Update 61: Rude Man Who Kidnaps, Please Call


Today, we begin with a support.

Adan/Hapi B.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


You can stay.
Are you...sure? With me here, you won't be able to focus on whatever you're doing.
I'll be fine. Just stay.
All right...if you're sure. You're a strange one, you know that?
When I came in earlier, people couldn't leave fast enough. They ran away like I was a bad smell.
I should be used to that sort of thing by now, but... Well, it stung a little bit.
That's terrible.
I almost don't blame them. Everyone must have heard the rumors by now.
A girl who summons monsters when she sighs. That's not the kind of thing people keep to themselves. Anyway, I prefer solitude. It's easier that way.
Are the rumors true?
You really didn't know? Yeah, the rumors are true as heck.
That's why the knights stuck me in Abyss. If anything was going to happen, better down there than up here. That was the idea, anyway.
I see...
Oh, you had that look on your face. The "yikes, get this creep away from me" look. It's OK, I'll leave.
Look how dangerous I am, after all. You wouldn't want to be left alone with someone like me.
Who knows? Maybe I'll get exasperated, and without thinking, I'll start to— Huuuh...
...
...aaaahhhh...
It was just a yawn. That's a relief.
Sorry to scare you, Chatterbox. I don't usually do that.
Guess I haven't been getting enough sleep. Everybody talking about me like I'm some freak... It's been bothering me.
You're worrying me.
It doesn't matter. Gossip is petty and a waste of energy, so there's no need for me to pay it any mind.
Still...
The funny thing is all this drama has made me more likely to lose my cool. If that happens, you'll help me out, right?
I'll do what I can.



♪ No music ♪



♪ A Dark Sign ♪


So, finding Flayn is our mission for the month, I take it?
Wait. Who's Flayn?
Seteth's little sister. Surely you've seen her flitting about the monastery.
She is the girl who looks about the same age as me, but seems well beyond her years.
Seteth is much older than Flayn. He's always looking out for her. He must be worried sick. If I were to go missing, I can't imagine what that would do to my brother.
When searching for something, it's best to start by gathering information. Hopefully someone has seen Flayn.

♪ Tactics ♪


Flayn can wait, I'm sure. We've got supports to do.

Lorenz/Hilda C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Ah, Lorenz. At it again.
Hello, Hilda. Are you training too? If that's the case, I may have to revise my opinion of you. Increased strength and skill would serve as perfect complements to your beauty and esteemed lineage.
Um, no. I just left something here. I don't share your tireless work ethic. You're quite something. I don't think I've ever seen you take a break.
When the fate of all the Alliance rests on your shoulders, the rigors of training seem paltry by comparison! When the fate of all Fódlan rests on your shoulders, the rigors of training seem paltry by comparison. Besides, when my admirers see that even an individual of my talent possesses a diligent work ethic, it is sure to inspire them.
I see. But I was wondering... Ah, never mind. You're clearly busy.
Oh! Is there something you require? What do you need? There is nothing I cannot handle!
The trouble is I'm no good at fighting. I'm a fragile young lady, not a fearsome warrior. I didn't even want to join the academy, honestly. My brother made me.
Of course. For a delicate flower such as yourself, no doubt battle must present a terrible hardship.
It does, it truly does. So I was wondering if, in the next training session, you'd do my fighting for me? It does, it truly does. So I was wondering if, in the next battle, you'd do my fighting for me?
I mean, I can put on a tough, "I'm actually fighting" kind of air, but...that's not quite enough on its own.
Please, leave all of the difficulty to me. I shall permit no harm to befall you!
Ah, I'm so happy! In that case, I'll focus on giving a convincingly soldierly performance. You know, Lorenz, you're a good guy. Not that I'd have expected anything less from a noble.
With each of your foes that I vanquish, I shall only become ever stronger!
Yes, leave it all to me!


Mm, maybe I'll have a snack.



♪ Tactics ♪




Ferdinand/Lorenz C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Ferdinand. I cannot help but notice the exquisite tea you're drinking.


Perhaps you would be so good as to indulge me with a cup?
By all means! Allow me to pour.




