Update 58: Unchanging, Ever— Wait, Nope, Still Unchanging


♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Perhaps you would like some insight on how to write your next lecture? While I do have a great many ideas, it would be inappropriate to— Oh? Am I mistaken? If that's the case, then what can I do for you?
It's about the female students.
The ladies have complained? To you? About me? Preposterous. There must be some mistake. I am the heir of the noble House Gloucester. It is bred in me to treat all people with respect. Rest assured, you will not find anyone more upstanding than yours truly. Perhaps the issue is that the splendor of my noble presence is driving the ladies to distraction! If that is the crime, I do confess. I hope I've not troubled the ladies' hearts unduly.
It is your advances they seem to find troubling.
Outrageous! That's absurd! Who would dare to allege such slander?!
A number of female students, actually.
Of all the...
Well, I suppose I have offered several of them the honor of dining with me. It is impossible to tell if even the most well-bred young lady is a suitable companion for me merely by the sight of her. So in order for us to get to know each other properly, it is appropriate that we dine together.
Thus far they have all declined, oddly enough. For some reason they seem to be exercising some form of restraint when speaking with me. I would never insist, of course.
But I will admit I have, on occasion, after a day's pause, issued repeat invitations—in the fashion and style of a gentleman.
That is the problem.
What?! Ridiculous! Dinner invitations from me, a problem? The very idea!
I am a perfect gentleman. The son of a noble line! I've a wit like a rapier! And it takes but a glance to see that I'm gorgeous!
No, I cannot believe such a thing. Are you sure this isn't the result of some sort of scheme?
It cannot be otherwise. Someone has clearly devised a conspiracy against me. Someone who envies my position, who seeks to soil my sterling reputation with foul rumors. How crude.
Please, Professor. It is beneath you to fall victim to such petty and obscene tactics. I implore you to take greater care in the future. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a great deal of work to do. Farewell.







♪ No music ♪


♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Hmm... Let me know if you meet anyone I might be interested in, OK?


Good luck subduing those treasonous nobles!


Well, if we're just going to tie up loose ends, at least it'll be pretty safe. I don't mind stretching my legs for this one.
And if Catherine's going, too, there's a good chance we'll get a look at her Relic in action.


This poses a threat, obviously. But not one for the Kingdom—for the church. I mean, Faerghus doesn't even have a king at present. There's something...unsettling about this army. You had better ensure we're fully prepared.


♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


I was just about to finish up, but if you want to join in, I can stick around a while longer.
You don't have to stay just for me.
Oh, no. It's fine! Just do your thing. Don't mind me. Come on. Don't be shy.




You didn't have to stay for my whole routine.
I was...already training when you got here, and I...finished right alongside you...
Guess I...outlasted you, huh?
It's not a competition.
Speak for yourself! I'm always looking to improve.
By the way, Professor. Something I wanted to ask.
Let's hear it, then.
Are you really Captain Jeralt's kid?
That's what I'm told.
That's a pretty detached tone to take about your own family. What's your opinion of him, then? You must look up to him, at least?
I respect him, of course.
Hm. It doesn't sound like you really appreciate him.
You didn't even know until you came here that he used to lead the Knights of Seiros, did you?
If it weren't for him, you wouldn't be half the person you are now. You've probably never even thought about how lucky you are. Ugh! OK, this really bothers me! Listen up. I don't care if you're the teacher and I'm the student. I'm going to outshine you. I know you were some famous mercenary before you came here, but let me tell you something... I'm going to be better than you ever were! In fact, I'll surpass you in no time at all, so don't blink. You might miss it.







♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


♪ The Forgotten ♪


Lots of things happen down here. Lots of reports need to be reported. And for all reportable things, I'm your guy. Oh! Have you explored Abyss, yet? Some shiny treasures here. Much better than up top. Fact: treasure likes to be underground. You're one of those treasure snobs who thinks their treasure is better than everyone else's, are ya? Those types really get my goat.






