Update 42

Update 42: Causing Problems On Purpose

♪ Three Crowns ♪

♪ No music ♪

We are in the middle of a military conference. Please calm yourself and tell us what is the matter.

Well then! I suppose...

♪ The Dream is Over ♪

Dimitri is dead...

It must have been a brutal fight. To have lost His Highness... How tragic.

Our only solace is that Edelgard sustained severe injuries. This is all quite unexpected, but we must find a way to use this situation to our advantage. The Empire's main force has suffered a mighty blow. Edelgard will most certainly avoid the front lines. Now is the time for us to infiltrate the Empire and aim for the capital.

But...what will happen to the lords of the old Kingdom and Alliance territories?

They have lost many leaders and soldiers. I am sure they must be hard at work rebuilding. We will foster cooperation by aiding them through the local churches. The remaining lords of the Kingdom and Alliance must join together to form one union.

I can't decide that just yet.

Indeed. It is a question for another day. We must focus on our battle with the Empire.

Let's decide where to invade first.

We must choose a place within the Empire that will give us solid defenses for our front line... That will become the foothold for our invasion of the capital. There is one massive fortress that boasts the greatest defenses in the Empire...Fort Merceus. But we will stand no chance if we attack by traditional means. We must gather everyone and devise a plan of attack.

Well. That's...certainly one way to show the events of To War at Gronder on a route where there's no room for your faction to show up.

♪ A Lonely Figure ♪

I thought you were dead.

I wanted to slice her throat...but I did not get the chance. I let people die, and yet...I still stand.

There must be a reason you survived.

A reason... You sound just like Rodrigue. A way to absolve my sins... Everyone gives such complicated advice, and I can never quite grasp it all. That is why... Professor.

What decision?

I have no resources to take back the Kingdom capital, much less to defeat the Empire. And that is why...

♪ No music ♪

Where did he go?

Hm? I am the only one here. Were you dreaming?

...

I can't say for certain that you were dreaming, but if someone did come here to see you... That person only wanted you to see their face. Perhaps they wanted you to guide them...

I'll be honest, I don't know what to make of that scene other than...

Dimitri, what happened to you...?

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Anyway, time to explore the monastery for this month.

First up: this was the first time I'd recorded the main game since completing Cindered Shadows, the DLC side story introduced after I'd completed the Great Bridge of Myrddin. Completing it unlocks two rewards that are permanent and distributed to all of your current and future playthroughs: 10000 renown, and the Chalice of Beginnings.

Chalice of Beginnings: Nullifies effective damage against the holder. Grants the ability Counterattack to the holder.

You might be thinking "hold on, Counterattack sounds familiar."

Counterattack: Allows unit to counterattack regardless of distance to attacker.

Yes. This item gives whoever holds it access to that normally enemy-only skill that allows them to counterattack at any range. Bow-using and magic-using enemies no longer get free potshots at your weapon users. Siege magic users get absolutely destroyed if they dare to attack the Chalice of Beginnings holder, since siege magic is extremely heavy, dropping the user's AS into the pits, almost guaranteeing a double.

Progressing through Cindered Shadows also allows me access into Abyss.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Abyss is an extension of Garreg Mach: there's new NPCs to talk to, and new services to be used.

It's also got its own Gatekepeer.

Lots of things happen down here. Lots of reports need to be reported. And for all reportable things, I'm your guy.

No. The men aren't as few as that.

Oh. Well. I won't say no to five of the most valuable ore.

What's the matter?

...Okay then.

The influencer is who you go to talk to to expand Abyss. In exchange for Renown, you get access to new services.

Inspire Worship just makes more people gather near the Pagan altar.
Encourage Recycling opens up the scrap heap.
Reduce Inn Prices just makes more people gather near the bar.
Summon the Wayseer opens the wayseer for service.
Organize the Shadow Library allows access to books in the library, some of which contain very interesting lore.

Much like the statues of the four saints above ground, any renown you spend on the influencer is preserved in New Game+.

Banned Books requires that we get an item in Abyss. Divining Destinies just makes us talk to the wayseer. Learning to Teach just has us talk to the teacher guy whose name I can't be assed to remember because he's useless.

