Looming Winter

Good. Smart choice.

Now, Phoxhunters, here's your first task: take this list and head to the parking lot to find Clive for the weapons and ammo we'll need.

...Got it.

I'll join you once I've finished preparing the investigation report and handed it over to Officer Lynn.

Huh, the streets are full of soldiers in the 13th Legion. What a grand scene.

Why did Officer Lynn head towards the inner city alone?

The Alchemy Academy, the Council Hall, and the 6th Legion's HQ are all there. Could be anything, logistics, politics, questioning, or maybe just catching up with someone.

None of it concerns us. One of my life rules is, the less you ask, the longer you live.

This must be the pickup spot! Whoa...! Why are there snow wolves here!?

You're the local squad Major Lynn sent, right? The shipment hasn't arrived yet. While we wait, help me clear out this area.

*sigh* Great... another chore on the pile.

That was impressive. Let's wait here for the supply convoy to arrive.

Hey, sorry for the delay.

Sorry I'm late. Wrapping up the investigation report took longer than I expected.

No problem. The convoy just got here.

Here you are.

Why the delay?

We intercepted a shipment disguised as fabric on the way here.

These are... the Forsakens' masks?

Huh, for a Phoxhunter from a one-horse town, you're quite well-informed.

Hehe... Just read about them in the papers. So, with this many masks... does that mean the Forsakens are planning to stir up trouble here in Cocytus?

Better not poke your nose into matters related to the Forsakens, unless you've got a death wish.

I'll handle the supplies. You take care of the tasks on this list.

Whoa, what a long big list... Eight... sixteen... twenty-four... and more!? Waah, we shouldn't have taken the job!

Sir, if we finish all these, do we get honorary enlistment?

Less of the sarky whining, and put that smart mouth to work. Hmph, if it weren't for the 6th Legion's negligence, the 13th Legion wouldn't have to clean up their mess.

...Negligence?

The "Charon Hunt" perp you failed to catch made it to the inner city. They killed His Majesty's loyal subjects and defaced the place with anti-Solarian graffiti. If that's not negligence, I don't know what is!

The lockdown isn't just about catching the perp, it's also to keep the news under wraps. If word got out that Solas were killed by a monster in the inner city, you'd all be facing court-martial!

Ah, so that's why the 13th Legion came all the way here, giving it all that "protecting Icelake" cobblers. Turns out some inner city noble Solas were killed by that monster...

This occurred as a result of my negligence, and I'm willing to accept the consequences. But please, allow me to assist in the investigation and make amends.

Save it. Who faces the penalty is for the military court to decide. If Major Lynn hasn't ordered your arrest, then just focus on doing your job.

Yes, sir!

I'm sorry for dragging you all into this...

Uh-uh. Enough with the downer talk. Let's move, we've got our hands full for the next few days.

Ooh, Rhythm actually finished that massive task list on her own!? Geeze, what is she, a sled dog?

Hey! We helped a lot too!

Oh yeah? You mean like setting off that ammo box you were supposed to carry, or breaking the sluice gate while patching up the pipes?

Uh... those were accidents! Just a few innocent mistakes!

Speaking of Rhythm, where is she? She's usually waiting for us at the parking lot by now.

Right. She doesn't even change the spot and posture she waits for us in every day.

If such a rigid character is out of place, something must've come up. Let's look around.

Whoa, you've got another list? Don't tell me the Legion dumped more work on you.

No, this is a supply list I put together. Ever since the 13th Legion took over the case, it's been harder for citizens to get around, especially in Mist Aken, where food supplies were already scarce. I thought I could at least help by delivering some essentials.

Wow, you sure don't know how to take it easy, do you? I know, I know, save the "It's my duty" speech this time.

You don't have to... I mean, thank you.

That's more like it. After all, we've been through a lot together.

If it's really something you need, I'll see what I can do.

Don't mind my Little Minion, she was just kidding around. Let's see what else is still on your list.

You're just looking for an excuse to goof around more, aren't you?

Let me see... Looks like the last thing we need to deliver is fish for Mist Aken.

Whoa, fishing? Count me in, count me in!

Hehe...

What's so funny?

I was just remembering the last time I fished here. It was three years ago, with Blues.

That kid's smart, but he's always been boisterous. He fished all day and ended up with an empty basket.

