"The Child of Judgement"

Mreow!

Why hello there.

Your face is so strikingly familiar somehow.

Meow-meow?

Heehee! You're so cute. ......... Huh? What is going on...

......

It is you, Aldo! Watching my every move again...

I really wasn't watching you. But... You seem to really like cute things... Why do you try to hide it?

Th-That's not true. How could someone as callous as I possibly like cute things?

To even level such a baseless suspicion is incredibly troubling.

Well... It's not a suspicion, I'm almost certain of it.

You like Melina and Noah because of how cute they are, don't you?

I-I-I don't l-l-like Melina and Noah...

Hmm, that's...

...Heresy!

Why do you always shout heresy whenever you're panicked, Rosetta?

Ngh! Y-You can't just decide that... that's heresy...

Hahaha! Look, it's back!

...Urk...

You said that this cat had a familiar face, but have you ever taken care of a cat before, Rosetta?

I think I have taken care of one in the past. One that looked like this cat. But it was when I was really young, so I do not remember exactly...

It's name was... Colum? That seems right.

...What a coincidence.

Huh? Is this your cat?

Ah, why yes.

Did you say that it was a coincidence just now?

Mhm. This cat's daddy's daddy was named Colum. Well I guess it's a pretty common name. So I racked my brain a bit to come up with this kitty's name...

...Isn't that right, Cococolum?

Meooow!

Haha, that sure is a unique name!

(Hm? If its grandparent was called Colum... And this cat's name is Cococolum...)

Hey, is it possible that this cat's parent's name was... Cocolum?

That's right. Very well done!

Aldo, you're oddly sharp when it comes to these things. Usually, you're pretty dense.

That's not a very nice thing to say.

It was a compliment!

By the way, by the looks of your outfit... Are you affiliated with the Order of the West?

I'm surprised you could tell. Yes, I am an inquisitor of the Order.

I used to live on the western continent, but that was a long time ago now...

How about it, Miss Cat-Lover? Would you tell me what has been going on in the Western continent recently?

Excuse me, but... Can you stop calling me "Miss Cat-Lover"?

It's not as if I'm a cat fanatic...

Oh, my mistake, then. Well, how about it? Do you have time to talk?

I would, but I have some work that I must attend to after this... Could we talk later, perhaps?

Ah, that's a real shame. You see, after this I'll be heading back home to Sarupa.

Sarupa... You've come a long way.

Sarupa?

Indeed. I came to visit a relative who lives here..

Indeed. Sarupa is on the eastern corner of the continent... It's an island village that lies even further east than Nadara Volcano.

Well then, Miss Cat-Hater. Please excuse me...

Um...! I don't hate cats either!

All right. Whatever you say.

Well then, my lovely lady. If you do ever visit Sarupa, please do tell me about the Western continent.

Come. Let's go home, Cococolum.

Meow!

I do feel a little bad. Maybe I should have talked to him some more. (And his cat, too...)

You said you had to work after this, right? Is it your Inquisitor work again?

I haven't heard the fine details, but I was told to go to Palsifal Palace.

Oh, then I'll help you. Let's go to Palsifal Palace together.

You've come, Child of Judgment.

Yes. I heard that there was work to be done.

That is correct. I would like you to head to the village of Sarupa right away.

Oh, my... The job is in Sarupa?

Hey, that's the home town of that old man we met in Acteul!

You're right. What a coincidence!

Heehee! This must be a sign from the Light!

Well, let's see. It's possible that rather than a sign, this is a trial from the Light.

A trial, you say?

I don't understand. Would you mind explaining in a little more detail, please?

Very well. It began twenty years ago, all the way over on the Western continent.

At the time, those accused of being heretics fled to this side of the continent. However... Recently, we have had word that they have been residing in Sarupa.

That was a while ago, though...

Even so, their crimes of heresy are not absolved.

To the Light, twenty years is but the blink of an eye.

You could interpret it that way, but the problem is that they warp the teachings of the Order. That is why we must subject those who fled to an inquisition.

That may be true, but is it serious enough for me to have been dispatched?

There is a reason for that. However... You will receive the rest of the details from the search party already in Sarupa. That is all I can say.

I don't particularly want to speak to some inquisitor that goes snooping around for secrets to accuse people of heresy.

