Part 58: Ummm...Estelle? Don't go crazy about this, okay?

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



If we're ready, shall we head to the port?
Well, the Royal Army's on the bandit case too, remember. For once we aren't feelin' the squeeze to get somewhere.
That's true. So let's take our time to finish up stuff and then go.



The Royal Avenue is kind of huge. Grancel's last monster bounty is east of the city, just off the Erbe Scenic Route.





-Obstructive Existence-



More spicy chickens from Carnelia Tower.









This time they have fat little helper birds with them.



The little ones can cast a ranged attack that Faints.













-Royal Castle-



I wasn't expecting to meet you here.
Haha, we were just passing through.
Hello, Ambassador Cochrane.
Your timing is perfect; I received a report from Liberl regarding that letter.
Oh, you did?
Yes. I've been told that it was subversive activity by remnants of the Intelligence Division's Special Ops forces.
Although I'm certain that Queen Alicia has long suspected as much. I have a hunch that there's more to it than what the reports say, however.
Ah...hahaha...(T-Talking to foreigners always makes me so nervous.)
(C'mon, show some guts. If you're a bracer, you need to be able to manage basic negotiations and conversations with anyone.)
Queen Alicia seems to be quite the suffering type. Though, I wonder if she isn't relieved to have the coup d'etat settled. I've also heard rumors in the embassy that you played quite a part in that affair.
No, not at all...Just doin' my job.
As much as I would love to continue this conversation, I'm afraid you've come at a very busy time for me. I hope to get the chance to speak with you more next time, Estelle Bright.
S-Sure. Well, uh, if you'll excuse us...
Now, then, Senator Walter...I would like to thank you for coming all this way, but...
If this is a formal inspection, then it would be natural to go through the embassy first. Or are the taxpayers footing the bill for this 'inspection' while blissfully unaware that it is a mere excuse to tour the capital?



Chamberlain Raymond: Is Renne not with you today?
Renne...returned to her parents.
Chamberlain Raymond: Really?! You found her parents? I was worried, I admit, having heard some terrible events had occurred in the capital...I see. That's good to hear.
It's not good at all!
Chamberlain Raymond: Eep?!
I'm gonna catch her and drag her back!
Chamberlain Raymond: D-Drag her back? Was there a problem with her parents? I've heard more stories than I would have cared for of parents taking out their troubles on their children or raising them in poor environments.



Warrant Officer Belc: You bracers are incredible! Still, it's frustrating that we couldn't track that giant orbal construct. If something like that attacks again, how should we even respond...?



Your assistance was much appreciated on this case. Allow me to offer my thanks.
No, no...I don't know what we would have done if Julia hadn't come. You called Julia, right, Colonel?
Haha, yes, well...
However, I think it all worked precisely because of your assistance.
I hope the army can continue to rely on the guild's assistance. Especially against the society.
Yeah...
Will you be departing the capital after this, Estelle?
Yeah, next we're heading to the Bose region where the Special Ops guys appeared.
I thought so...
Apparently General Morgan has begun a large scale investigation in Bose. Be careful over there, please.
Thanks. Good luck with the security of the signing ceremony on your end.
Yes, thank you. I promise I'll see it through.





Yes, please.
Private Aluts: If it is Her Highness' order...!

*BONG, BONG, BONG*





That letter was no mere prank, was it? To think the former Intelligence Division was involved...
Yeah, really.
I didn't think it'd come to fighting Captain Amalthea.
To Kanone, the colonel truly was everything.
As a fellow woman, I can empathize with her actions and her feelings.
You have such a kind heart, Hilda.
Now we must wait for the queen to provide her sanction.
Shea: On top of preparing for the signing ceremony, cleaning up after this...I'm worried for the queen's health.



You and the Royal Guard really saved our butts this time, Julia.
It was all thanks to Colonel Cid's swift and appropriate judgment.
And if Father Kevin hadn't been there, it still might have been Kanone's win.
Captain Amalthea is over at Leiston Fortress now, right? I've heard that she's willing to talk about Renne and the society...
If you want to know about Kanone, I can tell you she understands the severity of the situation and her own role in this. All she needs is the right chance.
You must know Captain Amalthea pretty well, Julia.
She was a rival, but our rivalry was one where we brought out the best of each other back in the military academy. I don't think that changed even after I went to the Royal Guard, and she was assigned to the Intelligence Division.
Thinking about it, I may be who I am now because of her.
I...don't think that something like this settles things between us at all.
Julia...
Still, though, this 'society.'
The abilities of their Enforcers are one thing, but to have the technological capability to make something like that giant mechanized doll...
Our enemies are far more powerful than we'd thought. I can hardly say I was underestimating them, but clearly I need to revise how I perceive them.



