Update 59: How Many Times Do We Have to Teach You this Lesson, Old Men?

♪ A Dark Sign ♪


Here's the thing. I don't think the bad guys are really trying to assassinate the archbishop.
It's a distraction.
Precisely. That "secret" note with the assassination plot on it... There's just no way that was real. People don't just carry around secret notes. Someone wanted us to find it.
You really think the assassination plot is just a distraction?
Oh, yeah. That makes complete sense. But then...what are they really after?
If I knew that, I wouldn't be so worried. Let's see... It probably involves somewhere that will be empty during the Rite of Rebirth, yeah?
Since the ceremony is at the Goddess Tower, it follows that everywhere else at the academy will be severely understaffed.
Do you think they're after the church's donation money? I hear noble families tend to donate quite generously.
My bet's on the dining hall. It's a treasure trove of delicious food. Makes me angry just thinking about them getting their grubby hands on it!
Let's split up and look around! I'll keep an eye on the reception hall.
You should get in some training if you have the time, Hilda. There's a good chance we'll have to fight.
Uh! Well, I'm not the only one who needs to train here! It's not right to single me out like that.



♪ Beneath the Banner ♪


Shamir is one of the Knights of Seiros. And that little go-getter there is—
I work for Lady Rhea! And I'm Shamir's apprentice! Oh, the name's Cyril.
You work for Rhea?
Yep. I help Lady Rhea with all kinds of stuff.
Cyril adores Rhea. That aside, if you need anything, ask.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Got a handful of supports.

Claude/Lysithea C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Hey, there. Still studying, are we? Isn't it past your bedtime?
Claude, I really don't appreciate you interrupting me right now.
Ah, but if you don't get your sleep, you're never going to grow big and strong!
Uh-huh. The last thing I need is you fretting over me as though I'm some child. I'm only a few years younger than you, you know. Hardly worth noting. Furthermore, my grades in magic—and basically every other subject—are far higher than yours.
Whoa, there! I'm not trying to treat you like a child, I promise. This is me treating you like...like a princess!
Now, come along, princess. Brush your teeth and get yourself ready for bed. I could read you a story, if that helps?
Ugh, the audacity! Whatever it is you think you're treating me like, it's unendingly annoying.
If a child and a princess are out, what's left? Should I treat you as a noble hero?
Draw your sword, Lysithea! If you wish to continue studying, you must first defeat me in battle!
...
Come now! Face me like the hero of legend that you are!
I find myself speechless in the wake of your staggering ignorance. Now, please, leave me be.
OK, OK. I can take a hint. But in all seriousness, you shouldn't neglect your sleep. You'll fall ill if you push yourself too hard. Oh, and just so you know... I heard a rumor that this library is haunted.



It's probably not true. Right? Right. Anyhow, I'm off to bed. Good night!
You know...I am suddenly rather sleepy! Excuse me while I see myself out!


Heh, no matter how she tries to hide it, she's still a young girl at heart.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Lysithea could obliterate you in one hit with Hades Ω, Claude.

