Kalaid Today
So this is... downtown Kalaid.
Doesn't look like it snowed that much here.
What? You think it didn't snow much?
What kind of nonsense is that?
We got absolutely buried in snow the day before yesterday. Nearly broke my back clearing it all.
Tch. Talking like you know anything.
What's his problem? So I was wrong. Big deal.
You said we're heading to Candle Square, right?
I could've sworn it was this way the last time I came...
Excuse me, sir.
Huh? What do you want, stopping someone out of nowhere?
Um... is this the right way to Candle Square?
You stopped a busy man just to ask that?
There's a sign right there. You'd see it if you bothered to open your eyes. Are you kidding me?
Tch!
Hey, watch where you're going!
What? I only bumped into you because you were blocking the way.
What'd you say? You got a problem?
...They're fighting over something this trivial?
...The Town Guard is coming. They'll sort it out soon enough.
That's enough! Break it up!
And who are you supposed to be?
You dare defy the authorities?
Hey! Arrest them all!
W-what...?
...Everyone here is extremely aggressive.
...I'd heard people in Kalaid were rougher than in other regions, but were they always this bad?
Hmm. I don't remember it feeling like this the last time I was here.
Let's head to Candle Square for now.
You're coming too, Trish?
Ahaha! Don't worry. I'm not trying to interfere with your secret mission.
I need to gather information on the Wendigo anyway, so I thought I'd stop by while I'm here.
There are plenty of Saviors at Candle Square. Someone's bound to know something, right?
Phew!
We got a little lost... but we made it somehow.
Still... isn't it unusually quiet for Candle Square?
...It certainly is.
Something must have happened.
...
Let's ask that maid for directions first.
Excuse me. I'm Emily, a senior maid from NOA headquarters.
I'd like to speak with the senior maid of the Kalaid branch. Could you please direct me to her?
...
Um... Can you hear me?
...Over there.
Busy. Don't bother me.
...?
What's with that maid...?
It appears the Kalaid branch needs to step up its maid training.
Let's go inside.
Oh dear. We didn't mean to worry you.
But we haven't run into anything we can't handle ourselves.
The snow was simply... a little heavier than expected, so our report was delayed.
As you can see, the area around Candle Square has been completely buried in snow.
That left us with quite a bit of cleanup to deal with.
That maid probably wasn't being deliberately rude either. She's simply exhausted.
...Understood.
Blizzards are nothing unusual around this time of year...
But this one has been particularly severe.
I'm glad to hear there were no casualties.
But... what are those black stones?
Ah, those are materials for the restoration work.
All the accumulated snow damaged a number of areas that need repairing.
Hmm...? I thought I heard something strange over there just now...
It's probably coming from the annex. The roof collapsed, so they're repairing it.
Hmm... I see.
...One moment.
...What is it?
Take a look at this gap in the window.
There's dust piled up all along it.
We can't call the mission complete while these enemies are still standing.
No matter how busy you are, maintaining cleanliness is a maid's duty. It must not be neglected.
...
Hm?! Impossible!
Hey! Halt right there...!
...Munch, munch.
...?
Food belongs in the dining hall!
If you walk around eating like that, you'll drop crumbs all over the carpet!
This won't do.
I'll have to remain at the Kalaid branch for a while and conduct special combat cleaning training—
Hahaha, I understand your enthusiasm, Emily.
However, training the maids of the Kalaid branch falls under my jurisdiction.
Once we've taken care of the urgent matters, I'll see to their training myself.
If you believe there is a problem with our work...
Then please return with formal inspection authority from NOA headquarters.
...If you insist, I'll let it go for now.
Emily. Why are you picking at every little thing?
It's because... something feels off.
Off? Is something really that strange?
It just looks a little messy to me...
What exactly seems wrong?
...It's difficult to pinpoint. It's just...
Call it a Candle Square maid's intuition.
Hmm... Really? What if that senior maid is actually someone else?
What...?
You know, it happens sometimes! A wanted criminal disguises themselves as someone else and hides out!
Hmm...!
Wait, seriously? That's bad!
...I'm certain I read the documents on the Kalaid branch before leaving.
And?
...I forgot what they said on the way here.
...?!?!
It's embarrassing to admit...
But my forgetfulness has gotten a little worse lately.
It's like my memories get jumbled up without me even realizing it...
A-are you sure you're okay...?
It causes trouble from time to time... but I'm fine.
Hmm... It doesn't seem like she's been replaced by someone else, like you were worried about.
Her face does seem familiar, at least.
What... Talk about a letdown...!
Emily.
Ah, yes?
Then, does that clear up your concerns about the regular report?
Once the railway is cleared, the regular report will be delivered to headquarters as usual.
If you wish, I can hand you a copy directly.
...No. I don't think that will be necessary.
Haha, then I'll assume that settles everything. And...
You said your name was... Trish?
Hmm? Me?
You said you were looking for information on the Wendigo, correct?
It slipped my mind earlier in all the confusion...
But around last week, a Savior left us some information about a huge furry beast.
Oh...! Really?
Yes. I've copied the note we had here. I hope it helps.
Let's see... Huge horns, glowing eyes... a roar echoing across the snowfields...
These... match the characteristics of a Wendigo!
Whoa! It even lists the exact sighting location, time, and route it took!
Ahaha! With information this detailed, catching the Wendigo is only a matter of time!
Thanks! I need to go prepare for the hunt right away!
Haha. I'm glad it was the information you were looking for.
Emily. I owe you one. I got some great information thanks to you.
Hope our paths cross again!
Toodles!
...Good luck.
Do you... have any other plans, Emily?
No. I intend to return to NOA once train service resumes.
I see. In that case...
I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Kalaid.