[Classified] <i>Site Selection for Project One</i> Site: Bottom of Lake Silberneherze A comprehensive geological survey of Lake Silberneherze confirms that the lakebed sediment is of ideal composition for constructing an underground base. Attached: <i>Lake Silberneherze Lakebed Survey Report</i> The difficulty lies in setting up a diversionary project on the island in the middle of the lake. Recently, the Vine-Bead Court proposed building a statue of Kjeragandr atop Mount Karlan. If they can be convinced to change the location, I believe it would be the best form of camouflage for Project One. Discussion: Enciodes: Kjerag is still built on a foundation of faith. If the people and the Court were to discover you using it as a pretense, there will be grave consequences. Gnosis: Overthrowing the faith was our previous plan. This time, we are simply asking it to serve as our shield, nothing more. Besides, it's completely feasible if we have enough materials to build the statue, isn't it? Enciodes: You take faith far too lightly, Gnosis. Gnosis: Don't forget that all those ancient tomes you've read about Kjeragandr account for barely a tenth of the ones I've pored over. Since I could figure out plans to handle the aftermath when we were planning on overthrowing the Court, of course I can do it again, and it'll even be easier. Enciodes: I did not mean to question the Edelweiss family's knowledge of Kjerag's history. That said, how do you plan on convincing the Saintess? Gnosis: Do we need to convince her? We simply let her know after the proverbial ball has started rolling, forcing her to agree. Don't tell me you haven't thought of that already. You're simply feeling apologetic over having to hide the truth from her, so you're trying to give her some breathing room. Gnosis: The problem is that Project One is more than just a Karlan Trade affair now. It concerns the future of all of Kjerag. When you're gambling with such high stakes, there's no room for such sentimentality. What, have you only just realized that your little sister has grown to be your equal? Are you finally wanting to play the role of good brother? Operation log: [Enciodes] resolved the discussion: [Kjerag is still built on...] Discussion: Gnosis: Rather than worrying about the Saintess, what you should really be worried about is if the future you're building is the future Kjerag wants. Enciodes: You're still brooding over this. Gnosis: I've been against the project the entire time. Gnosis: You've been playing too many political games, Enciodes. Made dealings with too many people. To you, power is making this tiny land stand among the great powers as it holds the reins of a new era, making it something no nation would dare ignore. Enciodes: And to you, power is mastery over the foundational sciences, never allowing other nations to ignore Kjerag when it comes to certain fields. Gnosis: The situation is different from what it was three years ago. Even if Caster is watching us closely, we still have time. Gnosis: Building this project and keeping it hidden will take time and energy, time I could have used to advancing Kjerag's technological base by leaps and bounds. But instead, you spent a fortune just to get a weapon you can only build according to the blueprints you bought, one you may never get to fire. Enciodes: Yet you still followed along with it, didn't you? I've already discussed this with Ratatos. You may withdraw from Project One whenever you please. If so, she will take over its construction. Enciodes: As I once said, Gnosis, I'll make Kjerag big enough for you. A grand stage where you can bring all your wit and wisdom to bear. And a grand stage means it has room for all sorts of dreams. Gnosis: All I can say is that I hope you're right. Enciodes: Ah, right, word has come from Columbia. Rhine Lab is very interested in your proposal. Gnosis: You're bringing that up <i>now</i> on purpose, aren't you? Enciodes: Then I suppose you will join the private conversations with Columbia? Gnosis: Yes, I will.