arrow_back Genshin Impact Quests 
Nereides Chapter: Act I
The Warmth of Lies
The Court of Fontaine seems to be holding quite a lively promotion event.
Take a look around the Court of Fontaine
Paimon:
This shop looks popular today... Wonder what the occasion is?
Paimon:
Hmm... "Butterfly Dew cosmetics, now on sale"... Huh, looks like it.
Paimon:
Huh? Sigewinne's here too?
Paimon:
Hey there, Sigewinne!
Sigewinne:
Hello there, Traveler and Paimon. I hope you're keeping yourselves fit and healthy?
Paimon:
You bet we are! So anyway, what are you doing here, Sigewinne?
Sigewinne:
The Duke insists I take regular vacations in the Court of Fontaine.
Sigewinne:
This one just so happened to coincide with a promotion for a new skincare product, so I came over to take a look. I like to keep up with the latest industry developments when I can, to help me with my magazine articles.
Paimon:
Wait, you write for a magazine? Which one?
Sigewinne:
It's called "Beautes en fleurs," and it's run by the Fontaine Beauty Association. I've done lots of articles about skincare for them, using the pen name "Romaritime Flower."
Paimon:
Oh, wow! You're "Romaritime Flower"!? If Paimon's not mistaken, you're one of the leading figures in the Fontaine Beauty Association...
Traveler:
Since when did you start reading beauty mags?
Paimon:
Huh? Wh—What's so weird about that? Everyone loves beauty.
Sigewinne:
I really like this role. The staff at cosmetics shops are always so polite, and as long as I wear a big smile on my face, I always get the best customer service.
Paimon:
Well, they sure don't wanna make an enemy of THE Romaritime Flower...
Paimon:
Obviously, it's because of Sigewinne's love for beauty. Still, a leader of the Beauty Association... that's incredible...
Sigewinne:
The truth is, I study this field because I cherish my own appearance. It has nothing to do with being beautiful or not.
Paimon:
Ooh... The words of a master beautician defy comprehension... Oh, wait! You're saying that natural beauty is the highest form of beauty, right?
Sigewinne:
Not really... Actually, Melusine aesthetics are very different from human ones. We don't view humans based on their appearance.
Sigewinne:
If I had to describe our approach, I'd say it's based on... "cuteness."
Paimon:
Oh... Really?
Sigewinne:
Yep. Still, I really value my current appearance, and in the process of taking care of it, I've ended up learning quite a lot about skincare and stuff.
Sigewinne:
Turns out my knowledge and experience is pretty popular with beauty product lovers. It came as a big surprise to me though.
Paimon:
Paimon gets it now. But speaking of your appearance... How come you look human, anyway? Are you, like, only half-Melusine?
Paimon:
Wait, sorry, sorry! That was probably really offensive, wasn't it...
Sigewinne:
No, I don't mind — I'm not mixed, though. I made a decision to turn myself into this form, a very long time ago...
Sigewinne:
If you're curious, I could tell you the story.
Paimon:
A shape-shifting story!? Heck yeah, of course we're interested.
Sigewinne:
Once upon a time...
movie
Sigewinne tells you a tale of a time long past. In the story, a little Melusine doctor wants to cure her ill friend, but the humans who held Melusines in contempt refused to allow it. After drinking a magical potion she got from a witch, and becoming more human-like, she was finally able to help her friend. Nevertheless, after her friend's condition improved, the Melusine chose to leave in silence.
Sigewinne:
...And so, since then, I've lived my life in human form. Most people who know me just think I was born this way.
Paimon:
...
Paimon:
A witch... a potion... Why does this sound like a fairy tale?
Sigewinne:
Trust me, it's a true story.
Paimon:
Must be the way you told it then... It just sounds so... huh.
Traveler:
You're an incredibly kind person, Sigewinne.
Paimon:
Yeah... Not every Melusine would take human form to save their human friend... That must've been a huge decision.
Sigewinne:
Treating patients is a doctor's duty. We must always find a way, even when the going gets tough.
Paimon:
Ugh, it's so crazy that they turned you away just because you were a Melusine. Especially when their daughter was so sick...
Sigewinne:
Well... Sometimes, appearance can be a real barrier. But that was a long time ago. I like how I look now, anyway.
Paimon:
Paimon too! You're super cute this way!
Calcagni:
Attention customers! Thank you all for waiting. Now, on behalf of our skincare partner, I'm delighted to announce that our exciting new product is now officially on sale!
Sigewinne:
Well, there we go! Let's have a look, shall we? Paimon, if you wanna buy any skincare products, I'll be happy to give you some suggestions.
Paimon:
Really? Personal advice, right from a leader of the Fontaine Beauty Association? What an honor!
Calcagni:
Allow me to introduce our newest skin lotion, Butterfly Dew. I'm sure many of you have already read about this product's trials in the newspapers.
Calcagni:
To say that it improves skin quality is an understatement. This product gets its name from the way it transforms your skin and makes it glow anew, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis and spreading its wings for the first time.
Calcagni:
We are thrilled to have the inventor of this fantastic product with us here today — please welcome Mr. Rawat, a researcher from the Fontaine Research Institute. Now, without further ado, I'll hand over to Mr. Rawat to tell you all about what Butterfly Dew can do for you!
Rawat:
Thank you. Hello everyone, I'm Rawat, and I developed Butterfly Dew.
Istress:
Wow, what a looker!
Aurillac:
He's a researcher? Wow, he's really challenging the stereotype...
Rawat:
Haha, it seems that everyone is surprised by my entrance — or should I say, my appearance?
Rawat:
I'm well aware that researchers are generally better known for their brains than their dashing good looks... In that regard, I do believe I break the mold somewhat.
Rawat:
Of course, appearance is a skin-deep way of defining a person. And yet, one's appearance can be a very real set of shackles, holding a person back in their life.
Rawat:
It can rob a young person of their self-confidence when applying for a job, dissuade a young lady from approaching the one she loves... Our actions are at the mercy of our appearance, and we slowly become the very person that the outside world sees us as.
Paimon:
Hmm...
Rawat:
But what if I told you that those shackles can be broken?
Rawat:
If our appearance prevents us from changing, then let us first change our appearance itself!
Rawat:
Wash away moles, birthmarks, and wrinkles, and they can no longer rob us of our confidence. Replace them with luster and radiance, and we shall never again hang our heads in shame.
Rawat:
That is why Butterfly Dew exists. Its mission is to allow us to shed our pupae, undergo a complete metamorphosis, and embrace a new life!
Paimon:
Well, whether it actually works or not — after that speech, Paimon's already sold!
Istress:
Mr. Rawat, could I ask if you've used this product yourself?
Rawat:
Of course. I tried it many times while I was testing it — you can consider me a product ambassador.
Paimon:
Wow, then it's sure to work!
Rawat:
Still, I don't expect to convince you just by blowing my own trumpet. So could I get a volunteer from the audience to try it out?
Paimon:
Paimon volunteers!
Rawat:
Hmm... Oh?
Rawat:
Ah, what an honor. It appears we have a giant of the Fontaine Beauty Association here with us... In that case, Miss Sigewinne, could we seek your most expert opinion on this product?
Sigewinne:
Ummm... Sure.
Istress:
Is that "Romaritime Flower"? They say she's the pickiest user of skincare products in all of Fontaine...
Rawat:
Here you go.
Sigewinne:
Hmm... It's very kind to the skin, and the absorption rate is high... Even for Fontaine, this is a first-rate product.
Paimon:
Wow, now that's high praise!
Customers:
I'll take one! Me, too! Do we get discounts?
Rawat:
Alright, well all that remains for me to say is: Butterfly Dew is now on sale!
The enthusiastic shopping spree rapidly decimates the stocks.
Paimon:
Think we should buy a bottle too?
Paimon:
Hehe, really? ...Well, it's still good to care for your skin though, right? Paimon definitely feels kinda rough from being exposed to the elements all the time...
Paimon:
And if you're worried about whether it's the right product for you — well, luckily for us, Sigewinne's here! So we can get an expert consultation.
Ask for Sigewinne's advice
Rawat:
It's an honor to receive such high praise from you. To be honest, I was also hoping you might be able to point out some flaws in the product so I can keep improving it.
Sigewinne:
With most skincare products, the pros and cons only become apparent with long-term use.
Sigewinne:
Yet this one has instant benefits, improving skin quality without any obvious side-effects. It's one of a kind.
Sigewinne:
Don't worry, though. I plan to keep using it, and I'll publish regular reviews in "Beautes en fleurs" — you can read my thoughts there. All you need to do is subscribe.
Rawat:
Oh... I was hoping for a more casual conversation, but you are a Beauty Association leader, after all. I understand if you want to keep this professional.
Paimon:
Sigewinne! Ahem... Excuse us, Miss Beauty Expert, but do you think this product is a good choice for me and him?
Rawat:
Hmm? Wait. Are you the renowned Traveler?
Paimon:
That's right — and by his side, the equally famous Paimon!
Rawat:
Haha... Well, I don't normally handle customer questions personally, but since it's Traveler asking, allow me to make an exception.
Rawat:
Butterfly Dew is made for all skin types, so no matter who you are, you can rest assured that it will be kind to your skin. If anything, it might be marginally more effective on Fontainian skin, but other than that, it works the same on everyone.
Paimon:
Why would it work better on Fontainians?
Rawat:
Um... In the interests of protecting my trade secrets, I'm afraid I can't answer that, Miss Paimon.
Paimon:
Eh, alright then. How about a friend discount?
Rawat:
Save yourself the trouble — I'd be greatly honored to have both of you use my product. Here, take two bottles, for free.
Paimon:
Yay! Paimon's private fund survives!
Traveler:
What's the catch? Is this a publicity stunt?
Rawat:
Haha, I can see why you might think that. But please don't misunderstand — this gift is simply a token of my esteem. There's no business motivation behind it.
Rawat:
To me, finding new customers for Butterfly Dew is about meeting kindred spirits — fellow admirers of physical beauty. I consider it a labor of love.
Paimon:
Admirers of physical beauty... Yeesh, that's embarrassing to say out loud. It sounds so shallow...
Rawat:
It's nothing to be ashamed of, Miss Paimon. Most people claim to desire inner virtue, but it is still physical appearance that turns their heads.
Rawat:
This is a fact of life. It's only natural for people to desire to become beautiful, and that's exactly what inspired me to choose this research direction in the first place.
Paimon:
You're right! Everyone loves beauty, don't they?
Rawat:
Ah, look at the time... My apologies, but I have other things to attend to. I'll leave you with these two bottles of Butterfly Dew, and I look forward to seeing you again.
Sigewinne:
Paimon, I'd say there's no need for you and Traveler to use this product for now.
Paimon:
Huh? Why, is there a problem with it?
Sigewinne:
The quality is fine, I just think there's room for improvement. I think I could add some ingredients to the mix to make it more effective.
Paimon:
Really? Then... Why didn't you tell Rawat about that?
Sigewinne:
Researchers are a very special breed of human.
Sigewinne:
You can point out their flaws to their face, and they won't mind very much. But if you tell them that someone else could do a better job... Now that'll make them really upset.
Sigewinne:
If I'd mentioned it, he probably wouldn't have given you those two bottles for free.
Paimon:
Huh, fair enough, that makes sense...
Sigewinne:
If you're interested in the more effective version, I can write up a list of ingredients for you. Just come get me once you've gathered them.
Paimon:
When you say more effective... You mean, it'll make Paimon even prettier? Ooh, Traveler, how could we say no!
Sigewinne:
As for me, it's probably time I got back to the Fortress of Meropide. I mustn't leave the infirmary unattended for too long.
Paimon:
Alright, see you there, then!
