Update 7

Update 7: Very Normal Days

♪ The Land Beloved by the Goddess ♪

♪ Dark Clouds Gather ♪

It's a distraction.

A barely concealed secret message, trying to distract us from whatever's really going on. Sloppy, to say the least. And while everyone is out searching for a phantom assassin, they'll be free to accomplish their true goal with ease.

The monastery houses many valuable weapons. Perhaps that is their aim?

I hear the monastery has a treasure vault too. Seems like the sort of place a foe would like some alone time in.

Garreg Mach is immense, and not just above ground but below as well. Perhaps their aim lies beneath the monastery...

It seems to me that we should search the monastery for a clue as to what the enemy might be after. Of course, we must never underestimate the need for preparedness, in case a battle should ensue.

♪ Untitled (BGM_0064) ♪

Oh, we haven't been introduced. I am Shamir.

Shamir is one of the Knights of Seiros. And this young man is—

Shamir's apprentice?

Yep. She's teaching me about the bow and the sword and all kinds of stuff. I've gotta protect Lady Rhea, so that's why I've gotta learn all I can from Shamir.

Cyril adores Rhea. That aside, if you need anything, ask.

Huh. From groundskeeper to bodyguard. Cyril's got some drive, that's for sure.

♪ A Guide for the Future ♪

Anyway, we've got a few characters we can save from the clutches of Noble/Commoner now.

I put Ferdinand in Soldier, Linhardt plus Dorothea in Monk, and Caspar plus Bernadetta in Fighter.

I also opt to focus on magic with Abby. We'll see how this turns out.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

Anyway, it's the first free day of a new month, so let's go exploring.

It represents great power.

Quite so. The stone within the sword... A glow of red... Hm? Oh, it is nothing.

I was thinking about the enemy's objective.

It's none of my business anyway. I'm just here to take care of enemies who get too close.

Shamir offers faculty training in Lances and Bows. I'm not particularly interested in either on Abby for combat purposes, but they're useful for recruiting certain units.

It's different if it's someone you know who was lost...

Belongs to Ferdinand.

The monastery has been around for nearly a millennium. It's only logical that there are secrets here. We'd better investigate. Would you mind asking around and seeing what you can dig up? Once you've uncovered some leads, we'll regroup.

Story quest. Just talk to a few NPCs around the monastery, and you get an Owl Feather in return.

Also, I can finally return this thing to her.

You may be right.

Oh, yeah, we've got supports after that last mission.

Edelgard/Ferdinand C.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

Is that so...

Yes. I have a story for you.

It's about a pair of nobles, living about a hundred years after the founding of the Adrestian Empire. One was Derick von Aegir. People called him the Warrior Prime Minister. He bravely led soldiers into battle, and mowed down his enemies. And the other—

Was the emperor of the time. She wagered the throne in a duel against Derick and won. "Why don't we do what our ancestors did and have a little duel ourselves?"

That's what you were going to say, but the answer is no.

You interrupted me!

The Warrior Prime Minister used a dramatic line to propose the duel, and you did not allow me to say it!

My apologies, Ferdinand.

But you were rather blunt in your refusal.

Ferdinand, control yourself. When will you tire of challenging me in pointless competitions?

I can quit now, if you insist on it. I will not challenge you again.

You expect me to believe that?

Why do you look so surprised? Of course, it is not a valid duel unless both parties are willing.

Now that you have refused outright, I must come up with some other way of getting that which I seek.

I'm afraid to ask what you could possibly mean by that...

Only that I will find some other way of showing everyone that I am superior to you. Huh. I will write a handbill listing your accomplishments, alongside my own, more impressive accomplishments.

Copyists will produce thousands of these pamphlets and distribute them far and wide. Then everyone will know about my—

This has to stop. Ugh, perhaps I should have ended things with a duel after all...

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

The prime minister's son demanding to duel the heir to the empire, with the role of emperor on the line, is an extremely normal relationship.