Claude/Balthus C.
♪ Spiderweb ♪


No thanks. Not much need for heightened security at the monastery. Well, most of the time anyway.
Yeesh, I can take a hint. I was just trying to help you out. The way I see it, can't do better than cozying up to the Claude von Riegan, future leader of the Alliance.
You can get as cozy as you like, but I don't think that'll lower the price on your head.
Couldn't hurt. People trust you. They trust the folks you run with. I could use a little trust in my life.
So you're hoping this newfound trust will trick more people into lending you money. Yeah, count me out. You know fighting debt with debt won't work, right?
Eh, just as well. If you mess up leading the Alliance, that plan's a bust anyway. So count me out, pal. By the way, Claude... Are you really the heir of House Riegan?
Yes? That's my current understanding anyway. Why do you ask?
I've never heard any talk of the last Duke Riegan leaving a son behind when he died in that accident. Duke Oswald the Old...your father? Tall tale, if you ask me.
And if that's not the case, then who exactly did you get your Riegan blood from?
Look at you, figuring things out all by yourself. Sorry to say the true story isn't all that interesting.
I was born to an offshoot of House Riegen. When my Crest manifested, I was accepted into the ruling bloodline. That's all there is to it.
Nice try, but I'm not buying it. House Riegan produces dukes and leads the whole of the Alliance. Not having an heir is a matter of life and death. Any relative with a Crest would be accepted immediately. But no one even knew you existed until fairly recently. It's fishy, Claude. Remarkably fishy.
I think I've finally figured you out. You're working for Lorenz, aren't you?
Here's what I really can't work out. Duke Oswald's only daughter, Tiana. Whatever happened to her?
I met her a few times when I was a kid. She was a great lady. A real looker too, let me tell ya.
I see your mind was just as pure when you were a kid as it is now. How'd you even cross paths with her?
As the legitimate heir of a minor noble house, I got a pretty decent glimpse into high society.
Lady Tiana was something special. The stuff of dreams, really.
And one day, she just vanished. Poof, gone. I'll never forget hearing about it.
Wow. So you've had a particular interest in older women since way back when. Sorry, go on.
When my old man told me, I cried buckets. Even Holst lost it.
Holst? As in Holst the indomitable Alliance general? Huh. I never knew that.
Yeah...and after a while, I heard a strange rumor. Some say Lady Tiana left to live in a far-off land. Once I remembered that, the rest fell into place.
Right. Say, have you considered minding your own business? Isn't that enough of a handful as it is? If you want to have a real discussion sometime, bring me facts. Not a bunch of tired gossip. Deal?
Anyway, Teach is waiting for me at the training grounds, so I'd better get going.







♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Did not need to know that Balthus had (has?) the hots for Claude's mom.

Balthus/Hapi C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Ha! That sounds terrible!
I was looking forward to that sandwich all morning. And then she scurried off like nothing happened.
Hrrmm!
...
Ahhh, hm. All right, then. What do you feel like doing today?
Why'd you sigh like that?
That's not a problem, is it? I could tell you were holding back a real monstrous sigh yourself. Figured I'd get one out for the both of us. Felt great.
Oh, I see. Must be nice, sighing whenever you feel so inclined.
Ooh! Why not try taking a deep breath whenever you feel a sigh coming on? Trick yourself out of it?
I tried that once. It went OK at first, but then I had to exhale.
Right. Guess they're too similar for that to work. Does that mean yawning is a no-go too?
I'm pretty bored right now, so maybe we'll find out. But I don't yawn very often, to be honest.
Because you sleep when the sun goes down and wake when it rises, yeah?
Yup. That's been my routine for a while now. It's easier than contending with a full day of boring stuff.
Come on, everything has its quirks. I don't think I'd call anything in this wild world boring.
Really? 'Cause you don't seem to take much interest in your own future.
Ha! That's not very nice, is it?
We really aren't all that different, you know. I'd wager you haven't given too much thought to tomorrow either.
Quiet. Don't pretend you can see through me.
This pointless chatter has made me even hungrier than I already was. I'm off to the dining hall.


Just wanted the gal to relax for a change. Whew... She's as prickly as ever.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Constance/Hapi C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪


Hapi? What in the world has gotten into you?
Nmf neb ter buh jealouf. Thurf plenny ter go aroud.
Hapi, it would be easier to understand you if your mouth was less stuffed. Kindly finish what you are eating and then say your piece.
Ma pleffer!




It's not about whether I want a bun or not. It's about your atrocious manners! Walking around with your arms and jaws stuffed full of unwrapped pastries... There are crumbs all over your lips, your clothes— You've left a trail of them behind you! Unacceptable!
Hey, I paid for them. I can eat them however I want. You sure you don't want a bite? If you don't have any, I'm just gonna eat 'em all.
You have to try them fresh out of the oven if you want the full effect. Pretty soon they'll get cold. Oh, I'll explain in noble-speak so you understand. Ehem. They have a crisp, oven-browned exterior, and a sophisticated, spongy sweetness lying within!
Uh, not—
Not interested? That's fine. More for me.
I was going to say, "Not so fast!" Spare one for me, but only because you insisted.
It would be rude of me to decline an offering made in good faith. One must mind one's manners.
You're really dragging this out. Here, I'll make it easy for you. Open up...








