Part 22: The Situation in Nor

Let's check up on Estelle and Flynn, shall we?



Watch the cutscene!




And are we done whispering secrets?
I've heard your story up until this point, Yuri. And also the reason for the bounty on your head.



Oh, I've been meaning to express my gratitude as well, Yuri.
It's nothing. I was already out searching for that blastia thief.
And that's where we have a problem.
Hmm?
Regardless of the circumstances, the imperial law cannot allow the obstruction of officers, jail breaking, and trespassing.
I'm sorry. I'm afraid I told him everything.
Don't be sorry. I mean, I did all that stuff.
Then I assume you are prepared to receive the punishment your actions deserve.
Flynn?!
Do whatever you like, but just listen a minute, will you?
So you can tell me how it was all done in order to get back the lower quarter's blastia core? That's what you wanted to say, right?

Two people enter the room.




I heard you refused an imperial request for assistance. Do you think it's all right for a mage employed by the empire to simply abandon her obligations?
Who's that?
Got me...
...Humph, whatever. It's not like I care a whit about you either.
I'll make the introductions. This is my second-in-command, Sodia.




This is my...
You...! Sir, it's the criminal from the wanted poster!!

Sodia grabs her sword and points it at Yuri.



What?! But Sir, he's a wanted man!
I've just heard his story. While he is guilty of minor crimes, the warrant for his arrest contains false accusations. Later, I will return him to the capital and explain the situation. And he will receive his due punishment.

She puts her sword away.

My... my mistake, Sir. Witcher, let's have your report.
So we're done here, right?
I believe the ongoing rain and wind are being caused by a blastia. The weather in this season is unpredictable, but this does not explain why it worsens whenever boats leave port.
We also have testimony that something like a blastia was carried into Magistrate Ragou's residence.
I've never heard anything about a blastia that controlled the weather. Nothing like that has ever been excavated...
Wait, the aque blastia, the ruins... It couldn't be...



...It appears that way, though we can't yet say for certain. The harbor has been closed due to weather. Any ship that leaves is fired on for disobeying the ordinance.
So much for crossing over to Torim...
Those aren't the only rumors surrounding the magistrate. He's released a monster known as Rhybgaro into the wild, and amuses himself by forcing those who can't pay their taxes to hunt it. He claims he'll pardon their taxes if they can manage to capture the beast.
How cruel...
That injured couple we met near the entrance must be two of his victims.
And their child...
What? What happened to their child?
Forget about it.
Well, it's been a hell of a day for us and we're tired. Let's just stay at this inn for the night.

Yuri's party leaves the room. As Estelle walks out...



...Missing person?

You don't actually have to rest, although healing up is probably not a bad idea. To trigger the next scene we just head outside.



I'm going to go see Magistrate Ragou.
What? We'll get turned away at the gate if we try to go there. Even a noblewoman like you would have no chance of getting in.
Yeah, but with the harbor barricaded, we can't cross over to Torim Harbor. And that thief Dedecchi, along with that one-eyed giant, are both on the other side of the water.
Let's stop blabbing about it and just go, why don't we?
If he won't listen to what we have to say, we can think of another plan.
All right, let's head to Ragou's palace, then!


Skit: The Reunion with Flynn
No matter how you slice it, Flynn is Flynn. He's even more stubborn than before...
Woof!
You think so too, Repede?
Woof!
Well, at least he seemed to be doing all right.


On my way over to the magistrate's place, I talk with a few NPCs.




Seems pretty bad. I still get a few weapons at the shop:


Recover
Vitality: Increases Max HP by 200.


Mighty Charge: Press and hold the attack button to charge up your physical attack, which makes it deal more damage. This skill alone is neat but not that great, however there are several extension skills for it that make it excellent.
Strength 2: Increases attack by 10%.


Backstep
EXP Share: Normally, party members not participating in the battle gain the normal EXP, but not the bonus EXP acquired through combos. With this skill they'll also get the bonus.


Over at the mansion entrance:



I'd like to meet with Magistrate Ragou, if you'd be so kind.
Yuri, these men are mercenaries. I wonder what guild they're from...
I guess that explains the thuggish look.
Guard A: Hmph, go home! Scram! The magistrate is a busy man.



Guard B: Hey, you better watch your mouth, punk!
See, I told you he wouldn't see us. Let's get out of here before things get sticky.
I'd have to agree with Captain Karol on this one.



Forget it. Let's go.



But isn't the fact that that's going so badly precisely what's got Flynn in such a bad mood?
Hmph. Maybe he'd see us if we came bearing gifts, so to speak?
A gift? What do you mean?
The Rhybgaro. It's worth a fair amount of money, right?
Come to think of it, that official mentioned the Rhybgaro. He said that someone with its horn would never have to worry about taxes again.
If we brought something that valuable, the magistrate would at least grant us an audience.
You propose to catch the Rhybgaro?
This is our chance! It's raining, after all!
What does rain have to do with it?
The Rhybgaro comes out of hiding when it's raining! Out of all the monsters I know, it's the only one that goes out in the rain.



...What do you mean, "what else?" That's all there is to it!
So where's the Rhybgaro now?
Er, uh...
...Just as I thought.
Well then, let's go talk to the people in town and get their side of the story.
Are you okay with this, Estelle?
Yes, Yuri.



The one who makes the laws in this town is his lordship, the empire's magistrate. You'd be okay with defying him?
...I'm going with you.
You're okay with it, then.
Yes.
Rita, you don't have any problems with it?
I have to say, I'm incredibly interested in a blastia that can control the weather.
Then it's decided!
So then, let's seek out the Rhybgaro first.


Skit: The Sea Breeze
The breeze that blows in a port city makes everything feel so different.
It smells like the sea...
Stand in the ocean wind too long and you'll get covered in salt, you know.
...Thank you for ruining my mood.
Hey, feel free to get all sticky and gross! I won't stop you.


Leaving the town to search for Rhybgaro, the party runs into Flynn again.

Watch the cutscene!





Stop treating me like a little kid!
Yuri, don't do anything reckless...
I haven't done anything reckless since the day I was born! I'm just chasing after a blastia thief!
Yuri...
You're the one who should ease up on trying to do the impossible, Flynn.



*Sigh* I thought leaving the capital would have changed him a little... But it seems like he's even more reckless than before.
Flynn?
Yuri's so single-minded when it comes to protecting others. He's willing to sacrifice himself to do it. I envy him for that, but I also worry that he'll take it too far.



Right, we should be going now.
Oh, by the way, Lady Estellise.
Yes?
...How...how is it, walking around outside, free?
I can't say everything's been perfect, but... ...I realized that there are things I must do. And that makes me happy. It's been wonderful.
Good. I'm glad to hear it...




Next time, we're gonna find that Rhybgaro and make our way into Ragou's residence.

---

By the way, this NPC here:


Kid: ...That's what the woman doctor in glasses with the white wolf puppy was saying, anyway.

I feel like this is a reference to something I'm not getting, anyone got an idea?


Polsy replied to this question with this post: