The Flame in the Darkness

They say that things rarely if ever go according to plan. Still, plan we must.

After all, if we don't effectively force things to go our way, nothing will be achieved.

How about you, Professor? Are you leading the life you envisioned for yourself?

They say that things rarely if ever go according to plan. Still, plan we must.

After all, if we don't effectively force things to go our way, nothing will be achieved.

How about you, Professor? Are you leading the life you envisioned for yourself?

I'm sorry to ask this of you...but I would deeply appreciate it if you would promise to keep my association with Edelgard to yourself.

It is a...complicated history, what she and I share.

Professor, you seem unwell. How are you faring?

If you're not feeling well, I'd strongly recommend some rest.

Even if I spend all of my time rummaging through this library, there's a limit to the knowledge that can be gained.

Apparently, it only contains books whose contents have been deemed appropriate by the church.

If only Tomas were around. I bet he has some interesting stories he could regale us with...

What in the world is happening in Remire Village? I hear even the knights have been dispatched.

I hope it's nothing too serious... After all, that's where we first met. I have valued memories of the place.

Need something, Professor?

I was just asking Monica here to be less demanding of Lady Edelgard's time.

Need something, Professor?

I was just asking Monica here to be less demanding of Lady Edelgard's time.

Hey, it's not like I'm bothering her! Sorry for the ruckus, Professor.

Please don't worry about it too much. Nooothing to worry about here!

Ugh. I wish you would worry about it a little more.

Remire Village... Is that not where you met Edelgard?

If you had not been there, something terrible could have happened.

Did one of the house leaders know that mercenaries were staying in Remire Village? I wonder...

It will remain a mystery for now. All we can do at this point is speculate.

I fear I may become a social recluse soon...

My life consists of wearing a groove in the floor between the library and the dining hall. Although, I guess a real recluse wouldn't leave their room, eh?

That would be me if you weren't my teacher, locked away in my room, reading, napping, never to be seen.

I fear I may become a social recluse soon...

My life consists of wearing a groove in the floor between the library and the dining hall. Although, I guess a real recluse wouldn't leave their room, eh?

That would be me if you weren't my teacher, locked away in my room, reading, napping, never to be seen.

You know I never see Bernadetta outside of class. I wonder what it is that she does in her room all day.

That's a nice thing you have there, Professor. Don't suppose you're planning on using it yourself...

Why don't you trade it for this? Sounds good, right?

I fear I may become a social recluse soon...

My life consists of wearing a groove in the floor between the library and the dining hall. Although, I guess a real recluse wouldn't leave their room, eh?

That would be me if you weren't my teacher, locked away in my room, reading, napping, never to be seen.

Hey, Professor. Did you see that my father came by during the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?

He left soon after, but I saw him talking to Edelgard first.

I wonder what they could have to talk about.

Still though... I could've sworn those two didn't get along.

What is it? Sorry, I've, um... I've got a cold.

...

Congratulations on winning the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Did you get a special reward?

I certainly feel like I earned a special reward. Don't you, Professor?

I certainly feel like I earned a special reward. Don't you, Professor?

Congratulations on winning the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Did you get a special reward?

I certainly feel like I earned a special reward. Don't you, Professor?

I certainly feel like I earned a special reward. Don't you, Professor?

This is a place of mysteriousness. I have awareness of how much difference every part of the world is.

In a place alike to this place, you can imagine the goddess of Fódlan truly existing.

At times, I miss those places in Brigid. At times... I am missing those places so painfully.

All this month, His Highness has been going out late into the night.

He will not speak of it to me. Professor, do you happen to know anything?

His Highness's headaches have been growing steadily worse. I would prefer that he retire to bed early.

Investigating Remire Village? Be on your guard.

You know, Professor—the tournament fish, and the meal we indulged in after the Battle of the Eagle and Lion...

Why, all of the food I've eaten in this monastery has been absolutely delectable. Every last bite of it.

Food really is the only thing you think about, huh?

Hardly! I think about all sorts of things.

Oh! Like tomorrow's menu, for instance?

I'm worried about Remire. That affliction is a little too mysterious for my liking.

