Spring Cultivation

Year: 985 - 01

Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7 - Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15 - Episode 16 - Episode 17 - Episode 18 - Episode 19 - Episode 20 - Episode 21 - Episode 22 - Episode 23 - Episode 24 - Episode 25 - Episode 26 - Episode 27 - Episode 28 - Episode 29 - Episode 30 - Episode 31 - Episode 32 - Episode 33 - Episode 34 - Episode 35 - Episode 36 - Episode 37 - Episode 38 - Episode 39 - Episode 40 - Episode 41 - Episode 42 - Episode 43 - Episode 44 - Episode 45 - Episode 46 - Episode 47

Episode: 1
Location: Daguanyuan - Heishou Houses Assembly
The hall was chill with a tense air,
and those present all sat in complete silence.
Then there was Jia Yuanchun, with her lips slightly curled into a mirthless sneer.
And at the center of it all sat Jia Xichun, unsure of what to say next.
	Well, everyone…
Jia Yuanchun, seated next to the Hierarch’s seat upon which Xichun sat, smoothly takes control of the situation and begins the assembly.
	Honored heads of houses, lords of each family, their proxies, members, and...
She nods lightly, acknowledging our awkward presence.
	And… little Xichun’s guests, whose stay here at… our H Corp. seems to be extending without a foreseeable end.
	Isn't she technically from Q Corp.? What’s up with her acting like she’s any less of an outsider than we are?
	Yeah, and… did everyone catch that? “Our” H Corp.?
	Regardless of everything else, the fact that she hijacked the meeting from the get-go is ridiculous… especially with Jia Xichun, the Family Hierarch herself, presiding over this official assembly.
	Clearly, she is using the pretense of assisting the Hierarch to assert her own dominance over these proceedings.
	As we are all aware, venerable former Jia Mu has always discussed with and confided in me about the matters of the greatest import, the momentousness of which steered the very course of H Corp.’s prospects.
	Even after I departed the family for Q Corp., venerable former Jia Mu has always written missives to confer such matters with me.
Something about it smelled suspicious, but we’d already missed the window to challenge her to present us with proof without breaking decorum.
	Thus, as it naturally follows that I would be the inheritor of the venerable Jia Mu’s will, I shall be presiding over this regular assembly, which we convene now to discuss and determine the future of H Corp.
What a grandiose and self-important introduction. It seemed clear to me that she considered herself to be the main character of this scene, or something.
	Your grace certainly befits your station, Lady Yuanchun.
	We are all impressed by your utmost dedication to the citizenry of Hongyuan despite your already saturated schedule...
	We can hardly thank you enough for your magnanimity, Lady Yuanchun.
	Ah, my parents—a true shame that they couldn’t be here—have always sung praises of your expertise, Lady Yuanchun.
	…….
Responses from the participants are just as protracted, only obsequious instead of arrogant.
As heads of some of those houses were under investigation for consorting with the forces foreign to Hongyuan…
... their vacuum was filled by their children’s generation, many of whom we had the pleasure of meeting during the Family Hierarch war.
	Very well. Then shall we…
	… welcome Jia Xichun, the next person to sit upon the seat of Hongyuan's Family Hierarch?
	G-greetings, I am—
	Now, let us begin.
	For many years, all those who have gathered here have toiled day and night for the eternal prosperity and growth of H Corp.
	…….
Jia Xichun’s expression immediately sours as Yuanchun unceremoniously cuts off her self-introduction.
	First on the agenda for this assembly are urgent discussions and passage of new major policy items that have been tabled for far too long: Distributive Contribution Rights Auctioning policy, Quarterly Amnesty policy—
	H-hold on, big sister Yuanchun.
	Passing the Distributive Contribution Rights Auctioning policy would... allow the open auction for any remaining rooms the day before reconstruction days... And, uh... the Quarterly Amnesty wouldn't do anything but… give unfair advantage to certain families and high-net worth individuals by... guaranteeing them large real estate assignments regardless of their performance in the previous quarter...
Jia Xichun stutters a little, flustered, before continuing.
	My point is, these policies are going to rattle H Corp.’s economy the moment they go into effect.
	Besides, these policies were pretty much drawn to favor lining the pockets of a select few families and high-ranking officials of H Corp.—
	Ahem, ahem… if I may, venerable Hierarch. ‘Lining the pockets’? That is quite an odd turn of phrase to refer to the bare minimum of respect the society might repay to its highest-contributing members, don’t you think?
	Oh, before we continue, Xichun... I’m not entirely certain if you are aware, but ever since the ascension of the new Family Hierarch, the perceived value of Hongyuan has been racing to the—for lack of a better word—rock bottom.
	Clearly, this demonstrates Hongyuan's concern and... its lack of faith in the newly appointed Family Hierarch.
	Therefore, it naturally follows that our most urgent task at hand is to put a stop to this value and reputation free-fall and restore prosperity and greatness to Hongyuan once again.
	Yeah, okay, and that’s my— That’s the Family Hierarch’s job, right? Why are you—
	If you had perused H Corp.'s articles of association, you would have known that, should H Corp. be deemed to be in a state of crisis, the four great houses and the board of directors' voice may also carry de facto power in the assembly.
	And the board of directors—that’s us—has determined that we are now in a state of crisis.
	State of crisis... what crisis? Everything that led to my ascension to the Family Hierarch was legitimate, down to the final approval!
	These unseemly rumors and slander are tanking our value, which we have built up assiduously through years upon years of toil… So, what is this, if not a state of crisis?
	And who wouldn’t doubt the new Family Hierarch’s qualities, when this decline has coincided precisely with her ascension?
... Jia Yuanchun was somehow turning the room against Xichun, without presenting a single shred of evidence, portraying her as some burdensome Hierarch who was single-handedly tanking H Corp.’s value.
No one in the assembly, not a single representative from any families present, stepped up to point out how Jia Xichun’s swift actions were what finally repelled the outside forces that had marched right up to Hongyuan’s front yard…
… or how she deftly maneuvered her forces to quell the embers of war by quickly taking control of the chaos within Daguanyuan.
She hadn’t shown any glaring signs of incompetence since her ascension despite her relative inexperience, but…
	Hmmmm…
Everyone in Hongyuan’s board of directors, the heads of each family, averted their eyes as though all of that had somehow, inconceivably, slipped their minds.
	So you take yourself to be a qualified individual for that responsibility, Xichun?
	Very well. Then proceed.
	We’re all waiting for you to begin your briefing before the assembly regarding the last thirty years' quarterly net revenue records for Hongyuan’s Singularity-related businesses, your calculations on next year’s fiscal debt forecasts, and the exact recipe and variation numbers for the Boluses that have been registered in the last five years.
	Th-that’s, uh…
	The venerable Hierarch has not received that data prior to the meeting. You must all be aware of the chaos that followed the ascension—we are still indexing all available materials to—
	Isn’t that funny. Not once in the history of Hongyuan has the Family Hierarch ever failed to provide immediate and detailed answers regarding Hongyuan's historical statistics.
	…….
Jia Yuanchun must’ve known all along, too.
She must’ve known how the previous Family Hierarchs were all directly supplied with an immense repository of information through the Xiahuang Worm or something of the equivalent…
And she’s using it to target Xichun’s weakness, knowingly asking questions she, the first Family Hierarch without the Anamnaworm, couldn't possibly answer.
	The responsibilities tied to the venerable seat of the Hierarch, Jia Mu(家母), are matched only by the great power bestowed upon it. Thus, how are we to leave the matters of the Wing to someone who is, so evidently, unprepared for the task?
	Given the present circumstances, our hands may be forced to call to vote the motion of no confidence.
	<The motion of no confidence?>
	A motion of no confidence, when passed by the high-ranking political officials, can result in the removal of the chief executive from office.
So they’re going after Xichun’s power.
	… So this is the picture Jia Yuanchun wanted to paint. Impotent Family Hierarch stammering and stumbling through her first meeting to the total and near-unanimous lack of support from the H Corp. board of directors.
	Whatever jargon they're on about, seems to me they’ve got not an ounce of respect for the lass or us.
	Never trust twats overly obsessed with numbers and optimizations. They’ll be the first ones to kick you out the moment they no longer see you as useful… tch.
	You’re not the only one who's pissed off, so can you please stop shaking your leg for a second? Don't need to make our frustration any more obvious, you know...
	My arse would’ve left the chair long ago if it weren't for this, lass…
	In H Corp., should the board of directors unanimously vote in favor of the motion, certain parts of the Family Hierarch’s powers will be removed. It is entirely possible that she will become a Hierarch in name only.
	Oh, so they’re threatening to fire her unless she falls in line. This is some needlessly convoluted way to—
	The assembly will now consider the motion of no confidence.
	Are there any objections to bringing the motion of no confidence against Family Hierarch Jia Xichun to the floor?
	H-hold on. The vote of no confidence isn't an item you can invoke so lightly—
	… The Shi family has no objections.
	… Let’s say the Wang family has no objections, either.
	Xue family, too.
The arrest of the previous family heads seems to have changed precisely nothing. Those in power wore more youthful faces, but their tongues still carried the same old resistance to change.
The new family heads were just as uncooperative as ever, and everyone seemed to be solely interested in staying in Jia Yuanchun’s good graces.
New faces, same old.
And needless to say… Heathcliff wasn’t the only Sinner fuming with rage.
	… ‘Tis far too vexing to simply watch and do naught.
	Right? I knew you wouldn’t let this slide, Don Quixote. They're walking all over Xichun like she's not even here...!
	… Forsooth, we cannot let such injustice transpire unabated.
	Hey… seems like we’re both on the same page.
	That’s it, I’m not going to hesitate to make myself heard again… This time, I want to be courageous... with your help, Don Quixote...
	Come on, let’s do this together…! Okay?
	Very well… I am in agreement!
	Yeah… Then let’s go on three, at the same time.
	If there are no objections…
	One… two…
	… the assembly will put this resolution to vote in a month, and…
	… three…!
	Here, I ob— OBJECTION!!!
	Bloody hell— Oi, have you gone mental?!
Sinclair stood tall, at the center of the entire room’s undivided astonishment… alone.
	… Eh?
Don Quixote, still firmly in her seat, gazed upon Sinclair’s proud stand, and rubbed her nose.
	Young Sinclair… thou hast evolved indeed. What an unmitigated pursuer of justice thou hast become, with such unrelenting fervor and utter disregard for decorum…
	Certainly, mine efforts have… finally borne fruit…
	What… what the hell!? Did Don Quixote or Heathcliff suddenly rub off on you or something?
	… No, wait, no! No!
	What happened there, Don Quixote…? We were going to— what happened to objecting together…?
	Hoh? I had taken thy suggestion to mean that we must voice our dissatisfaction through the official channels borrowing the titles of the illustrious Red Gaze and the department of LCC?
	Disputes in succession of power on such a high level of government are hardly ever resolved with rash grandstanding... Wouldst thou not agree?
	<i>Why are you normal all of a sudden…!?</i>
	Lad... what just happened? What happened to the clammy, meek boy?
	W-well, that’s…
	I guess I just… assumed that this is how Limbus Company rolls, now…
	… There seems to have been an unexpected outburst from… Xichun’s guests.
	Withdraw your objection, and we will consider this a momentary loss of control and not enter it as an official statement.
	Uhh, uhmm… it was… uhm…
Sinclair’s eyes were shaking like someone with his life on the line.
	…….
	If not… I take it that you have full confidence in her abilities.
	So please, I encourage you to elaborate. When and how will Xichun demonstrate her aptitude for the responsibilities of the Family Hierarch?
	I, uhm… I…
His voice continues to shrivel into a corner.
	He can’t. And how could anyone?
	How could anyone, when we all had a very clear view of her path to ascension?
	During the Family Hierarch Evaluation, Jia Baoyu donated the coins he received from Jia Qiu to you—essentially, you pity-partied your way to victory.
	<P-pity partied…?>
	And for your ascension, Jia Qiu and those outsiders from an upstart company had to, almost literally, carry you to the seat.
	Has there even been a single victory attained by your own hands in that entire process?
	Ah, but have we not all been witnesses to the qualities she exhibited during the Family Hierarch Evaluation and her own ascension? You must have no shame, snaking your forked tongue in the audience of both heaven and earth like an unwitting buffoon.
That’s when quiet, even footsteps broke through Jia Yuanchun’s merciless dismantling of Jia Xichun.
	…!
	Yet, I see the point.
	The Hierarch, with her grace, needs only demonstrate her already-established qualifications before all.
	This is no place for an outsider to speak… but proceed. Just how will she prove herself before us?
	Hmm? What an odd statement, coming from a fellow outsider who's been chattering for minutes on end? Forgive me, I could only presume from your verbosity that the right to speak in this forum was open to all outsiders.
	…….
	You have said it yourself, no? That the vote on the no-confidence resolution will proceed in a month.
	That seems to give the venerable Hierarch a month to regain the trust of each family.
	What…?
	It is rather clear to me that there are many who find their own defeat in the Family Hierarch war difficult to accept… Such a doubt is easily resolved. A match between clans should lay out the results quite obviously.
	… Very well. A fair challenge between <i>clans</i>.
	Which would preclude the participation of the Family Hierarch's Heishou Packs and the Jialan guards.
	… So you would remove her <ruby=Cannon>pao(砲)</ruby> and <ruby=Chariot>ju(車)</ruby> before the game even begins? Why not make this 'test' a series of sparring matches in both academia and martial arts, if such is the case?
	… Hah. What audacity… Do you truly have that much faith in Jia Xichun’s abilities?
	You must know the consequences of failing these matches, no? It would be a unanimous, one-sided end to the vote of no confidence. And naturally, any and all rights appertaining to the Family Hierarch shall be transferred to the board of directors.
	That is fine by us. You are free to choose any champion whom you see fit.
	… Unfortunately, your underlings don’t seem to share your inflated confidence—
But, in the midst of the confused, flabbergasted silence from the other Sinners, a clear, carefree, yet defiant voice rings out—Hong Lu's retort.
	That’s not true at all, big sister Yuanchun.
	We actually have just as much confidence in Xichun as she does~
His wide eyes stare directly and unblinkingly into Jia Yuanchun's.
It occurred to me that this might be his way of expressing anger.
	<size=80%>… Impudent child. How dare he stare me down like that…?</size>
	Then you are welcome to try.
	One month. You have but one month to prove before all in audience that she is, indeed, fit to be the Family Hierarch. Should you fail… the vote may as well be a mere formality.
	In other words…
	Should she successfully prove herself, none of you shall again rightly challenge the independent rights and powers bestowed upon the Family Hierarch.
	The consequences of such recalcitrance would be no different from those that the traitors are facing, wouldn't you agree?
	Well, then. We will excuse ourselves now.
	Wait, I— I’m—
Zigong turns around toward us with that same, mysterious smile, and slowly directs us outside the assembly hall.
	We may call them ‘sparring matches’, but you must know that each and every one of them is a test to prove your claim to the seat of the Family Hierarch.
	A month is a time far too brief for drastic improvement, regardless of for whom it may be. Learning from a proper master for ten months straight might teach you a few things, but…
	… who knows how long the search for one such master might take? Not to mention the official channels through which you must bring them past Daguanyuan’s walls, which may take up to two months. Why not relent now, and relinquish but a part of your powers as the Family Hierarch to the board of directors—
	It seems that this fellow outsider’s mental faculties are impressively lacking.
	My lord has spoken in the past that, when in the presence of three people, at least one of them is bound to be a teacher of mine.
	And here they are, aren’t they? Jia Xichun’s masters, each carrying something new to teach her.
	All thirteen of them.
Zigong gestured confidently toward the flabbergasted Sinners, and the assembly came to an end.