...I wonder how he's doing in the inner city now. Maybe he's finally learned how to fish.

Heh, you mortals are always held back by your worldly attachments. You should learn from me, the cool, detached Demon King!

It's okay, Button Mushroom, we're all your family. If it makes you happy, I'll even call you Granny.

Aww, why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden...?

Granny, I'm starving. Got a little pocket money for your poor, hungry grandkid?

Hmph! I knew it!

That should do it. Let's deliver these supplies to Mist Aken.

(The ground is blockaded by soldiers... Maybe try another way, what about the rooftops?)

Wow, Officer Fischer, I can't believe you brought all this food, and even sooner than you promised!

Let me see... bread, beans, Borealberries... and fresh fish! Aww, thank you soooo much! We've been scavenging through empty rubbish bins these last few days. If it weren't for you, I don't know how we'd manage. You're a lifesaver!

No need to thank me, it's just part of my duty. You should thank the Noctoyagers though, they've been a big help.

So that's why you're here, Vita... Hehe, I knew it! My sister from another mister always has my back!

But how did you guys manage to rub elbows with a legion officer so fast? You've got to show me the ropes!

All squads, attention. Assemble at Sewer Entrance No. 8 immediately. Repeat: Sewer Entrance No. 8. Assemble immediately.

Is the 13th Legion making another move?

Yes, looks like the operation's moving to the next phase... Let's keep going!

Aww, you're leaving so soon? Well, when you're not busy, be sure to stop by again! I'll have tons of fun little trinkets ready for you next time!

Arnold, take three men and head to the sewage tunnels right under the motor plant. Duke, the ventilation zone. Miles, you...

Rhythm Fischer, reporting for duty.

Good, you're here. The operation begins now. You locals know the area best, head down to the tunnels beneath Silverpeace Square and hold position. The creature's hiding out down there.

Fischer, keep your comms on and await further instructions when you're down there.

Yes, sir!

Soldiers everywhere... Does that mean the lockdown's complete?

It appears so. We could run into the enemy at any moment. We've seen how dangerous they can be, so stay sharp.

Let's find the mark Clive mentioned first.

Ghhhhost...!

D, Don't come any closer! The mighty Demon King shall punish you with... holy light magic!

It's okay. Just a mannequin from some fashion boutique.

R, Really...?

But that flower crown design... it feels familiar somehow.

Could Clive have got it wrong? This place doesn't seem like a villain's base at all, more like a makeshift refuge cobbled together by a homeless guy.

I don't think so. Look closer, there are claw marks all over the walls. This has to be the creature's hideout.

Right. But this isn't quite what I expected. It even feels... kind of like a cosy little home.

When we were kids, Berry would hang colourful strips of cloth all around our home. She said it'd make the place feel warmer, and less lonely.

Upon a closer look, they've set this place up pretty majestically! Maybe they're the real Dukes of the Sewers!

Dukes of the Sewers...? What's that?

Ahem... Let's not get hung up on that. The setup here's a bit strange, let's split up and check for anything off.

Okay.

I've checked the lower area, no signs of anything unusual. What about your side?

I found something. This fabric matches the piece of curtain cloth from the crime scene. But now that we've already found this spot, it doesn't seem to matter much anymore.

The curtain...

Wait... I remember something! That mannequin's pose and look, I've seen it before on an opera poster Blues once sketched.

Hmm... now that you mention it, the whole room's staged like a theatre. Could the perpetrator be... an opera enthusiast?

...Then again, since the Legion has already tracked down the perp, this clue probably doesn't matter much either.

Right. Not like we can belt out a duet and hope they turn themselves in out of mutual admiration.

Let's report back to Clive and see if he has any new instructions.

Ooh, Little Minion, look! There's a weird-looking switch here!

No, Button Mushroom, don't touch that! Could be a trap... Huh. Looks like it's just a regular lift.

Whoa! A new path just opened up, like magic!

Tch. Nothing at all... I was half expecting something to jump out.

Hey! Watch your mouth, you'll jinx it!

Let's just keep moving.

Whoa, the whole place just lit up. You can see every corner now.

Gotta say, this place's got style. Feels like a mini theatre stage.

Looks clear for now. Let's report back to Officer Fischer.

Rhythm Fischer, reporting in. We've reached the area beneath Silverpeace Square. Search complete, no irregularities found. Awaiting further instructions.

