02x07 - Intruders

[bunniefuu]

[birds chirping]

[LISELOTTE]

I must go.

I'll send a messenger your way,

first thing tomorrow morning.

To ride with you was an honor.

Thank you for bringing me.

[wheels rattling]

Your lodgings await you, sir.

Right this way.

Pleasure, Miss Aria.

Spirit chronicles 2

I've struck men down

for lighter discourtesies.

Why, you

[grunting]

Take this!

[grunts]

[indistinct chatter]

Intruders.

Hm. Haruto!

Sorry for the wait, Cecilia.

How was your journey here?

You're not hurt, are you?

You have absolutely

nothing to worry about,

I assure you.

It seems our conversation

has attracted

quite the audience.

-[chuckles]

-Hm?

[all chuckle]

[Celia gasps]

[RIO] After our encounter

in the forest,

Miss Liselotte has kindly

provided lodging for us.

So, we'll be sojourning here in

Amande for the next few days.

Works for me.

I'm sorry for not including

you in the decision.

Oh, it's all right,

I trust you.

What about Aria?

You're dressed differently

enough that I don't think

she'll recognize you.

We should be fine there.

-The problem is

-Hm?

[RIO] Nobles associated

with the Beltrum Kingdom's

royal family

are traveling with them.

What? Which ones?

[RIO] Her Highness

the second princess, Flora,

as well as Duke Huguenot,

and Miss Rohanna,

from the ducal house

of Fontaine.

[CELIA]

They're all quite prominent.

Princess Flora and Miss Rohanna

have been well acquainted

with you for years,

have they not?

They didn't notice you?

The Princess' instincts

certainly are sharp,

she seemed to sense

something was off.

[Celia gasps]

But with my

different hair color,

I doubt she'll jump

to conclusions.

Well

perhaps it would be

better if the three of us

left Amande after all.

No. There is some risk

in staying,

but if possible,

I'd like to establish

a good rapport

with Miss Liselotte.

Why does she concern you?

We're here

in the Kingdom of Galarc,

and I've been on a mission

to find their hero.

Building a relationship

with someone

in a position of authority

would be beneficial.

Yes, you're right.

But please, don't let

your guard down!

Though she may seem pleasant,

she's well known

for being clever.

Right.

If there's anything

I can do for you,

just let me know!

[RIO]

Well, now that you mention it,

there is one thing.

-[CELIA] What is it?

-[RIO] Tomorrow,

I'm supposed to visit

Miss Liselotte in her home.

If you wouldn't mind,

I could use a little guidance

on the proper etiquette

for visiting a noble's home.

Just leave it to me!

[GUSTAV] I must say, that

personal attendant of yours,

Aria, I think it was?

Her efforts during the battle

were patently commendable.

Why thank you, Your Grace.

But still,

had she not been there,

the hero would have

had the power

to turn the tide for us, right?

It's possible.

Unfortunately, he lacks

the practical

b*ttlefield experience.

That may be,

but he had the strength

to pick up the minotaur's

greatsword.

Would it be right to assume

his strength came

from his Divine Arms?

A safe assumption, yes.

As with enchanted swords,

a person must possess

an affinity

to access their power.

But the affinity

for Divine Arms

is said to rest

solely with Heroes.

That he could draw on

its power with no training

leaves us with more questions

than answers.

Then he just needs

more time out in the field.

That is all he seems

to be missing.

The Hero is too important.

If we send him into

the real field of battle,

we would be

endangering his life.

In the interest of safety,

I have him sequestered

fighting mock battles

with my knights.

You may have a point there.

His first foray ended up

being quite dire.

If nothing else,

it was a learning

experience for him,

and perhaps for us as well.

[LISELOTTE] As I suspected,

the duke isn't looking

for the Hero to be

an instrument in battle.

But rather, nothing more

than a symbol of power.

Well, I suppose in the end,

if our swordmaster friend

hadn't shown up,

we could have all

been slaughtered.

[LISELOTTE] You're

speaking of Master Haruto?

[GUSTAV]

He slew three minotaurs

in the blink of an eye.

Unless one can manipulate

an enchanted sword at will,

that isn't possible.

It all begs the question

of his true identity.

Liselotte, what do you think?

When I look at his skill

with a sword,

the way he speaks,

it indicates

a life of refinement.

He may be from a fallen house,

or likely he's hiding his

identity for other reasons.

-[cup clinks]

-[GUSTAV] Hm.

[GUSTAV] Before we establish

a formal relationship

with Master Haruto,

I'd like to know

a little more about him.

Perhaps you'd like to attend

my meeting with him tomorrow?

Nothing gets by you,

does it, Liselotte?

I take that as a yes.

[GUSTAV] A simple "thank you"

will not suffice.

Please, make use of my knights.

Are you quite certain

about that, Your Grace?