Episode: 2
Location: Daguanyuan - Yihongyuan Interior
	We were planning to train Jia Xichun anyway, but… it seems that we are now under an unexpected deadline.
	…….
	Hey, when you said the LCB was going to help me out… did you guys mean that you were going to publicly humiliate the crap out of me at the assembly?
	Ha ha, of course not, Xichun.
	Big sister Yuanchun’s an old snake! You’ve just given her thirty days to set the perfect stage for my downfall, to prove to the world once and for all that I’m not qualified at all to be the Family Hierarch!
	But Xichun, weren’t you always so good at humbling anyone who dared underestimate you?
	... Not so much anymore.
	Back then, like an idiot, I thought I just had to hold on with everything I had. I thought that's all I ever had to do. But now...
	But now?
	Now…
	Things are different.
	It’s true that I’m vastly underqualified to be the Family Hierarch, and… she’s right. I pretty much lucked into this position.
	Xichun, don’t tell me that woman’s bullshit actually got to you?
	... Well. She wasn't completely wrong, right...?
	I’m just some kid who happened to be just good enough to survive some traps and ambushes. I'm afraid that the responsibility of a Family Hierarch might be... too much.
	Her self-confidence has significantly decreased compared to the observation from our previous interaction.
	The heck, Xichun? I don't remember you being this kinda character!
	What happened to the girl who looked down on us the moment we met? Ya even had the audacity to pretend to not know who we were, didn’tcha? Where’d all that confidence go, girl?
	<That actually got under her skin back then, huh...?>
	So, Xichun. What do you want to do?
	Are you sure you’re okay with this? Are you okay with letting this happen?
	…….
	If I let it happen...
	… big sister Yuanchun’s going to continue expanding her influence here.
	I’m sure she and the board of directors have been cozying up to each other for a long time.
	Is the implication that her testaments on her influence were true?
	Yep, it's true. Before she left for Q Corp., big sister Yuanchun used to always accompany Jia Mu to these assemblies.
	If we just let them hold the vote of no confidence, they’re going to unanimously vote against me and slowly reduce the Family Hierarch’s scope of power. And… who knows, they might even call for a re-evaluation, however unlikely that sounds.
	Besides, big sister Yuanchun, she… I think her definition of "Hongyuan's prosperity" might be different from mine.
	What she’s looking for isn’t H Corp.’s prosperity, it’s Daguanyuan’s.
	And I know that this all has something to do with its ties to Q Corp., which, I bet, has already been going on for a while just under my radar. I’m sure they’ve already had plenty of talks behind my back.
	Which is not the kind of vision you have for Hongyuan’s future, right? And that’s why you spoke up against her?
	My vision for Hongyuan is…
	I want to change H Corp. to be the kind of place where people can live without fear.
	I just never imagined I'd have to prove myself like this, and in only thirty days…
	Even then, your vision hasn't changed, right?
	… It hasn’t.
	Great, great~ So it’s decided then, huh?
	We just need Fau to deliver the bad news to Saude.
	…….
	So, to summarize…
	... the responsibility of training Xichun to win these matches… I mean, these amorphous “tests”—upon which hinges the Family Hierarch’s fate, and almost every facet of which is entirely under Jia Yuanchun’s control, by the way, and is probably a trap—within the next thirty days is ours…
	… and we have to explain that to Saude.
	Ha ha, wow. That sounds like a lot of work when ya put it like that~
	Postmortem reports have become quite rote.
Sometime later…
	Prithee, thou must impress upon the illustrious Red Gaze that ‘twasn’t mine idea this time…
... Sinclair stared blankly at Don Quixote as she made her desperate plea toward Saude.
	Yes, and I understand that as well. For the eighth time.
As always, Saude was wearing the same refreshingly incomprehensible smile.
The kind of smile that makes people increasingly anxious the longer it lasts.
	Well, that gives us about thirty days. During which those sparring matches—tests, whatever—will be happening as well… Great. Then let’s give it our best.
Sinclair mutters in a near whisper, clearly feeling responsible for what happened.
	Yes, I understand… I never should’ve stepped out of line like that, but something just—
	Yeah. So let’s give it our best?
	I totally agree… we messed everything up again… and… what? What?!
	Limbus Company was always going to remain here and assist Miss Jia Xichun acclimatize herself to the responsibilities of the Family Hierarch. It was always a part of our plan.
	Well, I sure am glad that I took Faust’s advice about how meticulous planning is completely pointless when it comes to LCB's missions. I never would’ve had to submit nine separate disciplinary incident reports back during the J Corp. incident, had I known.
	Hm.
	I believe I should be able to explain this further.
	Prior to his departure, my lord was concerned that such a thing would come to pass.
	That is why he has left Zilu and I here to look after the new Family Hierarch’s position, which must still be on rather thin ice.
	<Ohh, so that’s what they were privately talking about when he pulled them aside… >
	Doing nothing and allowing her wicked machinations to progress would have irrevocably made the entire board of directors naught but putty in Yuanchun's hands.
	And that would have led that snake to de facto assume the seat of the Family Hierarch…
	Against such an insidious foe who wields intrigue as her weapon, the most viable strategy is the most direct one: to challenge her head-on.
	…….
	Besides, has this not given you the excuse you needed to prolong your company's stay in Daguanyuan?
	This is also a prime opportunity for Jia Xichun to further solidify her influence here, depending on the outcome of the vote of no confidence. They have played right into our hands by accepting this deal.
	So uh… I don’t want to rain on everyone’s parade, but… are we not even going to consider what might happen if we fail?
	No, we are not. Because you will not fail, not with us aiding your efforts.
	Also… were you serious back there when you said that we were all going to teach Jia Xichun? All twelve of us?
	I won’t object to selecting only a few us with better aptitude to be educators.
	Ah, by the way, we already have an established internal hierarchy based on the sum of each of our abilities. Of course, the results weren’t entirely to my satisfaction, due to an unexpected incident…
	Miss Outis, that is… a statement mired in narrowed vision rife with factual refractions… I am of the stance that the qualities of a good teacher are defined not by such statistics.
	… So, you must be the one who placed last in that scale.
	Uh…
	Just don’t say anything, bud. Best not to stand out like a sore thumb…
	… I may have… overreacted, then.
	My lord has said that, from the virtuous we may learn to replicate their merits, from the flawed we may learn to avoid their failings; as long as the student is willing to learn, anyone, anything can be a teacher.
	I also, to embrace this teaching, seek from all those who we come across—
	… Just what in the heavens are you doing?
	Aha, I am… preparing… a lesson plan for young Xichun, our Family Hierarch.
	Wow, ya sure got on that fast! So what are these yellow wormy things here?
	Aha! ‘Tis a star!!! Twinkle-twinkling in its radiance.
	Hm. According to this schedule you have prepared, the student would have negative three hours available for sleep. This lesson plan's execution will require cooperation from T Corp.
	Gyah! ‘Twould be a mistake most fatal indeed! I shall correct it posthaste!
	…….
Zigong was staring at Don Quixote’s expression of her wild artistic merit upon the curriculum with her usual crescent-moon eyes.
Wait, is that... supposed to be Zigong's grimace?
	Of course… each to their own, I suppose. I need not be shaken by every little thing until we have their actual lesson plans in hand.
	Hey, thanks for putting your faith in us, Zigong. We barely have any of that to go around ourselves, so I understand it couldn’t have been easy.
	… You could say that I have learned my lesson.
	The recent events have taught me that… the path of learning is truly one without end.

Episode: 3
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	I see that you have all individually worked on your lesson plans as per Zigong's request.
	I have received a total of… twelve lesson plans.
	Hold on, shouldn’t there be thirteen of them? Even the Executive Manager has decided to spare their precious time to teach a class.
	<Huh… yeah, I handed in my lesson plan, too.>
	Hm, that is because—
	Uh… so who didn’t do their homework?
After a brief silence, everyone turned around and looked at one of the Sinners.
	…….
	It ain’t me…
	Oh please, at least try to make a compelling argument. Who else other than you could it possibly—
	I-it’s me…
	You, Sinc…? You’ve been acting out of character a lot recently, what’s going on?
	W-well, that’s, uh…
Sinclair was drenched in sweat for some reason.
	Ac… actually, I…
In Sinclair’s seat was a large stack of papers, each filled to the brim with writing.
	<Sinclair, are these papers…?>
	Phew… I’m done!
	Sorry, I got too into making a lesson plan and just couldn’t stop myself from writing… whew…
Sinclair couldn’t have appeared more proud as he placed that big bundle of sweat-soaked papers in Zilu’s hands.
	…….
… And she receives it with mild trepidation.
	Um… you seem to have… dedicated quite the momentous effort… in drawing up this lesson plan…
	<... What’s up with her?>
	Hm… let’s start reviewing from the first of the stack.
	108 Analytical Approaches to an Aesthete's A.A.A…
	… What does A.A.A mean? And how do you plan to explore all 108 approaches in a month…?
	Appreciation of Artistry in Assassinations…
	…….
	F.U. went too far.
	Agh… Right… sorry…!
	Flip a page and continue reading for those 108 approaches.
	… What paint… did you use?
	It’s quite viscous and… the paper has partially melted.
	Agh! Lady, watch yourself! You almost got some on my arm!
	Aha… a painting…? Hm…
	…….
	…!
	Zi… Zilu?
	En… entrails… coating the world…
	Heh…
	Now you know how aesthetes appreciate the artistry of slaughter.
	Just what the hell did you paint in that paper— Hey, get it together!
Zilu stumbled briefly. Whatever was on the paper must’ve given her quite the shock.
	Ah… My mind wandered for a moment.
	<……. >
	This is too dangerous to be used for a lesson. Thus, it goes to the discard pile…
	Hmph, weaksauce.
Zilu crumpled up the paper without hesitation and tossed it out of sight.
	Next.
	“Intro to Societal Reintegration”... impressive title.
	Chapter 1… How to shake hands with your left hand when the situation calls for it…
	…?
	Chapter 2… Exploration of exclusively long-sleeved fashion & practices…
	…….
	Chapter 3… Projecting confidence & why having a bug arm is totally cool.
	That’s uh… you know. You know how it is. Be proud of who you are, all that philosophy stuff.
	I wanted this lesson to give a bit of a paradigm shift where we can all come to see our flaws not as failings but as evidence of our individuality…
	… which will usher in a world where we can carry on with our lives, no matter what kind of arm we have...
	Discard. Next.
Zilu quickly flipped through the pages.
	Intro to Denigrative Linguistics… Subheading, The Power of Words: Sticks and Stones May Break Their Bones, So Let's Add Words to the Pile...
	My credentials include the ability to dress down an opponent so hard that they fall to their knees and beg me to stop.
	I have plans for application as well; the lesson teaches methods pertaining to disguising compliments in criticisms and vice versa.
	All of this seems rather difficult to learn.
	I have concluded from my hitherto observations that Jia Xichun is an individual of great promise in this field.
	Follow my instructions to a tee, and I guarantee you that this cadet shall be able to have the upper hand in any verbal confrontations.
	Hm.
	… Is this a curriculum to make the best brawler or the best Family Hierarch out of me?
Zilu seemed quite interested, but Jia Xichun's vehement veto eventually overruled the suggestion.
	On Justice.... Another impressive title.
	Subheading, Methodologies of Captivating an Entire Room of Preoccupied Audience…
	… Discard.
	FIE ON THEE!!!!! WHEREFORE?!!!!!
	Next…
	PraxisOfEgoSplittingConcerningInterMirrorConflictBetweenTheSelfAndTheReflection&ParadoxicallyFracturedTheoryOfIdealismInWhichOneAttemptsToOpenAnUnopeningDoorToOpenTheDoor...
	... Utterly incomprehensible. Discard.
	Perhaps Miss Ryōshū’s advice to truncate the lesson title should have been taken in earnest…
	Survival & Exploration...
	Twenty-one reasons to pay attention when the exploration team leader is giving advice on the upcoming adventure… Case study for thirty horrible mistakes that occurred because the team was distracted during the leader's lecture…
	How to track down a troublemaker who tries to sweep trouble under the rug while the team leader isn't looking… Someone ignored my advice that we should have been moving two steps ahead… Finally, I've narrowed them down to three culprits…
	Agh, wait! I forgot to take that part out—
And into the shredder it went. ... When did that paper shredder get here?
	The art of using yawning as a cover for popping a cookie or two into your mouth. Especially useful when getting lectured.
	Hey, if you get good enough at it, you can do that with nuts, too~
	Aha… so it was you who made those crunching noises in our last meeting.
	Whaaat?! Nah, do ya take me for an amateur?!
	The Art of Social Maneuvers: How to let it flow through you...
	How to not make things awkward when you walk right in on someone badmouthing you…
	The most important part of this art is to flash a refreshing smile in a way that looks earnest. It helps when you convince yourself that smiling is what brings good fortune.
	Smiles have a way of disarming people, giving them pause and making them hesitate.
	I remember that. Big bro used that ‘technique’ to confuse a lot of Daguanyuan people who hated him…
	… I see.
	This… well, this…
	… I can’t quite bring myself to throw this into the shredder.
	Next. How to remain in complete stillness for a week until the next command is received.
	This lesson plan was designed based on Rodion’s advice that I must prioritize strengths that are unique to myself.
	Look, in my defense… I didn’t know he considered that to be his unique strength, ‘kay~?
	Let us consider whether standing in complete stillness for a week is a quality one might seek in the Family Hierarch.
	Hm.
	This one is certainly interesting.
	What Separates Bravado from Bravery?
	… Jack shite! Sod off and grab your weapons!
	<Yep… always gotta read the full print…>
	Hah! It’s my philosophy that reason don’t necessarily need to be considered before comin’ to blows.
	Martial prowess is indeed an indispensable part of the Family Hierarch’s qualities.
	But our focus is not on developing a Hierarch of a Syndicate.
	Next…
	Information Disparity as a Driver of Inequitable Treatment…
	… Oh? Huh, that’s actually the most interesting-sounding one so far.
	... and the Application of Engineering Frameworks…
	Ookay, it’s kinda losing me, but I’m still on board.
	... for Systematic Resolution in <ruby=Gesellschaft>Rational Self-interest Driven Societies</ruby>, and—
	... Is it still going?
	That was one-fifth of the full title.
	… It seems that the same trouble has hindered both you and I.
	Every word in that title was added for its absolute necessity.
	Indeed, indeed...
After she had gone through the majority of our lesson plans…
	Haah… Finally…
	Now that that’s over—
	Yes, it’s, uhm… it’s finally my turn.
	…….
	Whew…
Sinclair sighed with the gravitas of someone who’s just been bestowed with the most important mission in his life.
	Thinking back, even back in school, I used to daydream about… becoming a teacher myself. I thought I could be good at it.
	So, I guess you could say that I’m pretty happy to be given an opportunity like this.
	I call my lesson… the <i>Theory on Self-overcoming</i>.
	We have to accept that everyone stumbles at first. But by always striving to be a better person than I was yesterday…
	Hey, but what if I… like who I was yesterday more?
	Um…
	That’s okay. Everyone has their own unique potential sleeping deep inside.
	So, with everything I’ve learned and experienced so far, let me teach you. Let me teach you how to not doubt your own capabilities, how to always shoot higher—
	… Hold on. You had me for a second there, but what’s up with acting like you’re an infinitely more enlightened person than I am?
	… Ah, of course. I’ve prepared a speaking class where you can learn how to speak with modesty, too.
	I never would’ve imagined Sinclair would be this into it.
	Yeah, too bad he’s so into it that he’s not even listening to what Xichun’s saying…
	Following that, your company’s—ah, it seems that Zilu has completed her review.
	Oh, I see! Now, how’s everything going, everyone? Class prep going well?
	Sob… sob… Mine curriculum most <i>especial</i>…!!!
	… Okay! So that’s a no.
That was Saude’s impression upon taking a quick glance at Don Quixote, who was sobbing and cradling the shredded pieces of her lesson plan in her hands.
	Well… it wasn’t a complete bust, at least. Sinclair’s lesson plan survived…
	Phew… Miss Zigong, Miss Saude, I’ve prepared a full thirty days’ worth of lesson plans. Would you like to take a look?
But Zigong and Saude weren’t looking at the dozens of lesson plans Sinclair presented so proudly before their eyes. They were looking away.
Zigong, especially, was looking away with an unmistakable expression of pity.
	…….
	So he doesn’t know. Would you mind explaining this, Zilu?
	… I could not bring myself to tell him. Apologies.
	So, this young man produced this entire, sizable stack of lesson plans all on his own...
	I see. Weakness has found its way into your heart in the face of such earnest effort… I understand.
	However, it has been decided that… Sinclair will not be participating as one of Jia Xichun’s teachers.
	Or should I call you Pupil Sinclair, to be exact?
	…….
	Ha ha… this has gotta be a mistake, right? Isn’t Xichun the pupil here…?
	No, there haven't been any mistakes. My lord has specifically instructed that you are to learn from this as well.
	What…?
	Whaaaaat?!?!???!?!?!?!?! Seriously??!?!?!?!??!?!?!
	This… this isn’t right…
	Guys, this isn't right...
	Ahh~ Now this looks like a proper classroom.
	It woulda felt pretty dang empty with just Xichun sitting there all on her own, don’tcha think~?
	Besides, I bet Sinc’s the resident expert on going to schools, right? School was a luxury for me, ya know.
	… Yeah, maybe, but that doesn’t mean I ever wanted to go back to school…
	You should learn to be grateful. I don’t dole out my teachings to just anyone!
	Don’t forget we have to re-do the whole lesson plan under their supervision.
	Outis, you… you always get on your soapbox and try to lecture everyone about something after every single battle anyway…
	A-and you, Ishmael, you always get hyperfixated on something! Once you find something interesting, you never stop talking about it for three hours, at least! And—
	Hm… I will ensure that you receive the best education I can provide, Sinclair.
	Hold on, Yi Sang! I thought we were the underdog duo! Remember during the check-up when I said “we got this”? We were going to <i>get this</i> together!
	The evaluation painted a twisted picture of the true scale of strength, the sole measure of which erroneously relied entirely on physical might. I shall not hesitate to impart knowledge for those who require education.
	Congratulations, my lady. You have found yourself a “deskmate”, which some also call a "bestie", depending on desk placement.
	…?
	Deskmate, bestie... what the heck does any of that mean?
	Huh…?
Jia Xichun’s eyes widened with confusion, as though she just heard those words for the first time in her life.
	Ah… she…
	When I first met her when she was sixteen, she explained to me that she hadn’t attended any school-like institutions.
	This is par for the course for children of Hongyuan who are raised for the purpose of becoming the next Family Hierarch. The reason being that schools can be a perfect place to assassinate someone.
	So... "deskmates" and "besties"...
Sinclair began to explain, seemingly resigned to the fact that he was essentially going back to school for a month with the other Sinners as his teachers.
	… usually sit next to each other and help one another out.
	A bestie might nudge the other awake when they doze off… share their homework with one another if one forgot to do theirs… They usually end up being included in the best memories of each other's school time.
	Hmm…
	So not very important at all, huh? I think I got this on my own, I don't need a "bestie".
	…….
	It may have come a few years late, but I am moved that my lady finally has a chance at experiencing school…
	Same here. I remember it like yesterday—Xichun would sit and watch other kids walk to school from a distance, tears welling in her eyes.
	… Dude!
	Oh, that reminds me. One day, out of nowhere, she started saying something about “eating from lunchboxes with friends”. I haven’t a clue as to how or where she even heard about it, but she snuck into the kitchen and—
	Argh!! Wait! Don’t you guys have lesson plans to write? Come on, hurry up! Thirty days are ticking down! We've only got thirty days!
	Of course.
	Unfortunately, I have become quite occupied with another task of great importance: assisting Wei with indexing and reviewing various documents that are in critical need of organizing.
	Thus, I must leave the lesson planning task to you two, Zilu and Miss Saude. Have you any thoughts on this matter?
	… <size=80%>Slacker.</size>
	What was that?
	… I said nothing.

