Part 61: Haha, it's business as usual in Rolent.

-Tetracyclic Tower-



You were heading to Bose, last I heard.
We WERE, yes.
The paranoid little part of me can't help but wonder if this is intentional.
Well, I'm not going to complain about having you around.
Anyway. I do believe this is the first time we've seen each other since you went off to train, Estelle. You look right at home in that new outfit.
Aww, Aina, you'll make me blush.
Mr. Vathek, Milady Klaudia, Miss Russell, I believe this is the first time we've met. I'm Aina, the receptionist for the Rolent branch. A pleasure to meet you all!
The pleasure is mine, Miss Aina.
Um, um, nice to meet you!
Haha! Good to meet you at last, Aina. I've heard a lot about you!
Really? Hmm, I wonder.
Oh, and Olivier's here, too. What ARE you doing over there, Olivier?
Ha-ha-ha! Don't, ah, mind me! I was certainly not flashing back to memories of the destruction of my liver. Just...for the record.
What...?
Hmmhmm...Just let him be, Aina.
Oh, and I'm guessing you know Agate, Aina.
We've met, yeah. I don't come up by Rolent much, so we've only met, like, once or twice.
Hmmhmm. It's still good to see you again, though, Agate.
So with the pleasantries out of the way...I'm sorry, but do you mind if we get straight to business?
Of course, Aina. Go ahead.
This...'fog' appeared suddenly today around dawn. At first it seemed to be little more than the usual light mist we get here at times. But...you could literally stand outside and watch it grow thicker. It was eerie.
Do we have any idea what's causing it?
None, I'm afraid. It's definitely covering all of the city, but we're not sure of its full extent or source yet.
Fog and mist have several common sources. You can get the sort that springs up off-coast and flows inland, or the kind that forms in mountain basins.
Hmm. There are several basins in the Krone range near Rolent, are there not?
There are, yes. It IS possible this is simply a freak act of nature...
...But with everything that's been happening recently, we should be on our guard.
Should we put off heading for Bose and remain in Rolent for now?
That's the best idea, I think. Passenger ships sure ain't movin' till this soup clears, anyway.
Um, but...
What's up, Estelle?
Well, I was just thinking about the bandits and stuff...
We were checkin' that out because we had no other leads, remember? The Royal Army's on top of that anyway, so we don't really HAVE to go, you know?
But...
Look, what is it? Somethin' eating at you?
Um, no, but! It's just, I...
Estelle.
I'm not exactly sure what you're thinking, but calm down and consider for a second.
Huh?
The bandit ship theft case is already over, in a way. If they'd taken hostages, it'd be different, but as it is there's no emergency demanding we take action. And I can't imagine they'll stay in Bose, in any event.
That's true, but...
On the other hand, something bizarre is happening before our eyes at this very moment. If the society is somehow behind this, there's a good chance Rolent is in danger.
So...which is the correct choice here?
...
Estelle...
Um, Miss Schera! I think Estelle has a reason she wants to go! So, um...
...No, Tita.
Schera's right.
Estelle...
Sorry, Schera. I guess I wasn't really paying attention to what's happening.
You don't need to apologize. Everyone has times they have trouble focusing.
Even I do, and I know Agate sure does.
Now hang on a--
Being able to determine the best path, without losing sight of yourself, is a crucial skill for a bracer.
Even if it IS a bit easier to just say it's important than it is to actually do it.
I'm still a student on that front, too, really. I can hardly compare to Master Cassius in that regard.
Really, Zane?
To possess perfect clarity and retain one's good cheer in the face of adversity...It requires experience.
And Master Cassius' ability to do just that saved us many times when he traveled to Calvard once.
Huh. I didn't know that.
Hey, don't sweat it, all right? Not as if you can just snap your fingers and be at the old man's level. You just gotta put one foot in front of the other and get better, bit by bit.
Yeah...Thanks, guys.
Um, sorry, Aina. That kinda sidetracked us.
Haha. It's fine.
So getting back to the matter at hand...At this point, there's nothing really specific we can ask you to do. You can hardly beat fog with violence, after all. I'd simply ask that you be on standby in case anything does happen. You can wait at your home, if you'd like, Estelle.
If this fog really is part of another Ouroboros plot, then it CAN be beaten with violence. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Oh, yeah! I was going to head home for a bit. Is there anything else we should watch out for besides that, though?
Hmm. Well.
If you absolutely want to do SOMETHING...could I ask you to check the roads for me?
The roads? What for?
The fog is covering the entirety of the city. However...It also seems to have spread out into the countryside. The thing is, I don't know HOW far it's spread yet. If you could go see how far it's gone, it would help me consider where we go from here.
Ah, and we also need to secure land routes in case the passenger ships continue to be unusable.
There's the Elize Highway to the south, the Milch Main Road to the west, and the Malga Trail to the north. Could you check those three and let me know the extent of the fog?
Sure! That should be pretty easy.
Well, then...For once, this means Estelle and I will be the guides.
Yeah, kind of a change, huh? We know pretty much everything about Rolent!
Well, who'll be goin' with you, then?

