Part 73: Casual heroism's just part of the job as a bracer, ma'am.

-Provincial City of Rolent-



It's the only place that hasn't seen an experiment, too.
That's true, but from the sounds of it, there isn't anything odd happening in Bose. I think we can take our time, for once, and help out here in Rolent a bit before heading out.
Sounds good. Let's see if there's anything else to do, and head for the landing port when we're done.

There's tons to do, of course.









Ridge: You're heading out to Bose next, right?
Yes, that's the plan.
Sorry, Ridge. Feels like we're always shoving off our work on you.
Ridge: Nah, don't worry about it. I've always leaned on Cassius and Schera until now. I'll manage. It'll be a good opportunity for me to stand on my own.
I like your style, Ridge! We'll be away for a while, but hold down the fort while we're gone.
Ridge: Yeah, leave it to me. I hope you guys have a nice trip to Bose. I know you guys have a hard mission ahead of you, Estelle. You leave the branch to me. Just focus on your own stuff. I can handle the jobs that come by the branch on my own, at least.



Freemont: Thanks to you guys, my father-in-law's awake.
Father-in-law?
Ohh, you mean Radford, right?
Just as Aina said, it seems everyone's awake.
Freemont: Yeah, Radford took a bit longer to wake up, but he seems just fine. He said we need to get to work, and he's still got enough energy to outpace me!
Haha! Sounds like he's fine, all right.
Hmhm. Really.
Freemont: Seriously. I shouldn't worry about him, I guess. Anyway, guess I'd better learn from his example and put my back into it! The freight liners are coming in again now that the fog's gone, and so we're going through back-orders on our lumber.
Good luck with that!
Try not to let your own father-in-law leave you in the dust, Freemont.
Freemont: I'll do my best! You guys be careful, too.



Freddy: I know a lot happened, but I'm just glad the fog's cleared. How about hanging around for a while before you head to your next job?
Ah, yeah! That's the idea.
Yes...
So, how about you share a drink with me?
Freddy: *cough* *cough* I-I'm afraid I'll have to leave that pleasure to Herbet or Faulkner. I've still got work. Lots and lots of work...
Ahahaha...
Freddy: A-Anyway, you should relax before you head out again. After all, it's your first time back in Rolent for a while.
Melders: Hey, you guys. Good work on everything. You aren't already off on your next job, are you?
Well, you could say that, but...
First we plan to do a bit of work around here.
Yes...We need to take care of this branch at least a little or I think Aina will be out of sorts, and that is something I do NOT wish to face.
Melders: Hmph, must be hard work all the time. Well, once things are settled a bit, come on back here. Oh, yeah, and bring that Joshua with you, you got that?
Uh...Sure! Will do!



Kitty: I've decided to stay here for a while. I plan on using this opportunity to study for when I start my own shop. Besides, the store owner, Rinon, has been very good to me...It's as comfortable as being home here.
Rinon: Hey, Estelle, Scherazard. I heard you're heading out soon.
Wow, news sure travels fast.
Mmmhmm.
Rinon: Thanks to you, I've been able to resume ordering stock. If you need anything, you should buy it before you leave.
Yeah, thanks, Rinon. If you get any more rare sneakers in stock, hold onto them for me!
Rinon: Haha, got it. Good luck, you two.
We'll come back to shop during our downtime, promise.
Later, Rinon.
Rinon: Kitty's going to be staying around here for a while. She said she's using this experience to help train her for when she sets up her own shop. And it's...it's hard to describe. I'm kind of happy, and I'm kind of scared, too. I admit that having her around the store has been a huge help, though.



Bloom: Personally, I'm overjoyed. I can tell that Rinon is fond of Kitty. All that's left is to watch and wait. The bait's in the water, so we'll see if he takes the hook. I feel like things'll go better if I just let them flow naturally.



