Part 46: Ergh...You.

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Hi, Estelle.
Hey, which stuffed animal do you like?
Hmm...I think that rabbit's pretty cute.
Really?
What a coincidence! I think that bunny's the cutest, too.
...Looking at these stuffed animals reminds me of Anelace. I wonder what she's doing now...
Anelace?
She's a bracer like me, but she's a lady who looooves stuffed animals.
I'm sure you two would get along, Renne.
Will I get to meet this lady?
She's out of the capital on work right now, but you might meet her at some point.
When is some point? Tomorrow? The day after?
Er...I'm not quite sure.
Awww.
Hmmm...Once we're done shopping I'd like to go play someplace else, too. Show me all around, Tita.
Oh, Estelle!
Tita, take care of Renne.
Yeah, leave it to me.
I've got lotsa places I wanna go with Renne.
Just don't get lost.
Okay! Good luck with your work.
We'll keep shopping here for a bit.



I'm just about to start askin' with the company. If you're here, does that mean you're startin' with the embassies?
Well, countin' on you.



Private Tact: Huh? Zane! Holy crap! Wastin' time in Liberl-ville again?
Haha. Something like that. Thought I'd say hello to Elsa, and I have something I need to talk to her about. Is she in?
Private Tact: Well, I haven't seen her leave, so I guess she's around. Oh, who's with you? Gotta ask, you know. Policy.
Oh, they're helping me with some guild work. I'm going to introduce them to Elsa.
Private Tact: Huh, well, okay. If they're with you, Zane, I guess I can let 'em in.



Private Tact: Oh, do keep in mind that the embassy hall is Calvard soil. Calvard and Liberl are friends, but still, keep your nose clean, eh?
You hear that, Olivier?
And yet again my heart is assaulted with arrows! How little trust you have in me!

-Royal Castle-







Wow, this is the Calvardian embassy? I didn't expect it to be quite so fancy.
And yet it's a bit exotic, as well. I really like it.
Well, quite a few people from even farther east have settled in Calvard, you know. They've had an impact on our culture, too. Anyway, Elsa's office is in the furthest room on the second floor.
All-righty!



Hey, I'm back.
I might end up borrowing a room, so I'll be in your care if that happens.
Sandy: Heehee, of course. Zane, come by and stay any time. I'll have everything squeaky clean for you.



Farrah: I don't even need to see your face to know.
Hey, hey! Are you seriously going to judge based on my body size?
...I thought you were a bear when we first met.
My...
...Geez.
Farrah: Zane is always going back and forth between Liberl and the Republic. It must be hard on him. Do take care not to push yourself too hard and lose your health.



The Doll Knight foreshadows the end of this chapter a bit. You can start reading here. Chapter 15 has a little something extra:




Oh! Look what I found!
Oh, I get it. I guess this is technically considered Republican territory...
It absolutely is a 'foreign manse.'
And the Blue Knight is a character from the novel, I think.
Geez...He sure is detail-oriented.
Anyway, I got a feeling that this next one's the last of 'em.
'Dance of the Valorous'...Well, now where could that be?





All right! Let me introduce you.

*knock knock*



Yes, come in.
Pardon us, Elsa.



Last I heard, you'd returned to Calvard. What's an old dog like you doing back here in Grancel?
Heh, well! Let's just say this old dog had a trick or two more to show off. I'll likely be here in Liberl for a while.
As to be expected of an A-rank bracer, I suppose. You never let up, do you?
So, who's this with you?
Um, a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. I'm Estelle Bright, of the Bracer Guild. These are our, um, assistants--Olivier Lenheim and Kloe Rinz.
A pleasure, Ambassador.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Ambassador.
The pleasure is mine. I'm Elsa Cochrane, Calvard's ambassador to Liberl.
I...get the feeling this is more than a social call, though.
I'm afraid so...

