Update 69: No, I'm Not Gonna Say It

♪ Gazing at Sirius ♪


What happened to Teach that's "questionable"? And what really awaits at the Holy Tomb? The way they were acting, I don't think they have any plans of sharing that information...
This is tacked onto the end of the usual chapter start scene.
♪ Broken Routine ♪


Oh boy, this should be good.

Adan/Rhea A.
♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪


If you would, please allow me a closer look at your face. Those beautiful, shining eyes... And silken hair, so similar to my own...
...
Oh dear, please excuse my rudeness. I forgot myself for a moment. It is only that we haven't had a chance to speak privately since you were blessed with the power of the goddess. I hope I have not caused you any discomfort.
In that case, I hope you will allow me to behold your sweet face again in future. It is my dearest wish that we may strengthen the bonds between us further still.
It was comforting.
Oh? I do not know what to say! I am overjoyed that you feel that way, but... Well, to be frank, that is not like you, is it? Still, no matter how I wish to strengthen the bonds between us, it is important that I not overstep.
Our bonds?
Yes. As souls blessed by a connection to the progenitor god, the bonds between us are truly unbreakable. Just as the goddess blessed you with her own power... I, too, received her divine protection. Long, long ago. Though different, our fates are entwined.
I understand.
You say that now, but I am certain there is much you still wish to know. To that end, know that truth has a way of revealing itself, in time.
If you experience any further changes, please know that you can rely on me to guide you. Seteth and Flayn are also here to support you however they can. Dear child... May the goddess protect you, always.



♪ Broken Routine ♪


...Huh. That was less weird than I'd have expected.

Speaking of children of the Goddess...

Ignatz/Flayn C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Ignatz bumps into Flayn.

Ngh...


No. No need for concern. I am quite all right.
Are you sure you're all right? Were you injured?
No, nothing of the sort. I just got a bit dizzy, standing up so quickly.
We should go to the infirmary. Come on, I can take you there.
Come now—I appreciate the concern, but I am quite all right. Look, I am perfectly fine now. See?
...
Ignatz?
...
Are you...there?
Uh, yes! I'm sorry, did you say something?
Mmhmm, I understand now.
Understand what?
Though I know little regarding affairs of the heart, even I can clearly see one's intent when they stare so much.
I am sorry, but at the moment, I am not looking for... Well...
Oh! No! No, no, no! You misunderstood! I just...
You just? Just what? What is it?
I'm just...fascinated. By you.
Fascinated? By me?
Yes. Your gaze, full of divine dignity. Your silhouette, as elegant as a statue. If Saint Cethleann herself were reborn, you would look no less wondrous than she.
I see!
I'm sorry! So sorry! I don't know what came over me, saying something like that.
No, not at all. Tell me... What are your thoughts on Saint Cethleann, exactly?
Uh... Well, from the few accounts that I've heard, she was a beauty, and her kindness was inexhaustible.
Very good! As a reward, I shall not report your behavior to my brother... This time.
Yes, I'd be most grateful if you didn't. I can hardly imagine what Seteth would do if he found out.
Well then, farewell. Perhaps we will have another chance to chat later.







♪ Broken Routine ♪


Heh.

Ashe/Cyril C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪




I'm tidying up the library—sweeping the floors, dusting the shelves, restacking the books...
Isn't there a schedule for library cleaning duty? Why are you doing all of this by yourself?
Oh, I'm helping out the kid whose job it is. He says I'm making him look bad, but I'm just happy to help. Besides, some of these books are valuable. Gotta handle 'em carefully. Not a lot of people get that.
But there are so many. You really think you'll get all this done today?
Easy. There's more stuff to do tomorrow, so the library has gotta get done today.
And I guess you're planning to do all that by yourself too.
Yep.
Come on, it'll be dusk soon. Let me help.
Nah, it's my job and I'm gonna do it.
There is no way one person can shelve all these books before nightfall, Cyril!
Like I said, these books need to be handled real careful. Shouldn't you be doing your own thing anyway?
This is my job, and I'm gonna do it because I know Lady Rhea expects it done a certain way.
I can't just stand here and watch. I won't get in your way, all right?
I'll handle this shelf and you take the next one.
Listen! I said I don't need your help.
I promise I'll be careful, OK? Let's just get to it.
Ugh, fine. You do over there. I'll do all of this.
Got it.
Ugh...



