Part 74: I was wondering what we were going to find here...

-Provincial City of Rolent-



Bloom: What is it? Is something wrong?
No, nothing like that. I just have a quick question.


Bloom: Yes, I know the one. It used to be very popular around here.
Really?!
That's a relief. Could you tell us anything about it?
Bloom: Oh, I could tell you plenty. It was your standard dish in every household back in my day.
Yeah, Densel said something like that, too.
This HAS to be the one!
We've been looking for the recipe to that particular dish, ma'am. Would you happen to know the ingredients?
Bloom: Well, yes and no. The recipe I know is probably a little different than what you're looking for. I don't mind telling you my version. I just want to make sure you're aware of that before you pass it on.
Different? Different how? I thought it'd be the same recipe.
What do you mean?
Bloom: My recipe's one that's been passed down in my family for generations. As with any family recipe, it's been tweaked here and there over the years. The flavor's likely not what it used to be. Though as I said before, I'd be happy to give you my version of the recipe if that's fine by you. What do you think?
Hmm...It's been updated a bit, but maybe that's okay?
I'd like to find the original if we can...
The original version would be ideal, yes, but we can't afford to be picky. A slightly different version beats handing the client nothing at all.
You've got a point. Besides, she was kind enough to offer, so why not take her up on it?
Yeah, I see what you guys mean.
Bloom: You'd like it, then? Wonderful! Wait right here; I'll go grab my recipe book.
Thank you.



(She sure is taking her sweet time...)
(Now, now. Don't be so impatient.)
(Give her a little more time, Estelle. She looks plenty spry for her age, but she's still an elderly woman.)
Bloom: Ooh, goodness. That's right...Well, no wonder I can't find it! I'm sorry, children. I kept you waiting much longer than I'd meant to. I'd simply be fuming were I in your shoes!
N-No way, you didn't take THAT long.
So, um, did you find your recipe book?
Bloom: About that...I hadn't thought about it until I'd started looking, but I actually gave it away a while back.
Whaaat?!
Oh, my.
Bloom: It completely slipped my mind. I'm so sorry. He'd said he made a hobby of keeping older books and asked if he could add it to his collection. I hadn't cracked it open in years, so I thought nothing of handing it over to him. *siiigh* If only I weren't always so generous...
Trust me, I feel like sighing, too. We'll never be able to find out who got it, either. Man, what a pain...
No point in cursing our luck. What's done is done. Our time would be better spent figuring out what else we can do.
Exactly. Maybe we really could ask around and see if anyone knows the man who took the book?
Yeah. Only one thing to do, so might as well suck it up and get to it. You said he liked collecting old books, right?
If you have any idea who that might be, we should try them first.
Bloom: I'm afraid that's about all I can remember. I wish I could help more, really.
Hey, no worries! You gave us a pretty big clue. Can't be too many guys out there who collect old books for fun.
Yes, thank you for your help. We'll come to you again if we need to, but in case we don't, have yourself a wonderful day, ma'am.



Nothing too important, really. Just kind of admiring your massive collection of books!
Rhett: Heheh! Indeedy. I'm quite proud of my collection. Collecting old books is my calling, and this is my cathedral, more or less.
Old books...as a calling? I wonder. Maybe it's worth asking.
A bit of wild grasping at straws never hurt anyone.
Rhett: Er...You've lost me, I'm afraid.

So that's the story. It's the wildest of guesses, but I don't suppose you have that book?
Rhett: Miss Bloom's recipe book, right? Oh, yeah, I asked her to give that to me a while back.
W-Wait, seriously?!
Rhett: Sure! She said it had a lot of traditional local recipes, so I wanted to make sure I preserved it. I asked her for it, and she entrusted it to my care.
Okay. Cool!
That does sound like our objective.
Hmmhmm! Grope for straws, and eventually you come up big. Let's have a look at the infinite wisdom of the ancients, then.
Do you mind, Rhett?
Rhett: I don't mind at all. The hitch would be...I'm not entirely sure where it is, come to think. It's definitely in my archive. I know that much. I think it would be faster if you just search yourselves.
Oh, yeah, sure. I mean, we're the ones asking the favor, really, so we can handle that at least.







