Part 17: You guys have your work cut out for you. Geared up and ready to go, I hope?

-Seaport City of Ruan-



When Estelle was last in Ruan, Mayor Dalmore and his steward had a heel-turn that would move Vince McMahon to tears: burning down an orphanage so they could steal the land, and build ritzy vacation homes on it. Loewe, who set the fire, made sure that Matron Theresa (yes, really) and her charges could escape unharmed, but then Dalmore had them mugged in the street.



It was all a little over the top. Theresa and her kids are probably just lucky that Liberl doesn't use railroads. They would have gotten tied to a track for sure.



The Intelligence Division was there too, because...reasons. I have no idea what value Colonel Richard would have seen in that whole deal, unless Dalmore was being set up for future blackmail or a high-profile arrest. Maybe it was all Loewe, using the I.D. to perpetrate some secret fuckery for Ouroboros. Dalmore's heirloom Chronos Rod has been mentioned in passing a few times; ancient artifacts are right up Weissmann's alley.



Carna's been away, so the board's covered with jobs.
You guys have your work cut out for you. Geared up and ready to go, I hope?
Ah...haha...Sending us out already...?
We were expecting a LITTLE board work, but...
Anything urgent come up lately?
Well, no. We're snowed under with work in general, but none of it is particularly urgent. I mean, the election's being held under the eyes of the military anyway...The town's so busy boiling over from the election that the tourists have stayed home a bit.
Whoa, the election's gotten that hot? Who's running? We haven't heard...
Mr. Norman, who is a proponent of the tourism industry, and Mr. Portos, who wants to try and revive the harbors and shipping business. Remember, this is a big deal--the mayor of Ruan is also the governor of the entire region! People in Manoria and elsewhere are voting, too. It's been a real media circus.
This election is basically going to decide the future of Ruan. It's exciting.
I get it now. That IS big! Well, given that I'm underage and not a citizen of Ruan, I guess I can't vote...Gotta admit, though, since I, uh, basically helped CAUSE this, I'm sorta curious to see where it goes!
Oh, then read the coverage from the Liberl News. Their investigative articles are excellent.
Investigation...Wait, that reminds me...
There is actually a job I'd like you to focus on. It isn't 'urgent,' but...it's something that needs looking into.
Oh? What's up?
Uh, well, how do I put this...? It's hard to explain. Maybe I shouldn't have...
The heck? Ain't like you to beat around the bush, Jean. Since when do you hesitate to pile the work on? Come on, spit it out!
Haha! Well, ah, thanks for the honesty...I think...
Well, all right. Here it is: I want you to investigate ghost sightings.



See, I KNEW you were gonna look at me like that...This is why I didn't want to bring it up.
N-No, sorry, it's just a bit of, um, a surprise, is all.
So...uh, what exactly do you mean by 'ghost sightings'?
Okay, so. It began about two weeks ago. We've been receiving reports that people have been seeing a 'white shadow' at night. And not just in the City of Ruan, mind you. Reports have come in from all across the province.
They saw a 'white shadow' at night...
W-W-Wait, you mean...?!
Ah, so that's why you said a 'ghost.'
And it probably isn't a prank or a trick of the eyes, if people are seeing this thing all over.
Exactly. I'd have dismissed one sighting, but with all the reports we've gotten...While you're traveling around working on the other jobs, do you think you could follow up on a few of the reports?
Er, um, well, you see...
Uh, it'd be...irresponsible of us to take such a job with so much else going on! Yeah...That's it...
Estelle...are you...?
Wha, noooo, nonono! Not at all! You think Estelle the Coup-Breaker, Hero of Liberl, would be afraid of ghosts? No way! No how! No...
...Sorry, I AM afraid of ghosts. A little.
Haha! More than a little, from the looks of it.
Well, don't worry. Nobody's been hurt or anything, and it isn't urgent. We'll just pretend this conversation didn't--
No. We'll take it.
Don't forget. A big part of our mission is investigating the society. We're to keep an eye out for even the slightest hints of activity from them. That's the plan, remember?
Oh...
Everyone has things they have trouble handling. Everyone. So don't be afraid to admit you're scared of something...
But admit it, and do something about it, instead of just running away from it.
...
Ouch. Little harsh, don't you think, Agate?
...No. Agate's totally right.
I'm afraid of ghosts, but...No ghost...could match the terror I felt the day Joshua disappeared.
Estelle...
Heh, now you get it.
Jean. We'll investigate those sightings and get to the bottom of them. I promise!
Glad to hear it.
Anyway, I've got three sightings in particular that I think bear looking into. The first one is a report from a guard at Air-Letten. Apparently, he saw something during a night patrol that spooked the heck out of him.
Oookay...Not scared, not scared...
The second one I know of was a sighting by a member of the Ravens.
Figure that one should be easy since Agate is with you.
Heh. If he doesn't talk, I'll remind the guy who his REAL boss is.
Oh, cut it out with the macho stuff...
They seemed...kind of different during the tournament in Grancel, y'know?
Yeah, I kind of doubt it.
Well, ah, do try to be...SUBTLE about it, yes?
The last report is from one of the children at the Mercia Orphanage.
Wait, one of the orphanage kids?!
Yes, Matron Theresa contacted us on her behalf. Oh, right, guess you wouldn't know. Reconstruction of the orphanage finished not too long ago. According to Theresa, it's more or less exactly as it once was.
It is? That's a relief. I wanted to go say hi to Theresa and the kids anyway. I'll ask about the...thingy sighting when I go congratulate them over the new orphanage building.
And that's it!
Remember, though, this really isn't urgent, so you can put it off for a bit if something else comes up. The rest of the jobs are on the board, so make sure to check it. Once you've heard what all three witnesses have to say, come back here. We can go over all the testimonies and take a stab at figuring this mess out.
Understood! The Ravens hang out right here in the city, in the Warehouse District. We might check in with them first.
Right. The Warehouse District is across the bridge, by the harbor. Let's move out.









