Update 41: Hell Man

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪




Oh, Dorothea. Are you done being alone?
Please don't say it like that... I let the gossipers get to me...and I snapped at you. Can you forgive me?
You have my forgiveness, although I remember no wrong doing on your part.
Oh, well... Thank you, I guess.
So do you feel better?
About the gossip? Not even a little bit. I... I need someone to talk to, and I figure it should be you.
Oh? OK. What is it?
About the things that those soldiers were saying... The truth is, I agree with them. Selfish as I am, I curried favor with a noble so I could enroll here. An orphan like me, here. Crazy, right? And now, to be leading troops as one of the professor's generals... I'm way out of my league. I'm doing the best I can, of course, but sometimes I wonder if it's enough...
Dorothea, if I may offer a bit of advice. You have no reason to face anything you do not wish to. If the past distresses you, then just let it go. It's as simple as that.
But it's my past. You can't escape your past...
You've probably overcome a lot of tough times, haven't you? I think that's incredible, really, but why not just let go of the suffering and run away from the memories that cause you pain? I suspect you'll find it a better way of living. I know I do.
That's not living, Lin. It's running away. If I leave my hardships behind, then all of that means nothing.
Good point. Well said. Yet I propose ignoring your past changes nothing of who you are today.
I see before me a great woman who should not be bothered by idle gossip. Even if you dropped everything and took a nap for a thousand years, you would still be you.
What an example... I don't quite get it, but I am a bit envious of you. Still, I can't live the way you do.
At least try it. Go take a nap where a noble will see you. Give them something to talk about.
Heh. Maybe I will.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪


Hm? In the thicket there. Is that...a human foot?
Eeek! It moved! Someone, help!




Hey! You shouldn't surprise people like that! I thought you were an undead corpse... Why are you sleeping out here anyway? We're in the middle of a war! Doesn't that seem dangerous?
Middle of a war or no, you'll not defeat the master of dreams. He's a fiercely strong enemy.
Stop joking around! What are you even talking about?
No joking, I assure you. He is quite unstoppable. Or perhaps you know his weakness?
You really never change, do you? You sleep just as much as ever... Do you even remember what I told you?
You told me something? When?
Of course you don't. I told you that putting in effort...
"...is how you grow." Is that the one?
So...you do remember?
Should I not have remembered?
No! Ugh. It's just...you should put your talents to use elsewhere, that's all.
The truth is I place effort in what brings me joy. I'm happiest that way.
No, that's not... OK, let me put it this way instead.
Working hard for other people helps you grow as a person.
Do you not get the urge to work hard for other people, like when you helped me before?
Not as such. Why would I go through that effort? For what gain?
Um, for the gain I mentioned...that it helps you grow as a person.
Oh, I see. Well then, continue working hard for my sake. For example, waking me up today. And I suppose I will try to do a little bit more for you too. I find working for others to be annoying, yet I wish to make an exception for you. I hope that's all right...
Just for me?
Indeed. You're the only person I'd bother helping. I could wear myself out helping you. Forever, maybe. What about it? I'll be there for you, and you can be there for me.
Oh! What do you mean by that?!
What?
If we're doing our best for each other and all, then that's a bit like...just kind of like...like a marriage!
Huh. You know, I feel as if you might be able to wake me up every morning. No small feat, that.
Hmph! As though I would marry a man who can't even get up in the morning!



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


What you see before you, Lysithea, is a life choice.
Oh really?
The most skilled pastry chef in the army has been asked to do the impossible in the heart of wartime... Source high-quality ingredients, employ advanced baking methods, and create...these two pastries.
Wow, you've put a lot of thought into this. May I?
Of course. You can have but one though, and it should be noted that they taste completely different. I thought I'd split them between us, seeing as they were made so carefully and are so very, very special.
Ah. Thanks. So, what exactly is the life choice you mentioned?
Also, if you are not partaking, I'll just go ahead and eat them both.
Oh no. For you see, if you eat one, you simply cannot—must not—eat the other. Should you eat both, a pair of ingredients—one in each pastry—will combine to poison you.
That seems unnecessarily intense. Just one won't kill me, then?
Of course not. But making this choice means you will not be able to taste the second dessert...ever. No matter what I tell you, you'll never know which one tasted best. And if you are underwhelmed by your choice, you'll regret your decision forever.
So...I should just pick one and be done with it.
But you've already chosen, haven't you? Not between the pastries but your life paths. You would gamble on the chance of living a long life, even if it meant losing your two Crests. Correct? Hence my current choice.
Wait—whose choice are we talking about now?
A shortened lifespan doesn't necessarily mean a short life. Even with two Crests, you might live a long time. And with you around, the study of Crests will undoubtedly reach previously unimagined levels. On the other hand...


Unfortunately, one never knows until they eat the pastry. Even then, you can never taste them both...
Hang on, Linhardt. Do you mean to tell me you care about me? Since when?
When indeed. You are someone I care about though. So much so, I wish we could be family, you and I.
Family?! That escalated rather quickly.
Although...having more family does sound nice.
Anyway, I need to be going. Oh, and feel free to eat the pastries. I made up the poison bit because I didn't know how else to say what I wished to say. And because...well, because I believe there are choices we can make where you can have both.
I'll show you somehow...before the war is over.
Are you sure these aren't poisoned? Linhardt, wait! Wait!



