Strength in Service

Strength in Service
Event Characters
Bonus Accessories
Start time	2023-06-08T07:00:00Z
End time	2023-06-22T06:59:59Z
Previous: Depths of Despair Next: Unworked Pride

Availability

This Forging Bonds event was made available:

• 2023-06-08T07:00:00Z – 2023-06-22T06:59:59Z (Notification)

Rewards

Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward
10	Fir's C Conversation	10	Saul's C Conversation	10	Dorothy's C Conversation	10	Noah's C Conversation
25	50	25	50	25	50	25	50
50	300	50	300	50	300	50	300
75	50	75	50	75	50	75	50
100		100		100		100
150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500
200	10	200	10	200	10	200	10
250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500
300	Fir's B Conversation	300	Saul's B Conversation	300	Dorothy's B Conversation	300	Noah's B Conversation
350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500
400	1	400	1	400	1	400	1
450	300	450	300	450	300	450	300
500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500
550	300	550	300	550	300	550	300
600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500
700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500
800	Fir's A Conversation	800	Saul's A Conversation	800	Dorothy's A Conversation	800	Noah's A Conversation
900	300	900	300	900	300	900	300
1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10
1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300
1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500
1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300
1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300
1,500	Fir's S Conversation	1,500	Saul's S Conversation	1,500	Dorothy's S Conversation	1,500	Noah's S Conversation
1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2
1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300
1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300
2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300
2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300
2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500
2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300
3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10
3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500
3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10

Special conversations

Strength in Service

Strength in Service - Opening

Fir	Hah! That about settles it, wouldn't you say? Good match!
Indeed, you've gotten the better of me. Well done—I'm impressed by your improvement lately. You have come a long way since we first crossed blades in the arena.		Noah
Fir	Thank you! This new world is a little overwhelming, if I'm honest. It's a comfort to spar with a familiar face.
Agreed. I am grateful that Father Saul and Dorothy are here as well.		Noah
Fir	Sir Noah, are you all right? I notice you're favoring your left leg. Come to think of it, you were favoring it while we were sparring as well...
So you noticed. Yes, reluctant as I am to admit it, I sprained my foot in a recent battle. Father Saul healed it with his staff, but it's not fully back to normal yet.		Noah
Fir	Oh, no! That's why I won?! I took advantage of your injured state?!
Fir...		Noah
Fir	I'm so sorry! I should have realized. To think I'd have called that a victory—how dishonorable of me! This is not the path I want to walk. What a fool I've been—worse than a fool, a coward!
Hold on a second, Fir! Ah... She must be very upset to storm off like that. I do hope she learns not to overthink things so much. It's going to hurt her technique...		Noah

Strength in Service - C

Saul	Well, what do we have here?
...		Fir
Saul	Hello, Fir. Is something amiss?
Oh—hello, Father Saul...		Fir
Saul	This is not the jovial Fir I know. Something is clearly troubling you.
It’s that obvious, huh?		Fir
Saul	It is to me, because Saint Elimine has charged me with keeping a close eye on all the beauty in the world. So, if you ever need an ear, I hope you will consider confiding in me.
That’s very kind of you. I do have something weighing on my mind. I first took up the sword because I wanted to be like my mother. But my uncle said that I should make sure the path I walk is different from hers.		Fir
Saul	And when you say your uncle, I presume you mean...
Yes—Karel, the Saint of Swords. He’s not only very strong, but also kind. I hold him in the highest respect. But he also said that I shouldn’t aim to follow in his footsteps, either. He said that the path I walk should be the one I find for myself.		Fir
Saul	I take it you are struggling to find that path in some way, then.
Yes. I was sparring with Sir Noah, and...I took advantage of his injury by mistake.		Fir
Saul	I believe I know the injury you mean. His left foot, yes? I healed it myself.
That’s the one. I do appreciate that capitalizing on your opponent’s weakness is a part of combat, but... Exploiting someone’s vulnerability just feels wrong to me. I’d like to think I wouldn’t ever be so cruel. But is it possible to become as strong as I want to be without doing that? I don’t know...		Fir
Saul	I understand your concerns. For what it’s worth, even as a healer, I do believe that using the enemy’s weaknesses is necessary to succeed. That said, if doing so troubles you, then you might consider seeking comfort from the divine. I am sure if we spend some more time together, we can come up with a few ways for you to feel better...
There you are, Father Saul! At it again, are we?!		Dorothy
Saul	Dorothy! Please, whatever you might think, my intentions here are nothing but pure, I assure you.
Oh really! Then why does Fir look so uncomfortable right now?! If your intentions are so pure, there are plenty of others here in Askr who could use your help. So scram!		Dorothy
Saul	There’s no need to draw your bow! I hear you, all right? Apologies, Fir— I will be going now.

