mining company for it, only for the person in charge to disappear upon receiving the lump sum.
Worried that he'd been conned, the businessman was driven to desperation and had no choice but to ask Luke to help him find the diamond.
And it just so happens that the place where the diamond went missing is our destination, Tambyani.
Luke: Nah, no worries. I'm still waiting for the client to send me the details.
Luke: So let's talk about the case later and stick to our travel plans.
Luke: C'mon. Let's enjoy the holiday.
You: Yeah, you're right.
You: ...Is this the station where the rail trip starts?
The train station roof is supported by steel while the glass roof ensures the platform is lit up by the ample sunlight filtering in.
The sun shines in through the glass, casting a halo on the crowd of bustling tourists down below.
A faint whistle is accompanied by a rhythmic tremor, which immediately piques the curiosity of the tourists, making heads turn.
Everyone is looking forward to the start of this journey, and so are you.
You: (I didn't expect the station to look this stunning.)
Luke: The train's here. It will depart in 60 minutes, which means we have an hour of free time to spare.
Luke: What do you want to do?
You: Any suggestions, Mr. Tour Guide?
Luke: Well... We can visit the villages outside the station or the dining area on the train. It's your call.
You: Let's go for a walk in the village. We can experience the local customs.
Luke: I remember there's a Tambyani snack made of cassava in this village. It's quite famous. We can try it.
You: Oh... Is that also part of your plans?
Luke: The more detailed a travel plan, the better.
Luke: We can just come back before the train leaves. The timing is perfect. Let's go.
You: Okay!
You: Let's get on the train and settle the luggage first so that we can walk around in peace.
You: According to the guide you wrote, there are some delicious pepper scones served on the train. Shall we go try it out?
Luke: I heard the pepper scones are best served with black pepper sauce. Let's order a black pepper grill platter too.
You: Let's go! Let's execute our gourmet plan!
And this is how your Tambyani train ride tour officially starts.
Shanya Encounter[edit | edit source]
The broad and simple streets with short and sturdy wooden cottages constitute the first scenic landscape to greet your eyes.
There are people of different skin tones and dress walking on the street.
As the central city of Tambyani, Shanya City feels very inclusive.
Luke: Our first stop. Where do you want to start?
You were already thinking about this on the train.
There were too many scenic spots listed in the online guide. It's impossible to do everything in one day.
Why don't you ask a local? That might make things easier.
You: Shall we ask the locals and see what they'd recommend?
Luke: Sure. There is a tourist center up ahead. Let's head there.
When you walk into the tourist center, a middle-aged tour guide in a vest receives you.
Tour Guide: Hello, what can I do for you?
He's looks very serious, but his tone is welcoming enough.
You: Hello. Can you give us some travel advice?
Tour Guide: Sure. Where do you want to go? I can give you some recommendations.
You: Can you tell us about some popular special attractions in Shanya?
Tour Guide: There are so many! The Artificial Beach, Folk Custom Street, Shanya Museum, and the Recreational Business District... They're all fantastic.
Tour Guide: But I think the Folk Custom Street and the Shanya Museum are the most unique ones here.
You: Is there anything fun to do on Folk Custom Street?
Tour Guide: There are lots of local cultural activities that you can experience along with many traditional souvenir stores. That place is an absolute blast, and it's very educational.
You: Sounds great. Luke, How about we go check it out later?
Luke: Sure. Let's get some souvenirs while we're at it.
You: Mm-hmm. Can't leave without one.
Luke: Is there a... culture and art exhibition of ancient Tambyani at the Shanya Museum?
Tour Guide: Yes. It sounds like you've done quite a bit of homework.
Tour Guide: The museum was only built about two years ago. In addition to culture and art, there are also quite a number of precious ancient fossils on display in the museum.
Tour Guide: They are all owned by Tambyani, and have never been in a public exhibition before.
Tour Guide: Don't miss your chance to have a look. It would be a tragedy to miss it!
You: Awesome. We'll go later.
You: Are there any must-try foods in Shanya?
Tour Guide: Yes, we have a lot of food that you can't find anywhere else.
Tour Guide: The ostrich sausage, chowder stew and the like are all quite tasty. I'm sure you'll like them.
You: You can use ostrich meat for sausages?
Tour Guide: Yes. We make ostrich sausages in every household here.
Tour Guide: People hailing from other places never seem to have eaten ostrich meat, so you definitely can't miss out on it while you're here.
Tour Guide: The skewers, sausages, and ostrich stir-fry are all delicious!
You: My stomach's starting to growl after hearing him talk about all that food.
Luke: So is mine. Let's try some ostrich sausage later!
Luke: I've seen recommendations for the chowder stew online while making our travel plans. It's pretty popular, isn't it?
Tour Guide: Of course. It's one of the most famous dishes in Tambyani!
Tour Guide: We use a special stew pot to stew the carbs, meat, and vegetables together.
Tour Guide: Not only does it taste rich, but the original flavors and nutrients of the food are preserved as well as they come!
Tour Guide: You can't miss out on it!
You: I can't wait to try it!
Tour Guide: Do you have any more questions?
You: That's all. Thank you.
Tour Guide: You are welcome. Oh, by the way...
Tour Guide: This is a tourist map of Tambyani. The locations I mentioned are all marked here. You can use it as a reference.
You look at the map the guide hands you, on which the popular attractions near the train route are marked.
It'd be more convenient follow the route marked out on the map.
You: Thank you. I'll check out the attractions according to this map!
Tour Guide: Haha, have fun!
The Native Legend[edit | edit source]
???: Let me tell you, the golden diamond is our priceless treasure. Its power...
Just as you walk into the Folk Custom Street to shop for some souvenirs at a stand selling traditional Tambyani trinkets...
You overhear the merchant from the next stand talking to tourists.
You: Golden diamond?
This keyword which is related to Luke's case instantly catches your attention.
You tug on Luke's arm, signaling him to go have a look at the neighboring jewelry stand.
Luke: Hello, excuse me. What's the priceless treasure you were talking about? Can you tell us more about it?
Accessory Merchant: Sure thing.
You: Can you show us the Golden Diamond you just mentioned?
Accessory Merchant: You misunderstand. I wasn't talking about a real diamond, but a legend.
Accessory Merchant: Long, long ago, the God of Amma granted Tambyani a golden diamond.
Accessory Merchant: The mysterious diamond transformed the land, originally a desert, into a prosperous and fertile one. It was a treasure gifted to this land.
Accessory Merchant: That's why the people here worship the God, Amma.
Accessory Merchant: The indigenous people also wear jewelry that look like diamonds to honor their gods.
You: So the Golden Diamond is just a legend...
Accessory Merchant: Yeah. The customer over there asked me for some stories, so I picked this one.
You: (Looks like I misunderstood him... )
Luke: Is the God you mentioned the creator of Tambyani?
Luke: We saw the sculpture of Amma when visited Shanya Museum. earlier.
Accessory Merchant: That's right. Holy Amma is our most revered deity and has been worshipped by the indigenous people for generations.
Accessory Merchant: Oh, right. The largest grassland in Tambyani is also named after the God, Amma.
You: (Amma Savanna? So that was where the name Amma came from.)
You: I heard that... the indigenous people here are very kind to visitors!
You: Is it true that they perform a special dance to welcome their guests?
Accessory Merchant: That's true. Tambyani people are born hospitable.
Accessory Merchant: Whenever people come to visit the village, they will put on special straw skirts and dance around the guests.
Accessory Merchant: If you are interested, you can also put on a traditional straw skirt and dance with them.
You: (Sounds fun. I definitely have to get Luke to try that with me.)
You: Are there any indigenous villages nearby?
Accessory Merchant: There are several indigenous villages in Amma Savanna. If you're going to the savanna later, you can visit them.
Accessory Merchant: I'm sure you'll love it there.
Luke: Great. We'll go there later if we have time.
You: Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Accessory Merchant: Not at all. You're welcome.
Accessory Merchant: Honestly, we love foreign tourists. It's only when the streets are bustling with them that there's some fun around this place!
Interesting News about Diamonds[edit | edit source]
The night breeze ruffles your hair, bringing a slight chill to the sun-roasted earth.
You tentatively set foot on the wet sand, letting the cool seawater come up to your ankle to relieve your fatigue.
You: This wind feels so nice... I didn't know that Shanya had such a wonderful artificial beach.
Luke: So? Satisfied with today's safari service?
You: Very. Mr. Tour Guide, you've outdone yourself.
You: Shanya is much livelier than I imagined. No wonder it's the heart of Tambyani.
You: The trinkets in the handicraft shop were all very interesting. I couldn't decide which one to pick.
You: I wonder we'll get to see at the Amma Savanna tomorrow.
Luke: I'm guessing that it'll be an unforgettable view of the great open savanna!
Luke: By the way, I've checked the route...
Luke: Tomorrow, We'll be seeing the great migration first before going to the cultural experience event in a nearby village.
You: Sounds good.
There's no need to worry about the itinerary nor the destinations whenever you travel with Luke.
All you have to do is to follow him, and you'll be able to see the best views and have the time of your life. This time will be no exception.
But for some reason... you suddenly remember the legend that the locals told you during the day.
Is there any connection between the legendary golden diamond they spoke of and Luke's case?
You: Luke, have you seen the photos of the actual object when you accepted the case?
You: That... golden diamond. What does it actually look like?
Luke: That diamond has very high clarity with nearly no natural blemishes. It's clear, golden, and very beautiful.
Luke: Well... The businessman was very cautious. He didn't give me a photo.
Luke: Otherwise, I'd have shown it to you.
You: How mysterious...
You: Is it the same one that people call "the divine diamond that brings endless wealth?"
You're aware that it may sound absurd, but they were both "golden" diamonds for all sakes and purposes.
It's only natural to make this connection...
Luke: That could also be a possibility... hmm...
Luke: Let's go ask the villagers about it when we go to the Amma Savanna tomorrow.
Luke: Maybe we'll discover something new.
You: Yeah. I hope we can find some new clues.
The Charming Savanna[edit | edit source]
The next day, the train arrives at the Amma Savanna.
You and Luke go straight to the animal reserve to listen to the guide talk about various savanna animals while sitting in the sightseeing car.
The endless savanna, the boundless mountains, and the large variety of wild animals immediately conquer the city girl in you.
After seeing the great migration, you and Luke visit the indigenous village near the savanna.
As soon as you enter the village, the guide responsible for receiving tourists greets you warmly.
Guide: Welcome to the village. Please feel free to come talk to me if you need anything.
You: Okay. Thank you.
You: Do you have any recommendations for where we could go to have fun?
Guide: The indigenous villages run some excellent eco-friendly tours.
Guide: The off-road jeep adventures and the straw weaving activity are both popular and highly rated.
Guide: Oh, the ceramic handicrafts of the natives here too. They're a hit with the masses.
Guide: If you want some souvenirs, that's your best bet.
You: The handicrafts here are super famous! I saw lots of people recommending them when I was surfing the net for travel guides.
Guide: Yeah. The people of Tambyani put their desire and passion for a better life into the crafts they make.
Guide: So, their works are not only beautiful crafts, but also part of a spiritual legacy!
Guide: I'm sure you'll love it.
You: Luke, let's go check it out later, shall we?
Luke: Sounds good to me. We can get some nice crafts as souvenirs.
Luke: Can you tell me more about the off-road jeep adventure?
Guide: Sure.
Guide: We offer a jeep rental service for those who want to experience how it's like to drive and explore the savanna.
Guide: There are no lanes, no traffic lights, and no signs on the open savanna, so you can drive however you please.
Guide: So everyone's guaranteed to enjoy the joy of speed.
Luke: Sounds fun.
You: (Luke seems to be interested in it. I should try it out with him later!)
You: Is the straw weaving activity... where we can make our own accessories?
Guide: Straw weaving is a traditional Tambyani craft that involves making a variety of accessories out of tough straw.
Guide: We have invited a craftsman to explain the weaving process.
Guide: Anyone interested can go there and learn how to make whatever trinkets you love.
You: Will it be difficult?
Guide: Straw hats, bracelets, and belts are easy to make. I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time at all.
The Rumor of the Mine[edit | edit source]
After the off-road jeep adventure, you take Luke to the grass weaving area to challenge his handicraft skills.
With the weaver's detailed explanation and the help of Luke's exceptional dexterity...
In just one hour, an exquisite straw necklace is complete.
You: Luke, Luke, what do you think of my handiwork?
Luke: Beautiful. Straw necklaces are very unique. It matches the savanna perfectly.
Luke: Well, why don't you put it on? I'll take a couple of shots for you!
Just as you're about to agree, the weaver shakes her head from the sidelines.
Handicraftsman: Would you like to choose a pendant to go with the necklace?
Handicraftsman: The diamonds in Tambyani are mined by the natives here. It's both affordable and very stunning.
This necklace is already beautiful in its own right without the addition of a pendant.
The weaver probably only mentioned it to earn a little more cash.
You: Thank you, but I think...
You are just about to decline her offer when you suddenly think of something.
People like her, who deal with jewelry every day, should be well-informed about the information circulating in the gem industry, right?
Maybe she'd know something about "golden diamond."
Luke: Hi. May I ask you a few questions?
As expected, Luke has the same idea. He asks before you do.
Handicraftsman: Sure. Go ahead.
Luke: You said Tambyani's diamonds were all dug out of mines by the natives themselves...
Luke: So... Have they ever dug up a large golden diamond?
Luke uses his fingers to give a rough approximation of the diamond's size. The weaver seems shocked.
Handicraftsman: There's no way such a large diamond exists. You're kidding, aren't you?
It looks like she's clueless about it... You ponder for a brief moment before deciding to change the subject.
You: How many large diamond mines are there in Tambyani?
Handicraftsman: Just one. Kulu Mine. It's in the northern part of the Amma Savanna and it's the largest mine in all of Tambyani.
Handicraftsman: The diamonds we use for pendants here are bought from the Kulu Mine.
You: The Kulu Mine's mining facility... must be pretty big, right?
Handicraftsman: Yes. It's also the biggest mining facility in Tambyani.
Handicraftsman: Many of the indigenous people in Amma Savanna work there. In fact, they depend on it for a living.
Handicraftsman: The life of a miner is... not an easy one...
Handicraftsman: *Sigh* If not for the money, neither one of them would be willing to do such risky work.
You: Risky?
You: Why is it risky?
Handicraftsman: Ugh. Well, that all boils down to how they treat the workers. They're always pushing miners to work overtime...
Handicraftsman: One of my friends works there, and he said that there was a protest some time ago.
You: A protest? Why?
Handicraftsman: I wasn't given the nitty-gritty about it, but I suppose it was largely due to the pay.
Handicraftsman: *Sigh* That mine always deducts workers' wages at a drop of the hat, which enrages the miners, of course.
You: How is your friend? Did he suffer any drawbacks from it?
Handicraftsman: He was definitely going through a rough patch in life. I hear he got injured and is now recuperating at home.
You: Is your friend one of the indigenous people here?
Handicraftsman: He is. His name is Gerry. He lives in a village barely a stone's throw away from Tambyani National Park.
Handicraftsman: You may come across him if you go to Tambyani National Park.
You: Does the mine sell diamonds directly to the public?
Handicraftsman: Yes. Kulu Mine has its own sales channels.
Handicraftsman: Vendors at scenic spots like this have it easy when getting goods from the mines.
Handicraftsman: Well, you've asked a good many questions, so how about choosing a pendant?
You: Hmm, let me see...
The weaver doesn't seem interested in saying anymore and awkwardly changes the subject.
Hence, you casually pick out a simple pendant and leave the straw weaving zone with Luke.
Haze of the Mines[edit | edit source]
The beautiful view of the savanna is unforgettable, but the villagers' words are a little unsettling.
After hearing what the villagers have to say, this supposedly relaxing trip is starting to feel a little of a burden.
You couldn't imagine all the things that were happening in this land, and all the things that were still unknown...
You: Luke, is the train going to arrive at Tambyani National Park station tomorrow?
Luke: Yeah. There's a big wildlife reserve over there. Oh right... I think there's also an elephant orphanage nearby.
Luke: I want to take you to the animal reserve. We can ride horses together if time allows.
You: How far... is it from the native tribe the villagers spoke of?
Luke: Um... They were not far from the National Park the last time I checked. Just a little of a detour.
Luke: The village is north of the station and the reserve is to the south together with the park... It'd be time-consuming to go to both.
You: It is a bit of a pain... but I still want to visit the native tribe.
You: Maybe we can find the injured miner and ask him about the Kulu mine.
Luke: I'm sorry...
Luke grows serious.
You: Why are you suddenly apologizing?
Luke: You've been frowning ever since we talked to the villagers... You must be thinking about the Kulu mine, right?
Luke: I brought you here to relax. I didn't mean to... worry you like this.
Faced with Luke's piercing gaze, a bitter warmth arises from within your heart.
He's starting to worry again.
He's like a wall, strong and sturdy, sheltering you from the wind and rain.
You are content to be protected by him, but you don't want him to shoulder all the burden on his own...
Maybe you should say something to make him understand your feelings...
You: I'm not worried about this at all. On the contrary, I'm very happy.
You: The purpose of our trip is to relax. But while that's true, I want to solve this problem with you.
Luke: But...
Luke maintains his serious demeanor, seemingly thinking of how to refute you. You quickly try to convince him.
You: Detective Pearce, your case is no longer something as simple as finding a missing diamond anymore.
You: If the miners have been unfairly treated, then it is our responsibility to investigate.
You: You want me to solve this problem with you, don't you?
Luke: I do. But... I just don't want this to affect your mood on this trip.
Luke: This was supposed to be a personal trip, yet it suddenly turned into an investigation field trip. I feel like...
You: Don't. We are just doing some investigation on the side. It won't take long either.
You: We still have lots of time for sightseeing after the investigation!
Luke: Man... I can never win against you.