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Ah, Dorothea. What are you doing here?
I was actually waiting to see you.
Were you going to invite me out to dinner? I accept.
Yes, I was. I don't think it would be so bad to share a meal with you from time to time.
How about tonight? I'm busy tomorrow...
That's fine by me. What are you busy with, I wonder? Girls? And more girls?
Heh heh, isn't it an unwritten rule not to ask about such things?
But what a curious turn of events. Have you perhaps got an ulterior motive?
No ulterior motives. If you're worried, we can just pretend this conversation never happened.
No, wait! That's not what I meant.
I just don't understand why you want my company now...when you've always been so cold to me.
Have you perhaps...fallen in love with me?
Ugh, my stomach just got queasy. You know what? Maybe I'll eat on my own after all.
Fine, fine. I get it. You want someone to chase your loneliness away.
Something like that, yes. If you don't want to, I'll ask someone else.
Don't dream of it. It would be my pleasure, milady. And to be clear...the reason you chose to spend time with me is my family, yes? Or is it my Crest? Both?
I'm just curious about such things. Say I was a commoner. Would you still have invited me to dinner?
Is this really necessary for a simple dinner invitation?
Actually, I have a question of my own. Say I was a hoarse-voiced old hag... Would you still be flirting with me? Would you still want to hold my hand and whisper sweet nothings?
That's a difficult question. I have nothing against mature women, but...
Even if you were an old man, I still would have invited you out.
If you were a former noble exiled from his family, or an orphan from the streets, my heart cares not!
Just kidding. I just wanted to try saying it. Of course it's better that you have money.
Heh, you little... Eh, that's probably true. So, Dorothea, about that dinner?
It would be an honor to have you join me tonight. And let's not talk about things like this over dinner, OK?







♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


Hello, Sylvain. What a treat to see you here.
I thought you preferred places with more ladies around.
I'm here because you're here.
And I don't care about other girls.
Oh, come now. I'm sure you use that line all the time.
Actually, I've only said it to girls who thought I was lying about being faithfu— You know what? There's no reason to get into all that.
The truth is I would really like to spend some time with you. What do you say to that?
Well, if you were really interested in me, I would want you to get to know me better.
I agree. I've been such an idiot in the past, always angling for the seduction... I've forgotten how to just talk to someone.
You act like you're full of regret, but I know you don't really mean it.
Still, I'm glad to hear you say that, at least. I told you such a boring story the last time we spoke... I was worried you might think I was a dull person.
Dull? No. I was worried that I'd made you remember unhappy times.


Right. We can't choose our bloodline.
You've got a Crest too, haven't you, Sylvain? What has your experience been like?
Are you asking how being born with a Crest affected me?
Yes. I know there was that business with your brother, Miklan, but I'm sure you don't want to talk about all that.
It's not a very happy story.
Please don't feel the need to hold back on my account. I'm here if you need someone to share in your pain.
Would you want to know more about me even if I didn't have a Crest or come from a noble family?
This has nothing to do with your Crest or family. I'm just asking as your friend. How should I put this? When I look at you, I don't see a Crest. I want to see the real you.
You...you do?
Here's the short version—I hate Crests. Even though having one is supposed to be such a great blessing, mine has ruined everything. Miklan was heir to our house. Then I was born, and I became the heir because I had a Crest. That made my older brother jealous enough to want to kill me.
And every woman in Fódlan wants to have my little Crest baby so they can join the nobility. Yeah... There you go. That's what it's like to have a Crest.
I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to dredge up such awful things.
No, I...I should keep my temper better. I don't want you to see me act that way.
Don't say that. I'm glad we were able to talk. I feel like I'm finally seeing the real you.
Oh, Sylvain. Will you save me from the curse of having a Crest?
Of course! I think I love you! And I mean that. With all my heart. I love you, Mercedes! Let's get married and have Crest babies!
Sure, sure.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Hey, Lysithea. I was about to grab some food. Would you like to come along?
Actually, yes. That sounds fine.
Great. Let's go.




I don't really care about the atmosphere. I just wanted to apologize.
Nah, I get why you told me off. There's nothing you need to apologize for.
Ugh, can you just shut your mouth and listen for once? Here's something you may have already picked up on... I very much dislike being treated like a child. I've worked very hard to be where I am now, and such treatment makes it feel like all of that work is being ignored.
But I think you're a genius! And you work harder than I ever did. When I was your age...
Yes, you already told me all of this. Back then you were just as devoted to goofing off as you are now.
Ah, so I already told you that... What a perfect memory you have.
And there it is. You're always so quick to flatter every woman you come across. I knew that, and yet I never thought you would direct your antics at me.
Heh... Look, I'm sorry, OK? I know how hard you work, and I really wasn't trying to upset you. I just wanted to chat.