The writing was on the wall. If anything, it's more surprising it didn't happen sooner.
You seem to know a fair bit about all this.
Lord Lonato answers to Count Rowe of Faerghus, the man who adopted me. That's how I got into the academy. I'm not in contact with the count anymore, but that's how I know so much. Gaspard territory smacks of war. It'll be interesting to see how things shake out.



Never hurt anyone again.




Oh? You would argue the point? Do you claim to have a view inside my mind?
In fact, I do.
I warn you that I don't suffer fools.
I'm doing strenuous mental exercises. My magical theories require rigorous fine-tuning.
I shall never finish this task if I am not left to my own devices. Run along, now.



I have not.
Beautiful. Guess those lowlifes haven't tracked me down yet.
Bounty hunters are the worst, yeah? They can't just let me be, so I have to go through the trouble of roughing 'em up.


But this army's picking a fight with the church, so as far as I'm concerned, more power to 'em.
You must really hate the church.
Hate's a strong word. I'm just saying, they might have a good reason to rebel.
Rhea and her lackeys like to pretend they're always in the right, but they're not. No one is.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Huh?
♪ Living in a land that's dark and blinded by the frigid cold... Creeping through the loneliness for ages untold... In your heart you're desperate for the sweet embrace of light... Pushing through and crawling with all of your might... HERE! Creepy creepy creepity creep... NOW! Creepy creepy creepity creep... ♪
...
Oh! Claude! You weren't, uh...watching me, were you?
I saw the whole ritual, yes. You have a gift, Annette. I could watch that all day. In fact... I just might.
Claude! Ugh. Can you please...forget you saw that?
I was just making up a silly song to pass the time while watering the plants.
Sure, sure, it can be my secret serenade, if you so please. But tell me... You were born in Faerghus, right?
Yes, that's right.
I thought so. You're really talented, you know. It's been a while since I heard a song like that. One that stirs me to my very soul.
Soul stirring? My creepity creep song? I think that's a bit of an exaggeration...
I never, ever exaggerate. In fact, it reminded me of rituals we have back where I grew up. We'd gather around a blazing fire and spend the whole night caught up in song and dance. Not unlike what you just demonstrated. Really, the dance I'm thinking of is exactly like the one you just did. We'd scream like beasts and then jump up and roll around. It's freeing, isn't it?
Scream? Like a beast? That is not what I was doing. And...and what's this weird ritual you're talking about?
Even better than your angelic voice were your lyrics. I can't even begin to fathom the deep meaning they contain, but maybe if we talk about it...
Deep meaning? No... Just... No.
Oh, I get it. It's the sort of thing you have to figure out for yourself. OK, don't tell me. Give me time. I'll work it out.
Work what out?
Oh... Have you already watered the plants? Sorry, I'm just realizing it was supposed to be my turn this week.
Ah, no, it's fine. Really.
OK, see you later then. ♪ Creepity creeeep... ♪





♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


Oh. Hey, Raphael... I'm done eating, so you can sit here if you like!
Really? But there's still food on your plate.
Ah, it's fine, I'm not that hungry. Anyway, I guess I'll be heading off!
Oh. OK.




Uh... Oh my! That equipment's looking rusty! Let me fetch some oil.
What's the matter? It always looks like that! Come on, we'll take care of it later.
No, you have to do it as soon as you notice. There's oil in the warehouse. I'll be right back!




Are you busy? I need to talk to you.
No, uh, that's... Oh, almost forgot, it's time to return this book to the library! I'll just...
Hey, hey, hey! Hold up! Are you seriously gonna keep running away from me?
What? No! I'm not...running.
Yes, you are! Every time I try to talk to you, you make up some excuse and run! What's going on? You were a lot friendlier to me when we were kids.
You were always so excited to show me all the neat stuff you had whenever I came to visit. We'd play hide-and-seek with my little sis, draw pictures and do other fun stuff too! Remember all that?
Things...can't be the way they were. It's regrettable but it's the truth.
Regrettable? What's there to regret?
I mean, you know...what happened to your parents. My parents are the reason your parents died.
You're still upset about that? Look, it's like I told you. My parents' death was an accident.
My parents are the reason your parents died.
What're you talking about? My parents died in an accident while traveling for work.
Maybe so, but they were taking over for mine because they had other business that day and couldn't go themselves. So, they recommended yours to fill in for them.
Huh... I didn't know that. But what does that have to do with our friendship?
No, but see, I...
Oh, I see. But we're done talking about this. You gotta stop beating yourself up over it. It was an accident.







♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪










No, that's all right. Actually I'm just finishing up.
Oh! It's true! Look how tidy everything is! You've done such a marvelous job. I'm glad I didn't get in your way.
Thank you very much. So, anyway, you can go now.
Hm?
You were talking to your friend, right? I just have some things to put away. It's OK, I can manage without you.
Oh, Ignatz. I thought I saw someone earlier. That was you, wasn't it? You know, I'd have been willing to help. You could've just said, "Hey, let's go and clean."
It's all right. You were having a conversation. I didn't want to sneak up like I was eavesdropping. And really, I didn't need help.
Aw, Ignatz, you darling! You're so considerate. Thank you so very much.
Glad to be of service. I'll start putting all this away.
Not so fast!
Wh-what's the matter?
Aren't you overdoing it? Don't you think you might be taking on too much, hm?
Oh, uh. I didn't expect to hear that from you.
Let me give you some advice. It's true that I like to delegate as many tasks as I possibly can. But when someone helps me, I make sure to lavish them with praise, as a reward for their hard work. So, then we come out even. On the other hand, look what almost happened just now.
You did all that work for me, and I almost missed it! Now, where would that leave you?
With no praise, no thanks! You'd be losing out.
Um... Personally I'd prefer to lose out, rather than inconvenience someone else.
For instance, I'd have felt terrible for intruding on your important conversation earlier. Consider the negligible loss to me, versus the major inconvenience to you. Personal loss is always going to be the better choice, right?
Huh. Well, if that's how you feel, then I'm not sure how to convince you otherwise.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Heh, suit yourself! My gut says the odds are in favor of that mercenary. He's clearly a seasoned f—
Gah! Right when I open my big mouth, he goes and loses on me.
Hahaha, I win! Again. Had enough, Balthus?
Damn you! You've won every round! The fights are rigged, admit it. It's the only explanation.
Heh, of course they aren't. It's not like we're playing for money. We wouldn't be so foolish now, would we? You're the one who started this silly game, anyway. So out with it. You lost—spill the beans. It has to be juicy, though. Something that leaves you a bit...vulnerable.
Why did I agree to these stakes? If this losing streak keeps up, you'll know an awful lot about me, pal.
Let's see... OK, got one! A few years back, I went toe-to-toe with a bird beast in some ancient ruins.
This one again? You obliterated the ruins, and a lord who found out put a price on your head. You've told me a thousand times before.
A good story bears repeating, yeah? But it seems I'm all out of anecdotes. How about I take my shirt off and let you look your fill instead. Two full minutes.
Oh, come now. As if I'm interested in seeing your sweaty torso for the umpteenth time.
If you're fresh out of stories, then I have a question for you. About your Crest.
Hit me where it hurts, why don'tcha? Is this your idea of negotiation?
Perhaps... Or perhaps I'm simply curious. Tell me, how did you come across such a rarity? To my knowledge, nobody within House Albrecht has your Crest.
Why ask what you already know? You've got your own rare Crest, so I'm sure you've figured it out. Unless you think the goddess gave us these things while we slept, hehe. Wait...do you?
Hey now. I'm the one winning the bets, so I'm the one asking the questions.
Got me there. Hey, look! The next round's starting. My luck's about to turn around, I can feel it.
Let's do you a favor and call it good here. No need to embarrass yourself further, friend.
Even if I'm terrible at this, I can't walk away during a losing streak. I have my own sort of honor.
... All right, Balthus. Check out...those two Myrmidons.
The two who were eating together earlier? Huh. Who knew they were opponents.
I kind of figured. Thoughts?
Well, that one's pretty beefy. Quick on his feet too. Clearly a seasoned fighter. His opponent's OK, but a bit showy. Compensating for being newer at this, would be my guess.
Mm-hmm. So? Make your choice.
Thank you. First guy, no doubt about it. You can see from a mile away...that...
HE LOST?! Wow. That was quick.
Not everything is as it appears. For example, were you and I to go at it, perhaps you'd bet in favor of yourself over me. And you'd lose. I'd use my cunning to ensure my victory. By any means necessary. Maybe I'd slip something into your food—level the playing field. You see now?
Point taken. I'll keep that in mind for this next one. Gotta put that great advice to the test, right?
Heheheh, ever the bold one. It seems we must continue these games until you finally concede.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




