Part 47: Your soul has gained new steel since we met last, Estelle.

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Set up for fire arts and get some Freeze prevention before you track down Bleublanc's latest clue. You can buy Anti-Cold Helmets at Edel's just across the street.



The entrance should be kept locked as long as there's no show like the martial arts tournament.
In which case...
Heh, it seems this is our goal then.
All right, let's get inside.

-Engaged People in Secret Maneuvers-





Feels like we were here just yesterday.
Just standing here has me recalling the admiring roar of the audience.
You were invited to the castle after you won the Martial Arts Competition, right, Estelle?
I wish I could have joined you on the field.
Yeah, it's a shame Kloe couldn't get an invitation to the castle.
Ahaha. Thinking about it, I was still pretty amateurish.
But, you know, once this whole thing is cleared up, I'd like to take part in next year's Martial Arts Competition. To test my own ability, for one.
Now that sounds like Cassius' daughter to me!
I'd like to join in on the action, too.
I, uh, don't really feel like I'd have a chance against you, Zane...
Well, then I shall sing from the seats to cheer you on, Estelle.
I will serenade my love for you as mightily as I can!
...Pass.
Haha...

*CLANK*





This feels reminiscent of some old coliseum games...
The setting is certainly apt.
It's a pity we lack an audience.
...Here they come!

-Challenger Invited-



This encounter can be quite enLIGHTNING, but it may leave you feeling SHOCKED and reVOLTed if you don't know WATT'S WATT.







wait a second











-Engaged People in Secret Maneuvers-



Wh-What was that...?
It was like a magic trick...
What a fabulous display.
He is a fitting rival, indeed.
He's even weirder than I thought he'd be.
Well, whatever. Let's check the contents.
Yep.






Pfft, some chance meeting. I wish he'd cut it out.
But, there's something curious about it. Main role? Supporting actors...? What does that mean?
Now that you mention it...
Ah, screw it. Let's go return the photo to the archives.

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Museum Director: Still, why would that 'Phantom Thief' fellow steal a portrait of the Arseille? It certainly is lovely, but it's really nothing more than a simple portrait. It holds little monetary value.
Well, he doesn't really care about value so much as he cares about pulling off a good prank or two.
And it's probably our fault that the museum got wrapped up in his latest one. Sorry for putting you through all this.
Museum Director: Haha, no need to apologize. It wasn't your doing. And if anything, I'm pleased with how you handled this. Excellent work. This has been a good experience from a management perspective. I will need to be careful to ensure it never happens again.



The spinning wheel's really simple, but it condensed a lot of different inventions into it. The person who created this is pretty incredible, huh.
I wanna invent something like this someday.
(And she's gotten started...)
Tita always gets this weird look in her eyes when she sees a machine.
Is she always like this?
S-Sorry. That's pretty much her default setting.

-Royal Castle-






Private Aluts: Say...you're the winners of the Martial Arts Competition, right?
Ah, haha...Yeah, that's us.
Thanks for your help back then.
Private Dan: Hey, no worries! So what brings you here today? If you're here to see someone, that can certainly be arranged.
Private Aluts: Or did you just want to have a walk around the palace? That's okay, too.
Um, actually, I'm here on bracer business today...



Private Dan: Y-Your Highness!
Private Aluts: Princess Klaudia! We were not aware you'd returned!
Haha. Sorry to startle you two. I'm afraid I'm here on business, though.
Estelle and I have some things in the castle to attend to. Could you let us pass, please?
Private Dan: Of course, Your Highness!
Private Aluts: By your command, milady!
(Um...wow.)
(Heh. Only slightly popular, isn't she?)
(Think I'm starting to get why that duke guy is so jealous.)



Private Aluts: Open the gate!

*BONG, BONG, BONG*









Haha. Thank you, you two.



Uh, thanks!





So, obviously we should talk to Queen Alicia, both to ask about the letter and just say hi, but...
Lesse...Who else...Julia's gone, right?
Yes, she's currently at Leiston Fortress overseeing the refitting of the Arseille.
Well, that's going to make things a bit harder on us. She probably could've given us a lot of help with this case.
Who else could we confer with, I wonder?
With Julia absent, I think our best bet is Hilda, at least concerning Renne's parents. If the Hayworths have ever visited the castle, she would know.
Yeah, Hilda kinda seems to have some sort of 'castle sense' about these things. So where would we find them, you think?
Grandmother should be in her chambers at this hour.
And Hilda...Hm.
If she isn't in the maids' room, they can tell us where she is, at least.
Good idea.
Maids' room and the queen's chambers. Off we go!