Strength in Service - B

Dorothy	Ugh, Father Saul is incorrigible! It’s always the same, the moment I take my eyes off him.
Dorothy, I...think you might have gotten the wrong idea. He wasn’t making me uncomfortable. He was actually giving me some useful advice.		Fir
Dorothy	Is that so? Well, I’m sorry for rushing to judgement about it. You can hardly blame me, though, considering his usual behavior. So, what was this about?
Dorothy	Ah. I think I understand. It’s very sweet of you to worry about something like that, Fir.
I can’t help but feel like it’s an unfair and cowardly way to approach battle. Am I overthinking it?		Fir
Dorothy	You might be. It also might be the kind of thing a swordfighter worries about more. For an archer like me, vulnerabilities like those are the difference between life and death. I excel against enemies who are in the air, but if a foe catches me in close quarters, I’m done for. I never even considered giving my enemies the opportunity to have a fair fight. It would defeat the point.
In other words, taking advantage of an opponent’s vulnerability is your entire style of fighting.		Fir
Dorothy	Yes! Exactly! I have to think that Noah was all too aware of his injury during your sparring match the other day. He likely expected you to notice it, and to take advantage of it. He might have even been using that to gauge your progress. I could imagine him thinking of it like that.
Maybe you’re right. Maybe I just have to wield my sword with all my might, no matter what. Thank you, Dorothy! I think the path before me is a little clearer now!		Fir

Strength in Service - A

Fir	Sir Noah!
Ah, Fir. Perfect timing. I’m back to peak condition, so I was just looking for someone skilled to spar with.		Noah
Fir	About that. I...hope you don’t think I fought like a coward last time. That was not my intention.
You, a coward? Never. Put that thought out of your mind. No foe will ever be so kind as to take it easy on either of us in battle. We must use every advantage we have. And, as it happens, I considered our last bout to be a remarkably useful training session.		Noah
Fir	Sir Noah, I...
You are kind, Fir. Perhaps too much so. You need to set that kindness aside when you step into battle. Trust in your weapon, your skill, and nothing else. Attack with the utmost sincerity and conviction at all times.		Noah
Fir	I’ll do my best to take your words to heart, Sir Noah. Thank you. Now, you said you were looking for a match? I hope you don’t mind if we get right to it.
Exactly what I hoped you’d say!		Noah
Dorothy	Looks like Noah’s back to his old self. Fir seems to be giving it her all too. It’s nice to see.
The path to salvation can always be found through faith. Faith in what, exactly...that depends on the heart of the traveler. But those who believe in themselves will find that the divine believes in them as well.		Saul
Dorothy	So you’re saying that Fir is on the right path now because she came to believe in it for herself?
Precisely. Of course, should she ever need a reminder...I would be all too happy to provide some loving encouragement. Uh, Dorothy? You are reaching for your bow again...		Saul
Dorothy	Yes, I am. And you should know why!
Come now, what would Saint Elimine say about you pointing a weapon at a member of the clergy?		Saul
Dorothy	Considering your behavior, I think she might say I’m justified!
Saint Elimine, please show me the path to safety!		Saul