You intend

to investigate the cause

of the monster spawnings, yes?

Exploring the forest

with additional personnel

could reap more benefits.

It could indeed, sir.

Best to be prepared

given the strangeness

of recent events.

[LISELOTTE]

Yes.

To make matters worse,

we recently began

receiving reports

of adventurers

disappearing

at an alarming rate.

[indistinct chatter]

[ALPHONSE] I swear it was

over here, wasn't it?

-[STEWART] Should be.

-[WOMAN] I can't believe it!

Are we really going to eat

at such a fancy restaurant?

You know it's famous for having

outrageous prices, right?

You don't need to worry

about money, love.

We've been there a dozen times,

it's really not a big deal.

Are you not aware you're dining

with two nobles tonight?

-Of course, My Lord!

-Of course, My Lord!

[both laughing]

Yeah. I don't know about you,

but I could get used to this.

"Could?"

I already have!

I've nearly forgotten

this afternoon!

[gasps]

Can we not talk about that?

Stupid guy, swooping in with

his sword like he's a hero.

I'd like to

take him out myself.

Who does he think he is?

Speaking of

how 'bout that real Hero?

[SAKATA]

You two,

in that battle earlier,

you freaked out

and hid in the back.

Your legs were shaking

like leaves in the wind.

"O honorable knights."

Get it together!

He has no idea

what he's talking about!

He treats us as though

we're insignificant weaklings!

Let's forget about

that lout, too.

-I need more drinks.

-Mm-hmm.

[woman 207a laughs]

[STEWART]

It's in use?

The suite with a view

of the garden?

Yes.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid

some other customers

have already booked the room

for the night, sir.

You can have any other

room you'd like.

What's the big deal?

Just switch those customers

to another room.

If it's money,

I'll pay you triple.

I'm very sorry, sir.

Ugh!

[CELIA]

And so then,

I go in there,

and I find her

fast asleep in the bath!

It was rather shocking,

to say the least.

Was warm and cozy

and felt so good.

Maybe we stick

to sleeping in beds.

[STEWART]

Move! You're in my way!

[MALE SERVER 207B]

Please don't do this, sir!

Hm?!

[STEWART] I shouldn't waste

my breath on a commoner.

Don't blame me for what

happens to you later!

[MALE SERVER 207B]

I'm not concerned for myself!

Is that a fight?

[STEWART]

The man doesn't know his place!

[ALPHONSE]

All right, let it go, Stewart.

We'll just talk to these other

customers ourselves.

[MALE SERVER 207B]

Please, don't do this!

Huh. My deepest apologies

for this intrusion.

May I ask what's going on?

Huh. It's you.

You're Haruto

or something, right?

I'm terribly sorry,

but have I met

the two of you before?

Oh, please forgive me,

good sir.

My name is Stewart Huguenot,

and this is Alphonse Rodan.

Yes, we are knights

affiliated with the group

that you rescued today.

Stewart.

Alphonse.

That's right,

of course, you are.

Please forgive

my poor memory.

Is there something

I can do for you?

My friends and I,

we want to use this room.

Oh, all right.

My guests and I were

just finishing our meal.

Please, come in, if you'd like.

Hm.

Both of you, stay close.

Well, stop right there.

What is it?

What's the hurry?

Why don't you ladies stay here

and dine with us tonight?

How kind.

But we've had our fill of food

and drink for the evening.

Oh? Would you refuse

a noble's invitation?

We are also tired

from our journey.

I can't say that I'm impressed.

You may be good

with a sword and all,

but you are still just

a commoner, correct?

Please, sir.

We'd like to leave.

[clears throat]

Alphonse, it's all right.

Let them go.

I'm sorry sir.

If you continue to bother

our other patrons like this,

we will have to take

all the appropriate measures.

-We'll go, then.

-Hang on.

Hey, I don't think

that's a good idea.

What now?

It's clear to me

that you don't know

how to interact with nobility.

I was born a commoner,

unfortunately.

I've struck men down

for lighter discourtesies.

Maybe I'm wrong,

but I've heard

there are national laws

to place limits

on discourtesy killings.

If so, am I in violation

under those laws?

Have I committed

a punishable offense?

Why, you

Filthy commoner scum,

who do you think you are?

-[Celia gasps]

-You little

[grunts]

-[women gasp]

-Alphonse, no!

-[grunting]

-Let him go, vermin!

If I do that, it's likely

he'll try to hit me again.

Oh, shut up!

-[grunting]

-[thuds]

Unforgivable. How dare you!

[grunting]

Take this!

[grunts]

[thudding]

[RIO] Despite repeated attempts

to handle this peaceably,

I think we're beyond that now.

If you'd be willing,

could you bring someone

to deal with them,

in the appropriate means?

[crickets chirping]

[ARIA] Those are the

particulars of the situation.