Zane and Kloe get the nod this time.



-Provincial City of Rolent-



I know this city like the back of my hand and I STILL feel like I could get lost in this soup!
And that, Estelle, is why you have a map and compass. If you feel like you're losing direction, be sure and keep an eye on them.
Yeah, good point.
Okay, so we need to check just how far the fog's spread on the roads. But, um...Kloe? Zane? Do you mind if we stop by my house and see how things are there?
Yes, I'd be happy to stop by your home.
Haha! Looks like I'll get a chance to visit sooner than expected, eh?
Well, let's be off then, hmm?

I wound up doubling up on Heaven's Eye and Eagle Eye this time, as well as Yin-Yang and Haze. It's all part of an amazingly cunning plan that I couldn't possibly go into right now.









The capital was surprisingly quiet on the sidequests front. Rolent will be quite a bit busier.











Elger: It's been a while. Ever since you went off on that training trip, right?
Hi, Elger. Long time no see.
Elger: Welcome back. So if Scherazard's with you, does that mean you're in the middle of some work for the guild?
Yeah, a bit.
Elger: I heard from Aina that the two of you are working pretty hard. Especially you, Estelle. Word is you've been solving lots of cases and you're even a full bracer now! Hmph, quite a bit of success for such a short time. Ahhh, I can't help but be nostalgic for the days you were complaining about training because you hated paper tests, though.
H-Hey, Elger, ixnay on the eststay...
Now, now, what is there to hide? Certainly your paper tests were appalling like no other bracer before, but you've always been top in the practicals.
Haha. Now, don't be embarrassed. A couple of flaws are a part of a person's charm.
Heehee...
Elger: Ah, sorry, sorry. I suppose yammering on about the past like this is proof I'm getting old. Anyway, putting that aside...Did you find out anything about Joshua's whereabouts?
Ah...
I've looked a lot, but I still haven't really found anything.
Elger: I see...I guess he won't be that easy to find. I admit I was worried when I heard from Cassius, but...From the looks of it, Estelle, you seem to be hanging in there. But, if it gets hard, come on by any time. If you're okay with it, Stella and I would be glad to hear you out.
...Yeah. Thanks. I'll definitely take you up on that.
Elger: Stop by any time. I'll have lots of good equipment ready and waiting for you.



Elger has some anti-Sleep and anti-Confuse accessories. You'll need enough for the group...eventually.



