Surprising enough that this is another
world... But to be summoned along
with you two!

I don't know about you, but I'm
relieved that some of my classmates
are here.

I'm happy you're here too! I wonder
if there are any more Golden Deer
students in Askr...

Actually...there are. In particular,
another schoolmate of yours has
also just arrived.

Introducing her might raise more
questions than it answers, so I
thought I'd wait a bit...

Wait...you're telling us there's
somebody else too?

That's right. But considering how
shocking it must be to arrive in
another world...

I thought I'd bring the three of
you together, since you're all
from the same time.

What does that mean? I don't follow.

All I've gathered is that you mean to
introduce another to our group.

That's right. And we may as well go
right now!

Ah. So you're the ones who've been
summoned from a Fódlan five years
in the past.

This... This is unexpected.

Lysithea! You're all grown up! You
must have been training hard!

Training? No, not training. It is the
mere passage of time.

Five years in the past... So you're
saying you came from Fódlan's
future, five years after ours.

"Fódlan's future"? Yes, I suppose
that's how you would perceive it.

Strange that I am now the eldest,
given that I was the youngest in our
house.

It is! You're like the big sister now.
I guess I can't ask you to call me
Big Bro Raph anymore...

You already have a little sister—Maya.
I never assumed that role.

You're missing his point. It is that
you are suddenly older than we are.
We could be your younger siblings!

You could say that we view you as
an upperclassman now. I am sure
there is much to learn from you.

You're right! This is Lysithea we're
talking about. She's so inquisitive. I'm
sure she must have learned a lot!

Fine.

I cannot guarantee I will meet your
expectations, but I will do my best
to fulfill this role.

This’ll be our first real battle in Askr.
I’m nervous. I knew I would be.

Gather yourselves, you two!
Remember what you learned in the
Officers Academy.

All I know is I’m strong. I’m not sure
how much I actually learned in class...
How do we handle battle?

You’re too tense! Take a deep breath
and get on with it.

Our foes are just common riffraff.
They won’t have any strategy. Just
take them down one by one.

You’re so calm. Even though we’re
about to head onto the battlefield—
for real!

I’ve experienced war.

W-war?

Wait...five years into Fódlan’s future...

War has come to Fódlan?

There is no time to talk. The foe is
here. I will advance.

Wait a moment! Don’t charge in by
yourself!

Take this!

You will not escape!

Whoa! She’s strong!

Skilled or not, she is risking her safety
by charging out in front!

Do not concern yourself. I have not
wasted these five years! Yah! Hah!

Lysithea... You say you’ve grown, but
you’re just pushing yourself, aren’t
you?

So we are to stay on standby until
we receive orders to depart?

So I was told. Commander Anna will
give us information on the army’s
strategy later.

Seems we’ve gotten used to battle.

Well, yes... But Lysithea is the one
doing most of the work.

I am ashamed. I rely on her and offer
little in return.

As I am now the eldest, I have had
time to study—that is all. You need
not concern yourself over this.

I see you’re all together. Today’s foes
are tough ones, so look sharp.

They’re numerous too, so it’s going
to take tight coordination.

I want to gather information. I will
scout the battlefield ahead of the
engagement.

Lysithea! It’s dangerous to go
off alone! No, she’s already gone.
She’s certainly eager today.

Eager? Not exactly...

She seems ill at ease.

She’s bearing the burden all by
herself... Doesn’t she know she
can rely on us too?

Since she’s the eldest, she thinks
she has to take charge, I guess.

Yes, these circumstances are
affecting her, I fear. And it’s
worrisome.

The enemy! They have come in
great numbers, as we heard! We
must be cautious.

Just leave them to me!

Hah!

Hyah!

Keep pace with me! Press forward!

Ah! Lysithea! Watch out! They’re
hiding in the bushes!

What? Oh no!

Haaaah!

Rrgh!

Not hurt, are you, Lysithea?

Th-thanks.

You seem all right. Thank goodness!
There are still plenty of enemies all
around, so let’s regroup!