I'm pretty sure it's not normal.

I'm worried about Remire. That affliction is a little too mysterious for my liking.

I'm pretty sure it's not normal.

I wonder how Remire Village is faring. Hopefully we're not dealing with some new epidemic.

It wouldn't be unheard of. Almost 20 years ago, a terrible plague blazed through Faerghus.

It even hit the capital city, taking the queen consort's life...or so I heard. The whole Kingdom was in an uproar over that loss.

The person who saved the Kingdom wasn't a doctor but a holy woman—the fair Lady Cornelia.

After that, she was awarded the honor of being a mage in the service of the royal family. She sounds like an amazing woman, but...

She must be pretty old by now. But hey, maybe she's aged like a fine wine.

Oh, goodness. Is something the matter, Professor? You look a little pale...

Please be careful. It's so easy to catch a cold this time of year.

Hello, Professor. What's that you've got there?

Would you mind trading it with me for this?

Oh, goodness. Is something the matter, Professor? You look a little pale...

Please be careful. It's so easy to catch a cold this time of year.

Hmm... The librarian is always out and about these days.

And just when I had some questions about a book I'd borrowed...

Ugh, now I'm so curious about where he's gone off to! He'd better come back soon...

How are you feeling, Professor? You look rather ill, if you don't mind my saying so.

Are you sick? If so, I would urge you not to push yourself too hard. Take some rest.

Hey, Professor. Can I get your advice on something? I just don't know what to do anymore.

I used to think they were the best, but now I can't even stand looking at them!

Hey, Professor. Can I get your advice on something? I just don't know what to do anymore.

I used to think they were the best, but now I can't even stand looking at them!

Ah, Professor! The Battle of the Eagle and Lion was such good fun, don't you think?

Ignatz, how long are you going to keep harping on about the Battle of the Eagle and Lion?

Aw, come on, let me gush! Did you see how the house leaders came together after the battle?

What an incredible thing to witness! Harmony, even after something so hard-fought.

True. If they can keep playing nice, perhaps there will be peace in Fódlan after all.

I heard about Remire Village from some of the knights.

It's certainly troubling. If it's a contagion, we at Garreg Mach should be on the lookout as well.

Your words are oddly persuasive, Professor. Even if they're not exactly based on anything.

Good day, Professor.

Well then, I should go.

Um, Professor? It's about that thing you have there...

If it's not too much of a bother, would you trade it for this?

Good day, Professor.

Well then, I should go.

Professor! Captain Jeralt just told me. Remire Village is in a bad way, right?

The situation there is worrying, yes... But tell me, how is your vertigo?

What is it? I am in the middle of my daily duties.

I assume you know by now that the Four Saints are all important figures in the teachings of Seiros...

Still, I have a particular fondness for Saint Cethleann.

I am so happy to be part of your class, Professor.

I honestly cannot recall the last time I interacted with others on a daily basis like this...

It reminds me of when I was a child. Ha, that was so very long ago now...

I thought we might make it through last month in peace, but no. Another incident just had to arise, didn't it?

If only this debacle had to do with Crests. Why, I'd have gone and dealt with it in an instant.

Professor? What have you got there? That's— My goodness, that is just what I've been looking for!

I can offer nothing more than this, but I do ask that you consider trading with me.

I thought we might make it through last month in peace, but no. Another incident just had to arise, didn't it?

If only this debacle had to do with Crests. Why, I'd have gone and dealt with it in an instant.

I know you figure medicine and magical healing are two ways to do the same thing, but it's way deeper than that.

Medicine is all about preventing infection and suppressing symptoms with, well, medicine... That's probably obvious.

But magical healing is focused on closing up wounds faster, raising a body's vital energy, stuff like that.

Hey, wait a minute. What you've got there, isn't that...

Please, could you let me have that? Here, I'll give you this in return.

I know you figure medicine and magical healing are two ways to do the same thing, but it's way deeper than that.

Medicine is all about preventing infection and suppressing symptoms with, well, medicine... That's probably obvious.

But magical healing is focused on closing up wounds faster, raising a body's vital energy, stuff like that.

