Update 48: The Crown of the Immaculate



♪ Three Crowns ♪



The ambitions of those who slither in the dark are forever shattered with Shambhala's destruction. But in the process, Rhea is grievously injured. What fate awaits her, and who will bear the weight of Fódlan on their shoulders?

♪ No music ♪



♪ A Lonely Figure ♪


Hang in there, Lady Rhea.
She needs help! Hurry!




It was the Immaculate One... Rhea.
She tried to save me...
What? You already knew her true identity?
Thinking back, I suppose so.
I see. In the past, the children of the goddess were all able to change their appearance, just like the Immaculate One. I lost that power long ago, but it seems Rhea has not.
You're one of the children of the goddess?
Is it not obvious? Flayn and I both are. We have protected Garreg Mach, and all of Fódlan, for a very long time.
But now...the light of Rhea's life is on the verge of disappearing from this world. It is flickering... I do not know if she can be saved. Even if she is, I wonder if she will remain unchanged...
Professor... Are you able to carry on Rhea's work? As the protector of Fódlan, and as leader of the people who live here... You must defend the people. Guide them and teach them. Join their hearts and spread peace across the whole of the land.
It is not as though you must become the archbishop.
But Fódlan needs leadership. It is up to you to govern this war-torn land.
I...
You need not reply right this moment. We will strive to heal Rhea as best we can.
Perhaps it would help to seek counsel from our friends at the monastery about this matter.
I agree. When your mind is made up, please speak with me.
I would ask that you give me your decision in the presence of Rhea herself.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪


To think that my days will not be spent debating war tactics and preparing for battles. It doesn't quite feel real.
Now that we are finally at peace, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself.
Maybe you should think about the future now.
Thinking of the future has never been my forte.
As long as I have a routine in place for myself, I can find contentment.


But still, Fódlan is united, and those terrible people lurking in the dark have finally been destroyed.
Looks like it's the dawn of a wonderful new era...of blissful seclusion for Bernie!
Suit yourself.
Woo-hoo! You finally did it, Bernie! Now take your reward of eternal peace and quiet!


I hope in the new Fódlan, Brigid can be accepted with friendship. When my professor becomes the leader, I think that will have a possibility. Please, choose well.
Same to you.
Yes. Now I must be packing.


RIGHT! We did it, Professor! We really gave it to 'em out there!
With all the fighting and hardships, I don't know how we did it...
But I'm glad we made it through together!
Me too.
Now all we gotta do is make you the new ruler! That's gonna be a fun coronation!


Say, how is the archbishop faring? The soldiers and citizens are all concerned! Just when we thought peace had finally arrived... What's to become of Fódlan?


The Empire, Alliance, and Kingdom are no more. Nor are there any factions that could blindside us and cause conflict. Now it falls to us to rule Fódlan, and bring about an era of peace and prosperity.
You would be a fine choice for the first ruler of this new era. I sincerely believe that.
Thank you.
So, your heart is already set on it! Excellent! In that case, congratulations are in order. I will follow you, Professor. I aim to be a great and respectable noble.


Oh, Professor, it's you. What's up? Need something?
Lover's quarrel again?
I dunno if I'd call us lovers, exactly. Not yet anyway. It was just a dinner invite.
All fighting and no loving makes Sylvain a rusty boy. Well, I can get back in practice now. Peacetime is the best for love—nobody dying, nobody getting hurt...except me, apparently.
If you're gonna be the ruler, you need to keep the peace going so I can catch up on my love life.


Thank you, Professor. Finally, I feel some vindication for what I've gone through.
No, thank you, Lysithea.
Ah, Professor. Ever the modest one. I do like that aspect of you. As long as I'm of use here, I'm happy to stick around, Professor.


I've worried that I might not live to see this day, but here we are, and everything is going to be OK, isn't it?
Hah, my heart feels like it's ready to burst. I'm so full of happiness, yet I feel a sense of loss too...
We protected more than we lost.
I agree. I suppose if I think of those who are gone as the people who ensured our freedom...it hurts less.
Please do what you can to keep the peace, so we never have to face such awful times again.


We're not gonna find out that there was some evil shadowy figure hiding behind the subterranean guys, are we?
I don't think so.
Ah, that's good! Though to be honest, there's not much that would surprise me at this point...
I feel invincible! A nice perk of being your student, don't you think?


I don't want to imagine it, but what will happen if Lady Rhea passes away like this?
We'll cross that bridge if we come to it.
I suppose you're right.
Anyhow... You're going to be the ruler, Professor? It's so strange to think of, for some reason!


