Operation story: LE-5

Operation

Story

Trivia

Previous LE-ST-2	Next LE-6
Characters
Czerny Ebenholz Hibiscus Biegler Kreide Suspicious Infected (Lachmann) Food Stall Owner Frivolous Noble Ursula
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4

Before operation

“

Hibiscus tries to convince Czerny to cancel the duet, but to no avail. Having second thoughts, Ebenholz runs into a suspicious person who seems to have a hand in the rumors circulating around the Afterglow.

”

<Background 1>
[Ebenholz rises from the bed.]
Kreide	How do you feel? All better now, right?
Ebenholz	I'm fine... I'm totally fine, I'm sure of it. The both of us are. I'm going out for a bit, so stay put here.
Kreide	You're going out again the moment you feel a little better?
Ebenholz	I've got work to do.
Kreide	That's fine and all, but shouldn't you at least wait until you've recovered?
Ebenholz	Don't worry about me.
Kreide	Hibiscus said the same thing. After you wake up, it'd be best to keep resting for a while and monitoring your condition.
Ebenholz	It's an emergency, one that can't wait. Alright?
Kreide	But, there's not a whole lot of time left until the concert. I think the most important to do until then is to make sure you're healthy and well-practiced... I'm sure that's what you want too.
Ebenholz	Can you stop pestering me with that right now?
Kreide	Pestering?
Ebenholz	That's not what I meant. But I have to go, so don't get in my way. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Kreide	And you really... can't tell me what you're going to do?
Ebenholz	If everything goes well... you'll know soon enough. Oh right, your suit.
Kreide	What about it?
Ebenholz	I made an appointment to pick it up this afternoon, but I won't be able to go with you. You should go get it yourself. Remember to bring your cello with you and play a little passage as you're trying it on. Make sure there aren't any areas that feel uncomfortable. I'll be back.
[Ebenholz leaves.]
<Background 2>
[Hibiscus is meeting with Czerny.]
Czerny	You again?
Hibiscus	Yes, it's me. I'm here to ask you to put this concert on hold. Or at least, don't let Ebenholz and Kreide play together.
Czerny	What did you say?
Hibiscus	Something terrible is going to happen in the Afterglow if those two play together!
<Background fades out and in>
Czerny	So if what you're saying is true, my recent improvement was due to this so-called "false recovery" caused by Ebenholz and Kreide. And as soon as this phase is over, I'll become critically ill and my life will be in danger.
Hibiscus	That's right. You've been around them a lot, so the symptoms will also be a lot more pronounced.
Czerny	Others who've had less contact with them are also affected, and if I let the two of them play together, there's a high possibility that people will die?
Hibiscus	Correct. Even though I don't know the exact reason, having the two play together seems to amplify the effect they have on their surroundings.
Czerny	How likely are we talking about here?
Hibiscus	I can't say for sure right now...
Czerny	Other than me, who else is in life-threatening danger?
Hibiscus	Over a dozen people from the Afterglow have already been hospitalized in the Cliffy Patio.
Czerny	The Cliffy Patio... In other words, they've already left Ebenholz and Kreide's effective range?
Hibiscus	That should be the case.
Czerny	Then I have a clear picture of the situation.
Hibiscus	Your answer...
Czerny	...is no.
Hibiscus	What?! I'm not asking you to cancel the whole concert. You can just cut Ebenholz and Kreide's part, or even have someone else perform the duet!