Elger: Sounds like all the people who were asleep woke up...I'm guessing this is your doing, isn't it?
W-Well, it's kind of weird, but...
I guess, yeah, technically it is.
Elger: I knew you all would solve it for us. I'd love to hear all the details on exactly HOW you did it...But knowing you guys, I'm guessing you've got more work lined up that you need to go and get on with. So I'd better let you go. I look forward to hearing all the exciting details another day, though.
A-Ahahaha...
(I-It's like he can read our minds...)
Heehee. We appreciate it. Well, if you'll pardon us.
Elger: Yeah, and bring Joshua with you then. I've been praying to Aidios that you can track him down. There's a lot we need to talk about, man to man.



Stella: Hmm-hmm...I've heard all about the wonderful job you've been doing.
Aw, no...It was nothing that big.
Stella: *sigh* Estelle, you've become such an impressive bracer. The little girl I knew isn't here anymore. *sniffle* Now I'm all by my lonesome...
H-Hey, Stella...
Stella: ...Teehee, just kidding. ☆ Hmm-hmm, looks like you've still got a ways to go, Estelle.
Uh...If you say so. (G-Geez, Stella's crying act is no joke.)
Stella: You have to go off again, I suppose. But, Estelle...Be sure to take care of your health and stay well. I'm looking forward to the day you bring Joshua with you. So, Schera. Take good care of Estelle. Don't make her drink, all right?
Hmm-hmm, don't worry.
It's not my style to force alcohol on people.
Whaaa...?!
(I-I must have misheard...)
...
Oh, what is it, everyone?
Stella: S-Suddenly this old lady is worried...Schera. Please, we're counting on you. This old lady believes in you.
It-it'll be okay.
You can rest assured on that account.



Yeah, you too, Kevin. You were a big help. Thanks for taking care of Tio and the others.
Haha, it was nothin', nothin'. No big deal. Anything for my beloved Estelle.
Again with that stuff? C'mon.
Really, he'd be a good match for someone else we know in the smooth talker department.
Ahaha, you might be on to something there...
Anyway, Kevin, what are your plans now?
Hmm, well, I think I'll keep workin' my way around the countryside, visitin' the parishes. I've got a spot of business I need to take care of.
Just a spot of business, huh?
...Or so you say, but it's probably really important, isn't it? Was it really just a coincidence you happened to stop here?
Ooh...Estelle, sometimes you're so sharp it hurts.
Well, all that aside...I hope we can trade info sometime soon.
Yeah, let's do that sometime. Well, you take care of yourself, Kevin.
You, too, Estelle.
Father Divine: Oh, Estelle...Your deeds of late have reached even my ears. You have done well to overcome this hardship. Allow me to offer my own thanks.
It feels kinda embarrassing being complimented by the parish chief.
We should be the ones thanking you. Treating the afflicted and contacting the grand cathedral...We owe you much.
Father Divine: No, I simply did my duty as a priest. Still, it is a great comfort to me to see Estelle's growth in these troubled times. Even when you continue on to your next appointed destination, do not forget the feelings of today.
I won't! Now, if you'll excuse us, Father...
Father Divine: Take care on your way. May the guidance of the Goddess go with you. Believe in what you hold in your heart, no matter the time or place.



I have heard all the details of what happened from Aina. A great deal of it still seems to be under investigation, so I doubt I was told everything, but...
Who could've even imagined. A fog that bends dreams...
Trust me, we're in the middle of it all and we don't know much more. Anyway, right now we're just chasing snakes from region to region.
Hopefully we can catch one sooner or later and get some real answers.
Yes, good. For my part, I did plan on keeping the full truth of this incident from the citizenry, as well. Everyone is still recovering from the trauma of seeing loved ones comatose...I do not wish to scare them further.
It's probably for the best, for now. Saying the wrong thing right now could just lead to chaos.
And I imagine you are off to new horizons. I can only ask you all to be careful. Your enemy--OUR enemy--is more twisted than I could've imagined.
Don't worry, we're used to the twisting by now.
Anyway, take care, Mayor Klaus!
And you, Estelle. Come back safe to us.