At the Pagan altar, you can exchange some of your storehouse items (tea, fishes, fruits/vegetables, etc.) for small amounts of renown. Nothing major, but it can be useful for providing more wayseer fuel.

You can also purchase weapons and equipment using renown here, and there's some extremely broken shit in stock—Brave weapons, Wo Daos, etc.

Talk to the useless teacher guy.

Get an item from Abyss.

Talk to the wayseer.

There.

The wayseer is extremely useful on New Game+, and less so on a standard New Game because renown is much more scarce here. What she does is allow you to spend 500 renown to greatly increase two units' support points. This action does not consume activity points, and can be repeated for a given unit, or even a specific given pair, as many times per day as your renown allows.

She also offers something more esoteric: you can pay a whopping 10000 renown to ensure that two units will get a paired ending with each other during the unit epilogues. I don't know why that's so expensive.

Should note that the wayseer is not accessible until Chapter 13. My best guess is that the "guarantee a paired ending" functionality had bizarre interactions with the various outcomes of the recruitment system in Part 1, so they just limited it to Part 2 only.

You can also just use her paired endings menu to get a rough idea of what paired endings will occur. Do note that this is not a guarantee, however, and the results will most likely not be accurate if you check it this early. The paired ending that Bernadetta ended up in on this playthrough, for example, isn't even listed in the top 6 paired ends here.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Yay.

Another fetch quest.

Let us press on, so as not to waste the opportunity. Fort Merceus is a keep that was constructed to defend the Imperial Capital, Enbarr. We cannot enter the capital without first capturing that fort. But once we have it, the city should be almost entirely at our mercy. I will make the necessary preparations. Be ready.

Why did I talk to Seteth before going through supports? I'unno.

Linhardt/Bernadetta A.

♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪

Cut it out, Linhardt!

I'm just glad you're back to painting. I felt terrible about what happened last time, you know. I guess I should have kept my opinions about your painting to myself.

Hm. Maybe you should have.

...

Um, what situation?

Am I in your way again? I must be. OK, let me pack my things and I'll be off.

Ugh... No. That's not what I mean. I'm talking about when two people are together but not together. When they're basically by themselves.

Um, I'm not sure what you mean. I'm always alone.

Oh? Alone? Well, there it is then. I suppose you could say we're alone together. We're each here alone, yet together. So we're alone... together. What do you think?

Alone...together? Oh... Wait, I get it.

That's just a nice way of saying you want to be alone, right? Alone-alone. If that's what you mean, I'll go.

Please, Bernadetta. You shouldn't go. Being alone together means accomplishing more. We each have the concentration one gets from time alone but also the thrill of being with someone else. I find it to be an exhilarating environment. Have you felt that as well?

Huh? Me? Um, I'd rather be alone, but... When I'm painting and I know you can see, I worry about what you might point out about it.

Is that the thrill you mean? Because I feel that.

Here's what I wish to point out about your painting... You've really improved. Your lines are bolder, your color choices more informed, and your composition as a whole...

Did you actually just praise me, Linhardt?! What's next, a rain of flying pigs?!

I was just...saying what I think. Look, you probably have talent, and you work hard too...

Oh no. I'm on to you now. You're scheming, but you won't get anywhere by flattering me!

Try all you want to get your hooks into my heart—you won't fool me!

I'm not sure how praising you means I'm trying to get my hooks into your heart...

I have a heart of stone! No one will ever get to it!

What a shame. I suppose I'll stop praising you, then.

Y-you will? No, I...I didn't mean it that way! You can, um... You can praise me as much as you want!

I don't understand you one whit. However, if you want praise, then praise you will get. You're cute.

Ah! Don't say stuff like that!

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Felix/Flayn B.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

Oh no! My surprise is spoiled! I had brought some fruits for you to cut up, in addition to the firewood. I thought some variation might prove amusing!

No. I'm not doing that again.

I've got better uses for my sword than chopping up fruit and firewood.

I cannot imagine what could be better than chopping fruit.

Chopping up my enemies.

You say that as though you have many enemies.

So you would rather chop people than firewood, is that it?