Episode: 4
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
Zilu and Saude appeared to have aged several years overnight, their faces sunken and sallow.
	… Finally,
	After referencing the idiosyncrasies and various statistical data available to us regarding each Sinner… we managed to come up with an appropriate curriculum.
	…….
	Miss Zilu?
	Ah. Apologies…
	Sleep deprivation has… reaved me of clear mind…
	The path of an educator is truly a grueling one.
	Marching to battle would be… much easier.
	Ha ha. Still, thanks to Mister Jia Qiu’s methodology you shared, we did manage to find a way to make this quite efficient.
	Mm.
	Efficient, huh…?
	To be a true Family Hierarch, there are dozens—hundreds of virtues one must understand and master. However…
	… to do so in thirty days as promised is an implausible effort.
	Thus, we have categorized the countless virtues into three supercategories.
	And they are called…
	…?
	Uh... what are these supposed to be?
	Zhi, Yong, and Ren.
	Zhi—Wisdom(智)—the wise lose neither people nor words.
	To hold one’s silence in need of speech shall cost them people; to speak in need of silence shall cost them words.
	A reasonable sequence of logic.
	Yong—Courage(勇)—the ability to overcome fear, to act decisively.
	Have too much of it, and risk becoming a brute; have too little, and risk becoming a craven. It needs harmony and balance.
	Uh-huh. So how far are we allowed to go with corporal punishment, again?
	I recall no instance of any discussion regarding corporal punishment...
	… And Ren—Humanity(仁)—is the benevolence of the heart; the compass of behavior that dictates respect toward every human.
	Hmph, clearly, most of the faculties of this 'school' are severely lacking in all three of your criteria. Just how do you think they'll be able to teach the students anything?
	Yeah... like a certain someone who needs a lesson in "Ren".
	Are you sure I’m in good hands? Just what the heck am I supposed to learn here? Where’s Wei?
	Mister Wei and Miss Zigong are currently quite preoccupied with handling the monumental task of… paperwork.
	Ah, right. Mister Wei wanted me to deliver this message to you.
	Be strong... my lady...
	WEIIIIIIII!!!!!
Despite her protestations…
The thirty days of classes commenced.

Episode: 5
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	My name is Yi Sang. That is all.
	The class I have prepared for the day…
	Aha, I’ve heard plenty about your ‘Mirror’ tech.
	Which makes me wonder...
	... going by the level of advancement in that technology, couldn't you have approached it from a different "angle"?
	…….
	You know how technological advancement usually goes. People invent for the sake of creation, only to have their inventions inevitably warped into weapons of destruction.
	Indeed... You show much promise already.
	As you surmise now, the Mirror has, in the past, almost been employed to shatter possibilities instead of reflecting them.
	... I'm sure that's the angle most others wanted to see happen. "Removal of potential risks" sounds much more palatable than "potential" itself to some people, after all.
	Correct again. Yet, destruction was a word that bore too much suffering for my heart; my sole egress from it was abandonment of my quondam fellows and my life's work—making myself a fugitive from the past.
	How did you bring yourself to just... abandon it all?
	…….
	I conversed.
	With who?
	With my self... that lies within me.
	As you are aware, the Mirror's reflection extends beyond the veils of our own reality.
	It reflects the potentialities, the latent strength, and the world.
	Yet, even among them, the reflection of the greatest importance is... that of the self.
	Let not the innumerable worlds of the Mirror enchant your gaze; first, one must direct their studies inward and reflect upon oneself.

Episode: 6
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Now, if you are prepared, do explain what you see in the mirror. You needn’t haste.
	…….
For some reason, Xichun appeared to hesitate before the mirror.
	Hey, you know...
	... it's been a while since I looked into the mirror for so long.
Location: Daguanyuan - Nuanxiangwu Interior
	My lady, do you recall Sunzhen, of the Shi family who contacted you for a meeting?
	Yeah, the guy who said he was gonna show me a precious flower that blooms only at night? I remember that you were vehemently against me going out there, so I stayed inside. I wonder what kind of flower it was...
	... Don't tell me you were actually looking forward to meeting him, my lady?
	... Oh, of course not.
	You were wise to stay inside.
	It was revealed that you weren't the only person who was invited, my lady. That vile man had hired a group of assassins to ambush the meeting spot, and would have been waiting there to spring the trap had you gone.
	But, apparently, he was outplayed and had his limbs and head torn off as punishment. What a relief, isn't it?
	... I guess.
	I'm glad I didn't go, Wei. You were right.
	... If only you still had the Wu branch under your control—
	Stop it. We agreed to move on from that, remember? We don't have to talk about it.
	I was brushing my hair and looking in the mirror as we were talking, but...
	... I realized that I no longer recognized the girl in the mirror.
	I don't know why, but I just... I found it so hard to meet her eyes.
	But I brushed it off, because I had to. An experience like that was going to be a common occurrence anyway, and the Family Hierarch war was always looming on the horizon.
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Perhaps what you felt then may have been... shame.
	But it is paramount to face oneself nonetheless. Nay, especially so if it was.
	And Sinclair—what do you see?
	I, uh... I... Hm...
	I see...
	... Well, I just see myself smiling... I don't see what's... so out of the ordinary...?
But it seemed like Sinclair couldn't really bring himself to face the mirror.
	Hey, after what we just discussed, I think... I think I understand something now.
	Now that I've had some quiet time looking at my reflection, I think I uncovered a part of myself I've had hidden away for a long time.

Episode: 7
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Hm hm...
	Ahem, hm... 'Tis true that a station of teaching is prone to imbue one with a sense of... bashfulness...
Sinclair and Xichun both sat with a bit of apprehension as well.
... Which is understandable, given what Saude told them sometime before the lesson started.
Sometime ago...
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall, Recent Past
Outis, who'd been glaring daggers at Don Quixote for a good while, finally decided to voice her doubts to Saude.
	So, what is Don Quixote, that woman, supposed to teach?
	Have you not considered that her usual flippancy might only cause more trouble than it's worth...?
	You worry too much, Outis.
	While she may not look it, Don Quixote is extremely well-versed in those adventure tales.
	And why would any of that matter?
	Have you yourself considered that Fixers often appear when history is in the making?
	…!
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Eh... Let us see here...!
Don Quixote took a second to savor the moment as though she had been preparing her whole life for it... then continued.
	Amongst the greatest Fixers whose honored names were engraved in history... ah, verily! Let us commence this lesson with the tale of the Fixer Yue Fei!
	This tale begineth in the year—
Sometime later…
	Are you... done...?
	Just how can she continue to talk at such length? She's been going for ages...
	Hm hm! Thus cometh the time to test thy dedication to this class, and the knowledge that should naturally come with it! A 'pop quiz' if thou wilt!
	When'd she even find the time to prepare this...?
	I can assure thee; 'tis a quiz of entirely reasonable difficulty if thou hast paid attention in class! Worry thee not!
	Does this 'pop quiz'... have prizes?
	Aha! But of course, I came prepared for such inquiries! For each correct answer, I shall bestow upon thee, from the very treasure chest of mine...
	... these precious, precious Fixer badges! Forsooth, I did not let a single day go by in which I did not polish each and every one of them on three separate occasions at the very least!
	I dunno, I don't really... need them...
	Heh heh... Hold thine applause, for there is a bonus reward for the victor who, by the end of this match, carries more badges...
	Thou shalt attain the role of a protagonist in this theatrical play of my making,<i> <Fixer Chronicles : Yue Fei></i>! 'Tis an opportunity of a lifetime!
	I'm still not really... It's not doing anything for either of us...
	Eh... it's still a pretty useless reward, but if you're turning this into a competition, I won't lose.
	Seriously...?
	What, scared you'll lose? Is history your weakness or something?
	Hah...! I'll have you know that I was the teacher's pet in every single history class I took!
	Heh, and I'll have you know that I was, no matter the subject, showered with praise from every master I ever had.
	... Okay, if that's how you wanna play it... I'll have you know that I was a prodigy in other classes, too. I did great in art classes. Pretty good in math, too. I was just being humble, because I didn't want to steal your thunder, Xichun.
	... Oh, then let me tell you that I was trained in the mastery of at least ten different disciplines every single day. And on one of those days, you know what one of my masters told me? He said—
	Looks like Miss Jia Xichun's finally getting a feel for how friendships close in age are forged in school.
	That's good. No matter how excellent her masters were, there are some experiences you just can't learn from teachers.
	<…….>
I tick-tocked in response.
	'Tis year 505! What is the historical community's consensus on the "most illustrious" battle that Fixer Yue Fei is said to have partaken in?!
	Allow me to impart to thee a major clue: if thou hadst paid attention as I discoursed upon "The Five Pillages", in which the Fixer Yue Fei was mentioned, this should not be a difficult question to answer!
	The Honorable "Fixer of the Cerulean Heaven", who attained triumph in the battle of Rhino Tree in the year 465, hath said <i>what</i> was the worst ordeal she had to face in her career?
	I've got it! It's when she had to forge onward, despite watching her dear comrades fall one by one as they held the line to buy her time!
	Agh, d-dammit! I was too slow!!!
	Fie, young Xichun! Thou'rt incorrect!!!
	Honorable 'Fixer of the Cerulean Heaven' is recorded to have testified that the worst ordeal in her career was when she was forced to stand before her enemies with hair that was not luscious, as the supply line breakage caused her regular delivery of nutritional supplements to cease! What thou hast suggested, young Xichun, was her seventeenth most difficult ordeal!
	<She's speaking like she was actually there...>
	Thine impression is quite understandable, for I am trained in the ways of vividly regaling these tales... But most of these are tales I have learned from books.
	Much did I anticipate an opportunity to regale these tales to such audience... Enough to study the ways of minstrels!
... There was a clear look of pride in her twinkling eyes.

Episode: 8
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	What was the secret technique honorable Fixer Lysander employed in his resolution of the case of the Fae Forest? Speak its name in full!
	I-I've got it! It's, uh, A Summer Night Fantasia!
	Ah, ah! Yet I cannot let pass such an unmotivated retelling of his super ultimate move! Hardly could one internalize the true, noble spirit of Fixers by simply reciting it with such apathy. Thou must recreate the exact pose and the enunciation!
	A-are you kidding me...?!
	Phooooooooh...
	C'mon. You can do this, Jia Xichun. You can do this. This is nothing...!
	I-illusions of a midsummer night... shall devour thee whole...
	SUMMER, NIGHT~ FANTASIA!
	Thine enunciation was quite shaky upon the word "illusions", yet...
	... heh, thou hast demonstrated sufficient courage. Thus I bestow upon thee this badge.
	…!
	I grow tired of this nonsense... Just how much longer are you planning to drag this on?!
	... thus muttered the hero, then declared: "I shall tear this evil storm asunder and find a place for this blade at the center of thy heart!"
	Dante, lights! Left side!
	<G-gotcha!>
Don Quixote, who was watching Sinclair and Jia Xichun's two-person play, silently wiped her tears away.
	Bravo, bravo... Certain minor details were missed, such as that Yue Fei the Fixer was left-handed, and that he had a habit of playing with a lighter in his left pocket before every duel, yet... 'twas a wonderful reenactment indeed! I have no other critique to impart upon thee!
	When faced with great adversity in thine adventures, rekindle the memory of Yue Fei the Fixer's final duel. Remember it well...
	Thus cometh to an end, the lessons of to-day...
	Huh... It was just for a moment, but I think I'm starting to get it.
	I get why she's so obsessed with Fixers...
Clutched tightly in Xichun's hands were the badges Don Quixote had gifted to her.

Episode: 9
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
Boom!
	This is a component part taken from the structure that forms H Corp.
	This may prove to be an opportunity to conduct an in-depth analysis on the nature of the former H Corp.'s Singularity, which has been enduring for such a long time.
	Huh... You look kinda upbeat today, Miss Faust.
	Indeed. An opportunity to study the old H Corp.'s Singularity is not one that comes often.
	As there was potential for integration into Mephistopheles, I made a request to disassemble a part of the bus's engine... but was denied. A shame.
	Uh... aren't you the one who built Mephistopheles though, Miss Faust?
	Mephistopheles is indeed Faust's work, but not all of it was mine. It is possible that Faust may never reveal every small detail that went into its creation.
	I would very much enjoy a chance to completely disassemble it, even its engines, so that it could be reassembled with my own hands.
	Y-yeah, sure...

Episode: 10
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Hmm... so that's how it works. I think I get it.
	Didn't think this is how I'd get to learn more about the old H Corp.
	I don't think I can do much against the reconstruction days right now, but...
	... this knowledge will certainly come in handy when the day comes for me to gradually dismantle that iniquitous thing.
	The day when Hongyuan can be a place where people can live without fear.
	Without the fear of the encroaching reconstruction days... without obsessively counting their rooms to see if they'll fall or not... Until Hongyuan can be a place where you can sleep with the promise of safe tomorrows.
	... I'm sure you'll pull it off.
	Oh, and I learned a lot during this lesson too, Miss Faust. I—
BANG!!!
	…….
	Hm. The voltage must have been set too high. Repeating experiment with a different combination of fuses and wires.
	... There was supposed to be a lesson somewhere in there, right?

Episode: 11
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
Unlike some other classes, which were more on the upbeat side of things...
	…….
... the room's air fell grim and solemn as soon as everyone saw what Gregor had written on the chalkboard.
	... On War.
	Losing a Wing War leaves a much larger, longer-lasting impact than some medium-sized enterprise closing up shop.
	... It might be too soon to talk about this, but we came pretty darn close to one recently, didn't we?
	We were this close to a large-scale war breaking out right here, which absolutely would've happened if Miss Xichun here failed to finish her ascension. It would've spread like wildfire, too.
	So, my class is going to be about what exactly happens when a war—oh.
The piece of chalk slipped from Gregor's fingers as he went to scribble something on the board.
His left hand was trembling as though the room's temperature had plummeted only for him.
	Man, why's it gotta— Excuse me, Miss Zilu. Is it okay if I smoke?
	... Go ahead.
	<... You good?>
	Puff... Well, when else am I gonna get a chance to share the realities of war right to a Wing Chief Executive Officer's face, huh?
	The moments that just don't come off your skin, no matter how hard you scrub at them.
	... Hey, take a break if you need it. I'm going to listen to every word you have to say here today, no matter how long it takes.
	Man, do I appreciate that sentiment.
	Well, still, though. I can't dilly-dally when Miss Xichun's got other stuff to deal with, huh?
	So... let's take a look at how things were at the very beginning of the Wing War.

Episode: 12
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	... And that's why the Smoke War fronts were mostly characterized by trench warfare.
	No one wanted to risk fighting in concrete jungles where they could be surrounded by enemies at all times... So everyone tried to draw each other out to an open field battle, which naturally turned into trench warfare.
	Of course, every Wing has a different Singularity, so this isn't really applicable to all cases. It's just that the former G Corp. found flat plains easier to maneuver in.
	I feel like Daguanyuan could make a pretty good use of Hongyuan as a defensive fortress. Especially with its internal structure constantly shifting around... which the Heishou know and use very well.
	Exactly. This should explain why they were hesitating outside Daguanyuan—remember the Thumb fellas? The ones we met who were going in circles?
	Not to mention how the Heishou all utilize the topography of Hongyuan differently. Even if an outsider were to get a read on how one of the branches maneuver around Hongyuan, as long as the twelve Heishou branches are standing, Hongyuan is unassailable.
	Well, despite going into all that, I'm sure we all know what the best answer in all warfare is.
	... Not having a war in the first place.
	I'll be honest, I can't stop thinking about some of the stories you've been telling us. I can't even imagine what it would've been like to have to... not only witness it, but go through all of that.
	... We did visit your Fathoms, Gregor, but... that wasn't even the tip of the iceberg.
The City was devoured in smoke, its Citizens in madness.
... He'd always shrug off those stories as ramblings of the past, but during the war, he stood at the center of the heartless machine that was the City, its every gear calibrated to slaughterhouse precision to maximize the death of its people.
There, he must've witnessed things far worse than the worst the City presently has to offer.
... His eyes gazed beyond the veil of the bygone past, shaking restlessly in pursuit of what was no more.
	Oh boy... sorry, fellas. I'm afraid I got carried away lamenting what happened that I forgot this was supposed to be a class. I'll be sure to prep something more useful next time.
	No, no. Everything you told me really solidified my resolve.
	This chaos within Hongyuan needs to come to an end soon, lest something so horrible could happen.
	... I'm heading to my next class.
	W-wait for me!
	…….
Even after the two students had left, Gregor lingered in that room for a while, lighting up cigarette after cigarette without erasing what he wrote on the chalkboard. Smoke soon filled the room...
He left only after almost emptying the entire pack.