*sigh*

I did not anticipate an ambush. This is
all my fault. I’m sorry.

I wanted to lead you into battle...but I
ended up needing to be led out.

What are you saying? We don’t mind.
We’re SUPPOSED to look out for
each other!

You have gained strength, Lysithea—
strength much greater than the
Lysithea of our time.

That does not mean, however, that
you must push to the breaking point.

That’s right! You have us!

At the Officers Academy, I despised
being treated like a child... All I
wanted was to get stronger.

But I knew I always had the support
of my classmates, who were older.

Lysithea...

And now I am the eldest of the
Golden Deer in this group.

So it falls to me to protect you, or
so I thought. But I was too caught
up in the idea.

Now I understand. But it’s not just
up to you.

We studied together, and now we’re
allies who work together.

Right! We’re friends too!

Whether we’re in Fódlan or Askr, are
our bonds not universal? I say they
are. What say you, Lysithea?

Thank you all for your concern.

So you do get it.

More powerful than any tome...are
the bonds I have with my classmates.
I had forgotten.

Let us stride forward together, as
allies. As the Golden Deer House!

Come one, come all! I’m holding a
huge sale today! Anna & Company’s
reputation is on the line!

I’ve received loads of rare goods
lately! Come look at the selection!

Wow. Amazing... I can’t believe how
many weapons, armor, and tomes
this world has!

And look at the sculptures, paintings,
pottery, and decorating materials. It’s
like I’m in a dream.

You have excellent taste, sir! Could I
interest you in these tea sets?

Those are splendid. Tea served in
these can’t help but be delicious.

Oh, but... Huh... Well, this is... Hm...
Could it be...

What’s the matter?

I apologize if I’m wrong, but for these
two tea sets, shouldn’t the price tags
be switched?

Ahaha! What are you talking about?
My exceptional assistants would
never make such a rookie mistake.

Hold on! These should be the other
way around! Sorry, Anna, I’m afraid
this young man is correct.

I thought so. It’s a good thing I caught
that before you sold them.

Thanks. I appreciate it. Though I’m
surprised you could tell the tags were
reversed from a single glance.

They’re both fine items, but you can
see subtle differences in the paint on
the ceramic.

In my opinion, you could sell this
tea set for a slightly higher price.

I’m sorry! That was presumptuous.

It’s fine. I can use that as a reference
going forward. Thanks.

Huh. That boy was really something.

He surprised me too with how easily
he spotted the issue with the prices
on the tea sets.

He also only bought the best quality
paints. He may be young, but he has
a keen eye.

He’s a talent I’d like to hire. I’ll have to
scout him the next time we meet!

Hey, so this is the shop you were
talking about!

Yes. They have a good assortment.
I thought we might find some training
equipment for you here.

You’re the young man from before!
Welcome! I’ve been waiting for you.

Um...me?

I’ll get straight to the point! Would
you consider working at my shop?

Huh...

I know you’ve got Order of Heroes
duties, but I can work around your
schedule. How about it?

This is...unexpected.

Ignatz, if this is upsetting you, I can
turn them down for you. Should I?

Our apologies! My boss was charmed
by your skill in judging quality.

She’s been on high alert hoping to
recruit you the next time you visited
the shop.

Really?

If it’s a problem of payment, don’t
worry. I can pay you twice the
going rate!

Oh... I’m sorry, but I have to say no.
I have important things I must do.

I see. Sorry for springing that on you.

By the way, where did you hone your
keen eye! Or are you just a natural?

I come from a family of merchants. I
developed a knack for spotting little
details in the goods around me.

That makes sense. Do you expect to
inherit the family business someday?

No, my brother will be inheriting it.
My parents want me to be a knight.

You? A knight?! Oh, that was rude.
It’s just a little hard to imagine.

Ahaha. I hear that a lot.

Raphael and I attended the Officers
Academy of Garreg Mach Monastery
to become knights.

Even children of merchants can be
knights if they graduate from there!

Hm? So, big guy, are you also from a
merchant family?

Yep! I’m a son of merchants too.

Raphael and I have been friends since
we were little.