Such a precise, poetic description. But please, drink up. No need to stand on ceremony.
How gracious of you. Very well.
Flavor, fragrance, and hue, all in fine harmony. This is a most superior brew.
And in a market saturated by pale imitation, no less. You did well to acquire such fine fare.
You are clearly quite passionate about tea. And more than just passionate...
You know what it takes to brew a fine cup. To say nothing of your flawless etiquette and sterling attentiveness!
Certainly. Proper etiquette at tea time is one of the surest hallmarks of quality breeding. And the extent of one's attentiveness is quite often indicative of the depth of one's character. The ability of a person of fine stock to exhibit a rich quality of character is precisely what determines whether one is worthy to be called noble.
And all of that can be seen in how one handles such a simple thing as a cup of tea.
Ah, marvelously put, Lorenz. I can tell you have given much thought to this subject. And if I may, I have always considered you to be the very model of noble comportment.
Likewise. This has certainly been an extraordinarily meaningful cup of tea.
I wholeheartedly concur. Before we part ways, I would like to offer you some of these leaves.
Truly? I'm flattered, but I cannot simply accept them without offering something in exchange.
You simply must allow me to host you in turn. By way of recompense. We shall drink from House Gloucester's finest teacups and enjoy the loveliest of its cakes.
That sounds exquisite. I look forward to it.



♪ Tactics ♪




Ignatz/Leonie C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪




Well... There's always next time, I suppose.




Oh, no, nothing urgent.
You didn't cut short your conversation because of me, did you?
Come on, do I seem like the type to do that? No, I just had a couple of questions about the bows. We're done now, so I thought I'd come and tell you.
The bows? Is something wrong with them?
Lots of them have come in for repairs lately, so I switched out some of the strings for stronger ones. They've been breaking less, but now they're harder to draw.
Ah, I see. I suppose people would prefer if you went back to the lighter bowstrings.
Maybe. If the only issue was the draw weight, I'd just tell people to get stronger arms. But the real problem is that you can't shoot as fast. The arrows also fly too far now.
I can see how slower shooting is a drawback, but the arrows flying farther... That actually sounds like a good thing.
Sure, on open plains. But up close, you lose accuracy. That's why I thought it might be good to use different bowstrings for different scenarios. I wanted the professor's opinion about that.
Oh, good point! You know a lot about bows, don't you?
Guess I do. I grew up in a hunting village, so I've been around them my whole life. I wouldn't say I'm necessarily better than anyone, but at least I know what I'm doing.
And you? Do you have something you're really good at?
Me? Oh, no. I don't think so.
Well, I'm sure you'll find your thing someday.
I hope so.



♪ Tactics ♪




Marianne/Leonie C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


It must be difficult letting those brutes ride you.


Ah! N-nothing.
Really? I was sure I heard you talking to someone.
...
By the way, are you free right now?
Is there something you need?
I was about to go buy towels and soap, but the girls saddled me with all these specific requests.
They want it all to look cute, or to smell a certain way, but all that's just nonsense to me.
I've always made my own towels out of old scraps, and soap from used cooking oil. I've never given it much thought beyond that.
Oh...
But I've noticed you've got some really nice things. So, you have an eye for that stuff, right? Obviously I'd give you all the credit. And I'm sure everyone would be really grateful for your help.
No, no. I don't deserve that kind of praise.
Really? I don't think that's true. Come on, you'll be doing me a big favor.
My adoptive father tells me I shouldn't stray too far from the monastery.
That's nonsense! You've got to get some fresh air now and again.
I should stay. Besides, I wouldn't be much help.
I don't think anyone would like whatever I pick out anyway. It would all go to waste.
And I'm sure that having me around would just cause you misfortune, Leonie.
Are you serious?
I should stay here by myself...
Now hold on just a second. You'll cause me misfortune? What kind of backwards talk is that?! If you really don't want me around, then at least come out and say it straight! I'm sorry for the unwelcome invitation. Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again.


...



♪ Tactics ♪


Oh, come on. Why does everyone have to treat Marianne like shit in their early support ranks with her?

Hilda/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


I'll get in trouble if it's not done, and I can't think of anyone who'd do it for me.






What are those sounds?


Ha! Yah!


Hm, what's this?