Stella: Oh, my goodness, if it isn't Estelle! My, my, my! And looking closely, Schera's with her too?
Ahaha, it's been a while.
Hmm-hmm-hmm, it has indeed.
Stella: Awwww, it really has! I've been pretty frustrated, you know. After all, I kept hearing rumors you were back, but I couldn't meet you in person.
Ahaha, sorry, Stella.
Well, Estelle's been preoccupied with a few things. Mind forgiving her?
Stella: Don't you worry about it. Even this old lady knows that much. I was a bit worried when I heard about Joshua, but...It looks like you're giving it your best, Estelle.
Y-Yeah...Somehow.
Stella: Well, putting that aside, Estelle...Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
Wh-What? Why are you staring at me? I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I know I did. I swear! I even got behind the ears!
Stella: Ohh, it's just wonderful!
What is?!
Stella: What is this SKIRT! It's just perfect on you! It matches that feeling of being an energetic young woman!
Ahaha...Y-You think so? Schera bought this for me in the capital. It was a present for becoming a full bracer.
Stella: Hmmm, very nice, Schera. You've got good taste!
Hmm-hmm. I'm glad you like it, ma'am.
Stella: Your attitude reveals itself in your clothing. Yes, yes. Looks like you'll do wonderfully as a full bracer. My sloppy, dirty little Estelle's become this clean and sharp...Oooh...Th-This old lady is going to cry...
(I...I didn't think she'd cry over a skirt.)
(If she saw you dressed for a wedding she'd probably collapse on the spot.)



Yep. It's been ages, Rinon!
Rinon: So, I heard you went off to do some training somewhere nuts. How'd that turn out?
Oh, boy, it went gre--
...Wait, when did I tell you about my training, Rinon?
Rinon: Haha, don't underestimate neighborhood gossip. I'm pretty sure everyone knows you went out to train, at least.
Ahaha...I should've seen that coming.
Haha, it's business as usual in Rolent.
Rinon: By the way...This weather sure is weird, huh? I heard the Bose-bound passenger ships are all grounded.
Yeah, we also got stopped by that.
Well, since we're stuck here, we plan on investigating this fog. The guild would also like to get a better picture of the situation.
Rinon: Gotcha. That's encouraging to hear. Just be careful. Something's strange about this fog. It doesn't feel normal.
Yes. We'll be careful.
Yeah...
See ya, Rinon.
Rinon: My mom came back on that last scheduled liner from the capital. But, wouldn't you know it! She brought home some woman I've never seen before in my life. She said they'd met on the airship, but since this is my mom we're talking about here, that's totally suspicious. Did sh-she seriously find a wife for me to marry? I'm probably just being paranoid, but then again...



New news is good news.



Bloom: Unfortunately, due to this fog, she can't go to her destination. I felt bad for her, so until the ships are moving again, I welcomed her into my home. We should help one another out when times are tough.
Kitty: I decided to take Miss Bloom up on her offer and stay with them for a while. I'd like to help out at the store, too, if I can. I work at the department store in the capital, so I'm sure I can handle dealing with customers. I'll be here until the scheduled liners resume. I plan to help out with the store as much as I can. They've been so kind to me, so it's only right that I help.



Freddy: It's been a while. Good to see you're well.
You too, Freddy. Looks like you finished your training over in Zeiss, huh?
Hmmhmm, looking forward to seeing what you've learned.
Freddy: Yeah, of course. Just say the word. I'll tune anything you've got to perfection with the techniques I learned over at the Central Factory.
Melders: Oh, Estelle! And you've got Scherazard with you, too. It's been a while.
Ahaha...You seem well, sir.
Hmmhmm, same as always.
Melders: Yeah, of course. I'm not gonna lose to you youngsters yet. Freddy's back from his training in Zeiss, after all. If you got any new model orbments to tune, leave it to him.



Hiya, Claire.
Hmmhmm. Have you been a good girl?
Claire: Ehe! I'm ALWAYS a good girl! Oh, yeah, Estelle? I heard Joshua's working on his own now, but...My killer reporting instincts are telling me that's misinformation! Isn't it? He's really fighting some evil organization all on his own and you're trying to find him, right?
(Uh. Killer instinct, nothing. How does she DO that?)
Claire: Yeah, that's how this story should go! After all, a normal story just wouldn't fit Joshua. Joshua secretly infiltrating an evil organization's base all on his own...Aaaah, he's so cool! Anyway...I bet you two were on a passenger ship and got stuck here, right?
Yeah, actually...
You've always been so good at figuring out what's going on, Claire.
Claire: There hasn't been much to figure out with Mr. Cassius gone for so long...Well, good luck, you two! I expect the biggest scoops!