Two of these jobs are best finished later, and the other two can't be done at all yet. We have more pressing business:



-Welcome to Le Locle-



Gambling!



Lottelio: It's super-mega relaxing here! Where else can I earn some mira AND have fun while I'm at it? If you're not sure how to play, let me know and I'll be happy to help. ♥



Fuego: I shall be your match.



Gunter: You can play blackjack here at this table. It's one of the few games where you're practically guaranteed to make a little mira, so long as you play your cards right. Sit back, relax, and have some fun.



Spiridon: There are times in life when one is forced to make decisions without the help of logic. However, Aidios, ever merciful, has granted humanity a gift to trump such trying moments...I speak of intuition, of course. Just as with choices in life, there is no logic behind winning and losing in gambling. But once you've learned to sense the danger intuitively...THAT, friend, is when you've captured the true spirit of gambling.



You have to buy and wager medals instead of just gambling with mira directly. Lavantar has poker, blackjack, and roulette, but the safe money is over in the corner.



Alund: They're not nearly as nice as the modern ones...Which is totally why I lost. Yeah...



The slots are the only casino mini-game that requires timing rather than luck.



You can bet up to five times per play, with each bet activating another row or diagonal for potential payouts. And once you've got the rhythm down...



It helps that you can save scum, too.

You can take your pile of medals back to the exchange girl for a selection of prizes...



...including a new volume of Gambler Jack, a fishing rod, and some accessories that you can take to Joan Arms & Guards just up the street.

-Seaport City of Ruan-



Eva: Carna's not here right now, so I hope you guys will do your best.

My foolproof get-rich-quick scheme is enough to net me a whopping...



...two grand.

Since you're only playing for Lavantar fun bucks, the slots are a terrible, terrible way to get paid. I mean, I suppose you COULD make infinite money...in theory...as long as you've got the next fifty years free or so. Stick to honest work. The Guild pays perfectly well.



If you've come here with Agate, make sure you get one of grandma's earrings for him. Estelle and Schera can get by on just their arts, but Agate will be crippled if he can't smash things.

Those casino winnings are at least good for some better gear for Estelle (Agate already has the best available right now), some extra ingredients, and a few new local recipes.



Primo: Apparently, he and his friends participated in the Martial Arts Competition this year. But just when I thought he was going to try and make something of himself, he's back to being lazy as ever. It's so frustrating! Why doesn't he have the motivation to change...?




The streets are filled with election solicitors.







The Royal Army is fully aware, and preparing airstrikes.



Squaro: The second floor's serving as Portos' election headquarters, but my place is as open for business as always. Why not have a seat and take a look at our menu? We got the best seafood around!


Ruan's Granate Orbal Factory doesn't have any amazing new quartz, but I've got enough sepith to upgrade one more slot for Estelle.



Tobias: You should focus on upgrading your slots to get a handle on their functionality levels as well. The Epstein Foundation is really pushing the new model orbments. Even independently owned and operated factories like mine are participating in their outreach programs.



Is that you, Lloyd?
Lloyd: Oh, it's you guys. How about it? Already tried out your rod?
No, not yet. I had some places I needed to go.
Lloyd: I see, I see. Well, then, want to check out a spot nearby? I know a really great location.
Really?! Yes, please!
...Hey, weren't we gonna ask the Ravens about the ghost?
O-Of course! Of course we were. But, we can make a short stop, right...? Pleeeeeease?
*sigh* Fine. Hurry up and get it over with.
Lloyd: Haha, no worries. It won't take that much time. Let me show you. Follow me.
Yeah!!





Lloyd: Yeah, look at the surface of the water. See, there's a ripple in the water, right? That's a sign that you can pull up fish here. You should be able to find them in most bodies of water, so be sure to keep an eye out on your travels.
Okay. So basically, just pay attention to the surface of the water. Got it.
Lloyd: Now, enough about how to find fishing spots...Next, let me give you this.


Lloyd: This is bait for fishing, but...It's not sold in stores, so you'll have to find it on your own. They're dropped by monsters, though, so a bracer like you shouldn't have any problems.
Ah, that's good to hear.
Lloyd: Aaaaand that's about it. You'll just have to find out the rest by trying stuff.
Yeah, got it. Thanks for all the help!
Lloyd: No, no. My pleasure. It's all part of being a member of the Fisherman's Guild. Well, then, catch you later. I expect great results!





Fishing, like gambling, is totally optional.



You just find one of Liberl's many ripply fishing holes, then select a rod and a bait.



The rod determines what types of bait you can use. The bait determines what types of fish you can actually pull up. Not every bait will work at any given fishing spot.



Then wait, and hit the use button the instant you see the '!' start to appear over Estelle's head. If you wait for the full ! then it'll be too late.















Fish can be sold, and will also vomit forth a variety of useful supplies: cooking ingredients, sepith, recovery balms, even rare and powerful accessories. Some, like the Kasago and Sea Bass, can be used as fishing bait in their own right. Unfortunately Estelle missed Lloyd's 'CATCH you later!' pun--the only joke he knows--and so we've missed out forever on the ultimate fishing secret.

Now that's enough distractions.



Next time, we have to interrogate Agate's old gang of toughs. I'm sure his authority will help everything go smoothly.