Episode: 13
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	How are classes going, Xichun?
	Hmph. I'm not you, big bro. I pay attention in class.
	Oh hello, Miss Daiyu!
	Fuhu, she was really insistent on helping me out, even though I refused because she looked preoccupied.
	... The moment I found out about the contents of his lesson plan, I simply could not allow him to do this alone.
	<Looks like it's going to be another serious class...>
	Ah! Apologies for the delayed greetings. Daiyu of the Lin family formally extends her greetings to the venerable Hierarch.
	... Been a while since I heard that greeting around here.
	Wait, what about big sis Baochai? Are you sure it's okay for a Xue family bodyguard to be here?
	Ah... I am no longer employed as Miss Baochai's guard.
	W-wait, don't tell me we got you f—
	Everything I did that day, including accompanying you, was... under Miss Baochai's orders.
	As for why she no longer needed my services, I... don't understand myself. She suddenly let me go after the trouble was over.
	…….
	So... what's there for you to teach me, big bro? Your last lesson plan about not making things awkward got vetoed by Zilu, so...
	You could've taught me a thing or two if we were still kids, but... come on, you spent most of your time stuck in Yihongyuan before leaving Hongyuan. I don't know what you could possibly have to teach me.
	Hehe... don't you worry, Xichun. This is the one thing I think I'm pretty good at.
	My lesson for Xichun and Sinclair is...
In clear, neat handwriting, Hong Lu wrote "Surviving Hongyuan" on the chalkboard.
	Oh, well. I don't think I need any help in that department from you.
	Look, I... know you've had your share of assassination attempts, big bro. But Jia Mu—I mean, the previous Hierarch and the elders' favor sheltered you from the worst of it.
	S-she's not wrong. Back when we had to fight our way through a bunch of Sweepers, weren't you also one of the handful who got assassinated?
	Oh, that? I was wandering the hallways because I felt like something was off about my room.
	Until Dante told us all to go back to our rooms, of course~
	<…….>
	<W-wait, it was my fault!?>
	You do have some intuition, I'll give you that...
	Looks like I'm going to have to prove myself.
	Daiyu, would you mind preparing the <i>thing</i>?
	... You have my utmost faith, but... please, do practice caution.
Some time later, Lin Daiyu appeared with four bowls splishing with tea, before sprinkling some powder into one of them.
	What's that...?
	That's powdered wolfsbane. I see where this is going.
	You're going to teach me how to tell which of these bowls contain poison, right? You can stop now. I learned to recognize infamous poisons like wolfsbane when I was seven—
	If it was something as tame as what you are suggesting, venerable Hierarch... haah... I would not have been here to accompany him.
Lin Daiyu continued her process, sprinkling wolfsbane powder into two more bowls. Hong Lu, who was watching that with an oddly contented expression, closed his eyes.
	Please mix them up, Daiyu.
	Okay... wait, what!?
We stared in confusion, but we could hardly tell what was going on with the speed at which Lin Daiyu swapped around the bowls. When we looked back at Hong Lu, there were three silver spoons in his hand.
	Those silver spoons were custom-made at Daguanyuan's request; a must-have item for children of the four great houses, they can detect non-sulfuric poison as well.
	Yeah, I know. They're actually—ugh.
	Actually what...?
	It's nothing.
	Fuhu, in Hongyuan, where we are beset by threats of assassination from all directions...
	... knowledge alone isn't enough to save you.
	What the heck are you—
But Hong Lu opens his eyes before Jia Xichun can finish her sentence.
Then, he throws the silver spoons in his hands like throwing pins toward three of the bowls...
... and immediately chugs the fourth bowl, which he hadn't thrown a spoon at.
	H-holy crap, are you insane!? You barely even checked them for—!
	Mmm~ Xiren's nu'er tea is always delicious, even when cooled.
The three silver spoons Hong Lu had cast earlier were slowly melting away after quickly becoming tarnished black.
	Do, uh... is wolfsbane poison supposed to... melt through metal...?
	People like to be thorough with their poisons in Daguanyuan. Since everyone's been trained for immunity since childhood, you have to make a mixture of various poisons to have a real effect.
	Haah...
	Fine, I don't even wanna argue. What's your secret?
	I wanna know, too. Do they sound different or something?
	Hehe, I just went with my hunch.
	Just a hunch? How are we supposed to learn that? We're not Heathcliff, you know?
	You'll get the hang of it after a few tries~
	I'll help you out. Shall we begin with two bowls?

Episode: 14
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	I see... when you say you just avoided whatever felt wrong with "a hunch", you were reflexively identifying the threat by reading the room and connecting it to your intuitive experiences.
	Aha, you were using Miss Daiyu's anxious breathing to clue you in...
	... So this is how you managed to survive for so long.
	Listen carefully, Xichun. I know that the Adepts of each Heishou will come to your aid with a flick of your wrist,
	and I know that your residence, Nuanxiangwu, will be engineered by the best craftsmen to become a safe fortress stocked to the brim with all kinds of useful Boluses to protect your life.
	Even still, there will come a day when you start to feel this creeping sensation whose origin you can't identify. And when it does, I hope you won't brush off that sensation as nothing.
	Hmph, you're worrying over nothing.
Jia Xichun whipped around away from Hong Lu as if to express dissatisfaction, but...
... her softened expression told me that she was glad to see him worried.

Episode: 15
Location: Daguanyuan Streets
	Every six days, you will be subject to "midterms", prepared by the board of directors—Jia Yuanchun.
	A palanquin has been prepared to take you to the exam sites, and only by passing the tests may Jia Xichun retain her status as the Family Hierarch.
	My lady...
	Oh, don't worry yourself overmuch, master Wei. You sound like you're at a funeral.
	She will pass these tests with ease as long as she has been diligently taking her classes.
	No, it's... I... I simply hope I can survive until she returns... cough...
It seemed that Wei's rather funereal voice wasn't just out of his concern for Xichun.
	... Wei, are you sure you're okay?
	I can't escape them, even in dreams... the unfinished bundles of paperwork... cascading over me like a storm, burying me...
	Steel yourself, for that was no dream at all.
	In fact, never have I once seen paperwork trained in the arts of airwalking until now...
	... I must be severely sleep-deprived.
	<Looks like we're not the only ones going through the wringer...>

Episode: 16
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	Hey... you're one of the Shi boys.
	... Hmph! We finally meet. I had hoped to fight you in the Family Hierarch war.
	If you'd run into me then—
	Isn't this supposed to be a sparring match? Why does it sound like you have a personal grudge against me?
	Oh, it's nothing. Nothing at all~ Why in the world would I ever hold a grudge against you?
	The results of the Family Hierarch war couldn't be any clearer, and everyone even remotely connected to the mess has all been dragged away and put under investigation.
	And hey, guess what! They dragged away half of my family, which means more room for me... I should <i>really</i> thank you, right?
	Honestly, why don't you just declare a war against the Shi family at this point? Wouldn't that be much easier?
	War's not "easy". It never is.
	W-what are you on about all of a sudden...?
	... It's not something we should be talking so lightly about. Even as a joke.
	Your family was arrested because they are under investigation for treason against Daguanyuan. If they're innocent, I'm sure they'll be released soon enough.
	Tsk, I know it's pretty much a given that they'll all be ruled as guilty, regardless of what really happened. You know I can't even pay them a visit because you've hidden their cells all over Hongyuan?!
	They're not hidden. All holding cells within Hongyuan have always been designed to move around in very short intervals.
	... You know, that does seem like the kind of design that would lead people to make some unfortunate assumptions. Though I'm sure the initial purpose was to prevent escapes.
	I recently gained a better understanding of Hongyuan's structure, so I'm planning to change our policies so that prisoners still on trial are allowed to have fixed locations.
	... Really? Where'd you—
	I was lucky enough to take a few excellent classes recently.
	Managed to reflect upon myself a bit, too.
	Huh... you did change a little.
	Still, you better not expect me to go easy on you... I've got my own things to take care of!
	Good. Come on, let's do this.
	Many illustrious Fixers of the past have said... that naught but disparagement awaits unjust victories!

Episode: 17
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	Good for you, you won. Now stop giving me that look and get out of here.
	You lost most of your clan during the Family Hierarch war, didn't you?
	Yeah... so what?! Are you calling me a penniless loser?
	Yeah.
	You little...
	And I'm sure that's what I look like to you, too.
	…….
	I don't want your—sorry, every clan member who died in the evaluation to have died for nothing.
	If I show weakness, that means I'm making everyone who participated in the Evaluation look weak.
	So I'm going to win. And I'm going to win without the fertile soil my predecessors have left behind, because their legacy was unjustly nourished by the blood and tears of Hongyuan itself.
	…….
	Shi Huazhen. You are tenacious, determined, and strong of will.
	That must be why everyone stood by you, down to the last man.
	You... you knew my name? ... Ma'am?
	I do.
	So, what do you think? Wanna make them sing your name in glory for the remaining history of Hongyuan?

Episode: 18
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	... Heard you managed to come out on top in your first sparring match. Congrats.
	Thanks... I gotta admit, your classes are definitely coming in handy.
	I like your attitude. Well, shall we take a look at what I prepared for today?
	You're teaching about exploring... huh? It's going to be an indoors class?
	Yep. Exploring. Where should I begin? It's a very big subject.
	Free soloing to the top of the highest building in Hongyuan... Surviving ten days in Hongyuan Backstreets with only three items... I had plenty of ideas, but most of them got denied.
	... And rightly so.
	And that's when I realized...
	... that exploring isn't always limited to adventures in the physical space.
A few weeks ago...
Location: Aboard Mephistopheles, Past
	So I'm just here to fill in, since this game needs a certain number of players, but...
	Really? Can you really call this tabletop game an "adventure"...?
	Yet, in games of make-believe, any simulacra can be made as real as— Ahh, what a move...!
	Ooh, nice... I'm gonna roll for damage.
	Gah! Young Ishmael, thou hast absolutely pummeled the gorgon beast with thy fireball spell, rendering it most crispy.
	It was a formidable foe... that was wonderfully executed, Miss Ishmael.
	Huh, r-really?
	Well, then... as my next move...
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	And that's how you... came up with this?
	I've played a few other games, but... this is new for me, too. I'm still pretty new in general, I guess...
	This is called "Jianghu Journeys"(江湖遊覽記), or J&J. It's a popular game among Hongyuan's youths. It's gotten generally positive reviews, too.
What Ishmael so proudly presented before everyone appeared to be... a board game with numerous cards and mini figures.
	... Okay. What do these huge piles of papers have to do with exploration?
	Rule number one.
	The most experienced player among those gathered becomes the JM.
	... The JM?
	Yeah, Journey Master. The Journey Master designs the story around the players' choices, sets the stage for what happens next, and generally helps guide the explorers to safely arrive at their goals. That's why the most experienced player takes that role.
	Which would be me.
	WIS... STR... DEX... each character seems to have these things called "stats". Ah, looks like we just have to pick from a set of pre-made characters for this one.
	So... I'm supposed to be playing this character's role?
Sinclair and Jia Xichun picked up their cards with confusion clear in their eyes.
Location: Yuyuan City?
	You arrive at the great city of <ruby=Smoke-cloud>Yanyun</ruby>, a place known to be the gathering hub for all kinds of influential people. You traveled here in search of a... um... a legendary treasure, called, uh... yeah, <ruby=The Sword of Farland>The Tianya Sword (天涯劍)</ruby>.
	The City of Yanyun, huh... cool. So why are we looking for that sword again?
	Whew, uh... it's because, uh...
	So there's this legend in Yanyun about how... The Sword of... right, the Tianya Sword is the only way to quell the chaos of these lands and bring peace to its people. And... also, about how having that sword is the proof of the true leader of these lands... and so on and so forth, you know.
Ishmael was stuttering and stammering through the introduction without her usual confidence.
	I see... This city called Yanyun must be in a lot of trouble, too.
Seemingly affected by the oddly familiar setting of the story, Jia Xichun nodded solemnly without noticing Ishmael stumbling through the introduction.
	W-well, you know how it is. The point is, you guys need to go find that sword.
	Then... I will claim the Tianya Sword, no matter what it costs me.
Jia Xichun nods with determination.

Episode: 19
Location: Yanyun City Kezhan?
	From the rumors you've gathered, it seems that the kezhankeep might have heard of the whereabouts of that sword. What will you do?
	I... I walk up to the kezhankeep, chat him up and try to gain his trust.
	Uhm... Are you sure? Remember, your WIS is extremely low right now, which means that you'll find it hard to form even the simplest sentences.
	…….
	Whaaaat if... I found a different way to gain the kezhankeep's trust that doesn't involve sweet-talking him? I do have a pretty high STR stat, which should give me access to certain... alternative methods of persuasion that doesn't require Skill in Speechcraft.
	Hold on...
	I'll try to convince the kezhankeep.
	I think I've got a decent chance at this. My WIS is pretty high.
	And you... pass the check. The kezhankeep looks at you, having lowered his guard.
	Oh, not you, Sinclair. He's still pretty wary of you.
	... Ookay, then. I guess I'll just stand in the corner over there, unsheathe my weapon, and play around with it for a bit. That's what he expects me to do anyway, isn't it?
	<You're just roleplaying Heathcliff now, aren't you...?>
	Ahem... the kezhankeep shares some information about the sword he heard. He explains that the party should seek northeast, toward <ruby=Cloudrise>Yinzhi</ruby> Mountain.
	But... ah, what's this? Tears begin to well in the kezhankeep's eyes as he continues to explain.
	Apparently a patrolling guard beat his son pretty badly, just for loitering around the guard. The wound is pretty severe so he needs medicine, but he can't seem to find any.
	Oh no...
	That's too bad, but we've got a job to do.
	Since we have what we came here for, we leave the kezhan.
	Well, they say that JMs aren't supposed to interfere with the players' choices, but... let's be honest. I would've made the same choice. You can't stop and help out for every little side quest when there's a whole lot of adventure to go through.
	No, we're not leaving. I'm going to get him that medicine.
	What...?
After a few turns of various trials and tribulations for Sinclair...
	... The kezhankeep's son, who fortunately was able to recover, hears your story and hesitantly shares what he knows.
	You realize that he's talking about the fairy yaoguai, guardian of the Tianya Sword.
	He explains that the fairy yaoguai's power grows under bright moonlight...
	Hold on, isn't it full moon right now? Then... then we should wait until the sky's overcast!
	Hearing that, the innkeep's son takes a quick look at the clouds, then tells you that it might be raining in about a week.
	Glad we helped him out...
	Phew, okay. Let's make sure we're prepared before we go.
Location: Yinzhi Mountain?
	You're gonna have to roll 15 or higher to hit...
	… I know. I’m focused.
	Hey, I rolled a 16!
	... With a final, singular strike from Jia Xichun, the fairy yaoguai finally falls to the ground, <i>defeated</i>.
	Yes! The Tianya Sword is ours!
	Excited, the party runs up to the sword embedded deep into the earth, and grabs enthusiastically upon the hilt.
	Ah... with this, we can...!
	However...
	The <i>defeated</i> fairy yaoguai, whom the party assumed was dead, suddenly jumps to its feet and lunges at Jia Xichun, who just pulled the sword from the ground!
	N-no!
	I... I quickly get between Xichun and the monster!
	But... if that crits, it's going to be pretty deadly, even for you...
	Let's see if you can make the evasion save... 1... and another 1. Nope, that's a critical fail...
	... It's okay.
	…….
	Sinclair falls to the ground, bleeding profusely from the gaping wound. The yaoguai lies still as well, the final vestiges of its strength completely spent.
	Sinclair!
	Go... Go on without me... Take that sword... and go down to the village... Become the leader they need... that sword as your proof...
	…….
	... No, no. This sword wouldn't mean anything without my adventuring buddy.
	I'm... I'm going to bandage Sinclair up and carry him back. I won't leave him behind and descend the mountain all on my own...
	Wait, if that's your choice, then, uh...
	Uhh, yeah, the bleeding stops as soon as you wrap him up! He's uh... he's just that sturdy, you know? That strike would've killed pretty much anyone, but... you know how healthy he is...
	…!
	On your feet, Sinclair...! We're getting out of here together. Grab onto my shoulder, that's it, step by step...
Location: Yuyuan City Front Gates?
	... Hey, Xichun... Look over there...! Everyone we'd helped and saved on our journey's come out to welcome us home...!
	You're right... If it weren't for you, Sinclair, I never would've stopped and talked to every single villager there to hear their troubles.
	The sword... was only a symbol all along.
	All of our efforts, and the experiences we gained in our journey for the sword... were what taught me how to be a good Hierar—I mean, leader, not the sword itself.
	You're right. The real success of this adventure was everyone's efforts along the way.
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	<... I feel like the game overtook the class at some point along the way.>

Episode: 20
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	In regards to every activity, involvement of unnecessary emotions and personal judgment is to be wasteful.
	Hm... I'm gonna need you to elaborate on that.
	Then I will share an excerpt from Sinclair's exchange with the manager, thirty-two days ago. Begin quote:
	Huh? Thirty-two days ago? What—
	"Uhm, uh... excuse me, Dante... I'm sorry to have to um, ask you this, but... most of us are fatally wounded, so... can you please turn the clock just one more time?"
	End quote.
	Unnecessary interjections weighed down your request.
	... Wow, that's pretty bad.
	Uh, did... did I really stutter that badly?
	It is a waste of time to involve emotions when delivering unfavorable news.
	The same message could have been delivered with merely two words:
	"We failed."
	…!
	Let us commence field practice.
	Do not ask me a single question for the next five minutes.
	Huh...? Well, okay. Sure, seems easy enough...
	<i>Gnnuugh...!</i>
Suddenly, Meursault let out a cry as he clutched his chest, then fell to the floor.
	A-are you okay?!
	<Meursault, you okay?>
His eyes snapped open.
	Task failed. Five minutes have not passed.
	<…….>
	... You're cheating...
	This reminds me.
	Of <i>the incident</i> Sinclair had so desperately wished to hide.
	... What?! The what who wished to what?!
	Despite your belief that no one would ever find out your secret, there was one person who got to the bottom of <i>the incident</i>.
	Come on, just what did you see—!?
	Failed again.

Episode: 21
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	... Atten-tion!
	Today's lesson...
	... will cover intelligence acquisition. In other words, men, you will learn how to gain information from people.
	Hey, I'm pretty good at that.
	You just have to turn them to your side. By being generous with my spending, by setting a good example as a superior... they'll eventually open up.
	Foolishness!
	Eh?!
	That is among the worst strategies I've ever had the displeasure of hearing. Do you not see how wasteful it is to spend the limited military budget, how wasteful it is to spend so much precious time trying to butter them over?
	The most efficient means of obtaining intelligence is...
	... torture.
	... T-torture?!
	Hah! I'd say that's the worst strategy I've ever had the displeasure of hearing. I'd rather not waste my clan's strength on something so utterly useless like that. Besides, if you end up accidentally killing them—
	Foolishness, foolishness!
	Jeez! Can you stop saying that word?!
	How simplistic... and disappointing.
	Your imagination falls short! If that is all you can think of when you hear the word "torture"...
	... then, this unit!
	Uh, this isn't exactly a military unit—
	Ahem, then, this Hongyuan may indeed be beyond your ability to lead!
	…….
	W-well, I'm waiting. Get on with your lesson.
The mention of Hongyuan seemed to put Xichun in a thoughtful mood, as she stopped arguing and began focusing on class.
	The most effective method of torture isn't physical—things like waterboarding... electrocution... are all inferior.
	Today, you will learn the torture of language. With this method, you will always find the answer you want.
	Use speechcraft to entrap their minds, slowly constrict around them...
	Gulp.
	... and let them take brief sighs of relief every time they give you an answer.
	That, cadets, is what you will be learning today.
	To your positions, cadets.