♪ Broken Routine ♪


Ah, Ashe, you sweet boy. Too sweet, sometimes...

Fuck it, I'm committing to the bit. Dark Bishop gives innate Fiendish Blow, so maybe that'll help patch up Lorenz's mediocre damage.
♪ A Lonely Figure ♪


Hey, Abby.
♪ Tempest of Seasons ♪


Finally did the conduct tournament, and... Tch. Jealous, Sylvain?

I barely lost in the final round, by the way. That sucked.
♪ The Forgotten ♪


You look different. And you're acting different. You're just all around...different! Shaking things up, are we? I think that's great. Gotta keep things interesting, right? For what it's worth...it's a good look, and you wear it well!




Never trust a noble.

But you're still you, obviously.
Yes. I'm still me.
Good. It would be a shame if you changed into someone I didn't like.
It's clear to me, at least, that you are something more than you were. Something special.
Yeah, yeah. I just hope this newfound specialness doesn't spell trouble for the rest of us.






Or perhaps the only thing that's different is how you look. Or has your personality changed too?
I haven't changed.
Is that so... You're not a great liar, you know.
Well, whatever the case, I still like you just the same as I always have.


She was a child.
Really?! Huh. That's...a letdown.
Well, in any case, we have our work cut out for us. No telling what they're planning next...
I mean, the art that's shown in the intro of the game shows that Sothis wasn't always a child, so... Uh, never give up hope, Balthus, I guess.

Anyway, after burning all my activity points...

Leonie/Alois C.

Oh, by the way, I recruited Alois. Forgot to mention that!
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


You'd like to hear about Jeralt's adventures? You seem quite taken with these stories, Leonie.
Can't hurt, can it? All our work for the day is done.
So, remind me...how did you meet him?
Ah! It all feels like ancient history now. You see, the captain was visiting the Kingdom of Faerghus.
Uh-huh. Go on.
His previous squire had died from a ghastly plague. Then one day, he came upon me and appointed me his new squire.
At that age, you must have had some real talent and courage to stand out as a future knight!
Oh, no, it wasn't that. I was just an orphan boy living in the monastery. I was a timid little thing.
Really? He didn't choose you for your bravery?
What made him choose you, then?
My face looked like the dead boy's.
What? That's it?!
I asked the captain and that was the only answer he gave me.
Ha! Abrasive to the last! That's Captain Jeralt for you!
Yes. In those early days, I would sometimes wonder whether he was right in the head. When I saw him on the battlefield, though, those concerns were laid to rest. Anyway... I think I hear your professor has been looking for you. You'd better scram.
Oh no, you're right! I'd better go. See you around!



♪ The Forgotten ♪


The contrast between the bizarre ways Jeralt acted in front of other people and the way he actually acts in front of the player is...stark.
♪ Broken Routine ♪


Onto next week. Let's give Yuri's "intended" class a shot, shall we?

Marianne/Leonie B.
♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


Um. Ah. Leonie?
I thought greenhouse duty was mine today. What are you doing here?
Oh. I...um.
I'm sorry. You've been avoiding me ever since I lost my temper, haven't you? You're probably scared of me now. In the moment, I was hurt. I'm sure you had good reasons to act the way you did. If you want me to leave you alone, I will. I promise, you've got nothing to fear from me.
Leonie, I...
I've watered all the plants, so I'm done here. I'll get out of your way.
W-wait!
Huh? Hey, what is it?
It's. Um...
...
I don't mean to bother you. I'm sorry for keeping you here.
No, not at all. Thanks for keeping me. Honestly, I've been worried about you. If you ever want to talk, about anything, just say so. I'll make time.
I've been avoiding people for most of my life, so I'm not the best at speaking.
I know it's hard. You've been through a lot, but it's worth the extra effort to talk to your friends.
I make everyone uncomfortable. I just don't know how to carry on a conversation.
Hey, we're having one right now. And I'm telling you, I'm not uncomfortable. I'm actually really happy.
So don't worry about me. And it's OK to be quiet sometimes, but try to find a middle ground, at least. Otherwise, you'll never get any better.
Oh...
As far as what to talk about, anything's good. Hobbies, things you like, a dream you had last night... Really, anything.
OK, then. I, um... I like this flower. I think it's nice.
I think so too! Did you know that, where I come from, those have a completely different color?
Oh! Really? I'd like to see that.
Great! Come visit my village someday. In fact, we should invite all of our friends. It'll be fun!
Oh, yes! That would be very exciting!