I could not, in good conscience, acknowledge this as anything but delicious.
Now you have crumbs all over you too.
Your form could use a little work. Next time, stuff the whole thing in your mouth at once. That's the proper way to eat a snack like this. If you ate this at some stuffy party, cutting it into sensible little bites, the experience would be ruined.
I see your point. There are more types of dining in this world than I was ready to allow for. You've won me over.
Let's eat them while we head to the cathedral, and litter the ground with crumbs.


Not the cathedral! You've lost me again, Hapi!





♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




I'm so thankful you made it out alive. I don't know what we would do if we lost you...


Such a stir over a single letter...but I suppose the archbishop's safety is too important to risk.



Welcome back, Lin and Annette. Missed ya both.

I'm very excited to have my boy in the roster for the first time in the LP.

Adan/Ashe C.
♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪


Looks like we've got everything we came for. Time to head back to the monastery.
To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure if the money that knight gave us would be enough.
We managed to scrape by though! I'm glad those shopkeepers were willing to strike a few bargains.
Thanks to your bartering skills.
It's one of the few things I'm really good at. I've got a lot of experience living in the city.
Money was tight for me too. At least until Lonato adopted me into his family.
Come to think of it, you were originally a mercenary, weren't you? I'm sure you've traveled all over Fódlan. That must have been a pretty different life from regular folks like me.
You're probably right.
Huh, you think so? It sounds a lot more exciting though, traveling the world, from conflict to conflict! But a mercenary's whole job is fighting, isn't it? Must be a pretty tough way to live.
It was pretty tough.
I believe you. I can imagine!
Ah!




I had no idea they sold this book around here! I haven't seen this one for ages!
What's the book?
Loog and the Maiden of Wind. It's a well-known tale of chivalry in Faerghus.
L-Loog is the King of Lions. This book is full of his exciting adventures! I've loved this since I was a kid! It was what got me learning to read.


Hey, creep! Don't touch the merch!


What the-?! Somebody catch that thief! Cut him in half, like my prices!
Please... Calm down, ma'am.
You calm down, kid! If he gets away with that valuable merch, it'll be a huge loss for me!
Here, allow me to compensate you.
Are you sure about that, Ashe?
Huh? Are you serious, kid? I mean, no objections over here, but that sounds crazy.
Don't you worry. That thief will be paying me back, just as soon as I catch him. Head on back to the monastery, Professor. I'll take care of everything here!


...



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




The boar prince should hurry up and claim the throne, rather than letting old customs hold him back.

♪ The Forgotten ♪


I'm what you might call the chosen one. The alpha of Abyss. The reaper and the keeper. That said, I've had some unnecessary backup recently.


If only my backup had been a lovely lady with a thing for watchmen. We could have had a love story for the ages...



I think Uno is the greatest test of human patience on the planet. Does that count?

I should offer my magical services, just in case.
What kind of services?
I've devised a spell to trick flowers into behaving like guard dogs. At the first sign of an intruder, the petals burst open, releasing their pollen! Uhh...I'm...I'm still fine-tuning it.


I've been feeling restless lately, so if you want some help unleashing on those jerks, just say the word. I been feeling restless lately, so if they wander my way, I'll do you a solid and clean their clocks. No charge.
I'd appreciate that.
Oooh, this could be fun. Now I've just got to figure out where they'll be coming from...
My fists are itching for a brawl. Hopefully, I get first crack at those poor fools...





Although... Hey, if you do run into her, let me know. I'd like to have a word.
I bet she'll be pretty upset to learn what the church has been doing in her name.
In Rhea's S rank, she does say that Sothis was pretty pissed off at her for, well...

gestures vaguely at the entire Church of Seiros

So, yeah, I think Hapi's right on the money there.