Pat: Estelle! Hi!
Haha! Volume, guys! I can hear you just fine without the yelling.
Soooo, looks like you BOTH really missed me, hmmmmmmmm, Luke?
Luke: N-No, I wasn't waiting for you. You just surprised me by showing up like this, is all!
Pat: Huh...? Luke, you just told me the other day you couldn't wait for Estelle to--
Luke: SH-SHUT UP, you dummy!
Haha...Aww, Luke, you're adorable. ♪
C'mon, now, give ol' big sis Estelle a hug!
Luke: Guaaaah, don't say it like THAT! That sounds weird! Besides! Don't tell me you forgot! Our duel! C'mon, Estelle! Duel me!
Wha...A duel? Are you for real, kiddo? Look at this fog. You guys need to scoot on home.
Luke: You dummy, this fog's why I want to duel now! It'd be a CLIMACTIC DUEL in THE FOG! Isn't that just the coolest?
And that's how I know you're both still kids. There is absolutely NOTHING 'cool' about making the people you love worry. Have you forgotten what happened at the Esmelas Tower? How worried everyone was?
Luke: Guh...
Pat: Uh, um...
If you want to be a 'big man,' first you make sure you aren't going to cause anyone to worry by being out. If you can't look after yourself, you definitely can't hope to help anyone else.
I think you're old enough to get what I mean, right? Show me you've grown up a little bit, at least.
Luke: Tch...F-Fine, I get it. We'll duel later!
Pat: Sorry, Estelle. We'll go home before it gets too dark.
Please do, Pat. It's a promise between friends, okay?
Pat: Uh-huh! Okay!
Luke: Whatever, just don't forget our duel!
Of course, of course. We'll have our big, final showdown once the fog's cleared.
Luke: Yeah! It's a promise!



Faulkner: Sch-Scherazard?! Wh-When did you get back?!
Hmm-hmm, seems you missed me.
Well, I figure I'll be dragging Aina in to drink at some point, so see you then!
Faulkner: Ah...haha...We'll be waiting.
(A-As always, she's feared.)
Faulkner: Sch-Scherazard bringing Aina in to drink...I might need to take two, maybe three days off from the store.



Elissa: And Schera's with you too?
Well, hellooooo, Elissa. You doing all right?
Haha! It's been a while, Elissa.
Elissa: Yay! You came back from training. I was worried. You hadn't been to visit at all.
Work's been kinda hectic, and I've had to travel about the regions. That's why I'm a bit late on my return.
Elissa: Oh, so you are busy. I thought so. That's right. I heard your training was done in a different country, huh? Ohhhh, that's so cool. You bracers sure do get around.
Ahaha, come on. It's not a big deal. It may have been in a different nation, but it was just a guild facility.
...Well, thanks to that, I HAVE definitely had a chance to get a fresh start and really put myself into it.
Elissa: Hmmm, a fresh start...Huh? Maybe that skirt is a reflection of your dedication?
Ah...You noticed, huh?
Umm...D-Does it look weird?
Elissa: What are you saying? It looks great! It's a very cute design, but it also looks easy to move in...Yeah, it's perfect on you, Estelle. ♪
Th-Thanks, Elissa.
Elissa: I'm sure you have a lot on your mind with what's going on with Joshua, but...Keep on staying positive. That's the most like you, I think, Estelle.
Y-Yeah...I'll do my best.
Elissa: Anyway, take it easy today. If you'd like, try the new recipes I've come up with.