♪ Broken Routine ♪




Moving ahead a week again, Grappler gives Raphael a decent boost to Spd. Maybe he can even double some really slow units now!

Oh hell yeah.
♪ Tempest of Seasons ♪


Got through most of Sword and Shield of Seiros before I even saw a single level.

That sucked.
♪ Corridor of the Tempest ♪


Balthus got this level from a quest battle. It's okay.
♪ Broken Routine ♪


And just like that, I was at the end of the month.

Annette/Claude B.
♪ Spiderweb ♪


Sure, but I'm finished eating. You're here late. Busy day?
Very. I got caught up thinking about your song. I find it really makes the time fly.
So you didn't manage to forget about that. I really wish you would.
Alas, I cannot! That song is engraved on my soul. The lyrics...they echo in my brain, begging to be understood. Those words represent the cry of a poor soul who died in anguish... Is that it? That's it, isn't it?
The cry...of a poor soul?
A land that's dark and frigidly cold... That could only mean the underworld. In my search for truth, I read up on the old rituals of the eastern regions of Faerghus. Those who die with regret are thought to end up in an underworld of sorts. Somewhere cold. Somewhere dark. Somewhere...creepy. To escape from their bitter limbo, they dig their way up through the earth, trying to find the surface... or the light, in other words.


Eh...
So? Was I right or was I right?
What? No! You're not even close! It wasn't supposed to be a dark and miserable song at all.
Huh. Now that I think about it...the melody and dance didn't really match the weight of the lyrics.
The lyrics are simply about seeds pushing out of the ground to become sweet, little buds. They creep through the dirt until they find the light! The song just describes what it's like to be a budding flower.
Damn. That is good stuff. OK, maybe I read too much into it. Actually, now that you've explained, it really is a nice little song. Creepity creep... The gentle journey from the ground to the surface. I love it.
Do you...think it's embarrassing that I made up such a silly song?
Not at all. Oh! But that reminds me. I was so inspired by Creepity Creep that I made up some lyrics of my own. I've been nonchalantly carrying them around with me hoping to run into you. Would you mind taking a look?
Oh, of course! Let's see here... ♪ Walking with purpose and a steady stride... Lively and bright and full of pride... ♪ ♪ Crying, laughing, and blazing ahead... Why worry 'bout tomorrow? Let's eat instead... ♪
So, uh... What would you say this song is about, Claude?
Oh, Annette. Sweet Annette. This time it's your turn to decipher its meaning. Let me know when you've figured it out!



♪ Broken Routine ♪


Claude saying "Creepity creep, Annette. Creepity creep." is so perfect.

Lorenz/Hilda C+.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


It was but a trifle. Surely there was no small amount of danger, but in the interest of experience, I was happy to endure.
You're so strong that I can't help but feel safe in your presence.
Yes, of course. Although no matter how much brute strength we bring to bear, it is important that there be a leader on the field as well. Without someone possessed of my sound judgment and adaptability, we would surely be lost.
Surely, yes. My thoughts exactly. But, um...
Hm? What is it?
I'm going to keep providing support from the back. You wouldn't mind doing more fighting for me, would you?
Oh. Well, uh...physically, I can certainly, but if you mean on an everyday basis...
I knew you would! You have the generous soul of a true noble. I'll have to write back home and sing your praises!
Really? You mean, to your father and brother?
Oh yes. I have to write my big brother pretty often, as a matter of fact. He gets upset if I don't.
And yet, I never have much to write about. I've been really straining for topics.
That must strike you as a terrible nuisance—the idea of me blabbing about you in my letters.
Nuisance? Hardly! Your brother is one of the foremost commanders of the Alliance. I can think of no higher accolade than to have my name passed on to his noble ear.
And I'll tell him about all your thrilling exploits! Although, if you can't help, that's OK too. I'll find something else to write about.
Oh, fear not! I shall show you exploits of a nature more thrilling than you could ever dream!
Incidentally, when you write to him, please do not refer to me merely as Lorenz.
Please use my full name... Lorenz Hellman Gloucester! This will be an excellent opportunity to advance the status of the Gloucester name!







♪ Broken Routine ♪


Does the Gloucester name really need advancing?