Luke: Okay. Let's go visit the native tribe tomorrow.
You: Yeah. Let's do that!
You: Hey, I see someone with insane wrinkles between their brows.
Luke: Who?
You: You.
You extend your hand to caress Luke's eyebrows. He widens his eyes, stunned at your action.
Luke: !!!
You: I mean, you're the one who's worried, no?
You: Were you thinking about investigating this on your own so that it doesn't affect our trip?
Luke: I...
Seeing how he looks like a deer caught in headlights, you know that you've hit the bullseye.
You: I'm not gonna sit by and let that happen. I'll obviously have to take on some challenges if I'm to be journeying with Detective Pearce.
You: I've decided to work with you on this case.
Luke: What if we get into danger...
You: I've got you with me. With you here, I'm sure we can deal with any kind of danger.
You: Peanut, don't you agree?
Peanut, the myna perched on the tree, spreads and flutters its wings. It tweets briefly as if responding to you.
You: See? Peanut says yes.
Luke: I can't argue with you. Fine...
Luke: My Watson, let's solve this savanna mystery together!
You: Yeah! Now we're talking!
The Truth[edit | edit source]
It is still sunny on the third day, brilliant weather for sightseeing.
After enjoying a rich local breakfast spread, the train arrives at the Tambyani National Park.
According to the route you planned, you arrive at Gerry's house in the village after being guided by one of the villagers.
You: Hello, are you Mr. Atkins?
Gerry Atkins: Who... Who are you guys?
The indigenous young man watches you cautiously, his arms hanging unnaturally at his side as if they were injured.
Looks like the person standing before you is just who you're looking for.
You: We met your friend in Amma village yesterday. She's worried about you and asked us to check on you.
You think for a moment, and find a plausible excuse.
As expected, Gerry seems to drop his guard.
Gerry Atkins: I didn't know she cared about me that much... Don't worry. My injury's nothing that serious.
Gerry Atkins: I'm almost recovered after resting for two days. I'll be able to go back to the mine in a few days.
Luke: By the way, your friend told us that something happened in the mine recently... What happened exactly?
Gerry Atkins: Oh, how could she...! She told you everything?
You: Since we already know of it, why don't you tell us about what's going on at the mine you work at?
Gerry Atkins: It's nothing, really. Some miners just got into a fight with the manager the other day.
Gerry Atkins: To the mine, we're nothing but robots. We work tirelessly for little pay, digging for diamonds all day and night.
Gerry Atkins: I doubt there's a single soul out here who could bear it.
Gerry Atkins: Besides, the mine owners are the ones to blame for this.
Gerry Atkins: Not long ago, a miner named Mark dug up a huge golden diamond.
Gerry Atkins: Mark thought that he was going to be rich and couldn't help bragging about it. But who knew that he'd... *Sigh*
In Jeremy's twisted and winding story, a key point sticks out to you.
You: Huh? What happened to Mark?
Gerry Atkins: He thought that he could finally live a good life after having found such a big diamond...
Gerry Atkins: But the mine snatched the diamond and claimed it for their own without giving him a single cent of the bonus that they owed him.
Gerry Atkins: Mark got so angry that he started arguing and yelling at the head of the mine. He grabbed the diamond amidst the chaos and leaped off the cliff behind the mining facility...
You: Oh my...
You: How big was the golden diamond that Mark dug up?
Gerry Atkins: I think it was about as big as my palm.
Gerry Atkins: I'm not bragging. I've never seen a diamond that big in my life.
You: (Sounds like this could actually be the golden diamond from Luke's case.)
Gerry Atkins: Hey, don't go spreading rumors. Else, I...
Gerry hesitates, but just as he's about to continue, a gruff voice comes from behind him.
???: What nonsense are you spouting!?
A young man who doesn't look like a local marches up to you with a group of people.
Panic flashes across Gerry's face upon seeing him, and he ducks his head.
You: And you are...?
???: I've warned you, don't tell anyone else about this! Are you trying to break the rules!?
The person marches up to Gerry, ignoring you and Luke.
???: Come with me. Now!
Seeing that the person was about to take Gerry away, Luke immediately steps in to stop the man.
Luke: Stop.
???: I'm just talking to my people from the mine. What are you trying to do?
Gerry Atkins: Well... This is our manager... at the mine.
Gerry looks panicked, as if he is terrified of the manager.
You: You don't have the right to take anyone away.
Mining Boss: Ha! What happens in the mine is none of your business!
[Debate]
Mining Boss: Hmph, I can't waste time talking to you.
Mining Boss: Come on, Gerry. Your sick leave is over. Time to return to the mine, won't you say?
The manager firmly grabs onto Gerry's arm as if afraid that you'd snatch him right out of his grasp.
Gerry Atkins: ...
You: Wait!
Before you can say anything, the manager has already taken Gerry into his jeep.
You can't do anything other than watch the car drive away.
Gerry Atkins: Do you have anything else to say? Humph, I've told you this is none of your business!
You: (Dang...)
You: (No. I need to calm down... Let me think, I must be able to think of something to refute him!)
Weight of the Truth[edit | edit source]
You: ...
You stand in the savanna, basking in the light of the setting sun. You hang your head and let out a sigh, voicing your woes of being unable to spare the time to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Tambyani National Park.
Luke: Still thinking about what happened during the day?
You: Yeah. I didn't expect that many people to be involved with the disappearance of the golden diamond.
Luke: The mining company wanted to make a fortune out of the diamond that the miner, Mark, dug up...
Luke: But, Mark had a conflict with the company and ended up falling off the cliff with the diamond in tow. He disappeared after.
Luke: The diamond deal broke down without the diamond and the mine manager fled with the deposit.
You: I wonder what happened to Mark and about the whereabouts of the golden diamond now...
Luke: According to our leads, no one knows where the golden diamond or Mark is. This makes things harder...
You: Many people are involved in the exploitation of the miners in this mine... This means that there should be a lot of hidden information that we can unearth.
Luke: It's unfortunate that Gerry was taken away by the mine manager. If we had the chance to talk with him some more...
You: I know, right? The manager came at such a bad timing... Right when we were asking about the key points!
Luke: He clearly knew everything that happened in the native village like the back of his hand.
You: You mean... He's watching the village?
Luke: To be exact, he's trying to cover up the truth and find out the current whereabouts of the golden diamond.
Luke picks a flat area on the grassland and pulls you down to sit. He then analyzes the situation with you.
Luke: There are two reasons why the mine manager keeps an eye on the miners.
Luke: First, to stop the miners from leaking anything outside the mine and causing an escalation of public opinions.
Luke: Second, to stop the miners from colluding with one another, harboring Mark, or secretly transferring the diamond.
You: That's why the mine manager forcibly took Gerry away the instant he noticed that we were asking about the golden diamond...
You: He must be afraid that Gerry tattled to us, right?
Luke: I suppose he thinks that we're the biggest threat to him.
You feel a little disturbed when you think about how aggressive the mine manager looked before he left...
Oh no. He's not going to do anything to Gerry, is he?
You: *Sigh* If only we have evidence to prove that the mine has violated the local labor law.
Luke: Yes! I have a solution that might work!
Luke opens the train route map on his phone and taps the red dot on the screen with his finger.
It shows the route that the train will be taking tomorrow. The name "Kulu Mine" stands out starkly.
Luke: Tomorrow, the train will stop near the Kulu Mine. There's a mine garden located very close to the diamond mine.
Luke: Then, we can use sightseeing as an excuse to look around near the mine.
You: Great. If we find any actual evidence, we can report it to the local police!
Luke: Then let's make that our schedule for tomorrow.
You: Yeah! I'm sure the lawbreakers will pay for what they have done!
Kulu Exploration[edit | edit source]
The train stops near the Kulu mine. But scaling the mountain is not as easy as you thought.
You take a detour by going around the mine and arriving at the nearby garden...
Luke: ...The trails here are quite complicated.
You: What's wrong? Is there a problem?
Luke: I was going to go around the entrance to see if I could get into the mine from the side...
Luke: But now, it seems like this route is much further than I thought. The GPS isn't very accurate in the mountains.
You: How about we take a break? We can conserve our strength and find another route.
Luke: Yeah. I think a break is in order.
Just as you are going to sit down on the lawn for a break...
???: Why is daddy not here yet...? He does this all the time...
The voice of a little boy catches your attention.
You turn around to see a little boy sitting on the grassland, uninterestedly batting a straw-woven ball to and fro.
You: What's wrong, little buddy?
Boy: I'm waiting for my dad. Why isn't he back from the mountains yet? He promised to play with me after work...
Boy: *Sob* Actually, I haven't seen him for a long time...
You and Luke share a look, mutually realizing that you've found a breakthrough.
You: Hey buddy, does your dad work in the mine? What's his name?
You: We're headed to the mine. Maybe we will see your dad there.
Boy: My dad's name is Mark. He's a really, really, good miner.
Boy: You wouldn't believe all the pretty rocks he's found, and he always says that they're worth lots of money.
Boy: But dad hasn't been home for days for some reason.
Boy: I like my dad more than the pretty rocks...
Mark is his dad!?
You freeze in place, unable to form the right words.
Luke gently pats your shoulder and then carries on the conversation for you.
Luke: Your dad must be very busy all the time, right?
Boy: Yes. Dad is always very busy...
Boy: He has to work late in the mines every day, and sometimes, he doesn't come home for a few days in a row.
Boy: But, it's my birthday today... Dad said he'll come home to spend time with me... So why is he not here yet...
Luke: Do you know how to get to your dad's mine?
Boy: Yeah. Through that path back there!
Boy: It leads to the back door of the mining area.
Boy: But dad tells me not to go there... So I have to wait for him here.
You: (There's a path! I wouldn't have noticed that in a million years if he didn't tell us.)
You: (Thank goodness we asked, otherwise we'd be stuck walking in circles forever.)
Boy: *Sob* Daddy...
You: Don't worry. We'll help you find out where your father is when we get to the mines later.
Boy: Really? Miss, you wouldn't lie to me, would you?
You: Of course not. I promise.
Luke: Don't worry. You have my word. Once I see your father, I'll tell him to come home as soon as possible.
Boy: Okay! You're both such nice people! I'll wait here for my Daddy to come home.
The little boy smiles innocently. There's nothing but hope and anticipation written on his face.
Your heart remains heavy even as you walk down the path and the little boy disappeared from sight.
You: Luke, we must make sure to find Mark.
Luke holds your hand in his. The warmth gradually spreads from his palm onto yours.
Luke: Of course. We will find him.
You subconsciously grip onto Luke's hand like a lifeline, as if it can calm you down.
Mine Visit[edit | edit source]
Following the route that the boy told you about, you successfully enter Kulu Mine from the back door.
It's very busy in the mine. Everyone is working monotonously and emotionlessly, just like robots at a factory's conveyor belt.
Most of the miners are unfazed when they hear about why you're here.
But there is still a small handful of them who are willing to tell you what happened in whispered conversations.
Miner A: I wouldn't be able to withstand another day here if it weren't for a fact that I have to support my family as the breadwinner.
Miner B: We have no life outside of work. It's really depressing.
Miner A: Everyone here knows about what happened with Mark, but none of us dare talk about it.
Miner A: Yeah. If we leak word of that out, then we'd lose all our wages.
Miner A: You might not know, but they have people watching us our every move daily after that incident with Mark.
Miner B: Right. Didn't Gerry get dragged back the other day...? *Sigh*
More and more miners start joining the conversation... Perhaps because they rarely get the chance to talk between themselves.
From there, it snowballed as the miners brought up one unfair treatment after another.
You carefully record every piece of useful information they speak of. Suddenly, someone storms up angrily to you.
Mining Boss: Who let you guys in!? Get out of here!
[Debate]
You: We've got evidence that this mine has broken the law. You may as well give up.
Mining Boss: Hmph! So what? I have the final say here.
Luke: Not necessarily. Stop struggling. You'll get caught sooner or later for your illegal acts.
Luke: I've already told the police about what happened in the mine and how the miners reacted before you showed up.
Luke waves his phone, which displays his previous call history with the local police from just 10 minutes ago.
Luke: The police will be here at any minute now. You can save anything you have to say for them.
The mine manager's expression instantly does a whole 360.
10 minutes later, the police arrive and takes him away, promising that this will be resolved soon.
The miners could hardly believe what's happening. They gather in a group once the police leave the premises.
Miner A: Gosh, is this for real? The police just said that they'd send someone here to supervise our mine?
Miner B: ...I must be dreaming. Did they just say that they'd get us the unpaid wages that the mine owes us all!?
You: It's all true, so rest assured.
Miner B: I just didn't expect.... this to happen all in one day. It's like a dream. come true!
Miner A: Thank you. Thank you so much.
Luke: You're welcome. We haven't done much, really.
You: By the way, I still have some questions... Can we talk more about this?
Miner A: Certainly. Ask away! I'll tell you whatever I know.
You: Did you guys go looking for Mark after that?
Miner A: Yes, we did. We searched every nook and cranny under the cliff, but we never found him. There wasn't a single trace of his being there.
Miner A: *Sign* ...Who knows what happened to him.
Miner A: We couldn't stray too far to look for him because the mine was keeping a close eye on everything.
Miner A: Honestly, the cliff he jumped off wasn't particularly high either. Plus, there's a river under it, so he should be fine...
You: (That means Mark is most likely still alive.)
You: Where was the spot where Mark jumped off?
Miner A: It's near the newly opened diamond deposit at the back of the mine.
Miner A: Mark jumped straight off the cliff and none of us could stop him in time...
Luke: Hmm. We ought to poke around the cliff later on.
You: Okay. Maybe we'll find some clues there.
You: What kind of person is Mark?
Miner A: Mark can be a bit quick to get mad, but he's got a heart of gold.
Miner A: I remember that one time I was falling way behind on my work. He stuck in there shoulder-to-shoulder with me and helped me finish it all up.
Miner A: *Sign* I really hope he's okay...
You: Don't worry. I'm sure he'll be fine.
Miner A: Do you have any other questions?
You: No. I've got everything I need to know about Mark. Thank you.
Soon, the local police return to the mine and ask the miners to cooperate with the investigation.
If the accusation stands true, the mining company will have to pay for breaking the law.
All the effort spent was worthwhile.
Mining Boss: Who's letting you ask questions here? Get out of here now!
You: (This guy is really unreasonable...)
You: (Calm down! Let me see what else I can say to refute him.)
Warmth of the Palm[edit | edit source]
The information that the both of you collected becomes the strongest evidence against the unethical mining facility.
The local police swiftly closed the diamond mine down, and transferred the miners to another mine operated by the local government.
Your hard work has finally paid off. Now, you can finally sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of the Kulu Mine.
You: It's so tranquil here... I hope the storm in Kulu Mine will eventually calm.
Luke: The local government is now involved. I'm sure the situation will get better very soon.
You: The gap between the rich and the poor in Tambyani is huge. There are artificial beaches and central business districts in Shanya, the capital...
You: But there are only huts, tribes, and people living in poverty who are worried about their livelihoods all the way out here in the outskirts.
Luke: In Tambyani, resource-based industries such as diamond, coal, gold, and precious stones are very developed...
Luke supports his chin with his hand as he organizes his thoughts.
Luke: But, the local businesses are still developing very slowly. It's not enough to support the country's economy.
Luke: Diamond mining is not a complex process. It can be performed by even young labors.
Luke: Thus, that's why the workers' pay is relatively low while the jewelry sales are being controlled by a small group of people.
Luke: This way, all the benefits gained will always circulate within a controlled circle.
Luke: Like a circuit covered by a bubble. The rich inside gets richer while the poor outside only gets poorer.
You: Then I guess we made a tiny hole in the bubble this time, didn't we?
Luke: Yup. I believe that the bubble will burst one day.
If no one raises a torch to light up the long night, the darkness will always remain.
Hopefully, the road ahead will be bright, now that you and Luke have raised the torch...
You: Both Mark and the golden diamond are missing... I don't think you'll be able to finish your job this time.
Luke: The client just wants his deposit back. I asked earlier and the police said that they'll urge the manager to return the deposit ASAP.
Luke: I have an inkling... about what happened to Mark...
You realize that he must've thought of something to be saying this.
You: What...? What is it? Tell me!
Luke: There is a river under the Kulu Mine, no?
Luke: The mine is about 10 meters above the riverbed... The river is very wide and the current is swift.
Luke: Mark might have been injured when he fell, but I don't think his life was in any danger.
Luke: I'm guessing he drifted down the river from the currents. Let's go downstream and see if we can find anything.
Downstream of the Kulu Bay River...
You: Wouldn't that be Laide River Canyon? Aren't we going to be there tomorrow!?
Luke: Yeah. That's why I'm going to look around the canyon tomorrow.
You: I need to pray for tomorrow to turn out we-
Luke: Wait a minute.
Luke picks up a vibrant bloom of an unknown flower and ties the stem around your wrist, making it into a makeshift bracelet.
You: What is this?
Luke: Try the Tambyani way of making a wish.
Luke: Tie a tough and sturdy flower, blooming with life, around your wrist and wish upon it...
Luke: Your wish will be blessed by the Flower God. No matter how many obstacles you encounter, it will all come true!
Luke solemnly holds up your hand as he speaks. The warmth passes from his palms and straight to your heart...
Luke: Done. Now make a wish!
You: I wish there will be good news tomorrow. Err... and...
You: (I hope that Luke and I can always be together and spend every day happily!)
Luke: And?
You: Nothing... The wish may not work if I tell you!
You pick a flower and tie its stem around his wrist while successfully changing the topic.
You: Why don't you make a wish too?
His hold on your palm tightens.
Luke: I hope... Your wishes will come true.
His voice is warm and sincere, like the night breeze that brushes gently against the flowers. It melts softly in your heart.
You: That... That doesn't count. What about your own wish...?
Luke: It does count. That's my wish.