Phillip...
Allow me to offer my sincerest gratitude for rescuing the duke.
No, thank you for looking after everyone, Phillip.
No, not at all. I fear I am most pitiable. That is the most I could do, unfortunately.
But, it's because you were there that we could go off to the harbor without having to worry about everyone, so...
In that sense, the fact that the duke was saved was thanks to you, Phillip.
Miss Estelle...What gracious words. I am not worthy.
I hope the duke finds this a chance to change...
Hmmmmm...To think such unknown and mysterious people are traveling about in Liberl...
(Wow. Don't think I've ever seen such a serious look on his face.)
(It seems like this recent event has made my uncle much more aware of the existence of the society. Perhaps he has his own thoughts on the matter.)



I've already received a report about Kanone's deeds from Julia. Though truly, she was a problem I should have solved personally. Estelle, everyone, I am so very sorry for this mess.
N-No, not at all...
Besides, Renne...The one behind this isn't a total stranger to us.
Yes, I'd heard.
For a small child like that to be a member of the society was, frankly, a shock. She and the existence of her giant orbal construct could cause confusion among the citizenry, so I'm considering keeping it a secret for now.
It's a bit frustratin', but probably for the best.
Yes, depending on the situation, it could even cause significant effects internationally.
I-It'd go that far?
Yeah, next time I meet Renne, she is soooo getting a spanking for this!
You may leave searching for them to Cassius and General Morgan. I intend to do everything I can on my end as well.
For now, that means I must see the signing ceremony through safely.
I know you'll see it through, Your Highness.
Estelle, I know it won't be easy, but I need you to stay strong.
Of course!
And...Klaudia.
...Yes?
I look forward to hearing your answer soon.
Yes, Grandmother.
Well, then...Everyone, take care.



And to you as well, bracers.
Good day, ambassador.
Harrumph! Bumming around as usual, I see. I should hope you're not using Mueller's absence as an excuse to run wild.
Tut tut! And you're far too serious, as usual.
...What do you need today? I've already received a report about the letter.
Oh, really?
Yes. I was told it was written by those Special Ops criminals.
All completely unrelated to the Empire, as I'd insisted before.
(Weeell, I wouldn't say 'completely'...)
(Eh, tellin' him the truth would only make him more nervous.)
Allow me to express my earnest gratitude. Thanks to your efforts, a false suspicion hanging upon my fatherland has been cleared. Minuscule as it was, even a single blight upon the Empire's dignity brings me great displeasure.
Secretary Barkley: How odd...We haven't received our routine report from Mueller in Bose...

-Royal Capital of Grancel-



Editor-In-Chief: He just went out with Dorothy a bit ago. They said they were going to poke around town and do a little digging about last night's incident.



I've already contacted the landing port and organized tickets for you. As soon as you're ready, please check in for your flight at the landing port.




The best quartz if you can't get Yin-Yang for whatever reason.



Finella: You're the party of bracers heading for Bose, correct?
Yes, that's right.
Finella: Very good. We've received your fare from Elnan. Are you ready to check in?
As usual, we should wait here once we check in. Got anything left to do around town?



Finella: Very well. I will contact the guild branch and call the rest of your party.






Estelle...
*phew* Thought we'd missed you. We stopped by the guild, but they said you'd left already.
Glad we managed to catch you before your flight.
Um...What's wrong? I thought we told you everything about the case last night...
It...ain't that.
We've got somethin' to tell you personally. You mind speaking with us, ah, alone-like?
Me?
Um, Schera...
Go ahead, Estelle. Hear them out. I'll be sure to save you a seat.
Thanks, Schera.
God day, then, Nial, Dorothy.
Bye-bye!



Er. Olivier. Why are you still here?
Ah! Think of me as...a stone in the pavement. A butterfly gracing the wind.
Please, speak freely. Pay me no mind.
I swear...
That's one helluva talkative stone.



Er, Schera, just a--
Let's get you to your seat, my DEAR Lenheim.





Haha. Pretty much.
Um...
Dorothy? You look kinda out of it. Even more so than usual, I mean. What's wrong? I thought you were off taking photos in Bose.
Yeah...I, um, just got back this morning...Ummmm, Estellllle...
Wait, I remember! You were off at that old fort in the misty valley! The one they're using as a military...train...
Wait, isn't that...?
Finally twigged to it, huh? That's the base the bandits raided last night. Dorothy here was literally on the scene when those thugs took their ship back.
Oh, man, okay.
So you came out here to tell us what happened?
Awww! Thanks, I appreciate it.
Uh, to 'tell' you what happened. You might say that...
Huh?
Hell with it, it's a thousand words or a picture. Dorothy, hand it over.
Y-Yes, sir...

-Silence-

Ummm...Estelle? Don't go crazy about this, okay? Pictures don't always tell the whole truth, forever! Or something. Or, did I just insult myse--Um.
What's all this about? Why do you look so serious?
I...um...took this picture.




Uh, lesse...I recognize Miss Tomboy the Bandit over there...And that would...be......
What...?



I won't run it in the paper, either. I'll let you...deal with it how you want.