Ah, that letter, yes.
You're helping the Royal Army investigate the matter, then?
Technically, yes. Threats of terrorism aren't exactly something the guild can ignore either, though. Would you mind helping us out?
Well...I suppose. We're well stuck into the situation, after all.
What would you like to know?
Well, uh. To start with, do you have any idea who would've sent that letter? Like, does anyone in the Republic oppose the signing of the pact, or...
Well, of course. You're looking at one, after all.
Huh?
Elsa, please. Try not to tease the kids too much, yeah?
Well, the truth's the truth, Zane. I'm pretty sure I've chewed your ear off about Erebonia enough for you to know what I think, hmm?
Well...yes.
Haha. Still, Miss Bright, don't misunderstand me. President Rocksmith and Parliament have already approved the pact. My personal feelings won't get in the way of my job.
Er, right...
Is there anyone else from Calvard who might oppose the pact?
Oh, certainly. They're all tiny groups, though. And to be honest, there's no real reason to oppose it, anyway.
No...reason? I don't quite follow.
It's not worth bothering! The pact doesn't have any practical effect. It's simply agreeing to the statement 'We shall not rely on violence to solve international problems and negotiate instead.' It's more of a declaration than anything else. But...
It is little more than a promise which can be broken without consequences, save a loss of face, no?
Precisely. The worst it could do would be to rally other countries against the aggressor.
Now, it's true that relations between Erebonia and Calvard have gotten even WORSE than usual over the past decade...So there is some value in establishing Liberl as a place where we can negotiate. But again, who'd bother opposing that?
Yeah...It doesn't really seem like the thing you'd send a bunch of threatening letters about.
Well, Ambassador Cochrane.
If you don't believe someone from Calvard is the perpetrator, then whom do you suspect?
Heh...Well. My gut, of course, tells me to blame it all on the Erebonians. Their militaristic 'hawk' faction, specifically.
But frankly...even they have that new engine on the line. They aren't so stupid as to cut off their noses to spite their faces.
The new engine? Wait, you mean the one from the Arseille?
Yes. An engineering sample will be provided to both Calvard and Erebonia. It'll happen right after the signing, in fact.
Whoa!
Ah, as to be expected of Queen Alicia. She holds both Empire and Republic in the palm of her hand.
Yes. I have to admit, she's handled this masterfully.
That cutting-edge engine is going to birth a whole new generation of airship designs. And Alicia is practically handing it out, so long as you sign this agreement...and play nice with it and each other, at least for a while. Even the most testosterone-poisoned ninnies among the Erebonian hawks wouldn't want to miss this chance.
Yeah, I guess so.
Which means, of course...that the possibility of either the Republic OR the Empire interfering directly is pretty low.
Indeed. I'm sorry I can't be of more help.
No, you were a big help! Just being able to cross suspects off the list helps a lot!
Oh, speaking of which, though, we'd like to ask you about something else...

Harold Hayworth, a merchant from Crossbell...Hmm...
I can't say it rings any bells, I'm sorry. He's never visited the embassy, at least.
Darn...Well, thanks.
Do remember that Crossbell sits directly between Erebonia and Calvard, however. You may want to inquire at the Erebonian embassy, as well.
Okay, thanks, Ambassador. And thanks for being so open with us.
You're quite welcome. I'm glad I could help. By the way...you said your name was Estelle Bright. You wouldn't happen to be Brigadier General Bright's daughter?
Oh! You know Dad?
Haha! Of course. The heroic vanquisher of the Imperial Army, and now the head of Liberl's Royal Army...I'd heard he had a daughter, but I didn't expect to meet you like this.
Er, um, well, I'm just kind of an inexperienced newbie myself, still...
You're off to a good start, then, I think. We at the embassy have relied on the guild a number of times in the past. Should the time come again, I hope you'll aid us, Ms. Bright.
Ahaha...Well, if the chance comes up, sure!
Well, we'll see you around!

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Private Bergan: OLIVIER?! Where in the hell have you BEEN?!
Why, I've been places. What's wrong?
Private Bergan: Hmph. 'What's wrong?', he says...You've been totally incommunicado ever since you went to Elmo! Major Vander's about ready to throw you out a window.
Ah, he wishes to launch me like a love rocket! Adorable.
Uh...Olivier?
Did you seriously forget to tell Mueller and the embassy you were with us?
Ha-ha-ha! When wandering the roads, hunting for love, one must be discreet and secretive!
Well, Bergan. May we enter?
Private Bergan: I can't say no to you, but, uh...who's with you?
Oh! We're from the Bracer Guild. We'd like to ask the ambassador a few things, if that's okay. We thought we'd try having Olivier introduce us...
Private Bergan: Oh, okay. Well, there shouldn't be a problem with letting you in, then.



Private Bergan: Do remember that the embassy is Erebonian soil, so be careful, yeah?
We will be!