Tabitha: Oh, hello, you two. It really has been some time.
Hello, Tabitha.
You look like you're doing well.
Tabitha: Yes, decently enough. If you'd like, have something to eat while you're here. The new dish Elissa came up with has quite the reputation for being delicious.
Ah, I'd love to have that!
I've really been looking forward to trying out her cooking. ♪
Tabitha: Can't wait for you to try it! That girl's been wanting to see you for some time now, Estelle. While you're enjoying your meal, go and say hi.
Ahaha, actually, I already did.
Tabitha: Oh, is that so? Do stop in from time to time, please. It seems like you're going to be busy, but come by and visit if you get the chance. You're always welcome, Estelle.



Yeah, it has.
How's business?
Densel: Great. As always, mornings have been killer. I'm really glad the new dishes Elissa came up with are popular. It's a big help. Anyway, come on by and have a drink once you're off work. Still, though, the fog today's awful. We just rushed to put up weather sealant on our first floor. Well, it's not stopping our business.



Serra: He has a huge pile of books he just picked up on impulse. If he's going to throw them out, he may as well give them to people so that it's not a waste. So, here, I'll give this to you.


Serra: And on top of that, he found some old scrap of paper and just started smiling weirdly...This humidity must be making moss grow on his brain.
Rhett: The fog is still awful today. It seemed like the humidity might hurt my books, so I rushed to get them packed away. In the middle of it all, though, I found something really nostalgic. It's a ticket to an old circus performance from ten years ago. I put this inside this book as a memory of my first date with my wife. Man, oh, man. The memories. Serra was so pretty back then. E-Er! Not that she's any LESS pretty now, mind you! That old circus troupe used to come by here all the time. It's been years since they've been here, though. It's a shame. I'd love to see them again.



Ah, hello, Ridge.
Heya, Ridge.
Ridge: Hey, Estelle. Think we last saw each other when you went off to train, right? I heard from Aina. Already on the job, huh?
Yeah, pretty much. You make it sound like you're already tied up, Ridge.
Ridge: Yeah, I've got some clients who really need to get to Grancel on urgent business. Since it doesn't look like the passenger ships are going anywhere soon, I'll be escorting them.
Going back the way we just came, huh?
Visibility on the roads is just as bad.
You'll need to pay plenty of attention as you go.
Ridge: Yeah, don't worry, I'll be careful. Anyhow, good luck with your mission, you two.
You too, Ridge. Good luck with that escort job!
Ridge: Thanks! I'll make sure they get there to become repeat customers, don't you worry!



Hey, Mayor Klaus! Sorry we've been kinda missing for a while.
And...Princess Klaudia. I am glad to see you in good health.
Thank you, Mayor Klaus. You as well.
It's good to see you well, Mayor.
Haha! Well, seeing both of you does me well, if nothing else. You are both a source of pride for Rolent.
So what brings you home? Work as always, I suspect?
Well...sorta.

Ahh, I see. You're victims of this cursed fog as well, hmm? It seems I was right to delay my trip to Grancel.
Huh? What were you going to do there?
Wait, the capital...Were you invited to the non-aggression pact signing, Mayor?
Whoa! The signing ceremony? Really?
Mmm...yes, I was. All of the leaders of the provinces were invited to attend. But the state of the regions we govern must come first. I can hardly leave Rolent when this is going on.
No kidding...Guess it's not all roses and sunshine for you, either.
Regardless, I intend to make sure nothing befalls Rolent during this. If any trouble should arise, I will doubtless need the guild's help to deal with it. I hope you'll be willing to help, friends.
Of course!
We will be glad to be of aid, sir. One cannot help but feel the hand of She Above in guiding us here.
You have my thanks.
If anything comes up, just contact the guildhouse. Aina will know where to find us.
If the time comes, I shall.
Having the passenger liners grounded entirely already makes this an emergency. I'm sorry, but I hope we can count on your aid for the moment.



Hello, ma'am! It's been a while.
Mylene: Why, Estelle, Scherazard. It certainly has! Are you working right now?
Yeah, we're gonna patrol the highways a little bit.
Mylene: I see...Do be careful. You've seen what's happened to the town. The fog outside is terrible. We've never experienced weather like this before. Why does my heart tremble with unease so...?
Lita: *sigh* So, so busy. There are so many guests today...I need to serve tea, but the cleaning needs to get done, too. Clean, carry the tea, clear that, clean again...Round and round it goes...The mistress' tea really is amazing, though. A sip of the mistress' tea will warm you right up! Hmmmm, it seems like there's some kind of secret to that tea...Ohh, but right! I need to hurry up and serve it!