What will you do? I heard you intend to lead.
I'm more interested in what you'll do.
Well, if you do choose to lead, I might like to work for you.
But first I'll go back to the old Faerghus territory.
Where my father and my old friends once lived. I need to pay respects, put flowers on their graves.


Even if you haven't made plans yet, I know you'll do your best, whatever your future may hold.
You've become quite the optimist.
I never would have dreamed my heart could have grown this way.
Please let me know if there's anything more I can do.


It hasn't been decided.
Oh, so the rumor was really true? I hope you accept. I don't think there's anyone else who could do it. You have nothing to worry about. We'll support you no matter what path you choose to follow!


I don't care one bit who'll succeed Lady Rhea, 'cause nobody's gonna need to. She's gonna be happy and healthy again. You'll see.


And while she is recovering, somebody must watch over Fódlan.
There is no one more fit to wear such a mantle than you, Professor.
That is what I believe. I do not doubt the others feel the same.


Isn't that enough? Can't you let her rest?
If you're the only person who's fit to replace her, you should just do it.
I'm sure Lady Rhea wishes for that too, right? I can't think of anyone who's more well suited to the job.


Is it true what I heard? You'll be taking over her post?
Would that make you archbishop? Or higher still? Am I in the company of the future ruler of Fódlan?
Either would be a hassle.
I agree! Imagine all that responsibility. Until now, you've always fought with all of us by your side.
Being ruler would be a much lonelier job, though I am certain you would excel. Me? I have no interest in a leadership role. I'm happy to spend the rest of my days studying...and napping.


Rhea's condition doesn't look good. There's nothing to do now but wait.
More importantly, are you serious about becoming Fódlan's new ruler?
I'm not sure.
It's pretty sudden. Either way, do what you think is best.



♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


Ah! Ferdinand! Why are you so short of breath?
I just wanted to show you something.
What's this... Um... Oh!
Yes. These are financial records that I recovered from your adoptive father. They prove that when he adopted you, large sums of money changed hands.
Where did you come across these?
I went to Fhirdiad, found his estate, and stealthily made my way inside. It was easy. I stealthily made my way into Fhirdiad and looked around his estate. It was easy. That kind of thing is no trouble for an intrepid young noble such as myself.
That's amazing! I mean...amazingly irresponsible!
I can't believe you put yourself at risk for my benefit. I really wish you wouldn't do such things!
No, I did it for my benefit. I could not help myself.
With these documents, we can show everyone what a scoundrel your adoptive father really is.
His noble aspirations will be crushed. The lord of the region will probably rescind his adoption contract. In other words, you will be free. Here, take them. Do with them what you will.
Do you really believe these will set me free?
Yes. Of course.
You will be free to decide your own path in life, and go wherever your heart leads you.
That does sound nice...but...


Why? Is this not what you want?
I've lived so much of my life following everyone else's lead... So much so that I've come to terms with it. It's almost unavoidable at this point.
But with these...I could regain my freedom and change all that.
You baffle me. Do you not wish to be free?
Of course I do. Let me try that again in a way you might understand.
Ahem. A true noble cuts their own path, seizing freedom from the clutches of tyranny!
I cannot argue with that. Fine, then. I will hold on to the documents.
But I'm really very happy that you're so concerned with my well-being, Ferdinand.
It means so much to me that you went through all that trouble on my behalf.
Of course, Mercedes. The smile on your face is well worth the effort.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


"Get over here"? Ha! How about I tell you to get out of here?
You're always following me around. At least make yourself useful. Let's spar.
What? Are you serious?
I don't joke. Draw your weapon, unless you intend to fight without one.
If you want to train, then do it on your own.
If you don't attack first, I will.
OK. If you want me to knock some sense into you, who am I to say no?




Is this your attempt at flattery? Aw, it is, isn't it.
When I was in the opera, I always trained for self-defense. Couldn't really get by without it.
Nowadays, if you can't use a sword, then you're just in the way.
Perhaps I had you all wrong. I thought you were just a frivolous girl who cared only for men of status.
On the contrary, you seem well aware of the realities of the world. I respect that.
Yeah, yeah. All right. Ahh, I'm beat. I'm going to go sit down and relax with a cup of tea. You'll join me, naturally.
I will?
We just trained together. Are you really going to turn me down?
Just this once.
Good, let's go for tea. While we're at it, shall you treat me to a meal?
Don't get carried away.
Aw, you're no fun...



