Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't

Chapter 65: Actions Speak Louder

The transport rumbled to a halt outside one of the Schnee Dust Company's older mining facilities, nestled deep within Mantle's industrial expanse. A palpable sense of wear and exhaustion permeated the air, thick with the acrid scent of dust and metal. Flickering industrial lights barely illuminated the dilapidated infrastructure, its corroded framework and malfunctioning equipment bearing testimony to years of neglect. The miners, both human and Faunus, moved with mechanical precision, their expressions etched with fatigue and resignation.

Jacques Schnee descended from the transport, his polished boots sharply contrasting against the grime-laden ground. His gaze swept across the worksite, his usual composed demeanor momentarily faltering as he registered the crumbling conditions and the downtrodden visages of his employees. His hands flexed at his sides, betraying an internal conflict.

"This is one of your mines?" Shirou inquired, stepping up beside Weiss.

Weiss nodded tersely. "It was among the first established in Mantle. It should have been modernized long ago."

Jacques remained silent, his gaze darkening.

A sharp voice disrupted their observations. Near an equipment station, a security officer loomed over a Faunus worker, his tone laden with disdain.

"I don't care how tired you are," the officer sneered. "Your shift isn't over until I say it is."

The miner, his attire worn and drenched in sweat, lifted exhausted eyes. "I just needed a moment—"

"You don't get a moment." The officer shoved him back against a crate. "Get moving."

Weiss tensed, stepping forward, but Blake was already in motion, her voice slicing through the tension. "That's enough."

The security officer barely spared her a glance before scoffing. "Stay out of this, lady. This doesn't concern you."

"Oh, I think it does," Weiss said icily, aligning herself beside Blake.

Before either could escalate the confrontation, another voice rang out, sharp and authoritative.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jacques Schnee's voice cracked through the air like a whip. He strode toward the altercation, his imposing presence commanding immediate attention. The security officer straightened instinctively, clearly startled by his employer's arrival.

"Mr. Schnee," the officer stammered. "I was just ensuring efficiency."

Jacques' expression darkened. "Efficiency? Is this your interpretation of how we treat the individuals who sustain this company?"

The officer faltered. "They need discipline to remain productive—"

Jacques raised a hand, cutting him off. "Discipline is not synonymous with cruelty. This facility is in unacceptable condition, and now I understand why. Overworked, mistreated laborers cannot perform at their best. Have you even considered that?"

Silence gripped the gathering. The miners, wary but intrigued, paused in their labor to listen.

Turning to them, Jacques continued, his voice unwavering. "The Schnee Dust Company was built on the backs of hardworking individuals. This treatment is not only indefensible but an affront to the values this enterprise should uphold." He fixed the officer with a steely glare. "You and your team will report to administration immediately. Your employment is under review."

The officer paled. "Sir—"

"Now."

With visible reluctance, the security personnel vacated the premises. The miners exchanged uncertain glances, stunned by what had just transpired.

Blake murmured to Weiss, "This… isn't the man you described to me."

Weiss, still processing, responded quietly, "It's not."

Instead of turning away, Jacques took another step into the worksite. In a single, deliberate motion, he shed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. The pristine white of his shirt quickly absorbed the dust in the air as he approached a group of miners struggling with a piece of malfunctioning machinery.

"Allow me," he said simply, gripping the equipment and assisting in realigning a misaligned conveyor.

The miners hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances before proceeding. As minutes passed, their initial wariness began to dissipate. Even those who had stood by skeptically found themselves drawn into the renewed effort.

Ruby blinked in astonishment. "I never thought I'd see this side of him."

Jaune crossed his arms. "Didn't think he had it in him."

Shirou observed in silence before stepping forward. With a flicker of energy, he traced a specialized tool and handed it to Jacques. "This should help."

Jacques accepted it, scrutinizing the craftsmanship before nodding. "Thank you."

As he resumed working, he spoke in a more contemplative tone. "I have spent years issuing directives from behind a desk. I neglected what it means to lead—not from above, but alongside those who depend on you."

Shirou met his gaze steadily. "Leadership isn't about standing above others. It's about standing with them, understanding their struggles, and guiding them toward something better."

Jacques exhaled, absorbing the sentiment. "Perhaps it's time I began leading in the right way."

Weiss stood a few paces away, watching the scene with an unreadable expression.

Blake studied her. "Are you alright?"

Weiss released a slow breath. "I never thought I'd witness this. It's… unfamiliar, but I think he's genuinely trying to make amends."

Blake nodded. "It's never too late to choose the right path. Maybe this is the beginning of something better—for him and for the company."

As work concluded, Jacques gathered the miners. His voice, stripped of its usual corporate detachment, carried conviction. "The current state of this mine is unacceptable. I assure you, necessary reforms will be implemented. You deserve better."

A murmur of cautious optimism spread through the crowd.

As the group boarded the transport, Jacques remained silent, lost in contemplation. Weiss hesitated before sitting beside him, offering quiet solidarity. He did not speak, but the slight nod he gave her conveyed unspoken understanding.

As the transport rumbled forward, Jacques finally broke the silence. "I do not expect forgiveness for my past decisions, but I intend to spend the rest of my life earning it—from you, your siblings, and all those I have wronged."

Weiss, after a long pause, replied softly, "It's a start."

And for the first time in a long while, she considered that change might truly be possible.

The transport pressed onward toward the next destination, carrying not just a group of warriors, but the hope that even the most hardened individuals could find redemption.