Tower of Black Winds

For a Hero's Relic to be stolen... It's unheard of.

And just last month, the Sword of the Creator was almost stolen too.

Also quite unheard of. What impudence.

For House Gautier to invite us on to their land, they must be desperate.

But at least we'll have the stalwart knights ready to stand around and watch us do all the work.

Say, I hear that a Knight of Seiros named Gilbert will be joining us for our mission this moon.

He is skilled, which is surely a boon for us. Still... That was not very thoughtful of Lady Rhea.

House Gautier is Sylvain's home. It would be nice of you to check on him as well.

I am sorry that the Kingdom's unrest did not stop with Lord Lonato...

Professor... The Heroes' Relics are incredibly powerful. Please be on your guard.

Oof. This wasn't the first time I've taken part in an Alliance roundtable conference, but it was still exhausting.

There's not enough cooperation in that group, especially from Lorenz's father.

But at least my grandfather was surprisingly alert. Judging by that, I'd say he's got at least five more years in him.

Hey, Teach. I hear you were able to use the Sword of the Creator. That means... What does that mean?

Could it mean that you're a descendant of Nemesis, the King of Liberation?!

The coffin of Seiros in the Holy Mausoleum should have held her remains.

Instead, it held the Sword of the Creator. What could it mean?

Instead, they say, it held the Sword of the Creator. What could it mean?

Swinging a sword about in the Holy Mausoleum?! The potential for damage is too great to imagine.

I sincerely hope the saints' coffins were not damaged.

Were you using magic? I've heard you weren't, but— Ugh! It's torture not being able to go inside the Holy Mausoleum for an entire year.

You and your class were at that fight in the Holy Mausoleum, right? I sincerely hope the holy artifacts are unscathed.

I admit I wish I could've been there to see it all, even if it does make me queasy. But I was there too early. I'd gone first thing in the morning.

At noon, one of the monks chased me out saying I'd been there too long. Who were they to decide when I've been somewhere too long?

I heard a Relic was stolen.

If this had something to do with a family conflict, I don't think I could choose a side.

I know Relics aren't easy to come by, but I'd still like to get my hands on one...

I'm gonna keep training until I can beat you!

I'm not secretly eating cake!

So, you have a Crest too, eh, Professor? Does that mean you're descended from nobility? You've certainly got the look for it...

I sure do wish there were more nobles like you, Professor.

A teacher, a mercenary, and so very mysterious... How could a girl ever get enough?

This is being my first time to the Kingdom's north. I hear the people of north are cold and have much loneliness.

Professor, I hear you have had work...have worked as a mercenary in the Kingdom. Did you find joy in this?

You cannot remember? Is that having possibility? I have amazement...

I have never had goings to the Kingdom's north. I hear the people of north are cold and have much loneliness.

Professor, I hear you have had work...have worked as a mercenary in the Kingdom. Did you find joy in this?

You cannot remember? Is that having possibility? I have amazement...

I have never had goings to the Kingdom's north. I hear the people of north are cold and have much loneliness.

Professor, I hear you have had work...have worked as a mercenary in the Kingdom. Did you find joy in this?

You cannot remember? Is that having possibility? I have amazement...

I know Lord Rodrigue.

He paid repeated visits to His Highness after the previous king was killed.

The Western Church. The Central Church. They believe in the same goddess, but oppose one another.

Fódlan is a complicated place.

Have you seen a man who looks like me? He's middle-aged and relatively tall.

If you get the chance, tell him I've gone out. OK?

Think of it! The Sword of the Creator, belonging to the ancient King Nemesis.

You have to master it as soon as you can. I can't wait to face off against such a legendary weapon!

If you get the chance, tell him I've gone out. OK?

Think of it! The Sword of the Creator, belonging to the ancient King Nemesis.

You have to master it as soon as you can. I can't wait to face off against such a legendary weapon!

So the whole plan to attack the monastery was some plot devised by the Western Church?

That means they used Lonato.

What right do they have to drag a good man like him into their schemes?!

There's going to be a big investigation into the Western Church soon.

I wish I could be a part of it.

I want to hear for myself why Lonato had to die.

So the whole plan to attack the monastery was some plot devised by the Western Church?

That means they used Lonato.

What right do they have to drag a good man like him into their schemes?!

I'm so sorry my older brother is causing you all this hassle, Professor.

Don't misunderstand, I always thought he was a piece of garbage, but I never thought he'd steal the Relic.