Czerny	If you can prove that their duet will cause harm to people other than me, then I'll cancel the concert right away. But it seems that's not the case. Even you have no idea what would happen if they played together. I can't simply throw away the efforts and aspirations of everyone in the Afterglow over these illusory "concerns."
Hibiscus	The efforts and aspirations...? I understand how much this concert means to you, but...
Czerny	You don't understand anything. If you truly understood, you wouldn't throw around the word "but" so lightly. Unfortunately, I cannot change the concert schedule on your word alone.
Hibiscus	Mr. Czerny, please give me a straight answer. What makes this concert more important than the lives of the Infected?
Czerny	What are you talking about? Are you suggesting that I'm disregarding peoples' lives?
Hibiscus	I'm just saying––
[Ursula enters the room.]
Ursula	Hibiscus! Hibiscus!
Hibiscus	Ms. Ursula?
Ursula	Come take a little stroll, won't you?
Hibiscus	But–
Ursula	Come now. Let's head out and calm down first. We can talk about this later, okay?
<Background 3>
[While Ebenholz is walking through the streets...]
Ebenholz	(If everything Gertrude said is true, then Kreide won't survive this.) (No, there must be some way... Some way to come out ahead on both fronts...) (Czerny, Czerny must know something...) (No, he's just a musician, he won't be able to help.) (Should I tell Kreide the truth––) (But what good would that do?) (Rhodes Island...) (Someone like Hibiscus is only going to send me back to my cell in Urtica!) (The Empresses' Voice?) (What am I even thinking? Is this a suicide mission?!)
[In his confusion, Ebenholz is being looked upon by the bystanders...]
Ebenholz	(No, I've been going in circles. I'm standing out too much. I need to go somewhere less crowded.)
[...prompting him to leave.]
<Background 4>
Ebenholz	(Huh? Have I seen that man before?)
Frivolous Noble	Be careful.
Suspicious Infected	Definitely... the crowd.
Ebenholz	(Right, the rumor. There was that rumor!) (I've got to get to the bottom of this rumor. Who knows, there might even be some clues, or the person spreading the rumor might know something!) (But it's all up to me at this point...)
Frivolous Noble	You sure?
Suspicious Infected	This is the best opportunity we're going to get. The longer things drag on, the less time we'll have. It'll only make things harder.
Frivolous Noble	Alright, hurry it up then. I'll go report to the higher-ups. I'm counting on you, Herr Lachmann.
[The nobleman leaves the agitator from before, now known as Lachmann.]
Lachmann	Heh. This work sure is demanding, physically and emotionally. It's hard enough spreading the rumors. Now I even have to go THERE...
<Background 3>
Ebenholz	(The sewers? He's heading into the sewers?) (I'd rather not have to follow him down there... Time to act.)
[Ebenholz grabs Lachmann from behind.]
Ebenholz	Hold it right there.
Lachmann	Who are you?!
Ebenholz	Don't turn around. Tell me, who sent you to spread rumors in the Afterglow?
Lachmann	You've got the wrong idea, I just happened to overhear...
Ebenholz	I've been following you the whole time, Herr Lachmann. And I connected the dots just now. You were one fanning the flames before, spreading rumors to have that mob accost Hibiscus.
Lachmann	You've got a pretty good memory.
Ebenholz	Speak. Who sent you here, and what were you planning to do in the sewers?
???	What wonderful timing. I am also quite curious as to what Herr Lachmann planned to do in the sewers.
Ebenholz	?!
???	Don't turn around, or else...
[A seemingly familiar man in a hooded jacket approaches Ebenholz and Lachmann.]
???	What do you think will happen?

