Floral Debt, Blood Due

...I thought I told him to spray it with water to retain moisture before applying the film?

You can't treat a Glaze Lily like a cactus... If Sanjay does this again, the loss will have to come out of his food expenses.

*sigh*... I'll go talk to him. At this rate, he won't even be able to afford eating cacti for much longer...

Hey! Tighnari!

Oh? It's you two! It's been a while! What brings you to Port Ormos?

We didn't have anything to do, and this place looked pretty lively, so we decided to stop by! But, uh... what's with all the flowers around here?

Well, Port Ormos is currently organizing a "Flower Exhibition" featuring flowers and plants from all over Teyvat, so I came to help out.

The exhibition includes flowers from every corner of the world, each with their own unique properties and needs. With that in mind, the curator commissioned a flower pot from Kshahrewar, capable of retaining heat and moisture...

Even so, an expert is still required to develop tailored transportation and care plans for each type of flower.

Oh! And that expert is you, right?

Not this time, no. I'm just here to help out. The expert in charge is someone else...

...Mr. Tighnari! Sanjay, he... He confused the poisonous bulbs with garlic shoots, and he ate them!

...Never mind, forget about what I said about the food expenses.

Apologies, 旅行者, Paimon. Looks like I've got something to take care of. I'll be back in just a moment.

Tighnari's busy no matter where he is, huh...

Yeah, seems like it... Hey, don't look at Paimon like that! Paimon is super careful about what she eats!

Well, looks like Tighnari might be busy for a while. Let's take a look around the port in the meantime!

Wow! Look at these flowers! They smell so...

So... ACHOO!

...Huh?

Achoo!

Paimon's... fine, she's just... got a little...

..Aaah—Achoo! ACHOO!

...Rainbow Roses... Glaze Lilies... and Cecilias? No wonder...

It... It's getting worse... Why...

ACHOO!

But... Paimon was fine just a moment ago... She didn't even eat anything weird...

Ah, a moment of your time, you two... If it's not too much trouble, perhaps you could try this incense.

Incense? ...Oh, the scent is so nice... Wait!

You can talk normally now!

Woah... That was fast! Paimon doesn't have to sneeze anymore!

Must've been the incense! Thank you!

Think nothing of it! From your attire, I imagine you two aren't from Sumeru either...

Seeing as we're both travelers from abroad, it's only right that we help each other out should the occasion arise.

Oh... So, you're here for the Flower Exhibition too?

Hm... I suppose that's accurate. Ah, allow me to introduce myself... I'm Emilie, a perfumer from Fontaine.

Paimon is Paimon! Thank you so much for your help just now! Oh, and this is...

旅行者, right? I've heard a lot about you from The Steambird. It's nice to finally put a face to the name.

What happened back there? Why did Paimon start sneezing all of a sudden...?

Hm... Have you ever heard of hay fever?

To put it simply... When inhaled, certain pollens can trigger abnormal physical reactions.

Uh... But, Paimon has seen these kinds of flowers before, and nothing weird happened then...

Well, we're all different. The factors that can trigger a reaction to certain stimuli vary by person. In isolation, the effects of certain pollens may seem minimal, but inhaling various types at once can trigger a more overt reaction.

But, there's no need to worry. Pollen allergies can be effectively mitigated with the use of medication.

Oh, well, that's good...

旅行者! Paimon! There you are... Is everything alright?

I left in such a hurry, I forgot to warn you about all the pollen in the air...

Emilie? Ah, what a coincidence... Looks like my worry was misplaced, then. 旅行者 and Paimon are in good hands.

It was nothing, really. We happened to run into each other shortly after my arrival, and I offered them a bit of help, that's all.

I'm more curious as to why you thought 旅行者 and Paimon were in danger... Allergies are highly unpredictable. If you were concerned the pollen might trigger a reaction, that must mean... something similar has happened in the past?

Something like that, yeah...

Remember the first time we met? You fainted after inhaling Spirit Borneol...

The Spirit Borneol didn't affect Paimon at all, and now she's the one suffering... It makes no sense!

It's not really something you can make sense out of, Paimon. There are all kinds of allergies out there, caused by a variety of different factors. Some people are even allergic to almonds... It's not something you can generalize.

Exactly. I even encountered a case in Fontaine where someone had an allergic reaction to Soba Noodles their family brought back from Inazuma...

Woah... Good thing Paimon isn't allergic to anything delicious...

Are you a doctor, Emilie?

Hm... In a manner of speaking. Although, you could say the "patients" I deal with are rather unusual...

In addition to medicine, Emilie is also very knowledgeable about botany. She's taught me a lot about the native flora around Fontaine.

And that's where my expertise ends, I'm afraid. When it comes to breadth of knowledge, Tighnari certainly comes out on top.

A flower expert... Ah, Paimon's got it! You must be the expert Tighnari mentioned! The one in charge of the exhibition!

...Wrong again, I'm afraid.

Well, I did come for the exhibition, but only to inquire about the "Auguste" variety. I'm not involved in any official capacity.

Huh, Paimon was sure she got it right this time...

The "Auguste" variety? What's that?

It's a kind of flower that was once popular in Fontaine. The perfume made from it also bears the same name... "Auguste."

"Auguste," huh... That's not a name you hear often nowadays!

In an ancient language, the word is said to mean "sacred" or "noble." It's sometimes used as a name for people as well.

...Ah, that reminds me, are you familiar with the historical event in Fontaine known as the "Perfume Mania"?

Not really...

The "Perfume Mania" was an event that occurred in Fontaine nearly twenty years ago...

It all started when several merchants released their own lines of high-end, expensive perfumes, marketing them as must-have, luxury products, the very symbol of elegance itself...

No one anticipated the absolute frenzy this would create on the market, causing the price of the perfumes to skyrocket.

The demand was two-fold... What some saw as a status symbol, most saw as a money-making opportunity. You could take advantage of the soaring price by hoarding them and reselling at even higher margins.

The value of these products became so inflated, regular bottles of perfume were even going for hundreds of thousands of Mora. This resulted in countless disputes and scams.