Fir: Swordmaiden

Fir: Swordmaiden - C

Fir	Thanks for taking the time to show me around, Princess Fjorm. I know you’re a busy woman.
It’s no trouble at all. I’m never too busy for my allies. This place can be confusing for newcomers, so if questions come up, please feel empowered to ask me.		Fjorm
Fir	I appreciate that! I’m really looking forward to— Huh?
What is it?		Fjorm
Fir	Do you hear that? A rumbling sound... and it’s getting closer!
Now that you mention it, it does feel as if the ground is starting to shake...		Fjorm
Bartre	There she is! Sweet Fir! Welcome to Askr, my daughter!
Father? Please don’t— Hngh! Stop it!		Fir
Bartre	What? No hug? Don’t you miss your old man?
I should’ve known that sound was you stomping over here... And no, no hug! Not in front of people!		Fir
Bartre	Gahaha! Why so shy? Can’t a father hug his little girl? Well, not so little anymore. You’re big and strong now!
You’re right. I have grown since I first left to follow in Mother’s footsteps. I’ve met all sorts of people...I’ve learned all sorts of things. My journey is not over, but it’s true— I’m not the child you knew.		Fir
Bartre	Wow, listen to you. So mature! My little Fir, all grown up... BUHHH!
Father, don’t cry so loudly! You’ll scare the princess!		Fir
Fjorm	No, it’s all right. *sniffle* I love reunions.
Not you too!		Fir
Bartre	All right, I’ll quit with the blubbering. I’m just so happy to have my daughter back! Say, you mentioned following in your mother’s footsteps.
Yes... In my travels, I got to meet people who knew Mother. It taught me a lot about her. Now, when I practice with my sword, I can feel her presence nearby.		Fir
Bartre	Well, see... Karla actually is nearby! She’s in Askr!
What?!		Fir

Fir: Swordmaiden - B

Fir	So Mother is here? Even though she’s been gone since I was young... in Askr, she’s still alive?
Yep! Well, sorta. This Karla doesn’t know you.		Bartre
Fir	What do you mean? How could she not know her own daughter?
That’s how things work around here! She’s younger, this one. Hasn’t even met me yet!		Bartre
Fir	Younger? So, she doesn’t know she’s going to marry you? Or have me?
That’s the shape of it. Believe me, I’m confused by this stuff every day!		Bartre
Fir	Hmm.
You still want to meet her, Fir?		Bartre
Fir	Yes... I do, yes. I always wished I could see her just one more time. My mother is the whole reason I’ve been striving to master the sword.
I can understand the feeling...		Fjorm
Bartre	If that’s how ya feel, then find her! Talk to her! You just gotta be all right with her not knowing you.
I am! Or, I think I am. Maybe I need some time to think it over.		Fir

Fir: Swordmaiden - A

Fir	Princess Fjorm, can you explain something to me?
I can certainly try. What is it?		Fjorm
Fir	I heard there’s someone here who’s named Fir, like me, and uses a sword, like me...who isn’t me.
Yes. Even if two Heroes share a name and look alike, they can differ based on what worlds they came from.		Fjorm
Fir	Right. And in that case, then... couldn’t this version of my mother be from another world too?
Yes. That may be true of the Bartre you met as well.		Fjorm
Fir	I think Father’s the same wherever you go. He’s a big, loud constant.
Perhaps so.		Fjorm
In any case, I have heard one Hero’s fate can differ from world to world.		Fjorm
Fir	Then this version of Mother might never marry Father, or have me. Her future’s not decided yet.
Indeed, that’s true.		Fjorm
Fir	All I want is to see her, talk to her— learn from her. But if she finds out who I am, it could disrupt her future. So what do I do? Would it be better not to meet her at all?
Hmm. What if you kept your identity hidden and simply met her as a fellow swordfighter?		Fjorm
Fir	Challenge her to a sparring match, you mean? That might not be a bad idea. I’ve always dreamed of learning the art of swordplay from my mother...
You and Karla are both eloquent with the blade. You can show how you feel with your weapons, if not your words.		Fjorm
Fir	You’re right—thanks for the idea, Princess Fjorm! Now, let’s see how I do against the Sword Princess!