If you leave it lying on the ground, people will think it's trash.
I usually wear it around my neck, but I put it down while I'm training so I don't get sweat all over it.
Well, people won't know that, will they? You should have just left it in your room.
It's a good luck charm. If I don't keep it close by, then what's the point?
How stubborn of you. I will say, it looks to be a very well-loved charm.
Captain Jeralt gave it to me when I was a kid.
If it's that important to you, you should wash it. Then again, I suppose it is made of wood. Have you considered coating it with resin? That would preserve it nicely.
You could even accessorize it. Make it look cute!
Thanks, but Captain Jeralt made it especially for me. I'd really rather keep it just as it is.
Well, if that's how you feel, I won't argue with you. Me, personally, I'd choose a cute necklace over a dirty old charm any day!
I'm sure you would. But Captain Jeralt didn't treat me as some young girl. He treated me like a person who mattered. An equal. He taught me everything. I don't want to forget his teachings, so I'm going to keep this charm just the way it is.
Huh... What do you know?



♪ Tactics ♪



♪ The Forgotten ♪


Someone's gone missing up top. And guess what. Because of that...this backup guy... Is. Still. Here. Ugh! Can't catch a break, can I?


You hear that? Mr. Backup is here voluntarily. I guess that's OK... He's actually not so bad.


Monk?


Huh. I guess Solon's been traipsing around Abyss.





We tend to be the first suspects when these things happen, you see.
I suppose it's little surprise when there are shady characters always coming and going...


She must feel so scared and helpless right now. I hope she's OK...
That's kind of you.
Not really. I just know what it's like to be in that situation.
I was kidnapped once, y'know... Hopefully we get her back safely.


Honestly, I didn't even know Seteth had a sister.
If you figure out where she is and need some muscle, just holler. We all have our strengths. For me, my strength IS my strength.


I did some of my own hunting but didn't find any promising leads.
I even had some of my people search for her throughout the underground...to no avail. Think about it. The monastery is some thousand years old. Who knows how many hidden passageways exist... She could be here...or anywhere, really.

♪ Tactics ♪


Food eaten, new supports.

Raphael/Hilda C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪




What exactly are you doing with that piece of wood?
Hey, Hilda! I'm just doing this! Hyaaah!
With your bare hands! Impressive that just the outer ring is left. It makes quite a nice circle.
Yeah! I just gotta polish it up and paint it, then the base of the necklace will be ready.
Sorry, did you say "necklace"?
How's it look? I bet it's the right size too. And this tree bark smells amazing! Now I just need to carve these boar tusks to hang from it.
Boar tusks?
I almost forgot! I was going to add these wolf claws too. And I could even add some color to them...
And wolf claws?!
Huh? Is something wrong, Hilda?
That necklace! It has a certain, ah, rustic charm?
You're right, it really does! Want me to make you one while I'm at it?
Oh no! I wouldn't want to trouble you. Besides, I think it would look better on you than on me.
It would definitely look good on me, but this one's actually a birthday present for my little sis.
For your sister?! I mean, ah...
Don't you think she might like something more feminine? Something cute!
Something cute? What's wrong with something tough and rugged? This necklace is gonna have tusks and claws and stuff!
But girls don't usually go for tusks and claws and stuff. There should be flowers, or gems, or... Here, I can talk you through it. If you're making a necklace for your sister... You might try putting a pretty little flower in a small crystal bottle, and sealing it with resin.
If you say so. But where would I find a flower that was pretty enough?
Oh, honestly, I don't know much about flowers. But, hm, now that I think about it...
I remember hearing about a splendid flower that only blooms near Fódlan's Throat.
Fódlan's Throat? That's on the eastern edge of the Alliance! I'd have to leave now if I'm going to make it back in time.
Huh. Yeah, that does seem like a bit of a stretch. OK, let me think...





♪ Tactics ♪




Lysithea/Balthus C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪


I won't make it back to my room without this sweet, sweet energy, and no one's around, soooo...
Mmm... Mmm...


Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...
Not feeling chatty, I see. Something to do with those puffy cheeks? Got a cavity brewing, or what?
I definitely don't!
So bad you can't even speak properly. Poor thing. It's OK, I know a guy. He'll have that rotten tooth out in no time.
No need!
Yep. Best in the business. Uses special tools and everything. Door and a string or some such.
No! No! Thank you!
Ah. You just had food in your mouth. You could have told me that a lot sooner, you know.
Wow. Placing the blame on me? What a piece of work. But, uh...hey. Don't tell anyone.
That you were walking around with acorn-stuffed cheeks like some kind of overzealous squirrel?
Ugh! It wasn't acorns. It was candy!
Even still, I don't plan on telling anyone a hungry girl ate some food. Not much of a story, really.
You don't get it. If people think I'm gnawing on candy, they'll think I'm nothing more than a child.
That a fact? I'd say it's downright prudent to fortify yourself any chance you get. Mature, even.
Wait... What?
Nothing is certain in life, not even your next meal. You never know when you'll be taken into custody and have to go without food and drink for a while.
Just what kind of a world do you inhabit, mister?
The real world, little lady. My life is a collection of getting into trouble, getting caught, and getting free.
One time I was actually rescued by your parents. Bet you didn't know that, eh?
They...rescued you?
Too true. I owe them for that. I... Gah! I forgot I'm actually in a rush. I gotta run. Enjoy your secret candy, pal.