But, at the end of the day, perfume is just perfume. The market value greatly exceeded the intrinsic worth of the product, creating an economic bubble that was never going to last.

Luckily, the Palais Mermonia recognized the danger and intervened before the craze could truly spread. Many profiteers and scammers were thrown in jail as a result.

In the end, only a few wealthy families were affected when the bubble popped.

That's good... It really could have been a lot worse.

What does all this have to do with that "Auguste" you mentioned earlier?

Well, during the craze, the most popular perfume was none other than "Auguste." The demand far exceeded the supply, to the point where it once sold for ten million Mora a bottle.

T—Ten million!? Then what about now?

Calm down, Paimon.

After the mania ended, most perfumes returned to a normal price. "Auguste" was the only exception...

...Its namesake, the flower used to create it, went extinct. As a result, no new bottles of "Auguste" have been made, and the value of the perfume remains exceedingly high.

The flower... went extinct?

Indeed. The Auguste flower was not a natural variety, you see. It was specially cultivated for use in perfume-making.

When the bubble popped, all the flowerbeds used for its cultivation were destroyed in a fire. The variety has never been seen since...

But... didn't you say you came to the exhibition to look for it?

Ah, yes. I came to investigate a certain rumor that the Auguste flower has reappeared in Sumeru... It's causing quite the stir in the Fontaine perfume market.

旅行者! We should help Emilie look for it!

I have to agree. Emilie wrote me to ask if I could look into the rumor, but the Forest Rangers haven't received any reports of new plant species recently.

Even if I can locate the flower, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Paimon. I don't have any grand Mora-making endeavors planned.

Ehhhh!?

"Divine," "noble," "one of a kind"... All beautiful sentiments, to be sure... But, to me, they overshadow the very essence of the product.

When it comes to perfume, I want people to forget the price and the prestige... and focus on the beauty of the fragrance itself.

Wow... So noble...

Of course, there's also a more practical reason... In recent years, low-grade, counterfeit versions of "Auguste" have been popping up on the Fontaine perfume market.

...Every so often, someone will claim to have recreated the unique scent of "Auguste," and the rumor mill will start comparing the counterfeits to my own work.

Okay, that's more like the reason Paimon had in mind.

Ever since that rumor started, three new perfumes claiming to be made from the Auguste flower have appeared on the market.

If I can dispel the fanaticism surrounding "Auguste" — even just by proving the rumor to be false — Fontaine's perfume market can finally start to get back to normal.

Then, I'll be free from all the "stories" and "added meaning," and can focus on making what I like.

That makes sense...

Oh... I would, of course, be grateful for your help, but I wouldn't want to trouble you.

Well, you said it yourself! We're both travelers from abroad, so "it's only right that we help each other out!"

Hah... I suppose you're right. Then, you have my thanks.

Based on the information I have so far, it's unclear if the rumor is true.

Mr. Edgar also thinks it's too early to say... But you could always go talk to him? He was there all those years ago, after all... Maybe he'll know something.

Ah, I was just about to pay him a visit at the hotel.

Edgar...? Who's that?

The person you've been trying to guess this whole time — the "Flower Expert" in charge of the exhibition. He's also the most respected and experienced perfumer in the area.

Back when he was still working in Fontaine, "Auguste"... was his creation.

I should also mention... He was my teacher, the one who taught me the basics of perfumery when I apprenticed in Sumeru.

So, this guy was a famous perfumer in Fontaine... But then, he came to Sumeru to... teach people from Fontaine? Sounds confusing...

It's a long story. If you're interested, we can talk more about it when we see him. He should be staying near the hotel.

Woah, look at all the flowers!

Apparently, the exhibitor paid a large sum to rent out the hotel and surrounding buildings. They're being used as temporary storage facilities and lodging for exhibition personnel.

Seems a bit excessive...

Yeah! What if guests come early? They won't have anywhere to stay! Also, renting out this big of a hotel... how are they gonna make that Mora back...?

Seems like they might have Mora to burn...

...It's been so long, I almost didn't recognize you, Edgar.

...Well, you and your brother haven't changed a bit.

All this catching up is nice and all, but let's get down to business! We need to talk about Kirya. Is he—

Hold on... We have guests.

It's nice to see you again, Master.

Emilie... Is that you, haha? It's been years... Look at you! You're all grown up!

I've heard you've become quite the famous perfumer in Fontaine. It would seem the student has surpassed the master...

It's all thanks to your mentorship.

Ah! Hardly, hardly... I taught you the basics. Hearing you call me "Master," well, I'm not sure I'm deserving of that title.

I've taught many students here in Sumeru over the years, but I've yet to see one turn out quite as accomplished as you... You're the only one who can take credit for that success!

And who are these two...? I don't recall you mentioning them in your letter...

Ah, they're my new friends, 旅行者 and Paimon.

Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Edgar.

Emilie's friends? Well then, the pleasure is all mine.

And these two gentlemen... Are they friends of yours, Master?

Hmph...

Uh... Haha, of course! We're perfume merchants from Fontaine.

I'm... Eude! And this, here, is my younger brother, Blaise. Edgar and the two of us are old friends... Isn't that right, gentlemen?

...Yes.

Merchant brothers...?

You must be here to look for the Auguste flower, then!

...!

...Haha, well, what respectable perfume merchant hasn't heard of "Auguste"? Anyone in the business would be interested in the rumors.

I'm guessing you're here for the same reason, Emilie? We were just about to get into it, so you three might as well join in.

I commissioned a few Eremites to do some scouting for me. They searched all over Sumeru, but there were no sightings of the Auguste flower.

That being said, there are people in Port Ormos who claim to have smelled a unique fragrance on the streets... definitely floral, but still distinct...

Some of them were merchants who lived in Fontaine twenty years ago. According to them, the fragrance smelled exactly like the "Auguste" they remember from back then...

A "one of a kind," "divine," and "noble" scent...

Hmm... Maybe someone around here just happens to have a bottle of "Auguste" from back then?