Fir: Swordmaiden - S

Fjorm	Karla should be practicing out in this forest somewhere... Oh! There she is!
My mother—and she looks so young! Standing there like a true warrior...		Fir
Fjorm	Fir... I see you’re emotional, but we should make our presence known.
You’re right. OK, here I go... You there!		Fir
Karla	Yes? How may I be of help, Princess Fjorm and... Apologies, but I do not believe we have met. What is your name?
I’m, uh...shy! I don’t like giving out my name to people.		Fir
Karla	I see. Well then. What business do you have with me, shy one?
You’re the famous Sword Princess Karla, aren’t you?		Fir
Karla	I do not recall ever being given that title, though I do go by Karla, yes.
Well, Karla... Would you like to spar with me?		Fir
Karla	I am willing, but...are you certain? You look to be on the verge of tears.
Not at all... I’m just shaking because I’m so excited!		Fir
Karla	Before we begin, you must try to compose yourself. Breathe deeply of the forest air, and then slowly draw your sword.
I...feel better. It worked! Thank you, Karla! Now, let’s spar, and I’ll show you all I’ve learned!		Fir
Karla	Very good. Leave no regrets.
*pant* That was a good match!		Fir
Karla	Yes. I feel as if it taught me about your inner spirit. You strike me as one who has survived much.
*pant* *pant* I’ve always counted on my friends to keep me alive...		Fir
Karla	You credit yourself too little— your swordplay is excellent. And also, I must say, somehow familiar.
Oh! Um... Look how late it’s gotten! I’d better get going, but thank you for today!		Fir
Fjorm	What an exquisite fight! That took my breath away.
Mine too. Now I see that I’m not half the swordmaster she is. It was good to meet her, just to learn that. Thanks, Princess Fjorm.		Fir
Fjorm	Of course.
Now, all that’s left to do is get even stronger...and show Mother how I’ve grown!		Fir
Fjorm	Wonderful. I will help however I can.
One day, my blade will be strong enough to overcome any hardship— and make my dreams reality!		Fir

Saul: Loving Shepherd

Saul: Loving Shepherd - C

Saul	I am grateful that the divine has seen fit to bring me into contact with such a charming young lady as you.
The divine? Niðavellir doesn’t bother with any of that. We rely on seiðjárn technology instead.		Reginn
Saul	Is that so? In that case, perhaps you would be curious to learn a little about Saint Elimine. She is quite popular among young ladies like you—said to grant the wishes of all who pray to her.
I don’t really get what you’re saying. Whatever it is, though, I can tell you it doesn’t interest me. Sorry, bye!		Reginn
Saul	I would be happy to explain it! Ah, no use. What a strange metal steed she rode away on...
In a hurry to escape you, was she? My condolences.		Azama
Saul	Ah...yes, I am sorry you had to see that. Fortune does not favor me today, it would seem.
Oh, no need to apologize to me. I was just enjoying the spectacle. I’ve never seen a holy man using his faith to court a woman. You must be very brave.		Azama
Saul	I would thank you, but I get the sense that was not a compliment. May I ask who you are, exactly?
My name is Azama. I’m a simple monk, not unlike you. Although, to be frank, the idea of a personal divinity is kind of ridiculous to me. Anyway, I’ve been looking for you.		Azama
Saul	Have you, now...

Saul: Loving Shepherd - B

Saul	You said you were looking for me. May I ask why?
I noticed some posters being put up around the castle. These are yours, aren’t they? “Come, one and all! Pledge yourself to Saint Elimine and all of your problems will be solved!” “A limited-time offer you will not want to miss! Speak to Father Saul of the Eliminean church for details.”		Azama
Saul	Yes, those are mine. I suppose you came here to fill Bishop Yoder’s role of lecturing me, then?
Oh, I don’t know who this is. This Saint Elimine must be someone very special, though. Since she can grant any wish, I was thinking I could join up and ask her to make me a better healer.		Azama
Saul	I see. Well, there is just one problem with that. I have no interest in teaching the faith of Saint Elimine to a man.
...		Azama
Saul	I find I have a far better rapport with women, so I am only accepting ladies as followers. Sorry to mislead you.
But I’m a lost soul asking for your aid! You’re really going to turn me away?		Azama
Saul	Whatever you are actually after here, I get the distinct sense you are not nearly so lost as you are letting on. But we are in a world of endless possibilities. Perhaps another version of you is a charming young lady? If so, I would happily admit her into the faith. Until then, however, I am afraid I cannot help you. So long.
Hmm. You’d think he’d at least be a little happy to have a new devotee, even if it were a man. No one with real spiritual conviction picks and chooses followers based on something like that. I don’t think this fellow’s faith is genuine at all...		Azama