Testimony from the staff

corroborates this.

[LISELOTTE]

How unfortunate.

[LISELOTTE]

This couldn't be worse!

I didn't want him to think

that nobles were all pompous,

but given an unseemly

incident like this,

he's sure to be more wary

of us in the future!

How dare those arrogant fools.

Where is Haruto now?

He has returned to the inn

to recuperate.

I see, then I shall apologize

to him in the morning.

As you wish, ma'am.

I shall go

make our preparations.

Be assured,

I shall reproach my son

and his friend

for their misconduct.

If it's not too much to ask,

would you convey

my sincerest apologies

to Sir Haruto?

Of course, Your Grace.

[door opens and closes]

You ignorant fools.

My expectations of you

were low from the beginning,

and yet somehow you've still

managed to disappoint me.

I was clear, was I not?

That you'd get

no second chance.

Rejoice!

I shall disinherit you,

just as you desired.

What? Disinherit?

That's going too far,

Your Grace!

It was nothing

but a petty altercation

with some commoner swordsman!

Just a commoner, eh?

He appears to be far more

competent than you are.

[groans]

[GUSTAV]

Though your uselessness

makes that a low bar to clear.

Your Grace! How rude!

You may be the duke

of the house Huguenot,

but I urge you to take back

those words immediately!

That swordsman dispatched

three minotaurs

as if they were merely toys.

Can you do any task

that comes close to that?

Well, perhaps,

using an enchanted sword.

I heard the two of you

attacked him together,

and he still managed to gain

the upper hand on you.

-Ugh!

-You're lucky,

I'm going to grant you

an opportunity

-to clear your name.

-[both gasp]

Otherwise,

I'm certain facing your father

would be quite

unpleasant indeed.

I'll do it!

Please give me a chance!

In light of recent events,

Liselotte will investigate

the forest to the west of here.

And you want me

to help her, right?

Should you somehow

distinguish yourself

as part of the advance party,

then I wouldn't mind

putting in a good word

for you regarding this matter.

But if you fail

to produce results,

I will ask that you return

to Rodania and remain there.

Your Grace, I can help her!

Very well.

Now, then,

you must apologize unreservedly

to Master Haruto.

[both gasp]

Understand?

Uh, yes, sir.

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry for what

happened yesterday.

Because I brought you with me,

I ended up subjecting

you to more danger.

Uh-huh.

My heart's still racing,

but I'll be just fine.

I have a small proposition.

Maybe stay in the stone house

with Aishia.

Your heart will likely

be better off there.

Oh, please!

Don't worry,

I told you I'll be fine!

[RIO]

I know, but isn't it difficult

for you to feel at ease?

It's all right.

Besides, I don't ever want

to leave your side, Haruto.

Oh! Out of concern

for you, is all!

It's simply about your safety,

nothing more!

[chuckles]

Right. How thoughtful of you!

If the time comes,

we can just run away.

Ah! She's right!

[birds chirping]

Stand by, would you please?

Yes.

My name is Cecilia.

I'm Aishia.

I'm pleased to meet you.

I must say, the both of you

are exceptionally striking.

You're too kind, thank you!

While we speak,

would the two of you mind

waiting in the other room?

[AISHIA]

Of course not.

If you'll excuse us.

[LISELOTTE] Duke Huguenot

is embarrassed.

He wanted me

to extend his apologies.

How good of him.

Furthermore,

he's asked me to hear out

any requests

you may have at this time.

All right.

In that case,

I'd like a formal record

of the amicable resolution

of this dispute.

In writing, of course.

Of course, good sir.

I'll act as an arbitrator,

plus a document

shall be created.

Thank you, My Lady.

And now,

and if we're in good standing,

I would still like

to invite you to my home

as was planned!

Perhaps you'd like

to join us for lunch?

Your two companions

are welcome as well.

[RIO]

After last night's tumult,

I'm certain

they'll be too exhausted

for an afternoon outing.

I will attend alone,

if that's all the same.

Do you find this a satisfactory

summation of events?

If anything,

I'd say that this version

favors my side too heavily.

If you have no objections, then

I suppose we can move forward.

I owe you this, Master Haruto.

Now then, since we're both in

agreement on the final terms,

we will leave the drawing up

of the official contract

to our arbitrator here.

Yes, of course, Your Grace.

Now then, as a good parent,

I want to apologize again

for my son's misdeeds.

And in addition,

he and his friend would

like to repent personally,

if you'll allow it.

Oh, I suppose

that would be fine.

[GUSTAV]

Thank you.

-Come in, boys!

-[door creaks]

[door closes]

Go on.

Express your remorse properly,

and be grateful

he's willing to hear you out.

[BOTH] We're so sorry

for what we did!

Hmm.

You don't have to bow

your heads anymore.