Professor? Tell me, is this about Remire?

There are more villagers acting strangely today than yesterday.

Knights have been dispatched, yet...

The underlying cause is as yet unclear, and the most anyone can do is stand back and watch.

It is most distressing. Professor, what do you think about all this?

I'm going to catch me some mighty fish, just you wait and see!

I didn't catch a single fish last month. But this month! This month!

You're going with the captain to investigate Remire Village soon, aren't you?

It feels like so long ago that you two came here...

Of the four or five years since I started here, this is certainly the busiest.

It was four. I've been here five.

Oh, what's a year here or there? Don't be petty now, Shamir.

You count your enemies the same way.

If I take care of them quickly, what does it matter how many there are? Oh, sorry! We didn't mean to ignore you, Professor.

As you were saying, it's been a busy year. There never seem to be enough hands for the work.

That reminds me, do you have that thing? If you do, we want it.

Want? No. We need it. Give it to me, not her.

Hey now, I'm the one who brought it up. We may be friends, but that's just rude.

You brought it, Professor? Hand it over and I'll make it worth your while.

How? You can't even afford your own drinks.

Give it here. You won't regret it.

Excuse me, I asked first. Why don't we let the professor decide?

Of the four or five years since I started here, this is certainly the busiest.

It was four. I've been here five.

Oh, what's a year here or there? Don't be petty now, Shamir.

You count your enemies the same way.

If I take care of them quickly, what does it matter how many there are? Oh, sorry! We didn't mean to ignore you, Professor.

As you were saying, it's been a busy year. There never seem to be enough hands for the work.

The knights go out from Garreg Mach to take on all kinds of other duties.

I'd sure like a job like that one day.

Then again, I don't know... Serving Lady Rhea here is pretty good.

Professor, I picked this up, but... Oh, hey! It worked out perfectly.

Wanna trade me what you're holding for it?

The knights go out from Garreg Mach to take on all kinds of other duties.

I'd sure like a job like that one day.

Then again, I don't know... Serving Lady Rhea here is pretty good.

Professor... Do you ever wish you could return to your life as a mercenary?

It was in Remire that you first met Alois and the rest of his order, was it not?

Half a year has come and gone since then. How quickly time passes...

I do not know why it is so, but being here makes me feel quite...unwell. I am so sleepy...and a bit...

It is a struggle merely to stay conscious... Are you feeling the same?

Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!

Oh, except that Tomas departed the monastery and has yet to return. Consider that reported.

He's been gone for periods of time before and has always returned, so I'm not too worried. Still...

I wonder what in the world he's doing out there!

Things we can't obtain here are likely obtainable by way of the underground.

Are you unfamiliar with Garreg Mach's underground? The place is an absolute paradise for those who can't stay above ground.

Those Abyssian idiots. All they ever do is cause trouble.

We'd best purge the entire underbelly of Garreg Mach.

During the Red Wolf Moon, wild monsters make ready for the winter to come, stirring more than at any other time of the year.

You are off for Remire Village, isn't that right? Watch your step on that journey.

May the goddess protect all of you.

When news reached us of the disturbance, ours was the first unit dispatched to Remire.

We had renowned scholars and accomplished magic wielders with us. But in all honesty...I was scared witless the entire time.

For all we knew, it was an epidemic like the rumors suggested...and rumors aside, that place had an eerie air about it that chilled you right to the bone.

This...this is my first time working with THE Jeralt!

The legend known across the ages as the Blade Breaker! And I get to see him with my own eyes!

That means I have to try my absolute hardest! Hooaah!

Hm... You do not look well. Are you sure you aren't coming down with a cold or some other ailment?

Please visit a doctor, before your situation worsens. I suppose the infirmary is also an option.

Though when I went there the other day, I was unable to receive medical guidance, as Professor Manuela was drunk and fast asleep on the floor...

Remire Village is in Empire territory, but it's still relatively close to the monastery.

Oh, but you know all about that, don't you?

The story goes that it was in Remire Village that Alois found you.

I can't shake the feeling that what went down in Remire Village is something other than a plague.