Go to the Fortress of Meropide
Paimon:
Whoa, the infirmary's packed...
Erick:
Please, you have to believe me! I saw it with my own eyes last night, another me! He looked EXACTLY like me!
Sigewinne:
Got it, okay. I've written down everything you told me. Now, I have a few tests to run. Take a deep breath, and don't worry — it's nothing to be nervous about.
Sigewinne:
First, which finger am I holding up?
Erick:
Your index finger, but... I'm telling you, my mental state is fine! I'm not crazy!
Sigewinne:
Very good. Now, onto the next.
Paimon:
Hey there, Your Grace. It's been a while, huh?
Wriothesley:
Ah, it's you two. Indeed it has. I would offer you some tea, but I'm afraid the timing is unfortunate — duty calls.
Paimon:
No worries, actually, we were looking for Sigewinne. Do you, uh... know what all this is about?
Wriothesley:
This inmate came running to guards in a panic, claiming to have seen his exact doppelganger.
Paimon:
A doppelganger? Doesn't that just mean someone else kinda looks like him?
Wriothesley:
That's what I thought when the report first reached my desk. But we've inspected our records. No one even vaguely resembles him.
Wriothesley:
Considering how certain he is of what he saw, I can only surmise that he's having some mental issues. So I brought him for a medical evaluation.
Sigewinne:
Alright, very good. Take a sip of water and rest for a bit.
Sigewinne:
Evaluation complete. I couldn't find any symptoms pointing to a physical condition.
Wriothesley:
I see. So, do you still believe there's more likely to be an issue with his mind than his body?
Sigewinne:
I have to assume so for now. Psychological issues are more difficult to detect. At this stage, we can at least confirm that he is in command of his cognitive faculties.
Wriothesley:
The rumor mill will go crazy if word of this gets out... Guards, take him to the ward for a period of observation.
Wriothesley:
The Marechaussee Phantom has requested my cooperation on a case, otherwise I'd deal with this myself. Sorry for the trouble, Head Nurse, but I'll have to leave this to you.
Sigewinne:
No problem, Your Grace. I'll add him to my observation list.
Wriothesley:
By the way, we have a couple of guests here who've made the trip just to see you. I imagine it must be important. You probably won't need to add them to your observation list, though.
Sigewinne:
Oh! Traveler, Paimon. It's you!
Paimon:
Hey there, Sigewinne! It's actually not THAT important, but...
Wriothesley:
I'll be in my office if you desperately need me. Goodbye for now.
Paimon:
Okay, bye-bye!
Paimon:
Uh, so, Sigewinne...
Sigewinne:
Would you mind waiting for just a moment? I have another patient to see. Just find an empty bed and take a seat, I won't be long.
Paimon:
Oh, sure.
Odilon:
Sigewinne, we've brought him — and he seems to have taken a turn for the worse again.
Sigewinne:
Okay, don't panic. Let's start by sitting him down here.
Paimon:
Paimon had no idea how busy it can get for Sigewinne... Maybe now's not the time to ask for her help with skincare...
Paimon:
Good point... Besides, it might actually be interesting to observe her at work.
Sigewinne:
This could hurt, so I suggest you take a deep breath first.
You see the face revealed by Potton, but are shocked by his appearance...
Paimon:
Aah!
Paimon:
Did his... face melt!? What happened to him?
Odilon:
It's anyone's guess... His face melted off shortly after arriving at the Fortress, but since he's a serious offender, he can't be allowed out for medical treatment. Best we can do for now is ask the head nurse to give him something to manage the symptoms.
Odilon:
This is gonna be awkward... We still need to bring him to the Marechaussee Phantom for questioning. What if he scares them half to death? Will that be our fault?
Paimon:
The Marechaussee Phantom? Does this have something to do with the case Wriothesley's dealing with?
Odilon:
Yep. It was a huge case. They bagged a few dozen crooks in one fell swoop — and this guy's the baddest apple of the bunch. He harmed countless people... And now it looks like it's all finally catching up with him.
Potton:
You done gawking?
Sigewinne:
Not yet. I need to check the severity of your ulcers to decide the right dosage.
Potton:
...
Sigewinne:
Don't worry, we Melusines have a very different sense of aesthetics from humans. To me, you just look like a little kitty with slightly scruffy fur, but still just as cute.
Potton:
Don't patronize me! Do I look like a kid to you? Just gimme the meds and lemme out of here, I already miss my cell.
Odilon:
Hey, lose the attitude! You dare talk back to our head nurse like that again, your days are numbered!
Sigewinne:
It's fine. Okay, I'm going to apply the medication now. Tell me if it hurts, alright?
Paimon:
Look how nice Sigewinne's being! And still he talks to her like that. What a nasty piece of work.
Potton:
Can I leave now?
Sigewinne:
Wow, not a peep. What a brave little guy.
Odilon:
Thank you, Sigewinne. And I apologize for the trouble.
Sigewinne:
So, Traveler, Paimon — did you bring the ingredients?
Paimon:
Uhh... We did, but we don't wanna interfere or anything... You're busy saving lives here...
Sigewinne:
Oh, don't be silly. I agreed to it, didn't I? Just hand me the ingredients, and I'll make some time to whip it into the improved version for you.
Sigewinne:
Take a rest here if you want. Or, if you're not tired, I hear they're holding a new pankration tournament in the Administrative Area.
Paimon:
Um... Or alternatively, is there anything we could help you with, Sigewinne?
Traveler:
Take it as a token of our gratitude.
Paimon:
That's right! Let us help you out. It's the least we can do!
Sigewinne:
Hmm, good point... Kind-hearted humans start to develop "guilt" if they accept free help from others...
Sigewinne:
Don't worry, I'll take a look at my schedule — I'm sure I can find something to treat this condition.
Sigewinne:
I gotta warn you though, it'll be tiring work. So I suggest that you take a break first, then come back and see me when you're ready.
Talk to Sigewinne
Paimon:
We're ready, Sigewinne! What's our first mission?
Sigewinne:
I found the perfect job for Traveler. First, I'd like you to lie down in this bed.
Following instructions, you lie down on the hospital bed beside you.
Paimon:
What for?
Sigewinne:
I need you to pretend to be sick.
Paimon:
...What?
Sigewinne:
Is it that difficult? I thought you did a pretty good job last time...
Paimon:
Ohh, so you knew?
Sigewinne:
I sure did. He was way more interesting than the usual malingering inmates, and you played along very well, Paimon. I observed you two for quite a while after that.
Paimon:
Well this is awkward... But why do you need us to do it again now?
Sigewinne:
No time to explain — my next patient will be here any second. Please, just do as I say. You can, uh... pretend like you've got a nasty headache. And throw in some dry heaving for good measure.
Paimon:
Oookay...
Luc:
*cough* ...Hey Doc, it's me. I'm only here 'cause my mom won't stop pestering me about it — ugh, so annoying...
Sigewinne:
Your mother has enough on her plate with a busy job. The last thing she needs is to worry about you being sick as well.
Luc:
I know, I know... I shouldn't treat the place like a playground, shouldn't go swimming in the lower levels where we join up with the sea, 'cause it'll give me a cold and distract her from her work...
Luc:
I thought I'd be able to have some fun here at the Fortress for a few days, but it's always "don't do this" and "don't do that."
Sigewinne:
Alright, sit yourself down, and I'll take your temperature. Hmm... Your fever still hasn't gone down. Well, here's your medicine. One cup for starters, and we'll see if it helps.
Luc:
But Doc, it's so bitter! Do I really have to drink it? I mean, I'll be fine, right? I've got an uncle who caught a cold — his fever went away on its own after a couple days.
Luc:
Can't you just write me a note saying I'm on the mend? I just need something to keep my mom off my case.
Sigewinne:
Hmm... I sure can. You're a very brave boy, after all.
Luc:
Huh? Brave? What makes you say that?
Sigewinne:
Well, if you want to rely on your own immune system to clear up your fever, then you'll have to tough it out like this guy.
Traveler:
*coughing* *retching*
Paimon:
Hang in there, Traveler! Are you gonna puke? Paimon can get you a paper bag!
Luc:
Huh...!?
Sigewinne:
As long as you're tough enough to get through the nausea and dizziness caused by the high fever, you'll be right as rain after just a few days' rest.
Luc:
And... if I'm... not tough enough?
Paimon:
Hey, hey, wake up! Wake up!
Sigewinne:
...Put it this way — at least you'll never have to see the doctor again, right?
Luc:
I... Uh, I think maybe I'll take that medicine after all, if that's okay...?
Sigewinne:
Of course. Here, it's still warm.
Luc:
*glug* Urgh, so bitter... *sobbing*
After some difficulty, Luc finishes drinking the medicine, then flees the infirmary crying...
Sigewinne:
All done. Great job, you two.
Paimon:
That kid really doesn't know what's good for him.
Sigewinne:
His mother's a guard here. She's been working back-to-back shifts lately, but unfortunately his father's away on a business trip right now. She had no choice but to bring her son here for the time being.
Sigewinne:
He was quite happy at first. He seemed to think that the Fortress of Meropide would be all fun and games.
Paimon:
So you made us put on that act just to scare a kid into taking his medicine? That's a pretty sneaky trick. Seems like there's a whole side to Sigewinne we never knew about...
Sigewinne:
It's a technique I learned from my teacher.
Paimon:
Ooh, you had a teacher? Was she a Melusine doctor too?
Sigewinne:
She was human. She passed away a long time ago.
Paimon:
Oh... Sorry...
Sigewinne:
It's fine. I really liked my teacher, so it's always nice when I get to talk about her with other people.
Sigewinne:
She was a traveling doctor. Since she didn't have a clinic, she'd go out and visit her patients wherever they were. Dealing with the badly behaved ones was her specialty.
Sigewinne:
She used to say... Ahem, "If you can scare the little brats into taking their medicine, you won't have to hear them wailing and screeching when their condition gets worse."
Paimon:
Huh. She sounds like a pretty strict teacher.
Sigewinne:
Strict? That's not how my teacher saw it. She thought of herself as "terrifying to kids."
Paimon:
Strange way for a doctor to describe themselves... Now Paimon's curious to know what she looked like.
Sigewinne:
As it happens, I actually have a picture of her.
The picture shows a serious-looking old woman.
Paimon:
Wow. Yeah, okay, that'll terrify the kids...
Sigewinne:
Yep. All the children she treated thought she was a witch.
Paimon:
Why does it almost sound like you're... envious of her...?
Sigewinne:
Oh, because I am! If she was here, all the children would take their medicine without any need for tricks.
Paimon:
A doctor who looks like a witch... True, they wouldn't dare to try anything funny with her around.
Sigewinne:
Me, on the other hand... It's hopeless — children aren't afraid of me at all.
Paimon:
That's actually a good thing, you know!
Sigewinne:
Ah, my next patient should be arriving now... Would you mind lending me a hand again?
Paimon:
Sure thing! On to the next mission!
A dozen or so patients later, Sigewinne is finally done with work for the day.
Paimon:
*yawn* Is it night time already? That flew by. You really have a busy job, Sigewinne.
Sigewinne:
Well, thanks to you two, it was much easier today.
Paimon:
Hehe...
Traveler:
Glad we could help.
Paimon:
Should we get some rest? It's getting pretty late.
Sigewinne:
Oh, there is one last thing. I have to keep it confidential, so I usually leave it till after everyone's clocked out.
Paimon:
Confidential? Are you sure you can tell us?
Sigewinne:
It's fine. You're not living here anymore, so it's okay if you know. All it is, is I have to prepare some ingredients to make healthy meals with.
Paimon:
Wait, you mean... THOSE healthy meals?
Traveler:
The ones that magically appear on the third day?