I can't wait to see his face when he realizes I'm in the group that was sent to take him down.

I can't believe my own brother is the leader of the bandits. House Gautier is my true home...and his.

Please, Professor. He really is one of the worst people I've ever known, but we still... We share the same blood. We're still family.

I can't believe my own brother is the leader of the bandits. House Gautier is my true home...and his.

Please, Professor. He really is one of the worst people I've ever known, but we still... We share the same blood. We're still family.

Isn't it strange? Saint Seiros's body was missing from her coffin, but they found a sword in its place...

Do you think she moved from her coffin and left the sword behind?

Isn't it strange? Saint Seiros's body was missing from her coffin, but they found a sword in its place...

Do you think she moved from her coffin and left the sword behind?

Professor! You looked like a natural wielding the Sword of the Creator!

It's strange though, isn't it? The last owner of the sword was Nemesis, but I thought he didn't have any descendants...

Hey, Professor! Did you happen to see that man I was looking for earlier?

I just spotted him by the dining hall, but then he ran away!

Father... I've found you at last!

Hey, Professor! Did you happen to see that man I was looking for earlier?

I just spotted him by the dining hall, but then he ran away!

Father... I've found you at last!

Professor! If you're heading to the Kingdom, I would recommend taking a coat. It's chilly, even at this time of year.

It also rains a fair bit. Don't get caught out there without protection, or you're sure to catch a cold!

Wow, Lord Rodrigue in the flesh...

What is Felix doing? This is such a rare opportunity for him to see his family...

Professor, please leave Sylvain alone for the time being.

The thing is, the bandits' leader who stole the Relic...is Sylvain's disinherited older brother.

It appears that Claude has returned to the Alliance. And that woman who was with him— I recognized her.

I believe she is from House Daphnel. That would certainly explain her air of majesty.

It seems that our next mission is another bandit hunt. This time, I've heard that their leader is the son of a noble family.

What a complete disgrace to the nobility.

I have heard that someone from House Gautier, one of the Kingdom of Faerghus's noble families, is causing some sort of commotion.

What a complete disgrace to the nobility.

It seems that our next mission is another bandit hunt. This time, I've heard that their leader is the son of a noble family.

What a complete disgrace to the nobility.

I have heard that someone from House Gautier, one of the Kingdom of Faerghus's noble families, is causing some sort of commotion.

What a complete disgrace to the nobility.

Hey, Professor. Don't you think everyone's making too big a fuss over these Crests or Heroes' Relics or whatever they're called?

How important can that stuff really be?

Personally I don't even care that I don't have a Crest.

I'll take muscles over Crests any day. Heck, I'll take muscles over a hot meal! Actually...

Don't you think Professor Hanneman's been acting a bit...strange?

Maybe he's made some kind of big discovery.

Is it true that Lady Rhea entrusted the Sword of the Creator to you?

I can hardly even fathom you being capable of wielding something of such power. Just who are you, anyway?

Aristocrats are fools—allowing their lives to be dictated by their Crests.

Though...I suppose I am much the same in that regard...

Some people are unhappy because they don't have the Crest they want...

And some are unhappy because they have a Crest they never asked for.

I thought school life would be peaceful and quiet, with a sprinkle of drama to keep things interesting.

But since you arrived, it's been one thing after another. Is that just a coincidence, I wonder?

Captain Jeralt was all furrowed brow earlier. Do you know what's got him so concerned?

If there's a problem, I want to help any way I can.

Oh, Professor! Are you looking for Captain Jeralt? I just saw him in the knights' hall a little while ago.

He was talking with a female knight, but I didn't get a good look at who she was.

Captain Jeralt was all furrowed brow earlier. Do you know what's got him so concerned?

If there's a problem, I want to help any way I can.

How are you managing the Sword of the Creator? No problems? I hope you have not left it lying somewhere unattended or anything foolish like that.

Ah, Professor. Jeralt was looking for you.

It seems he has gone off somewhere.

If he is not in his room, then surely someone has seen him. Ask around.

You're back. Ah, the graveyard? Of course I know it.

It can be a little hard to find. Would you like me to show you where it is?

Ah, Professor. Jeralt was looking for you.

How are you managing the Sword of the Creator? No problems? I hope you have not left it lying somewhere unattended or anything foolish like that.

How are you managing the Sword of the Creator? No problems? I hope you have not left it lying somewhere unattended or anything foolish like that.