No, I don't think so. I doubt that's the case. Even if someone had a bottle that was never opened, the fragrance of the perfume would have changed over time. Very few perfumes can go decades without a change in scent...

"Auguste" is even more prone to that kind of shift. Only a few bottles still exist in Fontaine, and their scent would have completely degraded by now.

Although... could there be a flower out there with a similar fragrance? Or an accord with the same base notes?

Impossible! If "Auguste" were that easy to replicate, it would never have sold for such a high price all those years ago! The Auguste flower is back! It has to be!

Technically speaking, the scent wouldn't be impossible to imitate...

Well, let's table that question for now. Edgar, did any of those people mention where the scent was coming from?

...No. By the time they realized they had smelled something, the scent was already gone. If I hadn't asked about it, they probably wouldn't have given the experience a second thought.

Compared to things we see and hear, smells can be much easier to overlook...

Hmm... It almost sounds like someone wearing the "Auguste" fragrance passed them on the street...

Wait, are you saying...

Ah, just thinking out loud, haha. Don't pay me any mind.

We don't have much to go off of right now, but we can't rule out that possibility. I'll send some more people to investigate.

You all traveled so far to be here, why don't you rest in the hotel for a bit? Uh... Eude, Blaise, this is the key to your room.

Ooh, you've got the keys to the rooms? Do we get free lodging too?

Ah... My apologies. All the rooms in the hotel are accounted for, I'm afraid. Most are being used for storage ahead of the exhibition, you see.

I managed to tidy up one of the rooms for these two at the last minute... But, by the time Emilie wrote to me, there was no more space left for her to stay.

Oh, and we just showed up out of the blue... Guess that means there's definitely no space for us.

*sigh*... I should've been more considerate. Here I am with an entire hotel at my disposal, and no place to offer you to stay... even after you made the trip all the way to Sumeru.

Don't worry, Master. I can sleep on the boat tonight. Or, I could even camp in the wild. It would give me the opportunity to collect some plant specimens while I'm here in Sumeru.

Ah, even better!

Although... Would it be possible for me to leave some of my luggage here? It would be rather cumbersome to take it camping. It shouldn't take up too much space...

Well... About that...

(It seems like Edgar and the others don't want anyone to stay near the hotel... But, they're also trying not to arouse suspicion... I'm not just imagining things, am I?)

Haha... Of course! No trouble at all! My brother and I will keep an eye on them for you... as long as you don't mind, Mademoiselle!

...Alright, then. Eude, why don't you take Emilie inside and find a suitable place for her luggage.

I'll prepare some refreshments and join you in a bit.

Woah, the smell of flowers is so strong! Didn't Edgar say he tidied up around here? There's still so many flowers...

Paimon took a peek through the window earlier, and his house was packed with flowers! Looks like this exhibition is gonna be huge!

Do all perfumers have houses filled with flowers?

...No. That's a Florist thing.

We work closely with the essential oils of various plants, but to maintain a sharp sense of smell, most perfumers prefer to keep their homes free of strong odors.

Ohhh... Guess there's just too much to store for the exhibition, then.

What's behind this door?

Ah, this room seems to be a connected suite. My brother will be staying on the other side of the suite.

Blaise... While you're out, why don't you bring our luggage over as well...

...

Ahem... Blaise!

Ah... Yes, of course.

Alright, then... Where can we find your luggage, Mademoiselle? Blaise will go fetch it for you.

It's still at the port. In addition to some daily necessities, there's also a case of Amber Wine that I brought back from Fontaine...

...Could I trouble you to bring that back as well? It would be the perfect way to repay you for your hospitality.

Haha, how generous! I should thank you on my brother's behalf. You've stumbled upon his weakness! He's aloof about most things, but alcohol is his one true love.

...Is that so?

(Amber Wine... Now that's a Fontaine specialty I've never heard of before...)

Mr. Eude, Mr. Blaise... Thanks for—

...Hey! What are you doing?

Argh!

That's... Master's voice!

Quick! Let's go see what's going on!

...Edgar!

...Master!

Hey, Edgar! Are you alright? Can you hear me?

Who did this?

K—Kirya... "Auguste"...!

Ugh...

...Kirya!

Hey! Edgar! Edgar!

No, don't shake him. He's injured. Just leave him to me. You two can...

...Oh, thank you.

I checked... It doesn't look like anyone passed through here.

But that's impossible... It's not like that kid can just grow some wings and fly away.

That kid?

Oh, uh... the culprit, I mean! It's not like the culprit could have just disappeared into thin air!

That strange smell around here... Is it coming from this bottle?

(Only a small amount of liquid is left inside the bottle, and streaks of residue can be seen on both the mouth and the sides of the vessel. It seems like someone forcibly poured out whatever was inside the bottle...)

*gasp* Really? You think so?

Do you think whoever did this was hiding in the flowers before they attacked Edgar?

(There are no footprints in the flower beds... And it doesn't look like any of the branches or leaves have been disturbed...)

Hm, true...

...Well, we looked all over, but the only clue we found was that bottle...

The most important thing we can do now is focus our efforts on treating Master. Can you help me move him inside?

Absolutely.

So... How's he doing?

When I administered emergency treatment, I discovered a residue in his nose and mouth... Master was most likely forced to ingest a certain liquid.

He's still unconscious, and inducing vomiting could obstruct his airways... We'll have to look into other clues for now.

We found this bottle just now...

Ah, yes... The scent is the same, but the chemical composition is still unclear. We'll have to do further tests to determine if it's the same liquid. And how toxic it is to the human body.

But, first... I do believe there are two people who could shed some light on the situation...

Mr. Sylvain, Mr. Lucien...

Wait, you—!

Hey...!

...Were you talking to us, Mademoiselle? I'm afraid we've never heard of those names before...

Hmm... Before arriving in Sumeru, I asked a friend from the Special Patrol to look into the creators of "Auguste"...

There were four people in total... The perfumer, Edgar — the one thrust into the limelight — and three others...

A researcher from Sumeru responsible for cultivating the Auguste flower... and two merchant brothers responsible for promoting the product on the market...