Sigewinne:
My patients refuse to eat any healthy meals I prepare in front of them. So, I have to prep the ingredients in secret, then let the chef at the Coupon Cafeteria handle the rest.
Paimon:
Considering even the chef's version makes people uneasy, it really makes you wonder what's in it...
Sigewinne:
You wanna find out? I can teach you how to make it. That way, if you ever suffer from exhaustion on your future travels, you can prepare a healthy meal for yourself. It's really good for you, y'know!
Paimon:
Umm... Sure. Guess we can help out one more time.
Sigewinne:
The ingredients are ready. Now, put them on the table, and add them in the order I tell you.
Sigewinne:
First we add this special Slime Condensate. Stir thoroughly, then pour it in. See that? It adds elasticity. Looks just like tasty jelly, doesn't it?
Paimon:
Yeah, it really does! ...Until you remember it's Slime Condensate.
Sigewinne:
Next up, Xenochromatic Crystals. You wanna crush them up into a fine powder — like powdered sugar.
Paimon:
Wait, are those from Fontemer Aberrants? Are you sure they're edible?
Sigewinne:
Finally, we'll need some high-protein meat. Frogs are an excellent choice. You just need to clean their innards, and then you're left with some lovely, tender meat!
Paimon:
Oh, frogs, huh...
Sigewinne:
Mm-hmm. And we're done. All that's left now is to pack them into lunchboxes and hand them to Wolsey.
Sigewinne:
Yesterday in the production zone, I noticed an inmate who's been working for two days straight. That means it's a healthy meal for him tomorrow.
Paimon:
Sigewinne really does have the inmates' best interests at heart.
Give the prepared ingredients to Wolsey
Wolsey:
Ah, Head Nurse! Got some extras for me?
Sigewinne:
Just the one today. The serial number's on the lid.
Wolsey:
Sounds good! I'll make sure it gets delivered.
Paimon:
Sounds like they're talking in code.
Sigewinne:
Thanks for your help.
Wolsey:
Oh, it's no trouble at all. I only wish I could do more. You work so hard for all our sakes... I'd happily lose a little sleep if it meant helping you out.
Sigewinne:
That won't do. If you reduce your sleeping hours any further, your health will start to suffer.
Wolsey:
Hmm... Alright, nurse's orders — I'll do as I'm told. But you take care of yourself too.
Sigewinne:
Well, I'm done with work for today. Thanks for helping out, you two.
Paimon:
Seems like the guards and staff here have a lot of respect for you, Sigewinne. In just one day of helping you with your work, it feels like we've done a lot for the Fortress.
Courbevoie:
Head Nurse! Please, wait! I'm sorry to disturb you this late at night, but I think you'll agree this is urgent.
Sigewinne:
Okay, just relax and catch your breath. What's the matter?
Courbevoie:
The guard at the observation ward, Odilon, he told me to pass on a message to you. One of the inmates there, the guy suffering from possible hallucinations... Well, he seems to have made a sudden recovery. And now he wants to apply for permission to leave the ward.
Paimon:
Huh? Already?
Sigewinne:
You were right to tell me. I'll have to examine him and make sure he's well before we discharge him.
Paimon:
Looks like we've got one job as medical assistants left. We'll come with you.
Go to the observation ward
Erick:
Ah, Head Nurse, you're finally here. I'm so sorry for the all trouble I've caused you, but I believe I've now made a full recovery.
Erick:
After giving it some thought, I'm sure that I was probably just seeing things. Stress-related, I imagine. I'd been working long hours, so I definitely wasn't in the best state of mind.
Sigewinne:
I totally understand. Still, I have to give you an examination before I can discharge you, okay? So take a deep breath, and don't be nervous. It'll be the exact same procedure as we did this morning. We can start whenever you're ready.
Erick:
Uhh... Again, so sorry — I was in such a state this morning, I barely recall anything... Would you mind taking me through it again?
Sigewinne:
Not at all, it's a lot to remember. First up, we have a little cognitive test. Just concentrate, and you'll be fine. To start with — which finger am I holding up?
Erick:
Your pinky.
Under Sigewinne's guidance, Erick quickly completes the full series of tests.
Sigewinne:
Alright, all indicators seem normal.
Paimon:
So it was a stress-induced hallucination after all?
Sigewinne:
Well, we've certainly had previous cases of mental illness caused by overwork, which is why I carefully observe everyone in the production zone. I wonder how I managed to miss the signs this time...?
Erick:
Please, Head Nurse, you shouldn't blame yourself! I'm just still adapting, that's all. Pushed myself too hard and I guess I couldn't take it.
Erick:
Thanks for looking after me. I'll be as good as new after a good night's sleep, and if you can give me the okay, I know I'll sleep better back in my good old dorm...
Sigewinne:
It can be difficult to relax in an unfamiliar environment... Alright then, you can leave the ward.
Sigewinne:
I suggest you take two days off to focus on your recovery. I'll take you off the observation list for now, so you're officially discharged.
Erick:
Great. I can't thank you enough, Head Nurse.
Sigewinne:
Mr. Odilon, could you escort him back?
Odilon:
Of course. I'm on guard duty in the Administrative Area tonight, so nothing will go wrong. You have my word.
Paimon:
Guess you're finally done for the day now, huh?
Sigewinne:
Yep... Ah, but I still haven't gotten around to making that improved lotion for you yet.
Paimon:
No rush! Seriously, it's super late now. You should go get some rest too!
Sigewinne:
Tomorrow it is, then. Good night, Traveler. Good night, Paimon. Hope you sleep well.
Paimon:
Oh, don't you worry, we will! After a productive day of work, we're both gonna sleep like a log!
Traveler:
Good night, Sigewinne.
Paimon:
Yeah, sleep tight, Sigewinne! See ya tomorrow!
After Sigewinne finally finishes a busy day as head nurse, it seems as though a new problem has already arrived...
Meet with Sigewinne
Paimon:
Whoa... How is the infirmary even busier than yesterday?
Sigewinne:
Good morning, Traveler, Paimon. I have a few people here for a checkup, so you might need to wait for a while.
Paimon:
No problem, anything we can do to help?
Sigewinne:
Umm... There's a bit of a complicated situation here, I'm still getting to the bottom of it myself...
"Gascon":
You have to believe me... I'm telling the truth!
Wriothesley:
...
Lambersart:
You're in a medical facility. Keep it down!
"Gascon":
Please, listen to me! I'm not Gascon, I'm Houilles!
Morgane:
You're a horrible liar, you know that? We get all your mugshots with the arrest warrants. It's clear as day that you're Gascon.
"Gascon":
You mean because of the way I look? I don't know what happened, I just woke up like this, then you guys dragged me in here for an interrogation...
Wriothesley:
I brought you here to figure out what's going on. If you truly are the victim of an injustice, yelling isn't going to achieve anything — at most, it'll delay your vindication.
"Gascon":
...Alright, I get it.
Morgane:
This is nuts. Yesterday's interrogations went fine, and now this...
Paimon:
Morning, Your Grace. What's going on?
Wriothesley:
Remember the case I mentioned yesterday? The one brought to me by the Marechaussee Phantom? Well, we've been questioning the inmates involved this morning. Every single one of them is claiming mistaken identity.
Paimon:
Huh... That's even weirder than what that guy was saying yesterday...
Wriothesley:
The thing is, none of them have been able to provide any evidence whatsoever to support their claims. Questioning them further got us nowhere, so for now we've brought them to the infirmary.
Paimon:
And we thought yesterday was as busy as it got for Sigewinne...
Morgane:
We've compiled their statements. Have a look. Perhaps there's something we missed.
Each of the criminals denies their own identities and all claim they should have been released from prison today. One even claims to be the guard Odilon.
Paimon:
Wait...
Sigewinne:
Hmm...
Wriothesley:
"Release"? Interesting. The inmates they spoke of in their statements appear to all be due for release today.
Morgane:
I noticed that too... If that's their plan, they're underestimating us a little. Every serious offender claims they're someone else who just so happens to be due for release today... And they're expecting us to go along with that?
Wriothesley:
All the more reason to be cautious. Lambersart, check the release list for today, and make sure no one gets processed. We're gonna need an excuse, though... Just... say we're out of forms. And that we're furiously printing more as we speak.
Lambersart:
I'm on it!
Wriothesley:
It's conceivable that our group of serious offenders somehow found a way to switch places with inmates who are about to be released, so they can walk out right under our noses.
Morgane:
We did consider that possibility, but I mean... Just look at them. They match the warrants, period. How could there have been a switch?
Wriothesley:
Only if they're dead ringers for the inmates due for release, I suppose... I gave you that name list yesterday to assist in your investigation. Did that help?
Morgane:
Yes, the inmates' mugshots were attached to the list. The first thing I did was check for lookalikes, and I didn't find any.
Morgane:
The only other thing that stands out to me is that their voices sound a little different today. But it's not exactly hard to put on a fake voice.
Wriothesley:
Oh, really? Hmm... What does our head nurse make of all this?
Sigewinne:
Give me a moment. I think I have a way to confirm whether there's been a switch.
Sigewinne:
I know, it's not time to change your dressing yet, but please bear with me.
Sigewinne walks up to "Potton" and tears the bandages away from his face...
Paimon:
Huh? Isn't that the guy from yesterday?
Sigewinne:
This should be Honore. He has very severe facial ulcers, which require an operation in the hospital at the Court of Fontaine. I authorized him to leave the Fortress for medical treatment under guarded escort.
"Potton":
Yes, like I told you! I'm not Potton! I'm Honore!
Morgane:
So there has been a swap... Well, I can see what happened in Potton's case, but how do you explain the other inmates? You're not telling me their... souls switched bodies, are you?
Sigewinne:
No. I believe it was their faces that got switched.
Sigewinne:
The method is a bit like replacing a tooth: Take the bad tooth out, put a false one in. Hmm... And actually, I think I can prove it to you.
Sigewinne:
Traveler, Paimon, do you remember Erick from the other day?
Paimon:
Yeah, sure do!
Sigewinne:
Then you can be my witnesses. To start with, please fetch the inmate who claims to be Erick.
Find the suspect who claims to be Erick
Sigewinne:
So you're... Erick?
"Enri":
Yes, Head Nurse! It's me! ...You do believe me, right?
Sigewinne:
I need to do another examination on you. Same procedure as yesterday.
"Enri":
Alright. It's the cognition test first, right? So I need to concentrate.
Sigewinne:
Now, try to recall if you can. The last time we did this test, which finger did I hold up?
"Enri":
I believe it was... your index finger.
Paimon:
Huh? But that means...
Wriothesley:
Huh?
Paimon:
So basically, last night, the Erick who said he saw another him suddenly recovered and applied to leave the observation ward.
Paimon:
Sigewinne did another test before letting him leave, but that time, she held up her pinky finger.
"Enri":
Huh? Uhh... I don't know about any test last night... There was nothing to do in the observation ward, so I went straight to bed. Then I somehow woke up in a high-security cell.
Wriothesley:
Hmm. Well, in that case, there is a reasonable explanation for the strange events of the past two days.
Morgane:
So... What exactly happened?
Wriothesley:
The gang of serious offenders wanted to break out of prison, so they identified a group of scapegoats — namely, inmates whose terms were almost up — and planned to switch appearances with them.
Wriothesley:
Last night, when Odilon was on duty, they ambushed him and had one of their group switch appearances with him using their face-swapping method. That allowed them to avoid scrutiny from the other guards.
Wriothesley:
Then, once all the other inmates were asleep, "Odilon" spent his night shift carrying out the remainder of their switcheroo plan.
Wriothesley:
However, they made one mistake. Enri changed his appearance to match Erick's earlier than he should have done, and ended up being spotted by the real Erick.