After operation

“

Hibiscus learns some of the Afterglow's history; Ebenholz is about to detain his target, but an agent suddenly appears, giving the rumor-spreader an opportunity to flee into the sewers. The two give chase.

”

<Background 3>
[Ebenholz turned back to see the one behind him...]
Ebenholz	Who are you?!
[...but this gives Lachmann an opportunity to escape.]
???	I told you not to turn around. You let the mark get away.
Ebenholz	I said, who the hell are you?!
???	Easy now, my dear Graf. Settle down. My official identity can be a bit messy to explain, so just treat me as a spy. I am called Biegler.
Ebenholz	You... Why'd you have to jump out this exact moment? That man escaped because of YOU!
Biegler	Considering he ended up down in the sewers, it'll take him a long time to find another exit. Besides, you stopped him before he went into the sewer. Who knows, maybe the two of you saw that you were in a disadvantageous position and tried to put on a little show to try to fool me.
Ebenholz	You seriously think we're in cahoots? He and I?!
Biegler	Or are you going to tell me that someone coerced you into going to see Gertrude? Spare me the bad jokes.
Ebenholz	......
Biegler	You're worth much more than he is, Graf Urtica.
Ebenholz	You can't stop me.
Biegler	When it comes to combat ability, it is true that I can't stop you. But think carefully. This is a job straight from Their Majesties. Take a look.
[The hooded man, who are none other than Biegler who turned out to be a Leithanian intelligence agent, shows his identification documents to Ebenholz.]
Ebenholz	I've dealt with these things since I was six.
Biegler	I personally don't mind your snark, but you'd best show some self-restraint when it comes to Their Majesties' affairs.
Ebenholz	Restraint? When you, a lowly spy, figure out that you've got the wrong person, you're going to be the one begging for forgiveness.
Biegler	You don't seem to understand the situation you're in, my good Graf Urtica. But enough of that. Don't try to stall for time here. Come with me.
Ebenholz	Where to?
Biegler	To where you belong. Don't worry, we've prepared detention facilities for suspects from all walks of life. I assure you, you'll enjoy the finest treatment.
Ebenholz	Let me tell you something, Herr Biegler.
Biegler	Ready to beg for mercy? Or is it a bribe? In case of the latter, I'd be more than glad to oblige.
Ebenholz	I doubt a little bit of money is enough for you to let me go. Why do I get the impression that you'd take me away regardless, even after you pocketed the money?
Biegler	Clever boy.
Ebenholz	I find you rather easy to get along with, Herr Biegler. You remind me of the Urtica I know so well, where most of the people are just as "upstanding" as you.
Biegler	I am honored to hear that.
Ebenholz	But what I really want to know is what that man is doing in the sewers.
Biegler	But you were the one who stopped him, right under my nose.
Ebenholz	Well, this is a bit embarrassing to say, but I wanted to resolve things up here. One of my agents liked to tell stories that would make you want to hurl. Of the ones that instantly killed your appetite for the day, the worst all came from the sewers.
Biegler	Ah. If your stomach is upset, perhaps we should go for a cup of coffee to smooth things over.
Ebenholz	I'd love to, but I'd much rather find out what he's doing down there. I might as well go after him. And this is all your fault, Herr Biegler. As long as you let me head down, you can keep pointing your wand at me. I won't try to run.
Biegler	...... I will warn you in advance–There will be consequences for running away from me without authorization, regardless of the reason.
Ebenholz	What kind? Will you put me down?
Biegler	You'd at least be stripped of your status. Even if you're proven innocent in the future, you'd never be able to step into the Spire of Urtica ever again.
Ebenholz	Don't threaten me with a good time. I might be even more inclined to try running now.
Biegler	(Shakes head) In any case, since you insist on heading down there... After you, Graf Urtica. I'll be keeping a close eye on you.
<Background fades out and in>
Ursula	Hibiscus, this isn't a lecture, but y'can't speak to Mein Herr that way.
Hibiscus	But, Mr. Czerny is...
Ursula	There's lots of things he can't say, leavin' this old lady to say 'em.
Hibiscus	Please come in.
Ursula	Do you know how the Afterglow got its name?
Hibiscus	I don't.
Ursula	Mein Herr once said... "It is precisely because night falls, that the afterglow is even more precious. If the long veil of night were to never lift, what could be more dazzling and awe-inspiring than the warm afterglow?"
Hibiscus	It's a wonderful saying, but...
[The food stall owner from before noticed Hibiscus and Ursula.]
Food Stall Owner	Oh, the two over there are–– Frau Ursula, and Hibiscus? Come, come! If you want to chat, do it over here! Why the long face, Hibiscus? Did something happen? If you're worried that my food isn't healthy enough, I also have sparkling water here. Come, come!
Hibiscus	We're still––
Ursula	Let's oblige him this time.
Food Stall Owner	Frau Ursula, what's wrong with Hibiscus? Did she get into an argument?
Ursula	No, none of that. Enough random guessing. I was telling Hibiscus about the history of the Afterglow.
Food Stall Owner	The Afterglow's history? Now that's something I couldn't be more familiar with. Not bragging either. But I bet I know even more than Frau Ursula here. The Afterglow didn't used to be a residential area for the Infected. It was one of Vyseheim's industrial plates. Don't underestimate me just because I'm setting up shop over here. Back in the day, I was in charge of feeding hundreds of associates.
[Hibiscus shows interest on the food stall owner's story.]
Hibiscus	Industry... Could it be that this place was turned into an Infected residential area because of the spread of Oripathy due to industrial waste?