-Royal Castle-







Whoa...This place definitely matches the Calvardian embassy in terms of fanciness.
Grandiose, and yet powerful at the same time.
It's very Imperial, if nothing else.
Hm. It is a stage upon which the Empire can parade its influence and power.
Alas that the actors are unequal to the set dressing...
Man's Voice: You realize Lord Crainagh would hit the roof if he heard you say that.





It has been an age! Are you well, dear Mueller?
I would be better if I could cut you in half and be done with it. I told you, again and again, to ensure we're constantly aware of your location, and you--
Ah, but 'tis a tactic in the war of love. Did you know? Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
...Estelle Bright, you have my thanks. I can only imagine the trouble this idiot's been causing you.
Haha...Actually, he hasn't been TOO bad, I guess.
He's been really well-mannered. Comparatively.
Well, ignoring the lunatic...
I presume you have business here at the embassy?
Yes, sir. We would like to speak to the ambassador.

That letter, right...
I've been somewhat concerned myself, but I'm surprised the guild is acting. This is a request from Brigadier General Bright and the Royal Army, I take it.
Technically, yes, but...We're trying to investigate it as neutrally as we can, y'know? Nobody's guilty till proven, that kind of thing.
Hm. A commendable mindset. No doubt why he chose you. Very well. I shall introduce you to Lord Ambassador Crainagh. I suspect you'll find it easier to gain his trust if I do the introductions as opposed to a certain someone.
Really? Thanks, Mueller!
Yeah, thanks.
Thank you, sir.
Um, wait...You really have so little faith in me...?
You, uh, thought we had faith in you for this?
If you introduced us, he'd probably want to have us kicked out.
Um...Sorry, Olivier.
Ah! The sting of being forsaken!
The sting of the truth, maybe.
Lord Crainagh is in his office on the second floor. I shall go announce your arrival. Give me a moment.
We'll wait, then.



Camilla: Are these your guests?
Indeed, one could call them guests, but I'm more inclined to think of them as my soul mates.
Our days spent together have been so tender, so sweet, I feel to merely call this force 'love' does a disservice to our bond.
Is that not so, Estelle?
Camilla: My...Wait, does this mean you've dumped Mueller?!
My...My head hurts...I think I'm starting to understand Mueller's suffering...
Camilla: I wonder who Olivier's REALLY targeting. What do you think? Is Mueller still his one and only, or has he moved on to greener pastures?
Why, you need only ask!
NO. THANKS.



Nathan: To learn about someone's nation, start with their culture. You're free to read them, but please put them back where you found them once you're done.



...GOD DAMMIT



Heh, indeed. Shall we make our grand entrance and shock the ambassador into silence?
Mueller CAN totally cut you in half, you know.



Let's go, then.



I am Lord Davil Crainagh, the duly appointed ambassador and voice of the Empire in this land.
Um, I'm Estelle Bright of the Bracer Guild.
Zane Vathek, also of the guild.
I'm Kloe Rinz, second-year student at the Jenis Royal Academy and assistant to the bracers.
And I...am the servant of love and peace, Olivier Lenheim!
Ergh...You.
I'd heard you'd gone missing in Elmo Village. Try not to worry Mueller further...Olivier. Or me, for that matter.
Such a strict dressing down. Much more and I'll have to lose my jacket.
Mmmmmph. Setting that aside...You are here to inquire about the threatening letter, yes? What do you want to know?
Okay, I'll be direct, sir. Do you have any idea who might be behind the letter? Is there anyone in the Empire who might oppose the signing of the pact?
Hm! You ARE direct, young bracer. I appreciate that.
I can tell you truthfully, however, that I can think of no such person. His Majesty is very happy with the pact as it stands, in fact. And no one within the Empire would be foolish enough to gainsay his leadership on such a matter, of course.
U-Uh...Yeah, I...bet...
So you think it's the work of someone outside the Empire, then?
What other answer could there be? If you want my opinion, it's the 'opposition party' in Calvard behind all this. Some silly ploy to make the 'president' look bad, no doubt. Opposition! Doing whatever it pleases! This is a perfect example of the fallacies of mob rule.
Huh. I have to question that, ah, your lordship.
Don't get me wrong, our major political parties basically beat each other over the head any time they can. But...Even if the pact fell apart due to this, I don't think anyone could blame it on President Rocksmith.
Details! You think the mob thinks like that? Pah.
All I can say for certain is that the person issuing these threats cannot be from our Empire. That should be more than enough assurance for you.
W-Well...Um...
Excuse me, Lord Crainagh?
May I ask what Chancellor Osborne's opinion of the non-aggression pact is?
What?!
Hmmm...
Heh. Flawless riposte, Kloe.
Um...Who?
The highest appointed official of our most glorious and august government--the Blood and Iron Chancellor, Giliath Osborne. His nickname comes from his personal motto: 'Our nation's peace must be built on a foundation of blood and iron.' He has overseen the expansion of the rail system...as well as the annexation of several smaller states on our borders through...less than diplomatic means.
Annex...? W-Wait, you mean he--
O-OLIVIER! How can you criticize your empire's chancellor?!
Oh, but, Davil, how was I criticizing? I simply stated the facts.
But come now, it wouldn't hurt to be a bit more cooperative, no? We've already spoken with the lovely Ambassador Cochrane over at the Calvardian embassy. She was quite helpful, you see.
What?!
Why, if we don't help these people now, it will give them cause to doubt the character of Erebonia! That would be a tragedy, wouldn't you agree?
Grrrrrrgh...
My Lord Crainagh. There's no need to keep information related to this hidden. May I humbly suggest that being open in this case will not present a problem?
Mmm. You have a point, Mueller. Very well.
To answer your question, miss, Chancellor Osborne, like His Majesty, is most receptive to this pact. In fact, I hear he is actually the one who suggested His Majesty should sign it.
Really...
Hmm.
That's because he's looking forward to getting the engine, right?
No. Apparently, he recommended it to His Majesty before any mention of the engine.
If anything, I'm glad there is harmony at home over this pact. There's been no pressure for us to negotiate.
Hmmm...
Hate to say it, Estelle, but it's looking like there really isn't any chance it's someone from the Empire.
Yeah, looks that way.
Ambassador, thanks a lot for answering our questions.
Hmph! See? It is as I said. If you're looking for the guilty party, you should look elsewhere.
Oh, but, uh, one sec!
If you don't mind, we have one more question...