♪ Funny Footsteps ♪




I was just looking.
Your gaze was rather piercing for someone who was "just looking." The intensity of your gaze puts the lie to that excuse.
Oh, I see now... You found yourself captivated by my charms! Ahahaha! This sort of thing happens all the time to those of us blessed with such transcendent beauty.
That wasn't it.
If you say so. You seem a trifle stuck on the point, if you ask me. Now then. You may call yourself my tutor if you wish, and I shall attend your classes. But none of this charade will make the idea of a mercenary teaching me any less absurd. Aha.
...
What was that look? Are you trying to convey that I am a mere commoner, like yourself?


Even a gilded wyvern must take refuge in its cave occasionally. But in time, it will soar free once more. I shall fly bold and beautiful into the skies again. My nobility and all of House Nuvelle shall be restored!
Good luck.
Luck isn't a thing that you can bestow, or that I need. I will do this.
When I restore the glory of my house, you may serve me in some menial way. I may even pay you.
An interesting proposal...
Is that the most you can say when offered such a tantalizing prize?!
Hmph. Say whatever you like, if it makes you feel better.
It shall not sway me one way or the other. Hmhm!
...
You look as though you want to say something. Allow me to save you the effort. If you intend to tutor me, I will require you to first prove the time will not be wasted. Show me not just your talent for teaching, but your wisdom, your skill, your mettle. Your sense of authority.
Ahaha, of course! I've been struck by my own genius! You may assist me in my research.
That ought to provide a chance for you to grasp the extent of how magnificent I am. It will also afford me the time I need to scrutinize your character. It's a plan so perfect that you can't turn it down, huh?
...
Aha! Ahahaha!



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


I would say so.
That makes sense. You certainly strut around here like someone who belongs. You seem like one of those people who blends in. I could see you just about anywhere and think, "Oh, that person's here. Makes sense."
Um. Thanks?
I wasn't paying you some sort of compliment. To me, it doesn't matter whether or not you believe in the goddess.
You're here supporting the church, and that makes you no different from the others. I can't stand that.
Sorry about that.
No need to apologize. I just have a rocky history with the church, is all. They betrayed me, or at any rate, horribly mistreated me.
So I'm not a huge fan. But keep that to yourself.
You were mistreated?
When I was little, a lady locked me up and held me captive for a long time.
The Knights of Seiros rescued me—promised to protect me. But then they hid me away in Abyss. So all the knights did was move me from one cage to another. Wouldn't you call that mistreatment? It was all for the greater good. They didn't want to put anyone important in danger. As for me, my life was expendable.
That guy Alois was nice to me, though. And he told me a bunch of hilarious jokes to cheer me up.
Sounds like him.
I was being sarcastic. Alois wouldn't know a good joke if it landed in his mustache.
Anyway, that's why I hate the church. Someday you'll hate them too. They only hired you because they needed a warm body to fill the post.
When you're of no use to them, they'll get rid of you without a second thought.
...
Sorry, that sounded more menacing than I intended. I'm just telling you how these people think.
They have rules, dogma. They want us all bound to their system so they can control us. I don't do well with that sort of stuff. That's why I ran away from home in the first place.
Ran away?
Yeah. Ran far, far away. But as far as I ran, it wasn't far enough. I got dragged back into society, chains and all. The kind of world I want doesn't exist.
I don't think that's true.
I'm getting too dark for you, aren't I? Forget I said anything. Your future seems bright, at least. You can just sit back and enjoy whatever comes your way. I'm just saying, don't rest your entire future on the church. It's not as steady a foundation as it seems. Anyway, that's all. I'll be going now.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪




This doesn't bode well.
Perceptive, aren't you? I know I shouldn't ask, but I need some gold.
This is a bad month for that.
Hard times all around, then... Well, it was worth a shot. Guess that debt collector traveled all the way to Garreg Mach for nothing.
If I were you, I'd feel bad about leaving the poor guy hanging like that, but it is what it is.
You'd better work hard to pay him back.
Nah, it's a lose-lose. I owe the church too. That means any work I do here, they take a cut. The only way to escape my financial burden is to get clear out of Fódlan...
The thought saddens me greatly.
Oh... I, uh...didn't mean to bring you down. Y'know I was just joking, yeah? We all have to decide where we belong and then fight for it. Can't let your wallet control your fate.
If money was all I cared about, I never would have walked away from inheriting a baron's house.
I didn't know that about you.
Eh, it's nothing. It was a minor house in the east of the Alliance. I like to say I stepped aside for the good of the house. Has a nicer ring to it than saying I just wasn't cut out for the gig. Or that I lack the right temperament. My distinguished little bro took my place. Fact is, he's a much better man for the job.
...
Don't go feeling sorry for me now! I didn't mind one bit. Truth is, I'd have been miserable in that life.
Having that title was nothing but fuss. Fuss is the worst. This way of life suits me much better.
And you?
What about me?
You showing up at Garreg Mach was a coincidence wrapped in happenstance. Your pops was a renowned mercenary leader. It can be safely assumed you'll follow in his footsteps. But don't you ever feel like that life was decided for you? I know. And I suggest you start choosing your fate instead of just letting it happen. Why keep breathing if your life isn't your own, yeah? Better start pondering that one real quick, pal. Why keep breathing if your life isn't your own, yeah?
Welp, there's a decided lack of gold here, so I'll be off now. You think on what I said.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ Recollection and Regret ♪


Spoken like one who's never known the lowest of valleys.
To think, we were once a pair of blooms, flourishing side by side in the upper echelons of Enbarr society. Despite our differing aspirations, I think together we could have taken the mantle of leading the Empire.
Tread carefully, Ferdinand.
Some part of me clung to hope that you might emerge from the wreckage. I am glad you have.
...
I know that was a difficult time for you.
Oh, so you surmised that the single-most-humiliating event of my life was "difficult," did you?
It is becoming clear to me that this conversation is a waste of my time.
Oh! That was rather brusque.
Well, pardon me if I seem unmannerly in the face of a reminder of all I have lost. My family, my home, my friends, my people, everything. I am all that remains.
I... I...
I did not intend to offend you, Constance.
Then what did you intend? How like the "noblest of nobles" to be unaware of the suffering one causes. You can't grasp what it is to be a newly minted peasant, can you?
That is simply not true. I care about you, and I was attempting to offer some words of comfort.
Enough. I need more than words—more than you have offered to provide.
Though I am without status now, my spirit is no less noble.
It will not do for you to condescend to me in my houseless state.
You have my sincerest apologies. That was a grave misstep. I did not mean to come across as condescending. I was merely being careless with my words. As you say, I have never experienced loss at such a staggering magnitude. I cannot imagine the pain you have endured.
Indeed, you cannot. I advise against trying. The more you harp on it, the more irritated with you I become. Never shall a day pass that I don't work toward restoring my house and reclaiming my title. You, on the other hand, seem content to remind me that it is lost. Thank you, but I had not forgotten.
Constance, please!


