Rumors of a Reaper

We must begin our search for Flayn, Professor.

If she ran off of her own free will, that's her business. But that may not be the case.

For her sake, I suggest we assume that she was abducted and begin an investigation.

Who benefits from kidnapping her?

Let's gather all the information we can on anyone who's been acting strangely.

Manuela ran off with Jeritza's mask?

Hmm... We'll have to speak with both of them. But where could Manuela be?

Jeritza is likely at the training grounds or in his quarters on the eastern side of the knights' hall.

Flayn is missing... We should split up and search for her.

There isn't a moment to waste. We must find her before it's too late.

When I consider how Seteth must be feeling, my heart breaks. We must find Flayn as soon as possible.

There are no signs of her having left the monastery, but we cannot safely rule out any possibility just yet.

I'm wasting precious time standing about trying to think of a solution. I'll survey the monastery and see what information I can gather.

There must be someone who has a clue as to Flayn's whereabouts.

What? Professor Manuela ran off with Professor Jeritza's mask?

I have a bad feeling about this... We must find them both at once!

Professor Jeritza will be at the training grounds or his quarters. I believe the latter can be found on the eastern side of the knights' hall.

I have thoroughly surveyed the entire monastery, and yet I have not found a single trace of evidence that suggests Flayn was abducted.

Perhaps we must seek out personal recounts rather than physical evidence... In any case, we must hurry before something terrible happens.

Flayn's gone missing? Where could she be?

If it were an ordinary kidnapping, you'd think there'd be a demand for ransom or something by now. I don't like the sound of this...

No sign of her leaving the monastery, eh? That is, assuming we can actually trust that information...

Oh, but I'm sure this space has no shortage of secret passages and hiding spots!

True. For now, there's not much we can do aside from making a thorough search of the monastery.

Let's ask around and see what we turn up. You never know who might have seen something.

No sign of her leaving the monastery, eh? That is, assuming we can actually trust that information...

Oh, but I'm sure this space has no shortage of secret passages and hiding spots!

True. For now, there's not much we can do aside from making a thorough search of the monastery.

Let's ask around and see what we turn up. You never know who might have seen something.

Professor Manuela ran off with Professor Jeritza's mask? What could that possibly mean?

Well, that's suspicious! Sounds like we should try talking to them.

Professor Jeritza is almost certainly in the training grounds or his quarters. Where was that again? Oh, over on the eastern side of the knights' hall.

Professor Manuela ran off with Professor Jeritza's mask? What could that possibly mean?

Well, that's suspicious! Sounds like we should try talking to them.

Professor Jeritza is almost certainly in the training grounds or his quarters. Where was that again? Oh, over on the eastern side of the knights' hall.

If Flayn has been taken hostage, then we know she is alive. At least for now.

There would be no point to abducting her if simple murder was the objective.

That's only logical, Professor.

A beautiful, delicate maiden vanishing into thin air... It is like something out of a book.

If it were a book, we would have no need to worry! She would be rescued presently by a dashing nobleman.

Do you have any idea as to where she might be? Where she might have wandered off to?

Flayn? No, I haven't seen her. She's been abducted. Oh, you're looking for her. Sorry, my mind was somewhere else.

I just recently learned she has a Crest. Did you know that, Professor?

If it was a particularly rare Crest, I could imagine Professor Hanneman would have quite an intense interest in her.

Oh, no, I'm not accusing Professor Hanneman of abducting Flayn.

I don't know if she ran off or got kidnapped or what! I just know that Flayn's in trouble.

That's it! I can't keep sitting around. I gotta go find her!

Now where do I start?

Uh, Flayn's not in here!

Ugh, I guess I have to let you in to prove it, don't I?

There. See? No one's in Bernie's room but Bernie.

Maybe Flayn just wanted to be alone for a while. Have you considered that?

Come to think of it, where is her room, anyway?

Hey, Professor, have you seen Manuela?

I saw her running off somewhere in a terrible hurry.

I wonder if it has anything to do with Flayn's disappearance. Do you know, Professor?

Flayn was childnapped. That is what you are thinking? And the villain is inside our monastery?

Hmm. I must have admittance. One person... has been catching my eye.

Shamir is a knight not like other knights. Her movements are being reminders of... no, they remind me of warriors of Brigid.