Hmm, yes...A most pitiable situation, the separation of a child from her parents.
Imperial traders do visit the embassy at times, but...A merchant from Crossbell? I do not recall such a man, no. Are you familiar with this Hayworth, Mueller?
No...I've never heard of the man, either.
Really? Awww...
This is starting to look kinda grim.
To search at once for a blackmailer and a lost child's parents sounds most trying. It may seem trite, but I do wish you luck, young lady.
Uh...Thanks, Miste- er, Lord Crainagh!
Allow me to show you to the gate, then.
The path of the bracer continues to prove itself a harsh one, indeed. Several months ago, I'd received reports concerning the Bracer Guild. Various branches have been attacked in my country, one after the other.
Given that you're bracers yourselves, I fear that you may be an easy target for whoever is responsible.
I wish you and your fellow bracers well. Do not lose hope.

Let's not be too hasty to leave. I smell a dastardly Erebonian cover-up.



Nathan: This book is banned in Erebonia! Who p-put this on the shelf...?
(...)
Nathan: Crap, crap, craaaap. If Ambassador Crainagh knew, I'd get an earful. Ah! I know! You there. Take this book!


-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Talking with the ambassador was a big help.
No, you don't need to thank me. I didn't do anything important, really. Besides, this is a problem affecting all our nations. We should be working together.
Hah! Indeed.
I do hope we can solve this...
...
Huh? Olivier, you're awfully quiet.
Hm? Ah, it's nothing...I was simply lost in reverie for a moment. It...doesn't concern our current business. Pay me no mind.
Oooookay...?
...
Olivier. You'll be staying at the embassy in the evenings while you're here in Grancel, yes?
Heh, where else? I would not miss the chance to have more sweet dreams in your bed, as always.
Wh-Whaaaaaaat?!
Oh...my...
...Stop with the jokes before you give the ladies too many ideas. And images. Push those jokes too far and I may have to spear you upon the embassy flagpole.
Ah, so that's the direction I should approach from! You teach me more every day.
Hm, alternately. I could just cut you in half right here. I'm fairly sure I could explain it to Lord Crainagh.
That...would be rather less lovely. Forgive the joke, my friend.
Ahaha...So that's how you keep Olivier under control. Maybe I should write this down...
Haha! I'd say they match each other perfectly myself.
...That's a terrifying thought.
Well, regardless, I shall pardon myself here. Good luck with the rest of your investigation.
Thanks again, Mueller!



How about we put the Liberl News aside for the moment and go to Grancel Castle instead?
After you!

Oh man, we haven't been to Kloe's house in forever! Let's all have tea with her grandma!