[door creaking]

Oh! Master Haruto!

[RIO]

Princess Flora!

It's an honor to see you

again so soon.

Please, have a seat.

Sounds like you've had

it pretty rough.

Thanks, it's not so bad.

[SAKATA]

Mm. I'd expect nothing less.

Liselotte's chef makes

some of the best food around.

I'm honored you think so.

But when I eat meat,

it feels a bit incomplete

without a side of rice.

You know, we did our best to

prepare the rice you speak of.

[SAKATA]

Oh. Did you now?

Yes sir, but it seemed

to turn out slightly different

from the rice you made

back in your world.

We tried boiling it as it was,

-but the taste was lacking.

-Hm.

Though, I'm pleased to say.

We made some adjustments

and tried again.

[SAKATA]

Well

Would ya look at that?

[RIO]

Is that

[munching]

Oh, man! Cheese risotto, huh?

I'm glad you like it!

I take it from your reaction

it's something

you're familiar with

in your world?

Ohyeah,

there's a dish back home

that's a lot like this one.

Then from this point forward,

the dish will be known

in Amande as "risotto."

[SAKATA]

Sure, that sounds good to me.

It tastes wonderful!

Wow, and it's so rich

from all the cheese!

Oh, my.

This isn't bad at all!

[RIO]

Between this and the pasta,

the Ricca Company developed.

There's no way around it.

Miss Liselotte must have

knowledge from Earth.

Master Haruto,

what do you think of it?

Oh, it's quite delicious!

I never imagined

that rice could be made

into a dish this good.

Master Haruto, how old were

you when your travels began?

[RIO]

I was just 11 years old.

Speaking of which,

how old are you these days?

Right now, I'm 16.

[SAKATA] And you've been

traveling since you were a kid?

I guess if you were

with your parents,

it wouldn't be out

of the question.

[RIO]

Yes, but

both of my parents died

before I set out

-on my journey.

-Huh.

[RIO]

I've traveled mostly alone.

Ah, I see.

Sorry I brought it up.

It's fine. I wouldn't feel bad.

[FLORA] So, uh,

if you don't mind me asking.

What made you decide to set out

adventuring all alone?

You could say it was personal.

I was searching for someone

with a connection

to my parents.

Do you have any intention

of settling somewhere

permanently?

I still have

much journeying to do.

[chuckles]

In the future,

when the time comes,

I hope you'll consider

the Kingdom of Beltrum

for your permanent residence.

I would grant

very favorable terms

to a swordsman of your caliber.

Well, then, in that case,

I would like to extend

a similar offer, as well!

I'm most grateful to you both.

May the fates allow it.

Look at them,

fawning all over you!

Think we just witnessed

the birth of a new hero!

I would never presume!

A lone orphan like me

could never measure

up to a real Hero

like you, Sir Hiroaki!

Well, no matter

how much good you do,

there's a strength and status

that only a true Hero

like yours truly can possess.

But, as long as

you understand that,

you might end up going further

than anyone thinks you can.

[chuckles]

Glad you think so.

Which reminds me,

if the rumors are true,

the kingdom of Galarc

has a special guest,

a Hero of their very own.

Given that there was

a conspicuous pillar of light,

it'd be impossible to hide.

Your Hero is supposed

to be officially presented

at the soiree.

Galarc's fancy Lady Hero,

that right?

Is it true your Hero's

a woman?

Yes. Miss Satsuki Sumeragi.

She is the Hero who was

summoned to our kingdom.

Huh?!

[RIO]

Satsuki Sumeragi?

Our friends' names

are Satsuki and Takahisa.

-Do you think

-[RIO] There's no mistake.

She's one of the people

Miharu's searching for.

Sir Hiroaki will

also be presented

to the other kingdoms

at the party.

Beltrum has

another Hero as well.

Sir Rui Shigekura

has also been invited.

It's annoying to get shown off

like a trophy, ya know?

But, just another

responsibility of being a hero.

It sounds like there will be

many important people there.

Yes, indeed.

And rumors are swirling around

that there may be

at least one more.

The Hero that was summoned

to the Centostella Kingdom.

Oh, how curious.

[RIO]

We're one step closer.

A huge step, at that!

This means I'll have good news

for Miharu and the others!

[birds chirping]

[ALPHONSE]

Blast it!

What a huge waste of time!

All because of that

stupid commoner.

Rotten duke.

Useless, am I?

Just watch me, old man!

I'll show you

what I can really do!

Men, keep your guard up!

We may be faced with

another minotaur at any time!

Oh, you won't have

to worry about that.

[swords clanging]

♪

There aren't any monsters left

in the forest, you see?

Who are you?

♪

[chuckles]

[RIO]

"The Clutches of Evil,

Stealing Ever Closer."

Spirit chronicles 2

illustration: minazuki futago.