His solemn voice and the warmth of his hand touching yours make you forget about the flower tied around your wrist.
Making wishes to the gods is only a gesture. The warmth from Luke's fingers is the power that reassures you.
You: Luke...
Luke: Yeah? I'm here for you.
Yes. You are not frightful nor worried at all; because Luke's here with you.
Because he's always been that kind of person... Someone who will help you realize your goals, no matter how many obstacles lie ahead.
The Charming River Laide[edit | edit source]
On the last day of the trip, the train stops at a platform near Laide River Canyon.
The winding river from the Kulu Mine runs through the entire canyon, making it a breathtaking sight to behold.
You and Luke find a local guide to take you on a tour through the canyon.
Other than learning about the attractions in this scenic spot, you also take the chance to understand the local situation.
Tour Guide: Laide River Canyon is the most beautiful spot north of the savanna.
Tour Guide: Other than its stunning natural landscape, there are also many cultural attractions for tourists to experience.
Tour Guide: I guarantee that every tourist will be able to find something of interest here.
You: Sir, can you be more specific?
Tour Guide: Sure. What do you want to know? I can tell you more.
You: Do you have any recommendations for interesting sites in the canyon?
Tour Guide: Well... During this season, I'd say the most popular locations would be the Blossoms River Valley and the Canyon of Lovers.
Tour Guide: I'm sure you'll find a different kind of beauty there. They're uniquely different from other places.
You: What's Blossoms River Valley like?
Tour Guide: It's a man-made valley brimming with gorgeous plants and fauna on both sides of the river that runs through it.
Tour Guide: It's now the flowering season, so it'll be a real shame to miss the beauty of the valley in full bloom while you're here.
You: (Sounds nice... I can go take pictures and enjoy the view with Luke later!)
You: Is there anything fun to do in the Canyon of Lovers?
Tour Guide: There's no better place than the Canyon of Lovers for young couples like you to visit, as the name suggests.
Tour Guide: The two-person canoeing is tons of fun. You two should give it a try.
Before you can say anything, Luke already seems to be having a hard time containing his excitement.
Luke: Sounds real interesting! How about we try it later?
Looking at Luke's beaming smile, your answer is...
You: Sure. Let's do it!
You: Any special dishes to recommend?
Tour Guide: Food-wise, you musn't miss out on the Moissan Roast Chicken and the Tilapia Bean Soup.
Tour Guide: They'll definitely get your taste buds singing!
You: Moissan Roast Chicken? That sounds yummy.
Tour Guide: It's made from fresh chicken marinated with lime, coconut milk, and a delightful hot sauce. After marinating, it's baked till golden-brown in the oven.
Tour Guide: Trust me. It has a very rich taste and the flavor of the chicken will make your taste buds tango in delight.
Tour Guide: Many visitors rave about it. If you're curious, don't hesitate to try it.
You: (I'm in! I have to try it later.)
Luke: I've had grilled tilapia before, but how does it taste like in soup?
Tour Guide: It's really wonderful in soup too!
Tour Guide: Our soups here are made by mixing tilapia meat, after de-boning the fish, with lentil beans.
Tour Guide: It's delightfully sweet and appetizing. It's a favorite among the elderly and children in the village.
You: It sounds really good! Can we add that to the list of must-try food?
Luke: Roger!
Tour Guide: I will try my best to answer whatever questions you have.
You: That's all. We'll go have a look ourselves. Thank you, sir.
Tour Guide: You're welcome. Just doing my job. Have fun!
After saying goodbye to the guide, you and Luke follow the map and walk along the trail to the canyon.
Luke: Let's go check out the flowers at Blossoms River Valley first. Then after that, how about canoeing at the Canyon of Lovers?
You: Sounds great! We can grab something to eat at Canyon Village once we're done
Luke: By the way, I just looked at the map...
Luke: There is only one indigenous village in the entire Laide River Canyon. We can ask the villagers about Mark there.
You: Hopefully... we'll be able to find something about him.
Luke: Let's try our luck. We should be able to find something if he's really here.
The Missing Mark[edit | edit source]
You'd thought that looking for information about Mark would turn out to be a rather tough ordeal, but...
Surprisingly enough, you managed to get information on him after a simple exchange with the villagers.
Villager A: That Mark person you speak of is now recuperating in our village.
Villager A: A few days ago, he was washed down the river to our village. My husband saved him.
You: (Mark is really here!)
Luke: How is he? Is he badly hurt?
Villager A: He's fine now. He was injured and in a coma for a few days, but he just woke up yesterday.
You: (He was in a coma for a few days!? That sounds pretty serious...)
You: Can you take us to him?
Villager A: Sure. Follow me.
Under the guidance of the villager, you arrive at a wooden cottage where Mark's staying at.
A middle-aged man in a miner's clothes is resting in the house. He instantly gets up upon seeing you, eyeing you warily.
Mark: Who are you?
You: Hello, Mark. We're...
You tell him about your experience in the past few days and what happened in the mine.
Mark's expression changes from surprised to shocked, from astonished to sentimental.
After listening to what you have to say, he remains silent for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.
Mark: I'm not dreaming, am I?
After a long silence, Mark finally speaks. But he still sounds very skeptical.
Luke: We are telling the truth.
Luke: The police have already started to take over the mine. Things should turn for the better once you get back.
You: By the way, your child is very worried about you. He has been waiting for you to come back.
Mark: Ah, the little guy must be very worried.
Mark awkwardly runs his hand through his hair and smiles bashfully.
You: How do you feel?
You notice that Mark's legs are wrapped in bandages. His injuries look pretty serious.
Mark: Don't worry about me. I'm good.
Mark: My legs just got all scraped up by the rocks when I fell into the river.
Mark: The doctor bandaged me up and said that the injuries should heal in a couple more days.
You: Hey, do you mind showing me the golden diamond?
You: (After hearing rumors about it for days, I can barely contain myself. I'm going to explode from anticipation.)
Mark: It's... gone.
You: Huh? What happened to it...?
Mark: When I fell into the river, the diamond slipped out of my hand.
Mark: I don't know where it dropped, exactly. I don't think I'll ever be able to find it. I'm crushed...
Luke: That's a pity.
You: (I thought I'd at least get a glance of the legendary diamond, but I guess it'll just remain as a legend forever now...)
Luke: What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to keep working in the mine?
Mark: It's hard to tell. It depends on how things go in the mine now.
Mark: I guess I'll first see how the police want to deal deals with it... All in all, I don't want to be taken advantage of anymore!
You: Yeah. Everything else can wait. Just focus on getting back on your feet right now.
Mark: To be honest, this all still feels like a dream.
Mark: I can't believe that... this matter has been resolved, and so smoothly, too...
Mark: Thank you. Without you guys... I don't think I'd ever be able to go back home.
Luke: You're welcome. It's nothing. We just did what we should.
You: Yeah. We're happy to be of help.
Mark smiles bashfully again.
His smile is as innocent and pure as the land of Tambyani.
Perhaps, this innocent smile... is our biggest reward from this journey.
Golden Smile[edit | edit source]
After saying goodbye to Mark, you and Luke walk out of the village and stroll along the Laide River Canyon to a hill to enjoy the view of the savanna.
Together, you've seen the beautiful sunrise of the Amma savanna, the turbulent Kulu River that ran under the mines, and smelled the fragrant flowers of the mine garden.
At the same time, you've also gotten a peek at the darkness hidden underneath the gorgeous scenery.
This journey is coming to an end, and now, you feel reluctant to leave.
You: We're leaving tomorrow. This trip's ending way too soon... Let's stay a few more days next time if we ever come back here.
Luke: Don't wait till next time! Take a few more days of annual leave, and we can stay here for a couple more days to have fun.
You: Hey, I don't have that much annual leave to spare!!
You: I'd rather save up so that we can go elsewhere next time.
Luke: Fine... You're the boss! Let's save our holidays to travel to more interesting destinations next time!
Luke grins, his eyes shining bright as they reflect the sunlight. It's as if he was now one with the golden savanna.
It's near dusk and the sun is slowly setting...
As the sun sets, a beautiful golden glow radiates from the horizon in the west
You: Luke, look... The entire savanna has turned golden.
Luke: [Player], look! There are little lions playing under the tree over there!
You: Where?
You turn your gaze in the direction where Luke is pointing at...
Several lion cubs are curled up languidly like sleeping cats under a lone tree standing in the distance.
You: I want to pat them. It must be amazing to pat fluffy little lions.
Luke: Hey, lions are not supposed to be touched. You'll get yourself killed!
You: I was just joking. Chill.
While you are talking, a lion cub jumps at the other cub who was sleeping soundly beside it, and the two start scuffling with each other.
You: Luke, check it out... They're playing together! How adorable!!
The two lion cubs start to chase each other around, twisting and batting playfully at each other. Their silly antics bring joy to all viewers alike.
You hold the camera, and pressed the shutter, capturing the scene of the lion cubs playing from different angles.
Luke: Are they racing? Come on, little one! Don't lose!
Luke happily cheers for the lion cubs in the distance with a bright smile on his face.
The golden sunset highlights his vibrant and energetic self, bringing his extraordinary vitality into focus.
You: Luke, Luke! Turn around!
Luke: Hm?
Luke hears your voice and turns around on instinct... You seize the opportunity to press the shutter.
Luke: Huh?
You: We're on a trip now, so we need to take some photos, of course! Hmm... the angle of this shot is perfect.
Luke: Show me.
You: I've included you, Peanut, the trees, and the sunset in the distance in the photo. Does this qualify for a commemorative trip photo?
You show Luke the photo you've just taken as if you're presenting a treasure to him.
The golden earth in the sunset echoes the young man's smile, eternalizing the most beautiful moment of the trip in a visual image.
Luke: Thank you for taking such a wonderful photo of me. But... it doesn't really qualify for a trip photo.
You: Why?
Luke: You're not in the photo. It's not a qualified commemorative photo for this trip without you, don't you think?
Saying so, Luke takes your camera and resets photo shooting mode.
You: Hey, wait a minute. I haven't taken enough shots!
You reject Luke's suggestion and aim your camera at him again.
You: I want to take more photos of you.
Whenever you travel together, Luke's camera's always filled with various photos of you.
This time, you want to change that... By recording him through your lenses.
Luke: Okay... Let me change my pose.
Luke cooperatively returns to his original position.
You: Hmm... Turn your head over a little more.
As you speak to Luke, you direct him to do different poses.
Luke: Like this?
You: Lean right... Okay, hold this pose.
Luke: Hey, don't just take photos of me. Come on, let's take one together!
You: After I take one more.
In the golden sunset, you see Luke through the lens. His eyes shine as bright as diamonds.
You smile along with him, the soft warmth in your heart turning into a gentle scenery...
Country of Wine (Vyn's Route)[edit | edit source]
The Charm of Grapes[edit | edit source]
Lounge Instructor: With the development of modern industry, the technology of the mass production of wine is already very mature.
Lounge Instructor: People no longer need to worry about the inconsistency of wine quality seen in manually made wines.
Lounge Instructor: Of course, in some regions where traditional wines are valued, people still insist on making wine manually.
Lounge Instructor: The most famous example is the birth place of wine, Barosk.
...
In the Barosk Wine Culture seminar, the speaker's humorous style makes people listen with interest.
The two-hour lecture doesn't feel long at all. It arouses people's interest in the distant wine town.
After the seminar, you are still captivated by the aroma of wine and couldn't get back to reality.
You: Birthplace of wine... I wonder if the air smells like wine too...
Vyn: Are you interested in Barosk?
You: Yeah. I saw a travel guide of Barosk a few days ago.
You: Other than the main attractions, it also mentions a wine-themed tourist train. It sounds interesting!
The reason you attended the seminar is to better understand Barosk.
It is a small country famous for its wine with great weather and landscape. It seems like an attractive place to visit.
Vyn: Seeing is better than hearing. You should see the landscape there for yourself.
You: Oh?
It was just a casual comment. But for some reason, it sends ripples to your heart.
True. The landscape of Barosk must be very different from Stellis, right?
You're not too busy lately. It shouldn't be a problem to take a few days off.
Vyn: [Player], do you want to visit Barosk together?
Vyn: Maybe we can experience the new tourist train route.
You: Dr. Richter, do you want to go as well?
As soon as you said that, you feel like you'd revealed your interest too soon.
Vyn: I have been to Barosk several times. I am quite familiar with it.
Vyn: I have been on holiday recently. I have plenty of time right now.
Vyn: If you do not mind, I can be your guide and travel with you.
Vyn's golden eyes are filled with expectations, which makes you unable to refuse him.
You: I want to go with Dr. Richter.
Vyn: Good. You have been busy for a long time. It is time to take a break.
So you and Vyn's trip is confirmed.
From booking to departure, everything goes smoothly. Soon you and Vyn embark on your journey to the birthplace of wine...
You: This travel guidebook is so detailed! It even describes the variety, taste, and quality of the wines.
You: Oh? It even has... grape vine propagation methods?
While waiting for the train to arrive, you flip through the guidebook you picked up at the customs counter.
The guidebook not only contains sightseeing information but also includes information about the local grapes.
It's like a mini-encyclopedia of wine.
Vyn: It seems that the people here are very proud of their wine.
You: Well, it's like they are announcing to the world, "come and try my wine."
As you chat, a staff pushing a trolly walks down the platform and stops in an empty spot.
The tourists waiting for the train all turn around to see what it is.
Staff: Everyone, free handmade wine. Come and have a taste.
Staff: Please present your train tickets to enjoy the surprise we prepared for you!
Staff: Friendly reminder, this is only for adults. Underage persons cannot drink alcohol.
You: Dr. Richter, we are so lucky! We can try Barosk wine in advance.
Although there are many tourists on the platform. Under the instruction of the staff, everything goes in an orderly manner.
Before long you and Vyn receive your free samples.
You take a sip of the wine eagerly. The taste lingers on your lips and tongue, releasing a rich and complex aroma.
Vyn: How is the Barosk handmade wine? Does it meet your expectations?
Vyn swirls his glass but doesn't drink. Compared to the wine tasting, he seems more interested in your comments.
You: It tastes...
You: I think it tastes better than the wine I used to drink.
You try very hard to recall the wine tasting jargons you heard at the wine seminar.
You: Refreshing, mellow, and delicate... What else... Oh, I can't think of anymore.
You: In short, it's good.
Vyn: Looks like the wine here is quite good.
You: Yeah. I think I'll take a few bottles of wine back to Stellis with me.
Vyn: Our trip has not even started. Maybe you will find more local specialties that you want to bring back.
You: Yeah. I might need your help carrying them.
Perhaps amused by your confidence. Vyn reveals a smile.
Vyn: Of course, I will carry them for you.
You: To be honest... I don't think it's very different from the wine I've had before.
It's nice, but it's hard to point out what was nice about it.
After a brief struggle, you decide to tell the truth.
You: Sigh, too bad. I don't know much about wine tasting...
Vyn: It is not your problem.
Vyn: After all, this was handed out for free on the platform for tourists. There's nothing outstanding about it.
You: Shh... Dr. Richter, the staff would get angry if they hear you.
Vyn: I am only saying that to you.
Vyn: For good wine, we should go to some local wineries... We should be there in a few days.
You: Yeah. I look forward to it!
Vyn: Okay. It is almost time to leave.
Vyn: I have a feeling that this will be an amazing trip.
You: Yeah. I think so too.
Good food, great views, and with Vyn here with you... You look forward to this trip very much.
Wonderful Fragrance[edit | edit source]
You: Mmm, it smells so nice. It's like walking into a vineyard.
After exiting the train station, you notice that the scent of fresh grapes is ubiquitous on Lange's streets.
The smell is sweet and mellow, almost as if it leads to a heap of delicious fruit.
Looking around the bustling city, you can't imagine that a vineyard is tucked away somewhere.
Vyn: That is indeed the scent of grapes, but... there is another fragrance mixed in — one not of fruits.
Did someone spray grape perfume in the streets?
Unlikely. That would be too over-the-top.
Vyn: Let us continue onward. We may find the source of this scent.
So you continue to follow the smell... until you reach a tourist center in front of you.
Vyn: Found it. This is the source.
You: Huh?
There's a massive grape sculpture next to the tourist center, under which a white mist is spewing out.
It seems that the aroma you could smell comes from the mist emitted from under the grape sculpture.
You: Yes! This is the smell, it's so nice.
Staff: Hello, welcome to Lange tourist center. It's my pleasure to be of assistance.
You: Excuse me, may I ask how is it that this sculpture smells like perfume...?
Staff: This is a unique perfumed sculpture commissioned by the museum to celebrate the Spring of Grapes.
Staff: The museum decided to display it here because the information desk is near the platform where many tourists come and go.
Staff: The unique grape fragrance puts tourists right in a vineyard as soon as they begin their journey.
Staff: It also helps us to get tourists' attention on the tour.
Vyn: What a brilliant way to advertise.
You: I noticed the perfume as soon as I left the station! It's wonderful.
Staff: Thank you for the compliment. The statue was carefully designed by the technical team at the Historic Vineyard Museum.
Staff: Its fragrance can evenly distribute over a distance of several hundred meters.
Staff: ...Sorry, but I can't tell you more because it involves proprietary technology.
You: It's okay. I understand.
You: Um... Could you tell us more about The Vine?
Staff: The museum is the oldest museum in Barosk. It provides the most detailed history of grapes and wine in the city.
Staff: It contains all the existing specimens of grapevines in Barosk as well as historic documents on grape research.
Staff: You'll get a sense of the local's love for grapes when you visit the museum.
Staff: In addition to the exhibits, there is a 500-year-old vine near the square outside.
Staff: It is the symbol of Lange and the pride of Barosk.
You: A 500-year-old vine?
Vyn: Is that where the museum got its name?
Staff: Yes. That's right.
Staff: The museum was originally built to preserve the old vines. Now tourists flock to us every year.
