HE-1 Home Sweet Home

...

I knew it, this handwriting...

'People whose lives would normally never intertwine', 'making no distinction between class'...

Yes, when I first saw the scene, I also doubted my eyes, a bit.

If I was speaking just for myself, I'd really hope this peace, rare as it is, could last forever.

Come in.

Are you busy, Seniora Lemuen?

Remember that pattern you were talking about earlier? Some of the others tried embroidering it onto a quilt with me. How do you think it turned out?

Let's see... Mm, hmm. Excellent craftsmanship. It wouldn't surprise me to find it on display in a store.

You're exaggerating.

Now that it's getting colder, the blankets you have with you might not be enough to keep you warm, so everyone pitched in some fabric.

I appreciate the concern.

But if you give it to me, the others might not have enough? You should think about them first.

I know how I look, but I'm actually plenty tough. I don't get sick easily.

Haha, don't worry about us. As long as everyone chips in, it's not a big deal.

But, I must say, I'm not sure 'tough' is what comes to mind when I look at you. What's Laterano thinking these days, sending you so far away?

Well, um, about that...

It's a question I'd like to ask my superiors.

...

Why don't we go back?

Because Raimund and the others can't go with us! Isn't that reason enough?

You want to leave them behind? Well, I don't!

(Stupid Fina, do you really think I'm that cold-blooded? Of course I'm not going to leave behind the people I grew up with.)

(But, we can just stay stuck like this forever either. Tempers have really been high lately...)

(Is there no better solution?)

*sigh*...

What's wrong? What are you sighing for this time?

That's odd... Why are you here by yourself? Delfina's not with you?

Raimund!

What's that supposed to mean? It's not like Delfina and I are stuck together!

You might as well be. You're close enough, just one step from sharing a bed.

We do sleep together sometimes though... Hey wait, that's not the point!

When'd you get back anyway? I heard you went hunting with Senior Gerald. Any luck? Didn't get hurt, did you?

Make sure you let us know if you ever do get hurt. Don't be like Senior Gerald, who just toughs it out by himself.

I'm fine. I don't need you worrying over me for no reason.

For no reason? Who's the one who said nothing until his wounds got inflamed? And who's the one who went down into the mines without permission and barely made it back?

You–

I know, I know, let's just say it was my fault, okay?

Huh? 'Let's just say'?

...It was my fault.

...

Fortuna.

Yes?

Actually, I came back because I wanted to ask you... and Delfina. And of course, the others as well.

I wanted to ask... if you wanted to come with us...?

...

Raimund?

Never mind, it's no big deal.

I need to leave for a bit, and might not be back until late.

Fortuna, can you come to the roof of the sacrarium before dinner?

Bring Delfina with you too... There's something I need to tell you two.

Let me take a look. What's going on here?

They even built a road by the monastery? It stretches all the way to the edge of the city... Is it really so cramped inside? I personally think it's plenty spacious.

Are there so many people here? It must be tough feeding a crowd that big... especially out in the barrens.

See for yourself.

Someone's coming.

Hmm? Oh, someone just walked out. Should be one of the residents?

Where'd Hyman run off to...?

Oh? Salvus sis, hottie with a hidden face.

––! Who's there?!

Halos... You're Sankta.

I don't care who you people are, or what you're after, but you're not coming any closer!

Let's not jump right to drawing swords and crossbows. We only just met. Why don't we all take a deep breath and talk things through?

Good afternoon, Senior. The three of us here are from Laterano, without any ill intent. No need to be so tense... I'd be pleased as punch if you'd lower your weapon.

...

What brings some Laterans all the way out to these remote mountains?

Um, we were sent by His Holiness in search of two compatriots.

You're wasting your time, Richele.

It is clear to me that he knows exactly who we are and why we have come. He has hostile intent.

You clearly have strong animosity towards Laterano, judging from the displeasure on your face. From where does your hostility come?

...I have no idea what you're talking about.

You've been standing by the entrance to the side alley this whole time.

...?!

You're deliberately trying to block our view. You don't want our attention there.

So, what is in there?

Who do you think you are–

...

Alright, Federico, there's no need to provoke the other side! Though, I'm sure that wasn't your intention.

