Chapter 08 - Old Acquaintance Eleu Coge: Haha... What's this about? You’ve barely been a leader and you’re already arranging secret meetings? Euro Gallu: It's about Balaeno. His face barely moves... Do you think he's carrying some deep trauma? Eleu Coge: I've been wondering if he's some kind of fairy or something. Euro Gallu: A fairy? Eleu Coge: Yeah. Euro Gallu: A fairy, huh... That's an unexpected theory. I didn't peg you as someone who believes in fairies. Eleu Coge: I'm joking. I do not believe in fairies. I think it's more likely an optical illusion caused by insects. Eleu Coge: In other words, the brain fills in subtle motion caught at the edge of one’s vision, turning insects or reflected light into something mystical– Euro Gallu: I'll save laughing at your joke for later, if you don't mind. Eleu Coge: Ahaha! "Save laughing at that for later," is it? You're always entertaining. Fine, I'll allow it. Euro Gallu: Thanks. So why exactly did you suspect Balaeno might be a fairy? Eleu Coge: He only does what he's told. Even when it comes to the most basic human instincts. Euro Gallu: Basic instincts meaning... Eleu Coge: Hunger. The urge to sleep. Sexual desire. Unless I specifically instruct him, he doesn't eat, doesn't sleep.............. Eleu Coge: Well I haven't actually tested the last one. Euro Gallu: You do not need to test that one. He looks like a growing boy, don’t scare him. Euro Gallu: Only doing what he's told, huh... So does that mean he’ll do absolutely anything you command? Eleu Coge: Not exactly. As you saw just now, sometimes he will refuse to answer a question or outright decline an instruction. Eleu Coge: But he's remarkably capable once he does. I'm planning to bring him along on my investigation. Euro Gallu: Balaeno? Eleu Coge: That's right. Perhaps something will shift once we go back to the Altaria Vetus ruins again. Euro Gallu: I hope so... He might just be frozen from shock for all we know. Euro Gallu: Be gentle with him. Not that I'm worried, you're a kind person, Eleu. Eleu Coge: I am not kind. Eleu Coge: I let every last one of my subordinates die, never avenged them, walked away from the front line, and now I'm here absorbed in research like it's some hobby. Euro Gallu: It's not a hobby. It's my direct order. Investigating the Echoes is urgent work. Euro Gallu: This world is cruel, but it's also incredibly beautiful. I refuse to let it end. Eleu Coge: Balaeno. Getting over the pain. Euro Gallu: Balaeno. Getting over the pain. Euro Gallu: Haha... It's like a beacon of hope. Eleu Coge: Younglings are full of it. Balaeno. Come here. Balaeno: Yes. Eleu Coge: Tomorrow we leave this place and head to the Altaria Vetus ruins. Come along with me. Balaeno: Understood. Eleu Coge: There's nothing but Ecolina Village near the ruins, but it’s in Imperial territory. Do you know of it? Balaeno: Yes. Euro Gallu: We might stop there to resupply. It belongs to the Empire but the villagers are quite generous to travelers, even Federation ones. There should be no danger. Euro Gallu: Have you ever been to Ecolina Village? Balaeno: No. Euro Gallu: I see. Don't be so tense. If it's alright, would you mind loosening up a bit and talking casually? Balaeno: Sure. Wassup. Euro Gallu: ...Wassup? Eleu Coge: ...Wassup? Balaeno: Ya heading out tomorrow? Weather's probably leaning toward clear, I think. Good weather to dry laundry. Eleu Coge: That's a rather sudden shift. Euro Gallu: Maybe he's opening up. I'm glad, Balaeno. It’s nice to have you with us. Balaeno: Nice, yaaaay. Euro Gallu: ...Yaaaay! Eleu Coge: ...........I believe I should record that remark for later review. [Inside a dungeon cell in the Federation...] Amiya Rai: ........... U Lutri: Oh hey. U Lutri: Here I was wondering what kinda scary interrogator they’d throw at me, but they sent me a pretty boy. U Lutri: I know you. You're Amiya Rai, aren't you? U Lutri: The one competing with Euro Gallu over leadership. Has that been settled yet? Amiya Rai: It has. U Lutri: So which one won the crown? Amiya Rai: Secret. U Lutri: Meanie~ Amiya Rai: I'm impressed. A Song Seeker who's up to date on current events. U Lutri: Well, yeah. The Arca Songs we dig up are basically weapons, you know. U Lutri: You need to learn a great deal of history to study them. And once you know history, you can easily tell what’s gonna happen in the future. Amiya Rai: I'd love to learn from your wisdom, then. In fact, I'd like to study a bit of history myself. Just the events from a few days ago will do. Amiya Rai: What exactly were you doing at the Altaria Vetus ruins? U Lutri: ...........Heh heh... U Lutri: Want me to teach you a thing or two about negotiating while I'm at it? If there's information you want, you should be offering better terms. Amiya Rai: Such as? U Lutri: How about letting me out of here? Amiya Rai: Freedom is a matter of trust. Did your history lessons teach you anything about trust? U Lutri: Can't say they did. Amiya Rai: Once we've confirmed you're trustworthy, I'll release you from this cage unconditionally. Amiya Rai: Imperial soldiers have been spotted wandering around the Altaria Vetus ruins before, you know. U Lutri: Oooohhhhh... so you're suspecting I might be an imperial spy. Amiya Rai: Sorry about that. We're all a bit on edge these days. Amiya Rai: Let's build up trust one step at a time. What's your name? U Lutri: Lutri. U Lutri. Amiya Rai: A pleasure, Lutri. Is there anything you'd like to ask? U Lutri: What happened to that boy? Amiya Rai: He's been entrusted to someone reliable. Are you concerned about him? U Lutri: ...........Did he say anything? Amiya Rai: I'd imagine he said a few things, yes. U Lutri: ...........Hmph... U Lutri: It's cold in here. Bring me some hot chai. U Lutri: Then I'll talk. If I feel like it. Amiya Rai: Understood. I'll have some brought to you right away. And, one more thing... Amiya Rai: I'll give you a piece of important information. Not as a trade, mind you. Completely free of charge. U Lutri: Oh? Amiya Rai: Do you want to hear it? U Lutri: I do, I do. Amiya Rai: I am not like Euro Gallu. I have no qualms whatsoever about torturing a restrained, defenseless prisoner. U Lutri: ........... Amiya Rai: Make good use of that knowledge. Well then. U Lutri: ...........What a terrifying guy... U Lutri: What should I do now... If only I could get in touch with him... U Lutri: I wonder if you’re still alive, Xin... To be continued...