Staff: Many have said that seeing the vines makes them believe miracles exist in the world.
You: (Hmm, I should go visit it with Vyn... Maybe we'll have a miracle, too.)
You: Hey, what was that about a Spring of Grapes you mentioned earlier?
Staff: The Spring of Grapes is the most important day of spring in Barosk.
Staff: We believe that the sunlight in spring is the foundation for the quality of the grapes.
Staff: Thus, we hold various ceremonies at the end of spring to pray for a good harvest in autumn.
You: I see... There must be a lot of interesting activities during the festival, is that right?
Staff: Yes. The homemade food walk, grape float tours, and the grapevine painting at the square are all popular.
Staff: The most popular activity is definitely the food walk.
You: What is the homemade food walk all about?
Staff: It is where you can taste the traditional cuisine of Barosk.
Staff: Local participants will bring their homemade food to share with everyone...
Staff: You can taste hundreds of wonderful dishes there! I recommend you two to give it a try.
You: Dr. Richter, how about we go to the feast later?
Vyn: Sounds good. Maybe we will find something special there.
Staff: Is there anything else you want to ask?
You: That's all. Thank you.
Staff: You're welcome. Have fun.
Homemade Food Tasting[edit | edit source]
After visiting the ancient grapevine museum, you and Vyn go to the natural food market.
The various traditional Baroskian snacks attract hordes of tourists who surround the food stalls.
Neither you nor Vyn like crowds...
So you find a quiet cheese dessert stall in the corner and sit down to rest.
Cheese Stand Owner: Hello, would you like to try some handmade cheese? There are many flavors that you can choose from.
The stall owner greets you warmly and gives you two bowls of cheese desserts with sliced fresh fruits.
The sweet and sour fruit neutralizes the mellow cheese. It's so refreshing when it melts in your mouth.
You: Yummy! Hmm... Rich yet not too greasy. It's delicious!
Cheese Stand Owner: It's my honor to hear your compliments.
Cheese Stand Owner: Try some more. There are other flavors too.
You: What other flavors do you have here?
Cheese Stand Owner: I have chocolate frosting, nut spread, or coconut jam to go with the cheese.
Cheese Stand Owner: Which one would you like?
You: ...I'd like to try nut spread and cheese.
Cheese Stand Owner: Here you go. It's a mix of peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts that I picked, grounded, and roasted myself.
Cheese Stand Owner: The toasted nuts add a nice sweetness to the cheese. I hope you like it.
You: Mmm, it smells good!
Vyn: Well... I would like coconut jam with cheese, please.
Cheese Stand Owner: Here you go. Give it a try.
Vyn: The freshness of the coconut jam is a good match with the sweetness of the cheese.
Vyn: Would you mind telling us how one would make coconut jam?
Cheese Stand Owner: It's very easy. Add some sugar in the pan, followed by toasted coconut mixed with coconut oil, then add a little bit of coconut water to wrap up the juice.
Cheese Stand Owner: This way the aroma of coconut will be mostly retained.
You: Hmm... Is there wine in this cheese?
You: It's very light, but I can taste a little bit of wine in the aftertaste.
Cheese Stand Owner: Yes. Normally cheese is made with rice wine, but I also add some regular wine, from grapes, with moderate acidity.
Cheese Stand Owner: The acidity of the wine nicely complements the sweetness of the cheese and also adds a unique fruit flavor to the cheese.
Cheese Stand Owner: This makes my cheese suitable for a variety of desserts.
You: Your cheese is so delicious. It must be very popular.
Hearing that, the cheese stall owner's facial expression changes subtly.
Cheese Stand Owner: ...
You: What's wrong? Did I... say something wrong...?
Cheese Stand Owner: No, no. I am very happy to hear you say that.
Cheese Stand Owner: Do you want to try some other flavors?
The stall owner looks hesitant to say anything more. You probably shouldn't ask if she's unwilling to talk.
You: I'll try the chocolate flavor.
...
After trying the cheese desserts, you and Vyn leave to check out other stalls.
However, the subtle expression on the owner's face has left an impression in your mind...
You can't forget it...
Delicious Cheese[edit | edit source]
After visiting the attractions suggested by the guidebook, you and Vyn stroll along the streets in Lange.
The bustling streets gradually light up in the night, adding magnificent colors to this exotic town.
You: How time flies when you're traveling... It's already nighttime.
Vyn: Are you feeling tired?
You: No. I can go for another lap at least.
Today's trip gives you the feeling that Barosk is a magical country with grape elements everywhere.
You and Vyn visited the wine memorial hall, ancient grape tree museum, and grape garden plaza...
You find all these things very novel and interesting.
You: The attractions are very interesting and the food's great. I think coming here was the right choice!
Vyn: I am glad that you like it.
Vyn: What I want most from this trip is... for you to be happy.
You: Yes. I am very happy.
You: Dr. Richter, the train will arrive in Liebe Ranch tomorrow. Have you been there before on your previous trips?
Vyn: I have been there once. I remember... I took the cable car. The scenery in the ranch is quite spectacular...
Vyn: If you want, you can take some really nice photos there.
You: Taking a cable car to the ranch?
Vyn: Yes. The Liebe Ranch is on top of a mountain. It is faster to take a cable car.
You: (Wow, a farm on the mountaintop...)
You: Dr. Richter, will there be nice cheese at the ranch?
Vyn: The farmers make their own cheese, which is one of the specialties of the Liebe ranch.
You: I wonder if it'll be better than the cheese we tried at the natural food market today...
Speaking of which, you can't help thinking about the delicious food at the natural food market.
Cheese Stand Owner: Hello, would you like to try some handmade cheese? There are many flavors that you can choose from.
The stall owner greets you warmly and gives you two bowls of cheese desserts with sliced fresh fruits.
The sweet and sour fruit neutralizes the mellow cheese. It's so refreshing when it melts in your mouth.
You: Yummy! Hmm... Rich yet not too greasy. It's delicious!
Cheese Stand Owner: It's my honor to hear your compliments.
Cheese Stand Owner: Try some more. There are other flavors too.
The cheese stall owner smiles as she recommends her cheese desserts to you.
You: This one with hazelnuts is delicious too! Ooh... Coconut jam is good too!
You: Your cheese is so delicious. It must be very popular.
Hearing that, the cheese stall owner's facial expression changes subtly.
Cheese Stand Owner: ...
You: What's wrong? Did I... say something wrong...?
Cheese Stand Owner: No, no. I am very happy to hear you say that.
Cheese Stand Owner: Do you want to try some other flavors?
The stall owner looks hesitant to say anything more. You probably shouldn't ask if she's unwilling to talk.
You: I'll try the chocolate flavor.
...
Thinking about that, the homemade cheese's flavor is still lingering in your mouth.
You: Dr. Richter, the cheese in Liebe Ranch is handmade, right?
Vyn: The cheese in Liebe Ranch is handmade with traditional techniques...
Vyn: They taste richer, and not as delicate as the fruit cheese we tried today.
You: ...It must taste very special, right?
There may be a lot of delicious food waiting for you at the Liebe Ranch.
With that thought, you can't help looking forward to your journey tomorrow.
You: Dr. Richter, our schedule tomorrow includes horse riding, sightseeing, and gourmet food tasting!
Vyn: Yes. I wish tomorrow... can come sooner.
Liebe Ranch's Scenery[edit | edit source]
You: This breeze is so comfortable...
After Liebe Ranch, you and Vyn walk into a sea of flowers accompanied by the smell of fresh grass.
Vyn: This is the flower field outside the ranch. After the flower field, we will arrive at Liebe Ranch.
You: Shall we take the cable car?
Vyn: The cable car station is up ahead, sure...
Although the cable car station is marked on the guidebook, this piece of wilderness is unexpectedly big...
It's quite hard for tourists to find the tiny station hidden by mountains and trees.
???: Welcome to Liebe Ranch, my dear guests.
???: Do you want to take the cable car to visit the ranch? Take the road to the left and you'll find it.
The voice of a middle-aged man interrupts the conversation between you and Vyn.
You see a middle-aged shepherd walking towards you with his horse. He points to the left side.
Herdsman: The Libby Ranch has the largest piece of wilderness in Barosk...
Herdsman: The wilderness is beautiful but newcomers can easily get lost in it.
Following the direction of the shepherd's point, you see a small sign hidden behind trees.
The woods are dense. Without the guidance of the shepherd, it would be really difficult to find.
Vyn: Thank you.
Herdsman: You're welcome. Many tourists lose their way here. I'm used to giving directions.
Herdsman: By the way, do you want me to introduce the ranch to you?
You: Sure. Thank you.
You: Do you have recommendations for any activities at the ranch?
Herdsman: Liebe Ranch is open for tourists and all the activities are available for you to try.
Herdsman: The Ranch Rides and the Natural Food Festival are very popular among tourists recently.
You: What is Ranch Rides?
Herdsman: The ranch offers mountain bikes.
Herdsman: Tourists can ride around the ranch to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
You: (Bike riding... with Vyn sounds fun and relaxing.)
Herdsman: The temperature in the mountains is a bit lower than in the plains, so remember to bring a jacket if you go riding.
You: Okay. Thanks for the reminder.
Vyn: Could you tell us more about the Natural Food Festival?
Herdsman: Mm-hmm. Since more and more people are coming to the ranch...
Herdsman: We have set up a food festival to welcome the tourists with delicious food that is only available on our ranch.
Herdsman: If you are interested, you can visit the food area when you get to the ranch.
You: (Food that is only available on the ranch... It sounds very tempting.)
You: Are there any specialties that you would recommend?
Herdsman: I recommend the goat cheese rolls and the cheese stuffed meat.
Herdsman: I swear Liebe Ranch produces the best cheese in Barosk!
Herdsman: It's great with wine or mixed with milk to make a milk stew.
You: I want to try goat cheese rolls! Is it made with Barosk's traditional cheese?
Herdsman: Yes. Air-dry the freshly made goat cheese and press it.
Herdsman: To us, goat cheese is a divine blessing.
Herdsman: Only the cheese from the traditional hand-made method can bring out the classic flavor to its fullest.
You: Cheese stuffed meat sounds great... Dr. Richter, want to try it later?
Vyn: Of course. Stuffed meats made with traditional Barosk cheese are said to have a very complex and creamy flavor. I am very curious about it.
Herdsman: Sir, you have distinguished tastes.
Herdsman: Cheese stuffed meat is Liebe Ranch's specialty. Its complex and fascinating flavor drives visitors crazy.
Herdsman: I swear you will feel a unique charm in the ranch.
You: We are looking forward to it!
Herdsman: Haha, I'll leave you guys to it.
Herdsman: Take the cable car. And have fun.
Battle of Cheeses[edit | edit source]
Just like the shepherd said, the temperature of the ranch in the mountains is lower than that in the foothills.
But it's spring after all. The sun is shining on you and you barely feel cold at all.
After the horse ride, you go to the natural gourmet festival to try some food.
You: Dr. Richter, let's order meat stuffed with cheese and roasted vegetables...
Vyn: I wonder if the shepherds have good quality white wine here.
Vyn: White wine has a strong citrusy and liberal flavor, which matches perfectly with goat cheese.
The travel guide mentions something about cheese and wine pairing, but it's not as detailed as Vyn's explanation.
You: Dr. Richter, you are so knowledgeable.
Vyn: I just thought... since we are here, I want you to try the best food.
As you chat and enter the food court, you hear arguments.
Herdsman: Jennie, I've told you many times! We won't let you ruin our cheese. You should leave.
Jennie Fiscella: Can we at least talk about it...
Herdsman: There's nothing to be discussed. Get out of here!
The shepherd who was very hospitable before seems to have changed into someone else, he's yelling angrily.
The lady called Jennie looks frustrated. You recognize her right away.
You: Dr. Richter, it's her...
Vyn: It's the owner of the cheese stall at the natural food market.
Jennie says something else provoking to the shepherd. He reaches out towards her angrily.
Vyn steps forward and stands in the way of the shepherd.
Vyn: What are you doing? Let's be civilized about this.
Herdsman: You...
[Debate]
Herdsman: Humph, I don't want to argue with you people.
The shepherd recognized you and feels slightly ashamed... yet his attitude is still very rude.
Herdsman: Anyway, I will never allow our milk to be made into something strange. That would be a shame for us!
The shepherd walks away angrily. The incident has ruined your mood for sightseeing.
Jennie, who's standing to one side, looks at you in embarrassment. You have no idea how to comfort her.
Jennie Fiscella: It's you... I'm sorry to get you involved.
You: If you don't mind, do you want to tell us about it?
Jennie Fiscella: Sure.
You: What's the argument about...?
Jennie Fiscella: I came here to buy milk, but the locals didn't want to sell me any.
You: Huh? Why's that? That's a little strange!
Jennie Fiscella: They say what I make can't be called true cheese. They think I'm wasting their milk...
You: Your cheese is great. Why would they say that?
Jennie Fiscella: Because my cheese is different from the traditional cheese of Barosk...
Jennie Fiscella: I've tried everything, but they still won't accept my cheese.
Jennie lowers her head and she seems to be quite sad.
You: Don't take it to heart. I'm with you. Your cheese is delicious!
Jennie Fiscella: Well, thanks.
You: The biggest problem now is that you won't be able to make cheese if you can't get fresh milk...
You: Hmm. Do you have other sources for milk?
Jennie Fiscella: Yes. Actually, I have my own farm and cows... It's just that my milk is not as good as Liebe Ranch's.
Jennie Fiscella: But don't worry about me. I'm not giving up!
Jennie Fiscella: I'll keep sharing my cheese with people and I'm sure one day the locals will come around to accepting my cheese, just like you did.
You: It will definitely happen.
Vyn: Ms. Fiscella, I think maybe you should join the Creative Food Festival at Pouille Lake.
Vyn: Maybe you will find the opportunity you're looking for there.
Jennie Fiscella: Pouille Lake? I haven't been there yet...
Vyn: As far as I know, the purpose of the Creative Food Festival is to show people more innovative ways to prepare food.
Vyn: That seems to be a suitable place for the new cheese that you make.
Hearing Vyn's suggestion, Jennie's eyes start to light up. The disappointment has been replaced with hope.
Jennie Fiscella: Thank you. I think... I'll give it a go.
She says goodbye to you and quickly leaves the ranch.
Seeing her leave, the worries in your heart are intensified. The joy you experienced on the trip seems to have been diluted.
You: (Sigh, I hope Jennie's cheese can become popular soon...)
Herdsman: Stop! I don't care what you say.
You: (Calm down! Let me think of another way to convince him!)
Accident at the Ranch[edit | edit source]
You: I really don't understand why the farmers are opposed to Jennie making cheese and are unwilling to sell milk to her.
You: Is it just because the cheese Jennie makes is not traditional cheese?
Although you comforted Jennie and told her not to worry...
After saying goodbye to her, you can't help thinking about this and feeling confused yourself.
You: Jennie's cheese is so delicious!
You: Yesterday at the natural food market, many tourists gave positive feedbacks after they tried.
You: I thought her cheese would be very popular...
Vyn looks at you silently and shakes his head.
You: Did I... say something wrong?
Vyn: People who tried Jennie's cheese at the stall were mostly tourists like us.
You: !!!
Prompted by Vyn's reminder, you think about the scene at the natural food market that day.
It's true... only you and a few foreign tourists liked Jennie's cheese.
Most local residents ignored Jennie's stall completely...
Vyn: Sometimes, people lose the ability to judge when they are trapped for too long.
Vyn: When exposed to unfamiliar objects, some people's first reaction is fear.
You: Some people?
Is Vyn talking about the farmers who were arguing with Jennie?
Or... all the local residents in Barosk?
Vyn: People in other places like to make wine with automated technology, but in Barosk they prefer the traditional methods...
Vyn: They follow the oldest wine-making techniques. From harvest to fermentation, it's all done manually.
Vyn: That way, their control over the wine-making process is stricter and more rigid.
Vyn: Over time, this habit also begins to affect the local people's preferences in other areas.
You: I see...
You: Jennie's cheese is different from the farmer's traditional cheese or the cheese in the local people's minds...
You: So the farmers resist them and refuse to accept...
Vyn: Yes.
Vyn sighs lightly and a sign of empathy flashes in his eyes.
Vyn: Obeying the rules is a good habit. But over time it's easy to become complacent and conservative.
You: But... the world is always changing is it?
You: Let's take wine, for example, the specialty of Barosk.
You: At first, people tried to turn grapes into other things for storage purposes. That's how wine was invented.
You: If their predecessors had refused to change, people in Barosk would be stuck with eating grapes.
Vyn: Indeed.
Vyn stares at you with interest, like he's praising you and encouraging you to go on.
You: So, I think as long as people are willing to adapt, things will change!
You: Dr. Richter, aren't we going to Pouille Village tomorrow?
You: Shall we visit the Gourmet Festival to support Jennie?
Vyn: You always... surprise me.
Vyn reaches out and brushes your fringe behind your ear.
There's a gentle smile in his eyes and his fingertips are warm... There's a strange warmth where he touches.
You: Dr. Richter...
Vyn: You are right. As long as people are willing to adapt, things can be changed.
Vyn: I am willing to witness the change with you.
You: Cool. Let's do it together!
Food Festival Crisis[edit | edit source]
You've been thinking about Jennie so much that you haven't planned much for today's schedule.
After enjoying the nice spring view by Pouille Lake, you and Vyn arrive at the Creative Food Festival.
You: I wonder where Jennie's stall is...
Vyn: It doesn't seem to be around here. Let's go inside.
You: There are a lot of stalls further in. Let's go and have a look.
Tourists who come here for delicious food have started to gather. You and Vyn walk around to look for her...
You: Oh, there she is!
Same as when you first met, Jennie's stall is still in a relatively quiet corner.
But the difference is... This time, her stall is surrounded by many people who are talking about something.