Mother and Father rescued that guy? But when would that have happened?



♪ Tactics ♪




Hey, my boy. How're you doing?

Let's find out in Adan/Ashe B.
♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪


No, you didn't.
I went after him, and I did manage to catch up, but...
He escaped?
Oh, no, I captured him easily. I'm pretty quick on my feet, you know!
But I decided not to make him pay for the book.
My pockets were pretty empty after that incident, if you want to know the truth.
What happened was, when I caught him, I asked him why he stole the book. He said he thought it would fetch a good price, and that he really needed the money. He had a sick kid, and couldn't pay for medicine.
He didn't look old enough to have children.
Maybe you're right.
But if he really did have a sick child, that would be a matter of life and death.
A little money is nothing compared to that. I'd rather believe a lie than risk someone's life if I'm wrong.
And to be completely honest, there was a time when I wasn't so different from him.
You were a thief?
It was a long time ago, and I've put all that behind me now, but yes. I was. My parents died of illness, so I had to provide for my little brother and sister. I did my best to earn money for them legitimately, but I wasn't able to bring home enough. So I turned to thieving. From people on the streets. From shops. Even from soldiers. I knew it was wrong, but seeing my brother and sister's smiling faces made me too happy to stop.
I can't imagine what that must have been like.
I really regret that part of my life. I was stupid. But shortly after I turned nine, I crept into a local noble's mansion, aiming to steal whatever I could get my hands on. The noble had all sorts of valuables, but what really caught my eye was a book with a fancy cover. That book was Loog and the Maiden of Wind. The knight in the illustrations was so impressive, I just couldn't tear my eyes away.
Go on.
You probably see where this is going. Moments after I grabbed the book, I was caught in the act by the noble.
And that noble was none other than Lonato. But Lonato was incredibly kind. Without asking any questions, he gave me the book—and money too. When I told him I couldn't read, he invited me into his mansion, along with my brother and sister. He taught me how to read, personally.
So with the thief I caught in town, I was trying to do the same thing. To be like Lonato. I want to make up for the bad things I've done. To leave this world better than I found it. That's why, even if it wasn't easy on my pockets, I'm proud to say I helped him.
Are you sure you did the right thing?
I know what you're trying to say. My contribution probably won't change much. And it's not like I have the money to help everyone who's suffering from poverty. Even so—I can't bear to stand by and do nothing.
What else could I have done, Professor?



♪ Tactics ♪


Can't say I disagree with what Ashe did.

We've also got Adan/Raphael B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


...
Are you busy? I have a question about formations.
I don't understand them at all. Are the speed of battle and the terrain connected somehow? There's too much to memorize!
You don't have to remember everything.
I don't? Then what do I have to know?
I think I understand the basics. To start, you just...




Thanks for the help, Professor! Brains and brawn, you've really got it all. With your help, I should have no trouble becoming a proper knight!
Why do you want to be a knight?
Huh? Didn't I tell you? My parents were merchants of the Alliance. They died in an accident.
That's why it's up to me to look after my little sis. I'm not great with bookkeeping, so I don't think I'd make a good merchant.
I talked to Grandpa and he suggested I become a knight. So I sold all our valuables and used the money to pay my way into the academy.
My sis won't survive if I get kicked out, so I can't give up now!
Had you no other options?
I might have tried being a mercenary if I didn't have my little sis to look after. I probably shouldn't say this, but being a mercenary does sound like an easier life. Mercenaries have no responsibilities, and no one else to worry about. But someone's gotta take care of my little sis, so that's out of the question. Serving as a knight in a noble house is more secure, and you don't have to worry about dying...unless there's a war.
My sis has been through so much. I don't want her to have to worry about me.
Hey. Do you have any siblings, Professor?
No.
Then you probably think I'm missing out on my freedom, having to support her, huh? But working hard for my sister isn't too bad.
Call it a burden, call it a challenge. If it makes my sister happy, I'm happy too! You should ask your father to have some more kids!
You've got my sympathy. Really. Not having any siblings, I mean.
Anyway, that's why I've got to become a proper knight!