This newfound arrogance of yours is a discredit to House Aegir.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪




I was, ah, just about to go for a walk.
Why are you bringing paper?
What, this? No, it's uh... Oh, I'm sorry, Professor. I'll admit it. I was going to do some painting. You remember the place where we talked before? I've been painting the scenery there.
I'm still keeping up with my academics and training, of course! I just paint in my spare time as a change of pace.
You don't have to hide it.
Oh. I don't? Ah, well, yes. Maybe you're right.
I may have gotten ahead of myself. I'm sorry for panicking there. Honestly...I'm just worried that my father will find out that I've been painting.
I'm not going to tell him.
Of course. Why would you go out of your way to tell him that? Completely illogical of me. But it seems I've developed a bit of a complex about it. My father's not a fan of my artistic pastime, you see. We're a merchant family, and my older brother is set to inherit the business.
As for me, my father decided I should be a knight. That's why I'm at the academy. Painting won't help me become a knight. It's a waste of time...
Is that why you feel guilty about it?
Well, yes. I feel like I'm betraying my parents. I hear that business has been slow for them over the past few years.
If I become a knight for an influential noble house, I could use my connections to help support them. My father was determined to send me here. He must have been, considering the enormous amount of money he spent.
I don't think I'm well suited to being a knight. My parents sent me to the academy for their sake, not my own.
When I think about how hard my family is working just to stay in business, how can I sit idly by?
All of which is just to say that painting will have to remain my little hobby, nothing more. Not that I could make a career out of it, even if I wanted to. That's just a fantasy.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Need some help?
I came across a fascinating book about poisons, and so I wanted to try mixing one up myself. Nah, that's OK. I'll be finished soon. I'm just in the middle of mixing up a new poison. Aaand...done!


What does it do?
In two days' time you'll have a terrible case of... let's call it stomach trouble. It's a peaceful poison, so you'll live, but you'll certainly be inconvenienced.
I hear your silent question, Teach. Why the delay? That's so it can be used even if you don't have access to the target when you need the poison to take effect.
Um, naturally, I have no immediate plans for this stuff! I suppose I just felt like broadening the ol' horizons a bit. When devising schemes, it's best to have as many options at your disposal as possible. Expanding those options is kind of a hobby for me.
Why such a dangerous hobby?
Well, I grew up in an environment where it was necessary to think that way. It's like I told you before, I wasn't born into a life of luxury. Ever since I was a child, I've always been seen as...different from those around me. An outsider of sorts.
I've been resented and hated. There have even been attempts on my life. I don't believe I've earned such treatment, but that's how it goes for people like me.
I don't think of you as an outsider.
Thanks, Teach. You know, in many ways I'm just a normal person like everyone else. But in the right environment, anyone could be seen as an outsider. It can become...overwhelming. That's why I kept running. Kept fighting. As a kid I spent a lot of time licking my wounds and coming up with schemes, trying to keep my nose out of trouble while plotting against my enemies. My parents always told me I wouldn't grow stronger if I didn't learn to fight my own battles. And so, in the end, I did. And I grew up to be as independent and self-reliant as my parents always wished for me to be. Lucky me, right?
You've been through a lot.
If anyone knows what I'm talking about, it must be you. Eh, Teach? I get the feeling you know what it's like to be an outsider.
The moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew you weren't like everyone else. People don't care for folks like that... You'd do well to watch your back.
On the bright side, that's also part of the reason that I find you so interesting.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ Spiderweb ♪


Where are you headed, this late at night?
Ah, it's you. Where I'm going is hardly your business. Do me a favor and mind your own, won't you?
You really shouldn't be out so late.
Heh heh. Ever the professor, aren't you? So what's your deal? Worried about my well-being?
Just a bit.
Ha, that's adorable. I get the sense you're not so hot at assessing people.
Just giving you a hard time. Either way, it doesn't matter much to me. There's no slowing me down tonight. I've got important things to attend to right now.
Like what?
There you go with that nose of yours. It still isn't your business, but it looks like you won't let me leave until I tell you.
You get your way—this time. There's a dispute. Or maybe treachery is the more fitting word. Regardless, a purge is required.
What do you mean by...purge?
I see I've gotta spell it all out for you. One of my goons double-crossed the gang. He absconded with his boss's small fortune—my small fortune—and buddied up with another gang. Members of the gang are recognizable by their scorpion tattoos. Suffice it to say they're not a group you want to tangle with. Despite that, I'm not about to just roll over and play dead on this. So I figured I'd pay them a little visit—have a spot of tea with their boss. Makes sense, you know?
Yeah, makes sense.
Heh, as a former mercenary, I knew you'd get it. You know how things are done in our world.
I play my cards wisely. I wouldn't play if there wasn't any hope of winning.
There you go being adorable again. I don't think that's a good idea, but thanks.
It won't be. One false move, and the walls will be painted with blood. Still sound fun?
Same. Ever since I became boss, I've had this nagging feeling like things are just...off.
But I certainly can't lead well by letting my feelings get the better of me.
Better head off now. I've got people waiting for me just outside of town. See ya around.
Let me join you.
...What is it you're after? Money? Me? Or are you just looking for someone to kill?
I'm doing my diligence as a professor.
You seem adamant, so...I'll allow it. Won't hurt to have backup if things go south.
I trust you, for now. But I don't know how reliable you actually are. Just so we're clear, you mess with any of my people, I'll slit your throat without hesitation. Got that?