Resident A: She calls this cheese?
Jennie Fiscella: ...Please try it before you decide whether it's cheese or not.
Resident B: Oh my gosh. Stop kidding me. I'm not going to try this weird cheese!
Resident A: Yeah. This shouldn't appear at our food festival!
Jennie Fiscella: ...
You: (It's a bit mean to say that!)
You can't stand it anymore so you walk up and interrupt them.
You: This is the Creative Food Festival. The new style of cheese she makes completely matches the festival theme.
Local Resident: Gosh, you don't understand the beauty of cheese. That's why you think it's delicious!
You: Could you be a little more specific about your objections?
Local Resident: Our Barosk cheese is made through a process that involves hand steaming, concentration, and fermentation!
Local Resident: It goes perfectly with food or with wine.
Local Resident: Look at what she made... so gooey... It's nothing like cheese.
You: But... there are many kinds of cheese and they all have different characteristics.
You: The one Jennie made is more of a sweet style. It goes well with dessert.
Local Resident: Just as you said, it's dessert, it can't be called cheese! Why does she have to call it cheese?
Jennie Fiscella: My cheese is not just for dessert. It can also be made into other things.
Local Resident: No cheese should go with fruit or chocolate!
You: I think people need to be a little more open-minded around here...
You: Many places outside of Barosk make cheese desserts, for example...
Local Resident: I'm not going to live abroad, so I don't care what you outlanders think!
The hardheadedness somehow draws similar echoes from the people around.
Why don't people here accept things that seem very normal to you?
You: (I guess changing their mind is not so easy.)
Local Resident: Oh my God. I can't believe I wasted so much time here.
Local Resident: Anyway, you won't understand. I'll go have tea with my friend Maggie!
The debate is meaningless. It ended with one side's departure.
But the tourists who were keen to try the cheese desserts are now hesitant because of what happened...
Now there's only you and Vyn in front of Jennie's stall.
Jennie Fiscella: ...
You: Don't lose heart. We...
You want to comfort her but you don't know-how.
If she needs legal assistance, you'd do everything in your power to help.
But changing people's traditional values is not something a lawyer... or anyone can achieve easily.
Vyn: Ms. Fiscella, I can understand how you feel... but if you give up now, it'll be all over.
Vyn: You must be feeling disappointed and frustrated and even want to give up.
Jennie gives no reply, but from the disappointment in her eyes, you feel that Vyn has spoken her mind.
Vyn: Of course, you can decide to give up, which would be easy.
Vyn: But it also means that all your previous efforts will be for nothing
Vyn: Ms. Fiscella, do you want to end everything here?
Jennie Fiscella: No. of course I don't!
Jennie Fiscella: But... what can I do?
Vyn: I can help you.
Jennie Fiscella: Oh?
Vyn: I have a friend who's a cheese dealer, he lives near Bergandi. If you want... I can refer you to him.
Vyn: He is someone who likes to try new things. I think he would be able to help you.
You: (Dr. Richter's friend? Although I haven't heard about this before... but Vyn wouldn't lie.)
Vyn: What do you think? Will you trust me this one time?
Jennie bites her lips and nods.
Vyn: Then, please join us for the rest of our journey.
Vyn: Our train will arrive in Bergandi tomorrow.
Vyn: I will contact my friend in advance and make sure you get to meet him tomorrow.
Jennie Fiscella: Thank you for your invitation. But... I need to do some preparations. I'll see you at Bergandi tomorrow.
You: Okay. Jennie, then please give us your contact details.
Jennie Fiscella: Sure.
After exchanging your contacts, Jennie says goodbye to you. Seeing her leave, you say a prayer in your heart...
You: (I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow.)
Healing Fragrance[edit | edit source]
Pouille Village in spring is green and full of vitality.
Walking between flowers and alleyways is like stepping into a fairy tale world.
But this tranquility seems to be superficial. The solidified anxiety hidden from view has not been reduced.
You: ...
Vyn: Are you still worried about Jennie?
You: Yeah. I hope Jennie is okay? I don't know if things will work out tomorrow...
Vyn: Don't worry. My friend Ivan is a good businessman.
Vyn: He has a good eye. He will not miss the opportunity.
Although the cheese trader you are going to meet tomorrow is Vyn's friend,
Although Vyn seems to be in control of the situation... somehow you just can't help feeling uneasy.
You: Dr. Richter... I know this is strange, but I still couldn't help thinking...
Vyn: You are a compassionate girl. You are subconsciously thinking in Jennie's shoes.
Vyn: You imagine her problems as your own.
You: I...
Vyn: Just like when you work, you always put yourself in the position of your client.
Vyn: This is your virtue, but sometimes... There is no need to push yourself too hard.
Vyn: You are not in this alone. I am here as well.
Vyn: I will help Jennie find a solution.
You: I have faith in you, Dr. Richter!
You: No. I wasn't worried about Jennie...
You: You said you'll help Jennie find a way, and you will. I have faith in your capability!
Vyn's golden eyes show a sign of surprise, which feels similar to joy.
Vyn: Thank you for your trust.
Vyn: Then why do you... look so upset?
You: I was just thinking... people who sneer at Jennie.
You: I thought the locals were just unwilling to accept a new food. I didn't expect them to get so angry...
Vyn: It takes time to change people and make them accept unfamiliar things.
Vyn: Just take it one step at a time, that is all we can do.
You: Yeah. You're right, Dr. Richter.
You: Maybe I am too impatient...
Vyn: Let's not talk about this... do you want to visit an interesting place?
You: Interesting? Where?
Vyn: Let's go. You will find out.
After leaving Pouille Village and taking several turns, you enter a yard surrounded by fields of flowers.
The yard is very open. There is an aroma of wine in the air.
You: The wine smells so fragrant...
Looking around, you see several huge wine barrels on the lawn.
Each barrel is as tall as two people, like a small cabin.
The fragrance of wine you smell comes from the barrels on the lawn.
Vyn: Here we are. This is the famous Barrel Estate of Pouille Village.
You: What an interesting place! Are these really... wine barrels?
Vyn: Well, with a bit of transformation, these old barrels are now used as lounges for visitors to rest in.
Vyn: They say that the aroma of these barrels, which had been soaked in wine for years, can help people relax.
Vyn: This is the so-called Aromatherapy.
Vyn walks up to a barrel and gently pushes it...
Like a trap door, the wall of the barrel automatically pops open like an umbrella, creating a shaded area underneath.
Under the shade, there's a lounge chair for people to rest on.
You: What a unique design!
Vyn: Come on...
Vyn extends his hand to you, like a nobleman inviting his partner to the dance floor...
You can't help but follow his suggestion, close your eyes and lie down on the lounge chair.
The sun beams down like rain drops, penetrating the barrel, seeping into your skin.
Although you can't see it or touch it, you can sense that it is real.
Amidst the aroma of the wine, your body is gradually relaxed. And your mind slows down...
After some time. When you open your eyes again, the beam of sunshine seems to have moved to one side.
You: Did I... fall asleep?
Vyn: Yes, a little.
You: It is as though your body has been emptied and has become very relaxed.
Aromatherapy helps people relax. You suddenly understand why Vyn brought you here.
He was worried that you would be affected by Jennie. He's hoping that the natural aroma would help to ease your mind.
He's comforting you in his own way.
You: Dr. Richter...
Vyn: You do not have to thank me.
Vyn: The purpose of this trip is to make you relaxed and happy. Leave the troubles to me, I will handle them for you.
You: I am glad to be traveling with you, Dr. Richter.
Vyn: Good.
The sun shines gently and the aroma of wine in the air warms up your cheeks.
You are intoxicated... in the breeze, surrounded by the fragrance of wine and under Vyn's intense gaze.
You feel deeply, deeply intoxicated...
Thoughts of Bergandi[edit | edit source]
The train arrives in Bergandi slightly earlier than expected.
After arriving at the meeting place with Jennie, you and Vyn find a street cafe to sit down in...
Vyn: Let's wait for Ms. Fiscella here.
You: Yeah! Let's order some snacks while we wait.
Store Clerk: What would you like to order? Do you need some recommendations?
You: Could you tell us about your specialties?
Store Clerk: The light meals and desserts are very popular.
Store Clerk: Would you like a light meal or just a dessert?
You: Well... Do you have any light meals that you recommend?
Store Clerk: Oyster soup with black truffle and an apricot ham pastry.
You: Oyster soup with black truffle?
Store Clerk: High-quality black truffles have a rich and fresh mushroom flavor. It provides a crisp and nutty aftertaste...
Store Clerk: Adding it to fresh oysters broth will double the freshness of the soup and give it a memorable taste.
You: (Sounds delicious...)
You: Could you tell us about the apricot ham pastry?
Store Clerk: First, you slow cook fresh apricots and mushrooms at a low temperature, mix it with ham, and then bake it.
Store Clerk: The crispness of the crust maximizes the savory flavors of the apricot, mushrooms, and ham, making the texture rich and gentle.
Store Clerk: Anyone who has tried this dish is impressed.
Store Clerk: I'm sure you two will be as well.
You: (I'm already impressed just hearing about it!)
Vyn: What is your signature dessert?
Store Clerk: It depends on the season.
Store Clerk: The spring recommendations are sweet wine potica and cheese white cakes.
You: What's potica...?
Store Clerk: It is our traditional Barosk desert. It's baked with wheat flour mixed with almonds.
Store Clerk: And served with our special sweet sauce that is made with grapes...
Store Clerk: It's so sweet that it makes people that eat it sweet themselves, and happy too!
Vyn: I have tried strawberry potica before. What does sweet wine flavor taste like? Now I am a little curious.
You: Cheese white cake sounds delicious.
Store Clerk: It's made with traditional cheese, raspberry syrup, and white cake.
Store Clerk: It melts in your mouth, giving you a soft and sweet sensation. It's as if you are kissing an angel.
Store Clerk: Hello, would you like to order now?
You: What should I order... it's so hard to choose...
You: Oh, Dr. Richter, you can decide.
Vyn: Sometimes the best choice is to not make a choice, don't you think so?
You: Right. So... we'll order a set meal and dessert specialty!
You: We should be able to finish them!
Opportunity for Cooperation[edit | edit source]
After you finish your snacks, Jennie arrives at the meeting place.
Vyn takes the two of you to his friend's estate.
Ivan Affini: Vilhelm, my friend!
Vyn: Ivan, it has been a while.
Ivan Affini: This must be Miss [Player].
You: Hello, Mr. Affini.
Ivan Affini: Hello, my lady. Please, call me Ivan.
Mr. Affini looks like a passionate and chatty person. After some simple greetings, Vyn goes directly to the subject.
Vyn: I think you would be very interested in Ms. Fiscella's cheese.
Ivan Affini: Of course. I can no longer suppress my curiosity.
Ivan Affini: Ms. Fiscella, if you don't mind, may I have a taste?
Jennie Fiscella: Of course...
Jennie puts the cheese she prepared on the table. Mr. Affini screams right after he tastes it.
Ivan Affini: Oh, my dear Lord!
You: What's wrong, Mr. Affini?
Ivan Affini: I swear this is the best soft cheese I have had in Barosk in a long time!
Ivan Affini: The texture is completely different from traditional cheese, yet it retains a lighter and tangier cheese flavor...
Ivan Affini: It's intoxicating!
Vyn: I remember you once told me that you wanted to conquer the cheese market in Barosk.
Ivan Affini: Haha, yeah. That's been my dream for a long time.
Ivan Affini: What makes you bring that up, Vilhelm?
Vyn: Because I also seem to recall that you mentioned that you could not find the perfect new type of cheese. One that would impress the tastes of the Barosk people.
Vyn: What do you think of Ms. Jennie's cheese?
After hearing Vyn, a sudden look of excitement rises in Ivan's eyes.
Ivan Affini: It definitely works. Vilhelm, thank you for presenting this opportunity to me!
Ivan Affini: I've been thinking the cheese market in Barosk is too rigid for a long time now.
Ivan Affini: Rules like cheese can only be served with wine, and cheese can only be served in a few fixed ways...
Ivan Affini: I can't stand it!
You: (Now I understand why Vyn and Ivan are friends. They are one and the same.)
You: So Mr. Affini, is there any chance Jennie could be your partner?
Ivan Affini: Oh, yes! For certain!
Ivan Affini: Ms. Jennie's cheese will be the exclusive recipe to open up into the Barosk cheese market!
Ivan Affini: I can guarantee that her cheese will conquer the taste buds of Barosk people.
Jennie Fiscella: I...
Hearing what Ivan said, Jennie doesn't seem relieved. She still looks very worried.
Jennie Fiscella: Sorry. Actually... I have also tried to sell the cheese I made...
Jennie Fiscella: But it hasn't really worked out. So I'm afraid... I might disappoint you, Mr. Affini.
Ivan Affini: It takes time to do promotion and for people to learn to accept it.
Ivan Affini: Be patient. The result will be good with a proper promotion plan.
Jennie Fiscella: Really?
Ivan Affini: Yes. Shall we discuss your cheese in detail?
Jennie Fiscella: Oh, okay.
You: (Great. There's a chance for their cooperation!)
The Joy of Trying New Things[edit | edit source]
Ivan Affini: Ms. Fiscella, are you sure you want to share your exclusive cheese recipe with me?
Jennie Fiscella: Yes, Mr. Affini.
Ivan Affini: Gosh! I've never felt so excited. Ms. Fiscella, whatever your conditions are, everything is negotiable.
Ivan Affini: I'm truly fascinated by your cheese. I'm sure it will conquer the taste buds of all the people in Barosk.
Jennie Fiscella: R... Really?
Ivan Affini: Of course. It's unknown to people not because of its quality but because of the lack of awareness.
Ivan Affini: Trust me. I will not let this opportunity to cooperate with you go to waste!
When Vyn speaks of Jennie's interest in cooperation, Mr. Affini shows great enthusiasm...
He receives Jennie personally and makes a generous offer to show his sincerity.
You: (Looks like this cooperation will be successful.)
Vyn: I wish your cooperation a great success.
Vyn: You two must have a lot of details to discuss. We shall leave you to it.
Ivan Affini: Vilhelm, my friend! Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will treasure it.
While Mr. Fiscella discusses the details with Jennie, you and Vyn leave the manor and continue your trip.
You choose the less popular transparent cable car to visit the Gandi Mountainous Park.
You: Dr. Richter, look at my photos...
Vyn: Did you take these shots from the cable car?
You: Yes. It's a spectacular view to look at the winery up from the cable car!
You show Vyn the photos you took when you were on the cable car like you're presenting a treasure...
In the photo, the mountains are dotted with green, and the estate is covered by swirling smoke, like in a dream...
You: Thank you for your recommendation, Dr. Richter!
You: If you hadn't suggested taking the cable car, we would still be climbing the mountain.
Vyn: I heard about this new cable car route. So I wanted to try it with you.
You: I didn't know the cable car is transparent...
You: That's why the staff said, "it'll make you feel like you're floating in the air."
It's been a long time since you got off the cable car. But the tension and excitement still remain in your body.
You: Not too many people take the cable car today. We are like the VIPs.
Vyn: Most people are concerned about the safety of the transparent cable car. They either walk or take other vehicles.
You: Well, hanging in the air like that can be scary...a lot of people would find that unacceptable.
Vyn: Were you scared?
You: I wasn't. Because...
Vyn's gaze is focused on your face like he's waiting for you to speak the answer.
You: Because I like to try new things and take on challenges, like you!
Vyn: Like me? Why... did you say that?
You: On this trip... you would always recommend new exciting activities and interesting food.
You: I assume you like trying new things and taking on challenges.
You: And you cared about Jennie so much...
You: Other than helping her... you also wanted to help break those conservative values in Barosk, right?
Vyn doesn't reply. His golden eyes conceal a smile.
Vyn: I like challenges, but not just for the challenge itself.
You: Oh?
Vyn: Just like this trip. I have been here before and have seen these landscapes. But I'd never felt as happy as I do now.
Vyn: It is you, who makes me discover joy in things that I am already used to.
Vyn: Rather than enjoy challenges, I enjoy challenges with you.
You: I'd like to try more fun things with you too!
Vyn: As usual... you always surprise me.
The gentle breeze rubs the golden rays of the sun into his silvery hair, like luminous water, it infiltrates your heart.
A warm sensation flows gradually into your bosom, where the feeling of joyfulness resides.
Touring Fia Estate[edit | edit source]
The sun shines on the lawn of Fia Estate, looking pleasantly green.
You: So beautiful. Just by standing here in the field of flowers, I feel like my body and mind have blended into nature.
Vyn: Shall we go for a walk and enjoy the scenery?
You: Sure.
So you and Vyn stroll among the fragrance of the trees in the estate and enjoy the atmosphere of spring.
Suddenly you hear a familiar voice.
???: Mr. Richter, Miss [Player]? I didn't expect to see you here.
You turn around and see Jennie walking up to you quickly, carrying a bucket of milk in her arms.
Jennie Fiscella: Are you visiting the Fia Estate?
You: Yes. What are you doing here, Jennie?
Jennie Fiscella: I live near the Fia Estate. I'm here to get some milk. What a coincidence to bump into you guys here.
Jennie Fiscella: Actually... I've been wanting to thank you.
Jennie Fiscella: Without you, I wouldn't have such a valuable opportunity.
Vyn: You are welcome. We were just doing what was right.
You: That's right. It was your cheese that got you the opportunity.
Jennie Fiscella: Right, would you like me to introduce the Fia Estate to you?
You: Sure, sounds good.
You: Any fun things to do here at Fia Estate?
Jennie Fiscella: There is the horse show and the lake tour.
Vyn: Oh? There is a horse show here?
Jennie Fiscella: Mm-hmm. Fia Estate has the largest horse pasture and a horse track in Barosk.
Jennie Fiscella: Whenever there's a big rodeo or horse show in Barosk, it's held here at Fia Estate.