Episode: 22
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	So, I hear you've defeated Shi Huazhen.
	You would do best not to let that get to your head. He's always been our family's greatest shame.
	Hey, watch yourself. Haven't you learned not to underestimate the family underdogs?
	What...?
	Oh, you don't know? You see, I managed to talk Shi Huazhen into... you know?
	W-what? No, it can't be. He cannot have spilled the beans on my parents'—
	Haah... My men are already on their way.
	Ngh...! But how did you know it was Block 32?! I barely managed to get them a hiding spot there...
	Oh, so it's Block 32.
	... Did you just—?
	I did. Huh, that was way easier than it was during class.
	I've heard stories about how you've changed... I didn't know you had changed into such a heartless woman!
	Hm.
	Say something, dammit! Don't just stand there completely expressionless and—
	Mm.
	Oh, I see. You won't be shaken by silly little things like this, is that it?
	Mmm.
	... That may befit the seat of the Hierarch. However...
	... a leader who responds with silence to their inferiors, a leader who considers them only disposable tools is bound to rot!
	I, Shi Sijing, refuse to let someone so unqualified such as yourself retain power!

Episode: 23
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	Dammit, I was so close...
	... Did you ever really take the time to think about what might happen if big sister Yuanchun actually gained control of Hongyuan?
	Sure, it's gonna be all buddy-buddy at first. She's going to acknowledge the authority of the board of directors, butter you up, and compensate you for your efforts...
	... but soon, you're going to see people from other Nests coming in here and taking up administrative positions under the guise of "advisors".
	And it's the small families and clans that are going to suffer first.
	And when that time comes, I bet you'll be saying the same thing then.
	"I was so close..."
	…….
	It's going to be a while before other members of your family are let go. You know this already.
	They committed treason, thinking they were piggybacking off big sister Yuanchun's forces, when in reality she had already discarded them even before it began. She's made sure that nothing about this treason's going to stick to her.
	... Mother. Father...
	Now, let's think about this carefully, about Jia Yuanchun's vision for Daguanyuan. Will it be more H Corp.... or Q Corp.?
	... I see the point you're making.
	But you've not given us any reason to trust you, either. What guarantee do I have that you won't just toss us aside when we're no longer useful?
	So, about that hiding place where you put your parents you just accidentally let slip.
	…….
	I'd known their whereabouts for a while, actually. My Heishou had identified their location long ago, but I didn't do anything because there wasn't any evidence that pointed to your parents' involvement.
	Is that... is that true?
	Just how low is your opinion of the Hierarch? Big sister Yuanchun made a big show of her own influence at the assembly, but I still have a tight control over the Heishou of the Family Hierarch.
	But... I thought you were arresting every member of the Shi family without even questioning them.
	What was it again? That leaders must take good care of those who are in the same boat as them?
	Why would any Hierarch go around arresting innocent people of H Corp. left and right, unnecessarily making more enemies for themselves?
	I sure don't plan on doing that.
	…….

Episode: 24
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	T.K.T.D.W.K. Heh.
	"Teaching kids to deal with kids... heh." she says.
	... Looks like your manager's not the only one who needs a translator.
	I would've liked to teach a particularly bloody art class, but... tsk. That A.L black hare discarded my lesson plan.
	<Yeah, no. I don't think your lesson plan would've flown even if Zilu wasn't there... artless or otherwise.>
	In today's class...
	I'll S.Y.N.C if you're a U.A.
	... What?
	But I'll S.C.A.N if you're a U.C.
	…????
	I'll snap your neck completely if you're an unruly adult...
	... but I'll soothe, coax, and nurture if you're an unruly child.
	... Did you guys rehearse this or something? Am I getting pranked right now?
	N-no, not at all. Just listen carefully, evaluate the context, and there you have it.
	What context? What context was I supposed to evaluate?!
	Let the art do the talking.
	M.T.L, kids.
	Ah, yeah... there's much to learn. Class is about to begin.
	Bring the class material, attendant.
	... Yes.
	Upon the venerable Family Hierarch's orders, I have brought a child from the Wang family.
	Why's Xiren—no, wait. What? You brought a who from a what family upon who's orders?!
	Puff... too many travel restrictions here. So I borrowed the rich kid's attendant.
	You've been bringing her along to get you to places, huh...
	No, I mean just what do you mean you brought that kid on my orders?!
Ryōshū snuffed out her cigarette, opened the window to clear out the smoke, dusted off her clothing a few times, and only then brought the child to the elevated platform in front of the class.
The kid's kinda... trembling and anxious-looking... Hmm...
	I... I extend my greetings to the... the venerable Hierarch...
	<That kid's scared out of his mind.>
	Memories of childhood are... important. They're the experiences that shape your future.
	... Observe and learn.
	... What's up with you acting serious all of a sudden...? Though I do agree that childhood memories are important.
	My memories with big brother Baoyu are what—ahem. Anyways, moving on. You heard nothing.
	The point is, I think becoming approachable to kids here might help prevent a lot of potential future conflicts.
	But you've got your work cut out for you. Children of Daguanyuan are extremely wary of anyone who's not their immediate family.
	Even worse, you pretty much tricked that kid here using my name... he must be terrified. And I imagine his parents must've given him a whole lot of warnings, too.
	Heh. I'll give you a demonstration. Behold.

Episode: 25
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Wow, he's really taken a liking to her.
	Yeah. He wouldn't stop crying when we tried to get him to calm down...
	Besides... how's she even doing that with her hands? Not even masters of martial arts move like that.
Ryōshū was practically giving him no time for any other distractions, or even a moment to cry—she was taking care of that kid almost effortlessly.
She was employing all kinds of tactics, including but not limited to ventriloquism... kongzhu, a traditional Hongyuan toy...
... fan tricks... sugared fruits... and eventually...
	Hee hee~
	Don't pull too hard.
The child ended up piggybacking on Ryōshū, the fear he showed earlier gone without a trace.
	Never would've imagined Ryōshū would be good at this... neat.
And with the exact same expression as her usual one, Ryōshū was gently caressing the child. Well, to be more exact, she was giving him a gentle pat.
	But... I think I get it.
	Showering kids with tasty stuff and gifts isn't the best way to go about it—what's important is helping them understand just what kind of person I am.
	Yeah, the kid's really on edge for his age. I'd start to make some progress, but whenever he suspected that I was lying or something, he'd immediately go back to being on guard.
	... That's also because he's a Daguanyuan kid. Kids... don't survive this place for long if they're not quick on the uptake.
	Venerable Hierarch... m-may I ask you something...?
	Well, asking's free, but I gotta tell you, it's going to depend on what you're about to ask whether I can help you or not.
	Huh...?
	Wrong move, rookie Hierarch. Why say all that when T.W.D.T? You don't get the immaculacy of succinct abbreviations.
Ryōshū grabbed the child's shoulders, brought him before Jia Xichun, then, in her usual curtness, spoke precisely two words to the confused child, and that seemed to do the trick.
	Speak, kid.
	Ah! I-it's, uhm, my big sis said that when the Family Hierarch war's over, I can finally play tons with friends...
	... but their parents told em to stay inside 'cuz it's too dangerous outside...
	…….
	My cousin says you're the biggest and the baddest of Hongyuan, venerable Hierarch...
	... so I wanted to ask if... you can make Daguanyuan safe? I wanna play with my friends...
	... Gotcha. I'll review your suggestion positively.
	She says she'll totally make that happen.
Sometime later, after Xiren guided the child out of the classroom, I found Jia Xichun whispering something to herself.
	You've got a lot on your plate, huh... Dealing with restructuring days is just one of them.
	Hmph, I was going to try to improve the safety of this place anyway, whether he asked me to or not.
	Safe enough for a kid like that to run around the market all on his own... A place where he doesn't have to be afraid to go outside...

Episode: 26
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	Ya know something? Everyone communicates with their eyes even before they talk.
	So... ya better pay attention to what their eyes are saying.
	Great, that's really great, but... I dunno, it just kinda feels like an oddly specific subject to be talking about, especially when we're sitting around a gambling table...
	Sinclair.
	Given the time limit, this just happened to be the fastest and clearest method of demonstrating and training your abilities to control your emotions. I swear, I had no other ulterior motive. I was practically forced to do this.
	Ah, Wei! Stop glarin' at us like that and join us at the table!
	I am only briefly visiting my lady to pick up some paperwork... As there is still much work to be done, I'll be leaving in no time.
	C'mon, guy. You know this game needs four players~
	I refuse your invitation. I must say, it's ridiculous of you to force my lady to partake in such a base activity—and what audacity to invite me as well!
	Ohhh~ So ya think you don't have a chance, huh? Wow, and here I thought you'd at least be better than me at this game...
	Fine, fiiine. I get it. Don't play a game you have a snowball's chance in hell of winning. It's a good philosophy, I subscribe to it.
	... Do you seriously think your shallow, obvious attempts at goading me into playing this game will work?
	Huh? Huh? What? Sorry, scrub says what?
	…….
So Wei joined the table.
	Alrighty. The lesson's pretty straightforward.
	You three'll work together to ensure that I don't win this game. In other words—make sure I'm not #1 by the end of it.
	Well, that seems... easy enough...
	Buuuut... be warned! I have this special power to read into your minds without hearing even a word out of your mouths.
	Lemme give ya a demonstration. Let's see... ah, Sinclair. I can see the corners of your lips twitching while your eyes are suspiciously wandering over there...
	... You're looking to form a Peng(碰), aren'tcha?
	Oof...!
	And Xichun, you...
	…….
	…!
	…….
	…!
	…….
	And you want this Dong(東) tile I've got. Now I know to never, ever discard this tile.
	H-how'd you know?!
	... Honestly, it would've been tougher for us to not know.
	You can let yourself be anxious, sure. But don’t ever, ever let it peek through. The moment someone smells your weakness, they’re going to eat you right up.
	And Wei, you...
	…….
	Hmph, using the glint of your glasses to hide your eyes, huh... whew... This isn't gonna be easy.
	Your greatest mistake tonight was allowing me a seat at this table.
	I already know the ready hand you've got there.
	Oh, ya do? Not bad. But you're just as much of an open book, my guy.
	You just need that one Zhong(中) tile... don'tcha?
	... Hm.
	Sorry not sorry, you're not getting that tile. 'Cuz it's not there.
	... Gang(槓).
	I see... you called Gang meld so you can claim the Zhong, which was the rearmost tile, didn't you?!
	Heh.
	Does that, by any chance, imply that you somehow know the location of every tile in this game?
	Nahh, no way. I just have this sixth sense for bad vibes.
	Hmmh... very well.
	Never once did I think I would ever step back into this dark world of shadows, but...
	Hup...! Very well, then I'll be setting this Hua(花) aside, and...!
	Whew... I'm impressed.
	T-they're way too intense... I can hardly get involved...
	Guys, isn't this... isn't this supposed to be a class for us...?
	Shh, my lady... The importance of this moment could not be overstated.
	…….
	I see... swapped out your ready hand, didn't ya?
	... What do you think?
	Three Hua(花) tiles in a row, huh...? I see you've got some innate luck, too.
	Very well, then... I'll have to wager it all on this Wan(萬) suit...!
	…!
	Hu... I won...!
	HU(胡), HU(胡), HU(胡)!!!!!
	THAT'S A Qing Yao Jiu(清幺九) HAND! Your downfall was written the moment you forced me to discard Zhong(中)!
	Aw, darn... I lost that, huh? Well played!
	DID YOU SEE THAT, MY LADY?!!!! HU! HU!! HU!!!!
	…….
	Ahem... I apologize for that vulgar display, my lady...
	I will... bring some tea.
Wei, victorious, stumbles out of the room with his shoulders slumped.

Episode: 27
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	I heard from big bro that you sent your coins to ... big brother Qiu.
	Every hand, once in circulation, goes round and round until it eventually returns to their original owners.
	I also heard that some of the Wang family helped with removing the foreign powers from here.
	Why?
	I only wanted to prevent this place from getting robbed blind. I live here, you know. This is where my wealth lies.
	Well, then... can I ask for your public support?
	Oh. I applaud your audacity in thinking someone who just gave you the moon should be asked for the stars as well.
	Everyone and their mother knows in whose hands the true political power of Hongyuan lies right now. With that in mind, let's say that I do announce my public support for you.
	I'm not going to have a voice to speak with by the time the powers that be are done with me.
	…….
	Look, if big sis Yuanchun genuinely believes that...
	... I'm not fit to be the Family Hierarch, then I'll happily remove myself from power.
	But she's affiliated with Q Corp. Do you seriously believe she has Hongyuan's best interests at heart with all those conspiracies she's been weaving under the surface, all those business deals and clearly skewed policies?
	I do not.
	But if you’re going to present yourself as the alternative, then you have to be someone concrete enough to rely on.
	Let me just say that about half of the board of directors' votes may as well be considered abstaining votes.
	They're keeping their silence because they're afraid of Jia Yuanchun's retaliation.
	So, your remaining task is to convert those silent votes... in your favor.
	…….
	Ohh. Not shaken by that at all, huh.
	I thought you'd get that lost and wandering look in your eyes...
	Tsk, I guess I'll have to work on my poker face.
	No, no. Most people would've failed to pick that up. You've certainly changed since the Evaluation.
	Your growth shows a lot of promise. Maybe that's why he handed his coins over to you.
	Well... I guess that's not the only thing he handed over to you, I suppose.
	... Hongyuan's tomorrow...
	Anyways, I should probably do as I'm told for now, hm?
	My cousin'll be your opponent today.
	... I won't accept you as my Hierarch just yet.
	Fight me, and prove that you're at least better than I am. Only then I'll accept you.

Episode: 28
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	…….
	What? Do you have something to say to my face?
	Yeah. Don't give my little brother your crap.
	Your little... brother?
	You know who I'm talking about. Do you have any idea of the mess you left behind when you yoinked that kid away?
	<That buzzcut kid was... her little brother.>
	You can barely even hold onto your seat, which you're about to lose soon anyway... And you have the gall to give him false hope?
	I know it's all just politics to you, but... kids really believe you, you know?
	... I heard from the kid that you seemed relieved upon hearing what I said.
	…….
	Told me you were happy for once to hear that he had a fun time, after being barred from playing with his friends with how things are in Hongyuan.
	Sh-shut up.
	Besides... it's not all just hot air.
	What…?
	I wasn't making an empty promise when I said I will change Hongyuan to be a place where everyone can live without fear.
	And for that... I'm going to protect my seat of power, no matter what it takes.
	You'll fail.
	Not with you on my side.
	…….
	We all know what big sister Yuanchun's Hongyuan looks like. It'll be exactly the same in essence, and will be the same for the foreseeable future.
	Tell me. Are you sure you're okay with handing over that same burden we've carried all our lives to... your little siblings?
	... No, of course not.
Wang Qingshan left in a hurry.
But... that look in her eyes told me that there was conflict brewing in her.

Episode: 29
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	Right, lads. Listen up. This ain't going to be like them borin' old classes you've been sitting through.
	You've got to leave the desk behind once in a while to learn some real-life lessons, yeah?
	Right, so here's the deal. You want to break their morale before the brawl even begins.
	... Brawl?
	Learn this by heart, and you'll be kicking those twats' arses left, right, and centre.
	That's... not exactly what I'm looking for...
	So... Heathcliff, I've got to ask this question...
	Something about your... club seems different today?
	Looks a lot more colorful, too...
	... Bollocks, lad catches on quick...
	That Wei bloke said somethin' about how swingin' around a real club might come off as too threatening and... confiscated it.
	That high-tech weapon cries "boop" when it hits people.
	I... I see...
	Oi, don't you underestimate me just 'coz I'm holdin' a different bludgeon.
	Let's get on with it. Straighten' your shoulders! Eyes wide open! Let's get crackin'!
With that, Heathcliff triumphantly raised his newfound weapon toward the sky. ... It made a small "boop" noise.

