Episode 2: The Cave Enveloped in Suspicion

Scene: Inside a cave.

At the same time, after parting with Luka and Nanaka, Yuuki and Anna were arriving at the cave.

Stechepalme
Whew, being offered a meal right as we arrived -- what a wonderful workplace! I'm full of motivation to work now!

Stechepalme
Not to mention, the job's as simple as digging this cave straight forward... Whoops, excuse me.

Thief
Hey, be careful...

Stechepalme
What a grim-looking guy... Huh? Haven't I seen his face before...?

Stechepalme
Sigurd, don't you recognize that guy's face? He really brings something to mind from my Akashic Record.

Yuuki
1. "He's a thief."
2. "He might be my dad."

Option 1.

Stechepalme
A thief? ... Right, he was on a wanted poster! That's why I recognized him! You've got a good memory, Sigurd! Nice work!

Option 2.

Stechepalme
W-What!? Wait, but you've got anmesia, Sigurd!

Stechepalme
No, that's not it! He's gotta be... Yeah, he's a thief!

End of branches.

Stechepalme
Hey, wait up! You're that thief who's wanted by the authorities!

Thief
That makes you... the "walking tempest", huh. What, you gonna nab me here?

Stechepalme
We can cut things short then. Tremble before my power, and become a sacrifice at the feast!

Supervisor
You two! What are you doing? Personal quarrels are forbidden here!

Stechepalme
But isn't there a thief right in front of you? And besides, doing the forbidden is my...

Supervisor
How about we withhold your pay, then? Would you like that!?

Stechepalme
N-No, not that...! I've come all this way, and going home without any pay from this job would be... No, but shouldn't I break the rules and take down this thief...?

Thief
You got off easy this time. But not next time!

Stechepalme
Y-You...! Damn, the bounty was dangling right in front of me!

Stechepalme
But it's fine... I'll focus on my work.

Later.

Stechepalme
Pant... Pant. It's honest work, but I don't know how much longer I can stand digging this one hole...

Stechepalme
Sigurd, how are things on your end?

Yuuki
1. "I can't lift my arms anymore..."

Stechepalme
You've been dutifully carrying out all the dirt and sand I've been digging up. It's no wonder you're tired... Thanks for all the effort, Sigurd.

Stechepalme
Now that I think about it, they didn't mention anything about breaks. Let's take a break for ourselves here.

???
Pant, pant, pant...!

Stechepalme
What's the matter, Sigurd, panting so heavily like that all of a sudden? Are you that tired? Oh, wait, it wasn't you. Then who...?

Stechepalme
That man...! Hey, what's wrong!? Keep it together!!

Man
I've been working for so long without a break that I started getting dizzy... Thank you. I haven't seen you two around before...

Stechepalme
We're starting here today. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Man
Starting today...!? C-Could you come a little closer?

Man
Don't take this the wrong way. But you two should flee as quickly as you can. This place is...

Supervisor
Hey! What are you doing there!?

Man
S-Sorry. I slipped, that's all. I'll go back right away...!

Stechepalme
Hey! A-Are you okay!? ... He's gone.

Supervisor
You two, get back to work!

Stechepalme
... Understood.

Stechepalme
Sigurd. This job... really is suspicious. There's definitely more going on beneath the surface here.

Stechepalme
With these thieves running free, and with what that man had to say... We need to find an opportunity to investigate.