I guess it's best not to go sticking our noses in it, lest they get cut off.

I can't shake the feeling that what went down in Remire Village is something other than a plague.

I guess it's best not to go sticking our noses in it, lest they get cut off.

You're looking paler than usual. Stop pushing yourself so hard.

Whoever you are, it doesn't matter much to me. But I do advise getting out of here before you get tangled up in trouble.

Unless you've been sent here under someone's orders. In which case, I'll happily show you a good time. Heh heh...

Hmmm. You're that mercenary turned professor, aren't you? The one who showed up at the monastery kinda recently.

Yeah, you're the one I've heard so much about. Well, I guess it's fine you're here, then.

You can call me Yuri. You'll want to remember that, if you ever come down here again.

I hear you partied hard after winning the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. That a fact?

Fighting... Drinking... Damn. Maybe I shoulda crashed that party.

Truth is I knew you'd win. Counted on it, in fact. What do I mean by that? Heh, don't worry about it.

Winning the battle was great and all, but the after party was a complete letdown.

I guess I get it. There were some younger students around and all that. But still... What a waste.

We needed some fun juice, that's all I'm saying. But, yeah, it was still a fine time.

Haven't seen your face before. You're clearly not from around here.

Ah, you're that new teacher everyone's been yapping about. And yet...you look younger than me. Weird.

The name's Balthus. Formerly of the Alliance.

News of the affair at Remire Village has reached me. The situation seems rather dire.

Any threat to the lives of the commonfolk must be met with swift action.

Given your concern, would it not be appropriate for you to depart rather than idling the time away?

And who might you be? Not an Abyssian, that much is clear at a glance.

A visitor from above, perhaps? With what purpose?

Oh...but of course. You must be the new teacher specially appointed by Lady Rhea. That is it, yes?

Rumors have been flying underground about you. Well, then! I am Constance von Nuvelle.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Ahaha!

Chatterbox, what's wrong with you? Go home.

Get some rest, OK? Sleep is really important when you're feeling down.

Who are you? Wait, shut up, let me guess.

You're...that new professor, right? You just started teaching up on the surface.

Even here, people have been talking about you. Not that the gossip got everything right.

I heard you were beautiful, but obviously that was an exaggeration.

Hey, Professor. How's it going? Making lots of coin?

I'd love to catch up, but I'm super busy right now. Working. For money. You understand.

Hey, Professor. How's it going? Making lots of coin?

I'd love to catch up, but I'm super busy right now. Working. For money. You understand.

There's unrest everywhere these days. All of my fellow merchants seem to be endangered.

I hope things go back to normal soon. People need more to smile about, aside from my great deals.

Abyss? You're interested in that place, are you?

Ancient sprawling remains deep below Garreg Mach... That's Abyss.

Some folks have made their home there. Obviously they all have their reasons and tales to tell.

But only the most enterprising merchant would venture near it. My advice? Avoid going there yourself.

Hey, you. Listen up. I've got something to report.

Mr. Backup doesn't come by anymore—which is fine. Not incredibly rude or anything. Nope. Juuuust fine.

Hey, you. You're from up top, right? What business do you have here?

Wait a minute... Ah, got it. You're that new professor, aren't you? I suppose that means I have to let you pass.

I guess...welcome to Abyss! This town is full of rough-and-toughs, so watch your back down here.

Want to help me out with my magical research?

I just need to open you up and have a look inside...

No? Huh, well... Would you lend me a few hairs at least?

Have you ever killed anyone?

...

Have you ever killed anyone?

Wanna get your hands on something valuable that you can't get on the surface?

Maybe next time. See you around.

Ah, I see. So you are Jeralt's child. You so resemble your mother.

I've been gone from the monastery for some time now because... Well, it matters not.

Might I...ask a favor of you?

Do you mind terribly picking up some fresh flowers to place upon your mother's grave?

I am certain she'd be deeply moved to receive a gift from you.

Thank you so much. This is just the type of flower she once loved so dearly.

I can rest easy now.

I must be off. Take especially good care of yourself, won't you?

Please, look after Jeralt. She'd have wanted that.