Episode: 30
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	This class...
After an uncharacteristic pause, Zilu continued.
	... will be taught by a guest lecturer who has been invited for your tutelage.
	A guest lecturer? But I wasn't informed of this.
	<Where are they?>
	I don't know... maybe they're lost?
	A little bird told me that the venerable Hierarch will gift me a bottle of top-notch cloudy wine straight from Daguanyuan's brewer...
	Phoo-ie... There any truth to that, folks?
	<…!>
	That guy...
	Heh heh... Just stopping by to see if I can leech some liquor at this party. Hongyuan's an awfully miserly place, but you'd spare a shot of liquor for this poor, old drifter, won't you?
	…….
	W-well, you're clearly not just any poor, old drifter. Are you guys acquainted?
	He ambushed us in our room after the first round of the Family Hierarch war was over.
	He what?
	... The Family Hierarch war's been over for a while, and everyone in Hongyuan knows who the winner is. How dare a mongrel like you who only knows how to mooch off other families set foot in here?
	Looks like I'm going to have to give my clan a stern talking-to. How could they let slip a drunk assassin like—
	Ha ha, I see that our youthful Hierarch is plenty suspicious. I have been a guest in many places, but please, I am no moocher; put your worries to rest.
	I'm only a drunkard who enjoys a cool swig of liquor with scenic landscapes as my bar, the sky as my ceiling, and the dirt as my bed.
The man who had introduced himself as the Night Drifter of the Drunken Palm leaped down, landing with dexterity that betrayed the rags he wore as clothing and the terrible stench of liquor emanating from him.
	Is he seriously—!
	Bad news, Miss Xichun. Apparently Jia Yuanchun's bestowed upon you a new master.
	... Huh? Big sister Yuanchun?
	She also wanted us to deliver the message that she was sending a master because—and I quote—"I feel a deep sense of trepidation and pity for my dearest little sister, the neophyte Hierarch, who must be struggling left and right without a proper master".
	Wow. I am beside myself with gratitude.
	So that's the supposed teacher? This mysterious guy with a mysterious allegiance who might stab us in the back at any time?
	As you said, the Family Hierarch war is over, and even mongrels of Hongyuan know who has the legitimacy here.
	The incident during the contest was nothing more than business, a job to take care of in return for what compensation they gave me. I hope you don't carry that grudge in your heart.
	I'm sure you didn't harm your rivals in the Family Hierarch war out of personal vendetta, did you? Sometimes business is just business.
	I killed young master Baoyu, for they promised to pay off my bar tab, and I'm here to give the Hierarch a lesson, for they promised to pay off my future tabs.
	There's nothing to be gained by taking your anger out on a gig worker living hand to mouth like myself, don't you think? Hah hah.
	…….
	I'll advise that the optics... and the consequences of rejecting a master sent to us by Jia Yuanchun herself is not going to look too good.
	I know, it's only gonna make me look worse, and I'd rather not give big sister Yuanchun more ammunition to take me down.
	And you there... we'll have eyes tracking your every move, so don't do anything that might rouse unnecessary suspicion.
	Phooie... ain't that a threat. I can hardly taste the wine before such hostility!
Despite Saude's dead serious warning, the Night Drifter's response was only a hearty chortle.
	Before I begin the lesson, I'd like to get an idea of where my to-be pupils are. Now, give me a demonstration, if you will. Swing away.
	Aha, that's enough.
	…….
	But I didn't... I was just getting started?
	Your form is flawed and your breathing is hollow. Need I see more?
	Tsk tsk... flawed forms oft invite flawed hearts. In other words, your martial arts prowess is...
	... amateurish.
	What the heck, is this guy serious? I have never had a single master who had anything bad to say about my form.
	Your arms are straight, and the legs supporting your stance are solid and sturdy; indeed, most masters would not bother themselves to find fault there.
	But let me pose this question: are you, my venerable pupil, satisfied with martial arts that are made to dispatch unskilled peasants and no more?
	Huh...?
	There is more to this than raw strength. Now, take a swing at me instead.
	... Alright, you asked for it!
Jia Xichun takes a powerful swing at the Night Drifter...
	Your mind outpaces your body, your intent more transparent than a glass globe...
	... and your edge is dull, for it has very little heart for feints.
... but he deftly weaves his way between her strikes, which fail to even touch the tip of his ragged cloak.
	Agh...
	You are far too eager to strike, focused singularly on your opponent, with force distributed unevenly across your body...
	... so, you will fail to cut, and gain a little hole as comeuppance.
Then the Night Drifter pokes Jia Xichun's back with the twig.
Location: Daguanyuan - Nuanxiangwu, Past
	<i>Everyone vying for the seat of the Family Hierarch has to go through it eventually.</i>
	<i>The first kill.</i>
	<i>Some say the earlier, the better.</i>
	<i>Mine was when I was thirteen. Not too early, not too late. Just right.</i>
	<i>It's already been a few years since my foolish brother's locked himself in his chamber.</i>
	<i>Last I heard, he was bedridden for a week after ingesting some poison someone had sent to 'prank' him.</i>
	<i>... I'm not going to live like that dumbass.</i>
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	Try to relax your body, won't you?
	You have a weapon, yes—but one mustn't singularly focus on the opponent.
	Do try to reflect upon yourself, and... relax. Let the unnecessary strength go, let it flow out of your body.
	Tensing up as you do will naturally shrink your mind and narrow your vision.
Location: Daguanyuan - Nuanxiangwu, Past
	… Hey, Wei. Should I send big bro a silver spoon or something?
	It wasn’t that bad this time, but what if they give him a way worse poison next time?
	You know young master Baoyu won’t accept your gift, my lady. I doubt he’s even seeking the culprit now.
	So stupid.
	Zero interest in anything practical, zero ambition...
	What a silly, pathetic attitude to have, just how—
	But, my lady…
	It wasn’t practicality that guided you when...
	… you chose to save my life over maintaining your control over the Wu branch.
	Some seek the state of Anattā, the non-self, but what they seek is the path of Asura, reserved for the likes of blade fiends.
	You must learn to let go of everything… <i>except</i> for the self.
	What kind of life is it to live without stepping over others?
Location: -1
	Let it all go. The gazes, the pressures, all of it—instead, face yourself, and only yourself...
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	... and feel how light it all becomes.
After some thought, Xichun's form visibly relaxes.
It wasn't just her form that relaxed;
her pursed lips seemed to have found peace as well.
	Heh heh... she's got it. Well, then what should we do about you, my overconfident, proud pupil? Will you maintain your grave and cocky silence?
	... I-I wasn't being cocky...
	If my memories haven't failed me yet, you were... one of young master Jia Baoyu's underlings, correct?
	Underling... yeah, however you want to call it, I guess...
Sinclair replied with a resigned sigh.
	Just why do you think it was that you, specifically you, among his twelve underlings, were chosen to take this class alongside the young Hierarch?
Sinclair momentarily flashed a flustered expression, taken off-guard by the stranger's sudden, pointed question, but he soon regained his composure and replied.
	W-well, who else besides me would ever go along with these lesson plans? Don Quixote's going to ditch the classes out of boredom, same goes for Rodya, and... Outis'll try to take over the classes... not to mention what it'd be like to have Heathcliff here, and...
	Hah hah, such a loquacious list of excuses! Struck a nerve, did I?
	How come you know so little about yourself, even less than what I have already learned about you?
	... What are you talking about?
	A bird that has failed to break its shell in time will rot within its confines.
	I still don't... understand what you're talking about...
Even as he said so, Sinclair’s expression seemed more like anxiety than confusion to me.
	Prepare yourself to flit away before the rain. You won’t get another chance should you miss the opportunity.
	…….
Then the Night Drifter giggled flippantly, the suddenly serious attitude nowhere to be seen.
	Heh heh... been a while since I let myself babble on for this long. I suppose I can credit my foolish pupils for that.
	Prepare to swing away.

Episode: 31
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	Damn, am I glad I got my head screwed back on.
	It's a precious sight to watch everyone all freaking out about this child's play.
	…….
	All the missed news I've been hearing since I opened my eyes in the recovery room sound very enticing. I really wish I was there to watch it all.
	Half the family heads getting arrested for treason...
	The seat of the Family Hierarch going to some inexperienced kid from the Jia family...
	Not to mention how my lovely little sister had her engagement called off, and how she's now been branded as a traitor to her own blood...
	All the entertainment in the world seems to have happened during my little nap, don't you think?
	You didn't even show your face at the regular assembly, so I doubt you've any concern for the future of Hongyuan... so just what are you doing here?
	I just thought I'd have some fun!

Episode: 32
Location: Daguanyuan Sparring Grounds
	Why stop now?
	Decapitate me like my last death! Or stab me in the heart. Cut my limbs to ribbons!
	Listen, this duel's just... a spar, okay? We don't have to kill each other for this to end.
	Hyah... now isn't this frustrating? You have the opportunity of a lifetime right before your eyes, and you're too weak to use it.
	You have everyone who fights you on every step of your way coming to you, practically presenting their heads on a silver platter. And you're just gonna let them slink away with these scratches?
	... Get your act together. Family Hierarch war's over, and I'm not going to kill someone just because they're being a bit uncooperative.
	Hahahaha! Get real! Do you have any idea how long it'll take for you to gain even a morsel of power by playing this fool's game?
	Hey, wanna hear a little tip on how you can firmly establish your position as the Family Hierarch?
	Kill me in the most horrible, painful, hideous way you can imagine...
	... and hang my corpse by the entrance of that assembly hall over there. Use me to send a clear message.
	And station every single one of your Heishou Packs between every pillar at the assembly hall. And if anyone dares to speak out against you... snip! Chop off their head before they can get another word out.
	Five days.
	It'll only take five days before everyone starts eating out of your hand.
	And that’s how you establish yourself as the Hierarch.
	Fear is power.
	... No. I don't want to do that anymore. I'm here to make Hongyuan a place where its people can live without fear.
	I thought you of all people might understand.
	I remember how… you used to hate hurting people. More so than anyone else.
	…….
	Man~ What a boring answer. That was duller than even my dullest expectations.
	It'll only take a few years until you break, until you become just like them.
	Just like the Family Hierarchs of the past who couldn't help but ruthlessly weed out any seeds of resistance.
	Just how many people here do you think still have any grip on their sanity?
	Maybe I'm only a few years away from becoming an idiot shuffling aimlessly around Daguanyuan! I can only hope that I won't be a slobbering mess by the time that happens.
	If something entertaining's gonna happen... I can only hope that it happens while I'm still sane.
... Xue Pan sauntered away, but Jia Xichun found it difficult to move on.
Location: Daguanyuan Streets
	Excellent work, my lady. You have passed the fourth exam with flying colors.
	You've certainly crushed them for underestimating you, I am—
	…….
	... My lady?
Jia Xichun seems deeply engrossed in thought.

Episode: 33
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	My lady seems to be in a... particular mood today...
	It's all useless, isn't it...
	Xi... Xichun?
	When these classes end and you guys all leave... I guess I'll be spending my days worried to death that an assassin could pop up out of nowhere and kill me at any moment.
	Consumed by so much paranoia and worry that I'll start twitching at shadows cast from lamplights.
	So would it mean anything for me to... you know, prove to them that I deserve to be the Family Hierarch?
	I've spent my whole life trying to prove to everyone that I have the will and determination to become the Family Hierarch... and now I have to prove to everyone that I deserve to keep it?
	To those bastards whose only thought in their empty heads is how they can expand their rooms?
	…….
	Mister Wei, have you ever heard of playing hooky before?
	Playing... hooky? Is it a euphemism for... eliminating your enemies?
	Well, I've rarely done it back when I was in school, but...
	... when there's too much going on in your head, you just... skip school and go out to play.
	Oho...
	Ah, I've only done it once myself, after a friend talked me into it.
	I agree... it seems that the time for my lady to clear her head... has come.
	Very well. Let us play... just one hooky...!
	... What are you guys doing?
	C'mon, let's get moving! I <i>gotta</i> prove myself, don't I? I gotta have those bastards' <i>approval</i>, don't I?
	<She's in a really bad mood today, huh... >
	My lady, have you visited the backyard by the <ruby=Snow Reed>Luxue</ruby> Hermitage(蘆雪庵) as of late?
	... No, but I know what happened there. They threw in a few dead bodies from the massacre a decade ago, turned the pond foul, and decided to bury the whole thing.
	Indeed they did. The stench was so overwhelming and toxic that corpses of animals and plants could be seen floating on its surface, eventually turning the pond into a festering, black bog. People passing by had to plug their noses or risk passing out.
	... So why even bring up something awful like that?
	It seems that a tree had taken root there, my lady. Amidst all that rot.
	A willow.
	The willow tree reached deep into the pond with its roots, clearing it of the foul grease, cleansing the water...
	... and one day, we found it clear and glittering, thriving with other aquatic plants growing within.
	It's recovered from the rot, becoming a normal, clear pond surrounded by leaves and moss.
	Some months ago, they introduced a few carps in there, and...
	... when they checked again, they were just as vivacious as they were on their first day there.
	Would you like to pay the pond a visit, if it is all right with you?
	… Hmm.
Xichun didn't seem to quite buy his explanation, but she followed him anyway.
	…!
Location: Daguanyuan - Luxue Hermitage
	You weren't kidding. I avoided this place for so long...
	... I never thought it could be this clean again.
	I can hardly believe that this pond used to be a rotten bog. All that happened was that this tree happened to take root here...
	What matters, my lady... is patience and determination.
	Of course, this place had slipped my mind then, as I was quite swamped with work, but...
	... the world has a stronger capacity to heal itself than one might imagine.
	Recovery will follow, as long as there is a steady root to rally around.
After a long break that seemed to freshen even our hearts...
Location: Daguanyuan Streets
	Nice, you're making good progress.
	Your form, the light in your eyes... I think you've certainly improved in all aspects.
	I daresay you've had some change of heart, too?
	…….
	Yeah. I do feel a tad more comfortable than I did before.

Episode: 34
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	Right, class! Here's a new task to help you lot learn how to break your enemies' morale.
	The moment you shrink in front of your enemies, you've already lost. So don't. It don't matter how many there are, or how threatening they look, yeah?
	Take me for example. Have I ever turned tail and fled like some milksop, no matter what enemy we were put against?
	I don't... think you ever have...
	Leave it to the nerds to waste time comin' up with strategies and what have you. Listen, there ain't a problem in the world you can't solve by boldly rushing in headfirst.
Ishmael and Outis would've boldly rushed in headfirst to shake him by his lapels if they'd been here...
	Here's what I think; neither of you've got enough pluck.
	That's why neither of you could say shite against those buggers back at the assembly hall, am I right?
	…….
Jia Xichun maintained her silence, the old scar on her pride growing sore again.
	So, lemme help you lot grow some backbone.
	Try gettin' mad at me.
	No need to shrink, lad. Stand proud!
	Well, okay, but how could I—
	Don't worry 'bout offending me, yeah? I can take it.
	Unlike you two, I've built up enough thick skin for all kinds of insults thanks to my years in the Backstreets. I'm bloody invincible.
	Y-yeah? Well, s-shut up, Heathcliff...!
	Good lad.
	Y-you're hardly even a teacher, man! This class sucks! All you're doing up there's standing around and trying to look cool...!
	Ooh, that one's gotta sting a little.
	…….
	That's it, you little shite—
	—is what I would've said back in the day. And I probably would've struck you with this hammer, I mean, my club.
	But I've changed, too.
	And so did you. I can see that the fire in your eyes has grown.
	Remember this feeling, yeah?
	I will...!
	Now, let's practise.
	And looks like both of you have the perfect sparring partner in each other.
	Grab your weapons, the both of you.
	Huhh? You mean us? Me and Xichun?
	I grew my backbone by gettin' into fisticuffs with the boys during my Backstreets days.
	They break my arm, I break their legs in return. See what I mean?
	Is... is that what "besties" is supposed to mean?
Jia Xichun asked with considerable confusion.
	Uhh... well... let's do this, I guess?
	Hm... you don't want me to go easy on you, do you?
	... I don't.

Episode: 35
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	Alright, that's good enough.
	Bloody hell, lad. That was much closer than I thought!
	... Huff... huff... G-good match.
	... Jeez, don't most people usually lose steam the longer a fight gets? What the heck was that at the end...?
The two of them clashed with everything they learned, and with all they learned up until the lessons began...
I thought for sure that Jia Xichun would come out on top without breaking a sweat, given that Sinclair wasn't using an Identity and the tough training Jia Xichun had as a Family Hierarch candidate, but...
... perhaps thanks to the Night Drifter's teachings, or thanks to that mark on his forehead...
... I saw a glimpse of Sinclair I'd only seen in a select few Mirror Worlds.
	<You alright, Sinclair...?>
	Hm? Uh... yeah, it's not like we were going at it with real weapons. And the fight ended before it got any further, thankfully, so I'm not hurt or anything.
	I'm feeling a bit of fever on my forehead, though...
It didn't seem like Sinclair noticed the single, yet clear, red line that appeared on his forehead.
It's not like anything bad happened when that mark manifested back in La Manchaland, but...
... considering that Demian and Rim were the only other people who'd ever shown that mark, I couldn't help but worry a little.
	... Hey, you ever run away from home before?
	Uh... where's this coming from?
	Going by the way you're acting, it's clear to me that you're a homebody, but...
	... there's something behind your eyes that tells me that your life hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows.
	Hm... I wouldn't call it 'running away from home'... it's more like I left home.
	... Because I didn't have a choice.
	How did that feel?
	... Like I was melting away into nothing. I suddenly had to face the whole terrible world all on my own, and that was so overwhelming that—well, I'm sure you can't quite commiserate. You've been on top of your game your whole life, after all.
	... I did leave Daguanyuan by my own volition, but...
	... if I'm being honest—and here's something I never told Wei—I felt unutterably lost. There was so much that I had to do, so much responsibility.
	I guess neither of us were that ready for the world when we left home.
	I feel just as lost back home, though.
	Ah, and there's Heathcliff, too—he also left home. Sometime ago, we paid a visit to the manor he grew up in.
	Heading home must've been pretty exciting for him. You have no idea how much of the journey back he spent gussying up and primping his hair...
	…….
	... Somethin' just came up.
	Class dismissed.

Episode: 36
Location: Daguanyuan Training Grounds
	So... are you going to teach us any techniques?
	Hah hah... it's only been a few days since your training began, yet...
	Tsk... my other martial arts masters would teach me their secret techniques.
	So that's what got you two pouting all lesson.
	Hoo-ie... now, that's some good wine. Very well, I'm in the mood! Let me teach you a useful trick.
	R-really?!
	Tell me. What did I teach you to do as you swung your sticks?
	Forget all those things that put pressure on me, and face nothing but myself and my movements.
	And that's only the start of it.
	First: emptiness of sound.
	The slight friction from the tips of your toes, the ruffle of your clothes, your breaths... erase them all, erase every ripple and echo you leave upon this world.
The Night Drifter stands before us, but his presence becomes as hazy as mist.
Despite the wild movements, we hear... nothing.
	Second: emptiness of form.
	To have a form is to provide your foes with clues to predict your next move. Forget the weapons in your hands. Forget your structured forms. Break the mold, become the flow, let only your will remain.
Randomness seeps into his movements, until all semblance of pattern becomes lost.
There was something clownish about his unpredictable movements, but they were also so hypnotic and floaty that Jia Xichun and Sinclair couldn't look away.
	Last: emptiness of mind.
	Try not to force the direction of your heart; empty your desires and intentions both. Stab without thinking; penetrate without gazing.
Both Jia Xichun and Sinclair's necks were marked by small imprints of the twig that pressed their skin...
and Zilu, who had been standing next to me all along, had leaped a small distance away, seemingly deep in thought.
And my neck hurts, too... Guess I wasn't spared from the lesson. I wonder if this fits that saying Yi Sang utters from time to time—"to lose one's nose with eyes open."
	Immerse yourselves; make sure your descent is slow and gradual. We've been focusing entirely on the self with your swings thus far, so you should find it quite easy to reach the state of emptiness of mind—
	…….
	Tsk tsk, didn't I just say that one must take it slowly and gradually? To empty your mind already... Ah, I'd have taught you my everything had you entered under my tutelage long ago.
	A-am I doing this right...? No, wait. I need to relax more...
	So, our new Hierarch has found herself the clue to the emptiness of form.
	What technique... is this?
	Tsk tsk, it's all just movements at the end of the day. I find it entirely unnecessary to give them those flashy names; a truly secret technique should come without one.
	Phew...
	W-well, it's still supposed to be our ultimate move, right? Wouldn't it be more... official, to give it a name?
	Hmmh... well, in that case... whewie, that's some good wine indeed! I guess I'll go with something like... "Plastered Sleep, Unrestrained Ripples(醉睡浪浪)"?
	That name sucks...
The class comes to an end with an ultimate move that was probably named in haste.
Zilu, who'd been observing the class from a distance, approaches the Night Drifter.
	... Been a while since I saw someone give a lesson like this starting from its very fundamentals.
	Heh heh, hardly can one find a pupil willing to slowly learn from the very fundamentals in a world of infinite technological advancements like the 'veil'. I am only fortunate enough to have found two pupils who are indeed willing.
	... Your gait... your tone...
	Were you, among the Ten Blades of the East—
	Now, now! It seems entirely unnecessary for you to dig, as I don't quite recall putting anything on your tab. Put your futile questions to rest, for I have no answers to give.
	The past is like smoke; I've long emptied any history worth delving into.