That's not how I'd put it, but a blade's purpose is to kill. To chop wood, use an axe. To chop food, use a knife. It's simple.

Surely it is not forbidden to use your sword for other things. Like chopping fruit.

Swords that cut inanimate objects are serving a much finer purpose than those that cut living beings.

What a noble sentiment.

But without a blade to cut down your enemies, you cannot win. Those who are weak lose everything, and they die. Those who are strong win, and live on. I understand why you balk at bloodshed, but you must know that it has a purpose.

And what purpose might that be?

A purpose. Let's just leave it at that. I'm not in the mood to debate you. I'll continue to wield my sword. And, if necessary, cut down my enemies.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Hilda/Seteth B.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

Ah—I see you are indulging in a bit of reading. You are fond of books, I take it?

Yes, reading's one of my favorite pastimes! I was just finishing up, actually, so I think I'll—

That is most fortuitous.

Um, fortuitous? How do you figure?

Come with me. I have a story to share with you. Once upon a time, deep in the cold mountains, there lived a lazy fox and an industrious squirrel. The squirrel worked tirelessly, all day long, while the fox did nothing but lounge around and play. When autumn came, the squirrel hurriedly gathered up acorns for the winter. But the fox continued to play without a care. A biting winter fell upon the land. The mountains, caked in snow, concealed all nourishment from sight. The hungry fox went to the squirrel's dwelling, but the squirrel had locked up tight and gone to sleep. Every so often, the squirrel would wake, enjoy a nibble of an acorn, and then return to an easy slumber. The fox, on the other hand, with nowhere else to turn, was forced to scrounge for food in the bitter cold of the forest. Forlorn and hungry, he wandered in solitude all through the winter, until spring came once more. And so it is, to this very day, that foxes are denied the comforts of hibernation.

Ah, I really learned something about foxes! Haha... I read lots of fairy tales like that when I was little.

But the lazy fox and the industrious squirrel, huh? That one I don't think I've heard before.

That is not surprising, considering I wrote it.

Oh! You wrote it?

I did. When Flayn was young, she loved fairy tales more than anything. I would read them to her often. This one, however, is a more recent creation. I wrote it for the benefit of the children in the monastery.

So, what do you think? I'm curious to hear what sort of impression it made on you.

It's so cute!

Y-you found it to be...cute?

I can just see it now, you writing fairy tales for your little sister! That's just the cutest thing.

Honestly, to me, you usually come across as stern and overly perceptive.

But now I know you have a sweet side too! I feel like I'm seeing you in a whole new light.

That is...not what I was hoping to hear.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

snrk

You could find our targets quicker than anyone.

I suppose I could see a whole horde of enemies coming and run away. That's kinda useful, at least. Yeah, I suppose it could be real useful for finding Lady Rhea too. Thanks, Professor. I think I get it now. I'm gonna put my eyes to real good use.

We could dress you as the emperor.

On second thought, let's just stick to the plan as originally conceived. That seems safer.

I've reached out through all of my channels, but there are limits to these things.

I'll have to recruit an entire town's worth of people if I ever plan on making enough.

Clearing a quest unlocked the dark merchant. His stock is expensive four and five-star stuff, most of which is not very useful, and also Arcane Crystals. If you've gotten unlucky enough or haven't been breaking enough monster armors, and are making heavy use of magic weapons, you might get some use out of the buyable Arcane Crystals.

I don't think I've shown Anna's secret shop yet, either. She mostly sells some rings, most of which are of dubious use for how much they cost, as well as an infinite stock of Master Seals, and one of every major stat booster.

I grabbed the following boosters: HP, Str, Mag, Spd, Def.

I distributed those five stat boosters, as well as the Talisman I got from the Great Bridge.

Don't leaders have feelings, like everyone else?

I see. You are saying you met with Dimitri?

But you could not tell if it was reality or a dream. Hm. I wonder what that could mean.

Was that... Was that really a fitting end for one such as him? I don't know. I just...don't know.

...I'm sorry, Annette.

How inhuman war is—how horrifying. My heart feels shattered. It is my hope that this war marks the end of such foolish behavior.

Because it's like hunting?

Surprise attacks are safe with friends. Fewer injuries.