You make me feel somewhat uneasy.

......

Hey! That's really rude!

Please calm down, Aldo. It's normal for inquisitors to be disliked. Melina is the only person who can act normally around me...

Huh? What about Prai?

...... Would you mind not bringing that up, if you could?

Anyway, you don't have to worry. I'll be just fine.

Well, then, I shall depart for Sarupa immediately.

Shall we go, Aldo?

Y-Yeah...

Oh, by the way.

I do hope you'll refrain from purchasing luxuries using donations made to the Order from now on.

Wha?!

I won't be reporting you to headquarters just yet, but if this become excessive, I may do just that.

Heehee. You understand, of course?

......

... Child of Judgment! I hope this job brings you to your senses!

Sarupa, huh... I've never been there before.

Right. So, how shall we do this?

That old man said that Sarupa Village is on an island to the east of Nadara Volcano. In my time, that island was a desert. So, let's head there first.

If we ask the Synth Hydra, it'll take us there, so let's go gather some information!

Let's go ask the Synth Hydra. It'll take us there right away.

You're right, Aldo. Let's head to Sarupa.

What should we do, Rosetta? We have to find the member of the Order who's here already.

Well, about that. Seems like we found them.

Yes. I was told to get the job details from you this time. I believe I was to confirm the reason for my dispatch?

Oh, is that so? Then what should I do?

...Understood. I will do as you suggest, then.

Hey, Rosetta. How about we go and find that old man from the other day?

That sounds like a good idea. I would like to speak with him.

(And to play with the cat, too...)

Hey! That's...!

Why do they have a golem with them?!

It seems that they're going to use it to dig up a grave for a posthumous accusation.

That's terrible! We have to stop them!

Let's hurry, Rosetta!

......

What's wrong, Rosetta? Aren't you going to stop those priests?

Well, I... I have no reason to stop them. They are merely following the Order's teachings.

Rosetta...

I know that in my mind, but...

My mother and father... I do wish they would allow them to rest in peace... I... I...

Listen, Rosetta.

People are foolish. They sometimes make mistakes and lose their way.

But do you know what I think?

Regardless of their misdeeds, the Light would forgive them without question.

......

Then again, I suppose I wouldn't know.

...... That may be so.

Thank you, sir...

I... I have to go...!

...That's why we don't want you to go digging up graves.

That's...! Why are you so afraid of Rosetta? She's such a good kid!

...That's right. It was at least one hundred, wasn't it?

So unless you want to be added to that number, please stop defiling these graves.

Rosetta!

True colors...? What on earth are you talking about?

I...!

Rosetta! What should we do?!

......

Don't worry, Aldo.

First, let's go and smash that thing!

Got it!

Oh? Why, it's you two.

You came all the way out to Sarupa?

Yes. We just happened to have some work nearby.

Hello. Have you been well?

Meeeooow!

Meow?

Oh, my! How adorable...

Ahem!

How should I put this... This creature is so weak and powerless that it makes one want to protect it.

......

That kitten is Cococolum's grandchild. Its name is Cococococolum.

That's way too hard to say!

How about we head to my house? We can go inside and talk.

Don't mind if we do!

I was a sailor, back in my heyday. We got caught in a violent storm during one voyage, and we washed up onto the Western continent.

That must have been terrible.

Yes, well. Cococolum's grandfather, Colum, was with me back then.

Wow... Your cat was on the boat with you too?

That's right. And when we washed up on the shore... A family who were followers of the Order came to our aid. Thanks to them, Colum and I were able to return home safely.

That was very lucky. It could only have been a blessing from the Light.

That's probably so.

But because of the teachings of the Light, I caused much undue trouble for that family. Because of me, young Rosetta was separated from her parents...

...What?!

Sir...! Did you say Rosetta...?

She is the daughter of the family that helped me. She must have been only 3 or 4 years old. She was a cute, precocious little girl who loved to talk.

......

She used to love playing with my dear Colum, too.

I-It can't be...

Hm? Is something wrong?

...... My name is...

It's Rosetta...!

Wh-What?! You can't mean you're the same little Rosetta...?

Although now that you mention it, I can certainly see the resemblance...

Please... Forgive me! Because of me, you were separated from your parents!

