Those Who Judge History

When, you know, I grow up... I want to be just like Mistrare. Someone who writes village stuff!

Well now isn't that something. Never lose sight of your dreams, okay♪

But what does it mean exactly? She won't tell me what she writes!

Tee-hee♪ Writing is just like you're spelling over and over again in a book.

Really? I'm gonna check that next time I see Mistrare!

Thanks lady!

Anytime little one♪ Good luck following your dream.

Recording things that happen in the village? Mistrare did mention that she recorded history herself.

I have my own thoughts on the matter, and I'd like to explore them a bit♪

Pardon me, Miss Mistrare. Mind if I speak with you?

Of course, what is it?

Thank you. I remember hearing you say that you are charged with recording history.

Well, you see, I, too, am a guardian of sorts of a sacred book of human history. I wanted to have a little chat♪

Is that right?! It bring me so much joy to hear that you're interested in my work.

But it shames me to say that I'm not very familiar with what happens in this little village. In fact, there's not much to write about.

That doesn't worry me. I'm sure there are events all over this place often too small to see.

Tee-hee... That's a reassuring thought.

However... I'm not just being humble when I say that I have nothing of importance to show you...

I see... How about I just ask you some questions?

Oh, yes... I see no trouble with that.

Thank you very much. Where to begin...

Tell me about this "cage" that you are trapped within. The people around the village talked about this "cage" on more than one occasion. It caught my attention.

Well, according to the histories, it is the name given to the curse upon those who exist between heaven and earth.

A curse against those who exist between heaven and earth?

The Twelve Fiends believed to have deceived the Winged Being... Those Bearing Wings, they were called. Well, to cut them off from the world, the humans made a boundary across the whole great fault. According to our teachings, it was "a spell on those between heaven and earth." I always assumed it was some kind of metaphor...

When I heard about Those Bearing Wings, I had assumed it was a metaphor or something...

It seems highly likely that what brought down the Hydra is also this "cage" affecting the winged people. Please let me ask another question. About yourself...

...How about that? Are you satisfied with my answers?

Indeed, even more so than I expected. The history of the winged people lives within you.

You said earlier that you did not have anything to write about...

But that's because so many records already remain.

You're right about that. My time in this role is still limited...

Who was in the role before?

That would be Great Grandmother. I respect her so much!

Well, why didn't you say so? If you don't mind, may I meet this Great Grandmother of yours?

Yes, I see no problem with that. She'd be happy to have a visitor. Shall we go now?

Would you do that for me? Now would be lovely♪

She's over this way. Just follow me!

Sister Rosetta... What are you sticking your nose into?

Hmmm... She couldn't be plotting something, could she?

I shall not tolerate any untoward actions against the winged people!

Great Grandmother?

She seems to be out at the moment.

What a shame... Should I come back later?

You came all this way... So why not take a look at Great Grandmother's history book?

There're far more details in it than what I've told you.

Oh, you're too kind...

History books are made for everyone. And it'll never fade away...

As someone who loves history more than anything, I am delighted by your inquisitiveness. I'll just tell Great Grandmother about it later.

I'm going to take you up on your offer. Thank you so much♪

I see... The granularity of the descriptions suddenly increase after a certain point.

I get the feeling that the earlier records were passed down orally.

Very perceptive. I believe that the first generation writer transcribed history from an oral tradition.

The first generation writer...

They couldn't leave this environment. Just making the paper and brush would have taken a lot of effort.

The first generation writer would simply have had to write down what was otherwise only spoken about.

That seems natural. The rest of the text appears to be written in order in different handwritings.

Right, the history books are the foundation laid by our predecessors.

Predecessors... I hope I'm not rude...

But in this village, how do you mourn the dead? A fire or water ritual would be difficult, would they not?

It's just as you say. That is why it is customary for the deceased to become inhabitants of the valley floor. Only a single feather remains on a sacred place called the "feather grounds."

The feather grounds... I imagine it would be difficult to see this important place.

I'm sorry... Because of its sacred nature, this is the one thing I can't do for you.

I could take you near to the location if that's good enough for you.

That'd be lovely... Since I'm here already.

Great Grandmother... Are you not coming back today?

...... The history of the winged people... The differences with scripture... Depending on how things turn out, I may have to invite the Supreme Cardinal in for some questioning. Though I don't want to be the second inquisitor in history to have done that...

But I want to know about the feather grounds for now. This'll likely hold the key to what happens next.

It's up ahead, Rosetta.

From there you can go to the top of the village. Keep going and you'll find yourself on the feather grounds.

From there you say... This is far enough for me, thank you. Now all that's left is to take a look and come back.

Just a look...

Yipes!

Is this...the Barbera Untrodden Region?!

A surface monster! Sometimes they come down to the village! It must be separated from the herd, or foraging for food.

Either way this is an event! I must write it down!

Right now?!

Aaargh?!

H-Heeelp meee!

Grrr... It's getting in the way!

Something new?!

Darn it... We were too late!

We've got to help!

It's...

Now, Sister Rosetta!

Tee-hee♪ You don't have to tell me twice. Let's burn this one to cinders!

Phew... Is that the end of that?

Thank you. I want to make sure the villager is safe!

As always, an encounter with Sister Rosetta brings bad fortune.

What business do you have here? Most likely, you were concerned about my plans and followed me here...

Ngh... I, uh, didn't know you knew that. I guess there's no use in hiding it.

Sister Rosetta... Are you plotting something?

I am. Aren't I always?

You're not hiding it?!

I am an inquisitor. I am one who must see everything objectively in the pursuit of justice.

And for that, I'd do anything♪

This time, I was asking about how the people here mourn the dead.

I understand that you act in accordance with your beliefs...

But if you go too far into this matter, you'll be not different than a graverobber. The people of this village have nothing to do with the church. I don't think you should get involved.

Would it really be better to leave things as they are...

Hm?

Oh, just talking to myself♪

Anyway, I understand. I won't go nosing around the village anymore.

That's for the best. Well then, it's time I got moving. I completely forgot that Sister Thillelille contacted me!

...... It's hard to believe there are people so good.

I won't continue this investigation any further.

...At least, as far as you know♪