Hmm... Does that mean he’s as good
a judge of merchandise as Ignatz?

Raphael, can I ask you a question?
What would you sell if you became
the owner of this shop?

Me? Um... I’d sell tasty food and lots
of tools for building muscles!

Oh...

Hahaha! I guess everyone has a keen
eye for something!

Ignatz, is this the shop you spoke of?

I see... For such an unrefined-looking
place, it really does have a fine array
of tea sets.

I knew you’d appreciate it.

I may be able to find a tea set worthy
of the heir to House Gloucester.

This is nice. Hm... As is this one.

Please, take your time. I’ll go look at
the art supplies.

Oh, if it isn’t Ignatz.

Hello, Jorge. Has a new shipment of
art supplies come in?

You bet. How about this? It’s a blue
paint made from a mineral found in
the misty forests.

Wow! It’s so vibrant! I’ll get some of
that today.

Thanks for your patronage! You say
you’re trying to become a knight, but
I’ve only seen you buy art supplies.

Yes...

That isn’t very knight-like of me, is it?
Oh! It’s almost training time. I have to
get back and prepare...

I am going to look around for a bit.
Go on without me.

All right! See you later.

Hmm...

What’s wrong, Anna?

It doesn’t look to me like he truly
wants to become a knight.

Excuse my interruption, but he is not
lying when he says he wants to be
a knight.

Really?

But that may not be his only, or even
his greatest, wish.

What he truly wants to be is an artist.

An artist... That sounds more fitting.

As someone familiar with fine art, I
can see he has considerable potential
to be an artist of renown.

But he wants to please his parents.
That is likely why he does not speak
up about wanting to be an artist.

Oh...

In the past, I had proposed that he
could be a knight who also paints...

but becoming either a knight or an
artist requires too much effort to be
a side pursuit.

I imagine it is a rather difficult issue
to resolve.

Is it, though? In the Order of Heroes,
there are several Heroes who are
knights that also create art.

What?! Such rare talent exists here?

Maybe some of those Heroes could
help Ignatz.

Phew! It took all I had to endure your
attacks. Thanks so much!

You’ve improved a lot since we first
started training.

You think so?

Yes. Have confidence in yourself.
Now then, why don’t we work
on sketching?

OK! I brought my sketchbook.

Right over there is a perfect scene
to draw.

With the sun setting behind those
mountains and flocks of birds flying
through the sky... It’s ideal.

Let’s begin, then.

There you two are!

Oh, Rosado.

We finished training for today, so we
were about to switch from blades
to paintbrushes.

Can I join you?

Yes, of course!

Um... Forde, Rosado.

Don’t you find it hard to continue
making art while being a knight?

Haven’t you been told you should
train more if you have enough free
time to draw?

I don’t worry about that. It’s not an
issue as long as I perform well on
the battlefield.

But if someone gives you a hard time,
just tell them your drawings serve as
records of battle locations.

It shouldn’t be a problem if you do it
right. Besides, we can’t help but draw
everything we find inspiring.

No matter what anyone says, I love
making art, so I’ll never stop!

You love it...so you won’t stop...

You love it too, don’t you? If so, you
should keep doing it, regardless of
what happens!

Thank you both for your words of
encouragement. I’m going to keep
doing my best!

Oh, that’s a nice smile!

Ah! Ignatz, don’t move! Hold on to
that expression!

Huh?!

I want to sketch your cute smile, so
keep it up!

Um...like this?

Thanks! That’s exactly it! Stay just
like that!

Uh...all right.

Good. It looks like he’s getting along
well with his fellow artists.

It would seem he has found some
proper role models. You have my
gratitude for introducing them.

I should be thanking you. Now I’ll be
able to sell more art supplies. I’ve
gained another valued customer!

Raphael, Ignatz, might you two have a
moment to spare?

Sure, Lorenz. What’s up? Is it time to
eat again?

What... No, of course not. Now, you
might be enlightened by what I have
to say...

Oh?

There is something that has been on
my mind lately that I would like to ask
your opinions about.

