Thirty-two, then thirty... three? Oh, Doctor? Wait, where was I? Hmm, I've been away half an hour? No worries, almost done. The fiftieth document from the left... one, two... don't worry, I'm the best counter at my escort association.

In this line of work, encountering odd clients comes with the territory. There was this one time when I was hired to escort a gentleman, he insisted I carry him on my back down a muddy road. I agreed, but said only after terminating our escort contract, because I couldn't defend him while carrying someone on my back.

Doctor, take some of these. My family came by during their escort job and brought me some treats from back home. What? We're under attack? Wait, you mean... them? Uh, hey, don't smoke on the landship. Put your shoes on and mind your manners! Don't glare at people like that! Ahem, Doctor... let me introduce you to my family.

I'll ask the local bandit boss about the situation here. No, we're not exactly friends, but we sort of pay this toll of theirs. Does that sound like we're in cahoots with the bandits? Hahah, it's just a way we can both make a living. Nobody wants unnecessary bloodshed, if we can help it.

I got the crystals on my hand from a highwayman. His legs were shaking and I thought I could talk him out of it, but his mind was made up. When I discarded his Originium explosive, we both got caught in the blast. In the end, I left him some money for his sick child's treatment. As for my own condition, I got used to it long ago.

Not every bandit manages to make the move to an honest escort life. Some have walked the way of the bandit for too long to change, many of them were aunts and uncles who watched me grow up. I couldn't look them in the eye when I had to show them out, but people must keep moving forward, right?

What are you eating? Give me a bite; I haven't eaten yet. Ran into a righteous volunteer on the way, he was collecting relief funds for his hometown that got hit by a Catastrophe, so I gave him all my money. A scam? Maybe, but I don't need more money than I can spend, and I can always sock him if it turns out he was lying. It's not like I'll ever starve with you around.

My swords? This one was given by my adoptive mother. The other was hers—she threw it in my face the day she left. The blood was everywhere. I had tried to convince her to retire from banditry and join the escort business, but she saw it as a betrayal. People... when goals differ, they are quick to call it treachery. She raised me, after all.

Once I no longer have to worry about the escort association, I want to go wander the jianghu, to see what's out there. Want to come along, Doctor? Where to? Haven't thought about it yet. What matters is wandering free like a fowlbeast, traveling only with my two swords, drawing them at the first sign of injustice, and drinking and singing to my heart's delight.

Want some dried plums, Doctor? I always eat one when I get sleepy on the night shift. A piece of green plum with no sugar added works better than pinching my thigh. Haha, look at your face! You look like the plum just bit you.

You're the Doctor of Rhodes Island? I've heard so much about you. I sign this, and you'll be an official friend of Windscoot. Any help you might need, just— er... no, I know how to write my name. It's—where do I sign?

My eyelids, they're stuck... Doc, just step on my tail. It's fine, just stomp!

Just like when I wore my escort association's badge for the first time. Gotta keep my head bowed and tail tucked. I won't let you lose face, Doc!

There was this time I picked up a cloudbeast on a solo escort mission. We traveled together for a while. But just before entering the city, I set it free, afraid customers might see it and think I was soft. Now, I suppose I wouldn't be afraid to keep such a companion.

Three bulkies, twelve mid-sized… all set. Huh, why is there one more here? Did I count wrong?.

Everyone, keep an eye open, your sword at hand and uniform on. Safety first.

The fortune stick reads 'very lucky'! Only took one, two... five draws to get it. What a good sign! Let's go!

They've got guts, coming at us like this. Don't they recognize our banner? Guess we're in for a fight.

Just tell me which one to cleave.

Just tell me where to go.

In position. Awaiting your command.

Give the signal and I'll do it.

Don't pick a fight if you're not prepared to get punched.

A few broken bones would be a good lesson for you.

Want my goods, none; else my life, one. Come and take it if you dare!

I've already drawn my swords. You can beg for your life after we've fought.

We're friends for life from this day on, Doctor. One word from you and I'll rush to your aid, even if I'm on the other side of Terra—that's a promise.

The goods are intact, and everyone's unhurt! Ahhh, damn it!—I've dreamed of having such a reliable escort leader as you, Doctor.

Look at him run! He even lost his shoes, hahaha! As long as the goods are safe, that's all that matters. Bandits never forget an ass-kicking. Next time they hear our association's escort chant, they'll stay far away.

I'll keep them at bay while you go get backup. Want my goods? Over my dead body!

Oh, it's nothing, just a habit. Always make sure a room's safe before going in. Well, the facilities are secure, but the personnel are a bit... mixed. However, if you trust them, I'll consider it safe.

Come on, come on—argh! Almost caught that Burderupt! Oh, er, yes, this terminal is normally used for taking inventory, but there's always a way to install games. Keep it a secret, will you?

Haha... you're allowed just this once. Ears are my weakness, after all.

Arknights.

Happy New Year, Doctor! Yeah, I'm preparing to set out. This is the peak season in my line of work. It's nothing. On the contrary, it's a good omen to get busy on the first day of the New Year. Hope we both have a prosperous year, Doctor!

Doctor. Yeah, I just finished training. I'll help out once I've cleaned up.

Cut the crap, just stew it. The Doctor and I are friends for life, we'll have nothing but the finest birthday food! Stew the entire cystybeast! Hey, our usual bowls aren't fit for the Doctor. Find a smaller one, just enough for one catty of rice!

We developed several new routes last year to deliver goods for Rhodes Island. Those rascals were so busy they had no time to cause mischief, but they looked much more spirited and energetic. Better life to chase, more glow on face, as it's said. Hahaha... All that's to say, we look forward to your continued support for our business this year, Doctor.