Your time and sanity should be left to more consequential matters. Surely you can find someone suitable to handle these trifles in your stead? Very well. For you, I shall happily serve.

Gnosis and Degenbrecher have taken over my Karlan Trade duties. Since this was not what I originally promised for their careers, they understandably have some complaints. There is not always a clean boundary between method and aim, but when I used this sword of mine to cleave the bridges behind me, I saw it, clear as day.

When I was surveying the land to find a suitable site for the observation station, I already understood the sight of it would attract numerous gazes. In this era of radical change, those timid conservatives and ignorant opportunists will meet similar fates in the dustheap. But I, SilverAsh, must ensure Kjerag is never again left behind by the times.

I've met with the Speaker, yes. Those of similar ideals face similar issues, perhaps even similar… kin? When Father left for Victoria, he would never have imagined a future where that nation was to be our enemy. It was indeed a simpler time, one to which we may never return.

Those who seek power out of cowardice shall find nothing at the apex of authority. As for me? My friends and enemies both ensure I am unlikely to forget the importance of how I conduct myself. But I am dearly looking forward to the day I take the final step towards the peak, and find myself standing opposed to you.

Kjerag seeks to build ever-greater institutions, but we shall not stand tall among the nations because of them. When we faced a true crisis, I began to believe in the strength inherent in the people of the Snow Realm. I must admit, Enya is right. It is not that I do not care for faith. I have simply long since found a belief of my own.

There is no such thing as a chessboard without uncertainty. In a sense, every move we make is a gamble. Only when maximizing one's odds of success do one's wits come into play. Ah, the burdenbeast I bet on crossed the line first. According to custom, you are to down your glass.

Ensia cherishes her friendship with you. Asking you to take care of her was, at the time, a somewhat unreasonable request of mine, but now I see that there could not have been a better choice. Let us not speak of the barriers between her and me. Rather than reaching any so-called understanding, I would much rather see which peak she decides to conquer next.

Ohh? You are worried. Those in power cannot take the weight of responsibility lightly, but neither can they allow it to hold them back. At times, you need only make decisions, then entrust the rest to others. There is nothing simpler, yet more difficult. A lonely life? No, though I do look forward to having an opponent who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me.

…The snowfall hath relented. Let us go for a walk outside.

It has been quite a while. The land teems with misfortune, but neither Kjerag nor Rhodes Island have fallen to the floor just yet. Are you ready? I believe we can re-establish our old rapport rather quickly. I, SilverAsh, have joined your cause as a sworn ally.

I have always found Rhodes Island's methods quite… refreshing.

When you accepted my proposal, did you not suspect Rhodes Island was becoming part of my schemes? Then again, you rather enjoy this sort of challenge.

How shall this cooperation of ours end? Will the two of us conquer all of Terra together, or will we face each other across a board near-finished, our conflict inexorable? No matter where the dice may fall, we await the outcome with bated breath.

I have learned some new tricks, since the last battle.

They shall learn whom they face.

How nostalgic…

The outcome has already been decided. They simply cannot see it yet.

Great minds think alike.

Make your decision, fast.

The situation is crystal clear.

Everything is under control.

Hark! Ne'er hast thou questioned the road thou'st strayed upon.

Thy trampling of this hallowed ground shall beget bitter rue.

Wait, for the snow shall bury this all…

…As ice yields to gentle warmth's embrace.

Has this battle left you unsatisfied? I eagerly anticipate seeing you dictate the flow of an even grander chessboard.

An astonishing result. And here I thought myself inured to you bringing home victory.

Am I to believe you did this intentionally…?

Ultimate victory will not be decided by a single check. Do not miss the chessboard for the squares.

A new beginning, yet not an unwelcome one.

If you are ever in the mood for some chess, I shall be happy to oblige.

…I am awake.

Arknights.

Enya is very happy aboard Rhodes Island. With Ensia to accompany her, I daresay it might be the happiest time of her life… I shall avoid intruding upon them. I will say, you are the only one who could make such a suggestion without crossing a line. Let us head out to enjoy the snow. Happy New Year, my ally.

You haven't weathered one bit, my friend.

A meeting between Karlan Trade and the General Chamber of Commerce? You are frightfully knowledgeable about my schedule. But it is clear that today, I, SilverAsh, have much more important plans. There is no doubt you are worth a blemish or two upon the Silverash name. Happy birthday, my ally. How do you wish to spend the day?

Rhodes Island's cause will reshape the fabric of this land. This point may be beyond the comprehension of most, but I am not most men. I believe we have both heard our fair share of similar comments, but remember: those who truly have the ability to change this land are often those arrogant and conceited enough to think themselves able to do so.