Before she was here, what was she getting up to...

I've heard the monastery is full of secret passages.

If there is no sign of Flayn's departure, it is possible that she used one of those.

Whatever has happened, I hope she is all right.

Ah, you're looking for Flayn's kidnapper.

I can't say anything for sure, but I do have suspicions about Jeritza.

There's something about how he's handling his blade lately. It seems more...impulsive than usual.

It couldn't hurt to try speaking with him, at least.

At this hour, I think you'll find him sparring with Catherine at the training grounds.

I heard something like this happened last year too.

Neither the culprit nor the missing student were ever found last time. Some people say it was the work of evil spirits.

Ow! Ingrid just about slapped the teeth out of my head.

All I did was suggest that Flayn might've eloped...

Do you really think Flayn was kidnapped?

There have been a lot of rumors swirling around lately about a Death Knight who kidnaps people from the nearby town...

You don't think Flayn was...you know. Do you?

Whether the rumors are true or not, I just hope our Flayn is safe...

To think that Flayn would disappear like this... Seteth must be worried sick.

I haven't got much to go off of, and perhaps it's out of line for me to feel so uncomfortable...

But something has been bothering me for a while about Gilbert. I feel as though I've met him somewhere before...

I also noticed him staring intently at Annette once. Hmm...

If Flayn were taken hostage, I expect we would have received demands from the culprit by now.

Perhaps this is not a kidnapping at all. Do you suppose she could have simply run away?

I hope Flayn isn't going hungry. If someone really kidnapped her, I'll never forgive them!

Now that I think about it, I saw Alois hanging out by the pond not too long ago.

He was always getting into trouble for trying to talk to Flayn, you know.

It's probably a crazy thought, but I'm starting to worry.

I've only ever spoken to Flayn a handful of times.

She always seemed so naive about the ways of the world. I'm worried about her.

Reflecting on it now, Flayn has always seemed a rather odd person.

She appears young, yet there's something about her that seems much older than her years suggest. And she's quite wise, but also surprisingly naive...

Dear Goddess, hear my prayer...

Please watch over Flayn... Please protect her...

I bet Flayn ran away. She couldn't stand being held back by Seteth any longer.

I can empathize. I know what it's like to have an overbearing big brother.

Where could Flayn have gone? Do you think she's really been kidnapped?

I hear Tomas has been going around asking about her...

But he's probably just worried like the rest of us.

Though it wasn't just Flayn. He was asking about you and Captain Jeralt too.

...

She would never have left the monastery of her own volition. Why is there not a trace of her to be found?!

Young Flayn's disappearance is most troubling.

Young Flayn's disappearance is most troubling.

What? Who would suspect me? You know what? I'll tell you who. A fool. That's who.

Miss Flayn's whereabouts are unknown? I pray she is safe...

We do not seem to have any leads at present.

Miss Flayn's whereabouts are unknown? I pray she is safe...

We do not seem to have any leads at present.

I am one of the suspects, am I?

Well, hopefully I can lay your suspicions to rest. Do you know of my, let's call it...unique situation?

I was once a knight in service to the Faerghus royal family.

If Ingrid believes she saw me before, it was likely in Fhirdiad, the Kingdom Capital.

Annette is... She is my... But no. I would appreciate it, Professor, if you would ask no more.

Hey there, Professor. Did you want to talk?

Hey there, Professor. Did you want to talk?

What?! Me, abduct Flayn?! You can't really believe I did that!

Did you hear about Flayn? It's just one thing after another this year, I swear.

Some of the lower-ranked knights are searching for her in the town. If they find anything, I'll know.

Did you hear about Flayn? It's just one thing after another this year, I swear.

Some of the lower-ranked knights are searching for her in the town. If they find anything, I'll know.

What? Jeritza? Hm, come to think of it, I haven't seen him today.

What would make you suspect him?

I see. Well, I'll let the knights know.

What brings you here? I'm taking a break.

What brings you here? I'm taking a break.

Is this about Flayn? You find me suspicious? Hah.

I understand that I don't fit in among the Knights of Seiros...

But that hardly links me to Flayn's disappearance.

I can't believe Flayn just disappeared. I don't like it one little bit.

Oh, are you here to see someone?