The two brothers capitalized on the mythos surrounding "Auguste." Their actions lured in numerous speculators and profiteers, inflating the price of "Auguste" even further.

In the end, they were sent to the Fortress of Meropide for falsifying their accounts and destabilizing the market... If you do the math, they should be out of prison by now.

Hmph! And what does that have to do with us? There are countless merchant families in Fontaine... You gonna accuse them of being criminals too?

Every time your brother called you "Blaise," it took you several seconds to respond... But, when I called you "Lucien" just now, the name registered immediately.

I...!

Ah, Miss Emilie... Out of respect for your position as a famous perfumer in Fontaine, I'm inclined to believe that was simply a poor attempt at humor.

You have a bright future ahead of you. You wouldn't want to develop a reputation as someone who throws around false accusations... especially among merchant circles.

Hmm... You claim to be regular perfume merchants, and yet... When I brought up "Amber Wine," you took it to be alcohol...

What!?

(Just as I thought...)

"Amber Wine" is a perfume I created several years ago. It wasn't particularly renowned, but I'm certain any respectable perfume merchant in Fontaine would know of it.

Unless, until recently, they were living somewhere completely cut off from the perfume world... Hmm, somewhere like... the Fortress of Meropide perhaps...?

Emilie, you little...!

Don't even think about it.

Oof...!

Don't misunderstand, Mr. Sylvain. I don't bring this up to criticize you. No matter what happened all those years ago, the court has already passed its judgment.

But Master's life is in danger. We need to learn whatever we can about the person who has done this.

If Master's attack had something to do with "Auguste," I would imagine the two of you might also be in danger.

So, I'd like to trouble you for some information, if I may... Tell me about "Kirya."

...

...Fine. As you wish.

...Sylvain!

Lucien, if this will help us find Kirya, then it will be all worth it. Besides, we've already told most of this stuff to the Maison Ordalie, anyway.

...You were right, Miss Emilie, there were four of us at the beginning: Myself, Lucien, Edgar... and a researcher from Sumeru in charge of flower cultivation... Vijava.

Some time down the road, the Marechaussee Phantom came knocking, saddled us with a list of accusations, and started looking into our books... They did their meddling, and my brother, Edgar, and I were forced to serve time in the Fortress as a result...

Sounds like he's still upset about that... Wait, then how did Edgar end up in Sumeru?

Master was convicted as an accomplice, so he only had to serve a few years. He decided to move to Sumeru so that he could put those events behind him.

...Still, Master was depressed for a long time after that... He stopped making new perfumes and focused on introducing students to the craft instead.

That's how I met him. My parents had to relocate to Sumeru for work when I was a child, so I had the chance to study under him for a little while.

...But, we can talk about that some other time. I want to hear more about this researcher... Vijava.

...Like us, Vijava was also staring down an investigation from the Marechaussee Phantom.

But, before the Phantom showed up at her door, she set all the flowerbeds on fire, along with much of the Mora we managed to earn. All the Auguste flowers, everything we worked to create... was reduced to nothing but a pile of ash.

But... destroying all that evidence... Wouldn't that make things worse for her?

It didn't matter at that point... Because she died in the fire as well.

What!?

Hmph, sounds like you did an investigation of your own. Why even ask us if you knew all of this already?

The name wasn't mentioned in any of the files I reviewed, either. But... you two seem quite familiar with him.

...Kirya was Vijava's younger brother.

He was just a clueless kid back then... somewhere in his teens, I think. He helped his sister with her work sometimes, but that was pretty much it... He didn't have any idea what we were doing.

Vijava kept him close most of the time. The three of us were probably the only ones who even knew she had a brother.

After our operation was compromised, he disappeared... There were no signs of him until recently, when people started saying the Auguste flower had reappeared in Sumeru.

...So, you think Kirya took something with him back then... something that allowed him to reproduce the Auguste flower?

Hmph, Vijava doted on the kid like you wouldn't believe! She even told us to give her cut to her brother if anything happened to her.

If she left something behind before she died, believe me — Kirya's the one that has it!

And judging by the liquid in that bottle... the Auguste flower wasn't the only thing he reproduced... He managed to replicate the perfume itself...

So the liquid Edgar was forced to ingest really was "Auguste"! Wait, does that mean "Auguste" is poison?

Ahem! Poison? No, no... of course not! No perfume is meant to be ingested. Even small amounts can be dangerous, let alone ingesting a whole bottle at once.

If "Auguste" could be considered a poison, we wouldn't have even sold half a bottle back then. Edgar fell unconscious because Kirya forced him to drink perfume... it just happened to be "Auguste"!

(Strange... Sylvain seems nervous all of a sudden...)

Why did Kirya attack Edgar?

Hah... He probably thought we had something to do with his sister's death. But, to tell you the truth, I have no idea why she did all that.

We're not looking for Kirya because we have it out for him... We just wanted to see how he was doing... and, if possible, work together to bring back "Auguste."

We only went to prison for a bit of fraud and market manipulation... It had nothing to do with the product itself.

As long as we keep things honest this time around... bringing the product back to market would almost be like honoring his sister's memory!

...So, that's why you never mentioned Kirya during your interrogation?

...Yes, exactly! We were just looking out for the kid!

Anyway, that's all we know... If you're looking for information on what's in "Auguste" or what to do if you ingest it... there are only two people to ask — Edgar... or Kirya himself.

...Well, at least we're able to say for certain that the substance Edgar ingested was, in fact, "Auguste." That gives us a direction for further testing... Well, then, I'd say that was a very enlightening discussion.

Ah, well, glad to hear it.

Lucien, let's head back to the room and rest for a bit. With everything that's happened... There are things that need reconsidering...

Yes, of course.

...

...They're still hiding something.

Ah, you think so too? Hmm, that does seem to be the case... Pity we don't have more evidence.

But, based on Sylvain's tone of voice just now, I suspect further questioning will only result in more made-up answers.

The way you exposed them like that, just based on a hunch... That was genius!

Are you really just a perfumer who looks after people in your spare time?

Oh, right! Earlier you said you were only sort of a doctor... and that your patients were "unusual"...