R... Hurr...

Huh?

What's wrong?

The signal is breaking up. I'm not sure if it's the comm device or...

I can fix it! Just give it a good smack!

Whoa! Whoa! If you break it, even selling yourself wouldn't cover the damages.

Let's check the device together.

Yay! Comm device fixed!

...breached... The monster is heading your way.

...!

Hang in there. Major Lynn is coming for you!

...Heh.

The lies... remain hidden in the shadows.

Huh, we've really got it cornered. Didn't expect Randy to be so spot-on.

I don't know why your accomplice isn't here, but ten more of you wouldn't make a difference.

...

It's coming at us!

Pfft, a second-rate excuse for a fight.

Officer Lynn, I'll assist you!

Let's help too.

Outsider, keep it busy like last time while I look for an opening.

Aye Aye Captain!

Good teamwork. You've proven your worth.

Now, let me teach you a new rule of thumb on the battlefield.

When faced with absolute power, all tactics are meaningless.

It's getting away!

The culprit is confirmed dead. The "Charon Hunt" case is closed.

Fischer, you know how to write the after-action report, right? I trust I don't need to spell it out for you.

What...?

You Phoxhunters did well, too. But remember this: Don't overstep your place.

Officer Lynn, isn't it too soon to call this over?

The blood on the ground has darkened. Its organs were clearly pierced, it won't last long.

Then I should follow it and confirm, just in...

I said the case is closed. Don't make me repeat myself.

Do not overstep your place.

Wow, look at this! Such a grand display, it's like a royal procession!

Tch. All that talk, and in the end, it's just a show to make it look like they did something.

Aren't you going to join the send-off ceremony?

You think our stubbornly upright Officer Fischer could stand up there and call the Charon Hunt case perfectly solved with a straight face? Snow would start to poop gold before that happens.

Move along. Don't block the path.

Ahhh...!

...

...

I know what you mean... It's time I make my choice.

Be who you are, someone who never gives up, who fights with everything she's got for what's right.

Take a deep breath, Captain. It's not worth it...

...I've made my decision.

Hmm?

I've been thinking... Why did I join the Escort in the first place? Why did I want to become a Laurelled Charon?

Was it out of a sense of duty? To protect the people? No... not really. I'm not that selfless. I just did all that to secure a decent life and a peace of mind.

So... I've made up my mind.

Well, fair enough. We get it. You've done your best.

If the Legion won't act, we'll take care of it ourselves. Phoxhunters don't answer to their nonsense rules anyway. Let's go, Captain.

Wait, I think Rhythm means...

My decision is... I will continue with the investigation, even if it means defying Officer Lynn's orders.

...!?

Yes, I joined the Legion only for peace of mind. But that's exactly why I can't sit back, warming my hands by a fire, while others freeze to death out there in the cold.

Do you remember what I told you about my parents? They were killed by a Filthoid because they took in a Deteriorator who hid his symptoms.

But... no one knows the truth. The one really to blame... was me. That night, it was I who begged my mother to help that man, because he looked like he was dying, and I felt sorry for him.

When the Filthoid came, my parents hid me in the closet. My mother's last words to me were, "It's not your fault. Don't beat yourself up for it, and don't tell anyone. Take care of Blues and yourself."

My mother didn't hate me. Even as the Filthoid's claws pierced her, she never once blamed me. But I wish she had. I wish she'd hit me, yelled at me, anything but forgive me.

But I can't forgive myself. Her last words haunt me like a nightmare. I haven't known peace of mind, not even for a single night. If it weren't for Blues comforting me, I... I might've gone mad.

It's the same this time. If I just sit by and let the "Charon Hunt" case end like this, I'll never forgive myself.

Sorry for unloading all these old memories on you... I should get going while there's still daylight.

This is my own choice, and I have no other subordinates to call upon. You don't have to risk yourselves to help me.

What are you saying? We've come this far, and now you want to go solo and hog all the credit? Like we'd leave a good person who brings warmth to others freeze out in the snow.

And besides, if you freeze to death, that terrifying little sister of mine will make sure I pay for it.

I heard that! I'm definitely telling Fina on you!

Me too. I'll bear witness to Snow's words.

How dare you, sneaky little Button Mushroom! I'm gonna whack you on the head!

Hmph-hmm~ Try and catch me, Mutt Ears~!