You: (Hmm, Dr. Richter would be interested in equestrianism, right?)
You: Dr. Richter, can we go see the horse show later?
Vyn: No problem. We can go for a ride if we can manage to rent horses.
You: Great!
You: A lake tour? I don't remember seeing a lake nearby...
Jennie Fiscella: Keep walking a little further and you'll see it.
Jennie Fiscella: It's a very famous man-made lake in Fia Estate. Although it's not huge, it has breathtaking views.
Jennie Fiscella: Many tourists like to take a boat ride to enjoy the breeze and the beauty of the estate.
You: (That sounds very relaxing. I should check it out later.)
You: Any food recommendations here at Fia Estate?
Jennie Fiscella: There is the baked venison steak and charcoal-grilled beef with mushrooms.
You: Baked venison steak sounds delicious.
Jennie Fiscella: Mm-hmm, it is.
Jennie Fiscella: It's made from the most tender leg meat from ranch-raised deer and cooked with a wide range of spices...
Jennie Fiscella: It's served with lingonberry jam and roasted potatoes. It's amazing.
You: (I have to try it later.)
You: Charcoal-grilled beef with mushrooms... Do you grill mushrooms and beef together over a charcoal fire?
Jennie Fiscella: Yes. We like to make a mushroom sauce by chopping up fresh mushrooms and mixing them with black pepper...
Jennie Fiscella: We use that to marinate the beef and then we grill it over the charcoals. The flavors of the sauce and beef will blend together perfectly.
Jennie Fiscella: You've got to try it. It's really wonderful.
You: It sounds amazing!
Jennie Fiscella: There are many unique natural landscapes in the Fia Estate. All the tourists find the estate's scenery attractive.
You: Yeah. We can already feel it.
Vyn: It is indeed very charming.
Jennie Fiscella: Well, have a nice day at Fia Estate.
"Surprise" Souvenir[edit | edit source]
After saying goodbye to Jennie, you and Vyn continue to travel around Fia Estate.
The spring breeze is warm and the view is breathtaking. In the distance, cows are grazing on the pasture. It is a peaceful scene.
You: ...What are we going to do at the last stop of our trip?
The five-day overseas trip will soon come to an end. You feel reluctant to leave.
After leaving Jennie's house, you begin to think about doing something special to commemorate the trip.
Vyn: Do you want to experience the life of being the master of the estate?
You: What? How?
Vyn: There are many farms around Fia Estate which are available for tourists to rent.
Vyn: If you want, you can temporarily become the owner of the farm and experience the farmer's life.
You: (It's nice to be the owner of the farm and watch cattle and sheep wandering on the pasture!)
You: That's it! Dr. Richter, let's become the masters of the farm together!
Vyn: Shall we go have a look at the farms available for rental?
You: Sure.
Soon, you find a farm available for rental and become a temporary farmer.
According to the staff, during the rental period, the tenants can use any items on the farm.
If you want, you can even prepare a Baroskian meal for your guests.
You: Dr. Richter! The cows are here!
Vyn: I never thought that I would need to harvest my own food one day.
It might be a little hard to cook traditional Baroskian food, but it shouldn't be too hard to make a cream stew.
You feel like an idiot for not realizing that you'd have to harvest your own food.
There's no food in the kitchen. If you want to cook, you'd have to collect the ingredients from the farm yourself.
You: Fine. It is our farm after all.
You: As a farm owner, I have to do everything by myself.
You volunteer to milk the cow, but you become totally helpless when you sit by the milk bucket.
You: Okay. Massage the teat repeatedly from the top to the bottom... Be careful and squeeze it in one fluid motion.
You: (Oh no, I've completely forgotten the milking technique the staff just taught me!)
You try your best to remember as you approach the cows...
"Moo!" You tried to be gentle, but once the cow moves, you get scared and you withdraw your hands.
At this time, a pair of warm hands cover yours and gently hold your trembling fingers.
Vyn: Don't be afraid. The more you worry, the more your fingers will lose control.
Vyn: Calm down. It is actually very simple.
With a gentle force between the fingers, you massage the cow's teat... Soon, you can smell the sweetness of the milk.
You: I did it.
You relax your arms and let Vyn's fingers guide you.
The rich smelling liquid squirts through your fingers and drips steadily into the milk bucket.
Soon the bucket is filled with milk. You've finally finished your task.
Vyn: Look, you have done a good job, right?
You: Dr. Richter... I mean, farmer Richter, you've also done a good job guiding me.
Vyn: I did not really guide you. I only learned from the staff's introduction.
You: Now I have to repay you with the creamy stew I guess.
Vyn: Okay. Let me carry the milk bucket...
Vyn: Ah!
You: !!!
Because of your inexperience, the bucket is too full... The milk splashes out onto Vyn's face.
Milk is dripping from his collar, cuffs, chest, and even the ends of his hair...
Unlike his usual self, Vyn shows a hint of helplessness or even nervousness.
You: Pfft...
Instead of getting a towel to clean up, you pick up the camera and aim it at him...
Admittedly, you do want to prank him but you won't say it out loud. You: Dr. Richter.
Vyn: Yes?
The moment is captured by the camera. The surprise in his eyes, the embarrassment when his shirt is soaked with milk...
It's like... you know a little secret about Vyn. It makes you feel strangely satisfied.
Vyn: Why did you... suddenly...
You: Because seeing you embarrassed is also a new experience.
You: I want that as a souvenir.
Vyn looks at your photo, the surprise in his eyes is enlarged and there is a kind of helplessness in his golden eyes.
Vyn: ...You captured the embarrassing side of me.
Vyn: I can never hide anything from you.
You pick up a clean towel to clean the milk stains on Vyn's shirt.
You: Perfect... I want to get a better look at you.
Vyn: I am willing to let you see me.
His voice is so soft, like the tenderness reflected in his golden eyes.
The more you see, the more you understand, and slowly you find his uniqueness...
I think... Maybe this is the meaning and reward of your trip.
City of the Arts (Artem's Route)[edit | edit source]
Vacation Invitation[edit | edit source]
The legal assistance case that you and Artem were working on today in the Orchidshine District ended smoothly.
You're in a great mood after a busy day of work, so you can't help but start daydreaming about your upcoming vacation.
You: Mr. Wing, Celestine said that she'd give us time off after we finished this case...
You: Have you thought about how you're going to spend your vacation?
Artem: Not really. You?
You: ...I'll probably spend a few days enjoying someplace with a nice view.
Artem: Are you... going by yourself?
You: Yeah, because Evelyn, my friend who works at a geographic magazine publishing house, is asking for my help again...
You: She wants me to take pictures of "the most magnificent sights" during my vacation.
Artem: Where do you want to travel? Any ideas?
You: I've given it some thought, but... I haven't decided yet.
You: Oh, do you have any recommendations, Mr. Wing?
Artem falls silent. He seems to be thinking seriously about your question.
Artem: I recommend Lombardia. Its cultural landmarks and natural scenery are remarkable.
Artem: They also recently opened a travel train route that takes you to popular tourist destinations.
Artem: If you want to travel, Lombardia is an excellent choice.
You: Huh...
Artem: What is it? Did I say something wrong?
Not wrong, but way too coincidental.
You were already interested in Lombardia when you were looking at travel guides, but you were still undecided...
You didn't expect Artem to recommend the same place. Is this the work of the Fates?
Artem: Of course, it's only a suggestion. The important thing is that you choose somewhere you like—
You: I do like it! Lombardia it is!!!
You: If it's your suggestion, it can't be bad.
Artem: ...Why don't we go together?
You: Huh?
Artem: I just think... it would be difficult for you to take pictures by yourself.
Artem: Besides, it might be better to have a travel partner...
You: Perfect. I was just about to ask if you wanted to go with me.
You: Then it's decided, okay?
Artem: Okay. I'll have a look at the travel route when I get home tonight.
Artem smiles. His sparkling eyes momentarily daze you.
You two soon have the itinerary planned and flights booked. Together, you and him embark on a journey to Lombardia.
You: It's so warm and sunny! What a perfect day for our trip.
Sunlight streams in through the ceiling's glass panels, providing warmth to the station's passengers.
Standing inside and looking around a station situated by Lombardia's border...
It feels like you've stepped through time into the previous century, away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities.
Artem: [Player], the gate might get busy later. Let's ready our tickets beforehand.
You: Got them.
You wave the train tickets in your hand to show that they're ready to go.
Artem: The train is almost here. Let's go wait on the platform.
Artem: The seats I booked are right by the windows. You can enjoy the sights along the way.
You: Great! I can take some videos to show Evelyn.
Artem: We'll pass a flower field before the first stop. It should make for a good view.
In minute detail, Artem goes on to describe the scenery you will see along the way, as well as some photo-worthy locales...
His descriptions are so detailed that it sounds as though he has personally seen those sights.
You: Mr. Wing, have you been there before?
Artem: No... This is also my first time.
You: What?! But your descriptions were so detailed...
Artem: I looked them up while assembling a travel guide.
You did all this research online to make a guide?!
How many resources did he go through to look up all this stuff?!
You: Mr. Wing, you're incredible!
Artem: I... wanted to be well-prepared so you would feel more comfortable.
You: Well, I always feel really comfortable traveling with you.
Artem: ...That's good.
Artem's eyes light up. He appears to be in high spirits after hearing your reply.
Artem: Oh, where do you want to go after we arrive in the city of Lombard?
Artem: I had reserved tickets for an opera because I thought we could watch it together...
Artem: But after looking at travel guides, I found out that the central plaza hosts popular street performances.
Artem: So, I thought... it would be best to let you decide.
You: Hmm...
The opera would be fantastic, but a street performance sounds really unique.
Both are excellent options... Which one will you choose?
You: Let's watch the opera. It'd be a shame to not use the tickets you bought.
You: If there's time after the opera, we can walk around town and see if there are other street performances going on.
Artem: Then let's follow the original plan and watch the opera first.
You: Okay.
Artem: I'm looking forward to our trip.
You: Yes, me too!
You: I want to see the street performance, but... wouldn't that be a waste of your hard-won tickets?
Artem: No problem. They're refundable. You don't need to worry.
You: Thanks, Mr. Wing. I hope it's not too much trouble...
Artem: ...No need for stress. We're here on vacation, so we should do what we want to.
You: Mr. Wing...
Artem: Let's go. The train's almost here. I'm looking forward to our trip.
*choo* The sound of a train whistle draws the attention of all the travelers on the platform.
You: It's here. Let's go, Mr. Wing!
Maybe because of the excitement in your voice, Artem also cracks a smile.
Artem: Okay.
Explore City of the Arts[edit | edit source]
Lombardia, also known as the "City of Art," is a renowned tourist destination famous for its beautiful environment, architecture, and art collections.
Standing in the city's streets right now, you finally understand its epithet.
As soon as you exit the station, your attention is captured by the artistic and classical architecture.
You: So beautiful... Good thing we came here.
Artem: We can take a tour bus to the city's CBD for a more impressive view of the city.
You: Hm... I feel like I'll be able to take all of Evelyn's photos today.
You two arrive at the tour bus station, ready to take a bus into the heart of the city. However...
You: Huh? There isn't even a single bus...
Having waited for half an hour, not a single vehicle passed by this place.
Many tourists who are also waiting for the bus are getting anxious and are starting to complain.
Artem: Maybe there's an accident so the bus is late.
You: Mr. Wing, shall we go and check with the staff?
Artem: Okay.
Once you enter the tourist information room, the staff greet you immediately.
Staff: Excuse me, are you here to inquire about the delay with the tour bus?
You: Excuse me, but did something happen to the tour buses?
Staff: Sigh, I'm so sorry.
Staff: Road repairs are being done nearby. Traffic jams have been common lately because of the construction work.
Staff: Thank you for your continued patience. The tour bus should be here within 15 minutes.
The staff member swiftly resolves your confusion. It looks like she's had to answer these questions a lot as of late.
You: I see... That explains a lot about our wait.
Staff: I'm so sorry. We will discuss this issue with the construction team.
You: No problem, I understand.
Staff: Thank you for your understanding. Is there anything else I can help you with?
You: Can you give us more recommendations for popular spots?
Although you have already made travel plans with Artem, you want to hear a professional's recommendations.
Staff: I recommend the Golden Church, Arty Clocktower, and the Lombard Opera House.
Staff: These three places are full of artistry and romance. You'll get a sense of Lombardia's spirit at first glance.
You: I saw a description of the Golden Church when I was looking up travel guides. It's the oldest church in Lombardia, isn't it?
Staff: Yes. The Golden Church was sacred in ancient Lombardia and there are a lot of precious artworks from the old dynasties in the church.
Staff: The church's facade and mesh vaults are lined with gold foil, which makes it dazzling in the sunlight...
Staff: That's why it is called the Golden Church.
You: (I'm sure I'll get some great photos there!)
You: Mr. Wing, can we go visit the Golden Church... if there is time?
Artem: We don't have much on the agenda today, so we can go anywhere you want.
You: Great!
You: Where is Yati Clock Tower?
Staff: It's near Lombardia Central Square. It's one of our landmarks.
Staff: The Yati Clock Tower is about 300 feet high, and each wall is decorated with the golden lion from the old Lombardia legend.
Staff: The top floor of the clock tower has a view of the whole city.
You: (The view from above must be spectacular! I should go check it out if there is time later.)
You: Mr. Wing, the opera house you wanted to visit is the Lombardia Opera House, right?
Artem: Yes. It's had many masterpieces performed in it and the building itself is very characteristic of Lombardia. It's one of best the landmarks of the city.
Staff: You're an expert on this stuff. You must have done a lot of homework.
Staff: The architectural style of Lombardia Opera House is a combination of Baroque and Gothic.
Staff: However, it also incorporates Lombardia's classical architectural features. The whole opera house is elegant and artistic.
Staff: Anyone who has been to the opera house is enchanted by its beauty.
You: (Hmm, I should pay a visit with Artem.)
Staff: Do you have any other questions?
You: No. Thank you.
Staff: You're welcome. This is my job.
Staff: By the way, this is a travel guidebook for Lombardia...
The staff smile and hands you a booklet.
Staff: The attractions and travel routes are marked in the guide. You can refer to this map for sightseeing.
You: Thank you. It's really convenient.
Staff: Have a nice day.
Photography Problems[edit | edit source]
At the end of the day's journey, you and Artem have dinner at a Lombardan restaurant famed for their specialty dishes.
The restaurant is not large, but the simple and classic decor lends a comfortable atmosphere.
The only drawback is the lack of waitstaff — customers need to order directly at the bar.
Artem: What do you want to eat?
You: You pick. I trust your taste, Mr. Wing!
Artem: Then have a seat and relax. I'll order.
You: Okay!
While Artem is ordering, you open your tablet to pick which photos to send to Evelyn.
You: This one with the street reflected in the river isn't bad. Hm, this shot of the opera house at sunset is also pretty good...
After selecting the photos that you like, you compress them into a single file and send them off via email.
You: Done!
As soon as you finish, you hear someone shouting from a neighboring section... It sounds like they're complaining about something.
???: How did you calculate this bill?! What a scam! I want a refund!
???: You guys are trying to scam tourists!
You: (Over there... A fight?)
You can only hear indistinct words through the closed door, and you can't see what is happening.
More muffled noises come from the other room, but they quickly die out and the air grows calm again...
You: (It's quiet again. It was probably something small...)
As you hesitate on whether to go and have a look, you hear familiar footsteps... Artem's back.
Artem: [Player], what's wrong?
If you told him, would he think that you're being too nosy? Maybe it's best if you didn't...
You smile and change the subject.
You: Nothing... Oh, what did you order, Mr. Wing?
Artem: I ordered some of their highly rated dishes. I hope you like them.
You: Looking forward to it!
The dishes that Artem had ordered quickly arrive. The delectable display and tantalizing aroma are enough to set off anyone's appetite.
Artem: Try the fish chowder while it's hot.
Artem places a bowl of the chowder in front of you.
Its savory aroma tickles your nose. You trade your camera for a spoon... A single spoonful washes away the day's fatigue.
You: Delicious! I thought that mixing cream and fish would be oily, but this is so tasty!
The soft, deboned fillets melt into the soup. Every mouthful is a delight.
You present a bowl of precious fish chowder to Artem, eagerly staring at him.
You: You need to try it, too! It's delicious!
Artem: Okay. It seems that the raw fish was cooked by placing it directly into the cream soup...
Artem: I would expect that method of preparation to yield a fishy taste, but it is unexpectedly good.
You: Mr. Wing, how about taking a page from this recipe?
Artem: I'll try.
As you two chat, you savor Lombardia's famed cuisine and enjoy the leisure of being on vacation.
A sudden vibration from your phone breaks your reverie. You unlock your phone and see a message from Evelyn.
"These shots aren't good enough. What I want is a picture of what you think is the most magnificent sight on your trip."
You: Oh, man...
Artem: What's wrong?
You: I think I failed...
You show Artem Evelyn's message and the photos you had just sent her.
Artem examines your photos several times. He returns your tablet before speaking.
Artem: I think the photos you took are in and of themselves fine.
Artem: This one of a church at sunset, and this one with reflections on the water — both are good.
You: You don't have to console me, Mr. Wing... All these photos got rejected.
Artem: I was not providing consolation, but stating a fact.
Artem: My guess is... Your friend isn't asking for a work of superior artistic composition. It's something else...
You: Something else?
Artem's words pour into your heart like spring water and wash away your feelings of dejection.
You try to grasp the key message, but you feel like something is missing. You can't see through the fog before you.
Artem: Relax and take your time. The train will arrive at Dilly Plaza tomorrow...
Artem: They say its beauty is unparalleled as the heart of Lombardia's arts. You might find inspiration there.
You: True, and we still have quite a few days of vacation after that! I'm sure that the most magnificent of sights is waiting for us.