Shea: And Miss Klaudia? Mister Zane, too?! P-Pardon me! It's been quite some time.
Haha, it sure has!
Yeah, reminds me of when you lent me your maid uniform, Shea.
Ohh...Estelle as a maid?
Yeah, it was to meet with the queen. Oh, and Joshua had to wear one, too. Shea did her magic on his face with her makeup!
She was all pumped up to do it.
Oh, my...
Shea: Th-Thank you very much...
Joshua, who once played the role of Princess Cecilia so perfectly also portrayed a maidservant...Ohhh, noble endeavors both...I am sure it must have been quite beauteous to behold.
I regret all the more I could not attend the duke's banquet.
Haha...
Oh, right, Shea. Do you know where Hilda is?
Shea: I believe Mistress Hilda is in the library. As I recall, she said she had something to look up.
The library, got it.

Hilda and the queen are both upstairs from here.





The library is in the west wing, and access to the rooftop and royal chambers is in the east.



Royal Guardsman: If you're looking for Her Majesty the queen, she's currently resting in her room.
Other Royal Guardsman: Please, pass through.



See that little divot in the banister? That's where Estelle kicked the shit out of Dunan and terrified him into knocking himself unconscious. Ah, the memories.



Huh?
Grandmother?



Bwuh, Sieg?
I see...
Haha. Sieg was being thoughtful, wasn't he?



Welcome home, Klaudia. And Estelle! You are always welcome so long as I remain Queen.
Your father explained everything, not long after you left to train. It pains me to know you carry such a burden.
Oh...
Um, ah, thank you very much, Your Majesty.
Still, I know what I gotta do, and Kloe's been a huge help! So I'm okay. Don't worry!
Hm. I see...
Your soul has gained new steel since we met last, Estelle. Mr. Vathek and...Mr. Lenheim. Both of you, of course, are also welcome in my home.
Let us retire to my chambers. I shall have some tea prepared.



Ah...So you've come about the letters. I wasn't aware they had been sent to the cathedral and the embassies as well...
Your fears are not groundless. It is difficult to think of such lengths as a mere childish prank.
Yes, Your Highness. That's why we're trying to talk to people affiliated to the case, to see if we can find some clues...
Grandmother, do you have any idea who might be responsible? Especially someone...within Liberl...
Hmm.
Klaudia. What do you think?
Me...?
As a possible heir, your thoughts should daily be on the forces moving within our nation. Would you share your opinion with me?
V-Very well...
*deep breath*
I don't believe there is any force in the country which is truly opposed to the pact. I've heard in various places, however, that following the coup, some of our extreme right-wing citizens are feeling very concerned. Their frustrations might be at the root of these letters...maybe.
They probably just want the name of the kingdom changed.
Hmm-hmm...Very good.
My opinion is more or less the same.
Sorry, but, uh, I don't quite follow...
Alan...ah, Colonel Richard...was not the only man who approved of the idea of expanding and empowering our military.
In the wake of the failed coup, however, the matter is effectively untouchable. I can only imagine all who share his mindset are quite dissatisfied, and worried, for our safety.
Okay, so...You think the letters are from believers in military control and expansion? Like the Intelligence Division guys still on the run?
That would be the short of it, yes.
If that is the case...then I would say I bear the responsibility for this as much as they. It was my beliefs that led them to take such action in the first place, after all.
Grandmother...
I dunno, I don't think they have the right to be all 'blarrr, let's threaten people and be scary because we're sore losers.'
No. There are few things more precious than the freedom to express one's self, Estelle. Remember, even those who promote military empowerment and a war footing do so out of a love for Liberl and its people. They have as much right to express that idea as any of us have ours. And listening to such opinions and choosing how to guide the country...that is a ruler's responsibility.
...
Though, in that case...I rather doubt they'll actually try to stop the ceremony, yes?
Assuming the letter is from the expansionists, yes, that's quite possible. With Colonel Richard under arrest, they have little power with which to act.
The problem lies with the idea that someone else may be responsible. If that is the case, then I fear I can offer you little advice or knowledge.
Aww, rats.
Queen Alicia, if I may broach a question?
Of course...Olivier. Whatever you wish.
Why are you so determined to act upon this non-aggression pact NOW? Your own country is still deeply confused and unsettled from the coup attempt. Most rulers would think this is a time to focus solely on one's own country, not the affairs of others.
Olivier, you ARE talking to a queen, you know...
He knows. That's why he's not hitting on her yet.
Hmm-hmm...It's all right, Estelle. Olivier has a point.
The plans and proposals for the pact, however, far predate the coup. Further delays would only harm the dignity of the nation. The Crossbell issue is causing a great deal of friction again as well, and I hope this can help.
Hmm.
Crossbell...That's where Renne's from, isn't it?
Yes, it lies due northeast of here, over the Krone Mountains and directly between Erebonia and Calvard. Both the Republic and Empire claim it should be part of their governments, and some Crossbellans want total independence...It's quite a mess.
Crossbell's basically a fishbone stuck in two throats at once. All the issues surrounding it just get called the 'Crossbell Problem.'
I see...Boy, no wonder people get worked up about it, then.
Ah. So your aim is to pluck out the bone with this pact, then?
To continue the analogy...it is not a bone that can be removed in one gesture, sadly. If I can open a way to resolve the issue, however, yes. Laying the groundwork for resolving that issue will strengthen peace across the entire region...and people will remember Liberl spurred it on.
Heh...I have underestimated you even more than I previously thought. Our invasion of Liberl was far more of a fool's errand than I'd even imagined. That much, at least, is painfully obvious to me now.
What are you going on about...
OH! Wait, Crossbell, Renne, duh! Sorry to change the subject, Your Majesty, but...