Lysithea/Leonie B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Uh, how about these? Just some old study notes of mine.
Wow, that's quite the pile there. You sure it's all fine to throw away?
Of course. It's all safely stored in my brain now. If I concentrate, I can access any of it with ease.
Why am I not surprised? I wish I had even half your power of concentration.
OK, here we go. Ugh...this is pretty heavy! Well, it'll be a good workout. Oh, but you were telling me not to take my training so lightly.
Still, can't hurt to get a little exercise in. I'll just take it at a run. See you later!
Hm.




No, that's not it. There's just...something I want to say to you.
I'm sorry for saying your way of doing things was inefficient. You've clearly grown plenty strong, doing things as you have. Not to mention multitasking and training in that way surely presents interesting challenges.
Well, sure. But if everyone has their own methods, then your methods aren't wrong either. All you did was share them with me, so there's no need for apologies. Still, it's probably beyond me to imitate your levels of focus and concentration. How do you even manage to throw yourself into only one thing like that?
I haven't much choice—I can't waste even a single moment.
I can understand that. I'm sort of the same way. I hate feeling like I'm not getting enough work done. Anyway, you should just do what works for you. You've got something you want to achieve, right? That's why you feel pressured to study so hard.
Yes...
Then focus on what matters to you. Leave the rest to people who have the time for it.
And hey, if you need any heavy lifting done, you know where to go! The way I see it, it's all training.
You know, Leonie. You're so kind, so strong...
Whoa. What's with the compliments all of a sudden?
I was just thinking what an incredible partner you'd make. Really, you've got all of the perfect qualities!
What?!
I'm not simply saying that. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say.
Ha, you're making me blush! What a strange way to compliment someone.



♪ Broken Routine ♪




Lysithea/Balthus B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Well, well, it's the little lady of House Ordelia. What can I do for you?
You piqued my interest when you spoke about my parents coming to your rescue.
Ah, right. Forgot I let that slip. After I fled my home, I became something of a vagrant. Getting into fights, borrowing money I couldn't pay back, the works.
Oh, I know all about it. You were quite the vagabond.
Wherever I went, I was treated like trash. Securing enough food to live on got harder and harder. It became clear that I wasn't welcome in Alliance territory, so I decided to head over to the Empire.
My big mistake was stopping by the Great Bridge of Myrddin on the way. Just my luck, some jerk of a minor lord north of the bridge was on a hunt for the bounty on my head.
Oh, that's awful...
Would have been fine if I'd been alone, but innocent folks were around. Didn't want to endanger them.
That's when I turned tail. I ran until I couldn't run another step, and found myself in Ordelia territory. I knew Count Ordelia from when I was still with my family's house, so it seemed like a decent option. I was hoping our history would be enough to secure a place of sanctuary...but no such luck.
They refused to take you in?
Yeah. I could tell there was some reason behind it, but they told me to get out as fast as I could.
Ah... I imagine it was when the Empire was meddling with my family. We lived in shackles back then.
Makes sense. Still, I'm grateful. They gave me food and distracted the Empire's cronies so I could escape.
I was half dead from starvation, so that meal saved my life—no joke. Your family's the real deal.
Just imagine what the Empire would have done to me. I can tell you it wouldn't have been pretty.
I have no doubts. We weren't allowed contact with anyone from the outside. It was strictly forbidden.
I see. Well, that's when I vowed to find a way to repay them. One day, I'll do just that.
And when do you intend to carry out this vow of yours? In due honesty, I don't see you as someone capable of carrying out vows right now. Or even keeping your things together...
Haha! Can't argue with that. It'll take me a while to repay that debt, but I will. Just you wait and see.



♪ Broken Routine ♪




Ferdinand/Manuela B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪




Ferdinand... You should probably settle down a little with the "princess" talk.
Just speak to me normally. My "princess" days are long gone.
I could not disagree more!
To me, you will always be that dazzling songstress, that veritable princess of the opera. From ages five to eleven, I never missed a single one of your performances.
Seeing you on stage was like glimpsing heaven. I was overcome with bliss.
You're going a little overboard. And I... I think I may have something in my eye.
An elegant coalescence of beautiful song and frenetic swordplay. That was the most memorable aspect for me. Onstage, weapon in hand, letting your ballad soar to the heavens...
Honestly, the first time I held a sword, it was not to train. I was trying to do your sword dance.
I inspired your love of weaponry? How...flattering?
Correct! It is all thanks to you.
Oh, come now...
Although I'm honored if my stage presence had any such influence on your life.
The honor is all mine. You blessed me by returning to my life.
No matter where I go, or who I end up marrying, my childhood memory of you is inscribed in the deepest depths of my heart.
...
Is something the matter?
Oh, nothing. I just feel a little empty inside now...