Father Divine: Hm, it has been a while. Have you been doing well?
Ah, yeah...It has been a while, huh?
We're fine. I'm glad to see you're looking good, too, Father.
Father Divine: Welcome home, you two. Right now, Rolent is locked away by fog. Even seeing your immediate surroundings is difficult. However, there are things that can be seen precisely because one cannot see them with the eye. Not to be tossed about by an ever-changing world, but to quietly speak to the self...Spend your days like that and the fog will become an ally instead of an enemy.
(...I understood, like, 30% of that.)
(Hmm-hmm. His words are always rich with meaning.)



Armand: Ellie...Every time I see your face, the emotions from that night come flooding back. We gazed at each other underneath the lights of the stars and the fireworks...I put my dedication into words, and conveyed them to you...
*ahem* Ummm, may I have a moment?
Armand: Hmm...?
Ellie: Oh? Who might you be?
I'm with the Bracer Guild. You're Armand, right? I saw your request on the bulletin board.
Armand: Ah, you really came! Thank you! I've been waiting so long!
Ellie: This is wonderful, Armand! I'm so happy!
Armand: Ah, Ellie...Why is your heart so beautiful? Even though I am the cause of your suffering...
Ellie: Don't say that, Armand! I know best just how hard this is on you. We promised on that night, didn't we? That you and I, no matter what...
Armand: We would hold hands and live out our days together, good and bad. Oh, I love you, Ellie!
Ellie: And I you, Armand!
Ummmm...Didn't you have some kind of request?
Armand: Ah...!
Ellie: That's right, the request!
Armand: W-Well, to make it short, this request is so important that it directly affects our future. In fact, I'd like you to start investigating immediately if you can. Can you?
Yep! We're all squared away.
Armand: R-Really?! Bless you, bracers! Bless your loving hearts!
Ellie: How wonderful, Armand! I'm so happy!
Armand: Ahh, Ellie...Why is your heart so beautiful?
Ellie: Oooh, Armand...
So...about that request.
Armand: ...Pardon us. *ahem* Yes. Let me explain.
Yes, please do. As simply and swiftly as possible.
Armand: What I'd like to ask of you all is nothing less than finding our engagement ring. I scraped and saved up all the mira I could to get a really nice ring, but then...then...Th-That cursed crow snatched it from me!
C-Crow?!
You mean like the bird, right?
Armand: Yes! The ones that go, 'caw!' and bring suffering to those in love! One of those dastardly things flew off with our ring in his mouth!
Ha. Well, crows are known to have an eye for anything shiny. A sparkling ring sounds like just their idea of a new toy.
That ring's probably in some bird's nest by now, huh?
And you want us to find it?
Armand: Please. I'm well aware of how much of a challenge this is. Even so, I dearly hope you'll find it. Somehow!
I mean, I want to find it, too, but...We don't have a whole lot of info to work with here. Just knowing a crow took it isn't all that much.
Do you have any more clues?
Armand: Well, I have some idea of where its nest is. I'm pretty sure it's north of Rolent. The crow flew off towards the Malga Trail after it was done plundering our hopes and dreams. I would have given chase, but with the fog and all...
I see. So the nest's probably to the north...
We'll take that under advisement. Anyway, seems we have no choice but to investigate places where the nest is likely to be.
Yeah, no other leads, really. This request is going to be a real pain, isn't it?
Armand: We have no choice but to rely on the guild at this point. Please, PLEASE do everything you can.
Ellie: You bracers are our only hope. Please, you must find it!
We'll do whatever we can.
We'll come back and report once we know more.
Armand: We'll be right here! Our hope--and our future--rests with you!
Ellie: Good luck!