Saul: Loving Shepherd - A

Saul	Are you actually calling my faith into question? I assure you, regardless of what you might say, I am a priest. Saint Elimine brings hope and light to the world, and I am proud to be her servant.
Then why not share that hope and light with me?		Azama
Saul	“Those who blindly follow scripture and ignore their hearts are puppets. The true gift from above is free will.” Those are the words of Saint Elimine. They are words I live by. When I choose how and to whom I preach, I am exercising my free will.
I guess that’s one way to look at what you’re doing.		Azama
Saul	What about you? Practically begging to cast aside one faith for another— is that piety, in your view?
Oh, I’m not pious at all. The only reason I’m even a monk is that my family maintains a shrine.		Azama
Saul	You could at least have the decency not to smile when you admit that.
Preaching is nothing more than sharing wisdom and knowledge. I like the feeling of capturing people’s hearts. I enjoy it when my sermon puts a twinkle in someone’s eye. Nothing about that requires me to believe in anything.		Azama
Saul	I cannot imagine a worse priest than you.
Fascinating! I was thinking precisely the same thing, but about you! So, since we have so much in common, why not teach me all about Saint Elimine?		Azama
Saul	Well...
Ah! Healers! Perfect timing—you two are exactly what we need!		Merlinus
Saul	Merlinus? You seem distraught. Has something happened?
The mountain village to the west has been attacked by bandits. There have been many injuries. I am about to get a wagon and make my way there. Would you be willing to lend a hand?		Merlinus
Saul	It sounds urgent. Yes, of course.
I’ll come along as well. May we ride with you?		Azama
Merlinus	Oh, thank you so much! Yes, come with me, and we will depart with all haste!

Saul: Loving Shepherd - S

Saul	There, that should do it. Get some rest, and you will be fine. Next? Ah... That looks painful. Allow me to call upon Saint Elimine to take care of it. Looks like things are beginning to settle down on my end. How about you, Azama?
I’m Kamui, Merlinus’s escort. If you’re looking for the monk, he went that way.		Kamui
Saul	Of course. My mistake—the two of you just look so much alike... That was awkward. But all men look alike to me, so I suppose I was telling the truth...
Saul	Is that Azama over there?
There you are, Father. I’d give you a compliment on your work today, but I want to hear one from you first.		Azama
Saul	Haha... All right, if you insist. You’ve obviously done very well.
And you’re a more gifted healer than I expected, if I’m honest. You saw to an impressive number of patients. Interesting that a cavalier approach to religion doesn’t hinder the help you seem to get from your divine.		Azama
Saul	I told you already that I actually take my faith quite seriously. As we have established, I value my free will very much. That is why I do not follow scripture blindly. I connect with the divine in my own unique way.
I suppose it’s a matter of perspective.		Azama
Saul	Considering your perspective on belief, I am surprised you have the ability to heal anyone at all. Yet I must admit your patients were as happy with your treatment as they would be with divinity itself.
It’s our duty to solve the problems we encounter. No deity is going to solve them for us. But if religious teachings can help bring people peace of mind, I’ll use them without hesitation.		Azama
Saul	Since you have such a gift for putting people’s minds at ease, it would be a shame if you chose not to use it. For my part, I borrow the power of Saint Elimine for the same reason— even if it is only to benefit women.
Still no plans to share your faith with a man, I see. But there is something you should know about me. Regardless of my perspective on belief, as you put it, I do still follow my religion’s teachings.		Azama
Saul	Of course. Forgive my presumption. Come to think of it, you are in service to the eldest princess of Hoshido, are you not?
Yes, although it came to be that way largely by coincidence. Dare I ask why you want to know?		Azama
Saul	I just think it would be wonderful if I could have the opportunity to share the faith of Saint Elimine with her. Would you consider arranging a little meeting for me? Over tea, perhaps?
I understand that your Saint Elimine prizes free will. Really, I do. Even so, I have to wonder what she might say about your behavior...		Azama