*chuckles* Thanks to this dynamic duo, I'm feeling a lot better. Let's get moving then.

Yeah, Officer Fischer... I mean, Rhythm.

We need to figure out both the whereabouts and identity of the perpetrator, but it feels like we've hit a dead end with the clues we've gathered.

Let's go over what we've found so far. Maybe we missed something important.

Earlier, we suspected the perpetrator might have a connection to the opera house based on the curtain clue, but we quickly ruled out the staff.

Still, from what we've seen in the hidden chamber underground, it's clear the perpetrator has strong ties to opera.

I agree. If the perpetrator is an opera enthusiast, then the melody you heard that night might actually be an aria from an opera.

Who here knows anything about opera?

Don't look at me. That's way too fancy for my taste.

Um, I don't know much about it either... What about you, Officer Fischer?

I'm afraid not. Like I said, I'm not really great with music... *sighs* If only I hadn't fallen asleep when Blues was badgering me to listen to his tapes.

Wait... Blues was an absolute opera fanatic. I remember he left a collection of tapes at our secret base! It's a long shot, but if we listen to them all, we might find that melody!

Huh! Kudos to Blues for helping out big time! Captain, let's visit that place again.

The train departing from Icelake to Dismania will leave in one hour. Godspeed to the 13th Legion! All glory to our Emperor!

Wow, look at this! Such a grand display, it's like a royal procession!

Tch. All that talk, and in the end, it's just a show to make it look like they did something.

Aren't you going to join the send-off ceremony?

You think our stubbornly upright Officer Fischer could stand up there and call the Charon Hunt case perfectly solved with a straight face? Snow would start to poop gold before that happens.

Move along. Don't block the path.

Ahhh...!

...

...

I know what you mean... It's time I make my choice.

Be who you are, someone who never gives up, who fights with everything she's got for what's right.

Take a deep breath, Captain. It's not worth it...

...I've made my decision.

Hmm?

I've been thinking... Why did I join the Escort in the first place? Why did I want to become a Laurelled Charon?

Was it out of a sense of duty? To protect the people? No... not really. I'm not that selfless. I just did all that to secure a decent life and a peace of mind.

So... I've made up my mind.

Well, fair enough. We get it. You've done your best.

If the Legion won't act, we'll take care of it ourselves. Phoxhunters don't answer to their nonsense rules anyway. Let's go, Captain.

Wait, I think Rhythm means...

My decision is... I will continue with the investigation, even if it means defying Officer Lynn's orders.

...!?

Yes, I joined the Legion only for peace of mind. But that's exactly why I can't sit back, warming my hands by a fire, while others freeze to death out there in the cold.

Do you remember what I told you about my parents? They were killed by a Filthoid because they took in a Deteriorator who hid his symptoms.

But... no one knows the truth. The one really to blame... was me. That night, it was I who begged my mother to help that man, because he looked like he was dying, and I felt sorry for him.

When the Filthoid came, my parents hid me in the closet. My mother's last words to me were, "It's not your fault. Don't beat yourself up for it, and don't tell anyone. Take care of Blues and yourself."

My mother didn't hate me. Even as the Filthoid's claws pierced her, she never once blamed me. But I wish she had. I wish she'd hit me, yelled at me, anything but forgive me.

But I can't forgive myself. Her last words haunt me like a nightmare. I haven't known peace of mind, not even for a single night. If it weren't for Blues comforting me, I... I might've gone mad.

It's the same this time. If I just sit by and let the "Charon Hunt" case end like this, I'll never forgive myself.

Sorry for unloading all these old memories on you... I should get going while there's still daylight.

This is my own choice, and I have no other subordinates to call upon. You don't have to risk yourselves to help me.

What are you saying? We've come this far, and now you want to go solo and hog all the credit? Like we'd leave a good person who brings warmth to others freeze out in the snow.

And besides, if you freeze to death, that terrifying little sister of mine will make sure I pay for it.

I heard that! I'm definitely telling Fina on you!

Me too. I'll bear witness to Snow's words.

How dare you, sneaky little Button Mushroom! I'm gonna whack you on the head!

Hmph-hmm~ Try and catch me, Mutt Ears~!

*chuckles* Thanks to this dynamic duo, I'm feeling a lot better. Let's get moving then.

Yeah, Officer Fischer... I mean, Rhythm.