I’d be glad to help.

Yeah, what is it?

Well, yesterday, I began to think of
just how useful we are to the Order
of Heroes...

That is to say, Askr is full of Heroes
from other worlds.

I do not believe I, the heir of the
glorious House Gloucester, nor my
two classmates are inferior to them...

However, when it comes to the actual
battlefield, I wonder... Can we really
perform at this same level?

I thought about that too. It is
daunting to be in the presence of
battle-hardened Heroes.

It’s true. There are lots of strong
warriors here.

Yes...

Oh, Lysithea! I didn’t see you there.

I overheard you three talking and I
believe I can be of help.

Really? Well, what do you think?

If you think you don’t measure up,
you should strive to grow. That’s all
there is to it.

No matter how great a Hero is now,
they had to start somewhere.

If you’re lacking experience, all you
have to do is compensate with your
efforts. You’ll catch up eventually.

Ah, I see... Hahaha! You’re right!

What was I thinking, getting all
wrapped up in something so trivial?

Compensating for our lack of
experience with good old-fashioned
hard work. It’s so simple.

Agreed. No need to overthink it!

Hm... Why don’t we volunteer for the
recon mission first thing tomorrow?!
Would you like to join us, Lysithea?

Oh, I-I can’t. I’m far too busy. Good
luck though.

...

Don’t rush it. Just make a steady
effort to gain experience. You all
have time... Unlike me...

...

Hmm...

Even in all these books from various
worlds, there’s nothing about any
Crests resembling Fódlan’s.

There has got to be some clue to
unravel the mystery...

If I can just read more books, it’s
bound to turn up somewhere—aaah!

...

I’m so sorry! With all these books I’m
carrying, I couldn’t see right in front
of me...

Not to worry. I, too, wasn’t paying
attention. Here, let me help you pick
up your books.

Oh, thank you very much.

It seems you’re quite diligent. You
also spent all of yesterday in the
library, didn’t you?

You should not overdo it to the point
that you sacrifice your health though.

Thank you for your concern. But I
can’t afford to be lazy.

And...that’s because you do not
have time?

H-how do you know that?

Apologies. I overheard you talking to
your friends. As you left, you were
muttering to yourself.

If you do not mind, could you tell me
what you meant?

I...meant precisely what I said.

For some reason, my body does not
have long to live.

In fact, it would come as no surprise
if I collapsed at any moment.

And that is why I have no time to
rest. Not for one second.

Hm.

Come, this way... Our destination is
just up this hill.

*huff* *puff* I’m so tired... My legs...
feel like lead weights.

We are almost there...

Will I really find what it is I need in a
place like this? I don’t see
anything here...

It’s this way...

Farther up? O...K! We’ve come
this far, so I won’t quit now.

Oh wow! What a beautiful view! The
wind feels nice too. I never thought
the outdoors would smell so good.

Now, where is it? The thing I need...

This is it.

Huh?

This is one of my favorite places.

Princess Eir...what is the meaning of
all this?

I am sorry... I have deceived you.

I just could not stand by and watch
you lose sight of yourself, as you
were haunted by the fear of death.

I...lost sight of myself?

Have you not? Here, look at your face
in this mirror...

How do you look outside of the dimly
lit library, under the bright sun?

Honestly, I look a bit haggard.

You have immersed yourself in your
research, forgoing sleep and food, all
because you think you have no time.

But if you do not tend to your body
when it needs you, death will come
knocking at your door.

Before you knew it, you had driven
yourself nearly to the brink of death.

I hate to admit it, but it seems you
are right.

Overexerting myself in fear of death
has only brought me that much closer
to it.

How could I not recognize something
so obvious? What is wrong with me...

Everyone is afraid of death. It’s no
wonder it impairs people’s judgement.

But there are some who have not lost
sight of themselves and overcome
this fear, despite being haunted by it.

You mean...members of the Order
of Heroes?

I mean Prince Alfonse and
Princess Sharena.

They once fought with Hel, the ruler
of the dead...

They conquered their fear with an
adamant will to survive at any cost.