My goodness...A child, abandoned at the Royal Villa? I must instruct Raymond to keep me better informed, it seems.
I know it's a shot in the dark, but I don't suppose you have any idea where they might be, Your Majesty?
No, I am very sorry, but I do not. However...
If they visited the castle, especially recently, Hilda would know of it. You should speak with her, if you have not already done so.
Okay, we will!
Should you wish, I can also contact Mayor MacDowell and the Crossbell government. If that would help, ask whenever you need.
Oh, uh, thanks!
Grandmother, thank you for all your help.
We need to move on, unfortunately.
But...Um...
Don't be nervous. I know what you wish to say, I think.
You will be staying in the castle tonight, yes? Let us speak then, once you are no longer busy.
All right...



I would say she is the only person on the continent with that sense of...balance.
Yeah. Sort of feels weird to say, coming from a democracy, but she's the perfect ruler. I kind of envy Liberl, to be honest.
Hmmhmm. Of course! She's the queen, after all.
...
Kloe? What's wrong?
Oh, it's nothing.
I was just struck again by how incredible a woman Grandmother is. I...really doubt I can ever live up to her.
Oh...
Hm. Princess? When did Her Majesty the Queen take the throne?
Hmm? Oh, she was...twenty, if I recall correctly.
And may I ask your age?
I'm sixteen, but wh--
...Ah.
Heh. My point. I truly doubt Her Majesty was a master politician the day she took the throne. And you are not yet even as old as she was when she first donned the purple. I see little point in comparing yourself to her as she is now. Wouldn't you agree?
We martial artists tend to say that only those with the proper capacity can achieve kotow--'unity of purpose.' Even those with the greatest innate skill, like, say, Walter, only reach their peak through a journey of a thousand steps.
I think Her Majesty believes you have the capacity to get there, Princess. Just take it one step at a time. Don't worry.
Olivier...Zane...
Thank you. Really...
Good job, you two! Kloe's going to be an awesome queen someday. I guess you get good with pep talks as you get older, huh?
Hm? 'Get older'? How rude! I'm a fresh, YOUTHFUL twenty five. Five years younger than Zane here, even!
You're one to call out someone on being rude, Olivier...
Heeheehee...
Anyway...shall we go speak with Hilda?
Yeah, that should be step two. She's in the Library in the left wing, if I remember right.



'Choose the best path, and then walk it.'
To put it into words is simple, but nothing is harder than putting it into practice. He is one of the few who knows how to walk such paths. I'm sure he'd dearly love to spend his days living peacefully with you, Estelle. I must never lose sight of being a queen worthy of loyalty like your father's.