Linhardt/Caspar C.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

I believe you have enough fighting spirit for the both of us.

Enough? There's no such thing! You need as much as you can get if you're gonna train.

I'd rather pace myself. You're becoming too much like your father. I still recall with startling clarity the time he forced me to do some training.

Ha! I remember your father wasn't too happy about that. Our fathers actually got into a fight over it.

They hate one another so much. I simply cannot fathom what's wrong with the two of them.

I wish they'd just have it out already. One big fight to settle things. My father would win, obviously, but it would still be fun to watch.

That would be rather cruel. I don't think anyone in Fódlan could beat up your father.

Pfft! Height advantage? What does that matter?

When two opponents are of similar strength, the one with the height advantage wins. It's pure math.

Whoever forces the other to submit wins. That's how fighting works. It has nothing to do with height!

Brute strength alone doesn't decide a fight, and taller people have longer limbs too. Longer limbs equates to a longer reach. Taller people can hit you from farther away. Oh, and they have more leg strength. There's also th— Well, I'm bored explaining this. I think you get my point.

No. I don't get it. Now you're talking about limb length and reach? None of that matters when you're up close and brawling!

You know, I'm going to agree with you just so I don't have to keep talking.

If you've got something else to say, then come out and say it! Actually, forget this! I'll prove it to you myself.

Some of those new knights look pretty tall. I'll fight one just for you!

So it's as I said, then, isn't it? The tallest fighter has the advantage...and my father could beat yours in a fight.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

...I can't believe I just watched an extended "my dad could beat up your dad" argument.

Caspar/Bernadetta C.

♪ No music ♪

♪ Funny Footsteps ♪

Help? I'm the one who came here for help. I guess I'll just take care of it myself.

I can't believe I got hurt trying to break up someone else's fight. It's ridiculous! All I do is step in to calm them down, and the next thing you know they're both at my throat.

Hey, you ever been in a fight?

Fight? You're challenging me to a duel?! No, no-no-no-no! I can't! I've never fought anyone in all my life! I surrender! You win!

Uh, all right. That was easy enough. Not to be rude, but do you ever think that maybe your attitude makes you a little unapproachable?

You should try stepping outside and socializing. I'm sure you'd make friends in no time if you didn't waste it all in here.

Outside?! In no time?! Oh, sure! Yeah! Why didn't I think of that?!

Or maybe it's just not as easy for me as it is for you! Did that ever cross your mind?!

Why wouldn't it be? Making friends is easy! This one time I even made friends with someone I'd just been in a fight with. I think it was the gorgeous view that did it. We really shared a moment... C'mon, let's go check it out!

Aaah! Put me down! Put me down!

Calm down. I'm just gonna carry you outta here. Easy does it!

Come and claim me, sweet death. But first, let this evening sun wash clean my imperfect soul...

Hey now, don't go dying on me, Bernadetta. It's just the sun.

Huh? Wh-what? Where am I?

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

I'm happy you survived.

They're gonna make it seem like they're going after something else, but then they're gonna go for her. Impressive, right? I'm telling you, my intuition's never wrong.

Galaxy brain.

And here's our intro to tournaments.

Belongs to Lorenz.

But I don't recognize his name. I guess the resemblance could be coincidental...

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

Belongs to Caspar.

Belongs to Catherine.

Hmph.

Belongs to Hubert.

...Why does Hubert have chloroform on hand when he's at the monastery?

Anyway, welcome to tournaments. Select a unit to fight five other units in a gauntlet. Each round you win gives you a little gold. If you win, you get a lump sum of gold on top of your previous winnings, as well as an extra item.

♪ Tempest of Seasons ♪

I send Petra in. Already, I kind of regret it.

She wins the first round, but not without taking damage.

She'll win this one, but she'll be left at 3 HP.

Which I didn't realize at the time, hence me burning one of the two HP restorations you get when it absolutely wasn't necessary. This was a bad mistake.