You haven't forgotten the mission His Holiness gave us, right? Low key, low key. We can't afford to make a mess of things again.

I wasn't trying to provoke anyone.

Hah, you Laterans are always like this. Showing up out of nowhere, making a mess out of everything.

Given the information we have, your situation wasn't looking good to begin with.

...I dare you to say that again.

Wanna fight? C'mon, I'll show you.

The air is awfully tense over there...

Federico has a way of drawing attention. And that makes light work of burglary.

But, that hooded guy over there... Ugh, something's not right here.

Forget it, I'll figure out the math later.

First, I need to find our target.

Haha, let me guess where you might be, Lemuen.

Looks like no shortage of guests today.

Hello, Senior Gerald.

I thought I'd get to see Stefano here.

His Excellency still has a lot of business to attend to. He just left.

He can't have gotten very far, so given your athleticism, I'm sure you could catch up to him.

Thanks.

...

I haven't heard you hitting the strings today.

If you enjoy the sound of my music, I don't mind playing something for you right now.

I'll pass.

I'm very grateful... for the joy you've been able to bring some of our people.

But not everyone finds comfort in your music. At least, I don't.

I can't imagine why a musician like you chooses to remain here... But I do hope you won't bring disaster upon us.

You think too highly of me.

As far as I know, disasters have always been buried in the soil, from whence they take root, sprout, blossom, and bear fruit.

If such a seed exists in this garden, it will break through the soil sooner or later.

And I... am simply a passerby, watching it all unfold.

We have no seeds that ought not sprout.

Before long, everything will return to normal. There will be no accidents, let alone disasters.

All I ask, young lady, is that you don't do anything unnecessary.

Are you giving advice?

No.

I'm giving you a warning.

Such roundabout, insensitive words. Though, I suppose the fact that you haven't done anything means you're holding back, right?

I suppose that's to be expected, given the circumstances.

...Hmm?

......

Oh my.

Pretty...

Ma'am...

Indeed, no shortage of guests today.

Please come in, my unexpected little visitors.

...

...

My name is Arturia. Would you mind telling me yours?

Okay, okay. Stop talking like that, Federico.

I didn't say anything wrong.

Just stay quiet for now, alright?

...

And you, young man, let's not do anything rash. We really are just looking for one of our missing colleagues, and uh, whoever you might be, we mean you no harm.

Hmph. You sure can talk.

That bruiser of yours means me no harm?

?

Ahem, well, you have my word. Either way... could you please let us through? If you could tell the man in charge we're here, that would be ideal.

Serpilia... Huh? Where did Serpilia go?

She's already inside.

Huh? When she–?!

Just now.

Gah! I can't let you Laterans run roughshod!

Aren't you here to see the abbot? Come with me!

Haha... Great, does that mean you're letting us in?

...

A warning, first: no running off like that woman–

Oh no! Hurry, s-someone!

Clément? What's wrong? What happened?!

Thank goodness, Raimund! Let the others know–

A raid?

Yeah, that's right! Err, Raimund, who are these two?

Don't worry about them! What's going on?!

Oh, r-right... It's terrible!

I was repairing the windows just now, when I saw something moving in the distance–

The band of robbers from before! They're back!

(Raimund's acting all shifty...)

(What is it he can't tell me right now? Something that has to wait until after dark?)

(I don't get it, but whatever. He can do his own thing.)

(It's already so late, I'm only now bringing the food over... Seniora Lemuen must be starving by now. And, these portions are tiny.)

(...)

(Be patient, stomach! Stop growling already! Didn't you eat just a minute ago?!)

(*sigh*...)

(I really hope I can feast one day, just eat all I want without worry.)

......!

Wh-Who's there?

I know you're here! Who are you?

...

Who's hiding over there?

Even if you keep quiet, I, I already saw you! You aren't from the abbey!

Come out! If, if you don't, I'm gonna call the others over– ...I mean, I'm gonna pull the trigger!

Alright, alright. I'm coming out.

Hah, guess I messed up...

You sure have sharp eyes. Was it the light from my wings? I knew it, it's way too easy to pick out a Sankta, what with everyone having different wings and halos.