Why is that fish so...still? Wait—is it swimming sideways?!

Perhaps... Perhaps it is resigned to its woeful fate of being plucked from the water and eaten...

Ah, Professor. You are so outgoing with all of the students.

I would like to have more opportunities to connect with you, though I am certain my brother would disapprove.

Oh my...the Crest of Flames? Could it really— Yes, the actual Crest of Flames!

No, that is quite enough. I should compose myself. I must remain objective in my research. Objective. Professional.

The scandal with the Western Church troubles me. We cannot afford to let ourselves be swept along, and yet...

It's awful, just awful what happened with the Rite of Rebirth. The infirmary... Well, it was a mess.

Things are finally calm again, and so I've come here to unwind.

Let me tell you, I put all of my knowledge to use keeping those kids alive.

Still, the truth of it is that when someone faces death for the first time...well, they figure out who they are. They learn if they can do it again.

We can't lose them, Professor. Not to battle, or to cowardice. If you can keep them going, then I will too.

Hail, Professor. If I may introduce myself, I am Gilbert. My life has been spent as a dedicated knight. I am to accompany you on your assignment.

I may have slowed a step in recent years, but I pledge to you the full extent of my abilities.

You acquitted yourself honorably last month.

To think they'd go into the Holy Mausoleum and assault the Goddess Tower...

I cannot imagine the Western Church was acting on its own. Someone must have been helping them.

As for the masked knight who escaped, his days are numbered.

I hope we find him soon, so I can kill him myself.

Oh, Jeralt? He said something about visiting a grave.

There's a graveyard attached to the monastery, so you'll probably find him there.

I can't remember where the graveyard is, but I bet Seteth knows.

You acquitted yourself honorably last month.

To think they'd go into the Holy Mausoleum and assault the Goddess Tower...

I cannot imagine the Western Church was acting on its own. Someone must have been helping them.

As for the masked knight who escaped, his days are numbered.

I hope we find him soon, so I can kill him myself.

You acquitted yourself honorably last month.

To think they'd go into the Holy Mausoleum and assault the Goddess Tower...

I cannot imagine the Western Church was acting on its own. Someone must have been helping them.

As for the masked knight who escaped, his days are numbered.

I hope we find him soon, so I can kill him myself.

I heard about the things you did.

I'm so glad Lady Rhea's safe.

I figure you're a great person after all, Professor.

So...the Crest of Flames has manifested for you. That means she was...

No. That's not possible.

Strange. And there's still too much that we don't know.

Hey. I wanted to ask you to join me, but I couldn't find you. So here I am.

I was thinking we should visit...your mother.

She's resting beneath this humble grave...

But she loved you with all her heart. That's the truest thing I know... Never forget it.

This ring is the only keepsake I have of her. In time, it will be yours.

One day, I hope you'll give this ring to someone you love as well as I love her.

But she loved you with all her heart. That's the truest thing I know... Never forget it.

But she loved you with all her heart. That's the truest thing I know... Never forget it.

You must be rather bewildered by the power that was hidden within.

However, know that I believe in you. I have no doubt that you will use that power justly.

You will most certainly fulfill the grand destiny that the goddess has seen fit to grant you.

A stone? A stone... I do not understand.

Yet as I think of it, the pounding in my chest grows faster still.

But is that me...or is it you?

Hmm...

Mercedes...

Her face looks...familiar...

Professor. Have you seen my son, perchance? I have need of him.

I must ask him not to distract you, Professor, nor His Highness from the matter at hand.

I am Rodrigue Achille Fraldarius. I bear the great honor of serving as a lord in the Kingdom of Faerghus.

I have come in Margrave Gautier's stead to retrieve their stolen Relic. However...

As I hear it, a group of students is to attend to this matter. I sincerely hope no harm comes to any of them.

The head of the Western Church holds the title of bishop.

That's not as distinguished as an archbishop, such as Lady Rhea, but it still comes with a fair amount of authority.

If someone in that position plotted an assassination, I cannot help but think it must have been instigated by some outside force.

There are bishops in the Eastern Church as well, but to speak frankly, they do not have much impact.

They are under the influence of both the archbishop and the Leicester Alliance, so their ability to voice grievances is quite limited.

Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!

Oh! Come to think of it, last month there was something to report, wasn't there? Thanks to you, I hear that everything was resolved.