Again, she'll survive this one at 3 HP, but...

Orrrrrrrr she could crit and end it instantly. That works too.

Now I'm screwed, though. Even if I hadn't burned an HP restoration earlier, this round is impossible for Petra to win barring some godly luck.

Unsurprisingly, we do not get the godly luck, and I lose my first tournament.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

Well, that was bad.

Of course not.

...Giving this back to him may be a mistake. Not for any gameplay reason, but in a "why did he have that" sense.

Ah, it is nothing. I am sorry for allowing my mind to wander. My focus should be solely on guarding the monastery right now.

Had you the chance to witness her Relic? Thunderbrand, glowing red... That glow is a sure sign that her blood contains a Crest that harmonizes with that Hero's Relic.

It's kinda fun. It makes the place feel like a festival.

Hey, Professor, I know there's talk of an assassination attempt, but do you really think they'll do it on the day of the Rite of Rebirth? I feel like security would be looser some other time. Is there some reason why it has to happen on that day?

Did you encounter any danger?

Find one item, report back to Seteth.

It is the oldest trick in the book, but I cannot shake the thought that our enemies may attempt it... I will stand guard and watch over the stable...and the knights' horses. They are truly magnificent.

Hm. I wonder who else would care enough about tea parties in the monastery to want a tea set...

The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is this month, right? The monastery gates will be thrown wide open on that day! I'll be working as a guide. I hope I get to guide some lovely ladies around... Heh heh...

Oh no, gatekeeper, don't be creepy after mentioning women...

As for me, I had a date with a splendid specimen of a knight. But now he's suddenly not in the mood to see me again.

I blame all these rumors of a deathly figure showing up in town. Such an uproar must have, beyond reason, drawn his attention away from me.

Could it be that someone has spread these rumors of an assassination plot merely with the intention to hinder the celebration?

Hey, here's a tea set.

Doing this quest unlocked tea parties. We can invite a character to a tea party, at the cost of one activity point.

From there, you choose a type of tea to serve. If it's a character's favorite, you can screw up one topic and still get posed a question.

Speaking of topics, you're then prompted to choose three topics to talk about. If the character likes that topic, you get a small amount of support points. If they don't like it, you won't be posed a question at the end of the topics.

If you get the three topics correct, or choose a character's favorite tea and get at least two topics correct, the character will then ask you a qusetion, or just say something in general. If you choose the correct answer, you get a Perfect Teatime, which increases both participants' Cha, and gives a lot of support points.

You can only invite characters that are not in your house to teatime if they have a C rank support or better with Adan/Abby.

Now that we've unlocked teatime, it'll also be presented as an option when a character's birthday rolls around.

Ooh, we got a +1 Mag booster.

I use it on Sylvain. I'm gonna make use of his Reason aptitude, just you see.

I use the Secret Book on Caspar, to buff up his axe Hit.

I use the Goddess Icon on Bernadetta, because... Actually, I'm not sure.

Didn't I see you in the dining hall last night?

Hey, I get hungry sometimes. Like anyone else!

What? Eating at night is bad for you? There's no way that's true. Wait, really?

I found an interesting book in the library. Got so caught up reading it I forgot to sleep...

Interesting discovery though—the coffins of the Four Saints in the sanctum each have their Crests carved into them. I'll need to find a way down there to get a look.

They say he appears every night and kidnaps folks. I wonder what happens to them...

Even so, the knights have their orders. We can't abandon our duty to guard Lady Rhea. The Goddess's Rite of Rebirth is an important event for the Church of Seiros. They say it's the day when the goddess will return to walk among us. Not too likely, if you ask me. Uh... Best if you keep that to yourself.

The Head Chef Challenge serves a random dish. If it happens to be a food a character likes, then the amount of support points you gain is increased.

I got lucky, and ended up rolling a good result for both Dorothea and Ingrid.

I also took a lesson in Faith from Manuela.