Episode: 37
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	<Well... I'm supposed to teach this class, but...>
	<... honestly, I'm not entirely sure what to do here.>
	<It's not like I can suddenly teach you guys to hear the fathoms of other people's hearts...>
	Yeah... it's not like we can suddenly have a heart-to-heart out of nowhere, right?
	And that is precisely why I have installed this box called "Messages from the Hearts" by the door here when the lessons first began.
	<Messages from the Hearts?>
	The greatest strength of "Messages from the Hearts" is its anonymity. Here, people can anonymously share the concerns that have been eating away at them without the fear of judgment.
	Hm... Yeah, this seems like a great idea. I can see how everyone can be more honest about their feelings behind the masks of anonymity.
	The box is quite heavy. It seems that everyone's been making quite the liberal use of this.
	Let's see. The one on the bottom has to be the first message; let's see what it says.
	Oi, I've got to ask. Do those "consultations" even do anything?
	<... Does this "mask of anonymity" even do anything?>
	Also, what's the point of these messages anyway? If you've got to whinge, whinge at their face.
	Well... I ain't got much else to say, so... uh... Ah, I've got one. My neighbor next door keeps makin' weird noises at night, so do somethin' about that, yeah?
	Somethin' about a "smoking head"... over and over again.
	The point is, it's been gettin' on my nerves. If that doesn't get taken care of in a week, I'll deal with it in my own way.
	<Deal with it how...?>
	... It's all just personal grievances.
	Um... let's see what the next one says.
	Who dares harrow the Executive Manager with such useless, weak-minded complaints?!
	If you're going to continue wasting the Executive Manager's precious time and cause them trouble, I will personally hold you responsible for that blunder. You best prepare yourself for consequences.
	Wow, it's like she's right here, speaking right into my ear.
	... Never thought written words could cause hearing damage.
	<... Moving on...>
	I don't know if it's just me, but...
	... someone's probably been spying on these papers, huh.
	I've got proof, too. I folded this piece of paper up into a Padlock Knot shape, but whoever spied on it did a pretty bad job of replicating it.
	Oh, and another thing. My compass disappeared.
	It's the compass I got for surviving the hellish depths of the Belle Morte Trenches...
	We're going to have to re-establish some house rules soon.
	A theft report? Did... one of you steal her compass or something?
	Nah, no way... We'd never steal from each other, no matter how hard things get.
	Something... troubles me.
	Ooh, finally. Someone finally submitted a real concern here.
	Was it the Type-A wire that caused the explosion, or was it caused by replacing the clamp part from the shattering gear?
	…….
	Ah, the likely answer has been found. Do not concern yourselves with this message.
	<…….>
	<Well, that's that, I guess....>
	... Look, I felt like I should really share this with everyone...
	Hmm, this one might be something serious for once.
	I can't just let this slip away like nothing happened... ya know?
	Yeah, I'm talking about... <i>the incident</i> that happened aboard Mephi sometime ago...
	Remember how someone smashed an alarm clock against Dante's head while they were sleeping? No one ended up figuring out what happened there, right?
	<Ahh...>
	... You're going to have to bring me up to speed on this.
	Yeah... I don't know exactly when this was, but there was a loud shattering noise outside at night, so we all ran out to see what happened...
	<But no one managed to find any credible clue, so... I guess we just let it slide?>
	Anyhoo, Dante said they were a-ok, so we just moved on from it, but...
	I'm telling ya, I saw what I saw. I saw Greg's... bug arm.
	So here's my guess. What if he happened to lose his balance... while carrying that alarm clock with one hand?
	Ya know what I mean? I'm trusting the anonymity thingy on this~!
	<…!>
	<Gregor... He wouldn't...>
	Mm.
	The alarm clock, broken due to shock at the time of the incident, was pointing precisely at 22:32.
	And...
	... at that hour, only two individuals were awake for the night watch duty.
	<…!>
	Guys, this is turning into like... a whole investigation...
	<Around 22:00, one of the two individuals who were on the night watch duty was... >
	Yep, Miss Faust was one of them...
	Huh, hey... Dante...
	Didn't you have a brief conversation with Faust that morning?
	<Hmm, now that I think back on it...>
	<I did have a talk with Faust that day. Briefly.>
	<Faust made a few criticisms on my command style, and she was right, but... I pretended to not hear her because I didn't have anything to retort with...>
	…….
	<Don't tell me Faust actually held a grudge against me for that...!>
	So, fellas, uh... I don't think anyone's noticed this, but...
	I noticed a dusting of cigarette ash near the shattered alarm clock.
	As you know, Manager Bud, there's only two among us who smoke.
	But <i>one of them</i> stayed put in his own room, know what I mean? There's a witness, too.
	Unless that witness is a cowardly liar... I'm sure she will come forward and tell everyone exactly what happened that night...
	Hnnnnngh... I shall prove unto thee, that I am no cowardly weaver of lies!
	In truth, among numerous cosplays I had wished to accomplish... was the duo of Cap'n Skorps and the One-eyed Navigator...
	Aha! To explain the lore of Cap'n Skorps—this tale begineth... verily... in year 757...
After a very long read...
	Alas, the possibility of procuring a scorpion arm proved more dubious than one could have expected. Thus did I convince young Gregor to join forces with me—to cosplay together and capture our glorious forms in photographs! Though 'twas a pity he had no pipe, only a cigarette between his teeth.
	And young Ishmael's compass... was to be the Cap'n's trinket, and for that purpose I had briefly <u>borrowed</u> it from her room...
	O, woe is me! For I, regrettably, spilled an entire can of tuna, another prop—and the compass was swallowed by its greasy juices...
	Despite my best efforts to restore it, the tunny-aroma lingereth still...
	I beg thy forgiveness, Manager Esquire... sob...
	…….
	<Well, at least we now know who took Ishmael's compass.>
	Frustrating.
	T.C.
	G.W.N.N & M.T.L.
	Is this like... a code?
	<Sinclair? Translation, please...>
	Uh...
	Yeah, trying to parse that from written text is usually way harder...
	I normally try to read the speaker's tone and the general context of her words, so...
Unfortunately, the plot thickens...
	Guys, are we... are we actually going to try to find the culprit?
... Nausea bubbled inside me like I'd just been reminded of a persistent itch I'd managed to forget. Nngh, it's like someone shoved a tuning fork in my head...
	Guys...
	Alright, that's it. Clockhead, read up.
	I'm goin' to confront the sod and tell 'em to tell it like it is if there's somethin' buggin' 'em, instead of whinging in his sleep.
	Now where is he?!
	<Hey, nice. Heath—I mean, looks like this Anonymous person's trying to get to the bottom of this.>
	Dante...
	Fare you well...? It is I... the Sinner first in the order...
	Apologies are in order—ever since <i>the incident</i>, I could hardly lull myself to a restful sleep...
	In truth, it was none other than myself who pummeled your head with... a clock...
	To explain this, one must first explore the—(The sentence cuts off, as this part of the paper has been torn off.)
	Mm... worry not about what exists no longer. I will not embark on a multiloquent ascribing of excuses.
	I write before you in shame, and express my willingness to accept any punishment you see fit to dole out.
	I seek nothing but your forgiveness...
	<I can't believe the culprit was Yi S—I mean, that Sinner...>
	Good thing he fessed up, but doesn't something feel off about the whole thing?
	... What if he's just trying to take the heat?
	But it seems to me that the #1 Sinner doesn't want to share the story any further.
	Maybe it's best we not dig into it unnecessarily.
	Oh? Hello, Dante.
	I was taking a walk near here when I found a piece of paper somebody tore off. So I'm returning it here.
	Hope it finds its way to the original writer~
	<... Thus returns the #1 Sinner's paper...>
	<This has to be the key to resolving this case...!>
I hurriedly unfurled the paper.
	—the truth of what transpired.
Location: Aboard Mephistopheles, Past
	You ever find yourself wondering?
	Wondering if that crackling fire-like thing on top of the manager's head...
	... is hot like real fire... or if it would not give off any heat. Curious, right?
	Ah... don't worry about it, Yi Sang.
	It's not like we have any other way to tell other than touching it ourselves, ha ha.
	Hm... indeed... Unproven phenomena cannot be confirmed without direct means of observation...
	Ah, they're asleep. Must've been pretty tired...
	Mm, indeed. The ticking noise has shrunk in volume.
	…….
	…….
	It seems that we have just shared a thought.
	What if we were to just... quickly check...
	... while the manager's asleep?
	Gulp...
	Perhaps the sound of phlegm sinking past my gullet... makes far too much noise for this task...
	Yeah, well... I'm just finding out how loud my heartbeat can get...
	…!
	Uh... Yi Sang...!
	The alarm next to the manager...
	It's about to go off...! You have a minute, at most...!
	Ah... Ahh...!
	I shall—I shall interface with the timepiece...
	Hmph...
	Look at you rats, playing a played-out prank.
	…!
	<AAAAAAARGH!>
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	<And that is indeed the full tale of what has transpired... hm. Under the lens of hindsight's illumination, it would almost appear that I am making a secret accusation to a fellow of mine... It would be easier on my heart to simply assume the entire weight of culpability myself...>
	<... and that's where it ends.>
	The culprit was right under our noses the entire time.
	…….
	Sorry, Dante...
	I... should've been upfront about it, but...
	... Outis was so adamant about utterly punishing the culprit that I couldn't bring myself to... you know...
	<Hm... can't deny that...>
	... tell you the truth in time.
	…….
	To tell you another truth...
	... I think I might have an idea as to why I've been made a student alongside Miss Xichun.
	There must've been something that the company was expecting from me, but it's just not showing up, so... they must be making me take these classes to compensate for it.
	Everyone else is boldly facing their own issues and slowly overcoming them...
	... while I'm still here, feeling like I'm stagnating in place.
	They've been telling me that my time's yet to come, but...
	I don't know. I just get the feeling that that ship might've sailed for me already.
It was clear to me that Sinclair wasn't just talking about physical training or his combat prowess.
It's about something that more than half the Sinners had faced and were facing at this point. About his past and the path that lies ahead. The guilt and the pressure of having failed to confront it...
... was never going to be easy for him to let go.
	<I don't think anyone's got the perfect idea of how the whole trajectory of their lives is going to be.>
	<That's why we're all on the bus, isn't it?>
	... You know, you can just shout at me to get my act together, like Heathcliff does.
	<Oh I will. If I have to.>
	Whatever that was... you guys managed to talk it out, huh.
	All I heard was that ticking noise.
	Ah... sorry about that. What Dante said was—
	Hey, don't bother. I just needed a quick glance at that look on your face to feel that tick-tock with my heart.
Thus the curious case of the alarm clock came to an end.
	<So... what do you guys think Ryōshū was trying to say?>
	... Two culprits.
	Guy with nightly nightmares and... my translator.
	<... I see. >
Sinclair and I sat there for a moment, absorbing the awkward silence.

Episode: 38
... Finally, the thirty days of lessons were completed, and the day of the final exam was upon us.
Location: Daguanyuan Front Gates
Everyone came out to bid good luck to Jia Xichun on her way to the final exam.
	My lady... I have nothing but absolute faith that you will be able to complete this final exam just as excellently as you have all the others.
	It is most likely you will be facing off against a skilled foe from the Xue or the Shi family.
	Of course, you will doubtless wipe the floor with them.
	I have taught you all that I know... I hereby give you permission to leave this boot camp.
	You got this, Xichun.
	Guys, you really didn't have to all come out here to see me off.
	Still, I have undying faith that you will emerge victorious, my lady.
	However, Zigong and I have also prepared about twenty-one alternative solutions in case things go... awry. So please, don't worry yourself too much.
	... Do you have faith in me or not?
Upon our return to the classroom...
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
We were greeted by an unexpected guest.
	Must be very nice to be Xichun. To have so many teachers, from all walks of life, helping her out...
It had been a while since we last saw Xue Baochai, which was during the regular assembly.
	... What are you doing here, big sis Baochai?
	I couldn't stop myself from paying you all a visit out of pity. If only... if only Xichun and Baoyu both smiled on like nothing happened...
	... our blossoming years would have been peaceful still.
	... Big sis.
	Please stop talking to me like that.
	... I didn't know you could even say such a thing.
	Baoyu, it has always been this way.
	If a fruit has fully ripened... we have to seize it and taste its juices before anyone else.
	We can't just let go—we can't stand emptiness. My brother couldn't, my parents couldn't.
	But you, who was born and raised on the very same soil we were...
	... how do you walk so softly, so lightly?
	I don't.
	My footsteps are no longer light.
	Every step, every sight I hold in my eyes as the days go by fills me with abundance.
	I'm only trying to accept everything as it is, without asking for more or less.
	But how could one do nothing but watch... when we're surrounded by such fragrance?
	What more do you seek, big sis?
	I want to be closer. That my hands may reach you.
	... Have you already forgotten who had sent you that guest lecturer?
	…!
	Xichun's Palanquin... isn't headed to the exam site, is it?
	No, it's not. It's heading to big sis Yuanchun's exam site.
	... Blasted scoundrels!
	I must hasten after the palanquin, before I lose track of them...!
Wei sprinted outside even before Xue Baochai finished.
	A trap, huh...
	Fellas, shouldn't we also get going?
	... Calm yourselves for a moment.
Zigong swiftly came between us, clearly having taken a gauge of the situation.
	It has been too long since the Palanquin has departed... it is better to move based on concrete evidence, not urgency.
	Though... a beast seems to have chosen the latter.
I think I heard the faint sound of hooves coming from the direction Zigong was glancing in.
	So this is what you've chosen.
	Yes. The exams she's taken thus far were all... meaningless lies.
	I could've shared this earlier, but...
	... I decided to follow my own heart, as you have decided to follow yours.
Baochai smiled sweetly.
	So now...
	... what fragrance do you smell from me?
	…….
	I smell nothing.
... Xue Baochai left the room wordlessly upon hearing that reply.

Episode: 39
Location: Daguanyuan - Special Lecture Hall
	A terrible jest Jia Yuanchun plays, down to the very last day.
	Too much time has passed already...
	I have already given her clan, including Wei, instructions to keep their eyes on the Palanquin, as I observed much strangeness from the Palanquin bearers...
	... yet there are many places to which one may covertly kidnap the Family Hierarch.
	Still, we have to—!
	Your heart is still in a rush. I do not mean to imply that we will abandon her to fate.
	Look, I have selected a few places on the map with the highest probabilities of being their destination.
	As the time is not on our side, the Heishou Packs and your team will have to mobilize separately to explore all possible options.
	Among them I aim to send you toward...
	... This place.
	Indeed. The glorified internment camp of Hongyuan, now shut down.
	<ruby=Peace and Calm>Pingan</ruby> Residential Support Zone. It is a policy Jia Yuanchun and the former Jia Mu pursued.
	The policy was indefinitely tabled and the zone was closed off, as many voiced reluctance to pass it, but I find it hard to believe that Jia Yuanchun would admit defeat so easily.
	It is a secluded place, perfect to secretly bring harm to the Family Hierarch... not to mention the symbolic value it carries.
	I hope she's okay...
	Have some faith in your pupil.
	You have taught her to the best of your abilities, have you not? I trust that she will be able to fend for herself until our arrival.
	... Yeah. We trained really, really hard for the entire month.
	The only reason Jia Yuanchun would employ such under-the-table tactics is because she knows that a fair match would not be in her favor.
	So, let us yank her hand out from under the table and make her regret it.

Episode: 40
We hurried ourselves along the winding passages of Hongyuan.
At first, I thought we might've been able to move faster had the Mephistopheles been here with us, but... walking through the winding, irregular paths reminded me why palanquins were a thing in Hongyuan.
Location: Nearby Pingan Residential Support Zone
	<Ah, already...>
Upon our arrival at the location Zigong pointed out to us, something emerged from the dark.
A figure, no—two, four... a small platoon of shadows.
	Dammit... we're surrounded.
The shadows slithered into physical form, lapping their purple, serpentine arms at us.
	Si branch of the Heishou Packs... they don't belong to the Family Hierarch.
	Tsk... Oi, what now?
	What do you mean "what now"? We can't sit here and waste any precious time.
	C'mon, let's fight our way out of this ambush.
	... Ain't that usually my thing to suggest?
	Fightin's all about morale... heh.
... Looks like the classes did have some effect.
	<Sinclair's right. We don't have any time to waste.>

Episode: 41
Location: Pingan Residential Support Zone Entrance
The first thing I noticed upon entering the room was that it was hot and muggy with the heat of battle, also evidenced by corpses of Si branch Heishou torn wildly about the room.
	Who's that...?
	…….
A bloodied beast rises ponderously from the ground, its gaze rising to meet ours.
	<Wait, Wei...?>
	Hold on, his eyes... something's definitely off here. He's not looking at us, he's—
Rodya cuts off abruptly, having noticed that something didn't feel right.
	Away...
	Away with you.
The hooves intermittently kick the ground with anticipation and aggression.
	What happened here? Did the Heishou... make it into the exam hall?
	Limbless snakes... dare trespass?
	Your hideous coils...
	I will crush them to mulch under my hooves...
	You're... Wei, right...?
	He's completely lost it.
	I'll ground your filthy scales...
	... to dust.