What are you saying...? My parents were executed for their heresy.

And... It was me who accused them of that. It was all my own doing.

Rosetta...

Rosetta, that can't be true! Your parents weren't executed!

What?!

They came with me to this side of the continent and lived in Sarupa all this time!

That... That can't be?!

So Rosetta's parents are here?

Well... Unfortunately, there was a plague some years ago, and they both passed away. I made sure to see to their burial.

......

... Still, my parents were unable to stay on the Western continent because of my accusation.

That, without a doubt, is my fault.

Truly, I am the Child of Judgement! To blindly follow the teachings of the Order and accuse my own parents... It's as if I was born to be an inquisitor!

I think I finally understand why I was sent here.

My parents fled here, and I was supposed to accuse them once more. Haha... It must be all the Light's plan, considering they were already dead when I arrived. Now I don't have to accuse my parents a second time.

Rosetta...

Wait, Rosetta. The Order told you to come here to conduct your parents' inquisition? A priest of the Order came to me and asked about all the details of it.

I even told him where the graves of your parents were!

Then, perhaps...

They must be trying to do a posthumous accusation...!

Posthumous... Accusation?

The sin of heresy is not absolved even after death. Depending on the situation, their bodies may be dug up from their graves and accused!

That's terrible! I can't allow that! Rosetta, your parents' graves are in the Charol Plains!

How horrible! We have to hurry and catch up to those priests! Quickly, to the Charol Plains!

What is the meaning of this?! How dare you defy the Order!

You have practically confessed your own heresy!

Rosetta!

Why is it, exactly, that you deem me a heretic?

After all...

All I did was try and stop you from being accused of heresy yourselves.

...What?!

Wh-Wh-What... What is this meaning of this, Rosetta...?

It would seem you don't understand the correct conditions for a posthumous accusation.

Posthumous accusations can only be carried out if a person did not admit to heresy before their death.

The couple that you are trying to accuse confessed their heresy on their deathbed to the person present.

R-Really?!

I didn't hear anything of the sort from that old man...

That is because your interrogation skills are somewhat lacking. At least, that is what we heard from him.

Isn't that right, Aldo?

Yep. Absolutely.

Heehee. There's a testimony from a third party for you.

So, I had to make sure that you did not carry out an unlawful posthumous accusation, of course!

What...?!

Ngh!

However, do not worry. I don't mind including in my report that you realized just in time.

Would you really do that?!

I can come up with a reason as to why you lost your golem too, while I'm at it.

That would be great!

Lady Rosetta! We shall excuse ourselves now!

We will never forget our debt to you! Thank you, Lady Rosetta!

Did that go alright?

Yes, because you played along perfectly. Thank you for that.

I'm glad I could help.

Truly, I'm the worst... I told a lie for the first time...

Huh? But Rosetta...

Aldo! Don't bring that up right now!

What I'm trying to say is...

It's the first time I lied in order to use my political power for my own gain.

Oh, that's what you meant.

But I think in this scenario... It was okay.

I always believed that to accuse others of their sins if I would have to be free of sin myself, but...

It seems I can no longer say that under the eyes of the Light...

Rosetta...

I heard everything. It seems like you did very well.

If they ever ask me anything, I'll make sure to stick to what you said.

Thank you, sir.

Now then. Shall I take you to your parents' grave? It's farther into the Charol Plains.

......

Yes. Let's go.

So, this is where Mother and Father rest.

This place is beautiful. There's a nice breeze, too...

Isn't it lovely? Your parents loved this place, Rosetta. That's why I buried them near the lake.

You did so much for my mother and father. I would like to thank you in their stead.

My, my! That little Rosetta I once knew sure has grown up... I'm sure your parents are smiling down at you from wherever they are.

Come closer. Won't you plant a flower in memory of them?

......

No. I will excuse myself here.

Rosetta, what's wrong?!

......

I don't deserve to grieve for my mother and father. Because of my accusation, they were expelled from their home and ended up dying in a foreign land. I'm a terrible daughter, and I don't deserve to be near their graves.

......

Now hold on just a second! It seems like you were too young to remember what actually happened back then!

Huh?

Rosetta, your parents came to this continent of their own free will!

Are you sure...?