Wriothesley:
Real Erick came to the guards for help, but we didn't know then what we know now. So we put it down to hallucination, and sent him to the observation ward.
Wriothesley:
However, since one of the gang members was posing as a guard, they simply changed real Erick's appearance and had their "Erick" take his place, muddying the waters even further.
Sigewinne:
Right... Because I'd put Erick on the observation list by then, and no inmates on that list can be processed for departure until I've discharged them.
Wriothesley:
Hence why the imposters had to pull that little stunt, to get fake Erick off the list.
Paimon:
Yeah... It all makes sense now! The Duke cracked the case!
Morgane:
Well, I can't fault the reasoning. But I'm afraid that we ruled out the possibility of face-switching very early on in this process.
Ceasth:
Criminals altering their facial appearance to commit crimes is nothing new. In fact, one of the explicit duties of the Melusines in the Marechaussee Phantom is to identify criminals in disguise.
Ceasth:
We carefully examined all the suspects, and there is no evidence that any means of disguise were used in this case.
Paimon:
Huh? Well then how do we explain all this?
Morgane:
So far, it seems more likely that the gang stole documentation belonging to the inmates due for release, and are using that to commit identity fraud.
Sigewinne:
Hmm... Actually, there is a potion that can completely change someone's appearance. If they used that... even a Melusine wouldn't be able to detect it.
Paimon:
A shape-shifting potion, huh...
Morgane:
Forgive me, Head Nurse, but this is the first time I'm hearing about it... If such a potion truly existed, it would jeopardize our entire investigative process at the Marechaussee Phantom. Are you certain of this?
Sigewinne:
Yes. I am.
Morgane:
But...
Sigewinne:
Please, trust me and my professional opinion as an experienced clinician.
Wriothesley:
At the same time, without any solid evidence, it's pure speculation. Hmm... If we can round up all the inmates suspected of switching places, then have a little talk with both sides, we might just get our answer...
Wriothesley:
Yep, let's do that.
Morgane:
Okay... Well, it was our negligence that meant we had to come and conduct these post-internment interrogations, and I know it's put you out... We'll do it your way.
Lambersart:
Your Grace! Bad news — I paused the releases like you asked, but we were too late... a bunch of people already got processed two hours ago.
Lambersart:
I checked the list, and sure enough... it's all the people who gave statements.
Wriothesley:
Two hours ago? That's before today's interrogations began... They had this all planned out.
Morgane:
So there really was a switch after all? Ugh... They really pulled the wool over our eyes on this one.
Paimon:
We should be able to catch up with them if we leave now, right?
Morgane:
Not if that potion is real. They can just switch faces again after leaving the Fortress. And if the Marechaussee's Melusines can't even spot them, we wouldn't know where to start searching.
Paimon:
Yikes... so we're at a complete dead end!
Ceasth:
Well... Technically, there is one more lead we could follow up on.
Ceasth:
We were only able to arrest this gang thanks to the help of a researcher from the Fontaine Research Institute. I believe his name is Rawat.
Sigewinne:
Oh?
Paimon:
Rawat? Isn't that the handsome guy we met at that skincare promotion?
Ceasth:
Handsome? Maybe from a human point of view. I just remember that he specialized in potions.
Ceasth:
One of the crimes this gang is charged with is the manufacture and sale of illicit drugs. According Mr. Rawat, they appear to have stolen technology he developed through his research, and used it in their operation.
Ceasth:
At first, he thought it was a typical case of intellectual property infringement, and he tried to negotiate with them. But once he discovered their criminal operation, he reported them to the authorities.
Ceasth:
Thanks to his report, we were able to swoop in and arrest them all in one go.
Paimon:
What a hero. Bet that took courage on his part.
Wriothesley:
No doubt. This is worth following up on. As the one who snitched on them, it's highly likely that Rawat will be targeted by the escapees.
Wriothesley:
That aside, since he's negotiated with them in person before, there's a chance he'll have some additional information for us.
Morgane:
Understood, Your Grace. My team and I will head to the Fontaine Research Institute right away. In the meantime, please keep an eye on the face-switch victims for us.
Wriothesley:
Of course.
Sigewinne:
Um, Miss Morgane? I'd like to come along and help you catch these criminals.
Morgane:
Why's that?
Sigewinne:
Well, I'm the one who discharged the fake Erick last night, so I feel partly responsible.
Morgane:
Don't say that, Head Nurse. Your focus was on the inmates' health, and rightly so. We can't ask you to help with arresting criminals — that's our duty.
Sigewinne:
Umm... I also have a more personal reason. Potton is a patient of mine, and if I don't get a new batch of medicine to him in time, his condition will get much worse.
Morgane:
Look... Head Nurse, I completely understand where you're coming from. But arresting criminals is dangerous business, and if anything happened to you... None of us can afford to take on that responsibility.
Sigewinne:
Don't worry, I can defend myself just fine.
Morgane:
You say that, but still—
Wriothesley:
If I may, Ms. Morgane — Sigewinne is the one who raised the potion hypothesis, and I'm sure she has far more expertise on the topic than your team. My suggestion would be to bring her with you.
Wriothesley:
And if you really are worried for her safety, then...
Traveler:
Paimon and I are coming along anyway.
Wriothesley:
Ah, there you go, right on cue. Knew I could count on you.
Morgane:
Okay... Well, since this plan has the Duke's blessing, far be it from me to refuse... We should head off immediately. Time is of the essence.
Go to the Fontaine Research Institute
Morgane:
Greetings. Sorry to impose, but I'm afraid we're here on urgent business, and we're gonna need you to cooperate.
Bognor:
The Marechaussee Phantom? Let me guess, you're investigating some more illegal research?
Morgane:
Not this time, no. We're looking for a researcher, do you know where we might find Mr. Rawat?
Bognor:
Rawat... Oh, yeah — Mr. Handsome, right?
Bognor:
He actually doesn't work on site here very often. There's a handful researchers in the nearby area who know him pretty well, though. You could see what they know.
Paimon:
Just a handful? Paimon figured he'd be the most popular guy around.
Bognor:
Well, I guess you could say he's popular, at least on a superficial level. He's blessed with good looks, so he tends to make a good first impression on people.
Bognor:
But in all his time here at the Fontaine Research Institute, I don't think he's ever had a single deep conversation about his research with his peers. That's no way to make real friends around here.
Paimon:
That's so weird... He definitely didn't come across like a recluse at that product promotion.
Sigewinne:
I don't find that weird at all. He definitely didn't strike me as the kind of guy who's good at making friends.
Paimon:
Really? Paimon couldn't tell... must be a Melusine perception thing.
Morgane:
Okay — we should talk with his acquaintances, but we also need to check the research institute for any clues. Let's split up, it'll save us some time.
Paimon:
Sure thing. We'll go ask around among the other researchers with Sigewinne. Paimon's suddenly kinda curious to know what everyone really thinks of him.
Gather intelligence from researchers familiar with Rawat
Paimon:
Hey there! Are you Antibes?
Antibes:
What do you want?
Paimon:
We're here to ask about Rawat. Any idea where he might be? We were told you're pretty close with him.
Antibes:
"Close"? Hmph, not sure that's the word I'd use. He wouldn't even let me use his patent.
Paimon:
...Huh?
Antibes:
It's been a good few days since I last saw him. I don't know where he's at. Go ask someone else.
Sigewinne:
Umm... Would the patent in question happen to be related to the new skincare product he developed?
Antibes:
Tsk... Yeah, kinda. "Butterfly Dew," or whatever he calls it. Hmph, I heard he made a tidy sum off of that one...
Paimon:
Okay, now we're getting somewhere! Keep going...
Antibes:
Most of the other researchers here focus on mechanics, energy, stuff like that. I get why he wouldn't be interested in having anything to do with them.
Antibes:
But I'm studying coatings. There's a huge overlap in our areas of research! Why would he refuse to work with me?
Antibes:
I bought his product once and noticed it contains a unique substance that might have applications in coatings too. If it worked out, I could probably make as much as he's making.
Antibes:
Don't get me wrong, I had no intention of plagiarizing his work. I was hoping to get official permission to use his findings in my own research. Followed the proper procedure, it was all above-board — I would've had to pay him a license fee and everything.
Antibes:
But despite that, he turned me down not once, not twice, but three times! It's like he's vehemently opposed to the idea of anyone else making the kind of money he does!
Paimon:
Huh, so is Rawat antisocial, or is this guy just jealous?
Traveler:
Maybe both of the above...
Paimon:
Well, doesn't look like we're gonna get any info about Rawat's whereabouts from him. Let's go.
Sigewinne:
Wait, one second... Mr. Antibes? Next time you go shopping, you should buy some Bulle Fruits. Peel the skin, steep in water, then drink — it'll help calm your mood.
Antibes:
Huh? Uhh, yeah, thanks...
Gather intelligence from researchers familiar with Rawat
Paimon:
Excuse us, are you Audree?
Audree:
That's me. What is it?
Paimon:
Are you close friends with Rawat? We're trying to find out where he is.
Audree:
Close friends? Pff. You mean, because I told him I had feelings for him once? I doubt I'm the first or last at the institute to make that mistake... Why would you single me out as a "close friend"?
Audree:
I should've known, really. Men like him, they just enjoy being surrounded by fawning women... They're not interested in a serious relationship.
Paimon:
Oookay... Um, we were just kinda wondering if you might know where we can find him...
Audree:
Why would I know where he's at? I barely know him, and he probably doesn't even remember me.
Paimon:
Ugh, this is getting annoying. Shall we go ask someone else?
Sigewinne:
Hmm, I think she knows Rawat better than she cares to admit. If we leave now, it might be a wasted opportunity.
Paimon:
Maybe, but we're not going to get much out of her while she's in this state, are we?
Sigewinne:
She's displaying symptoms common among people in love, if that's what you mean. But I know a cure.
Paimon:
...It's curable?
Sigewinne:
*clears throat* We're still no closer to finding Mr. Rawat... By this point, he could be in grave danger.
Audree:
Danger? Wait, why are you looking for him, again?
Paimon:
Ohh... That's right, yeah! The Marechaussee Phantom said that he's been targeted by some pretty bad people. We need to make sure he's safe.
Audree:
What? How has this happened!? He seemed fine when I last saw him, and that was only a couple of days ago... Just happened to run into him, of course.
Sigewinne:
I see, I see. Well, do you have any thoughts on where he might be right now?
Audree:
...Okay, but this is purely out of concern for his safety... If he's not at the Institute, he might be at his mother's place.
Audree:
I heard she raised him alone, that they had it pretty tough financially, and these days she's housebound due to illness. He makes regular trips back home to check on her.
Paimon:
Ooh, okay. Do you know the address?
Audree:
Nope, sorry. I only found out the thing about his mother because it came up in conversation once. I was just trying to find out more about him. Y'know, so I could get to know him better.
Audree:
When I told him I had a crush on him, I offered to help him take care of his mother. And yeah, maybe that was a stupid idea, but did he really have to yell at me for it? It's like, fine, I can take no for an answer, but what's with the temper tantrum?
Audree:
Unbelievable. Ugh, these guys only wanna show you their charming, well-groomed exterior. They can't stand it when a few home truths shine through...
Paimon:
Looks like her love syndrome is flaring up again...
Sigewinne:
We need to find out Mr. Rawat's mother's address... Let's check with the Marechaussee officers when we regroup.
Paimon:
Cool, sounds like a plan.
Gather intelligence from researchers familiar with Rawat
Paimon:
Sorry to bother you, Sir, but are you Bertram?
Bertram:
Who's asking?