Episode: 42
Location: Pingan Residential Support Zone Entrance
	Nngh...
	Hey! ... Are you alright?
	My lady's, she's in there.
	Please... you must...
	Listen, buddy. You're not looking so good. That nasty wound Lei Heng gave you's starting to bleed again.
	Jia Xichun's Heishou will be here soon. Stay here and wait for their arrival.
	... Don't you worry about a thing, Mister Wei. Xichun's going to be just okay.
	Totally, didya already forget who taught her?
	…….
	If only she hadn't... chosen me then...
	... she could've achieved such heights. She could've risen much higher than where she now stands...
Wei's eyes shook restlessly, lost in the streams of past.
	Don't you know this already, Mister Wei?
	Xichun became the Hierarch to transform Hongyuan into a Nest that serves its lowest.

Episode: 43
Location: Pingan Residential Support Zone
	…….
	It was you? You're big sister Yuanchun's final exam?
	If you were going to kill me anyway, why didn't you just... take me out from the get-go instead of wasting all that time teaching me, pretending to be my master?
	I would hardly deem the hours spent in joy as wastes. Would you?
	Well, I'm not even surprised. Daguanyuan's full of backstabbers anyway.
	"Do not ever trust anyone who approaches you first". It is a saying that has saved a lot of lives in Hongyuan—and the City.
	Normally, those type of people wait until my guard is down to strike.
	You had plenty of opportunities to kill me during those classes. I gotta say, I forgot a bit of my edge when I was swinging those sticks.
	Heh heh, the one who hired me handed me, along with my payment, a silken bag of dried wolfsbane powder.
	... So you were hired to poison me. Why didn't you?
	Hah! Why would I use that to claim my pupil's life, when I could use it to pay off my tab and buy me a few bottles of quality wine at a local kezhan, which I did? They're precious enough to sustain three generations of family, eh?
	What...?
	My life... has thus far been one of rivers and footpaths, drifting hither and thither as the currents took me. A meaningless life of having gained nor left behind nothing.
	And wouldn't you know it, this kid who'd just become the next Hierarch...
	... for the first time in the history of Family Hierarchs I'd seen... refused the true master of Hongyuan.
	…….
	Those with vision for the future of Hongyuan would grip the land as though it belonged to them...
	... and Hongyuan, trapped in the grasp of a series of intrepid individuals... grew dark and suffocating.
	The other pupil, who initially seemed to have been included in the lessons as nothing more than an extra, may as well have forced the lessons out of me.
	And after a while of frolicking with the bumbling Hierarch and a particularly nasty pupil...
	... it seems that I shared all that I know with the both of you.
	… Hey…
	Despite the present circumstance...
	... my lessons have all been without a speck of falsehood.
	Come, then. Never once have I taught a pupil who would fall at such a place.
	And if you do... I don't suppose you were a pupil of mine anyway.

Episode: 44
Location: Pingan Residential Support Zone
	<Xichun!!!>
	Now that's impressively sneaky.
	So they're not beasts of Hongyuan for nothing, eh... They just had to get between me and my pupil's spar. Mmmh.
	…….
	…!
	Master...! Wait, you've been working for Jia Yuanchun the whole time?
	Haven't you known me long enough by now to tell, brief as our acquaintance has been? My service is to no one but the bottle.
	To have all twelve masters squeeze into battle when things were just starting to get interesting is quite discourteous, don't you think?
	Yeah, and a master stabbing his pupil in her back isn't?!
Just as Sinclair and the Night Drifter were locked in an argument...
	…!
The Heishou beasts who followed us into the room swung their purple arms at Jia Xichun without hesitation.
The slithering serpent arm, which suddenly extended into a considerable length...
	Haven't I already given you due complaint, my friends?
... were stopped inches from Jia Xichun's neck by the Night Drifter's arm, biting him instead.
	Heheh... Now that's one potent venom! I can feel it spreading through my veins.
	Listen here, snakes. Haven't I done you courtesy enough? Go back to your holes.
	I'll even give you an excuse you could give to your lord... Say that you had to withdraw, as the Night Drifter of the Drunken Palm got in your way.
	We serve the same "client"... Might as well let me take all the blame for your failure, hm?
	…….
But the Heishou wordlessly stood their ground.
	Fine... I didn't think you'd listen to someone who doesn't even hold your leash.
	Phoo-ie...! Too bad, too bad. Well, I suppose this should at least make for a fairer fight, with all of her teachers being here and all.
	You...
	Heh heh, I don't recall ever teaching you to make a face like that in front of an enemy...
	... Fine. It's not like stopping one attack makes you our ally.
	At least one of my pupils knows what she's talking about.
	Perhaps I shall open myself a humble wuguan here in Hongyuan once this contract is over.

Episode: 45
Location: Pingan Residential Support Zone
He was certainly a powerful foe, despite the casual way with which he carried himself.
We'd already experienced a hint of his strength then, when he invaded our room during the Family Hierarch war and swiftly took out his target before leaving.
	…….
	There are slithering noises coming from above.
	<More Heishou...>
We can't fight him and the Si branch off at the same time...
But if we were to try to create a distance between us and where the Si branch are waiting to strike us, the Night Drifter'll definitely try to exploit that opening.
Considering that we had to keep Xichun safe... I wasn't sure how much longer we could hold out here.
	Hah hah, is it hard to recall your training outside our lessons?
	Remember that your gaze is form as well; your enemies will take notice if you don't stop constantly eyeing at the door like a novice.
	See? The snakes have already mobilized to close off that exit.
	…….
	Ah... you're stalling until the Heishou Packs of the Family Hierarch arrive... Your strategies and thoughts are plain as day.
	I see, that's why...
	…!
	... these snakes are so impatient to complete the deed and slink back into their holes.
The Night Drifter produced another tree branch from his clothes, and quickly cast it toward the doorway behind which the Heishou were gathered.
... And with a thwack, the heavy roof atop the large door instantly crumbled, burying it and blocking off the snakes from entering. It was as though he hit an invisible weakness of the brickwork.
	I thought I'd given you snakes enough warning to head back.
	What are you doing? Why...
	Tsk tsk, the bumbling Hierarch's promise to bring real change to Hongyuan has given rise to a certain intrusive thought that was put to sleep long ago.
	Once upon a time... a blade fiend of an infamous Syndicate earned himself the hollow honor of joining the Ten Blades of the East.
	Yet what use is all that, if he could not prevent his little girl from passing on before her old man on a restructuring day?
	The world averted its gaze from me, so I looked away it in return. Leaving behind my rooms, my steel, I picked up a simple tree branch to be my sole companion as I drifted about the City.
	When I abandoned both my honor and name, all that remained was a life of living for the sake of living, nothing more.
	And... I believed the same fate would doubtless come for the rotten land of Hongyuan as well, just as it had for this useless drunk, devouring it in the surging darkness as the sun falls yonder.
	Yet...
	... doubt reared its head, for the first time.
	It is the rooster's cry that signals the night's end.
	Do you see? The sun rises, even in Hongyuan.
	Listen well, for your final lesson begins.
	Emptiness of sound. Keep the venom within, and let it not leave your tongue.
	Emptiness of form. One who aims to bring change to these lands must do so without the knowledge of curmudgeons too logged in wicked traditions to see a better path.
	Emptiness of mind. In Hongyuan, a land where even the sky lies out of sight... do not let your mind be too transparent.
	... Do not let the Heishou stray from your presence again, not even for a moment. Rule of fear is a detestable thing indeed, yet you will gain nothing by appearing like an easy mark.
	…….
	Yes, master.
	Then, do what you must.
	It won't be very becoming of the Hierarch of Hongyuan to let live a fell assassin who dared to make an attempt at her life.
Jia Xichun wordlessly tightened the grip around her weapon.
	Very good. Emptiness makes for such a pleasant sight, doesn't it?
The Night Drifter grinned, having caught the encroaching scent of death.

Episode: 46
The Night Drifter stumbled. He smelled of pungent, bitter wine.
	When the unsieved dregs of old, cloudy wine settle and the bitter life is left behind...
	... the clear, crisp waters shall spring forth, twinkling under the sun's apricity.

Episode: 47
The incident was quickly swept under the rug as independent actions of an anonymous, unaffiliated assassin only known as the Night Drifter.
As he was not registered to any kind of life insurance plan, his body was buried among the many unnamed graves of Hongyuan.
Location: Daguanyuan - Dahuating Banquet Hall
	I hear that there was a rather unsavory incident at the most recent exam; I must say, it is fortunate that no important blood has been spilled during it.
	A nameless, faceless man infiltrating the living quarters of Daguanyuan... I can only be glad that he met the deserved fate.
	Anyone who was at the site could attest to the fact that my guests and I were assaulted by Heishou - Si branch as well.
	If anyone's going to be held responsible, don't you agree that the blame should fall squarely on whoever decided to send the snakes to that particular location at that specific time, big sister Yuanchun?
	Hmm, is that so? Yet they testify that their presence was only to eliminate the drifter of the night who dared sneak into Daguanyuan.
	Earlier than your own Heishou Pack, even.
	…….
	Yeah. Not only did you get me a new master...
	... in your impatience to see my growth, asked that same master to harm me. You've certainly outdone yourself, sister.
	... He was nothing more than a boorish executioner of Hongyuan who was willing to do anything for money.
	I hope you won't be blaming your dear sister for the crime that man has committed independently, out of his own volition.
	Xichun, I believe this only reinforces my argument that the people of Daguanyuan aren't the only people here who believe that you are terribly out of your depth for the task.
	But, Yuanchun...
	... I've learned so much thanks to you.
	Rest assured, I won't ever forget those lessons.
	I understand that many of you may be unhappy or frustrated with me.
	But... you know what's an undeniable truth?
	That I am still the legitimate victor of the Family Hierarch war.
	Sure, big sister Yuanchun might know more about the details of Hongyuan’s administration for now. She might fill your pockets for now. But in the long run, you know she does not have Hongyuan’s best interests at heart.
	Inadequate I may be, but I am still the Chief Executive Director here at H Corp., and you, dear big sister, are a temporarily visiting outsider from Q Corp.
	As its Hierarch, I know exactly what Hongyuan needs, and I will give the best of my efforts to bring my vision for this land to reality.
	A place where no one needs to live in fear, a place where one does not need to project fear—yes, that is my vision for Hongyuan, for H Corp.
	I never would've known a month ago that our Hierarch had such vast ambitions.
	... She's really saying it.
	... The four great houses and I... we ruled and knew this land like the back of our hands before you were even a fetus.
	Indeed, I can tell. I suppose that's why Daguanyuan's growth never seemed to stop, while more and more people outside it seemed to be falling to their deaths from their homes with every restructuring day.
	Don't you know the plastic nature of humanity? People will get used to the shadows when the heavens are shrouded.
	So if you won’t cooperate with us, we will—
	No, I’m not the one who needs to cooperate. I am the Hierarch.
	Besides, your “us” is done.
	Respected members of the board, I believe I have clearly explained my will. Forget about all of your under-the-table deals...
	... and vote with your hearts.
	... You seem very confident, Xichun. In case you didn't know, winning those 'exams' has nothing to do with guaranteeing the results of the vote of no confidence.
	Oh yeah? I don't know. At this point, the vote seems like a mere formality to me.
	On what grounds?
	Just a hunch. Not that you'd understand.
	…….
	Harrumph... Tsk... It's true. With how often she's changing the conditions of these tests and votes, we can hardly trust her to be consistent.
	That is indeed in stark contrast with the Hierarch, who promised thirty days of return time and met it precisely on the dot. It is clear which one of them should provide more stability for administrative purposes.
Thus, the vote of no confidence began.
	I... I must've misjudged her in the past. She's not petty, she knows when to be serious, and I think she's got a good grip on the gravity of war without being consumed by the fear of it. And... ahem, she remembered my name.
	With her eloquence, strategic prowess, and boldness, I believe that the current Family Hierarch is well-qualified for her position. I also have faith that she will not ill-treat those of lower station than her.
	If she's got the handle of how to treat the heart of the smallest child, then I believe she has the capacity to tend to the hearts of those larger as well.
	While I would be remiss to judge so quickly, she has shown remarkable change and improvement over a short period of time. I say she is someone of rare talent we mustn't lose so easily.
Shi Sijing, Shi Huazhen, Wang Zhao, and Wang Qingshan...
	<i>… (Omitted) "She's been at the center of all kinds of fun, entertaining events in the world as I lost and gained and lost and gained my neck. Just think about the amusement she'll bring as the Family Hierarch!"</i>
And even Xue Pan, who shared his sentiments via a letter...
... voted against the motion of no confidence.
	…….
	Like I said, a mere formality.
	A state of crisis specifically refers to a situation in which the Family Hierarch is unable to perform their duties, or is affected by serious physical or mental impairment.
	I am both sound of mind and body, and I can handle all duties appertaining to the seat of the Family Hierarch.
	Which means that your services are no longer needed here—not that they ever were—big sister. Don't you think you've more than overstayed your welcome by now?
	Here I was, wondering what you were doing with this ragtag group of halfwit nobodies like your brother... I suppose you didn't spend the whole month lounging around.
	Very well. Savor this little victory for a while, I understand that it was a significant endeavor for you to attain it.
	Be safe on your way home, big sister.
	And please, do watch your health.
	You've always been a sickly child come winter, haven't you?
	Remember that the only way is down once you've reached the peak.
Location: ???
	Tsk, there goes the perfect opportunity to take control of Hongyuan...
	... But our time shall come. Hongyuan without the Xianhuang worm will fall behind and get crushed under the wheels of progress. Then...
	... Nothing.
	Baoyu said that he... smells no fragrance from me anymore.
	Don't let that linger on your heart, little Baochai.
	Crawling in the muck alongside those lowly plebeians must've dulled with his senses.
	Am I even useful to you anymore?
	Baoyu won't come back. I can't make him come back, I understand that now. At least not—
	... Come with me to Q Corp.
	... Huh? But... but even my own family has cast me out. What could I possibly do...?
	Have I not given you my word?
	That I can make him return.
	…….
	The strategies of old say that one must stir trouble in the east and strike from the west(聲東擊西).
	Now that trouble has stirred in H Corp., they will hardly have the wherewithal to fix their eyes upon the goings of Q Corp.
	When the time comes, your fragrance shall spread beyond H Corp., to Baoyu.
	I trust that he will never sit idly by when danger threatens Jia Xichun.
	But I have nothing—
	Poor little Baochai. Even you are blinded to the shadows cast by your own lamplight.
	Allow me to illuminate what use you may be to me, worry not.
	... I am your only remaining light after all, aren't I?
	... You are.
Location: Daguanyuan Front Gates
With Xichun watching us with an oddly bashful look, we prepared for our departure from Daguanyuan.
Given that Mephistopheles still showed no signs of ever coming back... it seemed that we were to be assigned to various odd jobs around this area for a little while. Not to mention the news of Distortions occurring in H Corp.
	We're finally leaving this place for real, huh.
	Xichun, we'll be heading out soon—
	Yeah yeah, whatever. Get your butts outta here, please. Don’t even think about looking back.
Xichun exaggeratedly waves her hand to make us leave.
	Hey, if we ever get the chance—
	—Yeah, fat chance. I'm sure we've both had more than our fill of each other for this lifetime. Besides, I'll be too busy to go anywhere for a while anyway.
	Well, then... uhm... if you ever need our help, our line's always open...
	Hey, I’m the Family Hierarch. Who needs whose help now?
	You truly wear authority well, now.
	… Speaking of which, you still have to stay here in Hongyuan, don't you? Did you find a place to stay?
	No... not yet.
	Why don't you just stay here for a little bit? Instead of going out there again and risk getting scammed. Yihongyuan's open, you know.
	Ooh? Oh my? For all that "get out", "go away" and "don't even think about coming back", seems to me you're pretty sad to see us go, aren'tcha?
	W-who said that? I'm just extending my generosity and giving you an opportunity to be more efficient. Remember your last attempt at finding a lodging here? The whole building melted away.
	... Anyways, I'll let everyone know that your party is free to enter and leave Daguanyuan whenever you want, so use it if you want.
After pelting us with that rapid-fire answer without giving us even a second to reply, she whipped around and left to join Wei.
	Hoooh... verily, to be an educator of another was a task most daunting.
	Did the lass even teach a proper class? Oh, don't tell me her class consisted of her showing off those figurine collections and forcing the students to sit through another one of them obscure lore summaries?
	Well, Heath, I sure hope ya didn't let Sinclair completely walk all over you! Ha ha.
	Ha ha, I sure hope Rodya didn't totally get shown up in her own area of expertise!
	Uhm, that's, uh...
	Ahem... Oi! Smoky lass with a penchant for abbreviation. How'd your classes go?
	Did you manage to teach 'em anything, or did you just abbreviate your way through the whole lesson?
	Hmph.
	Man, speaking of which... don't think I've seen you smoking in a while.
	N.S.I.F.O.K.
	Ha, ha, yeah, no smoking in front of kids. I remember you saying something about how it's totally against common sense to smoke in front of a kid.
	Speaking of which, you had some awesome tricks up your sleeve, Ryōshū. I never thought you'd know to do things like that.
	... People learn when there's a need.
	…….
Ever since the classes began, Ryōshū started looking far off into the distance with an odd expression.
Sometimes, she'd hum a melody we hadn't heard of before.
	Bummer we didn't get to sit in on each other's classes. It would've been nice to see different sides of everyone.
	<We're gonna have a lot of stuff to talk about once we head back, huh.>
I really wasn't sure where I could possibly get started...
Well... since Xichun's given us the option, let's head back to Yihongyuan.
	You've seen them off with surprising stoicism, my lady.
	Haven't you been repeatedly eyeing their departure date on the calendar over and over with a look that could just as well be mournful?
	Gosh, that's because I couldn't wait to get those freeloaders off my back.
	Well, now that the freelo—excuse me. Now that their company has departed, I suppose peace shall reign over Daguanyuan for a while.
	My lady, I believe you are now prepared to stand alone against whatever trial that comes your way.
	Yeah, I know.
	I also know that I'll carry the lessons they've taught me...
	... in my heart for a long, long time.
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