We'll be fine.

Of course you'd say that! Why'd I even ask?!

I screwed up here and picked the wrong option. I can't not show her response to the right option.

I knew you'd think so! I knew you— Ow! Oh, ow. Can't believe I tried to hug you through the door...

All three forces have suffered heavy losses. We're incredibly lucky to have not been involved.

This is a perfect and unique opportunity to go on the offense. Now is the time to prove ourselves, Professor.

It's a huge stronghold in my father's domain. The town's completely surrounded by high walls.

I used to run around there when I was a kid...

Way back when a fortress was just a playground for me. Yeah, those were the days.

You might be right.

Anyway, you know more about tactics than me, so I don't know why I'm offering you advice.

...

I'm glad that they're stronger, but I hate to think they've all become hardened killers. Look after them, OK? Try to keep 'em on the straight-and-narrow.

Weird to hear that coming from you, Catherine.

You know Fort Merceus's nickname, I assume. The Stubborn Old General? But there must be one or two gaps in its defenses...

But what I did hear implied that the Empire was involved in the Tragedy of Duscur.

If it's true, that may explain why His Highness chose to fight the Empire.

Are you having regrets?

Those of us still on this plane of existence will carry the torch. The inhumane actions of the Empire must not be repeated.

But when I think of all those who died at Gronder, I realize how precious life truly is. I'm ashamed of how arrogant I was to think that death could mean so little...

Depression and self-loathing are real fuckers, aren't they?

Is it true that we'll be assaulting Fort Merceus next? That doesn't sound like the brightest idea... I've heard that it's built to withstand an attack from even the largest of armies! Not to tell you how to do your job, but don't do it! I'm not ready to say my final good-byes to everyone...

They slaughtered the boar... I can hardly believe it. I thought he was alive all this time.

He must have really hated Edelgard to lead such an ill-advised assault. Hmph. No point in feeling sorry for the poor scoundrel now.

And here we are, preparing for the next battle, as if nothing happened the day before.

Though actors die, the show goes on?

Even if an accident happens on stage, the next day you have to sing as though nothing happened. Everyone just pretends like everything is fine...focusing on their role in the play.

And may his soul rest in tranquility. You know, I used to see him praying quite often when I would come to the cathedral at night. I wonder who it was he prayed for back then...

With the Saint Macuil statue upgraded to Reason +2, I can finally stop having to spend my renown on these things.

I'm opting not to get the EXP +10% bonuses because, even on Maddening, EXP +5% is plenty. The stat cap increases are utterly extraneous, I don't know how you'd even hit them on any difficulty but Normal.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

The scrap heap in Abyss can be checked every month to find a random assortment of weakened/broken/rusted weapons or low-tier equipment. It's more useful in the earlygame.

I burned a bunch of renown on getting a bunch of support ranks.

Ferdinand/Hilda C+.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

Hey, Ferdinand. Thanks for your help earlier.

I do not desire your gratitude. I have a bone to pick with you.

At the library, you pawned your job off on me!

Actually, I never asked you to do the whole thing. You started teaching me how, and got carried away.

Meanwhile, I was just awestruck by your cleverness and generosity.

Ah, well... Hey, wait a moment! Your charms won't work this time. You were just using me.

Aw, that hurts my feelings. I really was awestruck. If I had to arrange all the library supplies on my own, I'd have been there past nightfall.

With a steady pace, you would have finished by twilight at the latest.

Oh, no. I'm not competent enough, honestly. I don't even know how to make a cup of tea.

You're quite a defeatist, Hilda. I... H-hold a moment. Did you just say you cannot make tea?

That's right. I can't touch things that get hot. I'm always scared of getting burned.

Trust me, it is not difficult. You just need to be cautious as you are pouring. I can teach you.

Really? Great! Please teach me, Ferdinand.

This is a crucial skill for nobles, Hilda. If nothing else, you must learn the art of tea brewing. Look here. You bring the water to a boil, and you put the leaves in here... All right, that should be enough time steeping. Now we can drain the water, pour the tea, and enjoy.

That took longer than I expected. Well, thanks. Bottoms up!