Paimon:
Just some concerned citizens helping out the Marechaussee Phantom with an investigation. We'd like to ask you about Rawat's whereabouts, if that's okay. We're told the two of you are pretty close?
Bertram:
Not anymore, we're not. Turns out we don't see eye to eye.
Paimon:
Oh yeah? What happened?
Bertram:
*sigh* ...The thing about us researchers is, most of us do what we do for some sort of higher purpose. But not Rawat. All he cared about was how to commercialize his findings.
Bertram:
He won't even let you work with him unless you sign a confidentiality agreement first. All so he has better control over who gets which intellectual property rights. How are you supposed to get any meaningful research done working with a guy like that?
Bertram:
Now that I've got my own technical solution for my compressor, I don't need to work with him anymore.
Paimon:
So that's what Rawat is really like...
Sigewinne:
We'd still like to know where to find him. Is that something you can help us with?
Bertram:
Wait, you're... Yeah, I know you, you're the head nurse at the Fortress of Meropide. Alright, then I'm happy to help you if I can. I respect the work you do — medicine serves the highest purpose of all the sciences.
Paimon:
Wow, turns out Sigewinne's got some real clout.
Bertram:
Thing is, I have no real way of knowing where he might be. I stopped working with him two months ago, and I've barely seen him since.
Bertram:
But if you want my advice, I'd say go talk to the peddlers. There's a few he meets with every other day or so, maybe they know where he's at.
Sigewinne:
Peddlers?
Bertram:
Yeah. Back when I was working with him, I noticed he met with them quite often. Wouldn't surprise me if they were involved in some shady business together, because it seemed like they went out of their way to avoid discussing anything in my presence.
Bertram:
The little I overheard was about manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical drugs. Like I said, he's all about the money.
Paimon:
Drugs? Doesn't he work with skincare products? Do those count as drugs?
Bertram:
Who knows? I never cared to find out. He's the Mora-grubber, not me.
Sigewinne:
Thank you. You've given us plenty to work with.
Bertram:
Welcome. Goodbye, and may we both reach new heights in our scientific endeavors.
Rendezvous with the Marechaussee Phantom officers
Paimon:
Y'know, Paimon started out thinking Rawat was a handsome researcher with a friendly and cheerful personality. It's such a surprise to learn that his peers have a different impression of him.
Sigewinne:
So what's your view of him now, Paimon?
Paimon:
Hmm... A handsome researcher whose difficult upbringing turned him into a profit-chaser with a chip on his shoulder...?
Sigewinne:
So your thoughts about his appearance haven't changed at all.
Paimon:
Well... His looks are kind of a big deal, at least in Paimon's opinion. How does such a handsome guy end up being so antisocial? Even with his difficult family background, it just doesn't make any sense.
Sigewinne:
You can't judge a person solely based on their appearance.
Morgane:
Head Nurse, Traveler, I assume you've spoken with the researchers? What did you find out?
You exchange the intelligence you've gathered.
Sigewinne:
Bertram mentioned Rawat's involvement with some pharmaceutical merchants. Do you know if he's registered any pharmaceutical brands?
Ceasth:
Since he was the whistleblower on such a huge case, I ran a background check on him. Hmm... I don't remember there being any brands under his name.
Sigewinne:
How strange... If he was so focused on commercializing his research and averse to sharing his technology with others, why wouldn't he have registered his own brands?
Sigewinne:
Maybe he and his "business partners" needed to avoid public scrutiny?
Ceasth:
You think he may have colluded with the gang? Hmm... Well, the crime was manufacture and sale of drugs, and that would certainly be in his wheelhouse. We can't rule it out.
Paimon:
Isn't that pretty unlikely though? He was the one who blew the whistle on them.
Sigewinne:
Most children who come to me with tooth decay have suffered pain for a long time already, but they'll still try to hide the fact that they eat too many sweets. Grown-ups and children aren't so different in that regard.
Paimon:
Hmm, if you say so...
Morgane:
I saw him when he came to make his report, and I certainly didn't get the feeling that he was the type to collude with criminals. Perhaps it's more likely that they were coercing him?
Morgane:
You mentioned that he comes from a poor family. So it's possible that the criminals approached him asking for academic support, luring him in with the promise of riches.
Morgane:
By the time he discovered who they really were, he was in too deep, they had leverage on him, so he was forced to keep working for them... I've seen it happen many times before.
Paimon:
That does make a lot of sense. It would definitely explain why he was so unwilling to cooperate with his fellow researchers.
Paimon:
No wonder he's so unsociable. He must be on edge all the time with a gang of crooks breathing down his neck.
Sigewinne:
In that case, the situation could be worse than we thought.
Sigewinne:
If Rawat was working with the escaped inmates, they're sure to know more about his whereabouts than us. There's a good chance they'll get to him before we do.
Ceasth:
Based on the information we've gathered so far, he was last seen two days ago. If no one's seen him since, maybe we're... too late...
Paimon:
Two days ago? So he went missing right after that product promotion?
Morgane:
That was the same day he reported the criminals, too. Not a good sign.
Sigewinne:
Hmmm... Don't worry, everyone. I believe we still have a chance. Since he disappeared right after blowing the whistle, it's likely that he's gone into hiding.
Paimon:
Yeah. He must've been worried that they'd come for him.
Morgane:
All the more reason to find him as soon as possible. The only lead we have at the moment is his mother's house, which you mentioned earlier. Ceasth, think you can find the place?
Ceasth:
Yep. *chuckle* When you register a brand, the Court of Fontaine requires you to provide a legal address. The one Rawat wrote down was in the outskirts of the city. That should be the place.
Sigewinne:
Okay, then there's no time to lose. Let's move!
Go to Rawat's mother's residence
Ceasth:
Alright, should be this house. I'm pretty sure this was the address.
Morgane:
Okay, I'll knock.
Morgane knocks several times. No one answers, but you hear the faint sound of breathing from inside.
Sigewinne:
Sounds like whoever's inside has restricted mobility... It seems serious — what's the fastest way to get this door open?
Paimon:
Umm... break the door down?
Ceasth:
No, no, I'll handle it. Let the expert deal with it — there'll be a mountain of paperwork if we damage a citizen's property.
Ceasth:
Calm down, deep breaths, remember your training, control your strength, aaand... it's open!
Morgane:
Ceasth, take a few people and lie in wait. Keep your eyes peeled for any activity around the house. Traveler, Head Nurse, and I will go inside.
Enter Rawat's mother's residence
Paimon:
Hello...! Anyone in here...?
Paimon:
There! On the bed, there's an old lady. That's gotta be Rawat's mother, right? She doesn't look like she's in any state to be answering our questions, though...
Sigewinne:
We could try, but she is very ill. We mustn't force it.
Morgane:
Well, doesn't look like Rawat's here. She's the only one we can talk to.
Sigewinne:
Yep... Allow me.
Sigewinne:
Hello Ma'am, might I ask if you're Rawat's mother? We're trying to locate him.
Sick Old Lady:
Huhhh...? Who...?
Sigewinne:
Hard of hearing, perhaps... Does anyone have a picture of Rawat?
Morgane:
I have one here.
Sigewinne:
I'd like to show you a photo, Ma'am. Is this your son? Do you know where he is?
Sick Old Lady:
*cough*
Paimon:
Looks like this isn't gonna work after all.
Morgane:
*sigh* ...Well, looks like we're out of leads. If Rawat's not here... Things are looking very bad for him.
Paimon:
Is it possible he could have avoided returning here because he knew he'd be in danger?
Morgane:
Maybe, but if so, where do we look next? Maybe we should take another look at the institute?
Paimon:
Guess so...
Morgane:
I suggest we all return there now. We found a good amount of useful information the first time, but perhaps there's something we missed. This is our last hope.
Sigewinne:
Sorry, Officer, but could I stay here for a while? This patient requires some care.
Morgane:
Of course. Traveler, stay with the head nurse. You're technically here as her assistant, after all.
Traveler:
You got it!
Sigewinne:
Also, I'd like some Marechaussee members to stay as well and keep an eye on the area.
Morgane:
Why's that?
Sigewinne:
If Rawat knows how serious his mother's condition is, he will return.
Morgane:
Got it... Okay, I'll tell the squad members in hiding to stay put and keep a lookout.
Sigewinne:
Thanks for helping me out yet again, Traveler and Paimon.
Paimon:
No problem! But, when you say her condition is serious... Do you mean...?
Sigewinne:
Yes. She is barely clinging on to life.
Paimon:
Aw...
Sigewinne:
Let me take care of a few things first. Could you pass me the towel over there?
Paimon:
Yeah, of course!
Sigewinne:
I can tell that her family has tried a lot of different treatment methods, including some very expensive medicines. Unfortunately, her condition is so multifaceted that a recovery looks all but impossible.
Paimon:
Sigewinne... Paimon bets being a nurse must be pretty tough at times like this?
Sigewinne:
Yes... It makes me a little sad.
Sigewinne:
In a Melusine's eyes, a human's birth, aging, sickness, and death are as much part of natural law as sunrise and sunset.
Sigewinne:
But human medicine can defy that law to some extent. In that sense, it is a science of miracles — that is why I became fascinated with it in the first place.
Sigewinne:
But it was only after I truly became a doctor that I realized, miracles don't always happen. Even the greatest doctors cannot cure all diseases.
Paimon:
Sigewinne...
Sigewinne:
Don't worry about me, Paimon. A doctor's duty is not to cure all diseases, but to treat whatever ailments they can.
Sigewinne:
At the very least, I can lower her fever. That way, she'll suffer less, and she might even be able to see her son.
Paimon:
Yeah... All the more reason to find Rawat as soon as possible, even if we don't catch those crooks!
Sick Old Lady:
*cough*...
Sigewinne:
Her fever's getting worse. Could I get some hot water?
Paimon:
Sure, we're on the case!
Look for hot water
Traveler:
(Found it. Fortunately, there's still some ready-made hot water here.)
Traveler:
(Hmm? This cabinet seems to have a hidden compartment.)
Traveler:
(This is...)
You find Rawat's journal within a hidden compartment, and it seems to record the location of a private lab...
Talk to Sigewinne
Sigewinne:
Found the hot water?
Paimon:
Sure did! And look what else we found!
Paimon:
Judging by this journal, it seems like Rawat has a private lab. There's a good chance he could be there right now! We gotta go tell Officer Morgane right away!
Sigewinne:
That's great news — but hold on just a moment.
Sigewinne:
The wet towel is ready. I'm giving you another injection... Are you feeling better now?
Sick Old Lady:
*cough*... Phew...
Sigewinne:
It's alright. We'll go bring him back. Please, hang in there.
Sick Old Lady:
...Thank you.
A new clue discovered in Rawat's mother's residence seems to be a critical piece of evidence allowing the investigation to proceed.
Go to Rawat's private lab
Paimon:
It's Officer Morgane, they're already here!
Morgane:
We came as soon as we heard the news... I can't believe we were so careless. The most crucial information of all was hiding right there, in that room, and we missed it...
Sigewinne:
Don't blame yourself. Right now, we need to focus on finding a way in.
Paimon:
There's a mechanical door over here... Hopefully the instructions in Rawat's journal will help us open it.
Morgane:
It's open. Let's go in.
Enter the underground lab
Dupont:
Captain! According to our list, many of the fugitives aren't accounted for. There may be others hiding deeper inside the facility.
Morgane:
Ah. So these guys were just the lookout crew...
"Odilon":
The Marechaussee Phantom? How did they find this place!?
Paimon:
Wait... it's that guard from the Fortress...
"Odilon":
That's right, I'm on your side! Uh... I mean, the Duke sent me. What's the matter? Some sort of mixup?