Artem's gentle voice dispels the remaining regret in your heart.
He's right. Your journey only just started — it's too early to define what the "most breathtaking sight" is.
Patience will allow you to discover and realize it during this trip.
The Charm of Dilly Plaza[edit | edit source]
The next day, you arrive at Dilly Plaza by train.
If Lombardia is a picture of art, Dilly Plaza is an elegant city of lifestyle.
Here, you can feel the passion of the local people.
For example, shortly after you walk out of the station, a travel guide greets you warmly.
Tour Guide: Nice to meet you, my guest from afar.
Tour Guide: I wonder if there's anything I can help you with?
You: Hmm...
You: Do you have any recommendations on some popular attractions nearby?
Tour Guide: There are lots of popular attractions in Dilly Plaza. The top two are Dilly Art Gallery and Wax Museum of Movies.
You: I saw online that Stellis Art Gallery is holding an exhibition on Impressionism?
Tour Guide: Yes. You are welcome to visit the gallery if you're interested.
Tour Guide: This exhibition brings together more than ten famous Impressionist artists, and they allow photography...
Tour Guide: You can take pictures of the works you like.
You: (Wow, I can get a lot of precious photos!)
You: Mr. Wing, shall we go to the art gallery later?
Artem: Sure. I was thinking about it, too.
You: How do we get to the Wax Museum of Movies?
Tour Guide: Take the tour bus to the Film Gallery on the west side of the square. The entrance of the Wax Museum of Movies is nearby.
Tour Guide: The wax museum has replicated many classic movie scenes with vivid wax sculptures. It's a favorite for tourists.
Tour Guide: If you are into movies, you can't miss it.
You: (I love movies! The wax museum is in the guide Artem made. I bet he'd like to see it.)
Artem: [Player], maybe we should...
You: Why don't we go to the wax museum?
You and Artem say the same thing at the same time... As you both finish your words, a smile spreads across Artem's face.
Artem: Sure. Let's go.
You: Any recommendations for food?
Tour Guide: The top two dishes on Dilly Plaza's fine foods list are mussel shrimp soup and beef tongue in red wine.
You: I'm curious what the mussel shrimp soup tastes like.
Tour Guide: This soup is famous in Dilly Plaza. It uses a variety of vegetables to make the broth, setting off the sweetness of the mussels and long-tail shrimp.
Tour Guide: You are guaranteed to experience the complexity of the mussel shrimp soup from the first sip.
You: (It sounds like a complicated process! So the soup should taste great, right?)
Artem: Let's get that when we eat.
You: Yes! I was thinking that too.
You: Beef tongue in red wine. It sounds delicious.
Tour Guide: It's a traditional Lombardia dish. You have to try it.
Tour Guide: The beef tongue is slowly stewed at a low temperature to ensure its soft texture...
Tour Guide: The special red wine sauce makes the beef tongue taste fresh and sweet. Anyone that has tried this dish speaks highly of it.
You: (Just hearing about it makes me hungry! I'm adding this dish to my list!)
Tour Guide: Do you have any other questions?
You: No. Thank you.
Tour Guide: Then, I wish you a pleasant journey!
Waxwork Woes[edit | edit source]
After visiting the Dilly Art Gallery and enjoying the fresh mussel shrimp soup and the delicious red wine ox tongue...
The next destination is the film wax museum that you were looking forward to.
You: (I wonder if there're any of the movie scenes that you and Artem like...)
As soon as you arrive at the ticket booth, you're greeted with yelling instead of hospitable staff.
Tourist: What's the matter with you? Why should I pay extra?
Staff: Lady, that is our policy.
Tourist: These are unreasonable charges for cheating tourists!
You: Oh? What...
Tourist: Young lady, tell me what you think!
You: Hey, take it easy. Can you tell me what's going on?
Tourist: I bought a travel pass online before I came here!
Tourist: It includes admission to over a dozen popular attractions without any further charges.
You: (Hmm... That's a great deal.)
Tourist: But when I showed it to them... they asked me to pay more!
Tourist: They said I had to pay extra for the service I already paid for. It ticked me off.
You: Is there any information about additional service fees on the travel pass?
Tourist: No! I swear, absolutely not.
Tourist: I went through the ticket several times and there was nothing about any additional service fees.
Tourist: This store must be lying about it.
You: Well... What did they say about the extra charge?
Tourist: Hmpf, he said the travel pass only includes the price of admission...
Tourist: I had to pay the processing and service fees to get in!
Tourist: I'm so mad! What kind of wax museum is this? I'm not going in. I want a refund!
Staff: I'm sorry, lady. We can't refund your ticket.
You: (No refund? That's a bit unreasonable!)
Artem: If this lady doesn't want to visit anymore, you should refund the ticket for her.
Tourist: Exactly. How can you charge me for no reason?
Staff: Let me be clear. We do not refund tickets!
[Debate]
Staff: Fine, fine! You win. I'll refund the ticket.
Staff: Now, get out. We don't welcome troublesome visitors like you!
Tourist: Thank you. It'd probably take me a long time to argue with them without your help.
You: You're welcome. It's not a big deal.
You: We are tourists as well. We should help each other.
Tourist: Sigh... the scenery of Lombardia is beautiful. It's just that there are too many unethical business practices!
The tourist seizes the opportunity to begin whining.
When you finally calm her down, you and Artem are not in the mood for sightseeing anymore.
After taking a few photos of the scenery, you finish your day early.
Staff: Humph, we strictly follow the charging standards here. Mind your own business!
You: (So unreasonable!)
You: (No. I need to calm down and think... I must be able to think of something to refute him!)
Gentle Street Performance[edit | edit source]
You: That staff member was so unreasonable.
Even though you're already a few streets away from the film wax museum, you still can't let go of what happened.
You thought you could experience the charm of classic movie scenes with Artem at the wax museum...
However... The truth is that you two were refused entry, and the staff member even rudely called you "nosy tourists."
Artem: We already explained everything to the local police.
Artem: It's up to the authorities now. Don't let this matter eat at you.
You: Right. I shouldn't let someone like that ruin my mood!
Artem reaches out and brushes aside your bangs with a faint smile on his face.
Artem: Oh, did you want to watch the nighttime street concert at Dilly Plaza?
You: Eh? ...Can we make it...?
Earlier, you were looking forward to the street concert when the tour guide was talking about how much of a spectacle they were.
But you gave up on the idea after considering
Artem: Now that we're not going to the wax museum anymore... We have an extra hour of free time.
Artem: The timing is just right to go to the concert now.
Artem's voice slowly drifts into your ears with the night breeze, arousing the curiosity in your heart once again.
You: I want to go!
Artem: Okay. I'll hail a taxi.
"My beautiful love, please look at me."
"Don't let go. Become music and follow the galaxy of time to find me."
You: The music's lovely.
The melodies of the singers on stage flow like a river graced by a starry spring night, quietly lingering in the air.
Artem: This is "Nocturne of a Starry River," a popular song that was adapted from a Lombardian folk song.
The concert has no emcee, so the singers improvise their songs and interactions with the audience.
Artem acts as your guide and quietly whispers commentary from your side.
You: I thought they'd pick faster songs for an outdoor concert, but most of them have been romantic ballads.
Artem: This performance's theme is "heaven and love." Most of the songs have been Lombardian folk songs.
Artem: The locals revere the beauty of nature, so they prefer to sing unaccompanied.
You: Hmm... This kind of improv requires a lot of skill to pull off.
You: The singers are all in tune, like walking music players.
You two converse in whispers as winds of marvelous song blow your worries away.
You are immersed in the songs until the end of the show. The day's troubles have all but been forgotten.
Artem: Feeling better now?
You: For sure! I'm in a great mood after hearing that amazing concert.
Artem: That's good... I want you to enjoy a perfect trip.
Artem: That's why I don't want what happened earlier today to leave you with any regrets.
You: I don't have any regrets. On the contrary... I feel very lucky.
You: If we hadn't missed the wax museum, then we wouldn't have been able to watch that wonderful concert.
You: This is a "blessing in disguise"? No, "turning lemons into lemonade"!
Artem: You...
Artem is amused by your words. His eyebrows arch up, and his eyes seem more animated than usual.
Artem: In that case, then I feel like today was... a "gift from God."
You: Oh, why's that?
Artem: Whether it's an exhibit or a concert, the most important thing for me is... that I'm going there with you.
Artem: Now that my wish has been fulfilled, isn't it like a "dream come true"?
You didn't know that Artem could chat so casually. Away from the intense environment at work...
Out here on vacation, it feels like he is subconsciously showing you more of his real self.
You: Yeah, that makes sense.
You: I have a little bit of regret.
Artem: ...
You: Mr. Wing, you've always loved movies. I feel bad that we couldn't see the wax exhibit...
Artem: I don't feel bad.
Artem: I enjoy the process of seeing the exhibition with you, not necessarily the exhibition itself.
Artem: And if you ask me, it's been an enjoyable journey.
Artem: So, I have no regrets. In fact, I feel... satisfied.
Artem smiles at you. You can see the kindness on his face and feel the sincerity in his words.
Touched by his words, the final remnants of regret in your heart vanish.
You: I'm also really satisfied.
Artem: It's getting late. We should head back.
Artem: We're going to Kylos tomorrow, so we should get a good night's sleep.
Kylos is famous for its food. Hundreds of local snacks and delicacies attract countless tourists to the city.
You: I have my food bucket list ready!
Artem: I looked into some of the finer specialty restaurants. After we arrive, we can explore the city and try out the food.
You: Okay. I trust your choices!
You and him chat the entire way back.
Under the moonlight, the road ahead seems to stretch on infinitely, leading your journey to an unknown tomorrow.
Thoughts of Kylos[edit | edit source]
As everyone says, Kylos is the famous gourmet city of Lombardia.
There are many specialty restaurants here. You can smell food everywhere in the streets.
Thoughtfully, Artem has found a guide to tell you about Kylos.
Under the guide's patient and passionate explanation, you start to get a more complete picture of this gourmet city.
Guide: My dear guests, welcome to Kylos.
Guide: This is Lombardia's ark of gourmet food. It's an island ruled by taste and the culinary spirit!
You: (This introduction is so dramatic... This is probably one of the most unique characteristics of Kylos?)
You: Sir, can you be more specific?
Guide: Of course, my dearest guests.
You: Could you give us some detailed recommendations for some unique attractions?
Guide: Well, I highly recommend the Museum of Tastes and the Green Castle.
Guide: They are the landmarks of Kylos.
You: The Museum of Tastes?
Guide: Ah yes, it has displays on various historical documents related to cuisine.
Guide: You can learn a lot of details about the history of Kylos as a foodie city.
You: Got it... I think I'll get hungry walking around the museum.
You: What's Green Castle like?
Guide: It's fully surrounded by greenery and flowers. Some say it's like a fairy tale wonderland.
Guide: I highly recommend you to visit it.
Guide: You get to enjoy not only the fantastic delicacies but also the service aristocrats historically experienced.
You: (Historical aristocratic service... fantastic delicacies?)
You: (What would that be like? I'm so into it!)
You: What's the most popular food here?
Guide: Kylos is famous for three delicacies: cheese and mushroom tart, squab pie, and beet lobster.
Guide: You can't really say you have been to Kylos without trying these three dishes.
You: I think I'll try cheese and mushroom tart.
Guide: You have excellent taste, miss.
Guide: Use the special sauce made with cheese and fresh mushrooms to stuff the tart, and bake it. It tastes amazing.
Guide: Anyone who tastes it will be overwhelmed by the flavor of the cheese and the freshness of the mushrooms.
You: (It's that amazing? I'll have to try it!)
Artem: I've heard of squab pie. It's a traditional Lombardia dish.
Guide: That's right. Personally, I think it represents Lombardia the best!
Guide: It looks no different from a regular savory pie on the outside, but the filling is made of freshly minced squab meat.
Guide: The combination of the freshness of the squab and the tender savory pie makes for an incredible dish.
You: (Mmm... I think this one is gonna be awesome!)
You: Is beet lobster just beets cooked with lobster?
Guide: That's an oversimplification. Kylos's beet lobster is much more than that.
Guide: It must be made with the most tender beets chopped and boiled with oysters, clams, and other seafood to make the sauce.
Guide: Fry the lobster with butter and serve it with the seafood beet sauce.
Guide: The freshness of the seafood sauce and the freshness of the lobster makes a perfect blend.
You: (Wow, I want to try the beet lobster right now!)
Guide: My dear guests, please let me know if you have any other questions.
You: That'll be all. We've got everything we need to know. Thank you.
Guide: You're welcome. It's my honor to be able to answer your questions.
After saying goodbye to the guide, you look for the location of the attractions on the map on your phone.
You: Hm... Gourmet Museum and Green Castle should be on the same block...
You: Mr. Wing, we can visit these two places at the same time!
Artem: Sure. We can find a place for lunch after visiting the museum... then we can visit Green Castle.
You: Good. We can try the dishes the guide recommended.
Dining Dilemma[edit | edit source]
You: I wonder what the fried air from the tourism video tastes like ...
You and Artem are still discussing the creative dishes you saw in the gourmet museum after you left. You: Deep-fried moss, giant catfish noodles, lobster, and cuttlefish stew... they all seem pretty special to me.
Artem: I found a specialty restaurant...
Artem: They are specialized in recreating the dishes in the Gourmet Museum as well as classic Lombardia cuisine.
You: Let's go to that restaurant, shall we?
Your excited voice triggers a smile in Artem's eyes.
Artem: Okay. Let me call a cab.
Soon, you arrive at the specialty restaurant that Artem mentioned.
The restaurant is clean and the prices are reasonable.
So you order a few more signature dishes to savor the delicacies.
But the good times are interrupted when the bill arrives.
You: No way. Why is it so expensive? Did you make a mistake?
Restaurant Owner: I swear to God, it's the right amount.
Artem: The unit price on the bill is not the same as on the menu.
Restaurant Owner: The price on the menu is just for the dish itself...
Restaurant Owner: But please understand that there are other fees such as service fees, ingredient fees, and cooking fees.
You: You didn't explain these fees to us. We are not going to pay for it.
Restaurant Owner: Oh my god! I guarantee that every cent we charge is reasonable.
You: So it's reasonable to charge a service fee, an ingredients fee, and a labor fee separately?
Restaurant Owner: I can't believe you would ask such a silly question.
Restaurant Owner: If we don't charge them separately, how can we provide proper service to our customers?
You: These charges are clearly designed to scam tourists!
[Debate]
Artem: We've called the police. I suggest you save your excuses for them.
Restaurant Owner: Oh, gosh! I don't know how to talk to you people.
The restaurant owner has clearly run out of things to say, but he still acts arrogantly.
Restaurant Owner: Pay now and get out of my restaurant!
Restaurant Owner: If you come to my restaurant again, I can't promise what I'd do to you.
Just like that, you are kicked out by the restaurant owner.
Luckily the local police arrive in time to stop the chaos.
After some negotiation, the owner is willing to charge according to the menu. You and Artem accept the outcome reluctantly.
You: ...That restaurant owner is awful!
You: (If this happened in Stellis, I would've sued him to bankruptcy!)
Artem: Sorry. I didn't expect the restaurant to be like that...
As soon as Artem finishes, a high-pitched voice of a middle-aged woman cuts in.
???: Poor foreigners. Only you would eat in such a restaurant.
Her words are clearly directed at you. You can't resist walking up to chat with her.
You: Excuse me, do you mind explaining... what you just said?
Local Resident: Oh, I can't believe poor foreigners would ask such a question. I bet you've never been to Lombardia before.
You: ...Indeed, it's my first time here.
Local Resident: What you've been through is perfectly ordinary, as ordinary as the apple jam my neighbor Susanna makes.
You: (This analogy...)
You: Excuse me, can you be more specific?
Local Resident: Oh! I can't believe it, you don't know anything.
Local Resident: Fine. I am kind enough to explain this to you.
You: Is that restaurant... only frequented by tourists?
Local Resident: It was popular among us locals ten years ago.
Local Resident: Sadly... its prices have become so expensive as more tourists come to visit.
Local Resident: Lord knows I used to love their squab pie.
You: That means... the prices at the restaurant used to be more reasonable?
Local Resident: Oh, of course. I miss those days.
Local Resident: Cheap and delicious food without all the service charge nonsense.
You: (Wow? This restaurant was once that kind of place?)
Artem: Did the owner of the restaurant change?
You: (That makes sense... The change in ownership may have lead to the price increases.)
Local Resident: Never, I swear to God.
Local Resident: Sigh, he is just being greedy. He wants to make more money. That's why he keeps raising prices.
Local Resident: A lot of tourists don't mind spending more money, which has encouraged him.
Local Resident: The outrageous thing is that some double their prices when they deal with tourists.
Local Resident: Those guys! Their hearts are as dark as squid noodle soup!
You: ...
You: (I hate to admit it, but it looks like we got hustled...)
Local Resident: Oh my God. I can't believe I wasted so much time on you...
Local Resident: My dear Randy is still waiting for me to try his apple pies.
Although you don't know who Randy is, this lady clearly doesn't want to continue the conversation anymore.
You: Sorry for taking up your time.
After the conversation, you and Artem stroll along the busy streets of Kylos.
You have both gone silent. You feel something oppressed in your hearts...
You feel heavy and anxious. You've lost the excitement for the trip.
Restaurant Owner: I swear to God that I'm already accommodating you with all my kindness. Young lady, you should stop.
You: You should stop!
You: (Dang... let me think how I should refute him!)
Scenic Spot Troubles[edit | edit source]
You: ...
As the sky grows dark, the lively excitement of the city peters out into a peaceful quiet.
Only the tumult within your heart remains unabated, sharply contrasting the tranquil night.
You can still picture the face of that unreasonable restaurant owner.
You: These extra fees you're asking for are unwarranted. We won't pay them!