That's right. Listen carefully, and I'll start from the beginning.

Back then, the Order of the West was much more exclusive. I believe that was the Supreme Cardinal's policy. No one was allowed to enter, or even leave the western continent.

I... I see.

And amidst that, I washed up there as a wanderer. Your parents fought profusely with the Order about taking me in. Your parents insisted that the Light is merciful, and continued to take care of me.

However, their relationship with the Order slowly started to deteriorate.

Your family decided to emigrate to this side of the continent. They could practice their faith anywhere, they said.

Huh? But why would Rosetta's parents leave her behind?

Well, their plan was discovered by the Order before it was put in motion. Rosetta was still too young to know, so she mentioned that she was taking a trip with her parents. That was what tipped them off.

Huh!

But that wasn't Rosetta's fault at all. That was our responsibility as adults. After that, your parents were put under inquisition and sent into exile to the Western continent.

Could that be the truth of Rosetta accusing her parents? ...But if that's so, then it wasn't an accusation at all.

I... I don't remember anything about what happened back then.

But the Supreme Cardinal praised me for such a wonderful accusation... Thanks to the the Supreme Cardinal's support, I was taken into the seminary. There, they made me the symbol of the Inquisition–the Child of Judgement.

What a tragedy...

After that, the Order of the West changed their Supreme Cardinal, and their policies changed in turn. Nowadays, they send missionaries to this continent and allow the free movement of people.

That's correct. Now, even if you are sent into exile by the Order, you are free to move around the continent.

But even so... My parents never came to see me. I assumed that they detested me for accusing them of heresy and causing the whole inquisition...

That's where you're wrong, Rosetta! Stay right where you are! I'll be right back!

......

Hey, Aldo. Would you hear me out, please? About my sins... And my true colors.

......

Sure. I'm all ears.

At the Seminary, I was looked down upon as the daughter of heretics. But because of that, I studied the scriptures. I memorized everything so perfectly that no one could ever say anything to me.

I memorized the teachings, the ceremonies everything. You could say that I was the model example of a believer! But because I was so busy with learning about the Light...

I never really got around to actually believing in it, haha!

Rosetta...

Are you surprised, Aldo? I don't even believe in the Light, and yet I hold the title of Inquisitor, reserved only for the most pious.

How could I believe in it? More than that... How could I ever face my parents' graves?

......

To me, Rosetta... You look like you want to believe in it.

It also looks like you really want to tell your parents that you loved them.

Is that so? Ever since I was small, I worked hard to put on a facade. I don't know which emotions of mine are even real.

Hey! Rosetta!

*pant* *pant*

What on earth is this?

Open it up! It'll clear any misunderstandings you had about your parents!

......

I'm a little scared... This is like finding out my parents' deepest secrets...

Don't worry, Rosetta. Have courage and open it.

This is...?! A letter? No, it looks like a diary?

My parents... They did come to see me!

I remember... There was a man and a woman that always came to see me on my birthday.

They... They were my parents?

That's right. That box is filled with their love for you, Rosetta.

But those two stopped coming after I graduated from the seminary.

By then, your parents were afflicted by the plague. They were in poor health for a long time and it ended up taking their lives. They did wish to reveal their identities to you after you grew up, but that never got to happen, unfortunately...

I see...

......

So this is where they rest.

Thank you very much. You really loved me an awful lot, didn't you? I think the hole in my heart that I couldn't quite pinpoint has finally healed.

But... But...

Mommy...! Daddy...! I wish I could have said that to you while you were still alive!

Mommy... Daddy... Ugh...! Waaaaaah!

You can't tell anybody about what happened today, okay?

But... This is the first time I've felt like this. I didn't know that crying like that could lighten your heart so much.

I'm sure those were the tears you had bottled up since you were a child, and they all came pouring out.

Haha... You may be right.

As the Inquisitor, I have exiled many people from the Order. I thought that clinging to the Light for no good reason would beget misfortune. Therefore, I wanted to release them from the chains of the Order.

But in truth, I must have wanted to be released from the Order myself.

Rosetta, are you planning on leaving the Order?

No. I plan on revisiting my faith in the Light after today's events.

I see... I think that's good, too.

Now more than ever, I feel like I can truly express my sincerest gratitude to the Light...