Could that possibly mean that Rhea isn't beloved by everyone the world over?

We only know a small part of this world.

With everyone stuck on guard duty, our study and training time has been drastically reduced.

They said that no one from Duscur is to be trusted, especially now. Given the circumstances, I cannot fault them.

Fuck the monks. Racist pricks.

The amiibo Gazebo gives us our first Elixir. Durable characters will really appreciate this.

There's the item that Seteh wants.

I gave Mercedes a bunch of gifts.

And unlocked Abby/Mercedes C for my troubles. We'll do that in a bit.

Try treating them like you would a friend.

Guard him with your life.

I'm so sorry. That sounds like an impossible situation.

In general, students aren't allowed entry. But as you'd expect, that rule just excites their curiosity. Some have even tried sneaking in. Well, at least for this month, that kind of behavior is totally unthinkable. We have a lot more security, what with the Goddess's Rite of Rebirth coming up.

Given the circumstances, I requested that he provide me with some candies... Silly of me, really. The timing was improper, and I regret it very much now.

Oh, but more importantly, this place is off limits, Professor.

Belongs to Alois.

Pull yourself together.

I checked on my brother and sister who were living in Castle Gaspard. Thankfully they're all right.

I just wanted to let you know that Lady Rhea is always real concerned with you. She expects great things, I think.

Of course not.

I dare you to try.

Pardon? You think the goal may be different than simple assassination?

Intriguing. I suppose the priceless objects in this room could perhaps draw thieves. However, there's no one but me who could make use of them...

If he's a villain, I'd like to get the measure of him.

Oh, fuck off.

A whopping two professor level experience books in the library.

I was worried.

I also gave Rhea a few flowers. She has a support with Byleth—the only non-playable character to do so.

I also finished off Abby's Faith aptitude, giving her White Magic Avo +20. I look forward to utilizing this.

The Holy Mausoleum?

Precisely. We can't know for certain, but it's a distinct possibility that the Holy Mausoleum is our enemy's target.

I gave Lysithea the Owl Feather, which got me Abby/Lysithea C.

Let's go watch those two supports now!

Abby/Mercedes C.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

That's right.

I commend you for working so late into the evening. All of my days at the academy are enriching, thanks to you. Try not to overtax yourself, all right? I'm concerned for your health. We wouldn't want you to wear yourself out.

Even so...

Listen here, Professor. You might not like what I'm about to say.

Why's that?

I don't want you to think less of me for saying this, but here we are.

At first I thought you seemed too young to be a professor. It is unusual, you have to admit. Yet, you seemed very composed and mature, despite your age. You're strong-willed, encouraging, and you go to great lengths to ensure that everyone is cared for.

It comes with the territory.

If that's how you feel, then I can't disagree. But I think it's necessary to give yourself a break every now and again. The mind has a tendency to make mistakes when you've exhausted yourself.

Mistakes?

Oh, you know. I'm always mixing up the dates for drills or misplacing things. Just the other day, I forgot to put on my uniform and headed out to practice wearing only my—

Oh, um. Well, you can imagine how embarrassed I was. My mind can be so scattered sometimes.

Anyway... Where was I? Ah, that's right. What I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't push yourself too hard.

If you do, you might end up in a pretty bad place.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Whatever you need, just say the word. I look forward to helping you out.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

What a sweet woman.

Abby/Lysithea C.

♪ Spiderweb ♪

I'm fine. Perfectly and completely fine. It's hardly different from daytime. I'm not scared.

What are you doing?

Oh, I left something in the dining hall, so I'm on my way to fetch it.

I wasn't planning on it...

You weren't? Oh. Apologies for making an assumption.

The truth is, everyone I come across asks if I'd like some company.

They all seem to think I'll be scared wandering alone at night.

Of course. Good evening, then.

Hey! Professor, wait! I...um, well...

I thought it might be nice to walk and talk together, to the dining hall. Shall we?