Okay! Got the recipe written down.
To be totally honest, I'm not sure it makes any sense, buuuuuuut...
We can leave figuring it out to the professionals. We have the ingredients list, at least, so let's go and report.
Rhett: Looks like you found the recipe! I'm personally really looking forward to the traditional cooking revival that book could spark. In fact, it'd be nice to see it be part of the Abend's standard menu.



Right, well, we've found A recipe.
Densel: Whoa, whoa, you already found it?! Maaan, you guys are fast. Bracers are incredible.
Mmmmm, might wanna hold that praise...
Densel: Oh, why's that?
Well, you see...


Densel: I see...So that's it. Still, can't be too greedy. I'll call it a job finished with that recipe.
Sorry, Densel. It'd have been best if we'd found the original, but...
Densel: Ehh, the basic parts probably won't be that different. I'll smooth over the rest with my instinct and experience.
Hmm-hmm, pretty confident.
As expected from a professional chef.
Well, anyway, let me go over the results of our investigation.


Densel: Hmmm...I see, I see. It's more or less what I'd expected, but it does use some surprising ingredients. All right, now I can really get to cooking this.
So, then, we're all done here?
Densel: Yeah, pretty much...is what I'd like to say, but I also asked for the ingredients.
True, that was part of the job.
Shall we go and collect them, then?
Ummm, just a sec...
Yeah...We've got everything.
Densel: *phew* Good work. Now we're set. Whether I can make a meal that'll satisfy the old man or not...The rest is up to my skill. All riiight! Bang a gong, we are on!



Radford: ...I see. So you couldn't find the original recipe.
Yeah. I'm really sorry. We asked a lot of people, but...
In the end, we never found anyone who knew it. We're terribly sorry, sir.
Radford: No, no, ultimately it was my selfish request, anyway...You don't need to be so worried. Well, I'll admit it's a bit sad to know I'll never taste that flavor again, though...
Densel: But, Radford...It might be a bit early to give up.
Radford: Oh...?!
Densel: I'm sure the meal I made will be close to that flavor. The recipe you guys brought still has a nostalgic flavor.
Elissa: Yes, yes, and while you all are talking it's getting cold.
Ahaha, yeah. It looks pretty good! You should eat it while it's hot.
Really, I'd like you to think of us watching on the sidelines. I've been sitting here dealing with such a lovely smell for a while now.
Haha, now I'm getting a bit peckish myself.
'Peckish' sounds weird coming out of you, Zane.
Radford: Ah, we got to talking a bit too much. Well, then let me have at it. *slurp* *chew chew*
*g-gulp*
Densel: (Th-This is a bit nerve wracking.)
Radford: Hmmmmmmm...I know this flavor...!
Wh-What is it?
Radford: This...This is it! This is the stew I ate in my dreams! Wahoooooooooo!
Oh, my...
Elissa: *gasp*
Oh...
Faulkner: R-Really?!
Radford: Y-Yes, really. It's not even slightly different from the nostalgic flavor I remember. What I wanted to eat--what I DREAMED of eating--was exactly this.
That's incredible, Densel! You perfectly replicated a recipe from a dream.
Densel: H-Hmmm...I mean, I was pretty confident in it, but...That's a bit too generous.
Radford: No, no, don't be humble. The meal is perfect. This is what I wanted in every way. Ah, it brings me back...To those lost days of my youth...The girl I admired was ever so good at this recipe...I shed many manly tears the day she wed...
W-Well, this is getting a bit soppy.
Faulkner: Huh, never heard of that. Sounds like you were quite the passionate one in your youth, old guy.
Hmm-hmm-hmm, the special privilege of youth.
Radford: The privilege of youth, indeed. Everything, everything, has changed since then. Even that angel of a girl is now a dried apricot.
Old Woman's Voice: Who're you calling a 'dried apricot,' you old fart?
Radford: Th-That voice is...