You may have to steep it for more time or less, depending on the leaves. From now on, you can—

Mm. That really hit the spot! Thanks. I'm a slow learner, so I hope you'll teach me again sometime.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Oh, Ferdie. You're too magnanimous for your own good.

Linhardt/Petra B.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

Linhardt. I have been waiting for much time. Please, watch me.

Watch what, Petra? Whoa! Hey, careful with that spear!

How did you find that? I did more training.

Ah, you took my advice, then. I will say, the problematic maneuver seems improved at least.

At least? It is still no good?

The spear isn't really my area of expertise, but I've seen enough training to understand the mechanics.

I believe I can use that understanding to further help you improve your spearwork.

My spearwork?

Right. As I said, when you lift up and stab down, the momentum is ruined. You're trying to swing like a giant. You're not a giant, so that's a problem. So allow the spear's own momentum to do more of the hard work for you.

Spear momentum...

The spear is heavy. When you lift it up high, loosen your grip a little.

At the top of my swing...loosen my grip. And then the weight will...carry it down?

Precisely. When you put too much power into it, not only do you exhaust your grip, you tire yourself out.

Got it? Ugh, all that effort is taking its toll on me.

You are very clever. I wonder why you have hatred for training.

Because training is too much like fighting, and I'd really rather not fight.

Also, I find training terribly dull. Anyway. Good night.

I want you to use your power, Linhardt...

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Caspar/Bernadetta A.

♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪

Come on, Bernadetta! Open up! Why are you so mad at me?

I have no clue what this is about, but I'm sorry!

You have no clue? Don't you remember what you did to me?!

Uhh, no? I didn't do anything!

Yes you did! You did all kinds of things!

But the worst thing was carrying me off...twice! I thought I might die!

What are you even talking about?

Don't act like you never took me to that place!

What place?! Why won't you— OH! The place with the pretty view! Why are you mad about that?

Because you hauled me around like a piece of luggage!

Again, why are you mad about that?

Don't act all surprised! How would you feel to be yanked around like that?!

I'm sorry. I didn't realize I... I was just excited to show it to you! Maybe I went a little overboard. I'm real sorry about that...

You are? Well, I hope you understand now.

I definitely do, and I feel awful about it. What can I do to make it up to you?

Anything you want! I wanna show you how seriously sorry I am!

Well, all right. I'd like you to, um, bring me to that place again. But promise me two things first.

Anything!

No carrying. No pulling around. Treat me gently.

Sure, sure, of course. No problem. But...that was three things, not two.

That was one thing! Be gentle, OK?!

Ah! Oh, OK! Sorry, sorry! What's the other thing?

Um, I want you to promise not to take anyone else there... Only me.

All right, I can promise that. Seems a little strange though... Why do you care—

Come on! If you really want to apologize, hurry up and take me there!

Right! On it!

This is it...the same view. After all that time inside, the sun feels like it's piercing right through me.

Haha, this little bit of sunshine? You really gotta get outside more! From now on, I'm gonna take you to all sorts of different places!

I promise I'll be gentle, and I promise I won't take anyone else. Just you and me, all right?

What?! Um, but— OK. But if you get sick of me, I'm sorry ahead of time!

Haha, what? Good one, Bernadetta...

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Dorothea/Felix B.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

You're following me. Stop.

I'm leaving you alone, just as you asked. I may be walking the same way as you, but—

What do you want?

You've made it abundantly clear I'm not to want anything from you, including politeness.

I heard a rumor that you're planning to settle down with a noble. I abandoned my family, so you'll have to look elsewhere. Not much to gain from marrying me.

I just find you interesting is all. Is that so odd?

Interesting? I'm not interesting. What do you mean?

I've never met a noble so...unsociable. Yes, that's the word. Unsociable. Other nobles are quick to be friends, even if it's just because they might gain something from it.

The Empire's nobility, maybe. The Kingdom's nobility is a whole different animal.

If they are, so what? You should care how others think of you.

Why? I don't answer to them. All that matters is improving my skill. I'll prove my worth on the battlefield.

Those people care so much about appearances they can't even see each other. It makes me sick.