♪ Tactics ♪


Raph is such a sweet man.
♪ No music ♪


My boy!
♪ Corridor of the Tempest ♪


And now it's auxiliary battle time.

Yes it is, Nega Constance.

Ugh...

Mediocre.

Now that is a level.

That is not a level.

Marianne made up for it.

There you go, Petra, that's the way.

My boy gets the important stat on his first level.

Lin...

Eh.

I mean...

Now that's just garbage.

So is that.

Annie, please.

A good level, but 9 Spd at level 14 isn't acceptable, Lin.

Meh.

Sure, fine.

Also "sure, fine."

Again with Mag!


Some idle grinding later, and Constance and Raphael gets their important things.

Good.

This dude has hit Constance and Ferdinand so many times that he broke his weapon.

Bing.

Fun fact: all maps in the game that don't already have an explicit time limit have a hard time limit of 99 turns.

I had nothing better to do that afternoon.

Please get Str, Adan.

Res?

I've come to expect this shit. At least she got Mag this time.

Excellent work, Ferdinand.

Hey, you got the most important stat. Constance could get a single-stat Mag level and I'd still call it good.

As annoyed as I am that this specific level didn't have Str in it, 19 Str/19 Spd is still really goddamn good for level 14.

Yay.

Petra has had an abysmal start.

Balthus hasn't been doing too badly for himself.

Completely forgot to check the monster before starting the battle. Hello, Hauteclere.

...

Thank you, Lysithea.

Reasonable!

Sure.

Also reasonable.

Well, Spd does help him dodgetank.

Beautiful.

Better than her normal fare.

Excellent.

Finally, a good Petra level.

Bah.
♪ Tactics ♪


Returning back home, we've got some battle-fueled supports.

Raphael/Marianne C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Hey, Marianne! Whatcha eating? Mind if I join you? I'm starving!
Huh? Oh. Um.
All my favorite dishes are on the menu today! I might have grabbed too much. You want some?
No, thanks. I—
All you've got on your plate are leaves! Are you sure that'll fill you up?
I-I'm done eating now. I have to go.
Huh? You're already done eating? But there's still food on your plate! Hey, Marianne! Huh. Maybe she's not feeling well. I should probably go check on her later.




A little grey starling told me that you can find berries if you fly out toward the mountains.
Oh! I found Marianne! I didn't know she spent her time here. It sounds like she's talking to someone...
What's that? You want to try some nectar from the flowers in the greenhouse? That might be tricky.
I guess you could try it if I'm already there, otherwise you might get locked in.
Hey, Marianne! Who're you talking to?
Eeek!
Huh? Oh, the birdie flew off...
Y-yes, it looks like he has. What are you doing here, Raphael?
You were acting a little strange when we were eating earlier, so I wanted to check on you. I was worried.
Uh, that's sweet of you, but...I'm fine.
Are you sure? Well, that's good to hear. As long as— Wait a minute! Were you just talking to a bird?
Excuse me?!
Hah! I knew it! You can talk to birds! I'm right, aren't I?
Ah, um...yes.
That's incredible! This place is full of interesting folks, but I didn't think anyone spoke birdie!
No, that's not it. This bird just happened to be... speaking human.
Amazing! I hope I get to meet a bird who speaks human one day.



♪ Tactics ♪




Balthus/Constance C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪


Good day to you, Balthus.
You seem to be enjoying your freedom. I must admit I'm jealous.
Right. Uh... So yeah, the weather's nice, heh. I gotta be going now.
Of course. What profit is there for one so exalted to spend time alongside one so common as me?
Worry not. You needn't suffer me any longer. I shall see myself off.
Come on, don't be like that. You know I get uncomfortable at times like this. I'm trying. Really.
You matter—so stick around, yeah? Let's...chat. It'll be great.
You needn't take pity on me out of the sense of obligation that your status demands. For you, the nobility that you abandoned was a shackle on your true self, which is now freed. No need to converse with me any longer, putting yourself out on my behalf.
Quite a mouthful you just unloaded on me. Not sure what you mean by that nobility stuff, though. Sure, I walked out on leading a noble house. But how do you imagine that's related to this chat of ours?
I already admitted I'm no good with stuff like this, but I don't think I'm "putting myself out" or whatever.
My apologies. The misunderstanding was entirely my own. As I suspected from the start, I am unfit to serve as your conversational partner.
Ahh, that's enough! Stop talking that way and twisting everything I say! Just spit it out and tell me something real. You hate my guts, yeah?