We need to figure out both the whereabouts and identity of the perpetrator, but it feels like we've hit a dead end with the clues we've gathered.

Let's go over what we've found so far. Maybe we missed something important.

Earlier, we suspected the perpetrator might have a connection to the opera house based on the curtain clue, but we quickly ruled out the staff.

Still, from what we've seen in the hidden chamber underground, it's clear the perpetrator has strong ties to opera.

I agree. If the perpetrator is an opera enthusiast, then the melody you heard that night might actually be an aria from an opera.

Who here knows anything about opera?

Don't look at me. That's way too fancy for my taste.

Um, I don't know much about it either... What about you, Officer Fischer?

I'm afraid not. Like I said, I'm not really great with music... *sighs* If only I hadn't fallen asleep when Blues was badgering me to listen to his tapes.

Wait... Blues was an absolute opera fanatic. I remember he left a collection of tapes at our secret base! It's a long shot, but if we listen to them all, we might find that melody!

Huh! Kudos to Blues for helping out big time! Captain, let's visit that place again.

The train departing from Icelake to Dismania will leave in one hour. Godspeed to the 13th Legion! All glory to our Emperor!

Why would your brother have a huge collection of tapes? Was he secretly loaded or something?

Not at all. Most of them were copies he made from friends.

The melody sounds similar... but not quite right. The perpetrator's version felt much sadder.

Ow! My ears! Seriously, Blues, in what world is this music?

This one doesn't sound right either.

These can't be all of them, right?

Got nothing?

Where's Rhythm?

She went out for some air.

"The silent silent snow, child of the sky... May the nameless child be bathed in good time... Dancing with snowflakes, so light, so great..."

...That's it! That's the melody! What's the name of this song? What's it about?

The one I just hummed? I wasn't even thinking about it, it just slipped out. Let me try to remember...

Oh, Blues taught me this one. It's called Requiem for the Nameless. It's a song from the opera Children From the Snowfield. But the lyrics I sang weren't the original ones. The actual song is much sadder.

It tells the story of a nameless fairy who sacrifices everything to save their friends, but in the end, their friends never learn the truth. Only the snow remembers.

Blues didn't like that ending, though, so he rewrote the lyrics into something happier. He knew the song so well that he could even play it backwards... which is why he never recorded it.

Are you saying... this is the melody you heard that night?

Yes, I heard it just before I was attacked.

...

It's a new clue, but unfortunately, it doesn't narrow things down much. Children From the Snowfield had been performed at Galea Theatre for decades. It was incredibly popular, so a lot of the locals know it.

Once, Blues and I saved up for half a year to buy two tickets to see the play. We were so excited, but on that day... someone in the theatre accused us of stealing their tickets. We were kicked out before the play even started.

That night, I sat against the theatre wall for hours, feeling absolutely miserable. But Blues... he pulled out his harmonica like a magician and started playing that song. Turns out, he'd already learned it on his own.

As he played, a voice rose from the other side of the wall, a boy, singing along. His voice was so beautiful... just like a lark.

With Blues's harmonica and that stranger's singing, I felt so happy I almost forgot we'd been thrown out that night.

Sorry... I didn't mean to get carried away and bore you with these old stories. My point is, this song is too common. It's not specific enough to serve as evidence.

Any chance this play's being performed again soon? Maybe we could stake out the theatre and see what happens.

Hmm... I don't know much about recent performances. From what I know, the play's been off the schedule for a while due to an accident.

An accident?

Yeah. I came across a note about it while sorting through case files some time ago. It wasn't anything major, just a brawl at the theatre during a performance two years ago.

According to Putsch, the troupe's director, their lead performer was injured during the fight. That's why the Magic Flute troupe decided to halt future performances of Children From the Snowfield.

Let me check my notes... here it is.

But aside from diving into the sewers for further investigation, this is the only lead we have for now...

You just gave me an idea. If Children From the Snowfield holds great sentimental value for the perpetrator, perhaps we can use it to draw them out.

Exactly. Let's pay Ms Putsch a visit at the theatre and see if she's willing to help us plant a fake announcement.

Naive.

Why would your brother have a huge collection of tapes? Was he secretly loaded or something?

Not at all. Most of them were copies he made from friends.

The melody sounds similar... but not quite right. The perpetrator's version felt much sadder.