♪ Broken Routine ♪


Let's move on.
♪ Beyond the Crossroads ♪


Lady Rhea's going too, right? I hear it will be well guarded, but is that really OK?
If Solon's allies are still around, it's certainly true that we don't know when or where they may appear.
I don't know what type of place this Holy Tomb is, but we should be cautious.
If something happens, we'll have to take matters into our own hands.
What do you think, Professor? Is it really OK for Lady Rhea to attend?
I'm worried.
It seems to be tightly sealed, I'll give you that. We should be fine as long as nothing goes terribly wrong.
Well, the truth is, we won't know what's going to happen until it happens. All we can do is stay on our guard and play it by ear.
That's quite enough babbling, Claude. There is nobody more unfit for a holy ceremony than you.
Um, divine punishment won't strike us for setting foot in the Holy Tomb...right?
Good grief. Why are you always so negative? Hm? Flayn? Is something on your mind?
Who, me? No... It is nothing. May we all see this through to the end.
It still doesn't make sense to me... A goddess was living inside Teach, right? But now there's a ceremony to receive a revelation or whatever. How could that be necessary anymore? There must be another objective. It's pointless to speculate about it now. We'll know the answer soon enough. There isn't any danger for us students, but... Be careful, Teach.



♪ Gazing at Sirius ♪


That mechanism for descending underground back there... What powers it? When I tried to come by myself, it wouldn't even budge...
This is where the goddess who created this world was laid to rest, along with her children.


Professor... Do you recognize this throne?
I do.
So long... I have waited so very long for this day.
There is no need to hide anything from me. You have seen it, haven't you? In a dream... Sit upon the throne. I have no doubt you will be gifted a revelation from the goddess.


It was supposed to be but a step away... What could possibly be missing?
Sorry to disturb you when you're distressed, archbishop, but it seems some uninvited guests have arrived.



♪ Mask of Fire ♪


Thank you ever so much for guiding us this far. The Imperial army will now take possession of everything in the Holy Tomb!
The Imperial army? What are they doing here?!
So, they knew we were heading to the Holy Tomb and followed us here...
Hey, who is that standing next to the angry guy? Could that be...
The Flame Emperor. I see. So you've been allied with the Empire from the beginning.
What are they doing here? What do they hope to gain?
There's only one goal for grave robbers like these. Right, Flame Emperor? You're here to steal the treasure that rests within the Holy Tomb.
For a fool, you catch on quickly. Those Crest Stones will be ours. That infernal power, which is masquerading as a medicine but is truly a poison, will plague this world no longer.
Insolence! You will atone for the sin of trampling on this holy resting place! Professor. Destroy these villainous traitors who dare dishonor our creator!


Not much new there, just Claude admitting he's tried to get in the Holy Tomb before.
♪ Dwellings of the Ancient Gods ♪


Swear to the gods, I'm gonna scream the next time a physical unit gets Mag.

You're not helping!

Neither are you!

STOP!

i'm cursed

Finally, Lysithea comes in to restore some semblance of normalcy.

There, Claude, was that so hard?

Man, I love her ridiculous range.

Ooh.

Uncanny Blow: If unit initiates combat, grants Hit +30 during combat.

I don't think Lysithea's having accuracy issues, but this can be a big help for casters whose spells have low Hit. Constance, with her access to Fimbulvetr and Bolting, comes to mind...

Ferdinand...

Adan has an excuse.

Meh.

Thank you, Constance, I needed that.

Hapi, please, your stats are absolutely not where they should be for level 24.

I won't whine about Spd.

Ferdie's just not having a great day, is he?

Meanwhile, Lysithea continues to do just fine.
♪ Farewell ♪


To think that a descendant of House Hresvelg would dare betray the holy church... Professor. Kill Edelgard at once. She is a danger to all of Fódlan. Such a rebellious heart cannot be allowed to keep beating.
I have achieved my objective. I will retreat. Farewell, Professor. If we meet again, it will be on the battlefield. Come, Hubert!