Dorothy: Devoted Archer

Dorothy: Devoted Archer - C

Dorothy	All of the Heroes I’ve met in Askr are such incredible people... Compared to them, I’m, well...
O beautiful flower, blooming in the fields! Even distraught, your visage is captivating! Won’t you do me the honor of gracing my royal garden with your radiant delicacy?		Virion
Dorothy	...
Hm... It seems my passionate pleas did not reach your ears.		Virion
Dorothy	H-huh?! You were talking to me? I’m sorry, I thought you must have been talking to yourself.
Oh, did the music of my words miss the first beat? Of course I was addressing you. As a gentleman, I could not allow myself to fail in greeting such a beautiful flower as she is owed.		Virion
Dorothy	A beautiful flower? Me? What is that supposed to mean?
Have I caught you off guard? I was merely expounding upon your beauty within the metaphor of a flower. Was my intent so nebulous?		Virion
Dorothy	No, I understood that you were trying to compliment me... But there are much better-looking people than me in the Order of Heroes, so it just seemed odd.
Well, I assure you that my words always come from the heart. If I may offer a suggestion, my lady, you would do well to recognize the light that shines from within you.		Virion
Dorothy	Are you...trying to sell me something?
M-most certainly not! I simply wanted to express—		Virion
Cherche	That’s enough, Virion!
Ch-Cherche? This isn’t what it looks like. My only intention was to foster friendship with another Hero...		Virion
Cherche	If you continue to cause trouble for other Heroes, I’ll have Minerva take a bite out of you.
All right, all right. You know, I rather dislike how you say such grim things with that giant smile... I shall take my leave for today, then. Until we meet again, beautiful flower.		Virion
Cherche	Yeah, yeah. Keep it moving. Please excuse us, miss.
Uh, sure. Goodbye...		Dorothy
Virion	Cherche, stop tugging the back of my neck so hard! You could stand to be a little gentler wi— Ow!
Hm... What strange people...		Dorothy

Dorothy: Devoted Archer - B

Dorothy	That woman the other day... What did he call her? Cherche? She was so incredible... I wonder if she serves that Virion guy. I’d like to talk to her.
Thank goodness, I finally found you.		Cherche
Dorothy	Ah! Ch-Cherche?! I didn’t think I’d run into you so soon!
I wanted to apologize properly for Virion’s behavior the other day. I am deeply sorry.		Cherche
Dorothy	N-no, it was fine! It didn’t bother me or anything...
I appreciate your patience. Oh, but I should introduce myself. My name is Cherche.		Cherche
Dorothy	I am Dorothy, servant of Sain Elimine and her faithful. I’ve wanted to speak to you, so I’m glad we met up again.
That’s fortuitous, indeed. Was there something specific you wanted to ask me about?		Cherche
Dorothy	Um, well... It’s about Virion. It seems like you might serve him. And I thought that he might be the kind of guy who’s always chatting up different women.
You are perceptive. Do you have experience with someone similar?		Cherche
Dorothy	I do! I’ve been entrusted with the protection of Father Saul, a priest of Saint Elimine. But the moment I take my eyes off of him, he’s inviting some girl to tea. It’s really a lot to deal with...
Yes, you cannot lower your guard for even a moment, lest they get drawn to some woman. They are constantly causing trouble.		Cherche
Dorothy	Right? It feels impossible to get even a moment’s rest sometimes!
Heh heh. We appear to be in similar positions, Dorothy.		Cherche
Dorothy	We do, don’t we? I’m so happy that there’s someone who can relate with my struggles in the Order of Heroes!