I'd be happy to.

Oh, you must be bored! Fantastic, then!

What would you have me say?

OK, I confess. I AM scared of ghosts! The monastery is unnerving to me at night. So can we talk about something, please? Anything!

I've noticed for quite some time now—you treat all your students equally, don't you? You've never treated me differently simply because I'm younger than the others.

You're younger?

Isn't it rather obvious? I'm roughly two to three years younger than the rest of the class.

Have you just not been paying close enough attention to those you teach? That's poor form for a professor... Oh! There, I've found what I was looking for!

Well, I'd better be on my way now. Good night!

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

In fairness to Lysithea, walking at Garreg Mach alone at night would give me chills too.

Anyway, we're out of activity points, so onto instruction.

♪ Learning Lesson ♪

I start helping Sylvain with his Reason aptitude.

Edelgard, too.

Dorothea maxes out her aptitude, and can now be incredibly dodgy when using Nosferatu. She also no longer takes forever to rank up Faith.

Convenient timing.

I also get Bernadetta's Authority to D, so she can use D rank battalions.

I assign Bernadetta and Dorothea to weeding. Both of them could benefit from the Wt reduction abilities that heavy armor grants, although they'll both take a bit to get there.

Bernadetta's goals shift to Lance and Axe. Lance is so she has the necessary skill level for Bow Knight way, way down the road, and Axe is for Brigand, which she'll want to class into when the time comes, so she can get Death Blow.

Linhardt changes one of his goals to Riding so he can get Movement +1 eventually, and also class into either Holy Knight or Dark Knight when the time comes.

Same with Sylvain, although he's definitely going to be a Dark Knight.

Stay away for a while so she starts to miss you.

Ugh. Ugh! I feel gross for having to suggest PUA tactics for gameplay purposes.

That only partially makes up for it. We now have five activity points for instruction and exploration, we can now deploy one adjutant in battle, get 5000 gold from the Church of Seiros at the start of each month, can now have qualifying students take exams for Master classes, and have access to more buff foods. We can also plant three seeds at the greenhouse now.

Why are Master classes unlocked at professor level C, when you will undoubtedly actually be able to use them way after that? I'unno.

Oh yeah, adjutants are an easy way to get support points to get two units. You pick a unit to staple to another for a battle, and they give negligible passive benefits—unless they're a healing adjutant, in which case they give a lot of HP regen per turn.

Edelgard's a bit of a waste, since she has a Faith weakness, but whatever.

Oh, hey, a convenient reason to show off tea parties.

♪ Teatime Joy ♪

Flayn loves Sweet-Apple Blend, Crescent-Moon Tea, and Almond Blend. I happen to have the first one on hand, so...

You know about my favorite tea. I am moved!

I know what topics result in enjoyment, so there's no need to show the results.

Easy. Thank you, Serenes Forest, for datamining all the correct responses.

Getting a perfect teatime lets you observe the character, which is...a bit weird, but it's there. You can also give gifts, though that has no extra benefits compared to just doing that during exploration.

Rushing Blow: +7 Mt, +20 Hit, +0 Crit, 1 range, costs 3 durability. Avoid +10. After combat, user moves 1 space in front of the foe.

Gauntlet combat arts are really bad, since they often can't compensate for the damage loss from not having the Brave effect.

Thoron is a really nice pickup on Dorothea, however. It's got 9 Mt, 7 Wt, only 75 Hit, and a low number of uses per battle (4 normally, 2 in Noble/Commoner), but it has 1-3 range. You can use it to weaken or snipe enemies from a safe distance, and expect it to get plenty of use.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

I decided to go exploring again on the free day. Hey, look, an HP +1 stat booster!

I'd like to note that I'm doing gardening entirely wrong. I only learned how to do it right after recording this. Whoops.

I give the Fruit of Life to Sylvain, putting him at 30 HP. We are going to have a very durable and dodgy magic user, and it's going to be great.