Ah, sorry. Guess I raised my voice there. But what do you mean by that "reverse" dig?
Well, it's usually her yelling at you while you try to deflect. It's rare to see you lose your cool while she stays so calm. But different people get along differently on different days, I suppose. Anyhow, I'll let you get back to it.


Ouch. He has a point. I lost myself for a moment there.
To think that I have ever raised my voice at you...
He seems to think we're real pals. Honestly, whether rain or shine, I don't think a day's gone by without you treating me poorly.
Oh! What a thing to say!
I could never go so far as to insult one with your lineage.
Ha! You're a funny one, pal. A real hoot!
The idea that I could be amusing is funnier than any jest I may have uttered. Haha...haha...



♪ Tactics ♪




Another week, another support.

Ashe/Marianne C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Um...
Ahh! Ghost!
Actually...
Goddess, protect me, I— Huh?
Um, Ashe? Does this key belong to you? I found it by the door.
Marianne! I'm so sorry. Yes, that's mine. Thank you so much.
You're welcome. And my apologies for scaring you.
No, I'm the one who should be sorry. Kind of ridiculous, mistaking a friend for a ghost.
No, that's OK. I guess I do look like one...
No, of course you don't!
It's just, I...um. In the dark, with your head down like that, and with your hair covering your eyes... I...uh...
Does that make me look scary?
Ah! Please stop!
I'm sorry that I look so ghastly...
Why not just lift your head up a little?
Up? You mean like this?
Yes, that's so much better. With some light on your face, you don't look scary at all! That's great. You look completely normal now.
Actually, you're pretty cute...
What did you say?
Hm? N-nothing! Uh... Just keep your head up and smile! I promise you'll never be mistaken for a ghost again.
Keep my head up and...smile?
I'm sorry, but I don't think I can.


What? Hey, wait! Was it something I said?



♪ Tactics ♪


It's not that simple, Ashe...

And so passes another week. Such is the nature of a heavily-abridged Part 1.

Claude/Lysithea B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Hang on... If we're trying to repel the enemy, I should be positioned there, correct?
Huh? I'm not sure that's the best idea. Take a closer look at this map.
See, there's a graveyard over here. Might run into some of those ghosts you hate so much.
Claude! Will you knock it off already? So help me, if you continue treating me like a child, I'll—
Easy there! I'm sorry, OK? Just don't start blasting off any spells in here.
Hmph! I've more pride than to turn an unarmed soldier to cinders. It wouldn't kill you to speak to me as an equal when we're discussing matters as serious as this!
Actually, I see you as more than an equal. There's no questioning the power you wield. And I was being serious about the formation just now. The bit about the ghosts was just me having fun with you. Or...trying to? You're so smart, I figured you'd catch on to that right away. But back to the formation... Can you see why I arranged it like I did?
Hmm...
The area I want you to guard requires the ability to adapt to an ever-changing situation. Who else could I trust with such a difficult task? You're my best bet for something like that.
Perhaps that's true...
Think back to the times we've fought together. When have I ever treated you like a child on the battlefield? I depend on you, Lysithea. I value your power almost as much as I do Teach's.
Truly?
I swear to you on all of Fódlan. I like to have my fun, but I wouldn't joke about something like that. I consider you a valued ally.
I'll stop now, before I inevitably drift back into teasing you again. Just know that I meant every word, OK?
Fair enough, then. From here forward, see to it that you treat me with the respect of an equal.
And... I admit that you are not short on talent yourself, but don't go getting a big head over it.



♪ Tactics ♪




Food supports us all, and it also creates supports.

Look, you try coming up with variants on the same small talk for the same event multiple times in a row.