Dorothy: Devoted Archer - A

Dorothy	I’m happy I was able to go shopping with you, Cherche!
Oh, no, I apologize for insisting you come with me to do something as mundane as shopping.		Cherche
Dorothy	No one we pass can keep their eyes off Cherche... She’s so charismatic and strong...
Dorothy, is something wrong?		Cherche
Dorothy	Huh?! Oh, I-I was just thinking I look like your vassal walking next to you.
I don’t think so...		Cherche
Dorothy	No, really. You look like a walking work of art. But me... Well, it’s clear that I’m pretty plain...
What a strange thing to say. Think about it like this. You were seen as a Hero to be summoned here, yes? That means you have accomplished feats in your homeland so worthy of recognition that Askr needs your aid. Could such a person really be described as “plain”?		Cherche
Dorothy	I guess not, but...you really think so?
In normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be strange if epics were written about your life. You are that distinguished.		Cherche
Dorothy	You’re a very nice person, Cherche. I appreciate you trying to cheer me up like that.
Hah! I don’t say such things just to ingratiate myself with others. Your skill with the bow is incredible, and you expend all of your effort into even the smallest task. Anyone could see that and acknowledge you as a Hero. Take pride in the skills you have cultivated and you will shine all the brighter.		Cherche
Dorothy	Th-that really means a lot. Thank you, Cherche! It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but... I feel much lighter now!

Dorothy: Devoted Archer - S

Virion	Cherche, lately it is as though you are following my every step. Normally I delight in your company, but... If I’m honest with you, it feels almost as though I’m being monitored. It’s a bit challenging to relax...
There is no “almost” about it. I am monitoring you. If I take my eyes off of you for even a moment, you will just wander off to badger the nearest woman.		Cherche
Virion	Hmph. I am hurt by your lack of trust. Oh? Is that...
*humming*		Dorothy
Cherche	Well, if it isn’t Dorothy.
Oho, so it is! She seems to be doing some shopping. And she looks to be enjoying herself too, doesn’t she? It is as if she has become an entirely different person from the Dorothy I spoke with the other day.		Virion
Cherche	Indeed. She seems to be fully at ease speaking with the shopkeeper and other patrons. Heh. She has a wonderful smile, doesn’t she?
Aha, so you admit I was correct in my estimation of her! A flower blooming in the fields... It seems she is realizing her own allure. When the day comes that she has fully blossomed—		Virion
Cherche	Speak a single word more and I will be forced to sic Minerva on you.
Y-yes, milady...		Virion
Cherche	I’m cheering for you, Dorothy. May your inner light shine upon the path and show you the way forward.
Huh, my ears are burning... I wonder if someone is talking about me... Oh! Maybe it means that Father Saul is up to no good again! What am I doing dawdling about here? I must do everything I can to maintain Saint Elimine’s reputation!		Dorothy

Noah: Mercenary-Errant

Noah: Mercenary-Errant - C

Noah	Excuse me, is the castle’s armory over this way?
Yes. Go to the end of the hallway and take a right. You will see guards stationed in front of the door.		Eir
Noah	Good. I still haven’t figured my way around here yet. Farewell, then.
Oh, might this be yours? I found it on the floor.		Eir
Noah	Yes...that is mine. Thank you. I suppose I’d better introduce myself. I am Noah, of the Ilian mercenaries.
I am Eir, princess of the realm of the dead—no, of Ymir, the realm of life.		Eir
Noah	Princess Eir... Please forgive me for acting so brazenly earlier.
There is no need for such formality. We are comrades who fight as equals in the Order of Heroes.		Eir
Noah	An honor of which I am not worthy. Before I came to this world, I was but one soldier for the Lycian League.
Oh... Roy and Lilina were also from the Lycian League if I recall. I hope this isn’t intrusive to ask, but what was it that you dropped earlier?		Eir
Noah	Oh, this is a letter. Well... I suppose it would be more accurate to call it a blank piece of paper.
A blank letter... You intend to write it, then.		Eir
Noah	... I have no plans to do so. At the moment I can think of no one to write to, and... I believe it is best that way. Now then, I must be on my way. Good day, Princess Eir.
A blank letter addressed to no one...		Eir