Bloom: Really, to badmouth a lady in front of such a crowd...You're as twisted an old man as ever, you.
Radford: N-No, it was just a play on words...
Densel: What is it, ma'am? We don't see you here much.
Elissa: Yeah, yeah, it's been a while.
Bloom: These people came by my home to ask about the recipe a bit ago, and, well. I was curious, so I came by to see.
Densel: Huh, so this recipe's...
Bloom: Yes, it's a cooking style passed down in my family. This stew was my best recipe when I was a girl. I made it often for Radford here.
So, that means...
Elissa: The girl this old man admired was...
...was who?????? Don't leave me in suspense here.
Radford: *cough* *siiigh* Time is a cruel master, indeed...
Bloom: Hm? What did you say?
N-Nothing...
Bloom: Well, one way or the other...I'm just happy to see people eating this old recipe again. Here, since I've come down all this way, let me make it for the first time in a while. You all should enjoy the flavor of tradition yourselves.
Hooray! Don't mind if I do. ♪
Densel: Yeah, please. I'd love the chance to observe some of the tricks to this recipe firsthand.
Bloom: Well, then, let me borrow the kitchen.


Radford: Thank you for everything today. I'm sorry to take up your time. Thanks to you, I had a chance to recall a nostalgic flavor. Hmm, Bloom's still got the stuff. Yes siree. Her cooking skills have only gotten better with age. Hm, it seems the years weren't wasted.

That's it for the vittles. Now for the riddles.



It's been placed just to the side in the chapel.
They who sit by the side of the Goddess...Perhaps it means here.
Yeah...I'm gonna check it out.



I thought so...There's a card.

Bleublanc decided to be a complete asshole for his riddles in Rolent. The first is straightforward enough, and Estelle even gives you a free hint, but the rest...well, just take a look.



All right! Success!
Yeah, right.
This hint is like nothing we've seen at this point. What on earth could it mean?
This also looks like it's showing us somewhere...
Considering the direction this has taken until now, probably.
Yes, it's probably appropriate to assume that. Let's look around the city to see if there's anything that resembles the hint.

Now where would the phrase 'magical circle' lead you to start looking? Maybe around the orbal factory, right?



WRONG. FOOL. It's on the side of the mayor's house, which you've never had a reason to even look at before. Not only that, but what the hell do magical circles have to do with anything?



The boxes, I mean. The way they're lined up's almost a perfect match.
You're right. Exactly five boxes, too. Looks like we should investigate.
Yep, way ahead of you.
...Where is it, where is it...



Bingo!



That's what's on this new card.
An 'eight-eyed iron beast,' huh? It should be in the city, but what could it possibly be?
Don't think we've got much of a choice but to walk around until we bump into it, as always. Annoying, yeah, but hang in there.
No problem. Let's get going.

This one's in yet another place you've never needed to look at before.



It's not lit...If anything, it's freezing. But...
You think this is it? The eight-eyed iron beast?
Yeah. I'm not super confident, but I think so.
Let's check it out anyway.

Aha! Found it!
Okay, let's see...



So, we found a key...
But...a key to an 'unopening door.' Fantastic. Thanks.
I would assume this door is somewhere in the city. And, as always, it's probably a metaphor. Let's look for anything that might be taken as a 'door.'
Not like we have a choice.
*phew* Feels like we're getting toward the end, at least.
Back to searching, then!

Rolent has only ever had one locked door that you can interact with, back at the very start of Trails in the Sky FC. It's down in the sewers. Put on some anti-Blind accessories before you go hunting for it. Elger's got White Bracelets on the cheap.



-Steel Floor Blocking The Way-



Mmm, sewer fish. They're tangy!











Ho hum.



Make a note of your current sepith totals before you open the locked door.





...but it's just a bunch of junk.

-Silence-





Ask questions later! For now, stand your ground and fight!

-Obstructive Existence-



This fight is a bit like the Abyss Worms from back at the end of Chapter 2. The Mouki will punish you if you can't effectively focus fire and take them out quickly. You should probably bring Agate for this one.







They have the same HP Absorb and Darkness Breath attacks they had back at Jenis, and they've been upgraded to put some decent hurt on you, but now they have an extra dirty trick if they're badly wounded:



Yes, that is a full-strength replacement Mouki. And it can summon yet another Mouki. You might be here a while.













Luckily for me, the new Mouki decided to keep using its life steal instead of calling another replacement.





-Steel Floor Blocking The Way-



That takes care of that!
Indeed.