Good grief. And here I was thinking I wouldn't need to be all that sneaky.

I've never seen you before. Who are you?

Okay, Seniora. Let's put the gun down first. That isn't something a nice girl should be pointing at her own kind.

You're a Sankta too. You can feel I don't have anything against you.

I am, uhh... I guess you can call me a justicebringer this time? Yeah, something like that, since I'm here to save people and all.

Fine, if you don't want to talk, I'm going to call for help–

Woah woah, settle down there.

Mmmmph!!

(Let go of me!)

Sure, but you'd better not scream.

*gasp*... *gasp*...

Sorry, didn't do a good job controlling my strength there. Are you alright?

*cough*... *cough, cough*... Who exactly are you, and what are you after?!

It's nothing I can't tell you. I'm looking for someone.

Another Sankta, just like me. Pink hair, probably still in a wheelchair. She's got a kind and gentle look to her, but her personality is actually anything but...

(Is she talking about Lemuen?!)

Hmm? That look on your face tells me... you know who I'm talking about? My lucky day.

The food you just brought over– who's it for? I've got a feeling you're taking it to Lemuen, right?

(Ack?!)

(How did she know??)

Haha, looks like I'm right on the money again? You really need to work on your poker face!

So, would you mind telling me how Seniora Lemuen has been doing?

...

You'd prefer not to say, huh? Or are you not allowed to? You're hesitating, and a bit scared...

S-Stop it! Stop making things up!

Am I making things up? I guess you'd know.

You seem to have a lot on your mind, which feels a little odd. How could a cloistered place like this have so much trouble?

Where is all that coming from? Are you getting into fights because there aren't many of your own kind here?

That's none of your business.

Isn't it? Are you saying that because the patron firearm you're holding hasn't been maintained in a while, because it's rusting?

I don't mind helping you out with that. I'm pretty good at gun repair, so why don't we do a little trade? You just tell me where Lemuen is. That's all.

Why not tell me? I bet you already have an idea of who I am, right? You look pretty smart to me.

...

Did Laterano send you too, like Seniora Lemuen?

I was.

That's enough small talk now. I'm a bit short on time.

You're really not gonna tell me where Lemuen is?

...

*sigh*... Well, if that's how it is, that's how it is.

Say...

Let me take care of delivering that food for you.

*gasp*...!

That's that, then. Vale.

Last one. That should wrap things up.

These people are... bandits? They sure know how to make a ruckus.

Federico, how are things on your end? I heard a whole bunch of commotion over there. You didn't blow up any buildings, did you?

I did not.

Great. Well done, I'm just wrapping up over here as well.

Thank you so much. You two are incredible...

That should teach the robbers to behave themselves for a while.

It sounds like this isn't the first time you've been attacked, is it?

How often does this sort of thing come up?

If you came from Laterano, you must know how difficult it is to travel these roads.

If we didn't have a ride, it wouldn't have been able to get here so easily.

Nobody wants to hang around a place like this, except the truly desperate.

As you saw, there's nothing out here in these barrenlands except this monastery. Once those thugs set their sights on us, do you expect them to give up?

He's right. Now that it's almost winter, they'll be coming more often.

That reminds me, didn't Benny hurt his leg last time? How's he doing?

He's still got a bit of a limp. Only option is to tough it out.

...

Uh, by the way, who are these two...?

We're, uhh, I suppose you can call us emissaries from Laterano?

Ah, guests from Laterano... How are you called?

Executor Federico of the Laterano Notarial Hall.

Executor Richele. We have another colleague with us, but she's already one step ahead.

Senior Federico, Senior Richele.

You don't seemed surprised.

Sure. We knew it was only a matter of time before Laterano sent another. The only question is what kind of guest we would be getting.

I thought...

I thought the next time they sent someone it would be to hand down charges...

Charges? What crimes have you committed?

Under the Notarial Hall's purview, most criminals see a reduced sentence upon surrendering themselves and obtaining the forgiveness of the wronged.

S-Surrender? Sentence?

Huh? What are you talking about?!

Hold on, Federico! We don't have a handle on the situation yet, let's not worry about that until we find Lemuen and Oren.