Oh, I agree. What's important isn't how someone looks, it's their true nature. I don't pretend to know your true nature. I don't even have a very good understanding of my own. But I suppose you see mine just fine, don't you?

Just a silly girl with no thoughts in her head except for marrying a noble, yes? Good-bye, Felix.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Quit being such an asshole to your women friends, Felix.

Seteth/Flayn B.

♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪

Flayn, is something the matter?

I thought I made it clear that I do not want you meddling in the affairs of me and my friends!

I am not quite sure what you are referring to. But I promise you, I would never try to stand in your way.

It has come to my attention that you have been running about asking people what they think of me. Asking everyone!

Well of course I have. It took me quite some time. But for you, it was well worth the effort. I was able to confirm that you are getting along well with everyone. It was very reassuring.

I cannot emphasize enough how embarrassed I was when I found out. And you have caused such a stir for those whom you questioned! Why, one person even said he feared for his life when you cornered him in the dining hall!

The dining hall? Ah, I know the fellow you are referring to. Yes... I have seen the way he looks at you.

I recognized in an instant that he had impure feelings for you. As your brother, I took it upon myself to test his resolve.

I merely asked him if he was prepared to lay his life on the line for my beloved sister.

He is nothing more than a friend! Kindly keep out of my social business in the future.

I am happy to see that you are making friends. But you should weigh your options more carefully.

Who I befriend is absolutely none of your business! Do you know what they call people like you? Overprotective meddlers!

I am no longer a child. Are you incapable of trusting me, even a little?

Of course I trust you. But, as an elder brother, I have a certain responsibility...

As my brother?

Obviously.

Oh, never mind it. If you'll excuse me.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Seteth/Cyril C.

♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪

Thank you, Cyril. Would you mind waiting just a moment for me to confirm the contents?

Sure thing.

All seems to be accounted for. I lack the time to handle tasks of this kind myself. I appreciate you making the effort. Is there anything I can assist you with? Do you have any concerns?

Concerns? Nah, I'm happy just working for Lady Rhea. I got a way better life now than I ever did before.

If your better life is this frugal, I have to wonder what your previous experience was like. It must not have been easy before you came to us. But you should know that is in the past now. You are young. You should be enjoying life. Do not allow your past to overshadow that. Is there nothing you desire? We will support you in any way we can.

Really, there's nothing... Except... Nah, it's OK.

Except?

I don't got anywhere else to go, and I just wanna be able to stay here forever. This place Lady Rhea gave me, it's the only place I know to call home.

I will keep that in mind.

Well, I got work to do. Excuse me.

Of course. I apologize for delaying you.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

Catherine/Shamir A.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

We don't need to have this conversation.

You don't know what I was going to say!

Something about our vastly different approaches to life.

Fine, then. We don't need to talk about it.

...

...Actually—

Really I—

Sorry, you go first.

I was gonna say I'd hear you out.

OK. Let's talk about it. I will be faithful to Lady Rhea until I die. If I had to choose between you and her, I would choose her every time.

I assume that disqualifies me from being your partner.

Between you and Rhea, I'd choose you. But between you and me, I'd choose me.

That probably disqualifies me from being your partner too.

Well, no. I'm quite fond of being alive. I don't intend to sacrifice my life, either. If it came down to you or me, I'd choose... Huh.

What's wrong?

Nothing. You're not like the rest of the knights. Maybe someday you'll have to take a path that diverges from ours. What if we went to war with your country?

Heh. It is a possibility.

Maybe I shouldn't be thinking like that.

The future is one of the great mysteries of life. We can worry about it when the time comes... But until our paths diverge, you're my partner. And I couldn't ask for a better one.

You got that right! I'm the best there is.

♪ The Forgotten ♪

With all that done, let's spend our activity points.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Abby/Caspar A.

♪ Recollection and Regret ♪

I've been thinking a lot about those brigands with the scorpion tattoos, and I realized something...

Let's hear it.

OK. Listen.

I think... I can't deny who I am. I know you were right five years ago when you told me not to chase after that suspicious guy...

But I still can't get over the possibility that he might have hurt those kids.

I would have regretted not stopping him for the rest of my life. There's no way I could forgive myself. It sounds awful to say, but the safety of those kids is more important to me than the knights we lost.