Dining with Sylvain and Ingrid unlocked Sylvain/Ingrid C.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

That was quite a sigh. What's wrong, Ingrid?

Tell me, Sylvain. What am I to you?

You're my friend...one of my oldest, in fact.

An old friend, is it?

Then why must I clean up the casualties left behind by your... Your skirt chasing!

Heh, nobody asked you to do that. Heck, I thought you enjoyed it.

Besides, you're real good at it. I'm excited to continue working with you.

Do you mean to imply you have no intention of acting a bit more respectably?

When you were eight, you came on to my sweet, sweet granny. My granny!

Come on. I was eight and she was gorgeou— That was a long time ago.

People can hear you! Please be quiet.

When you were ten, we went to that harvest festival, and you started making eyes at a scarecrow!

Wait a second. That was just an accident...a tragic, tragic accident.

When you were fifteen, you sought—relentlessly, might I add—to involve yourself with Lord Gwendal's daughter. Who do you suppose made peace with the furious lord, despite having nothing to do with it? Hm? Me. Always me, always for you. Every time.

You know what? This conversation is over. I'm done.

My point is that this has to end. Not later, but now.

Fine, I promise I'll try to change. Are you happy now?

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

I'm with Ingrid on this one. Sylvain's behavior is that of a pick-up artist, and it'd be better if he stopped that.

By the way, in the Japanese version, instead of a scarecrow, Sylvain hit on...a "man dressed as a woman."

Yeah, I think the localized version is better for its intended comedic effect.

Ooh, hello there. Arcane Crystals are a semi-rare ore, and they'll be very, very good for a particular thing down the line.

♪ Garreg Mach Cathedral ♪

Sounds like the logic of a schemer.

♪ Hope as a Melody ♪

Abby learns Nosferatu, so now she can actually make good use of her White Magic Avo +20.

Oh yeah, we also got Abby/Ingrid C. Let's watch.

♪ Calm Winds over Gentle Waters ♪

We can hear paper being torn.

Were you just hiding something?

Well, um, that is... I was just tossing out something I have no need of. It's important to keep our spaces clean, after all! You'd do well to remember that too, Professor! A clean space makes for a clean mind...or some such.

Could you help tidy my room sometime?

Certainly, I'd love to. Just say when, and I'll be there in an instant! Does that surprise you? Perhaps it seems ill befitting someone of noble birth to care about such things.

Despite my family's nobility, we've never been particularly wealthy.

So my father raised me to be conservative with my resources, paring down when necessary.

He sets a fine example I'd be happy to follow.

What was it you threw out, anyway?

Oh...just a scrap of paper. It was already written on, so no good for note-taking. And obviously I can't use it to clean my lance. So I tossed it. No need to hang on to inconsequential things, you know!

I just wanted to talk with you.

Ah. Well, if there's nothing important, I'll be on my way, then. I still have some cleaning to take care of, after all. Talk to you later, Professor.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

I wonder what that letter she tore up was. I mean, it was obviously a letter.

Now, Abby/Sylvain C.

♪ Respite and Sunlight ♪

You're the only one for me. I swear.

Hey, if ya don't believe me, well...

Oh, I get it. If I'm not your type, do you want me to introduce you to some other guys who have Crests? They're all nobles, just like me.

I just want you to be happy. You know, get what you're after.

I hate seeing a girl cry, especially one as beautiful as you.

So you know, maybe we...

So, Professor, do you enjoy spying on people?

You broke her heart.

Weren't you listening? I'm on her side! She knows that. But you know how it is. Most relationships, they end in heartbreak. Anyway, I don't know why she's so upset about me dating other girls. She didn't care before she found out, so why does she care now?

Is that a fact?

Come on. It's hard on me too! If only I had someone to comfort me. Professor? It's OK if you want to console me... I happen to have some exquisite tea back in my quarters. You could come by, and...we could chat about love.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

Fuck off, Sylvain, you fucking prick. Just...about everything. Ugh.