Sorry. We'd like to talk to the man in charge here. Do you think you could arrange that for us?

Ah, yes! Give me a second, I'll go...

No need.

Thank you for your assistance. I would be the man you're looking for.

Sorry, I was one step too late.

Your Excellency! And, Gerald...

Brother Gerald!

Would you be the Most Reverend Abbot of this monastery? And this, uhh, Senior Gerald, is he also a community leader?

No.

He is not.

Haha. True enough. I am no such important person.

...

I realize you must have many questions.

Please, come. Let us find a more suitable place to talk.

Clément, please close the gate, and don't let anyone approach, for the time being.

But, Your Excellency...

I'll be here.

Raimund, you keep at it.

Alright. Be careful out there, Brother.

Then, I'll be waiting for you at the door. If you need anything, feel free to call for me.

Alright. Now, no one will disturb us.

I am the bishop here, Stefano Torregrossa, and I also serve as abbot of this monastery.

It is a pity that you two came such long way only to find our hospitality so lacking.

We have no need for meaningless pleasantries.

Under the power vested in us by His Holiness, Pope Yvangelista XI, my colleagues and I came to locate two Lateran nuncios. I ask: Where are Lemuen and Oren Argiolas?

...

I suppose I have no choice but to tell you...

Seniora Lemuen is currently a guest of our monastery.

But do not worry. We would never mistreat a guest, and her safety is assured.

What about Oren Argiolas?

The whereabouts of Senior Oren... is actually what I wanted to ask you.

Is it not the case that you arrived so quickly because he contacted the Lateran?

...What?

Senior, I'm afraid your statement is inconsistent with our intelligence.

It is our understanding that Sanctilaminium Ambrosii sent a distress message to Laterano. We dispatched two nuncios in response, and lost contact with both of them.

And so, His Holiness sent us to find the our people and investigate the situation.

Does any of that conflict with what you know?

We were unable to retain Senior Oren.

By that you mean you weren't able to keep Oren restrained.

You can say that again. He was on edge the whole time.

While 'inviting' Seniora Lemuen to remain our guest, he took advantage of the distraction and slipped out.

We don't know what happened to him after that.

Federico.

Yes?

Oren escaped, but hasn't shown himself or contacted us.

Does that ring any alarm bells for you?

Yes.

You could add a little more than just 'yes.'

And, my becloaked friend, I can't imagine any of the ordinary residents here would be quite so in-the-know. Who exactly are you?

Think of me as the hunter here, or maybe a bodyguard. No need to worry about me.

...

Alright then. Uhh, we'll just run with that for now...

Set Oren aside for now. We demand a reasonable explanation for Seniora Lemuen's circumstances.

Why would a monastery need to restrict the movements of a Lateran nuncio who came to offer aid? Your answer will determine our subsequent actions.

Considering you are both Lateran emissaries, you should already be familiar with this monastery's history.

Our knowledge is limited to the information in the mission briefing.

Over a decade ago... We entered the wastes to avoid a Catastrophe, ran out of fuel, and the monastery has been trapped here ever since.

Unable to communicate with the outside world, all we could do was try to farm for ourselves. But, the soil in these parts is mostly fallow, and not much food grows these days.

That's not all. The beasts that wander the barrens, and robbers even more vicious than beasts, all pose grave threats.

We never had much choice...

So you decided to take in vagrants wandering the wastes.

...

'Take in' is far too generous a term. No, we did no such act of charity.

We were merely accepting people who had no home to return to. There are many reasons a person can become uprooted, and we did nothing more than offer them a new place to stay.

Stefano...

A point of clarification.

There's one thing I'd like to ascertain.

Woah, Federico, what are do...?

Hey! Don't!

Reverend Executor! This is most unusual!

I'm finished.

...

You really just went for it...

But, this definitely something. Your Excellency, can I ask you to explain what's going on here?

In the heart of a Lateran monastery–

Why have we found a Sarkaz?

...

Well, I guess that's that...

I apologize if you find this offensive.

But what are you doing here?

I already told you. I'm just a hunter. Gerald, the hunter.

Unfortunately... It doesn't look like you believe me.