You have defiled the Holy Tomb, dishonored the goddess, and humiliated your brethren. That crime will never be erased, even if you burn in the eternal flames and spill all of your blood into the goddess's soil.




Edelgard said that the Crest Stones represent power. That means she knows how to use them. She almost certainly knows other secrets of Fódlan as well... Once things calm down a bit, there's a lot more that Rhea needs to tell us. I just hope there's still time. I have this strange feeling...that history is being written. That an age of anarchy is upon us. Let's hope I'm mistaken.



♪ The Leader's Path ♪


Don't think we need to repeat Edelgard's whole manifesto, or Seteth's reaction.
♪ Anxiety ♪


The lords and dukes of both the Kingdom and the Alliance have been called out, and now have to choose between the church and the Empire. The seed of conflict was always there, and now we find ourselves in the middle of a war that will tear Fódlan in two.
The Empire is rash, but I never thought it would come to this.
How could something like this happen? I hope everyone back home is safe.
I'm sure it's mass confusion at home right now. My brother must be worried sick about me.
Only time will tell.
You're absolutely right, Teach. I'm sure a lot of us are worried about our homes, but... All we can do for now is prepare for battle...and tread carefully.


Claude's taking this much better than I thought he would. I guess it is pretty tough to faze him, huh?
♪ Anxiety ♪


Sure, we're about to go to war, but we can spare time for supports.

Claude/Leonie B.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪




Oh, come on! What'd you do that for?!
Look, you ran my quarry off.
You were hunting? Is the dining hall that short on food supplies?
No, but I like to hunt every now and again. Keep my skills sharp.
No such thing as too much food these days, is there? And it'd be a problem if I got rusty.
I suppose so. You're from a family of hunters, right? Well, there's no shortage of prey to hunt around here.
True. Not many hunters around the monastery, huh? Rivers full of fish, trees bursting with fruit, mushrooms ready to harvest all over... It's the kind of place where you can really be self-sufficient. Guess we can thank the goddess for that.
Eh, I dunno. I'm more inclined to thank the bountiful earth than the goddess for such things. The goddess may offer spiritual guidance, but she doesn't fill our bellies, that's for sure.
Not a very noble-sounding thing, to disregard the goddess and honor the land.
Leonie... Whose grace do you suppose humans live by? The goddess? The nobility? I'd say it's neither. It's the endless bounty of this magnificent land that gives us life.
Won't hear me deny it. But who's to say it isn't the goddess whose protection makes nature thrive? I'm not the most devout person, but I'm not about to go around saying we don't need the goddess at all.
I said she gives spiritual support, didn't I? I wouldn't go so far as to say she's wholly unnecessary. But in Almyra, Dagda, Brigid, and plenty of other places, they don't believe in the goddess... Nature is a blessing that knows nothing of borders. The goddess is the goddess, and the earth is the earth. They should both be revered for what they are.
Hmm.
Look, this is just my personal opinion. If you truly believe that everything depends on the goddess of Seiros, that's your—
Hey, it's fine. You don't have to worry about me.
I'm a believer, but I know there are those who aren't. And I kind of like your way of thinking—giving thanks to nature and all. It makes sense.
I knew a wild girl like you would be able to get behind an idea like that.
What, like I'm feral or something?
Hey... You know, this kind of talk could be viewed as heresy if it was public.
Yeah, probably. We'll just have to keep it to ourselves.



♪ Anxiety ♪




After being locked off for a while, we can finally view Ferdinand/Constance B. Kinda wonder why that unlocks in the final weeks of Part 1, rather than just waiting until Part 2.
♪ No music ♪



♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


I know that this looks silly, but it's not my fault the camera pans down so slowly.
Oh dear. I am not used to hearing you deprecate yourself like that. Never mind, just listen.
If it is an audience you require, I will endeavor to meet that need.
When we last spoke, I was attempting to connect with you, to listen and show you some empathy. But I was so clumsy with my words that I came across as callous and conceited. I hurt you, I know.
The notion that a noble of House Aegir could display arrogance is difficult to credit.
That you even deign to speak to me is a testament to your humility. As grateful as I am for the honor, it would be best for us both if I take my leave.
No. Please, hear me out.
Though your words chafed, I see now that they were perceptive. I was being arrogant. I tend to...overcompensate. Perhaps I make a fool of myself, bragging about my superiority to Edelgard. Now, with my father's fall from grace, I have been dropped to my knees, utterly humbled. My house is in shambles. My father is dead. I have nothing...and no one. My house is in shambles. I have nothing. I do not even know my father's whereabouts.
You do yourself a disservice! If you are a fool, then I am Folly herself.
I have heard and grieved for your predicament.
But you must know that it is no reflection on your sterling quality, Ferdinand. Even in the face of such adversity, you never strayed from the correct path.
If this was the right path, the wrong path hardly bears thinking about. Still, your kindness has eased my worries a bit.
A wise noble once said that "life is a series of peaks and valleys." But I have struggled to find the peaks.
I was once pushed to the nadir of a valley and have spent my days confined there ever since. There is little chance that I will ever return to the heights I once knew. But it will not be for lack of trying.
Your persistence is admirable.
You are too gracious. I see the highest of peaks on your own road. The way is steep, but not long. You will reach it yet.
And if my words might reach the ears of a man who has attained such heights... Perhaps one who has reached his summit might pull a climber up behind him?
Such is my heart's desire, unspeakable though it may be.
...



♪ Anxiety ♪


Poor Constance.

Y'know, I wonder how Trickster sizes up against Enlightened One. Probably not favorably, but it's worth a shot anyway.

And then, it was time.
♪ A Vow Remembered ♪


If you can fight, pick up a weapon! Everyone else, hurry up and evacuate! We have the goddess's protection on our side. We have nothing to fear. Victory will be ours!
Professor. Are you ready?
Almost.
Well, hurry up. I don't need to tell you that the situation is dire. We have some support troops from the local nobles, but the army we're facing is immense. No matter how you look at it, we're at a disadvantage. To make matters worse, the enemy is being led by Edelgard. Do not underestimate how extraordinary her abilities are.
She's back already? Talk about impatient!
If we don't stop them, the academy will be destroyed. Prepare for battle, everyone!
We will stop Edelgard's rampage!
Our opponent is formidable, but if we work together, we will not fail.
Enough talking! Let's go!
Dear Goddess... Please, protect us all...
I shall fight with all that I have. It is an honor to fight alongside each of you!
Professor, Claude... You'll lead the way, won't you? You won't let any of us fall, right?
I wanted to talk to Rhea first, but as expected, that won't be possible. What did she hope to accomplish at the Holy Tomb? What happened to you as a baby? There are still so many things I need to know. The same goes for the real origin of the Crest Stones and the Heroes' Relics. As for Seiros and Nemesis...just how much of their mythology is true?
We know so little.
It's true. But lucky for me, I refuse to die with so much still unknown. Hey, Teach... All joking aside. Can we possibly survive this battle?
We'll find a way.
That's all we can do, right? If we gave up, the god of fate wouldn't be happy.
I'm a lot of things, but I'm not the kind of man to just roll over and die in a place like this. I have my own ambitions to see to. There are things...dreams...that I must see come to fruition. And I've been thinking. I want you to see those dreams realized as well. On top of all that, there are still so many secrets out there, just waiting to be uncovered. We can't let that stand, can we? So, Teach... No, scratch that. You're so much more. You're my ally and my friend.




Now that we know each other, our hearts are connected. Even if our paths diverge and we're forced to say good-bye... I know that we'll meet again. And so, for lack of a better word, I gratefully call you my friend, and I hold fast to the belief that this isn't it for us.
No matter who or what you really are, I'll always be on your side. You can't count on much in this world, but you can count on that.

♪ Anxiety ♪


The Battle of Garreg Mach is as intense as ever, but lucky for you, you get to just skip over the parts you've already seen.
♪ Roar of Dominion ♪


Well, you do need Str.

No, bad.

Ugh.

Constance and Lysithea are turning out pretty similarly, numbers-wise. I like that.

No, Petra, don't do that.

Sorry, Jeritza.

CLAUDE.

Thank you, Leonie, that's much better than before.

Ah, there you go, Ferdinand, that feels like a breath of fresh air.

Bah.

steam is coming out of my ears

please stop with the Mag

Et tu, Raph?

I'm kidding, he at least got his important stats, which are HP and Str.

Nooooo
♪ Three Crowns ♪


And so we fight on.

Next time: Reunion at Dawn, Claude Edition.

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