I don't seem very devout, do I? Heh. Even so, I'd hate to see anything happen to the archibishop.
That secret message is suspicious—to take it at face value seems...unwise.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Then don't make weird faces. Keep it together, man!


You really think it's that big of a deal? Well, it all ended well, and that's the important thing.


I'm skipping instruction sections, but showing unique dialogue for group activities certainly can't hurt, now can it?

Hi, Constance.

Adan/Constance B.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


I'll make a note to keep some in reserve next time.
Is that everything?
Yes, that's everything. All I need now is a test subject for the ritual.
A what?
Not a what, a who. Meaning you.
Now, lie still please.
Does this have to happen now?
Fair point... A bit of rest to clear my head would be good for the next steps. Let us leave off here, and I shall see you again in the morning.
There's no talking you out of this, is there?
If I can complete this ritual, I'll be famous throughout the known world for it! Ahaha!
Why do all of this?
The prestige it will bring me is necessary to restore my fallen house.
Or was your question, "Why go to so much trouble for a fallen house?"
Because I am a Nuvelle! As were all my ancestors!
And our line has endured too long to end with me.
Why would it end with you?
Oh, yes... You don't know. Well, seeing as you are serving both as my research assistant and test subject, I should explain myself.

♪ Calm Winds Over Gentle Waters ♪


For generations, the heads of our house have been scholars of magic. They often enjoyed appointments to esteemed posts within the Empire.
However, during the Insurrection of the Seven, we cast our lot with the emperor and were punished for it. We suffered further losses when we were used as a sacrifice to Dagda and Brigid during their attack. My family, including my parents and older brother, died then. The town of Nuvelle is now an ash heap. The six great families decreed this to be the end of my house. We have naught left now but the name.
No title, no subjects, no land... Everything I was to inherit has been taken from me.
I see...
What I require is an achievement so grand that Lady Edelgard would be forced to recognize it. And then House Nuvelle will take its rightful place among the elite class once more!
Now I understand.
You understand that to collaborate with me toward such a grand purpose is a high honor, don't you?
...But yes, good night. I expect to see you bright and early tomorrow.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Can't say I particularly care about the loss of property or subjects, but I feel for Constance on the "her entire family was murdered as retribution for palace intrigue" front. Fuck the great families of the Adrestian Empire, man.

Except for their progeny at Garreg Mach Monastery. They're okay. Much better than their families at large, at any rate.
♪ Corridor of the Tempest ♪


Auxiliary battle time.

I like that Str.

Missing Str is disappointing, but Spd can be an issue for Balthus, so I'll take it.

Nice!

Not nice...

Would've preferred Str over the Lck + Def,.

Excellent.

Buh?

Spd's good.

Another "Nice!".

Mag and Res are a bit baffling. Mediocre.

Well, if there's a stat Ignatz needs, it's Str. I'll take it.

Constance, what?

Reasonable. Hilda'll have plenty of Str by endgame, so missing it early on isn't that awful.

No, you did exactly what you needed to.

Goddamn, Raphael. Literally everything I could ask for, even Spd. How the hell did you manage that?

Can't get much better than that, Hapi.

what

I wanna see how well this Magic Lorenz thing works out. Pretty decent start!

I'll take it.

Much better.

Well, it's Spd.

Hey, hey, Ignatz, keep that up.

Sure.

Perfect.

Fine.

I'll take it.

I won't take that. What?

...

That's not improvement.

Hey, if you wanna stock up on Spd, Balthus, I won't complain.

Again with the Mag.

Well, that's just straight-up garbage.

As is that.

Meh.

Ah, Lin. I missed you, not so much your combat prowess.
♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Those auxiliary battles got me a pretty good amount of supports.