Seriously? It sure didn't seem that way...
Well, it's true. Your behavior is maddening, but in retrospect, I realize that was you treating me as you do all women, rather than like a child.
I wasn't thinking about it like that at the time, and so I snapped at you. I could have perhaps approached the matter with a tad more maturity. Therefore, I would like to apologize.
An apology? That is not how these conversations usually turn out. There's no need for that though. Really, you'll make me blush if you keep this up. Listen, Lysithea, I want you to know that I meant every word. Even if sincerity is...difficult for me. You're as lovely as you are clever, and you have this strange charm about you. That's what I really, honestly think.
There you go again with your false flattery...
I swear to you, it isn't false at all! And it's not flattery if it's the truth.
Say what you will—you're still going to have to earn my trust.
Just this once, I'll cut you some slack. Don't get used to it. It's not like I can change who you are as a person.
Sweet and tolerant! You never cease to amaze.
I'll leave you with this—don't say things you don't mean. It makes it impossible to tell the lies from the truth. Don't come crying to me if you carry on as you have and end up with no friends.
Heh heh... I have to say, Lysithea, your harshness is one of those things I find so charming about you!
Ugh, you are exhausting. I guess the positivity is OK though.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Before long, all of the church's enemies will have been destroyed.
You must really love worshiping the church. Or is it just Rhea?
Lady Rhea. You're the only one in the knights who doesn't address her with the proper respect. It's not just that I worship Lady Rhea. I respect her, admire her, revere her...
I don't get the Seiros religion. Or Rhea.
Shamir. If you were anyone else, I would cut you down for saying that.
She saved your life.
She did, and that's why I fight for her. Doesn't mean I worship her.
You never change. You're so stubborn.
You're the stubborn one. When we're on missions related to Rhea, it's like you're wearing blinders.
Now that she's been rescued, your carelessness is probably just going to get you killed. Wanting to help her is admirable, but you'll be of no use if you get yourself killed.
I don't plan on getting killed. And it's not that I'm wearing blinders—I'm just focused. I've devoted my heart to Lady Rhea. She's the reason I wield my sword.
As long as you don't get killed or cause me any trouble, I don't really care.
So my death would "cause you trouble"?
That's not what I meant.
Let's give it a rest. There's no point in arguing.
Fine. But I want you to know something... It's not easy to put your life in the hands of someone who doesn't share your beliefs.
I understand. I think we can both agree on that.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Three Crowns ♪







♪ No music ♪



♪ As Fierce as Fire ♪








♪ Dark Clouds Gather ♪


Send a messenger to Acheron immediately! If we're quick, we might be able to pull off a pincer attack!
That is Ladislava. She has, of late, made quite a name for herself as a general. Be on your guard.

♪ Chasing Daybreak ♪















It appears enemy soldiers are stationed in the fortress. More will come. Stay on your guard!


































Sorry, but this is war!





Acheron! Now's the time to show your loyalty to the Empire! Attack the enemy from behind!
I've got to make my name known to Her Majesty through distinguished service.
That is Acheron, a minor Alliance noble. If he has allied with the Empire, then we must destroy him.










Too slow.



















Thanks for making your way here. Annihilate the enemy with the rest of them!




It's over.













Stay alive, Bernie!












♪ Paths That Will Never Cross ♪
















♪ No music ♪




Gaaaaah! ...Ohhhogh...

♪ The Dream is Over ♪



♪ Chasing Daybreak ♪


























♪ Wrath Strike ♪






War is cruel.





♪ No music ♪





♪ Wind noises ♪


To see the Imperial army hold its ground until every last soldier fell... That is true dedication.
It is clear that Edelgard is not some cruel emperor who holds her people in a vice-like grip. There is something more driving our foes. From here on out, our journey will not be an easy one...


Gilbert?! What was he doing all this time?
We had better go and meet with him.



♪ The King of Lions ♪


Save your praise, Gilbert. Let's get to the heart of the matter. Why are you here? Why now?
I am once again in the service of Dimitri. He was in hiding in Fraldarius territory, where he was biding his time for a counteroffensive.
Dimitri is alive?!
Yes. He was to be executed in Fhirdiad, but Dedue stepped forward to rescue him. I am here today by command of Dimitri himself. We realize that our enemies are the same... and that it may be advantageous to join forces.
I see. I shall hear you out.
We are preparing to advance against the Empire. Will you join us as we march toward the Imperial capital?


We'll join you.
Hold a moment. We have just finished a fierce battle, and our forces are few. To march straight for the main body of the Imperial army and challenge them? It is too soon. I am happy to allow safe passage over the bridge, but to lend our aid asks too much of us. Is that not so? If you would be willing to wait a few months, we might be able to offer something more.
I am afraid His Highness is not able to stop his advance...
If that is the case, I am afraid we cannot join you. Please, send our regards to Dimitri.
I understand. It's unfortunate that we were not able to secure the help of the Knights of Seiros. Still, I'm grateful that we can cross the Great Bridge of Myrddin safely. Thank you for that. This will be a fight to the death. It is highly likely that we will meet our end. I wish you both the best of luck in the battles ahead.
And may the goddess protect you as well.




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