Claude/Marianne C.
♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


Um...
Hmm...
Um, Claude?
Hm? Oh, Marianne! Have the gods taken pity on my lost soul and revealed a sign to me?
...
I've been researching the 10 Elites of Fódlan, but I can't tell fact from fiction... Anyhow, what can I help you with?
Well, um... I found this pendant, and I think it's yours.
Ah, right you are. Honestly, I'd resigned myself to never seeing it again.
It's a keepsake from my uncle, who's passed on. If I'd truly lost it, my grandfather would have had my head.
Thanks for returning it to me, Marianne. You saved my tail.
Please, it was nothing. I should be—
No, I think that's enough researching for today. Why don't you join me for a nice chat?
I just came to deliver the pendant.
Sounds awfully lonely to only talk to those whom you have business with. Do you really dislike talking to people that much?
It's just...I never know what to say. I'm sorry.
No need to apologize. We'll figure it out as we go. Tell me, are you like this with your father too?
Within the Alliance, Margrave Edmund is prone to debate. With a father like that, I would have thought...
Margrave Edmund is my adoptive father.
Oh, is he? I didn't know. Where were you born?
That is none of your concern. I, um, I really must be going.


She's hiding something, that much is clear. But that just makes me all the more desperate to know her secrets!



♪ Tactics ♪




Felix/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪




What do you want?
They say you're the best. I wanted to see your training with my own eyes.
Hmph. Spying on people, is that a hobby of yours? I hope you got your fill.
Enough to see how to beat you, at least.
You think you can beat me?
That's right. See, I was trained by...
Jeralt, yes.
So you know.
I heard he was your teacher.
Perhaps we should test you—see how much of your training sank in.
I'm ready if you are.
OK. I'll give you a chance.
Sounds good. When?
I'll let you know. In the meantime, practice. I won't go easy on you.
Oh, don't worry. I'll be ready.


This will be fun.



♪ Tactics ♪


And now, we move on with the plot.
♪ No music ♪




Jeritza... Ah! The combat professor with the mask. He has always been rather suspicious. We must hurry!





♪ Dark Clouds Gather ♪


Is she...dead?
No, I believe she's just unconscious. It looks like she was attacked by someone.
Hey! It kind of looks like Professor Manuela is...pointing at something.
So we follow where she's pointing and... Oh? What do we have here? There's a rather suspicious hole behind that shelf.


We must take her to the infirmary immediately. You! Don't just stand there! Help me carry her.
Right, right. Hold down the fort for me, Teach. I'll be back once we get Professor Manuela taken care of.




This must be related to that girl's disappearance. What if she's being held captive down there? No, no, that's crazy... Right?
Let's investigate.
Right... It's scary, but... OK.
Don't be a coward, Ignatz. We'll be fine as long as we stick close to the professor.
But...what if something bad happens while we're searching for the knights?
You mean, like, a captured girl being strangled or something?
Ah...you're right. What should we do?
We've got to investigate. Lead the way, Professor.
The culprit could be hiding inside, so let's be extra cautious!



♪ No music ♪


Is it Flayn?
Yes! It's Flayn! Oh, but there's someone else too...
Look closer, Professor. There are two girls.
Someone is coming! That scythe... Could it be the knight we fought at the Holy Mausoleum?!

♪ Mask of Fire ♪


One of us will die, the other will live. I will enjoy this dance of damnation.

♪ Dwellings of the Ancient Gods ♪


Reasonable, though I want Str.

My boy will do better next time.

Given Ignatz's low Str growth, I'll take it.

...

Str.

Okay, Yuri, your lack of Str is actually getting concerning.

Ugh...

Come the fuck on, Lorenz.

Good, someone is getting their levels right.

Adan.

Meh.

You're damn right it is.
♪ The Verge of Death ♪


Felix slightly weakens the Death Knight and gets...this. This just isn't my day, is it?



Lysithea fares better.
♪ No music ♪


He's gone. We should get these two out of here.
Let's get out of this horrible place! C'mon, we can carry them up.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪




It is a shame you could not be there, Claude. I would have liked for you to witness our mortal struggle against the Death Knight.
He got away.
Hey, at least we managed to rescue Flayn and complete our mission. That's what counts, right? Right! Excellent work, everyone!
Now then, let's get these limp ladies to the infirmary, shall we?
No problem. I can carry them both at once.
Be gentle with them, Raphael! Let us carry each one individually. And slowly.
You know, Teach, seeing you smile sure makes me feel better. You look happy for a change.
Hm? Do you really not know? Well, truth is, I've never seen you smile before now.
At times, it made me wonder whether you were even human. But I suppose that was just my imagination running wild. Anyhow, we've probably kept Seteth waiting about as long as he can stand. Let's hurry up and tell him the great news.


And then Flayn joins us.

Next time: the last of the Golden Deers' peaceful days. Also, new paralogues! Ooooh.

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