Mylene: I heard from my husband. You solved the problem with the comas and the fog. Our Lita is up and about, safe and sound. And it's all thanks to you, Estelle. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Ahaha...Awww, it's nothin'!
Casual heroism's just part of the job as a bracer, ma'am.
Mylene: When you find some free time, come back to Rolent again, all right? I'll have the best tea and snacks you've ever had waiting for you!
Lita: When I was asleep, I had this very long, elaborate dream. It was a dream of when Mayor Klaus and the mistress first took me in...The mistress makes a tea with the most delicious scent. I've loved that tea ever since I came to live here. And the tea in the dream...The scent was so clear, I still can't really believe it was a dream. A single sniff of it is enough to send me back to my childhood...



Heya, Luke!
Thank Aidios...You're all better.
Luke: Heheh! Nothin' wrong with me now! I was kinda sad when I woke up, though. I was having this TOTALLY sweet dream the whole time!
Were you, now...
Luke: Yeah, a dream where I was the best bracer ever and went all over doing awesome stuff! Heheh! I was so awesome, you didn't even compare.
Hahaha, ahh, the dreams of children. Well, do your best to make it happen, okay?
Luke: Just you wait! I'll be better than you the instant I get my badge! Oh, yeah, Estelle! What about our duel?
Oh, boy. You're still on about that, huh? Yeah, I did promise...but you're REALLY sure you want to duel?
Luke: Err...actually, I was gonna say...not today. I mean, I totally caused you a ton of trouble with everything, so...So! I'm totally gonna spare you the humiliation of losing today!
Yeah, sure, humiliation is my biggest worry here.
But yeah...I understand. We'll have our 'reckoning' another time, okay?
Luke: Yeah, you better be ready! Luke the Amazing's awesome swordsmanship is gonna send you packing!
Ohhhh? You better make sure you practice, then. Otherwise Luke the Amazing's going home on a stretcher again! ♪
Luke: Heheh! Same to you! Estelle! We're totally having our duel next time! You better not forget!
Pat: Estelle! Estelle! Luke's all better! He keeps talking about the dream he had while he was asleep, though. It really sounds like he liked it!



Ida: Look, looook! The kittens are all so fluffy and happy and full of energy!
Haha. I'll say.
Ooh, decided on any names yet?
Ida: Uhmmmm, not yet! I've thought of a few, but I juuuuust can't decide. *siiiigh* I hope I can decide before they grow up!
Uh. Yeah. Naming pets before they GROW UP is generally good practice. Y'know, just, little advice there.
Ida: Hmmmmmm. I wonder what name would fit a kitten...Claudia...You could shorten it to Claws for a nice joke, I suppose! Though I guess it'd be rude to the princess, huh?



Claire: Are you leaving Rolent?
Yes, we'll be packing the wagons shortly, here.
I'm sorry, Claire. We've got work to do elsewhere.
Claire: You two are going together...That means there's a case! Is it a plot of the, um, Empire's war hawks using the treaty as cover? Or the remnants of the Intelligence Division? No, maybe it's the Capua Sky Bandits! That'd surprise everyone! Aww, I can't see where this is going...
(Huh, I'm not entirely sure what to think about her being that close to the actual mark.)
(I think a certain Mr. Burns should be afraid for his job when she gets older. Hmhm.)