Oh, man, I'm still shaking. Having something like that come at you from outta nowhere...Be still, my quaking nerves.
Yeah, I've never seen monsters quite like those before. I suppose this is our phantom thief's way of saying hello?
Seems likely, from what I've heard. I think that's the last of his surprises, though.
Right, all that remains now is getting that commission letter back. Let's look around. It must be in this room.
Oh, right, probably shouldn't forget that...



Okay! Letter received!
Let's return it as soon as possible. I'm sure the mine chief is worried.
Probably.
Right!

-Provincial City of Rolent-



Mine Chief Gaton: *pheeew* Estelle, if you were older, I would owe you a pitcher of beer the size of your head. You saved my butt today. I didn't think you'd get it back so quickly, either! Guess that's why they call you the great hope of Rolent's young people!
Ah, haha...C'mon, that's embarrassing. We just did the job, that's all.
Mine Chief Gaton: Hahaha! Actin' all humble, eh? C'mon, young people have a right to be puffed up and proud sometimes. Let loose a little! That aside, though, I'd like to know. That Bleublanc maniac. Please tell me you caught him and put him in irons.
I really wish we had...
Sadly, he's evaded capture for years, far beyond the borders of Rolent.


Mine Chief Gaton: This guy's internationally famous? What a son of a...So, what, he just came all the way out here for the sole purpose of messing with our lives? He really is a maniac. I can't understand that kind of thinking at all.
Trust me, I think everyone here agrees with you.
Still, I think you should be a little more careful with that letter, regardless. This time it actually was a prank, of sorts. But he proved the letter could be stolen for blackmail or the like.
Mine Chief Gaton: That's a good point...I'll think of some way to secure the letter better. Problem is, there's no real safe place in my house to store it. Maybe I should do as I thought when I first got this, and just ask Mayor Klaus to put it in his safe.
Yeah, that should work, right?
It'd be perf...ect...Well, depending on the thief, it MIGHT still get stolen, but it's...safer? I guess? (The problem is, Mayor Klaus ALREADY got robbed once in recent memory...)
It would still be more secure than a small strongbox in a mid-city residence. You should ask the mayor, I think.
Mine Chief Gaton: Yeah...Didn't want to trouble him, but I'll go ahead and ask. For today, though, it's back to the mine for me.
Oh, my, right back to work?
Mine Chief Gaton: Yeah, the septium export market never slows down. No matter how much we dig out, we can't keep up with demand. I mean, hell, you use orbments. You know how important septium is.
Haha...Yeah, painfully so. We're pretty much always banging our heads against the counter at the orbal factory, lamenting our lack of sepith.
Yes, we do always seem to run into problems making truly high-end quartz.
Mine Chief Gaton: Wait, really? I hadn't realized bracers were that hard up for sepith. You just need sepith shards and not true septium crystal cores, right? Here, take some with you. I brought a few bags home just yesterday.
Wh-What? You can just give us sepith?
Mine Chief Gaton: Yeah, it ain't that big a deal. We can always dig up more in the mine, and the big-ticket items are the true crystals, anyway. So which element would you like?



Mine Chief Gaton: Black sepith, then! Well, it may not be much, but hopefully it'll help you at the factories. Make sure to make some good quartz, all right?
You bet! Thanks a ton!
You're really too kind, Gaton.
Mine Chief Gaton: Well, I'm off to the mine, then. Estelle, make sure you come back to Rolent soon, all right? Everyone misses you and your dad. Hey, Frissa! Anya! I'm off to the mine again!
Frissa: Aaaall riiiight! Take care.





Anya: I'll be a good girl and wait!
Mine Chief Gaton: Yeah, I'll be back as soon as I can, Anya. You be a good girl and help Mama while I'm away, okay?
Anya: Okay!
(D'awwwwwww.)
(It warms the heart, doesn't it?)
(Hmhm, even Gaton isn't immune to those blood sugar problems, I think.)
Mine Chief Gaton: I'm off, then.
Yes, good luck at the mine.
Take care, Chief.
Anya: Bye-bye!

Alright. Aaaalllmost finished with Rolent. The rest of the side jobs should be pretty short.