What Lies Beneath

Pardon, but might you possibly be the Imperial princess herself?

I am. And you are Constance of House Nuvelle.

I recall hearing of your disappearance. I never would have imagined you'd end up in a place like this...

Your presence is equally curious. What business could you have here?

Don't tell me it was idle curiosity.

As I believe you are well aware, we were chasing after a suspicious individual.

What do you think, Professor? This is a most... unique town, is it not?

Incredible, really, that those who faced oppression on the surface are able to find sanctuary here.

Oh, not to say that there's no helping the situation in Fódlan. To do just that is our duty and our honor.

Even so, I find the idea...rather lovely.

Who knew an entire town was hiding beneath the monastery?

And a secret fourth house to boot. Secrets upon secrets—oh, I'm just itching to know them all!

I'm sure Rhea knows all about this place. Gods, how many secrets does that lady have?

Oh. Hello, Professor. Have you seen this library of theirs?

It's completely different from the one in the monastery. And their collection is amazing.

There are forgeries and banned books. Legends, spells, and heresies. Doubt I'll catch a single wink tonight.

It looks like this is where the people of Abyss leave their unwanted belongings.

I didn't expect to find much, but there's actually plenty of gear we could salvage.

I'm told we can take anything we can use, so it might be good to check on it now and again.

Heya, Professor! Allow me to introduce you to my brother's best friend. You can call him Baltie.

Actually, it's Balthus. You've probably heard of me. In the Alliance, I'm known as a...how should I put it?

I may not look it, but I was once a noble from a minor house. Life's full of twists and turns.

I know you, Baltie. I'm pretty sure you got yourself into this mess.

You're not a holy knight, and you don't seem all that special, but you're certainly mysterious, wielding that Hero's Relic.

Yeah, I've heard all about you. But I never figured I'd see you down here, chasing after someone and getting lost in the process.

Since we're not part of the academy, it's really just in place for us. Can't go to the surface either. We've all got our reasons.

We're a unique bunch from all walks of life. Once you get to know us, I'm sure you'll love it here.

Hey, new person. Want my advice? Don't wander too far off the beaten path.

Abyssians like their privacy. If you go snooping around, there's bound to be trouble.

Wait, did I introduce myself? My name's Hapi.

Hey, you. Listen up. I've got something to report. It's about you outsiders. Actually... Guess I shouldn't bother reporting you to yourself.

The Ashen Wolves may seem tough, but they're harmless. Honestly? Things can get pretty boring down here.

But here's a little piece of wisdom from me to you— boredom's a luxury. Trust me. I know these things.

Want a drink? Course you don't. It's all terrible down here...

Nobody important enough to carry the good stuff wants to come underground to sell it to us.

It's a shame. Just once I'd like to taste something worthy of a noble.

Don't let that pretty face of his fool you, though... He's a rogue, through and through.

Even so, the people of Abyss trust him. He may be a scoundrel, but he's our scoundrel.

What's all the commotion about? Hey, hang on... I've never seen you before.

You a first timer? Word of advice. Watch your back.

The only folks who hang around down here are the ones too shady to walk in the goddess's light.

Find someone else to bother. Whatever the heck you're selling, I'm not buying.

Not a trader, eh? Sorry. My mistake.

Most folks chatting down here are just pawning off stolen goods.

Abyss is where I offer my prayers to my gods. It is the only place.

The goddess of Fódlan is not one of my gods, but the statue here is not one of my gods either.

I offer my prayers here all the same, because Abyss is where it is allowed.

You're from the surface, aren't you? I bet you're real bad.

My mom says surface people are the worst.

I told Yuri I wanted to be just like him when I grew up, and he said I shouldn't ever say stuff like that.

So I told Balthus I didn't want to be like him when I grew up, and he said I'd grow up boring! What do they want me to say?!