It's my job to take that into account.

I know. It's too big a risk to keep me around... I won't cause a fuss. I'll just pack my bags and— Wait. What?

I think you misunderstood.

I-I guess so! You're really OK with me sticking around? Even if I might not always follow orders? People could get hurt if you let me keep doing things my way.

We'll make it work.

Just like that? I almost can't believe it...

I really struggled to come to this decision, you know!

I want to stand by your side, but I won't stop standing up for what I believe in. I know I might cause trouble for everyone, but...

I just... You know, I... Oh, I give up. I've got nothing else to say. I should've just kept my mouth shut.

It's OK. I'm counting on you.

Yeah, I know. Thanks, Professor.

Thanks for accepting me for who I am...

I'm glad I get to keep fighting by your side.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

With that out of the way, let's move on.

Marianne gets her final white magic with Faith A.

Aura: 1-2 range. 12 Mt, 70 Hit, 20 Crit, 12 Wt, 3 durability.

She also classes into Gremory!

Shamir gets a major upgrade with Bow Knight.

...

Fascinating.

Abby/Shamir A.

♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪

Never mind. I know what you'd say.

Were you talking to someone?

In a sense. Someone who's long since passed.

Another mercenary I fought alongside. They were killed ten years ago when Dagda was in conflict with the Empire. It's all I can focus on lately...

Why do you think that is?

To be honest, I blame you.

Heh. I'm just teasing. I know it's not your fault. You just remind me of him.

You give off a similar air... It's uncanny. You even have the same inflection, which makes no sense because we only ever spoke Dagdan. I don't know what it is, but you feel the same to me.

I'm sorry.

Please. It's not your fault. It's my fault for getting caught up in memories. Still, you always remember your first love, right?

What will you do after the war?

Good question. The world is completely open to me. Your next move seems apparent... But...who knows where I'll end up. Though, I may have done enough traveling for one lifetime. I like the idea of having a permanent home. And after all my time here, I've grown quite fond of Fódlan. I left Dagda, crossed through Brigid, and came all the way to Fódlan on my own.

I think I'll be just fine navigating this world, wherever I decide to go.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Well, I've gotten everyone to A rank with Abby now.

Ferdinand/Hilda B.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

Stay back, Hilda! I will no longer entertain your clever little requests. Your wiles will not work this time!

You shouldn't yell at a noble maiden. It's a no-no, etiquette-wise.

By way of an apology, you may brew me some tea.

I am sorry to have offended you, but delightful as it sounds, I will not be brewing any tea at present. Besides, I taught you how to do it before. You should be able to do it on your own, so why don't you?

You did show me how to do it, but I can't do it as well as you.

And why not?

You selected just the right leaves, and you boiled them just right. You even considered the room temperature and humidity.

Then you set out just the right pot, along with just the right cups. You immediately picked out a design that you knew I would like. When you poured, the temperature, the timing, and the technique were all impeccable.

Hm. You seem to know an awful lot about tea, for someone who cannot even pour it.

Oh, uh, not really! Maybe I picked up a couple things from watching you.

Even the sound of the liquid pouring into the cups was like music. Taken as a whole, it was an almost spiritual experience. A symphony for the senses.

I was just making tea in the traditional fashion.

Oh, I'm so flustered, I'm not getting my point across. I'm trying to say that...

Your tea is like love. You're devoted to bringing happiness to those who drink it. I could taste that from the first drop.

Well... When serving another, one must put in a little bit of love.

But I must say, you surprise me. Not many are so attentive to the finer points of tea.

I made quite the impression on you! Perhaps I ought to pour you another cup.

Really? Oh thank you, Ferdinand.

I shall find us a suitable brew. Wait here a moment.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Caspar/Dorothea A.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

Again? Let's make it quick. I gotta get some training in eventually.

More training? Don't you get tired of it?

No, I don't get tired of working toward my goals, unlike you.

Me? What do you mean?

Your quest for the perfect husband! I haven't seen you wasting time with any dull-looking guys lately.

Oh, that... Maybe I just found something worth staying in for.

You mean in the monastery? This place is a dump compared to what it was five years ago...

