The Rite of Rising

Pardon the odd question, but something has been bothering me for a while now. Your hair...was it always that color?

That is an odd question. But yes, if you must know, it was a different color when I was a child.

How could you know that? Is it possible that we met before the academy?

It's...a long story. Now is not the time or place.

Yes, of course. My apologies.

Well, well. The Imperial princess, the crown prince, and the next sovereign duke. Must be exhausting trying to suss out each other's intentions, huh?

Nah, we get along great. I mean, we kind of have no choice. A petty squabble could start an all-out war.

And it doesn't take a fancy title to have a hidden agenda. Isn't that right, Yuri?

Cheeky...and off base. What do you think, friend? Do you think I'm off plotting nefarious deeds?

Even so, that's a bit much, wouldn't you say? I do what I need to get by—nothing more than that.

As for the others, they've all got their own struggles, but they're nothing if not trustworthy.

Humbling yourself while promoting your friends... Gotta say, I don't hate this side of you.

Seems we're in mutual neutrality of one another. I like that you keep your cards close. We'll get along just fine, you and I.

The Four Apostles... Gah, this is killing me! I'm on the verge of remembering something.

I can't shake the feeling that one of their names is... also a food or something.

I've only had the chance to speak with Aelfric briefly, but he seems like a respectable man.

It's obvious the whole town has a lot of affection for him.

Kind of reminds me of Lonato in that way...

Had a chance to poke your head in here, Professor? It's a fortune-teller's room!

Judging by all her mystical-looking doodads, I think she's the real deal too.

I wonder if she does matchmaking. Maybe she can help me sort through my countless suitors.

I've got a lot of time on my hands down here, so I've been venturing even deeper underground.

This place is loaded with winding paths and blocked-off tunnels. It's a real maze.

Only a few folks even know how to operate the gate mechanisms and hidden passages.

Actually, I'll level with you. Yuri and Constance are much better at scoping out that kind of thing, heh.

The records should be here some— Oh! Hello, Professor. It's good that you've come.

I realized that I missed an opportunity to congratulate myself on my military achievements.

But now that you're here, I have an audience for it. Indulge me, won't you?

Ahaha! Behold the proof that the utmost honor in combat belongs to none other than I, Constance von Nuvelle!

What a relief to get that off my chest! Now, where did Aelfric get to? I must have words with him.

You've only been on the job a few moons, huh? No wonder you don't come off as a mindless church flunky.

Plus, you don't flap your trap all the time. I appreciate that.

I hope you never change, no matter how many years you spend with the annoying people up there.

The Ashen Wolves got their name from the beasts who guard the Blue Sea Star.

The archbishop named the house herself, in fact.

In spite of that, it seems she looks unfavorably upon our house of late. This saddens me greatly.

Hey, you. Listen up. I've got something to report. The bandit sightings have stopped. For now. I still won't let my guard down, though!

What else... Notice how everyone's in high spirits? Know why? I do. It's because Master Aelfric is here.

He's real special, that one. He saved my life and lots of others here too. He's earned some hero worship.

Don't suppose you're here for a drink, huh. They aren't any better, I'll tell ya right now.

Maybe folks down here wouldn't be so awful if they could get their hands on something worth tasting.

Who am I kidding... Nobles are just as bad.

I heard Aelfric came to Yuri's rescue in the attack that happened recently.

That's just what you'd expect from someone as kind and strong as he is.

I can't believe he's single...

For folks who've lost their homes on the surface, Abyss is all they've got.

Place used to be nothing more than a den of criminals who did whatever they pleased.

Now, we've got Aelfric to keep an eye on things.

He understands that keeping people fed's the way to keep 'em calm.

There was a time when I did much fighting. Then I was captured. Then...I escaped.

My home is far away now. My mother is waiting for me, but returning is... It is far away.

I worry that I will be here until I am very old.

Sometimes Aelfric gives out candy!

Stick close by him, and you might get some too. But save a little for me, OK?

Don't annoy Hapi or make her feel disappointed.

You mustn't. Not ever! OK?

Abyss is a sprawling place. Some houses, like mine, are actually quite far from the center of town.

What brings me all the way here then, you ask?

I came to see Aelfric. Even a glimpse of him is said to bring good luck.