Food Stall Owner	Industrialization did bring a lot of Infected here, but back in Leithanien's old days, there was no such thing as a ghetto for Infected... Hah, I won't keep rambling on. One year, Vyseheim constructed a magnificent concert hall that shocked the world with but a single order from Him, His Majesty... known now as our Afterglow Hall. Back then, that's not what the concert hall was called.
Hibiscus	His Majesty? Which one are you referring to?
Ursula	Oh dear, Hibiscus, let's not worry about the details, alright? If it's "His" Majesty...
Hibiscus	...I get it.
Food Stall Owner	When the concert hall was completed, "He" still reigned, and nobody dared to say anything. But He left us just as quickly, and Graf Strollo, who took over Vyseheim, hated this concert hall.
Hibiscus	Maybe hate isn't the right word, but rather... was too quick to show loyalty?
Food Stall Owner	Shh–– No random guessing. A few years later, the powers issued an order to supposedly improve the treatment of the Infected. The Graf at that time took the opportunity to lump the concert hall together with the industrial plate, and turned it all into the Infected ghetto. I looked all over and before that, there were no such things as "Infected quarters" anywhere in Leithanien.
Hibiscus	The Count, the Graf, at that time... Wasn't that the very same Dame Gertrude?
Food Stall Owner	It was either her father–– or her oldest brother... I can't really remember, but it wasn't actually her. Though the Graf at the time designated this area for the Infected, he didn't care whether the people in it lived or died. He even had all the industrial facilities torn down. Obviously, to have us fend for ourselves. So among the nobles, this place became known as "the Afterglow," and the concert hall also became the "Afterglow Hall." The name, "Afterglow," represented the idea that we wouldn't last long, just like the last rays of light in the evening.
Hibiscus	That... That's simply cruel and unusual.
Food Stall Owner	It was pretty over-the-top. But for the Afterglow at the time, that word was a perfect fit. Everyone fought desperately to survive, to let the lingering rays of sunlight on the horizon struggle for just a bit longer. We set up stalls, we ran errands. Some of us even turned into hired thugs for rich people in the other plates... Hah, those were some chaotic years. Later on, Herr Czerny stepped forward.
Hibiscus	Stepped forward?
Food Stall Owner	He started out as a nobody. He had written a few pieces, but since he was an Infected, everything was published anonymously. His works were magnificent, even attracting attention from the fancy folk atop the spires. But once they saw that Herr Czerny was from the Afterglow, they quickly turned away and left. That was until he wrote "Morgen und Abend." Ursula would be more qualified to speak about 'Morgen und Abend' than me, so I'll turn the floor over to her.
Hibiscus	Ms. Ursula?
Ursula	Oh, it's actually quite simple. The one who taught piano to Mein Herr had a daughter, and she was good friends with him. The two were on very good terms, and they were just about as good as each other. They were awfully competitive, always trying to one-up the other. Sadly, the girl passed away when Mein Herr was twenty years old.
Hibiscus	......
Ursula	Losing her was a huge blow to him. Day in n' day out, he spoke hardly a word. He grew thinner and thinner by the day. Until finally, he showed a stack of sheet music, told me it's his newest composition, and that he wasn't gonna publish anonymously this time. The Gräfin then–– she was the very same Dame you mentioned. Still don't know why, by the Gräfin sought out Mein Herr. She became his sponsor, and also went 'long with all his ideas. She gave him her full backing, finally lettin' "Morgen und Abend" carry the Czerny, and spread it all throughout the Afterglow.
Hibiscus	I can't imagine that. But I'm starting to understand a bit of what Mr. Czerny meant in his saying...
Ursula	"Morgen und Abend" was so popular and beloved, the folk in the spires couldn't blind eye anymore. They had no choice, they had to acknowledge Mein Herr's talent.
Hibiscus	So then, Mr. Czerny began to cultivate people in the Afterglow who had musical talent?
Food Stall Owner	That's right. Seeing as how we are in Leithanien, the one thing we aren't short on is musicians! I may not have any talent, but even I...
Ursula	Oh stop it, you're just being humble. A few years ago you were still playin' the accordion while yodelin' about your pickled cabbage.
Food Stall Owner	Haha, back in my factory days, I had to gather everyone up for lunch. Way easier to use an accordion than to shout.
Ursula	Anyway, once music became a part of the Afterglow, our worst days finally passed. Composin', performin', teachin', makin' instruments... Plenty of folk publish their compositions anonymously, and most performers can't leave the Afterglow. But still, the money it brought in gave the Afterglow a foot in the door. But before long, Mein Herr got into some big fight with the Gräfin.}}
Hibiscus	A big fight?
Ursula	Looked like a clash of ideas... not that understand such things. The Gräfin stayed the Herr's patron, but the two have hardly made contact since.
[Hibiscus received a call and picked it up.]
Hibiscus	Andante? What's wrong? Kreide's grandfather... he's gone missing? I'll head back right away!
[Hibiscus hangs up and leaves.]
<Background fades out and in>
[Kreide walks out of a tailor store.]
Kreide	Thank you very much! See you!
Tailor Store Owner	Goodbye, hope to see you again! If anything doesn't fit quite right, bring it back and I'll fix it for you!
[As Kreide walks back home...]
Kreide	(It's already so late... Ebenholz should be back by now, right?)
[...he heard some unusual noises.]
Kreide	Huh, what is that...? An Originium slug?