That's not what I'm talking about. Honestly, Caspar, you don't understand women at all.

Well, excuse me! Maybe I'm just another dull guy.

That must be why you don't pick up on how I feel.

Uh, what?

When I'm around you, I feel like, well...like I can always be myself. I don't need to act differently or flirt...or lie. I can just be me. I always said you were little brother material, but... When we're alone like this, the idea of marriage—

Caspar? Settle. You might be getting the wrong idea.

I was only saying, when I'm with you like this, I can forget all about marriage and just be friends.

Huh? Right! Of course!

Though, I suppose relationships like that can also lead to marriage.

Now I know you're messing with me.

I'm not trying to tease. I was just thinking out loud.

If neither of us ever find our special someone... It might not be so bad to settle down and spend the rest of our lives together. What do you think?

I...haven't really thought about that.

I'm not really the...romance type. Spending the rest of my life with you doesn't sound so bad though. But why are we even talking about this? There's no way you won't find someone great!

Stranger things have happened.

Either way, no point in worrying about it now. I'm plenty happy with our current situation! Let's just focus on staying good friends.

Good idea. Here's to us.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Felix/Annette B.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

Yes.

Well, I went ahead and took care of it. I also cleaned up the warehouse.

Why?

I just wanted to...help you out...so that... OK, fine! I'm bribing you. So you'll forget!

Forget what?

Are you really going to make me say it? Before! In the greenhouse. I want you to forget what you saw and heard.

If you agree to forget about it, I'll take your shift in the stables. Do we have a deal?

No, thanks.

No?! But that's not OK! You have to forget about it! Right this moment!

I can't. It's permanently etched in my memory. A mountain of sweets, as well as steaks and cakes. Stacks of them, apparently. I'm also intrigued by those bear and swamp beastie songs you mentioned. Ah, and I've been meaning to ask about the move that went along with "crumbs and yums." Was that fencing footwork?

Stop it, Felix! You're a villain!

Hm?

You think you're so funny? Keeping a straight face while mocking my singing and dancing! Well, you have to forget about it. Please! What if I make you a nice steak dinner?

You like steak, don't you, Felix? It will be yummy.

This isn't about steak. I just—

Fine, be stubborn! Tell the whole world for all I care! I'll just learn to live with the funny looks I'll get from everyone.

They'll all say, "There goes that Annette, the girl with the funny ideas about food!" You're just the evilest of villains, Felix! I'll hate you forever and ever!

"Funny ideas about food." Even the bullies in her head are ridiculous.

I really don't understand that girl.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪

Ah fuck.

So here's a thing that really shouldn't happen if you're careful, which I'm not: certain supports can only be started during Part 1. If you try to start them during Part 2, it won't work, and those two characters will be stuck with no support rank forever.

Ingrid/Catherine B.

♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪

Yes, that should suffice!

I must say, you've gotten good at seeing through my tricks. I can't mislead you so easily anymore.

I've made it my goal to read your aim and not give away anything through my body language.

But in hand-to-hand combat, your form needs work. On the battlefield, even if you lose your weapon, you can't ever stop fighting. Sink your teeth into their throats, kick 'em where it hurts. Do whatever it takes to survive.

Have you ever needed to employ such methods?

Not on the battlefield. I've never been in such a dire situation that I needed to.

But at the tavern, loads of times! With a well-aimed boot, I've brought many a man to his knees.

Hahaha! Haha!

My point is, you can't hesitate to use dirty tactics. You have to grit your teeth and fight back.

War isn't as pretty as it's made out to be, in all those poems and songs. Sometimes, even as a knight, you have to do things that you might think are beneath you.

You might even have to let innocent bystanders die. Are you prepared for that, Ingrid? Do you really want to be a knight, knowing what it entails?

I'm prepared to do whatever is requested of me. Come what may. I will be a knight who loyally serves my king, just as you loyally serve Lady Rhea.

You've got me wrong. I'm loyal to the archbishop, but only up to a point. I'd do anything in the world for Lady Rhea...except die. If she asked me to die for her, I wouldn't. Does that sound like a contradiction? Very well. That's just who I am.