They fought with hope as their
weapon, with the conviction that
they had a future.

Ah...

I want you to triumph over your fear
like they did, using your will to
survive by any means necessary.

Princess Eir!

Hello, Lysithea... You are looking well
today. I suppose this must be the
real you.

All thanks to you. After we got back
from our walk, I got a good night’s
sleep for the first time in ages.

The next morning, my mind was
completely clear, as if I had rid
myself of an evil spirit.

I was foolish to shut myself away and
cling so desperately to every moment
at the expense of my health.

Ah... You seem so much better.

And guess what? I talked with the
sages in the Order of Heroes about
my body.

They’ll help me find a solution...
There may be hope for me, after all.

I am glad to hear it. And I will do
whatever I can to help.

Oh, hello there, Lysithea and
Princess Eir!

You two are quite the unlikely pair.

We’re about to get some lunch at the
dining hall!

I would prefer to go a little while later
when there are more seats available...

Nonsense, Lorenz! If we don’t hurry,
there’ll be nothing left to eat!

Sorry for stopping you when you’re
busy, Lysithea.

No, it’s fine! Actually...may I join you?

But of course. Though, it is quite
unusual for you...

Well, I’ve worked up quite the
appetite today.

That’s great! We can have an eating
contest then!

And I just might win!

Uh... Do I have to participate?

It sounds like that’s where things
are headed. Haha...

I will observe, if you don’t mind.

I... I cannot make a fool of myself
in your presence, Princess Eir...

Let’s head to the dining hall!

Everyone else has time, while I—no!
I cannot start that train of thought
again... I, too, have time.

I have time to grow, to move
forward... From now on, I plan on
living life to the fullest.

I will not run away from death, but I
will grasp hope firmly in my hands...

*chomp* *chomp* *chomp* Whoo!
The food in this castle is the best!

No matter what I eat, it’s all delicious.
Now...what’s next?

That’s quite the impressive appetite
you have there, Raphael.

Oh! Princess Sharena! I’m so happy
there’s a dining hall that makes such
good food!

Heheh! You sure make it look tasty.
I think I’m getting hungry now too!

It’s not because of me, Princess. This
food really is amazing! I’ve got more
to eat!

The dining hall is a nice place for a
meal, but there are all sorts of other
foods in Askr, you know.

And there have been some recent
additions of tasty food from other
worlds too. The options are endless!

*chomp* Mm... *gulp* There’s that
much food here?!

There really is! Why don’t you try
going to one of the shops in town?

Great idea! I’ll invite Ignatz too!

Since I’ve been summoned to Askr,
it’d be a waste if I didn’t try all
the food!

That looks good...and that! And that
round one too!

You have quite the appetite, as
usual. Do you intend to buy every
last bit of food there is here?

It can’t be true... A single customer
bought up all the food...

This store is amazing! Look at all the
stuff to feed my muscles!

We carry much more than food. I
think you’ll find an impressive array
of goods, from armor to trinkets!

You’ve got all sorts of things I’ve
never seen before!

Sounds like I got myself a good
customer...

Tell you what, since you bought in
bulk, I’ll throw in a little bonus. Do
come again!

*chomp* *chomp* Mmm... Delicious.

You’re eating again already? Can’t
you wait until you get to your room?

My taste buds never stop dancin’ in
Askr! *chomp*

Mmm... This one’s great too! The
chewy ones, soft ones, sweet ones...
Even the salty ones... So good!

But...

Oh? Are you not satisfied? Is there
not enough for you?

It’s not that. It’s just...my sister. I’d
like Maya to eat some too...

Ah... That does sound like you. I
know how much you care about her.

You know, it might be difficult to
bring food back for her, so...

Why not eat it yourself and return
with your memories as a souvenir?

Yeah, I don’t even know when I’ll
make it back home...

All right then! I’m going to eat as
much as I can and memorize
every taste!

Hm... This is a lot more to carry than
I expected...

Hey there, Princess Sharena! Thanks
for the other day. Because of you, I
got to eat a bunch of tasty food!