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


Hey, Felix. I'm glad you're safe.
You irresponsible fool! Protecting me like that. You're so weak, and yet you always...always...
Look, it doesn't matter, as long as you're safe. You can go on living, while I...
Stop kidding around. You're not going to die. I won't let you.




You think something like this could kill me? No way.
A little magic will take care of the wound. Some bed rest then I'm good to go out and do it all over again.
Sylvain!
Oh, come on. That was funny. It's not like you to be so concerned.
You really are a fool. The biggest in all of Fódlan.
I thought something was off. There's no way you could die from such a small cut. You're so reckless and inattentive, I thought this might be divine punishment.
Hey! That's not nice! You should be thanking me.
I am grateful. You've been doing this since we were children.
Constantly fooling around, but then showing up and helping when we really need you.


A hug? Did you get hit on the head? Come on. Tell me you want to hug me again. I liked it.
Hmph! I won't be repeating it, you half-wit. You're obviously fine, so I'll leave now.
You know how we grew up together?
Obviously.
Do you remember the promise we made when we were kids? About sticking together until we die together?
I remember.
Well, I'm really not trying to get myself killed before you. You know that, right?
I know... I know. But I'm tired of these close calls.
You have to stop fooling around. Take your training more seriously.
You can die whenever you please, but I'm not going down with you.
OK, I get it. Once I've healed, I'll get my act together.
Hmph. Then I hope you have a speedy recovery.
Sylvain? Thank you.
That's what friends are for, Felix.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Nope. Nothing. If there was, I don't think I'd ask for your help.
I'm sorry to hear that. Have I done something to upset you?
Not exactly. You go overboard helping me, is all. You do way, way too much. So I feel guilty, like I'm putting you out.
Goodness! It was never my intention to have you worry about me!
Hm. Can I ask you something?
Of course. What is it?
What are you doing today?
Following my morning prayers, I'll be cleaning the altar then caring for the flowers in the greenhouse.
Then it's off to the library to help organize and sort, then to the dining hall to wipe down the tables and chairs. The floors could use a good polish too... Oh! And the weather's so nice that I might air out the bedding! After that it's—
Wow, you're still not done? There's more?
Well, the dishcloths in the dining hall are all frayed, so I was hoping to mend them.
Sewing! Don't you think that's too much?
Whatever do you mean? And why are you speaking so loudly all of a sudden?
Ugh! I'll help with the dining hall. But I am not sewing.
You want to help? That would be delightful!
Everyone asks you for help, and you always say yes, don't you?
I suppose. I believe it's important to help where you can.
If you see someone in trouble, you can't leave them, can you?


I'm sure you can. You and I are very similar in that way.
Are you serious? How? We have nothing in common.
That may be so, but you thought I was in trouble and you agreed to help, didn't you?
Well, I mean, yes.
That's exactly what I do! I'm so happy to have found a kindred spirit!
Uh... If that's what makes you happy, OK. Kindred spirits, let's go with that.
Now that I've got you at my side, I can take on even more responsibilities!
Not a chance!



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Uhh, Hilda? What's that box you're holding... It's...making me nervous for some reason.
Your big sister Hilda's here, and she's going to make you look all grown-up!
I, uh, don't recall ever asking you to—
That's right, I knew exactly what you needed! You didn't have to ask. Now, take a seat!


You must choose colors that suit you and the occasion. If you'll be up close and personal—if you're going to a ball, for example—you want to keep it subtle. On the other hand, if you're going to be onstage, the colors should be overt.
Uh... I've never used makeup before. It sounds...complicated.
Let's put up your hair to show off your neck. But we'll leave a few strands hanging, to make you look more vulnerable.
Why would I want to appear vulnerable? I don't want to be attacked!
This is for wooing, not warring. When you're older, you might understand the importance of looking a little vulnerable.
Ugh. You're treating me like a child... But I guess it's mostly harmless.
Now, when you're standing, put your non-dominant foot a step back. It looks more elegant.
When sitting, don't lean back, but don't slouch either. And ensure at all times, you're gracefully extending your fingers.
Gracefully...extending... Argh. Suddenly standing and sitting are an exhausting activity!


I knew you had potential! You'll go far, my darling. A couple of years to develop your charms, and no girl will outmatch you!
I'm not sure I'm cut out for this type of thing.
Oh, believe me, you are. With a little help from me, you'll have men falling at your feet!
No, thanks. You're more suited to such things. I'll leave it to you. I haven't the time or the energy to fuss over how I'm perceived.
Even with my best efforts, I'll never be as good at this as you are.
Still, this was rather fun. Thank you, Hilda.




