Preface

Why the long face?

Being called slum trash really bothers you that much? I guess it must, from the evil eye you're giving me. The Market's got its own way of saying hello, you know.

Being a mongrel from Ceres makes you the worst of the lot, but you don't need me to tell you that. If you've got the time to get pissed off about it, then you've got the time to get used to it.

Making it this far on guts and luck alone doesn't mean the Market will cut you any slack. That's why you've got to prick up your ears and keep your eyes open, no matter what happens.

Your mouth, though, you keep that shut tight. That's what it takes to rise in this world. You get it now?

(Excerpt from the Ai no Kusabi "Ambivalence" image album, Katze's narration.)