I never realized that bandits had entered... I'm not a great guard after all, am I? I hope you will forgive me one day!

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.

That man I walked past earlier... That wasn't Lord Rodrigue, was it?

House Fraldarius is a powerful noble family, linked to the founding of Faerghus.

Lord Rodrigue, its current leader, is a magnificent warrior. He's known as the Shield of Faerghus.

A dozen or so years ago, during the northern campaign in Sreng, he performed splendidly as the king's right hand.

Come to think of it, wasn't there someone from House Fraldarius amongst this year's students?

I've had a chance to spar with Gilbert of the Knights of Seiros before.

I couldn't get a single strike in! If that man is accompanying you on your assignment, you can rest assured that no harm will come to you.

To be honest, he kind of reminds me of someone... But no, it must be my imagination. Right?

The assassination attempt on Lady Rhea, the theft of a Hero's Relic... I am up to my ears in foul news of recent!

Speaking of, there's a terrifying rumor swirling around Garreg Mach these days.

Apparently a spirit of death wielding a huge scythe has been kidnapping young maidens. Will the madness never end?!

You guys have it bad in your own way, but believe me when I say we've got it bad too.

With all that happened last month, a great many knights were dispatched to the Western Church.

And now we must set out for the Eastern Church, located in the far east of the Leicester Alliance.

If I must die in Alliance territory, I wish it wasn't in the mountains in the middle of nowhere. I'd much rather go on a sightseeing trip to Derdriu.

Oh, you don't know? Derdriu is House Riegan's domain. It's called the Aquatic capital.

The Leicester Alliance is governed through roundtable conferences between the five most prominent allied dukes—the Five Great Lords.

First and foremost is Duke Riegan, the Alliance's leader. Joining him are the heads of House Goneril, House Gloucester, and House Ordelia.

Lastly, there is the newest addition, Margrave Edmund. These five each have voting power in the conferences.

Before House Edmund, it was House Daphnel that was counted amongst the five. However...

It is said that the head of that family relinquished their vote to House Edmund, which had only recently risen to significance.

Miklan? I know that guy. In northern Faerghus, he's pretty well-known...and not in a good way.

The guy does what he pleases, attacking towns in Margrave Gautier's territory relentlessly. Stealing food and even abducting women.

I may be the leader of a bunch of thugs, too, but I'm nothing like that slime bag.

A Hero's Relic can turn a slime bag like Miklan into a knight.

I know you've got one of those shinies yourself, but don't go doing anything reckless.

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.

You're a busy one, aren't ya? Always on the road. Being a professor seems like a tough gig.

Back when I was first enrolled here, we rarely traveled. The Battle of the Eagle and Lion was about it.

This really stirs up the old memories. When I took part, my house lost. May have been my fault. It's hard to believe, but I was pretty rash back then.

Hey... Think I can join in again this year? Bet you could pull some strings and make it happen, yeah?

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.

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!

The next mission is to rout bandits in the Kingdom, is it not? I find the idea unsettling.

Though the bandits have captured a large prize, they are insigificant in and of themselves.

The matter would be more appropriately dealt with by Margrave Gautier or the Faerghus royal family.

I grant that I am most likely jumping at shadows...

But I fear that if Faerghus is weakened, the tipped scales will lead to widespread unrest.

Nice sword, Chatterbox. I like how it lights up. That's a neat trick.

But, now that you have it, the church is gonna want to use your power for their own ends. Are you gonna let that happen?

You gotta think for yourself. You're too good to become one of their stooges.

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.

I've been hearing about you a lot lately. Word on the street is you wield some amazing sword.

If you ever want to sell it to me, I'd pay top G! Just kidding. Sorta. It's, uh, not for sale, is it?

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. 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.

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

Actually, if I recall correctly—which is my job and passion—there were reportable happenings up top as well. That's why I'm still stuck with Mr. Backup.

I'm still here by request of Lord Seteth. You can never be too vigilant.

Truth be told, I'm used to the guy by now. Not Yuri, though. He shoots him a pointed glare every time he walks by. Heh. How Yuri is that?

Aelfric used to use his position in the church to look out for Abyss.

He basically set this whole place up for us.

Then some scandal or other forced him out. Got to wonder what got the church so riled up...

The best fighter in Abyss? Balthus, probably.

Yuri's definitely the most cunning. Constance is the strongest with magic.

The most dangerous of them all though? Hapi. You've heard the rumors, haven't you?

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.