Ow! My ears! Seriously, Blues, in what world is this music?

This one doesn't sound right either.

These can't be all of them, right?

Got nothing?

Where's Rhythm?

She went out for some air.

"The silent silent snow, child of the sky... May the nameless child be bathed in good time... Dancing with snowflakes, so light, so great..."

...That's it! That's the melody! What's the name of this song? What's it about?

The one I just hummed? I wasn't even thinking about it, it just slipped out. Let me try to remember...

Oh, Blues taught me this one. It's called Requiem for the Nameless. It's a song from the opera Children From the Snowfield. But the lyrics I sang weren't the original ones. The actual song is much sadder.

It tells the story of a nameless fairy who sacrifices everything to save their friends, but in the end, their friends never learn the truth. Only the snow remembers.

Blues didn't like that ending, though, so he rewrote the lyrics into something happier. He knew the song so well that he could even play it backwards... which is why he never recorded it.

Are you saying... this is the melody you heard that night?

Yes, I heard it just before I was attacked.

...

It's a new clue, but unfortunately, it doesn't narrow things down much. Children From the Snowfield had been performed at Galea Theatre for decades. It was incredibly popular, so a lot of the locals know it.

Once, Blues and I saved up for half a year to buy two tickets to see the play. We were so excited, but on that day... someone in the theatre accused us of stealing their tickets. We were kicked out before the play even started.

That night, I sat against the theatre wall for hours, feeling absolutely miserable. But Blues... he pulled out his harmonica like a magician and started playing that song. Turns out, he'd already learned it on his own.

As he played, a voice rose from the other side of the wall, a boy, singing along. His voice was so beautiful... just like a lark.

With Blues's harmonica and that stranger's singing, I felt so happy I almost forgot we'd been thrown out that night.

Sorry... I didn't mean to get carried away and bore you with these old stories. My point is, this song is too common. It's not specific enough to serve as evidence.

Any chance this play's being performed again soon? Maybe we could stake out the theatre and see what happens.

Hmm... I don't know much about recent performances. From what I know, the play's been off the schedule for a while due to an accident.

An accident?

Yeah. I came across a note about it while sorting through case files some time ago. It wasn't anything major, just a brawl at the theatre during a performance two years ago.

According to Putsch, the troupe's director, their lead performer was injured during the fight. That's why the Magic Flute troupe decided to halt future performances of Children From the Snowfield.

Let me check my notes... here it is.

But aside from diving into the sewers for further investigation, this is the only lead we have for now...

You just gave me an idea. If Children From the Snowfield holds great sentimental value for the perpetrator, perhaps we can use it to draw them out.

Exactly. Let's pay Ms Putsch a visit at the theatre and see if she's willing to help us plant a fake announcement.

Naive.

I knew the perpetrator is still alive!

Huh, came straight to us this time.

"Perpetrator"...?

Hmph. Even now, they haven't... told you... the truth. Dirty liars. Even the 13th Legion... is no exception.

The truth? What do you mean...?

It's stalling, Take it down first!

It's been so long, Sister.

...!?

Or should I say... Officer Fischer. Have you... calmed down... now?

...Who are you!? Answer me!

Blues Fischer. Your younger brother. The owner of that harmonica.

Blues? Why are you dressed like that...? What happened to your voice...?

I thought you were training in the inner city... Why... why are you...?

Heh...

No... you're lying. My Blues has a heart of gold. He shares other people's suffering as if it were his own and treats every Charon like family! He'd never have committed atrocities like the Charon Hunt!

This... this is the chain I made for Blues when we were kids...

Take it back. The Legion betrayed me. I don't need it anymore.

Rhythm, don't jump to conclusions. You've seen how cunning this monster is. He could just be disguising himself as your brother to manipulate you.

...I wish that were true. But his every move... I know them too well...

Especially the way he reached behind himself to search for something... it's exactly how Blues used to look for his harmonica.

...Now that you mention it, since he saw Rhythm, he's been holding back to avoid hurting us.

So, you're still sentient. And... those mechanical pieces encasing you don't look like armour. They're more like... part of your body. What happened to you? What do you mean by "the Legion betrayed you"?

...Your instincts... are sharp. But in the Empire... that's not always... a good thing.

Rhythm... my sister. Let me tell you... the cruel truth behind... the title of "Laurelled Charon."