We've also got Abby/Dorothea B now.

♪ Spiderweb ♪

What's wrong?

Professor?! I— Oh...don't worry. It's nothing.

...Actually, could we talk for a bit? Somewhere a little more...private?

I'm just gonna come right out and say it. I find you a little difficult to be around. I know, I know. I'm your student and you're just trying to watch out for me.

Seeing through you?

Don't worry. I know you don't mean anything bad by it. I'm just too self-conscious, I guess.

The thing is, I don't have anything to call my own. No land, no birthright, no fortune. Little knowledge or battle skill. I think that's why I always clung to my popularity as a diva. Even after leaving the stage behind, I sort of kept up the act.

When I look at you, it's like your eyes are accusing me... Telling me that you see right through it. That's what I mean when I say it's difficult being around you.

Excuse me?

Well, if it would really help...

Excellent. Well then, don't mind me.

That's right. The next time you gaze into my soul, I know just how I'll retaliate!

Like last time, there's variant dialogue based on what form the avatar has. If we were playing as Adan, Dorothea would say this:

You know, Professor, I never hear any gossip about you. Of a romantic nature, I mean.

Would I be right in assuming you're not very...experienced with romance? Maybe we should find out somehow...

Actually, my heart isn't beating.

Ha, don't be so silly... Huh? It really isn't beating?!

Is what I'd say if I were more gullible. You're just fooling around, Professor. I'm not sure how you did it, but that was a good one.

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

So, Dorothea's got some deep-seated insecurities, huh? Don't we all, I suppose.

Sounded like she specifically fears what'll happen if she spends too long away from fame without a partner to keep her stable...

Today is just Support Central, isn't it? Oh well, let's look at Abby/Annette C.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

What do you need?

Well, I have this book of battle tactics that I borrowed from one of the knights.

Leave it to me.

Great! Thank you so much! It's about this diagram here...

I don't get why the knights are grouping up in that forest there. I just can't see the advantage to a formation like that.

You're the one who did the work.

No way. I couldn't have done it without you.

I just love learning new things.

That's why I came to the Officers Academy. I want to learn magic, battle tactics, martial arts, and, and...Well, all kinds of stuff!

I'm learning more now than I have in my whole entire life!

Don't overdo it.

That's just not possible! I always find it's more tiring to laze around doing nothing. I've never been any good at that. I have to have something to do.

I know the feeling.

Oh, I'm so glad you agree! You be surprised how rare it is to find people like us.

Not to mention... Oh wait... Oh no! I was supposed to be on cooking duty today! I completely forgot!

Sorry, Professor, but I have to run! Thanks again for your help!

Argh! Who put this stupid barrel here?!

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

I'm not the kind of overachiever Annette is—I'm actually really lazy when it comes to learning new things—but I do very much know the restlessness that comes with having a spare moment and not spending it doing something.

We've also got Annette/Mercedes C for viewing.

♪ A Gentle Breeze ♪

That shopping trip took longer than expected, didn't it, Mercie?

It truly did. You bought just about everything in the place.

Hehe, you're so good at deciding the best thing to buy. I sort of wanted it all!

I mean, not that I was excessive. I think you bought just about as much as I did.

Oh, really? The number of bags you're carrying says otherwise.

What?! That's... Oh, fine. You got me.

I was just having too much fun! I love shopping with you, Mercie.

It was fun! It's nice going into town without having to run errands for once.

Isn't it? And I'm pretty confident the professor will forgive our little detour. This actually reminds me of going to school in Fhirdiad.

So much has changed since then. Oh, but there's at least one thing that hasn't changed.

Me and you, right? We're the same old friends we always were.

That's just what I was about to say!

I've known you so long I can always guess.

Mercie, we'll stay friends like this forever...Won't we?

Is something wrong? You sound worried.