Alois and Shamir and all the knights are gonna head into town soon.

Because of Flayn's disappearance, all of the knights are searching nonstop.

But we haven't found a single lead. Seteth's face is getting paler by the minute. It's hard to watch.

Because of Flayn's disappearance, all of the knights are searching nonstop.

But we haven't found a single lead. Seteth's face is getting paler by the minute. It's hard to watch.

What's that? You're looking for Manuela? Well, I did pass by her earlier.

She was carrying something. A mask of some sort...

Professor, have you still not found any leads regarding Flayn's whereabouts?

I have looked everywhere. Not even the knights on guard have seen anything of note.

May the goddess protect dear Flayn until she returns to us...

Oh my... Just one small girl who's gone astray has caused all this.

We cannot let this stand. You must do all you can to find out where she's gone.

Now ask around to see what information you can find. Come now! No time to waste!

Is something the matter? I see. So, Flayn has gone missing.

I will do what I can to support the search.

Is something the matter? I see. So, Flayn has gone missing.

I will do what I can to support the search.

Hm? It seems that you are a bit suspicious of me. Might I ask your reasons?

It is only natural to be curious, don't you think? I assure you, there is nothing more to it than that.

Greetings, Professor! Today...there is quite a bit to report!

There is a masked individual who has been going into town every evening and not returning until the following morning.

You see? Nothing gets past this guard! I doubt it has anything to do with Flayn's disappearance, but... Well, better safe than sorry, I always say.

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.

Professor! I saw him! A knight wielding a gigantic scythe!

He was just like the rumors say! All covered in jet-black armor! It was the Death Knight, I just know it!

You don't think he has something to do with Flayn's disappearance...do you?

I've served here at Garreg Mach in some capacity or another for several decades now.

But after all that time, even I can't claim to know everything about the layout.

Searching the entire interior of the monastery is a more difficult task than you may think.

It makes you wonder who designed such a titanic compound.

There are fragments of records remaining from its original construction, but none of them name an actual architect...

This might be the first time I've ever seen Seteth look so worn down.

If poor Flayn was lured away by anyone...

I personally think the clear suspect is that miscreant from Duscur. Those people are deceptive by nature...

I can only imagine how worried Seteth must be, but isn't mobilizing the entire order of knights a bit...excessive?

I was originally assigned to investigate those reports of the Death Knight in the town near Garreg Mach.

When I think how many more victims that dastard might claim while we're all busy searching for Flayn...

I'm sorry... That was insensitive. We're all under a lot of stress right now. It's important that we find her quickly.

The whole monastery has been turned upside down! I wonder if we're still going to have the Battle of the Eagle and Lion next month.

It's a yearly tradition, but with things the way they are right now...it's hard to imagine.

At any rate, I hope they find Flayn soon.

Looking for Flayn? Some knights came looking a bit ago too.

I did some of my own hunting but didn't find any promising leads.

I even had some of my people search for her throughout the underground...to no avail.

Think about it. The monastery is some thousand years old.

Who knows how many hidden passageways exist... She could be here...or anywhere, really.

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 looking for someone? Huh. Try asking Yuri. He's good with stuff like that. I'm better at hitting things than finding them.

Honestly, I didn't even know Seteth had a sister.

If you figure out where she is and need some muscle, just holler. We all have our strengths. For me, my strength IS my strength.

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.

As soon as word spread of Flayn's disappearance, the knights burst into Abyss.

We tend to be the first suspects when these things happen, you see.

I suppose it's little surprise when there are shady characters always coming and going...

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!

What kind of scumbag would kidnap poor Flayn?

She must feel so scared and helpless right now. I hope she's OK...

I was kidnapped once, y'know... Hopefully we get her back safely.

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. 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.

Someone's gone missing up top. And guess what. Because of that...this backup guy... Is. Still. Here. Ugh! Can't catch a break, can I?

The investigation may be over, but I thought it best to stay by your side a bit longer.

You hear that? Mr. Backup is here voluntarily. I guess that's OK... He's actually not so bad.

Did you see the man with the sickle? He looked like death itself.

I saw him at the end of the road, but he stepped around a corner and out of sight.

I think he used some kind of secret passage...

First the knights, then some monk, now a teacher? Church setting up a punchline for a joke, or what?

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.