Hahaha. I’m glad to hear it.

Are you carrying all that luggage
somewhere?

Yes. It’s medicine and food supplies
for a nearby village. But, there’s a lot
more than I thought there’d be...

Want some help? These muscles can
carry a lot!

Oh, I couldn’t ask that of you!

But, the village I’m going to is famous
for their meat dish...

Meat, huh?! I’m definitely
helping you!

If you say so. Then I’ll ask the people
at the village if they can prepare their
famous meat dish.

Thank you! Now I’m even
more motivated!

*chomp* *chomp* It’s so good!
What a great dish!

It’s wonderful having the whole
village come together to welcome
us like this!

And thanks to you, Raphael, we were
able to bring them so many supplies!

Mm... So...good... *chomp* *chomp*
Hmm...

Raphael? What’s wrong? You got
quiet all of the sudden. Do you not
have enough to eat?

Ignatz asked me the same thing. But
no, it’s not that.

I just...feel like something’s missing.

Hmmm... I wonder what it is. I just...
can’t put my finger on it.

Huh? What’s that noise? I’m going to
check it out.

Hmm... It’s not the flavor or the
amount of food. So what’s missing?

Raphael! Ohh...this is bad!

What’s wrong, Princess Sharena?
Did I eat all their food?!

No! Apparently, some bandits have
been eyeing the village, and now
they’re here!

I won’t let bandits have their way!
Yaaah!

Haaa!

No matter how many we defeat,
there’s still more of them! I don’t
know if we can hold them off!

Watch out, Princess! Grrraaah!

Whoa! That was close. Thank you!

I guess we can’t let our guard down
even for a second!

Careful, Raphael! There’s an enemy
behind you!

Wha— I don’t think I can...

Yah!

Hiyaaah.

Was that...an ally?! Phew...

Hiya!

You bandits won’t get away!

Are you two all right?

Did you all come here to save us?!
Even Ingrid... Wow!

Now’s our chance! Let’s keep it up
and push the enemy back!

That’s right! We’ve gotta use our
strength to protect these villagers!

Thanks to all of you, we drove out
the bandits.

There’s still lots more of this famous
meat dish, and the villagers say it’s
ours to eat!

*chomp* *chomp* It’s delicious... I
was so hungry, I was about
to collapse.

You’re telling me. *chomp* *chomp*

You really saved me back there! What
great timing!

I’m curious, why were you all so
close to the village?

We were thinking about their meat
dish and how long it had been since
we had it...

And so, the Heavy Plate Corps
departed on an expedition only to
find a bunch of bandits here...

Oh, yeah! You are all the big eaters in
the Order of Heroes—the Heavy
Plate Corps!

Mm, this is delicious. *chomp*

Tasty, huh? I could eat this forever!

But... *chomp* We were lucky! One
misstep and we wouldn’t be enjoying
this food ‘cause of those bandits.

Huh? My meat is gone! I let my guard
down for one second in front of
Ingrid and there goes my meat...

It wasn’t me!

Now, now, calm down and finish your
food quietly. Let’s not forget our
gratitude for such a meal.

Aha... I know who did it...

Mm-hmm. So good! *chomp* So, so
good! Oh, uh... It’s just that it keeps
getting better and better!

Now I get it—what I’ve been missing!

It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as
you enjoy it in the company of
others, it’ll taste great!

It may be that when you’re
surrounded by happiness,
everything is more delicious.

All right! Time for me to explore more
of Askr’s food!

There’s lots of memories to be made
for me to bring home and share
with Maya!

Greetings, lovely lady. You have the
beauty of a flower in bloom.

Would you consider gracing me with
your presence this afternoon?

...

Excuse me. You there. I was speaking
to you.

You are talking to Athena?

Athena, is it? That is a lovely name.
would you care to join me for tea?

We’re not thirsty.

Ah, no... You see, I was simply hoping
for a chance to talk with you.

We just met. We have nothing to
talk about.

Exactly. That is why I would like us
to get to know each other better.

We go to train with our sword now.