Since our time in the capital, so much has happened. We've had to make new lives for ourselves, and we've seen at least as many hard times as good. If things keep changing like this, I wonder if we'll be able to stay the same people we are now...

I wonder that too. I don't think everything in the future will be perfect... But it's us, so I'm sure—

We'll figure it out together. Right?

How did you know what I was going to say?

School bells ring.

Oh. It's getting late. We'd better hurry back before the professor gets angry.

You're right. Run, Mercie!

What? Wait for me, Annie! You know I'm not as fast as you!

Run! Haha!

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

Well, time to move on to the next week.

♪ Learning Lesson ♪

Still working on Sylvain's aptitude. It's almost there.

Linhardt gets a mixture of instruction on Authority and Reason.

Caspar, Axe and Heavy Armor.

Bernadetta, Lances.

And Dorothea, Faith.

Hello now, what's this? I seem to have gotten Abby/Bernadetta B through instruction. Let's watch.

Oh, yeah, uh... Some of the supports in Three Houses get into...dark territories. Like, potentially trauma trigger-dark territories. So...

Content warning for the following scene:
abuse and neglect of a child by a parent, kidnapping.

If you don't wish to see that, then please skip to where I say "The content warning for Abby/Bernadetta B is no longer in effect."

(If you're on rhematic desktop, the black block above is a spoiler tag. Hover over it to see text. If you're on rhematic mobile, you won't see anything different, since I'm presently trying to figure out how to emulate hover behavior on mobile. Sorry!)

♪ Recollection and Regret ♪

Definitely.

I'm glad you get it. With great weather like this, there'll be no one inside to bother us.

Oh, that. Well, I guess I can tell you, Professor.

My father's obsessed with money. He's only ever seen me as bait for a rich husband.

I tried hard to do as he asked. Honestly, I did.

Why not?

I just had this overwhelming feeling of fear all the time. No matter how hard I tried, my father never thought I was good enough.

After that, it was just constant scolding. He couldn't say two words to me without mentioning how useless I was. An unmarriageable girl. My life was isolated to say the least. I wasn't allowed to play with other kids, let alone make friends. Soon, I stopped wanting that. I was happiest alone. But even that made him mad. And when he tried to drag me outside, I kicked and screamed so much I seriously hurt myself.

How did you end up at the monastery?

If you can believe it, I was basically kidnapped.

My mother ordered an attendant to stuff me in a bag while I was sleeping. By the time I figured out what was going on, I was already here. For a while, I was sure I was going to die. But here I am. Look at me...still breathing.

Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to get you down, talking like that about my past! Just forget everything I told you. There's no point in talking about myself anyway.

Thank you for confiding in me.

What? N-no, it's not... Oh, Professor! How can you be so kind to me?! I don't deserve it...

...Shit.

Nobles are real fucked up, but...wow. Trying to imagine being a man whose only concern about his daughter is making her "marriageable" makes me feel gross and ugly all over. And as someone who had parents that abused her, though not physically, and who later gave into apathy when she didn't turn out as they wanted... Yeah. I sympathize with Bernadetta heavily.

Oh, yeah, this support scene is slightly different after version 1.0.2, which was released after I recorded this update. One line was changed, softening it up:

To train me to be a good wife, he'd do things like tie me to a chair.

I left the original version in, because I feel it's a bit punchier, and really makes you hate Count Varley that much more.

The content warning for Abby/Bernadetta B is no longer in effect.

Knightkneeler: +5 Mt, +15 Hit, +0 Crit, 1 range, costs 4 durability. Effective against Cavalry foes.

Wanna demolish a cavalry unit? Look no further than Knightkneeler.

Also, Sylvain can actually use black magic in battle now. Yay!

♪ Life at Garreg Mach Monastery ♪

Another day at the monastery awaits us.

Oh yeah, faculty training can randomly result in Greats, which multiplies the amount of skill experience Abby gains by 1.5x. Given the activity point cost of these relative to how much they give, you really want Greats whenever possible.