Oh, yes. That's because most of the "patients" I encounter... are already dead.

So, you're a... forensic doctor?

Close... I'm actually a "forensic cleaner." Once the forensic team and the Marechaussee Phantom are done collecting evidence from the scene, I'm in charge of clearing away the final traces my "patients" leave on the world.

In fact, with just a small alteration to the formula, the same tincture used as the base of perfume can also be made into a cleaning agent.

Basically, there are two sides to forensics — those who collect evidence to expose the truth, and those who clean up the smells, bloodstains, and other substances left behind at the scene.

I've learned a lot in my line of work, and I've witnessed a lot of death... But this time, we may still save the patient.

Actually, 旅行者, could I trouble you to report back to Tighnari and the officers at Port Ormos? We should update them on the situation...

Will do.

I'll stay here and continue to look after Master. Now that we have a sample of "Auguste"... I'm hoping further analysis won't be too difficult.

Woah, why the rush? Did something happen?

What!? Edgar was attacked?

He's the most famous perfumer in the region, someone who's helped countless people around Port Ormos... How could this happen...

Sheriff, have you received any reports of a suspicious individual fleeing through the bazaar?

No... But we've got eyes all over the area. I'm sure someone's seen Kirya.

I'll start gathering my forces. We won't let him get away!

What about you, Tighnari? Do you have a plan?

Hmm... I'm sure the sheriff can handle things over at the scene, and I doubt Emilie needs my help looking after Mr. Edgar.

Uh... But, she said she's not a real doctor...

Then, she was far too modest. She may not be a doctor by trade, but she has a deeper understanding of human anatomy and pharmacology than most scholars from the Amurta Darshan.

Not to mention the fact that Mr. Edgar's condition is related to perfume... Emilie is certainly in the best position to help him.

As for me... I'll head to the Akademiya and see what I can learn about Vijava and Kirya.

Oh, that's right! Vijava was supposed to be a scholar from Sumeru... Do you recognize the name?

From Emilie's letter, certainly, but that was the first time I'd heard of it. The Akademiya produces a lot of scholars, and there are plenty of graduates who choose to pursue a career outside their Darshan.

I didn't have time to look into it earlier... But, now, it seems like Vijava's past could be critical to getting to the bottom of what happened to Mr. Edgar.

I have friends in Sumeru City that can help me investigate. With any luck, we'll have news to share by tomorrow.

...I'll leave you and Emilie to watch over things here in Port Ormos.

Emilie!

How's Edgar?

No longer in critical condition, thankfully. He's still very weak, but with a bit more rest, he should regain consciousness soon.

My chemical analysis of "Auguste" also went smoothly, although it certainly raised some questions...

Questions...?

Mhm... I was able to identify the components that give the substance its fragrance... but I also noticed an abnormal trace of elemental energy in the sample.

Elemental energy!?

Would that have an effect on the body?

...Hard to say. It was such a minute amount, proportionally speaking... like mixing a single drop of perfume into the ocean...

I had to use one of the newest tests developed in recent years to even detect the traces present in the sample.

Unless you were abnormally sensitive to elemental energy, I doubt it would have any effect, even if you used the product every day for ten years.

As for whether Master's condition was caused by the elemental energy present in the sample or some other component of the perfume... It's still too early to say.

That reminds Paimon, did Tighnari come and find you? Maybe we could ask him to take a look!

Hm, I received a message from him last night, but I haven't heard anything since. The message said he was looking into some information at the Akademiya.

Oh, Paimon thought he might've stopped by to see you first...

Um, excuse me... Is Miss Emilie here?

Collei?

Oh, perfect! Familiar faces! 旅行者, Paimon, you're here too!

Collei... Ah, of course, Tighnari's apprentice! He's mentioned you many times. It's a pleasure to finally meet you!

And, please... No need for formalities. Emilie is just fine.

Oh, uh... O—Okay! Nice to meet you too, Mi— *ahem* Emilie.

Did Tighnari send you here, Collei?

Yep... Master and the others went through decades' worth of records last night, and still haven't had a chance to rest... I'm fast on my feet, so it only made sense for me to come and give you an update.

Anyway, based on what they've reviewed so far, they believe there's no indication that a researcher by the name of "Vijava" ever passed through the Akademiya.

Could it have been an alias?

Master considered that possibility as well... But, the name wasn't the only dead end. Master tried to track down people with a similar research direction or background, but also couldn't find a match.

How is that possible...

It's starting to seem very likely. If we want to figure out her true identity, I'm afraid another conversation with those two merchants might be our only...

Hey...!

Lucien...!

That voice! It's...

It's Sylvain! Wait, you don't think Kirya came back, do you?

That seems impossible... If someone came in or out of the hotel just now, we would've seen them...

Let's go inside and check!

It's locked?

I'll try to break it open.

It's locked?

I'll try to break it open.

...Lucien! Lucien! Come on, wake up!

Ah...!

...!

Is he going to be okay?

Emilie... Emilie! My brother... He's gonna be okay, right? He's just unconscious... like what happened to Edgar?

...I'm sorry, Mr. Sylvain, but... we were too late this time.

No... No... That's not... That's not possible...

...旅行者, Collei, Mr. Sylvain has gone through a huge shock...

He needs some space to calm down. Could one of you take him next door? It's not good for him to look at his brother's body like this.

...Of course. Leave it to me.

I'll notify the sheriff.

Thank you both.

...Mr. Sylvain, let's get you up. Here, take my hand. Nice and slow.

A—Ah... Ah...

We'll take things from here. Just focus on getting some rest... Here, this way...

...

Poor guy... He's like a shell of his former self...

He may have made some bad decisions in life, but... Right now, Paimon can't help but feel sorry for him.

Good person or bad... The death of a loved one is equally painful.

All the moments he shared with his brother, every hardship and triumph they endured together... are now memories he has to carry alone.

Maybe that's what Kirya wanted...

If Kirya really was behind this, then what exactly did he do to Lucien...?

...Lucien can no longer speak, but the traces left behind by his death most certainly can.