When she smiles like that, wow! Even my heart skips a beat.



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪








I see... Hey, what are you looking at there? Anything interesting? Let me have a look. "3 apples, 2 bags of ointment, 1 piece of graphite." Intriguing... Some sort of code, perhaps?
Nah, I was just asked to go out and buy the stuff on this list.
Oh, that's all? Sorry for interrupting, in that case. This is kind of a one-person job, so I won't bother you by offering aid.
You actually helped a lot just now, reading that list for me like you did.
I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anybody, 'cause I've been trying to keep it a secret, but...
I don't know how to read, so I wasn't sure what to do with the list.
Is that so? But why do you keep it a secret?
I'd hate it if people figured I wasn't up to a job just 'cause I couldn't read.
You're always welcome to call on me for help. I'd be happy to.
Thanks, I will.
I really mean that. Anything you need.
OK.
Good! Now, you'd better go get those supplies before it gets dark. Do you remember everything on the list? Need me to read it one more time for you?
That would be pretty helpful, actually.
All right, listen up! I'm not gonna do this a third time!


Lysithea's not a good liar, is she? She knew I was in trouble right away.
Hang on. Did she just wanna act like a big sister again? But she looked real happy when she was helping me. And I think I'd like to see that smile again sometime.

♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪



♪ The Forgotten ♪


♪ Somewhere to Belong ♪


I am the one who suggested it would be great firewood. I suppose it's only fair I get punished too. How was I supposed to know the archbishop's favorite chair was stashed away under a pile of trash? My apologies, Petra. My idea turned out to be worthless.
It was not worthless. It had great worth.
You gave me great help so I could be smoking all of that meat. I give you all of my gratitude for that.
Well, at least you'll have no worries about provisions.
I just realized... They didn't actually tell us when the punishment will be over.
You can be leaving if you are wanting to. I will not be telling anyone. This is my responsibility to take.
How are you so obedient and yet so passionate at the— Oh! Look, Petra! The book you were searching for.
The Complete Guide to Fódlan's Wildlife!
I have so much happiness! You are full of amazement.
Heh, well, books are my field of expertise. Still, what a stroke of luck.
Linhardt... Can I be asking you something?
What's that?
You are no longer saying I am bothering you. Instead you are helping me with my requests. What is the reasoning? Why am I not bothering you now?
Hmm, interesting observation. I wonder why that is? You always ask me so earnestly. You seem to throw your entire being into all that you do.
I guess I rather like it...working as hard as you do. On occasion, that is.
You are liking the hard work?
Yes. You inspire me to be, well, something that is not normally me.
If you are liking it, then I will keep working hard. With your wisdom, I can be working even harder than before. That means I will be needing your wisdom from now onward. With my strength and your wisdom, there is nothing we can't be doing.
I think you may be right. Your strength and my wisdom... That sounds like a wonderful combination.



♪ The Forgotten ♪



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


That is certainly an abrupt question.
You're much closer to her than anyone else in the entire church. Certainly you're a good, upstanding person, but I can't help but feel there's something more to it.
Supporting the archbishop is my sole professional interest. Personally, I consider her to be something akin to a companion.
A companion?
Yes. As in a traveling companion. Friends who walk the same path, toward the same destination.
Hmm, companion, huh? A companion. I guess that does sound about right, now that you say it. Though, I'll confess to being quite jealous! Not many people can call themselves companions of Lady Rhea.
I do not know how she feels about it.
Oh, come on. You must trust that she feels the same about you.
There is no need for that sort of trust. My duties are the same regardless of her perspective. I consider you to be a companion also.
A companion in fighting for the archbishop?
Certainly. Our goals are firmly aligned when it comes to that, are they not?
You're right, they are. I suppose you and I could be considered companions in that sense.
I am pleased to hear my sentiment reciprocated. I rely on you a great deal, after all. More than most.
Whoa there, what's all this now? Flattery won't win you any prizes with me, Seteth.
I do not flatter. I merely want you to understand why it matters to me that you be more cautious in battle.
As your companion, it is my wish for you to be safe.
Oh good, we're back in familiar territory—with you admonishing me. Don't worry, I'll be careful. I'll always try to live up to your expectations. So don't expect too much, or you'll wear me out!



♪ The Forgotten ♪



♪ Scales of the Goddess ♪


♪ No music ♪





(Someone I love...)






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