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


♪ The Forgotten ♪


♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


I am, Lorenz. Thank you.
I cannot help but notice you do not look it.
Is that so? I feel fine.
Hmm...
...
...
W-was there something you needed?
How unseemly of me. My apologies. It is not my intention to stare.
Does something about me seem...off?
Not at all. I was just remembering your father. Or, rather, comparing my experience of him to you.
...
Your father, Margrave Edmund. He is one of the shrewdest nobles in all the Alliance, with a noted gift for pointed speech. On and beyond the battlefield, his words have the power to move friend and foe alike. My own father has said he would not want to make an enemy of him. Naturally, I am of the same mind.
...
Your father is blessed with gifts of confidence and eloquence. Yet, compared to him, you seem always reticent and downcast. Uh! Oh—I'm...I'm sorry. I don't mean to cause you discomfort. It's just that the contrast between you and your father is striking.
I have very little in common with my adoptive father.
But he sent you to Garreg Mach. Clearly he sees potential in you. I think I see it too. Yes, a certain charm. Gravitas, if you will. Just like him.


Ah!
I can't say that I know too much about him. I should be going now.
Yes. Yes, of course. Please, take care.




With a little polish, she would shine magnificently...



♪ The Forgotten ♪



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Yes, that's the last of them. Thank you, Marianne.
Just when I thought all the laundry was dry, the wind got stronger, and...
By the time I realized what was happening, there were clothes dancing across the sky!
That must have been frustrating to watch.
I didn't imagine they would float all the way to the stables. Thanks again for helping me pick them up.
It was no trouble. They landed right at my feet.
Well, now I can hang it all back up before sunset. Everything should be dry by the day's end.
All right, I should get to... Ahhh!
Are you all right?
Heh, uh-huh. The hamper's just a little heavier than it looks. Do you think you could give me a hand?




It was nothing.
Ah.
...
...
Um...
What is it?
I'm sorry. I know I'm not much fun to be around.
I'm not very good at small talk either.
Oh no, that's all right. After all, just look over there.
Huh? Oh! The flowers are lovely!
They were mere buds until just the other day. Now look at those gorgeous blooms!
How wonderful...
If we'd been chatting away, we might never have noticed them.
Sure, the laundry was an ordeal, but...at least there was a silver lining.
...



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪



♪ No music ♪


Hapi? Yikes, you look like you just crawled out of a lake. Here, dry yourself off.
And don't just stand there, you'll catch a cold. Come on, I'll make you some tea.
Oh. Um, OK.



♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


I don't drink tea very often. It is nice. But what does the rain have to do with anything?
Doesn't rain make you want to read a book? Or rather, nap with a book on your lap. Though... I guess I'd like that no matter the weather. But then, if the book is too good, not only will I be unable to sleep, my tea would get cold... That makes brewing it a wasted effort. Ah... And that's why I don't drink tea when it rains.
Right. Thanks for clearing that up. And thanks for the cup of tea. Well, I'm pretty much dry now. Gotta say though, I'm kinda confused.
Huh? About what?
This just seems way out of character for you.
You're so focused on yourself, you've barely ever spoken to me before now.
Oh, good point. Thing is, I'm not cut out for battle. If a fight breaks out, I'm only a liability. It's better for everyone if I keep my distance.
What does fighting have to do with... Oh, I get it. You think I'm gonna sigh. You're just like the others... But if that's true, why are you acting so different?
What do you mean? Use your words to make the things in your head make sense to the rest of us.
Fine! Here's what's in my head. I don't understand why you're being nice to me. Look around us. Nobody else will even risk coming near me.
They're probably afraid you'll sigh, since you looked pretty rough when we came in. Makes sense.
Your sighs are disastrous. If I can prevent one with a nice, lazy cup of tea, it's the least I can do.
I see. You did it for your own sake. Well, whatever your reasons, I'm surprised that you'd even consider doing this...for me.
Surprised or not, it's no skin off my back. I'll keep doing what I do regardless of anyone's expectations. Think on that. I expected you to be a hazard, but you weren't. No harm, no foul. No need to sigh.
If only it were that simple.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




♪ Beneath the Banner ♪


Thunderbrand?
You mean you don't know? My weapon is called Thunderbrand. It's one of the Heroes' Relics. A long, long time ago, the goddess bestowed divine weapons upon 10 heroes, which were passed down to their descendants. It's an honor to wield, but I'm afraid there won't be any chance for that today. Our mission is to help clean up the aftermath, not to fight.
Why would Lord Lonato incite such a reckless rebellion? He had to have known he had no chance of winning.
It all goes back to the Tragedy of Duscur...
I don't know much about it.
You must be joking. Where have you been traveling that news of it didn't reach you?

♪ A Dark Sign ♪


To put it simply, yes. But there's more to that story. They had accomplices within the Kingdom as well. Lord Lonato's son, Christophe, was one of them, and so he was handed over to the church for execution.
The church executes criminals?
Speaking from the church's perspective, we simply passed judgment according to our doctrine in place of the Kingdom, which was in complete chaos.
Well... To be more specific, his grudge isn't only against the church. It's also against the one who turned Christophe over to them...

♪ Dark Clouds Gather ♪


It looks like our mission just changed, Professor. Everyone, prepare for battle!

♪ Fódlan Winds ♪


















♪ No music ♪


Nice work, Teach. Still...that fight left a foul taste in my mouth.
That aside, did you see how Catherine fought?
I'm stronger.
Ha! I love the confidence, Teach. But you're no match for the Heroes' Relics. They're on a whole different level.
Makes you wonder about that legend...
What legend?

♪ Beyond the Crossroads ♪


That's what they say, anyway. But as amazing as Thunderbrand is, I don't think it fits that description. Apparently, Relics can harness tremendous power for those with a compatible Crest. Though you can technically use one so long as you have any Crest at all. I dunno. Long story short, I'd like to try cutting a mountain in half someday.



♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Easy there, Hilda. I don't know how apt "soon" is. My grandfather is still unbearably healthy.
Oh? Is this news to you, Teach?
Yours truly was recently recognized as a legitimate child of House Riegan. They possess one of the Heroes' Relics too, though I've yet to see it.
Just recently?
I officially joined House Riegan only last year. Before then, I lived with my father. I was raised by my father. When I learned that my mother was the daughter of an Alliance noble, I was so surprised I thought the whole world was pulling a fast one on me for a week.
So, that means your mother is Duke Riegan's daughter, right? Where is she now?
I can't say. My mother's currently living in a different world than the one she grew up in and has no desire to return home.
Um, OK. You sure have a lot of secrets, don't you?
I'm just keeping a promise to my parents. Make of that whatever you will. In exchange for my so-called secrecy, I'm free to do as I please, which is why I decided to see what the other side of my family was like. That's how I found out about this strange Crest I bear...


We won. We should be celebrating. Instead, we're heading back with heavy hearts...
Whoa there! What's the matter? You look as sad as a kitten without any yarn. If we hadn't done what we did, the rebel army would have followed this road all the way to the monastery. And they would have crushed all the little villages along the way. We stopped that from happening. You should be proud.



♪ A Dark Sign ♪



We can't tell who sent it, so the source is suspect, but the content is too disturbing to ignore. We must report this to Lady Rhea right away. I hope that it's nothing...




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