旅行者, I've got things covered here at the scene. I'll leave you to contact the sheriff.

Who would've thought... Yesterday's case is still up in the air, and now this happens...

Miss Emilie, I heard you're an experienced forensic doctor. Have you been able to discover anything?

...Oh, I'm not actually a forensic doctor. I just happen to have some relevant knowledge.

I did take a look, though... Judging by the temperature and rigidity of the body, it appears the time of death was sometime last night. I'd have to do a more thorough investigation to find out more.

Then... would you mind helping us investigate? Before he left, Tighnari said we could trust your judgment if something like this were to happen.

Of course. I appreciate your trust. Many of the traces left behind at the scene will fade with time, so the sooner we investigate the better.

We'll help too! We don't know much about dead bodies... But, you can leave the other clues to us!

(This door leads to the hallway. The lock is intact, and there are no signs of damage.)

This door was probably locked last night...

And the windows are shut tight too... Seems like the only way to get in would've been through Sylvain's room...

(This door leads to the hallway. The lock broke when we forced our way in.)

This door was probably locked last night...

And the windows are shut tight too... Seems like the only way to get in would've been through Sylvain's room...

(The incense slowly rising into the air... It seems familiar somehow.)

(The corners are filled with flowers from different nations. The fragrance is incredibly strong.)

(This bag is stuffed with clothes and other daily necessities. It's quite heavy.)

(The space inside the cabinet is divided into various compartments... It doesn't look like a person could hide in there.)

So, did you find anything?

Paimon can show you... Here, it'd be something like this!

But... Entering through the room next door without alerting Sylvain... Wait, you don't think Sylvain could've been the one who...

...No, his reaction to the loss of his brother seemed genuine, and he doesn't have a motive.

Then, what could've happened last night... I know Sylvain is still in shock, but he's our only available witness. We have to take his statement.

I agree. Also, I've made some new discoveries, so we might as well head next door and go through everything together.

...Mr. Sylvain, I need you to tell me everything you and your brother did since yesterday afternoon. Did you see or hear anything strange?

...After Kirya attacked Edgar, my brother and I were incredibly careful...

We returned to our rooms and decided to lock all the doors leading to the hallway.

The only door we kept unlocked was the one connecting our rooms. That way, if we heard any commotion coming from the other room, we could help each other...

...But, I didn't hear any sort of commotion last night! Not a single noise! I woke up this morning, opened the door, and Lucien... Lucien was...

...So, no movement from the room next door, no forced entry via Sylvain's room...

No signs of a struggle at the scene, and no external injuries on Lucien's body... What kind of cause of death are we dealing with here?

I did notice a few things about the body: Lucien's pupils were dilated and his skin was flushed... Very similar to Master's symptoms after the attack yesterday.

There weren't any traces of liquid in his mouth or nose, so it's unlikely he was forced to ingest anything... The more plausible explanation is that he inhaled a substance without knowing it... and I'd say that substance was likely "Auguste."

"Auguste"...? No, that's not possible... Inhaling "Auguste" won't kill you! And, anyway, it would have been for just one night!

N—No... that's not what I meant...!

Emilie! You ran your tests, didn't you? Go on, tell everyone whether you found any poison!

...No, I didn't find any common toxins.

Hah... See? "Auguste" is harmless... The market response proved that years ago!

...That may be true for most people, but not for everyone.

Master...!

Edgar! You're up and about already?

...*cough*! Thanks to Emilie, I'm out of the woods for now.

...Sylvain, no matter how hard you may try to hide it, the truth will always come to light.

Edgar...!

Even if we could keep it a secret for another ten or twenty years... Do you think Kirya would just let us be?

No... He would never give up... not if he's doing all of this for Yelena.

Yelena...?

...

That's "Vijava's" real name.

...Yelena wasn't a scholar from Sumeru. She was an exiled Fatuus from Snezhnaya.

...A Fatuus!?

The Fatui... That means, the elemental energy present in "Auguste" was...!

Ah, so you already detected it... Well, Sylvain, looks like there's truly no reason to hide things now.

...

The Auguste flower... was created with the mutative and distorting power of a Delusion.

A—A Delusion!

The Fatui, Delusions... I never would've thought "Auguste" was hiding this many secrets...

Born of a Delusion, "Auguste" contained distorted elemental energy... Prolonged exposure over many years could have a harmful effect on the body... *coughing*

...That's enough, Edgar. I'll take it from here.

At first, Yelena wanted to keep refining the perfume and the flower, but no one knew how long the "Perfume Mania" was going to last back then.

It didn't have an effect on ordinary people, anyway. Every day we postponed going to market was another day of lost earning potential...

So you decided poisoning people was worth the risk?

Listen, it's not like it was good for business! But, all that talk about "Auguste" being harmful over time... Yelena was just speculating! The impact was practically negligible...

Unless you were particularly sensitive to elemental energy, or had an entire bottle shoved down your throat like Edgar, you could use the product for decades and be completely fine!

It may be true that there are no records of "Auguste" poisoning in Fontaine...

But, even if no one was acutely poisoned... Willfully bringing a product to market despite explicit knowledge of its harmful effects is still a serious crime!

Hmph...

That explains why you were so intent on keeping Yelena and Kirya's involvement a secret all this time, despite readily confessing to all your financial crimes...

The Fatui, Delusions, "Auguste"... If the Marechaussee Phantom discovered the connection between the three, there would've been enough evidence to send you to the Fortress of Meropide for life.

Hah... If I'd known coming to Sumeru would put a target on my back, I would've been more than happy to stay there... At least that way, Lucien would still be alive...

All these years without any sign of Kirya, and he pops up out of nowhere the minute my brother and I get out of prison... It couldn't be any clearer who the kid's after!

"Auguste" was harmless before... The fact that it's killing people all of a sudden must be his doing as well...

So, there's bad blood between you...

...What about Yelena's death? Was that a cover-up, too? A way to destroy evidence?

...I'll admit, we thought about it at one point.

We took care to disguise the products circulating on the market, and no one was questioning Yelena's fake identity...