Hello, Tabitha.
Thank Aidios. I'm glad to see you're awake.
How are you feeling?
Tabitha: I'm still a little lightheaded, to be honest. I'm sure it's because of the odd dream I had...
Ah, so you had one too.
Tabitha: Yes, it was such a nostalgic dream...I was about your age, out on a picnic with everyone...My old Sunday School friends...Hannah and Lena.
Huh? Lena...My mother was there?
Tabitha: Well, not just Lena, mind. You and Joshua were there too. Right next to your, ah, same-age mother, to boot.
Say whaaaat?
Well, that IS quite the dream.
Tabitha: Yes, odd, isn't it? The picnic was very fun, and I think it was quite a happy dream, but...It was so terribly happy, it actually filled me with a sense of unease. It was a dream with an unpleasant aftertaste, like the whole thing was just made up.
I-I see...
Tabitha: It was nice to see Lena as she was, though. Especially after so long. Perhaps she borrowed the world of dreams to see you...I'm sure she could hardly stand to just watch beside the Goddess.
Ahaha...Maybe...Can't really say I know for sure, but...I guess I can think that now.
To be honest, I'm not sure I ended up how she would have wanted...
Tabitha: Don't worry. You're fine. Trust me. So, hold your head high as you tend to your work. You're a good, professional bracer no matter how you look at it.
Yeah...Thank you!
Tabitha: If you can find some time, come visit the store. Elissa and I would love to see you.



Elissa: Mom's opened her eyes! Thank you so much. *sniff* I'm so...I'm so glad.
Elissa...Yeah, I'm relieved too.
Elissa: ...You too, Schera. Thank you very much.
You're welcome. I'm happy to have been of help. I hope you'll continue to take care of Tabitha.
Elissa: Yes, I'll do my best. You and Aina should stop by again for a drink one of these days.
I'm looking forward to it.
Give my best to Faulkner.
Whoa...
Elissa: Thank you so much for what you did for my mother. The fog's cleared, too. So come on and hang around the store for a while. The least I can do is try to make a great meal for you guys, after all.
Faulkner: The owner's wife finally opened her eyes. Plus, that bloody fog's cleared up, so everything's back to normal. Apparently, since the fog lifted, the scheduled liners are back in action. All the stranded passengers headed for the landing port. Feels like I'll be able to get to work with a very clean feeling now.
Radford: Ahh, I had a dream of my youth for the first time in a while yesterday. I was together with some old acquaintances, for some reason, and we were cookin' up a storm...It was a very odd dream. When I woke up, though, all I could think about was that dish we made. So I came here to the bar to get them to make it for me. After all, it's an old recipe. I'm sure it'll be hard on the chef.



Densel: Finally, my Tabitha's woken up. Sorry for kicking up such a fuss.
Oh, no, please, don't let it bother you. It's all part of the job, really.
Yes, it's as Estelle said...Incidentally, apparently you have some kind of job for us.
Densel: Oh, I see. So you're here on business, then. Well, what I'd like to ask you to do is to investigate a certain recipe and find its ingredients. How about it? Got the time?
Yeah, no prob. So, what recipe am I investigating?
Densel: Right, so what I'd like you to find is the recipe for a certain stew. We'll call it...'Rolent-Style Hodgepodge Stew' for now.
R-Rolent-Style Hodgepodge Stew...? To be honest, that sounds about as appetizing as that Potluck we found in a chest once...
Er, yes...It sounds like it'd be hard to keep down.
Densel: N-Now, now, it's just a temporary name. Anyway, I want you to investigate that recipe. If you ask around town, I'm sure you'll find something. Apparently every home used to make it back in the old days.
Hmmm, we should probably ask some old folks who know about cooking, then. Doesn't seem like younger people'd know about what old families cooked.
Mmm, a good suggestion.
Well, that's fine for a direction to begin our investigation, but...We still don't have enough information about the recipe itself.
Yeah, you might be right...
It'd be nice to know what goes into it at least.
Densel: Yeah, that's a good point, but...Sorry, but you'll need to ask Radford about the recipe.
Huh? I thought this was your request, but you want us to ask Radford?
Densel: Well, here's the thing...He's the one who brought it up in the first place. Apparently he ate this nostalgic meal in his dreams. He's been begging me to make it for him ever since.
I see. So that's how this request came about.
But, a guild job just for a stew? I mean, was it really that good?
Mm, it might not necessarily be because of the flavor. Perhaps it's a memory of some kind.
Densel: The old man's not saying much either way, but I'm sure that's the case. Anyway, that's the story, so I'd really like to serve it to him if I could.
What a moving story. I will be glad to help.
Yeah, Radford's finally awake. Let's feed him to celebrate his recovery.
So, then, we'll start by asking Radford about the recipe...Is there anything else we need to know before we go?
Densel: Ah, well after you sort out finding the recipe...Would you mind also picking up the ingredients needed? It might use some kind of rare ingredients, after all.
No problem. If ingredients are what you want, then ingredients you shall have!
Densel: Good to hear. Can't believe how fired up I'm getting over this! I can't wait to see what kind of recipe it is.
Well, don't you worry. We'll leave no stone unturned in the search.
Yup, what she said. Expect some good news to come your way soon.
Densel: Thanks. Good luck on the investigation.



