Tales of Zestiria the X

This is all from the tornado last year?

How awful.

We found a small village not too far from here.

Yes, Princess.

The accommodations would be basic,

but I'm sure they can provide us shelter for the night.

No.

That won't be necessary.

At least, not on my account.

We'll find somewhere to camp.

This is as good a place as any to spend the night.

Find something, Princess?

I have.

This is ancient artwork.

Do you think it could be from Asgardian times?

Mm. It's possible.

What is this?

A Shepherd!

That's what it looks like.

If Clemm were here to see this,

she would be absolutely ecstatic.

She's obsessed with this stuff, you know.

She believes every word that's written

in The Celestial Record .

I showed her the book, so I understand her fascination.

I share it.

So, Princess, do you agree with her

that what's written in the book is true?

Do you believe in the Shepherds?

All I know for certain is that if Shepherds

do exist, I would like to meet one.

Very much.

Attention please!

Those who wish to attempt the Rite of the Warrior

during the Sacred Blade Festival should apply

inside the temple.

Clemm!

The princess is looking for you.

Go, and I'll take over for you here.

Thank you. I'll go right away.

The Rite of the warrior is approaching!

Is there anybody here who wishes to attempt it?

How may I be of service?

I understand you have an uncle.

And he's a doctor in Griel, is that correct?

Yes. it is indeed, Master.

So, I believe Clemm is who we want for this task.

What task?

We've had a report.

It comes from Professor Drake, the astronomer.

He has recently observed the appearance

of what he describes as a strange cloud or mist.

According to the professor,

it seems to be unaffected by wind or rain but remains still,

stubbornly hanging in the sky regardless of the weather.

The location is where you come in.

The cloud was sighted over Griel.

I see why you called me.

Hyland has seen many unusual

weather phenomena in the past few years,

and crops have been seriously damaged as a result.

I want to know if this has had any lasting negative effects

on the people there.

Yes, ma'am! I'll see to it.

Good, thank you.

I'll head out at once.

Your Highness, before I go.

Thank you so much of giving me this copy

of The Celestial Record .

I consider it my most treasured possession.

I'm glad I shared it with you.

That's what it's for.

Absolutely not!

These young people came here to celebrate

the Sacred Blade Festival, and you want to conscript them?

That would be a flagrant abuse of power, Lord Matthia!

Please consider carefully, Highness.

We cannot know for certain what will happen,

but the sickness in the town of Marlind

could very well become an epidemic.

If it does, military intervention may be required.

Perhaps, but deploying the army

and reinforcing its ranks are two separate discussions.

I'm afraid they are not.

Where will we find the manpower to send a security force

if we don't begin looking at once?

You, Your Highness should be using

your power and influence to recruit patriots

in the royal family's name.

That is the duty of your position.

I see now.

That's why you agreed to hold the Festival in the first place.

To boost recruitment numbers.

I say this in the name of the royal family.

The Sacred Blade Festival

shall not be used to wage war!

The mist does seem to be thickening.

But what could it mean?

I can't say for sure. But I don't like it.

I feel there's something sinister about the mist.

And that feeling only intensifies

as the cloud keeps growing.

Forgive my dramatics, but it feels like a sign

that something terrible is about to happen.

Someone must go to Griel to find Clemm

and learn what she has discovered.

I'd be happy to, Princess.

Ganette.

How long has it been now since Clemm left for Griel?

I believe it was about two weeks ago.

That's far too long.

Princess.

Yes? What is it?

We've been ambushed!

Hah!

Tell me what you're doing here!

That's enough. Retreat.

Leader. I can still fight.

You're no match for her. You've lost.

I'm impressed, Princess. You're quite skilled.

-- --

Why didn't you finish him?

You could have, and easily.

Is that your idea of justice, or are you just soft?

What are you talking about?

Who are you?

You're saying you want to go to Griel?

I'm worried about Clemm.

If you somebody needs to check on her,

then I should be the one to go.

As her teacher, that duty is surely mine.

No, Master.

I need you to stay here and see to the preparations

for the Sacred Blade Festival.

It must go on.

Nothing can stand in the way.

Why are you so fixated on the festival, anyway?

Even if someone appears who is able to pull the blade out,

what do you think will happen?

"The one who draws the sacred blade,

protected by the Lady of the Lake,

shall become the Shepherd."

I know it's only a legend...

But a hopeful one.

And I want to keep hope alive in this land for as long as I can.

Surely you understand that.

How much do you wanna bet

Clemm just got carried away exploring the ruins?

What are you talking about?

I guess you don't get out very much.

Don't tease him.

There is an ancient underground aqueduct in Griel

much like the ruins in Ladylake.

I had no idea.

Clemm likes to talk on and on about

how she would go exploring down there

when she was a child.

Well, if that's what's keeping her,

she deserves a good scolding.

I'll give her one, that's for sure.