But, if the Marechaussee Phantom decided to look into the flowerbeds, it would've been the end. Yelena's ties to the Fatui, the role of the Delusion... everything would've been exposed!

Before we could even put our plan in motion... Yelena beat us to it. She burned all her flowerbeds... and threw herself into the fire as well.

But... But if her goal was to destroy evidence, there would have been no reason to do that to herself...

Yeah! She could've just burned the flowerbeds and fled with her brother...

...I thought about it for a long time, but it wasn't until just now that I finally understood her reasoning.

Everything she did... it was for her brother, Kirya.

...

One of the reasons they defected from the Fatui was the deterioration of Yelena's body due to her excessive use of a Delusion... She didn't want her brother to follow in her footsteps after her death.

After arriving in Fontaine, Yelena continued using the Delusion to cultivate the "Auguste" flower, weakening her body even further. There were times when she couldn't even walk.

...So, she couldn't flee with her brother because she was afraid of holding him back...

...If her true identity was exposed, she and her brother would face pressure from both Snezhnaya and Fontaine.

The Auguste flower and Yelena's own corroded body both bore the mark of a Delusion. There would've been no way to avoid suspicion.

So, in the end, she burnt it all to ash, including herself. With all the evidence erased, Kirya was free to take the Mora and run...

So, the wealth you earned from "Auguste"... It wasn't destroyed in the fire. Yelena gave it to her brother?

Most likely. Before Yelena died, she said if anything happened to her, she was going to leave everything to her brother... We just didn't realize she meant our cut as well!

That's why Lucien and I were searching for Kirya — to take back our Mora and the Auguste flower... We just didn't realize Kirya was baiting us the whole time... It was all a trap, haha...

But, why is Kirya out for revenge, anyway? Doesn't he know about Yelena's decision to sacrifice herself?

...I don't think he knew his sister was nearing death.

Yelena always wore heavy makeup around him to conceal her deteriorating appearance. She kept herself busy with work to keep out of sight. That way, her brother wouldn't notice how she could barely walk...

Then, all we need to do is tell Kirya what really happened, and then he'll give up on his revenge!

...I'm not so sure.

Even if he knew the truth, he'd still find someone to blame. He might think Yelena was forced into using a Delusion to cultivate Auguste... or something like that.

It's hard to pull yourself out of that kind of hatred... especially when you've been living in that headspace for so many years.

Very true... Even if Yelena's death was her own choice, I wouldn't call myself innocent either.

Edgar...! What are you talking about?

Think about it, Sylvain... If we hadn't been in such a hurry to capitalize on the "Perfume Mania" all those years ago, do you think Yelena would have elected to take those risks?

If we hadn't been so blinded by greed, so insistent on increasing the scale of the flower cultivation, do you think Yelena's health would have deteriorated as fast as it did?

If we hadn't invited the Marechaussee Phantom to our doorstep by breaking the law at every turn... Yelena could have survived...

Hmph, she knew her limits. She knew her days were numbered! Maybe it was for her brother, but she was in it for the Mora just as much as us!

We were just trying to earn a bit of Mora... and, what, we deserve to die for that? Target me for being the mastermind, sure... But, what about Lucien? He was just following my orders!

Lucien's crime... Was it really so extreme that he had to pay for it with his life?

...

...The only person that can answer that question is a judge.

Ha... Haha...

*sigh*... Fine. I've said my piece, anyway. Drag me back to Fontaine to stand trial, I don't care.

*sigh*... Three people from Fontaine, one from Snezhnaya, and a crime committed in Port Ormos... What a headache...

What's going to happen?

...Well, we can only wait until the Akademiya sends someone to deal with it. I'm guessing we'll have to contact Fontaine as well... In any case, we won't really know anything until tomorrow.

*sigh* With the exhibition, we don't even have space in Port Ormos to detain anyone... Such a headache...

Hmm... The hotel could suffice? You could station a few officers to keep an eye on Sylvain and myself.

Although, with Sylvain's mental state and my physical one... I don't think you need to worry about a jail break.

Mr. Edgar, are you saying...?

...If Sylvain is to stand trial, then I deserve the same fate. A crime is a crime, accomplice or not.

I'd just like to take care of a few things before I go... say goodbye to my plants and all that.

As for Sylvain... I'm sure he also has some goodbyes of his own.

...

Would you be willing to grant that request, Sheriff?

Well... Alright. I'll talk to the Akademiya. No matter who you were in Fontaine, or what crimes you committed...

The man we grew to know in Sumeru proved himself to be a good person. Your request is granted.

You have my thanks, Sheriff.

Happen tonight...? Ah, you mean the possibility that Kirya might try to finish what he started?

Yeah! All we know is that he uses "Auguste" to poison people, but we still have no idea how to catch him in the act...

If he targets Sylvain or Edgar again, we might not be able to stop him!

That may be true, but what if we can take advantage of his desperation?

Desperation?

If we take advantage of this situation and lure him in on purpose... We might finally have the chance to talk to him.

Master, no! That's too dangerous...

Ha... Haha... So, that's your plan.

If Kirya learns we're being taken away tomorrow, his last chance to enact his revenge... would be tonight.

In other words, you want to use us as bait to capture him!

...Capture, not necessarily... I just want to talk. What, are you afraid of him?

Afraid? Hah, this is my only chance to make him pay for what he did.

I'm spending the rest of my life in prison, anyway... I can't just sit back and let him ride off into the sunset with our fortune! There's no way I'm letting him get away with it, not after what he did to Lucien!

Hmph... As for the danger, everyone else just needs to make preparations in advance to protect us.

...I'll admit, it could work. We'd just need to spread the word that Edgar and Sylvain are leaving tomorrow...

And then I'll station some of my men around the hotel... If we have your assistance as well, our chance of success would be even higher.

I still have some reservations... But, if you insist on carrying out this plan, I won't deny you my help.

We can help stand guard.

I'll also keep watch.

...Although, I think Sylvain and myself should remain alone in our respective rooms.