Sigewinne:
Mr. Odilon, didn't I tell you a few days ago that you need to stop all field work until you've recovered?
"Odilon":
Ah, well, y'know... Gotta help His Grace out, share the load! *coughing*
Sigewinne:
Officer Morgane, this man is an impostor. The real Mr. Odilon has no recent health issues.
"Odilon":
What? But, I...
Morgane:
Looks like the Head Nurse was right about the face-swapping method... Arrest them all!
Morgane:
Dupont, stay here and keep guard — and watch the exit. If we're not back soon, call for reinforcements.
Dupont:
Got it!
Search deeper
Paimon:
So many jars. Was this some sort of production facility?
Sigewinne:
This scent... It's probably the ingredients used to make Butterfly Dew.
Paimon:
How come they're all empty? Did it sell so well that he ran out of supplies?
Morgane:
How strange... Why would Rawat choose to manufacture a popular product like that in such a difficult-to-reach location?
Morgane:
Given our suspicion that he may have been coerced into the illegal drug trade, I would have thought that any production facility we find here would be used for illicit purposes.
Sigewinne:
Perhaps Butterfly Dew is itself an illegal drug.
Morgane:
Do you have any evidence for that claim?
Sigewinne:
No, just a guess. We need to find Rawat as soon as possible. He has all the answers we need.
Morgane:
Understood. Well, let's not linger here. Let's go, come on!
Look for a way to go deeper
Paimon:
This room's much smaller than the others.
Sigewinne:
Judging by the implements on the table, this looks like a potion-making lab.
Morgane:
Head Nurse! Over here!
Paimon:
Let's see... Huh, Rawat's clothes? Why would he change here?
Sigewinne:
Hmm... Perhaps they stripped him down, left the clothes behind, and disposed of him somewhere else?
Paimon:
Yikes, Sigewinne, where did that come from!?
Morgane:
What a tragic way to go... Especially with such a bright future ahead of him...
Sigewinne:
There's a path leading further on, Officer Morgane. Let's keep up the pace.
Head into the deepest part of the lab
Paimon:
Shh! There's a whole bunch of people in there!
"Houilles":
Are you serious? You're telling us that within a day, our faces are going to rot like yours?
Potton:
Fontainian physiology changed dramatically after that great flood, and it's not as compatible with this face-changing solution as before. The side effects are as you can see.
"Houilles":
Why didn't you say anything before we all used it!?
Potton:
Look. My plan got you all out of prison, didn't it? You'd have much bigger problems to worry about right now if the Marechaussee Phantom found out about your other crimes... Consider an ugly mug getting off lightly.
"Houilles":
Ugh, you're just lucky we didn't leave you in there, after you disappeared on us with no warning! We only let it slide 'cause we're former partners... and now you have the gall to pull a stunt like this?
Potton:
"Partners"? Make no mistake, each of us is only looking out for himself. If you place too much trust in others, well I'm afraid that's your problem.
Potton:
You hid things from me, too. Remember how you each had a spare potion, yet kept quiet about it until we planned the prison break?
"Houilles":
Oh, and you didn't have a secret spare? Then do you wanna explain how you melted your face off before all this?
"Erick":
Guys, that's enough, calm down. It is what it is. Arguing won't change anything.
"Erick":
What's the plan, Potton? I'm assuming you brought us here for a reason?
"Houilles":
There is no plan! We followed him here on the promise of more juice, but it turns out there ain't a drop here!
"Houilles":
Besides, what does it matter now anyway? He already said, even if we did get our hands on more of that stuff, switching faces again solves nothing. They're still gonna melt off eventually.
"Erick":
I said, enough arguing! Potton, tell us the plan.
Potton:
Hmph. The most practical solution is to continue using the potion. Keep switching to a new face before the ulcers can start forming.
"Houilles":
Are you kidding me? This stuff was hard enough to get hold of even when we had a supply. Now you're asking us to use it like skin lotion, after the flood all but wiped the supply out!?
Potton:
Well, there is another option. But you'll have to make a deal with me first.
"Erick":
Okay, now we're talking. What's the deal?
Potton:
I have a document I took from that researcher that details how to make a replacement. Just give me one bottle of the undiluted fluid, and I will get to work.
"Erick":
Uhh...
Potton:
What's the problem? I thought you always kept reserves? Or did you really just have one spare bottle each?
"Houilles":
What do you think? That we were shipping them into the Fortress of Meropide by the basketload?
Potton:
Well then... say hello to never showing your marred faces in public again!
"Houilles":
Gah, I've heard enough! Get him! Let's see if that document even exists!
Morgane:
Freeze! Marechaussee Phantom!
Potton:
What? Who let them in?
Sigewinne:
Officer Morgane, before anything else, please find out Rawat's status.
Potton:
Rawat...
Morgane:
I don't see him... Hand over the hostage now, if you want any chance of avoiding an extension to your sentences.
Potton:
Hahaha... Spare us your condescending attempts to coax us back to our cells! You think we're looking to negotiate? Rawat is dead!
Sigewinne:
Potton...
Morgane:
Arrest them all! Don't let anyone get away!
Talk to Potton
Morgane:
Gotta say, I never expected to see the head nurse in combat...
Sigewinne:
Some patients respond better to a more aggressive treatment plan. Did we get everyone?
Dupond:
Captain, we've finished the headcount — Potton's missing...
Paimon:
Over there! The door's closing!
As the exit gate locks into place, you realize that Potton escaped to the control room in the chaos.
Potton:
Hah, one group trying to arrest me, another trying to hunt me down... Good, I get to kill two birds with one stone.
Morgane:
How did he get up there? There must be a secret passage somewhere. Find it!
Potton:
Don't waste your energy. I already sealed it off.
Morgane:
How naive. We have more people outside. If we're not back out by the agreed time, they'll come to our rescue.
Potton:
Well then, you'd better hope they get here in time!
Sigewinne:
There's some kind of gas leaking from the pipes... Be careful, it's poisonous.
Potton:
This is our distribution center, where we store the product derived from our source solution. We had to use special fire prevention methods to prevent contamination.
Potton:
The pipe network here was designed to emit a gas for firefighting. One little modification later, and it makes an efficient death trap.
Sigewinne:
Why would you do this? Your partners are here too.
Potton:
Oh, please. If they can't supply what I need, they're of no further use to me. Besides, I can't have them exposing my potential whereabouts.
Paimon:
He's a maniac... C'mon, we've gotta find a way to open that door!
Potton:
Go ahead, struggle in vain. Once the last of you croaks, no one will ever find me again. So long!
Sigewinne:
Are you sure you're ready to leave, Potton? You haven't changed your dressing today.
Potton:
...You can't cure my face. Just give up.
Sigewinne:
And what if I could?
Potton:
Hmph... Nice try, you're just trying to stall me. Don't you worry about me, I'll find a way to cure my face once I get out of here.
Sigewinne:
Oh, I doubt it. After all, Fontainians can no longer dissolve in Primordial Seawater.
Potton:
What the... How did you...!?
Sigewinne:
The key component of the face-changing potion is the fluid left behind by dissolved Fontainians. It might look like ordinary water, but it has some unique elements in it.
Sigewinne:
Before the flood, all Fontainians were Oceanids, physiologically speaking.
Sigewinne:
A potion made from that fluid could dissolve and reconstruct the face of a Fontainian, in much the same way as Hydro Eidolons change form.
Sigewinne:
Theoretically, it could give someone any appearance they wished.
Sigewinne:
But since the flood, Fontainians have become true humans. They can no longer provide the source material for this potion, nor reap its benefits.
Morgane:
Are you saying... this potion is made from Fontainians dissolved with Primordial Seawater? Then their crimes are far worse than I thought...
Potton:
How could you know all of this? No, wait... Hahaha, of course! Well, well. So that's why you have a human appearance.
Sigewinne:
It also means that I have a formula you're unaware of. *cough* ...The air's getting thicker... It's getting hard to breathe.
Hearing the conversation, Potton temporarily closes the pipe valve.
Potton:
Heh, I might get to make a deal today after all. Alright, keep talking. How do you intend to give me the formula?
Sigewinne:
Oh, it's not a formula, but a finished product. I have a bottle of it right here.
Potton:
What?
Sigewinne:
When I tried Rawat's skincare product, I noticed it had a certain special component in it. So I had my friends gather some other ingredients for me, and sure enough, a little experimenting later, I'd produced the potion.
Sigewinne:
I'm guessing his skincare lotion contains the fruits of your joint research?
Potton:
Huh. Impressive guesswork. Yeah, we were his supplier for some of the raw ingredients.
Paimon:
*gasp*
Potton:
But it only contains a tiny amount of the active ingredient. The effect is miniscule compared to the undiluted fluid.
Sigewinne:
Well, I found a way to reverse the dilution process, giving the skincare lotion a similar effect to the fluid it is derived from.
Potton:
That's impossible...
Sigewinne:
If I tell you some of the ingredients, I think you can figure it out. First, you need to combine Tainted Hydro Phantasm tissue with Transoceanic Pearls at a ratio of around three to seven.
Potton:
Tainted Hydro Phantasms and Transoceanic Pearls? Ah, I see... Can't believe I never thought of that...
Sigewinne:
So. Can we make a deal?
Potton:
Sounds good to me. There's a delivery pipeline beneath this window. Drop the potion in, and I'll release you all.
Sigewinne:
Nope, not trusting you that easily. You're like those naughty kids who try to hide their illness. Open the sluice gate first, then I'll hand you the potion.
Potton:
Hmph. Even if you're not bluffing, your potion won't cure my face permanently... You really think you have any leverage here?
Potton restarts the valve, and the poison gas begins leaking once more...
Potton:
I'm not closing the valve this time. Clock's ticking.
Sigewinne:
Fine, then I'll just stand here with the potion in my hand. And when I faint from the poison, I'll drop it and it'll be destroyed.
Potton:
No...
Potton hesitates for a moment, but finally chooses to raise the gate.
Paimon:
It's open!
Morgane:
Disable that sluice gate! Jam it! Don't let it close again!
Sigewinne:
That's more like it. In that case, a promise is a promise.
Sigewinne places the potion she is holding into the delivery pipeline.
Morgane:
Head Nurse, there's too much poison gas in here. We have to leave, now!
Get out via the way you came
Paimon:
Phew... That was too close! That Potton is a real nasty piece of work...
Sigewinne:
Don't be too quick to sit down. Moving around a little will help relieve the soreness.
Sigewinne:
Same goes for you, Traveler. But Paimon, you should be fine, right?
Paimon:
Flying fast is pretty tiring too, actually! Anyway, that's not important right now. Paimon's still shocked to learn that there was a whole criminal operation going on behind that skincare lotion.
Sigewinne:
Shame I ended up giving the improved version to Potton after finally making it for you... I'll make you some more, I promise.
Paimon:
No no no, please don't... Paimon doesn't wanna use that stuff anymore. Still, it was a pretty good job that Paimon wanted to buy some in the first place, huh? It ended up saving everyone's lives! That's gotta count for something.
Traveler:
Sigewinne was the one doing the saving.
Paimon:
Yeah, yeah, Paimon was just kidding...
Morgane:
Head Nurse, I've done a final headcount of our team and the criminals. Everyone's here and doing fine. We're ready to escort the fugitives back to the Fortress of Meropide.
Morgane:
It's a shame that we didn't find Rawat. At this point, I'm afraid he's probably deceased.
Paimon:
*sigh* What a horrible bunch. Especially that Potton guy. If he hadn't made good on that deal, we'd all be dead because of him.
Sigewinne:
No we wouldn't. I always keep a whole of bunch antidotes on me for emergencies, and one of them neutralizes that poison gas. We'd have been fine, even if he hadn't opened the gate.