I got lost in the garden terrace again



Hello, Hilda. I'm sorry if I startled you, but I just got back.
Er, hi, Hilda! Sorry I've been out of touch.
It's quite all right. I'm glad to see you well. I understand the princess has been assisting you, Estelle. I'm very glad to see the two of you home safe.
Aww, Hilda...
Haha. You're embarrassing Estelle, Hilda.
Speaking of helping Estelle, though, I've returned partially to inquire about something the guild is investigating. Could we ask you a few questions, Hilda?
If I can be of assistance, ask me anything.
I think there are a few too many onlookers to speak here, however...Let us borrow a guest room.



You're attending to the investigation of that letter we received, then.
I take it you want to know if I have any idea who the sender might be?
That's it exactly. We're investigating all the locations that received letters to see if we can ferret out some clues.
Well, firstly, thank you for your efforts. Just receiving that letter was...unsettling.
I'm afraid I can be of little aid in naming suspects, however. The only thing I can say with confidence is that it is not the work of anyone in this castle.
Yeah, we kinda figured that one.
Who was the letter here addressed to, out of curiosity?
No less a person than Her Majesty herself. I check all letters addressed to the queen, so I know the contents of the letter.
Believe me, if I could lay hands on the rude fool who wrote that...
Ah, pardon me. I was wondering, were there any other suspicious letters delivered to the castle recently? Ones critical of royal decisions, for example.
Ah. Well.
Hilda, please, help us for my sake, if no one else's. We need as much information as we can in order to make a judgment.
Very well...
There have been several letters delivered with no indication as to their senders. They were not particularly critical of...royal decisions, per se. They were, largely, petitions to reduce or annul Colonel Richard's sentence. I suspect at least some are from citizens of Grancel, but the rest I cannot be sure on.
People want Colonel Richard freed?
Hm! No less than expected of the man who once strove to be my rival. His popularity endures, even after his capture and shaming.
The colonel was very skilled and competent, and everyone knows that...It isn't unusual at all to see people regret 'losing' him.
I would personally bet on those letters not being related to our little threat.
Requesting something of the royal hand is one thing, trying to force it to do something is a whole different thing all together.
Well, still, even knowing the letters exist helps.
Oh, one more thing, Hilda. I wanted to ask about something else...

Harold Hayworth, a trader from Crossbell? Yes, I remember him.
Say WHAT?!
Is he an acquaintance of yours, Hilda?
Not as such. He asked for a tour of the castle interior a few days ago. I happened to be otherwise unoccupied, so I showed him about. His wife and daughter were with him, as well.
Really? Hey!
Alas, this provides us with little clue as to where the Hayworths may have gone.
Yes, my apologies. There was...something that bothered me, however.
What would that be?
Their child greatly enjoyed the tour. However...Her parents felt as though they were barely even present throughout the entire thing. They seemed even-tempered and normal enough when they spoke to me, but when combined with your story, I wonder if they were under strain.
Not able to pay attention after coming to see a place as a tourist...
Sounds like something was on their minds, all right.
Yes, it seems likely they were in some kind of trouble, even then.
Hm. This may give us a clue as to where they went.
Thank you very much, Hilda. I think this gives us some good leads.
I'm glad I could be of help. Oh, Princess. You'll be staying here in the castle tonight, I trust? And if your friends lack accommodations...
Buh?
I had intended to stay here while in Grancel, yes, but...hmm! Well, how about it, everyone?
Ah, you forget! They are expecting me to be a pest at the embassy tonight, and I can hardly disappoint. I do appreciate the offer, however.
Yeah, and I've got what's basically a permanent room at the Calvardian embassy. Thanks, but I think I've got to decline this time.
I should probably go ask Agate and Tita before committing to anything. We've got Renne, too.
That's true. It sounds like she loves the castle.
I shall keep the rooms ready in case you wish to stay.
Thanks, Hilda!
Thank you, Hilda...
Not at all. I must return to the maid quarters. Please, let me know if you need anything else. If you'll pardon me...



That about wraps it up here, I think. Back out into the city?
Yeah, let's go.



Nial should be back by now, hopefully.
Yeah, hopefully!
All right. Let's get over to that newspaper.