Claude/Raphael C.
♪ Funny Footsteps ♪




Hey, Raphael. That's quite a load you've got there.
It was my turn to do the shopping again, but I might have overdone it.
Aren't those trips usually for food supplies? Why did you pick up a bunch of spears and gauntlets as well?
I was passing by the smithy and the old man called me over. He said he was finished repairing the training weapons, so I grabbed them since I was already there.
I see. And those books?
I had just left the smithy when I ran into a merchant I recognized. He said he had some books that he brought for the library, so I took them off his hands.
Right. And that desk?
Oh, this? Can you believe someone threw this away? It only needs a little work and it'll be good as new!
Someone around here was just saying that they needed a desk.
Of course. Now, this is just a friendly observation, but I see surprisingly little of the food supplies that we actually need.
Haha. Well, I, uh, worked up an appetite from carrying all of this stuff, so, uh...I had a snack on my way back.
Raphael... I appreciate the thought, but you can't get so carried away with helping out like that. You helped us all right out of dinner. And now that I've seen your struggle, I have no choice but to join in this vicious cycle of charity. Here, I'll lend you a hand.
All of this stuff is pretty heavy. Are you sure you can handle it?
You insult me! And no, I can't. I'll only carry the books and offer my support as you handle the rest.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Claude/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Argh! My hand slipped again...


Sorry! I'm sorry! OK?


What happened, Claude? You're soaked!
The student whose turn it was to do the dishes today was ill, so I volunteered to take his place. The dining hall lady was on my case the whole time for breaking plates and getting water everywhere. Actually, not everywhere. Mostly on myself. It was just one big mess. It wore me right out too. I could really use a nap about now.
Ha. You might be a noble with a fancy bloodline, but you sure don't act the part.
Being noble or common doesn't have anything to do with washing dishes.
Oh? I daresay most nobles would refuse to do it. But hey, I prefer it your way. You don't act like you're better than everyone.
I'm honored that you acknowledge my greatness. And I'm rather fond of your blunt way of praising a person's strengths too.
Really? To be honest, I don't actually trust my own ability to read people. I like to look for the good in them, but that doesn't always mean it's really there. I mean, you seem like a good person, but your heart could be black for all I know.
You say you can't figure people out, but what you said just now was pretty shrewd. It's wise not to trust appearances alone.
I'll keep that in mind.
Though, I'm not sure I should be taking advice from someone covered in dish suds.
Ahh... I see your point.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Lorenz/Ignatz C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


You want me to pick one?
I don't see any other Ignatz around here, do you? Go on, now, we're wasting time. The pots are over here. I will leave the selection to your judgment.
Ah. Let's see...




That's rather plain. Why did you choose that one?
The tea you chose has a very subtle taste, as well as a smooth, light texture. Such an unassuming tea calls for an unassuming pot, and one that complements the tea's color. In addition, the pot I selected has a floral design. Although we can't go for a walk today, we can still bask a little in nature's beauty.
Very interesting. You know, you have an absolutely marvelous aesthetic eye. Precisely what I would expect from the son of a merchant house that has enjoyed the Gloucesters' patronage for so many years. After we graduate, when you begin your trade in earnest, I will introduce you to my father.
Oh... That sounds wonderful. But I'm afraid I'm already on the path to becoming a knight.
Ah, right. You are a second son. Still, your eye for beauty is a talent that should not go to waste. Very well, if you are to be a knight, then I shall happily take you into my service.
Ah, well... Hm.
What? Does that displease you?
Not at all! I just need a little time to think it over.







♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Lorenz/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Certainly. I trust you're well?
Doing great! I found a load of old weapons. Just got done hauling them out of storage.
Old weapons, you say? If there are any interesting swords in there, I would love to see them.
They might only be good for training, but with a little care, who knows? Here, have some oil.
And...why exactly are you giving this to me?
Like I said, they need a little care. With a bit of maintenance, some of these will really shine!
Yes, I heard you. So why did you give me the oil?
It's for polishing, Lorenz. Don't tell me you've never polished a weapon before.
That is hardly a task befitting someone of my station.
If you had an exquisite blade, something of real historical significance to complement my noble heritage, that would be another matter.
In that case, appraise while you polish. You're bound to find something good, working through these.
This seems as fine an occasion as any to air my grievances. I am a highborn noble. As such, it is my sworn duty to protect the commonfolk. I have no time for trivialities. What's more, you seem to be under the misapprehension that you can order me about. Please think carefully about how you speak to me.
I'm not ordering you around. And I'm not talking to you as a noble either.
I'm asking you to help me with this. As a friend.
I am your friend, but I am also a noble. Those two qualities are not mutually exclusive.
Oh, good! Let's get to it, then, buddy!
Nnngh...