Radford: It's an old recipe, so I'm sure the chef is having trouble.
Radford, can we have a moment?
Radford: Ohh, who's this but Cassius' girl. You need something from me?
Yes, we'd like to ask you about the recipe you ordered from Densel.
Radford: Oh, that dish? Do you mean the stew I dreamed of?
Yes, that recipe. Actually, we've got a request from Densel...


Radford: Ohh, so you'll be looking for the stew? Ho ho. I can taste your success already. I'm counting on you.
Th-Thanks.
But, we need your help before we start, sir.
We'd like to hear the details about that recipe. Not just what went into it or the flavoring, but where you had it...Anything.
Radford: I see, I see...Well, then...First, as I'm sure you know, the recipe was for a stew. I seem to remember the base flavor was...black pepper? It was a spicy, invigorating stew.
Right, right...Strong black pepper...Got it.
Ah...Go on, please.
Radford: Hm, the main ingredient was meat...I think. Though you could probably also use white fish. But I like meat, so we'll say meat for now. A big chunk of meat, bone and all, so tender that it just falls off...Also, I know some herbs were used. But I can't remember what kind. I remember the smell, but I can't remember what it was the smell of. Argh, it's so frustrating...
Uhh...So the main ingredient was meat or fish, but you want meat, bone and all...Okay. Check. And, lastly there were herbs used, but you don't know the exact types...
Is that it?
Well, that's fairly specific.
Yes, it should be plenty to go on.
Radford: Hm, hopefully that was a bit of help.
It's plenty. Thanks very much.
Radford: Well, then, happy hunting. I'm really looking forward to hearing you've found the recipe.



Maggy: Luke's finally woken up. He's already back to his old self. He's even running around outside.
Haha, yeah, we saw him. If anything, he's even MORE hyper than before.
Maggy: I'm almost worried he'll get too ahead of himself and get hurt, at this point! All that aside, though. I get the impression you have a purpose in coming over today, hmm?
Oh, you could tell, huh? Actually, yeah, I have something I'd like to ask you about, Miss Maggy.
Maggy: Go right ahead!


Maggy: A strong pepper stew, hm? I've heard of it, yes, but I've never made it. I was always so busy helping my parents. Our meals were very simple, really.
Oh...I see. Great.
Perhaps we should visit someone else.
Maggy: I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.



Serra: The fog's cleared, too. Perhaps I should get Rhett out of the house for once? Haha, it might not be bad to go on a date like the old days.



Euridice: My father woke up and is perfectly healthy! Really, I...Thank you, whatever you did! I don't know how I can truly thank you, but...
Er, nooo, you don't need to...
How IS Radford doing, anyway? You said he's well?
Euridice: Very much so, yes. He's still a little light-headed, but I think that will pass soon.
Good. Sounds like he's fine, then.
Yes, I suspect he'll be fine.
If there's any change, let Father Divine know. He should be able to help at this point.
Euridice: Yes, I will. I'm keeping a very close eye on Father's health. Anyway, please be careful on your way!
We will!
We'll be seeing you, Euridice.