Well, that is a first. She refused to
even give me the time of day.

What a pity. And after that excellent
line you gave her too.

Ah... I take it you overheard all of that
just now. I am afraid I have displayed
my more embarrassing side.

Not at all. You conducted yourself
with the utmost grace. Now I shall
see if I can tempt her.

Greetings, beautiful madam! Might I
claim but a moment of your time?

You are talking to us?

What a melodic voice! You brighten
the landscape like a glorious flower
in full bloom...

These words are confusing. We will
go now.

What? Wait! Well, to think that I could
be turned away so bluntly...

Haha! Unfortunate for the both of us.
Maybe it is simply that kind of day.

No matter how distinguished you are,
winning a person’s heart is difficult.
Therein lies the allure of it.

I see. I admire your knowing when it
is time to quit. What is your name?

I am Virion. And you are one of the
students summoned from the
Officers Academy in Fódlan, yes?

I am Lorenz Hellman Gloucester. If it
pleases you, shall you and I have tea?

It was my intention to be drinking tea
with a beautiful woman now, but this
is not a bad way to spend the time.

Alas, I am certainly not an attractive
woman, but this does have its own
charm. By the way...

I see. So you are a veteran even
among those in the Order of Heroes.

I suppose I am. It has been quite a
long time since I was first summoned
to Askr.

This land still has much need of us.
Lending a hand when asked can be
considered a noble deed.

That is an admirable way of thinking.
Protecting the people is the duty of
the nobility.

As heir to House Gloucester, a noble
house of Fódlan, I was studying at the
Officers Academy.

Having a population to protect is an
enviable position to be in for a noble.
And an unrealizable dream for me.

Do you not have people to protect?

No... I abandoned the people I was
meant to protect and ran away.

Mm... Sipping tea in the castle’s
courtyard brings such refinement
and elegance to the flavor.

I am glad I found you here, Virion.

Something you said the other day
stayed on my mind, so I did a bit of
research into you.

Into me? Did I say something you
found particularly interesting?

I understand that your homeland was
on the brink of invasion by a powerful
force expanding its influence.

Many retainers didn’t want to stand
down without putting up a fight.

Yet you abandoned the people and
territory you were meant to protect
and fled to the Halidom of Ylisse.

I am ashamed to admit that is exactly
what happened.

For someone like you, who values
noble behavior above all else, to flee
like that... It’s a surprising choice.

One I imagine you agonized over and
made to avoid seeing your people
and retainers die in vain.

Hmm, it sounds better the way you
present it, but it doesn’t change the
fact that I ran.

After defecting, you chose to bear
the stigma of an aristocrat who
abandoned his country.

Giving up honor to protect something
can be considered a truly noble act.
Am I wrong?

You seem awfully familiar with my
situation. I wonder which meddling
wyvern rider blurted all that out?

But you overestimate me. Even if
there is truth in that story, people
will interpret it in different ways.

Ahh... It seems my tea has gone cold.
Now I shall have to brew more.

I apologize for keeping you so long.
It if is not too much trouble, might I
also have a cup?

You are welcome, though this herbal
blend may not be to your liking.

Thank you. Hmm...

It has a...startling flavor, or perhaps
unique is a better way to describe it.

I can tell you are choosing your
words to be polite, but it is not what
you would call delicious, is it?

The tea is a mixture of wild herbs
from around the area.

That makes sense...

The Order pays a salary, but when I
see people struggling, I am compelled
to help them.

As such, my wallet is often empty.
I regret that I do not have better tea
to serve you.

Having the mettle to enjoy a cup of
tea with grace in any situation can
perhaps also be considered noble.

Moreover, the flavor of this tea... It is
as if it gets caught in your throat and
begins to grow on you.

Thank you for your words. To me, it
is your kindness I find noble.

I should thank you for your time.
I hope to learn more of this mindset
of nobility from you.

There are nobles from many worlds
in the Order. I think speaking with
them may also be worthwhile.

That is a fine suggestion. I want to
learn and grow through encounters
I have in Askr.

To grow in nobility.