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Lysithea/Leonie C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪






Whoa! Lysithea? You're really pale!
Yeah, I've been feeling really queasy all morning... I'm just heading back to my quarters to rest...
Can you even make it there in that state? Here, climb on my back. I'll carry you.
Wuh... What? No...no... I'm not some sort of...infant.
Always worried about looking like a kid. No time for that now. Just get on!
...




Thank you so much, Leonie. I hope I wasn't too heavy... Was I?
No, not at all. Actually made for a fun bit of training.
Uh, training?
Yeah. Carrying someone around is good for the legs. You're just the right weight for it too. I might ask you to help me train again sometime! Anything can be a kind of training with the right attitude, you know?
Are you always thinking about training?
Well, I can't devote all my time purely to training. So it's more efficient if I can train while I get other stuff done at the same time.
Wouldn't that actually be...rather inefficient?
Huh? What do you mean?
Well, for example, if you're training for endurance, it seems running would be a better approach. If you're only ever training by cramming it in with other tasks, you won't be getting the best results. I am no expert on the subject, but even I can logic that one out.
Come to think of it, you do always seem to stick to a pretty rigid schedule, don't you? I've noticed that you focus completely on whatever it is you've set out to do. Then you switch to something else, and focus completely on that.
You've noticed, have you?
Now that I think about it, you may be right. Maybe that is the more efficient way to do things.
Hey, you're really bright, Lysithea! Thanks so much for the helpful advice!




And in the end, I just lectured her! She did thank me for it, but...
Ugh, I probably could've handled that better.



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪




Yuri/Constance C.
♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


Calm down. That was all on you, Shady Lady.
"Shady"?! You know full well I'm sensitive about that! It's as though you wish to be incinerated!
Ahem. What I mean to say is all shall be forgiven when you do my bidding.
Uh...
I know, I know. It's an honor I don't extend to many. You have the rare opportunity to aid me in realizing my dream. I shall rebuild House Nuvelle! Nobility will be mine again, and the glory of my esteemed family will once more reign supreme!
Blah, blah, blah, restore House Nuvelle, blah, blah, blah. Will you just stop? You're making my ears hurt. I am but an insignificant and beautiful creature. Surely there's nothing I have to offer for your plight.
Your facade does not fool me. I know you for what you truly are.
With the nobility's backing, western Fódlan's underworld is yours. Everyone has heard whispers of the Savage Mockingbird.
That is you they refer to, yes? Hm-hm-hm!
...
Your time would be better spent laying the groundwork for me to reclaim my title. I envision you using your connections to apply pressure on the nobles in Enbarr.
Right. So say I indulge you—that I agree I'm this...killer bird you speak of. What I offer comes at a high price. You do understand that, right, milady? How exactly do you intend to compensate me?
But what greater compensation could I offer than to play a part in restoring House Nuvelle?
Restoration of houses does nothing to put food in my stomach.
I suppose... But rest assured that upon my return to power, you shall be suitably rewarded.
Let me cut through the mud here—you're broke, and you'll pay me after you get what you want. Wow. I love how irresponsible you are! Refreshing!
Then what would you have me do?! I have nothing to bargain with now! No status! No wealth!
Perhaps rather than turning to a killer bird for help, you should be bowing before the nobles or some such.
Get down on all fours and lick their boots, see what that'll get you. Haha, perhaps you're too prim and proper for that?
"Lick their boots"? Is tonguing their footwear likely to sway them to my cause?
My work here is done.
No! I was not through with you yet! Y-you come back here! Hey!



♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪


Is "bootlicker" not a common perjorative in Fódlan?

On another note.
♪ Tactics ♪


Ugh, I hope it's not. Then we wouldn't have to fight anyone.
We've all come to this conclusion together. I'm sure we've got it right.
Do you really believe that, Professor? Claude certainly looks confident.
Dear Goddess... Please protect us...
Right or wrong, the clock is ticking. All we can do for now is stick to the plan.
Oh! The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is almost starting. But we didn't figure out what the enemy's real plan is...
Worry not. I've got it all figured out.
Really? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. What did you come up with?
Last night, I imagined myself as the enemy and prowled around the monastery. That's when Master Thief Claude came across something very interesting...


While we are in the Goddess Tower, we are relying on you to secure the locations that are lacking in defense.
May I let you in on something, Professor? My brother can be a bit...callous.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪


That was said in jest, Flayn. And in confidence. Please just remain by my side and do not cause any more trouble.
As a professor, you would do well to remember that it is your duty to guide your students down the path of righteousness.
Please excuse us, everyone. We shall see you again after the ceremony has concluded!


Seteth is way too overprotective. He reminds me of my brother.
Come on, Teach. I know a hidden spot where we can monitor the stairs that lead to the Holy Mausoleum. If there's anyone down there, they'll be trapped like the rats they are. We'll just have to take them down without getting bitten. Back to the subject at hand. What I found last night was a sealed coffin in the underground Holy Mausoleum. I did some research, and the only time you can easily get in and out of that place is during the Rite of Rebirth.
And because of that alleged assassination plot, it has even thinner defenses than usual. It's all too clear.

♪ Fódlan Winds ♪


Spd again? Hell, I'll take it.

You got the most important stat, that's not failure.

Excellent.

I may or may not have fed Leonie some stat boosters to fool-proof her.

Ugh.
♪ The Verge of Death ♪




How could I not do this?
♪ Fódlan Winds ♪


Her efforts are rewarded handsomely.

Eh.

Standard Raph level.

Beh.
Everything I could ask for, except maybe Dex.

Meh.

Nope, don't like that.

Don't like that either.

Or that.

Not having the best of luck here.

why

Right, let's finish this.

You're irrelevant!



Nice.

Western Church members get sent for execution, yadda yadda yadda, you already saw that.
♪ A Dark Sign ♪


It's just too bad that that masked knight who was leading the attack got away. Vanished without a trace.
But why would the Western Church want to attack Lady Rhea?
Why? Take your pick of reasons. Relations with the Western Church aren't exactly friendly.
The Western Church...
Oh, that's right. Jeralt mentioned that you grew up completely isolated from the church. The Church of Seiros is split into a few different branches across Fódlan. The Central Church is headquartered right here at Garreg Mach. Then there's the Western Church. Far west from Castle Gaspard, where Lord Lonato had his little rebellion, is the Fortress City of Arianrhod. It's the strongest fortress in the Kingdom. On the other side of it is the headquarters of the Western Church.
Not too smart to bicker with people who worship the same goddess as you.
The bishop of the Western Church must be pretty ambitious. Probably hopes to split off completely. In which case, he'd need to weaken the Central Church's influence. Killing Rhea is certainly one way to do that. To the shock of no one, I hear the knights have been sent to subdue the leaders of the Western Church. We'll probably get a chance to assist.
You're an odd one, aren't you, Professor? How'd you make it this far in life without ever interacting with the church? I can't believe someone like you exists in Fódlan. It's too strange!
If you think that's weird, consider the fact that Rhea hired Teach despite all that.
So, those guys they caught... They all got the axe, right? That's brutal.
Lady Rhea can be rather intimidating at times. In fact...she can be downright terrifying.
Professor. Those who cannot be saved must be delivered to the goddess for judgment. Is that not so?




Exposition that you've already seen follows.

Next time: more heavily-abridged White Clouds.

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