Paimon:
What? Then why did you give him the potion?
Morgane:
...If this is true, I must concur. Sorry to be blunt, but I think you made a bad decision by handing him that bottle.
Morgane:
If he changes his appearance and flees Fontaine, it's unlikely that we'll ever find him, no matter how cooperative his accomplices are when we question them.
Sigewinne:
No, you don't understand. I gave him the potion precisely so we could be sure where he'll go next.
Morgane:
What do you mean?
Sigewinne:
We gotta hurry. She won't last much longer.
Head to Potton's destination
Ceasth:
Don't move a muscle! I might be short, but I pack a mean punch!
Ceasth:
Captain? You're just in time. While I was lying in wait, I spotted this crook snooping around, trying to find a way in. So I detained him.
Intruder:
Hmph...
Paimon:
Whoa, his face...
Morgane:
Are you... Potton? So this is where you were heading, huh?
Paimon:
What?
Morgane:
This is how Potton looked before his face was marred. His current appearance matches the mugshot on his arrest warrant.
Sigewinne:
Hmm... I see.
Paimon:
Wait, so what's going on? Wasn't the whole point of the potion to disguise himself and escape Fontaine? Why would change back to his original face and run right into our trap!?
Potton:
Enough of this nonsense! Let me in!
Ceasth:
You better pipe down! There's an old lady in there who's very sick. No way are we letting a crook like you inside!
Potton:
Ugh, to heck with it... Listen to me! I'm Rawat! That's my mother in there!
Paimon:
He's gotta be lying, right? Rawat was a victim in all this, he was forced into it against his will... How could he and this monster be the same person?
Potton:
Forced against his will? Hahahaha... That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.
Potton:
Back when I was being coerced, everyone thought I was colluding of my own free will. And then when I actually became a criminal in my own right, you all suddenly thought I must be under duress!
Potton:
Amazing what a difference a handsome face makes!
Morgane:
Save us the speech. Explain yourself!
Potton:
You want an explanation? Fine, I'll tell it how it is.
Potton:
When I was just Potton, the whole world treated me with contempt.
Audree:
Ew. What do you want? Get away from me...
Potton:
Women despised me.
Antibes:
Collaborate? Pff, you don't look like much of a researcher to me...
Potton:
My peers scorned me.
Enri:
Mr. Potton, was it? I'm most interested in your research. Consider my offer carefully — I doubt you'll find other investment opportunities.
Potton:
Only villains would work with me.
Gascon:
You want out of the game? Forget about it. Turns out I slipped up a little — left your picture with some Marechaussee Phantom officers... Easy mistake to make. Now they've listed you as an accomplice and drawn up an arrest warrant.
Gascon:
So I suggest you put any thoughts of running away to rest.... If you get caught by the Gardes for being in the Sinthe business, you ain't ever seeing the light of day again! Hahahaha...
Potton:
There was no way out for me...
Potton:
Until... I could stop being Potton.
Audree:
Mr. Rawat, I, um... I have something I'd like to tell you.
Rawat:
I became popular with women.
Antibes:
This new potion you've developed is fascinating — genius, in fact! Would you consider working with me? I'd be happy to sign a licensing agreement...
Rawat:
My peers looked up to me.
Enri:
I'm very interested in your research, Sir. You must no doubt have offers from countless investors, so far be it from me to ask for a full collaboration, per se — I merely wanted to express my interest... No pressure at all, naturally.
Rawat:
And the villains even began to fear me.
Rawat:
Becoming Rawat showed me what a superficial world we live in.
Rawat:
But I did not hold a grudge. After all, this superficiality could be made to work in my favor.
Rawat:
Or so I thought... But alas, the world seemed bent on finding a reason to make me despise it.
Rawat:
Mother, I'm back! How are you doing?
Sick Old Lady:
...Hmm... Who are you?
Rawat:
I bought the best medicine Mora could buy, but nothing would cure her illness... In the end, I hoped at least that she could see her son one last time before she passed, but...
Rawat:
...When everyone else rejected me, the only person who cared about me was my mother. Then, when I became a rising star in the Fontaine Research Institute, I was unrecognizable to her.
Potton:
I have to let her see me again, even if it means donning my own wretched, ugly face...
Potton:
...Well? Is that enough explaining for you? Now do you understand? Let me inside already!
Morgane:
Have you ever considered if you'll even be able to look your mother in the eyes, after what you've done?
Morgane:
You found a way to completely change your identity. You could easily have escaped from them... But no, you chose to keep working with them!
Potton:
Hmph, why would I want to give up on such a lucrative business? The profits were dozens of times that of the Sinthe business, and it was all above board!
Paimon:
So you kept being a villain just for the money!
Potton:
Villain? By what standard? Is doing evil deeds really what makes someone a villain in your eyes, or does it all come down to the way they look? None of you saw a villain when I was wearing my other face, did you?
Potton:
You have no right to judge me! You're all just fake people living in a hypocritical world. I regret nothing! My mother would understand!
Paimon:
You... You're a villain to the core! But especially that tongue!
Sigewinne:
Honestly, I don't see a villain when I look at your current face, either.
Potton:
Don't humor me. You don't seem surprised by my confession in the least. How long have you known the truth?
Sigewinne:
I didn't know anything for sure until you chose to take that potion bottle and spare our lives. But if you're asking when I started suspecting you, it was the first time you came to see me at the infirmary.
Sigewinne:
I had to confirm my suspicions. That's why I chose to join this investigation.
Potton:
Are you kidding me? A young, promising researcher and a wretched criminal? What on earth gave you the idea that they could be one and the same person?
Sigewinne:
Well, there were no visual clues — this potion's face-changing effects are very powerful. Even as a Melusine, I couldn't see through the disguise.
Sigewinne:
But I believe I understand humanity a little better than most of my kind. Humans have certain fundamental qualities that do not change with their appearance.
Potton:
Fundamental qualities, huh? So, you think you're the one who's seen through me, do you?
Potton:
Most people probably don't know this, but I think I can guess what your deal is. Melusine constitutions are very close to that of water, so it stands to reason that the potion should work on them, too.
Potton:
You used it yourself, didn't you? That's why you have a human appearance.
Paimon:
Sigewinne?
Sigewinne:
Yes, you're right.
Potton:
Haha... I'll bet it was back in the days when Melusines were discriminated against because of their appearance.
Potton:
It was either carry on living in the gutters as part of an alien race cast out by humanity, or become the Head Nurse of the Fortress of Meropide, revered by all. Not a hard choice to make. It's a no-brainer.
Potton:
So you see? You and I, we're the same! And I'm the one who saw through you!
Sigewinne:
That's not important right now. You came here to see your mother, didn't you? Well, I can grant you your wish.
Potton:
Huh...?
Morgane:
Head Nurse, I'm not sure that's a good idea in his current state.
Sigewinne:
Don't worry. Back in the warehouse when I traded the potion for our lives, I was doing it to test him.
Sigewinne:
He was willing to risk sacrificing his only chance of escaping capture by opening the gate in exchange for the potion, all so he could see his mother again. If nothing else, his concern for his mother is genuine.
Morgane:
I see...
Sigewinne:
So before you arrest him, please allow him to see his mother one last time. Traveler and I will accompany him — you have nothing to worry about.
Morgane:
Alright. I understand.
Enter Potton's mother's residence
Potton:
Mom? It's me, Potton, your son! You recognize me now... don't you?
Sick Old Lady:
*cough*
Potton:
Mom...! What's wrong?
Sigewinne:
I'm sorry, but I have some bad news. I examined your mother last time we were here, and it appears that due to her prolonged fever, she's... lost her eyesight.
Potton:
What?
Sigewinne:
Your appearance no longer has any bearing on her ability to recognize you. But... there are always other ways to remind our loved ones who we are... wouldn't you say?
Potton:
No no, it can't be... Please, Mom, open your eyes! It's me, your son, Potton! If... If you really can't see my face, then... here, take my hand... Tell me you feel your son's hand!
Sick Old Lady:
Hmm...
Potton:
I've done so much to get to this point... Please, you have to recognize me...
Sick Old Lady:
*cough*
Potton:
No, no, no... No!
Sigewinne grasps the old woman's hands...
Sigewinne:
Hm, the temperature of his palm must have changed. ...I'm sorry. It seems I couldn't bring him back to you after all.
Sick Old Lady:
...Ahh, it's you... Thank you.
Sigewinne:
Oh... Of course.
Potton:
Mom... Why will you answer her, and not me? Why? Why!?
Sigewinne:
No more questions, Potton. She's gone.
Potton:
Mom! Mom...
Sigewinne:
I'm sorry to say this, Potton, but you and I are not the same.
Potton:
Hmph... *sigh*
Potton is eventually taken away by members of the Marechaussee Phantom. A day passes in a flash.
The many-layered mysterious case caused by cosmetics has now been fully solved, and after Sigewinne finishes helping the Marechaussee Phantom wind up the case, she prepares to tell you a story about the past...
Take a look around the Court of Fontaine
Calcagni:
The wait is over, everyone! The sale of our new skincare product, Romaritime Essence, will now begin!
Paimon:
Another skincare promotion? And it's selling as fast as last time! Wonder what people would think if they knew what was in that last batch...
Paimon:
Oh, Sigewinne's here too!
Paimon:
Hey, Sigewinne!
Sigewinne:
Oh, Traveler, Paimon, hello! I hope you two got a good rest yesterday after all your hard work?
Paimon:
Of course! Nurse's orders, right? ...Anyway, are you here to take notes for your next article?
Sigewinne:
Actually, I'm mostly here to help Officer Morgane wrap up yesterday's case.
Paimon:
Ah, that reminds Paimon... That stuff sold like crazy, didn't it! Is it gonna cause huge problems?
Sigewinne:
Nope, there's nothing to worry about. Unless modified, Butterfly Dew is an excellent skincare product that's completely safe to use.
Sigewinne:
Besides, officers have already retrieved all Butterfly Dew purchased on the market. Now, it's just a matter of disposal.
Sigewinne:
After consulting Monsieur Neuvillette, I came up with a way to neutralize any harmful effects, so it'll evaporate naturally without polluting the water or soil.
Paimon:
Wow! It's Sigewinne to the rescue again!
Morgane:
Thank you for serving as our consultant, Head Nurse. All the Butterfly Dew we recovered has been disposed of according to your instructions.
Sigewinne:
Great. Good job, everyone.
Morgane:
Also, you mentioned you wanted a copy of Rawat's interrogation records... Well, technically Potton's records... Anyway, I have them with me. Here.
Morgane:
After he saw his mother for the last time, it was like all his mental defenses came crashing down. He put up no resistance during the interrogation, and answered all our questions. We learned a lot.
Morgane:
Apparently, the formula was something he discovered by chance while helping the criminal gang produce Sinthe. Later, he came up with the idea to dilute it and use the resulting substance as a skincare product.
Morgane:
Their supplier was Vacher — but you could also argue that they were the ones doing him a favor. His operation helped Vacher's gang dispose of an enormous amount of evidence.
Morgane:
It made for a seamless collaboration. One man's trash was another man's treasure, and there were no loose ends. It's no wonder we never noticed what Potton's gang was up to.
Paimon:
Vacher again, huh... Is there still no end to the harm he caused?
Morgane:
Make no mistake, the crimes of Vacher and his accomplices will come to an end. It's only a matter of time.
Morgane:
Since the flood cut off their supply of Primordial Seawater, they've been forced to resort to riskier methods — like using their private reserve to attack people on the street. Naturally, those attempts all ended in failure.
Morgane:
After receiving numerous reports, we were able to zero in on the gang and eventually round them up.
Paimon:
That sounds more like it!