Frissa: Apparently he lost something very important and hasn't headed out yet. I hope the other miners can manage things for a while...Knowing a few of them, though, it's a bit of a question...



Anya: I wonder what happened...



Mine Chief Gaton: It just HAD to go missing right as we were ready to get back to work...
Looks like you have a problem, Chief!
Mine Chief Gaton: Ahhh! You all! You saw the board, didn't you?
Yeah, we did.
You say something was stolen, Gaton?
Mine Chief Gaton: Yeah, I'm worried about what's happened. I'd like you to get on this right away. Is this a good time?
Sure, lay it on us, Chief.
Mine Chief Gaton: Excellent! Well, then, before I get into the meat of it...Hey, Anya.
Anya: What is it, Papa?
Mine Chief Gaton: Papa's got some very important things to talk about with Miss Estelle and her friends. How about you go have Mama read you a book?
Anya: Okaaay! Mamaaa! Can you read for me?
Haha. Needed a moment to get ready too, huh?
Well, there goes the blood sugar again. I'll go diabetic at this rate.



Mine Chief Gaton: So, let me start from the very beginning. I know the posting wasn't too clear.
Yeah, if you could.
It will help to know everything in the case of a missing object.
Mine Chief Gaton: So...what's gone missing is the Royal Letter of Commission for the Malga Mine. Letters of commission come from the desk of the queen herself...They authorize, and record the authorizing of, a mine chief for a given excavation site. The Malga Mine's actually the technical property of the crown, you see. We can legally mine there only because we have the commission from Her Majesty.
Oh, okay.
I never actually knew the mine...I guess the whole mountain...was the queen's property!
Hmm, well, Liberl is a democracy now, but it has historically been a kingdom, and still retains its queen. It makes sense that the royal family would still control some of the country's resources.
Either way, I think I follow the problem. Even if it is a formality of some kind, the Malga Mine IS Queen Alicia's property. As such, if you mine there without a commission...it's still technically theft.
Mine Chief Gaton: That's it exactly. Do you understand why that letter is so important now? To the whole town?
Yeah, no kidding it's important. So with that out of the way...What EXACTLY happened? When did you notice the letter was missing? Where is it supposed to be?
Mine Chief Gaton: It was just this morning. I noticed the little strongbox I keep the commission in was open. When I looked inside...no letter. Anywhere.
So there hasn't been much time since you discovered the letter was missing. I'll be honest, Gaton, I'm a little unsure this is even a crime at this point.
I have to agree. Could this, forgive me, sir, not be a child's prank?
Mine Chief Gaton: I wish I could say it was. It'd make things easier. This time, though, it ain't that.
Why are you so sure?
Wait, that look on your face. You have a reason beyond the letter itself to think this was a crime, don't you?
Mine Chief Gaton: Good intuition. As a matter of fact...Well, take a look.




Mine Chief Gaton: So that card was inside the box instead. This HAS to be a theft. No kid wrote that.
Aidios. Just. Kill. Me.
Oh, no...
Mine Chief Gaton: Wh-What in the...Why do you all look like you've seen a naughty dog?
You could say we kinda have.
Bleublanc, you opera-fetish maniac...Do you EVER know when to give up?
Mine Chief Gaton: Who the hell is 'Bleublanc'? Is he the one who stole my letter?
I can't be absolutely certain, but I think it's very likely.
We can guess about it later. Right now we need to track down this letter.
Yes, that seems wise. Let's try finding the place on the card first.
So we search for 'they who sit beside the Goddess.'
I'm guessing it's some kind of allusion. The only place that remotely comes to mind would be the town church. Maybe we should start there?
Mine Chief Gaton: Sounds like a good place to start to me. Anyway, Estelle, good luck and be careful.
Yeah! We'll do our best.
We'll get to the bottom of this, Gaton.
Mine Chief Gaton: Please! The town needs that letter back, not just me!