Restaurant Owner: What?! My god, I guarantee that every cent is fairly charged.
You: So it's fair to separately charge a service fee, a materials fee, and a labor fee?
Restaurant Owner: I can't believe you would ask such a silly question.
Restaurant Owner: If we don't charge them separately, how can we provide proper service to our customers?
You: You're scamming customers by charging whatever fees you want!
Artem: We've called the police. I suggest you save your excuses for them.
Restaurant Owner: Ah, what the hell! I don't know how to talk to you people.
The restaurant owner is clearly unable to refute your words, yet he stubbornly persists.
Restaurant Owner: Leave! Get out of my restaurant!
Restaurant Owner: If you show your faces here ever again, there's no telling what I'll do.
Your head hurts thinking about how haughty the owner was as he drove you and Artem out, even though he was in the wrong.
To make matters worse, what you experienced after leaving showed you that reality is worse than what you had imagined.
You: I thought tourist scams were isolated incidents, not common occurrences.
Artem: This culture didn't manifest overnight.
Artem: The restaurant owner's demeanor demonstrated that he has been using dishonest practices to swindle tourists for a long time now.
You: Yeah. The locals that we talked to also told us...
You: "Some business owners double prices for tourists since they won't know any better."
You: "That owner isn't even that bad. Others are worse." And stuff like that...
Artem: Lombardia is a popular tourist destination. Traffic is high, and those who get cheated but don't want to stir trouble generally remain quiet.
Artem: Unscrupulous merchants know this, so they do as they please...
Artem: In addition, the local authorities do little intervention, so this phenomenon will only worsen over time.
You: We can't just do nothing! I need to expose this travel scam and put a stop to such criminal behavior.
You: Otherwise, every tourist after us will experience what we just went through today!
You get angrier as you talk, and your voice naturally becomes more distressed.
Artem reaches out to hold your hands. The warmth of his palms radiates down through his fingertips.
You suddenly stop talking. You feel as if your heart is submerged in a clear spring.
Artem: I understand your feelings. You're not upset merely because of what happened today, but that those experiences will continue to repeat themselves...
Artem: More people will be treated unfairly, just as we were.
Artem: Don't worry. I'll help you.
Artem says the words that you were unable to.
He is a spring of water that you are completely immersed in. There are no secrets before him — he sees through your every thought.
You: ...Mr. Wing, let's try to collect some evidence and resolve this issue.
Artem: Yes, together.
Artem: However... We don't need to rush. Proper solutions require time.
Artem: I've kept today's receipt as evidence.
Artem: When the train arrives at the James River tomorrow, we can keep an eye out for similar occurrences during our travels.
You: Yeah! If we run into a similar situation, we can keep some evidence!
Artem: Right. Our evidence will be key in eliminating tourist scams.
The warmth of his palms grows more intense, as if they are a source of strength that gives you encouragement and confidence.
A feeling surfaces from the depths of your heart: as long as you're with Artem, you will succeed in anything you do.
Yes, this is fact.
Visiting the James River[edit | edit source]
After you decide to report on the unreasonable charges of Lombardia...
Your trip to James River seems to have gained another purpose.
You record every expense incurred during the trip and check the amounts on each receipt carefully.
You: I knew it! Look, Mr. Wing...
You: There's a 30% extra service charge for the waterbus ticket.
You: There's an unknown extra charge for the speedboat tickets.
Artem: Also, there's a surcharge on the receipt of the Riverside Restaurant.
You: We never realized until we checked carefully...
In fact, not only did you find problems in today's receipts, when you and Artem went through the previous bills last night...
You've been charged extra service fees on the first day of the trip. You just didn't notice them back then.
You: I think these are sufficient to explain the problem here.
Artem: Well, let me find the way to the police station...
Before Artem finishes, an angry voice interrupts him.
???: How can you do that? I'm going to sue you!
A man with a bandage on his hand comes out of the water bus station angrily.
He points to the air and says a few swear words as though he's very dissatisfied with someone in the station.
And yet no one from the station is responding to him ...
Hurt Tourist: Don't hide. I know you are there!
Hurt Tourist: You better give me an explanation!
Seeing him like this, you can't help going over to ask him.
You: Hello, may I ask... what's going on?
Hurt Tourist: Hm, I wanted to go on the water bus but they asked me to pay for two seats!
Hurt Tourist: They're outrageous, aren't they?
You: Hmm... How strange. Why do they want you to pay double?
Hurt Tourist: My left arm is broken, so I asked the staff member if he could leave a vacant seat on my left side in case my arm gets hit.
Hurt Tourist: I didn't force anyone to open an extra seat for me. I just said it would be nice if I could have some extra space...
Hurt Tourist: Then I was told that they could arrange a separate seat for me but I need to pay extra!
Hurt Tourist: They said it was the rules. They wouldn't let me on the bus unless I paid for another seat!
You: How is your arm doing?
Hurt Tourist: Oh, it's fine. It's been a few days already. I accidentally fell before I came here. It doesn't hurt much anymore.
Hurt Tourist: But the doctor suggested not to move around too much.
Artem: I don't remember any rule like that about the water bus.
Hurt Tourist: Right? How could such a rule exist?!
Hurt Tourist: I told them that I changed my mind and I didn't want to switch seats; that I'd sit with the other passengers.
Hurt Tourist: But the staff refused, claiming that I would affect other passengers!
You: (That's practically forcing him to buy another ticket!)
You: ...What happened then?
Hurt Tourist: I ran off of the water bus and went straight to their office to ask for a refund...
Hurt Tourist: The manager told me that the tickets were not refundable!
Hurt Tourist: I didn't take the ride... Why couldn't I get a refund?
You: (It seems there are a lot of problems with Lombardia's attractions, not to mention the additional unwarranted fees.)
You: In fact, we've also come across some issues...
You briefly tell the tourist about your encounters in the past few days.
Hurt Tourist: Oh, so you've been through the same thing as well.
Hurt Tourist: The Kylos restaurant also charged me extra service fees a few days ago when I had dinner there.
Hurt Tourist: I was in a good mood so I didn't argue with them.
Hurt Tourist: And who would've thought they'd try to cheat me here today! Humph, I can't stand it anymore!
Artem: Are you willing to go to the police with us and report your situation to them?
Hurt Tourist: Sure. I must tell the police and I want answers!
Treatment Plan[edit | edit source]
You: So that's what happened.
You report the problems you encountered these few days and submit the relevant evidence to the police.
After hearing what you said, the police officer who received you frowns deeply.
Police Officer: I am sorry to hear about your encounters. Although we do receive some complaints about the tourist scams...
Police Officer: There are not many cases, so we never get too involved after mediation.
Police Officer: Please rest assured that we'll follow the procedures and handle these cases.
Police Officer: We will urge the restaurants and attractions to give you refunds as soon as possible.
You: Thank you. Although we hope there'll be a more thorough solution to this issue.
Before you can finish, the injured tourist is already starting to yell.
Hurt Tourist: Hey, that's it?
Hurt Tourist: Can't you think of a way to supervise them and prevent them from scamming more tourists in the future?
Police Officer: Don't worry. We will try our best to find a solution. However...
Artem: May I ask, are you having any difficulties?
Police Officer: Not really. Just that it takes time to implement the solutions.
Police Officer: But please trust us, in a few months... we'll be able to completely resolve the overcharging issue.
You: Do you mind telling me... your plan to solve all the problems?
Police Officer: Sorry, I can't disclose the details, but I can assure you that...
Police Officer: We'll be working with the police in Lombardia to restore order. We'll be strict about the unwarranted fees that have been charged.
You: (Looks like they will draw up a detailed plan...)
Artem: What about the tourists' that have already been over-charged?
Police Officer: Please, rest assured.
Police Officer: We have a compensation plan in place for that.
Police Officer: We will protect the right of every tourist. Once verified, we will find out where they visited to compensate them according to the regulations.
You: Sorry, I have one more question...
You: After all this, will there be any arrangements to prevent this from happening again?
Police Officer: Of course. A group of police will be assigned to supervise these matters.
Police Officer: And there will be regular inspections as well as occasional checks to ensure that everyone is following the regulations.
You: We hope you are right... and the tourist scams will be stopped as soon as possible.
Police Officer: They will. Please have faith in us.
Police Officer: Next time you come here, I'm sure you will see the difference.
The Warmth of a Greenhouse[edit | edit source]
Following the James River, you and Artem reach the end of the alleyway and tour a greenhouse blooming with flowers.
From the colorful collections of flowers to the vibrant and verdant plants, everything is full of vitality... Just like your mood right now.
You: Great! Thanks to you, Mr. Wing, the tourist payment scams were finally resolved.
The evidence that you and Artem had collected together finally makes the relevant authorities prioritize the tourist scams.
The staff repeatedly promised that they would properly rectify the issue and compensate tourists who had suffered losses.
All the hard work you two put in has paid off.
Artem: It was primarily thanks to your efforts that this matter was resolved so smoothly. I didn't do much.
You: You obviously helped a lot!
You: You helped me sort out information, collect tourists' feedback, and you stopped that rude restaurant owner...
You: Without you, I wouldn't have been able to do so well...
Artem: You've done a great job, and great work deserves praise. Would you rather I say...
Artem: Don't be arrogant and keep working hard?
You: Either or. I'm happy to accept any kind of compliment.
Artem: Ah... As you wish.
Artem shows a helpless expression, but his eyes are mirthful.
Artem: I'm relieved to see you in higher spirits. A few days ago, you were...
You: Huh? Mr. Wing, I wasn't as upset as you thought I was.
You sit down in a patio chair and enjoy the gentle sunlight shining through the greenhouse's glass panes.
You: There were some troubles that came up, and I really was worried about them...
You: But those kinds of things wouldn't affect me! With my confidence, those kinds of things aren't even problems.
Artem sits next to you, his gaze burning into you as he contemplates your words.
You: Because we're the best team. I know that as long as we're together, we can easily solve any problem.
Artem: Agreed. We're the best team.
You: I feel so much better now! Time to properly enjoy the rest of our trip!
You: Why don't we watch another performance later? Hmm... or maybe a walk by the river?
You: The travel guides I read said that the James River is really pretty at sunset. We can go take...
Before you can say "take pictures," you freeze. It feels like something is buzzing
You: Ahh! Oh no, oh no! I—I completely forgot about taking pictures for Evelyn!
You thought you'd forgotten something these two days but you didn't dwell on it.
You completely forgot to take photos for Evelyn!
You: Oh no. I won't be able to finish my task... I'll have to beg for Evelyn's forgiveness when I get back.
Artem: ...
You: Mr. Wing... What are you laughing at?
Artem: I wasn't laughing.
Despite what he said, a distinct smirk is concealed behind Artem's eyes.
Artem: Don't worry. Let's go take a picture of the James River sunset.
Artem: The train will arrive in Floren Palace tomorrow. There're many beautiful buildings there. You'll get some nice photos.
You: From now on, I need to work harder on taking photos! Mr. Wing, please keep an eye on me!
Artem: Sure. I'll keep an eye on you.
Searching for Floren Palace[edit | edit source]
The cool breeze blows in from the lake by Floren Palace, brushing past your hair, bringing with it a refreshing atmosphere.
The shade from the green trees covers the classical buildings, just like the scene in a romantic painting.
You: Floren Palace is so beautiful... Oh no, I really don't know where I should take the photos.
Artem: We can ask for the staff's recommendation for places to take pictures.
You: Yeah. That's what I thought too!
Staff: Hello, how may I help you?
You: Excuse me, can you please suggest some attractions around here for taking photos?
Staff: There're many beautiful places around Floren Palace.
Staff: Are you more interested in cultural sites or natural scenery?
You: Well... Any recommendations for cultural landmarks?
Staff: I'd recommend The Princess Levee and The Kali Palace.
You: Where is the The Princess Levee?
Staff: It's located on the left side of Floren Palace. You can get there by taking the tour bus from the information station.
Staff: It was built during the Old Aristocratic Period of Lombardia and is a paragon of the combination of the neoclassical and victorian periods in Floren Palace Architecture.
Staff: The Princess Levee is a testimony to the history of Lombardia.
You: (Hmm, it'd be a good idea to take pictures of buildings with some history behind them... nice.)
You: Um... Is The Kali Palace on the right side of Floren Palace? The one that looks like an art gallery?
Staff: Yes. It was once a Gothic-style palace built by the ancient nobility. Now it's an art gallery.
Staff: The facade of The Kali Palace is very distinctive and is one of the most popular sights for travel photography.
Staff: It often holds art exhibitions and cultural exchange activities, which are popular among tourists.
Staff: You may want to go take a look. I'm sure you'll find it worthwhile.
You: I think I can get some good photos in The Kali Palace.
Artem: Then we should pay it a visit, later.
You: Great. Let's do that.
You: I'm more into cultural landmarks.
Staff: Then I'm sure you'll like Garden of the Angels and St. Neve's Garden.
Artem: I remember St. Neve's Garden... wasn't open to the public at one point. It is now?
Staff: Yes. It used to be the private garden of a duke.
Staff: The duke donated the garden and after some renovation, it's officially open to the public.
Staff: There are lots of rare flowers in the garden. It will be a great experience.
You: (A romantic garden... hmm, I'm sure I can snap some beautiful photos there!)
You: Garden of the Angels?
Staff: It's actually the largest botanical garden in Floren.
Staff: The garden is best known for its "sea of tulips" and "flower-waterfall trees" in the botanical area.
Staff: It happens to be tulip season. I guarantee you'll be shocked by the beauty of the flowers if you visit the garden.
You: (Sea of Tulips... so romantic...)
You: Mr. Wing, I want to take some pictures in Garden of the Angels.
Artem: Okay. I'll check the route.
Staff: Do you have any other questions?
You: No. We already have an idea. Thank you.
Staff: You're welcome. It's my honor to be able to serve you. Have fun.
The Most Beautiful Landscape[edit | edit source]
On the last day of your trip, you and Artem visit all the attractions in Floren Palace.
The gorgeous Floren Palace, the historical Art Gallery, the magnificent Sculpture Park... You record the scenery with the lens.
You: Mr. Wing, come and have a look. Which photos should I use?
It's easy to take photos but choosing them is a nightmare. After staring at the camera screen for a while...
You decide to turn to Artem for help in choosing the photos for Evelyn.
Artem: Hmm...
Artem pokes at the camera screen and points at a group of Floren Palace photos taken with a wide-angle lens.
Artem: The angles of these shots make the photos seem more open.
You: We have the same taste. Actually, I like this group too!
You: Just that...
You personally prefer this group of photos too, but you're also worried at the same time.
You: Mr. Wing, do you think this group of photos is similar to the last ones I sent?
Artem: How is that?
You: When we were in Lombardia, I took photos with similar angles... but Evelyn...
Artem: Are you worried that your friend won't be satisfied with this group of photos?
You: Yeah...
Artem: Don't worry too much. Your friend wants "the view you think is the most breathtaking on your trip."
Artem: If you think this is the most breathtaking view, then it is.
You: (My feelings?)
Subconsciously, you fan yourself with your hand to calm down and think more clearly.
Artem: [Player], let's find a place to sit down and rest.
Artem: If you can't decide now, relax for a bit. Maybe you'll think of something new later.
You: Yeah, sure.
Artem is right. There's no point stressing over it. You may as well do something else and enjoy your trip.
You take a rest on a bench in the street.
The cool breeze is comfortable and brings with it a sweet aroma.
Following the smell, you see an ice cream truck across the street, with a sign "Handmade ice cream, 100-year-old recipe."
You: Handmade ice cream from a 100-year-old recipe? I wonder what that tastes like.
Artem: Do you want to try?
You: Yes!
The sign caught your attention and suddenly you're interested in trying the traditional handmade ice cream.
Artem: Wait here. I'll go buy some.
With that, Artem crosses the street and walks over to the ice cream truck.
You watch Artem from the distance...
You see him talk with the owner politely then return with an ice cream cone in both of his hands.
Artem's classic camel-colored trench coat is straightened and neat, giving him a little extra elegance.
You: (This coat really suits Mr. Wing. Strange... Why haven't I noticed earlier?)
When you are still staring at Artem, he's already walking over to you...
The classic architecture becomes a background for him, like the composition in a fine painting.
The image freezes in front of your eyes, it looks like a landscape picture.
You: (Your friend wants "the view that you find the most breathtaking on your trip.")
Thinking about what Artem'd said, the idea slowly becomes clear in your mind.
You pick up the camera and wave it at him.
You: Mr. Wing, here!
Artem: Oh?
Through the camera lens, he looks directly at you with a smile on his lips. This scene is captured.
Artem: Why did you... suddenly...
You: Because the angle was perfect. I decided to send this photo to Evelyn.
You show him the camera. He looks at the photo and looks back at you.
Artem: You...
You: Everyone sees and thinks differently. I should bravely show others what I think is beautiful.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Everyone sees differently. And everyone defines beauty differently.
So the answer is very obvious.
What Evelyn wants is your emotion. And the beauty of this journey is being together with Artem.
You: I think the most breathtaking view...
You: Is you.
Artem smiles and looks at you, sincerely and genuinely.
Artem: In my eyes, you've always been.
His calm words set off ripples in your heart, twisting and circling.
A warmth surges up to your cheeks. At this moment, even the air seems sweet, making you intoxicated...
Artem: Okay. Put away the camera first. The ice cream is melting.
You: Ah! My ice cream!
You'd been so focused on the photos, the ice cream is already melting, dripping down along the side...
You quickly put away the camera and take the ice cream.
You: Delicious. No wonder it's been around for a hundred years.
Artem: It's fragrant and sweet.
Although the melted ice cream is a little messy to eat. The creamy fragrance still tastes wonderful.
At this moment, as you look at each other, there's tenderness and romance in the air.
The feeling is beyond words and yet it is in the bottom of your heart.
You believe this is the most breathtaking view of your journey.