Morgane:
Based on what he told us in his confession, we pretty much had him backed into a corner, even though he made a point of distancing himself from the gang while disguised as Rawat.
Morgane:
He tried to throw us off his tail by reporting his accomplices, giving him enough time to transform back into Potton and see his mother one last time.
Morgane:
But, there was one thing he hadn't anticipated... Even though "Potton" had been missing for a long time, we were very much still on the lookout for him. So the moment he appeared in public after changing back to his original appearance, we caught him.
Paimon:
So he tried this once before, huh? Guess he really did want his mother to see him again. But in the end...
Sigewinne:
...Looking at the interrogation records, it seems like he spent the first sum of money he earned as Rawat on his mother's treatment.
Morgane:
Yes, which is why I suspect that his initial motive for using the potion was not personal greed, but a desire to become somebody who had the power to save her.
Morgane:
Even so, he went too far. In the end, he got what he deserved.
Sigewinne:
I understand. Thank you for bringing me these records.
Paimon:
Why did you want them, anyway?
Sigewinne:
Potton was one of my patients, so I need to put together a medical file for him. My teacher always stressed that a person's life experiences are just as important to their file as their medical history.
Paimon:
Why are you still treating him like your patient? Isn't he kinda beyond redemption now?
Sigewinne:
That may be true, but a patient is a patient, regardless of the choices that bring them to my care.
Morgane:
Ah, one last thing, Head Nurse. Please keep everything you know about this potion a secret.
Morgane:
It would be for the best if most of Fontaine knows nothing of its existence. I know my fellow officers and I will be able to sleep easier if that's the case.
Sigewinne:
Of course. Not to worry.
Morgane:
Thank you for understanding. I'll take my leave, then.
Paimon:
So Sigewinne, did you really use that potion yourself?
Sigewinne:
Why do you sound so surprised, Paimon? I told you all about it. It was quite a while ago now.
Paimon:
Uhh... You mean that story about the witch and the potion? So it was really, actually, genuinely a true story?
Sigewinne:
Yes. It really, actually, genuinely was.
Paimon:
But...
Traveler:
The process of making that potion...
Sigewinne:
I know. There are some secrets I can't tell anyone about. But considering everything we've been through together, I know I can trust you with them.
Sigewinne:
Before I tell you, though, could you follow me somewhere? I want to pay my respects to an old friend.
Paimon:
Of course!
Go to the place you agreed upon with Sigewinne
Paimon:
Oh... Neuvillette and Wriothesley! They're here too!
Neuvillette:
Good to see you, Traveler, Paimon. I trust all has been going well for you.
Wriothesley:
Big news, everyone: The Iudex is out of his office on important business.
Neuvillette:
Hmm? Is that genuinely something people would consider "big news"?
Wriothesley:
Why wouldn't they? Important business is a big deal.
Neuvillette:
Ah... Yes, you're quite right. When someone you care about requires emotional support, being there for them at the right time and place is of the utmost importance.
Neuvillette:
After reading the Marechaussee Phantom's reports, I had a feeling a trip here might be in order.
Wriothesley:
Take note — that, my friends, is how Monsieur Neuvillette shows that he cares. We're both here for the same purpose, actually — to accompany Sigewinne as she pays her respects to her late teacher.
Paimon:
So the old friend she mentioned was her teacher then? The "witch"?
Paimon:
Uh, sorry, sorry, Paimon didn't mean to be rude! It's only 'cause Sigewinne calls her that all the time, so...
Wriothesley:
I doubt she considers that title to be offensive, Paimon. Don't worry.
Neuvillette:
Indeed. In fact, I believe Sigewinne would take it as a sign of affection. She has spoken of this doctor on many occasions, and it sounds like she was a truly generous individual.
Neuvillette:
In those days, many people harbored prejudices against Melusines. She was the only teacher willing to take Sigewinne on as a student.
Paimon:
Wow, it's really nice of you two to be here for Sigewinne! Guess you guys really look out for your younger colleagues, huh...
Wriothesley:
Younger colleague? That might be true for the Iudex, but I'm not sure I can say the same.
Wriothesley:
Sigewinne served a sentence in the Fortress of Meropide hundreds of years ago, and after she did her time, she decided to stick around. She's been an integral part of our administration ever since.
Wriothesley:
Strictly speaking, the head nurse has been around longer than most people in the Fortress, myself included. Pretty sure that makes me the younger colleague.
Paimon:
She served a sentence?
Traveler:
She committed a crime?
Neuvillette:
Yes. Long before I became Iudex, there was an ancient law in Fontaine that prohibited any attempt to transform another species into a human.
Neuvillette:
Initially, I and most researchers believed this law to have been imposed due to ethical concerns.
Neuvillette:
But now, it seems more likely that the law was nothing more than an insurance policy — a way for Egeria to ensure that her people would remain insulated from the truth, thus enabling them to lead more straightforward, happier lives.
Wriothesley:
Ignorance is bliss, as they say.
Neuvillette:
Sigewinne had her reasons for choosing to obtain a human form, but the act was nonetheless in clear violation of the law.
Paimon:
Could you tell us a bit more about what happened back then?
Neuvillette:
Certainly. Sigewinne does not object to her close friends learning about her history. In fact, I first learned of it myself because she confessed the truth to me of her own volition...
"The Witch":
Even with their daughter so ill, they kicked you out? Stubborn as always... and prejudice isn't a disease I can cure, either.
"The Witch":
*sigh* Shame that I don't have the energy to get over there. You're laughable, you old witch. You want to save everyone in Fontaine, but you can't even save the patient before you.
Sigewinne:
Master, what are you...
"The Witch":
I discovered a strange disease, one I suspect that every Fontainian suffers from. But without witnesses or proof, no one will believe me.
"The Witch":
I had no choice but to experiment on myself to find a cure, but I hit a wall — and as you can see, it took a wretched toll on me.
Sigewinne:
Then... I'll find a cure for you, and then you can go cure her!
"The Witch":
There's no need... I'm beyond saving now. There's nothing you can do.
Sigewinne:
But Master...
"The Witch":
As I said before, a doctor's duty is to treat whatever ailments they can.
Sigewinne:
I know... But, they don't trust me at all.
"The Witch":
*cough* That girl... She's your first ever patient, isn't she? ...Tell me, what cost are you willing to bear to see her cured?
Sigewinne:
I'll do whatever it takes.
"The Witch":
Even if it means breaking the law and being punished for it?
Sigewinne:
...As long as I don't hurt anyone, yes.
"The Witch":
Haha. Spoken like a true student of mine.
"The Witch":
Then I shall make one more final gamble... and see my experiment through to its end. Leave me for now, and come back in two hours.
"The Witch":
If I am able to work this miracle, then I will have found a way to save all Fontainians, and I shall be able to help you treat that girl.
"The Witch":
If not... Then it means there is one more disease in this world that I cannot treat. In that case, do not come looking for me.
"The Witch":
I will leave you a parting gift — an accidental discovery, happened upon through my study of this strange disease. It has little use, but it will at least help you cure this one patient you can reach.
Neuvillette:
When Sigewinne returned, the miracle had not occurred.
Neuvillette:
She found a potion bottle and a note on the table. After using the potion as instructed, she gained her current form, breaking Fontaine's law in the process.
Neuvillette:
And after I had confirmed the veracity of the events, I gave my verdict.
Paimon:
So that's what happened...
Neuvillette:
I fear Sigewinne only understood the full story after the truth about the dissolution of Fontainians was uncovered.
Neuvillette:
When I reflected on all this with that knowledge in hand, I felt a deep sense of regret... As I use the law to uphold justice, there are times when I cannot help but acknowledge its ruthlessness.
Neuvillette:
After the final details of the events surrounding Sigewinne's transformation came to light, I checked several sources and, thankfully, the legal code does not require Sigewinne to shoulder any additional punishment.
Paimon:
Hmm, wonder how she feels about all this...
Neuvillette:
Since she invited you here, I imagine she intends to speak of these matters with you, no?
Talk to Sigewinne
Sigewinne:
You're here.
Sigewinne:
The old friend I mentioned was my teacher. When she passed, her body was nowhere to be found. All that's left of her is an empty tomb, and even that's deep underwater now.
Paimon:
Sigewinne... The witch who gave you the magic potion, she was your teacher, wasn't she?
Sigewinne:
Ah, sounds like Monsieur Neuvillette filled you in.
Paimon:
After learning the truth... it must've been hard to process, huh?
Sigewinne:
Well... To be honest, after I realized what really happened that night, my first thought was that it kind of made sense. It seemed exactly like the sort of thing she would do.
Paimon:
But, she was planning to sacrifice herself, and never told you!
Sigewinne:
That's just who she was. If lying is what it took to get a kid to take their medicine, then that's what she'd do.
Paimon:
Alright... But, why did you turn yourself in?
Sigewinne:
I broke the law, simple as that. My teacher made her choice, and I made mine.
Paimon:
True, it's just... The way Potton framed it when he was asking you all those questions, it made Paimon really mad!
Paimon:
You're not like him at all, and everything Neuvillette said confirms that...
Paimon:
And yet you were still convicted and thrown in prison... It just feels so unfair.
Sigewinne:
Unfair? I happen to think just the opposite. If I hadn't served that time, I'm not sure I would've been able to stay strong when he was questioning me.
Paimon:
What makes you say that?
Sigewinne:
I knew you'd be curious. Let me tell you a story...
movie
Sigewinne was convicted, and thus the Fortress of Meropide gained a tiny new doctor. The more patients she treated, the more her sentence was shortened, and she stayed within the Fortress until she had finally served her time. One day, she received an invitation from an elderly lady. It turns out that she was the young girl that Sigewinne had treated all those years ago. The woman told Sigewinne that she still remembers that it was Sigewinne who saved her back then, and that regardless of whether Sigewinne looked more human or Melusine, the warmth of her palms was ever the same.
Paimon:
Now that's an ending Paimon can get behind!
Sigewinne:
After hearing everything Potton said, I wanted to tell him that it didn't matter who he looked like on the outside... But it was too late — the warmth in his palm had already disappeared.
Sigewinne:
I tried to treat him, but... The roots of his problem had nothing to do with his face.
Sigewinne:
I understand... Thanks, you two. I appreciate you being here for me while I talk this through.
Paimon:
Oh, it's nothing! Our pleasure.
Sigewinne:
Oh, there's one more reason I invited you here. It's about time I finally give you what I promised.
Sigewinne:
In order to restore the appearances of the face-swapping victims, the Marechaussee Phantom gave me special permission to make a few bottles of that potion. And... I made one extra, just for you two.
Paimon:
Huh? We don't need it, though... Shouldn't we destroy it?
Sigewinne:
Well, even if you chose to destroy it, I still thought I should give it to you first. You two did so much for me — how could I break my promise?
Paimon:
Well, fair enough. But anyway, Paimon's definitely not interested in this stuff anymore.
Paimon:
Still, if this is the very last bottle in all of Teyvat, getting rid of it would feel like kind of a waste... Maybe we can give it a special meaning somehow... Ooh, Paimon's got it!
Paimon:
Melusine physiology wasn't affected by the great flood, right? So that means the potion should have a permanent effect on you. In that case... Whaddaya say, Sigewinne? Ever thought about transforming back to the way you used to look?
Paimon:
After all, from a Melusine point of view, Paimon bets Melusines look the cutest of all!
Traveler:
Paimon...
Sigewinne:
Paimon, after everything, do you really think it matters whether I'm a Melusine or a human?
Paimon:
Uh, well...
Paimon:
Heh, what was Paimon thinking? You made up your mind a long time ago. Yeah, let's just destroy this thing.
Sigewinne:
Leave it to me.