Noah: Mercenary-Errant - B

Eir	The enemy has me far outnumbered. If I cannot escape...
Princess Eir! Allow me to lend my aid.		Noah
Eir	Noah? I did not expect to see you on this battlefield.
I will clear a path for you. Follow behind me.		Noah
Eir	I appreciate your bravery, but with this much opposition...
Look at the enemy’s eastern flank. Their armor is pristine and their formation inconsistent. They must be new recruits. We have the best chance of getting through if we strike there.		Noah
Eir	Understood. I am with you.
Eir	I owe you my life. Your prompt observations earlier were correct.
One must quickly develop the ability to make such observations if they wish to survive in my line of work. Also, there is no need to thank me. Fighting is...my vocation.		Noah
Eir	You’ve known many struggles yet more dire than the ones in Askr, haven’t you?
Indeed... The battles I face with the Order of Heroes are more tolerable in some ways. Here, mercenaries are not forced to fight their comrades-in-arms at the flip of a coin.		Noah
Eir	Was that not the case in your homeland?
In Elibe, if your employer differs from another mercenary’s, you are foes on the battlefield. A comrade with whom you shared a meal may turn their sword on you the next day. It was not uncommon.		Noah
Eir	It sounds like a painful way to live...
The aristocrats who employed us said things such as: “Ilian mercenaries survive by peddling death,” or... “They are carrion crows sustained by the blood of corpses.”		Noah
Eir	...
Please excuse me for prattling on about such a grim topic. I am sure you are exhausted from the fight. My weapon needs some repairs, so I will be on my way.		Noah
Eir	Surviving by peddling death... Living with its shadow constantly hovering over your shoulder... Eventually, that way of life will eat away at your very heart...

Noah: Mercenary-Errant - A

Eir	May I ask you more about that letter you dropped earlier? What is its intended purpose?
It is...something like a will.		Noah
Eir	I see... A final letter entrusted to the living...
There are pegasus riders among the Ilian mercenaries who do not take part in battles. It is their responsibility to deliver the letters of those who fall in combat. The letters go to family, lovers, close friends, or even those to whom the fallen is indebted...		Noah
Eir	...
I do not want to send a letter to anyone. What remains after reading such a thing is naught but the grief of losing someone precious. I do not wish to inflict such pain on someone...		Noah
Eir	So that is why your letter is blank. This is how you have come to terms with your own death.
...		Noah
Eir	Death is inevitable. It is never far from anyone’s side. And that is especially true for groups like the Ilian mercenaries who have to be prepared to die at any time. Spending your days uncertain of when death’s cruel hand will come to wrest life away from you... It can be excruciating. So, to you, carrying that empty letter is proof that you yet live. One might say that it is like a soul.
I hadn’t thought of it that way, but... That may not be far from the truth. When this letter is lost, it will mean that my life has been lost as well...		Noah

Noah: Mercenary-Errant - S

Noah	This letter may be meaningless now anyway since I’m so far from Elibe. If I were to die here, I don’t imagine that the messengers of Ilia would be able to collect my letter.
You need not worry. Prince Alfonse, Princess Sharena, Commander Anna, the summoner... They will put the full weight of their support behind you so that you do not fall. You have my support too.		Eir
Noah	Princess Eir...
While you are here, you do not need to peddle death to survive. On the contrary, you can use your mercenary experience to save the lives of others.		Eir
Noah	I doubt that I am worthy to do such a thing as someone who has survived by killing so many...
I do not believe those you save will question whether or not you were worthy to do so.		Eir
Noah	Then you’re saying I should prove my worth through positive actions... I see. I suppose that’s one way for a mercenary to live. I will accept the role Prince Alfonse has tasked me with while in Askr. To fight as a Hero, not as a crow sustained by the blood of the dead.
I pray that your letter does not leave your side while you are with us.		Eir
Noah	I will take this blank letter back with me the day I return home and think no more on it otherwise. As a Hero, I shall apply every ounce of strength in my body to the battles ahead so I may live another day... This I swear upon my own heart.

Story
Previous: Book VII, Chapter 4: Part 5: Connection in Time ←		Next: Murdock: Loyal General →

In other languages

Language	Name
Japanese	誰がための力
German	Der richtige Weg
Spanish (Europe)	El camino de la fuerza
Spanish (Latin America)	El camino de la fuerza
French	Le chemin vers la force
Italian	La strada giusta
Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)	為何而用的力量
Portuguese	O serviço da força