If Kirya noticed another person in the room, he might decide to turn back... And, besides, it's possible he's already transformed "Auguste" into a potent toxic gas.

Ahh, you mean, if he doesn't see a way to get his hands on the two of you, he might get so desperate that he'll just start using "Auguste" on everybody?

If that were to happen, everyone standing guard... even the innocent citizens in Port Ormos, would all be in danger!

That's why everyone else needs to keep to the shadows... *coughing*

...You're still recovering. You need to rest.

*sigh* This old bag of bones doesn't bounce back like it used to... I suppose I'll just have to leave the rest to you.

Alright, we can figure out a plan to keep watch later. Right now, I say we split up and start spreading that information before it's too late.

...Have you heard? Mr. Edgar's been detained! He's being taken away tomorrow!

What!? He's the one who helped craft all the fragrances for our shop...

He taught my child how to make perfume... How could this happen...

...He hasn't been convicted yet. Let's just wait and see what the court has to say...

Everyone on the street is talking about the rumors... No matter where Kirya's hiding, he must've heard them by now!

Let's head back to the hotel and take a break. We can see how the other preparations are going while we're at it!

Emilie! Sheriff Shyam wants to talk to you and 旅行者 about our plans for the night watch...

Thank you, Collei. But first... Here, I prepared a kind of herbal tea that helps calm the spirit. Why don't you have some?

Oh, that's very kind of you, but I'm okay...

It's not good to be so tense, especially when we've got a long night ahead of us. I don't mean to put you on the spot, but I couldn't help but notice that something seems to be on your mind.

Was... Was it that obvious?

You seem very preoccupied with Kirya's "revenge"... If there's anything you want to talk about, I'm happy to listen.

Oh, uh... I...

Hey! Emilie, Collei... Oh, are we interrupting something?

No, not at all. This will be easier to talk through with you here, anyway.

I've just been thinking... If Kirya has the capacity to commit murder while remaining completely undetected... Why didn't he target Sylvain along with Lucien last night?

There was just a single door separating them. If his intention was to target both brothers, then there was barely anything standing in his way, don't you think?

When I accompanied Sylvain to his room after Lucien died, and saw how distraught he was... I suddenly realized...

Maybe Kirya did that on purpose. Maybe he wanted Sylvain to experience the pain of losing a loved one before he completed his ultimate revenge...

So, did he attack Edgar as a warning, then? To scare Sylvain and Lucien?

Based on what we've heard about Kirya, that may very well be the case.

Losing his sister all those years ago... What has been going through his head? What has he been forced to endure?

Whenever I get to thinking like that, I just can't help but wonder... If I were in his place, would I be able to let go of that hatred?

Collei...

I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't think like that, not after everything he's done... But, I just can't help it.

...There's nothing wrong with the way you're feeling. Empathy is a part of human nature.

In all my years of cleaning up crime scenes, I've witnessed countless families mourn their loved ones. Their cries of devastation and anger still echo through my mind, even now.

Some of them even try to stop me, begging me not to erase the last remnants of their loved ones... But, getting swept up in those emotions will corrupt your judgment.

Surround yourself with fragrance for too long, and your sense of smell will become dull... Allow yourself to be consumed by your emotions, and you lose the ability to think rationally.

So, while you hold onto that sense of empathy, you also need to ask yourself...

Do Sylvain and Lucien really deserve to die? How much did they truly know about the Fatui and the Delusion? Did they force Yelena to make those decisions?

Answering those questions requires a lot of time and evidence, while a single act of vengeance can put those answers forever out of our reach.

I've witnessed a lot of deaths in Fontaine. When someone dies, a certain amount of information can be inferred from the traces left behind at the scene.

But, generally speaking, death will just leave most questions unanswered, and the whole picture ever incomplete.

...Once you're consumed by hatred, it will become next to impossible to think about things that way. For someone like Kirya, I'm sure right and wrong lost all meaning a long time ago.

You're right. The fact that we can approach these questions from this perspective isn't because we're more rational than them... It's because we're fortunate enough not to have suffered that kind of loss.

But, that also makes us perfectly positioned to stand on the outside... and try to pull them back from the brink before it's too late.

I understand Kirya's decision, but I still want to stop him. Master, Sylvain, and Kirya... They all deserve to survive.

Huh, the fortunate... and the unfortunate...

...

Emilie! 旅行者... Huh? Edgar, you're here too?

Oh, it's you two! Didn't you head back to your room to rest, Edgar? Is it really okay for you to be out and about like this?

Aha... A little exercise never hurt anyone.

Besides, I don't have much time left in Sumeru, so I'd like to take care of my plants while I still can.

We could do that for you, Master.

No need. I've grown attached to these flowers, and this is my last chance to say goodbye... Come tomorrow, I'll be happy to entrust their care to you.

...I would imagine Sheriff Shyam is here for a more important reason?

Ah, that night watch! You mentioned earlier, we still need to confirm our plans...

That's right. I've stationed some of my men around the surrounding area, but we still don't have anyone standing guard next to Sylvain's room.

Exactly. After some discussion, we concluded that Sylvain has the highest risk of being attacked next. You're the most skilled fighter here, 旅行者...

And Emilie's expertise is sure to come in handy in a pinch... That's why I want you two stationed next to Sylvain's room. So, are you up for it?

Fine with me. What about you, Emilie?

Sounds perfectly reasonable. I'll be glad to have your help tonight, 旅行者.

Huh... Not a peep! Has Kirya given up on his revenge?

Just like that...?

Hmm... Guess we'll just have to keep at it!

Still nothing unusual... Paimon took a peek into the room next door, and Sylvain's already sleeping!

Shyam hasn't issued a warning either...

Perhaps Kirya's true motive was simply forcing Sylvain to confess his crimes?

No, that can't be right... If all he wanted was for Sylvain to be convicted for his true crimes, he could have tipped off the Marechaussee Phantom years ago...

There must be something we're missing... something extremely important...

Maybe we just need to calm down a little... How about some tea? That herbal blend from earlier was pretty tasty...

You're right... Um, maybe we can look for a different distraction, then? Like... Like looking at the flowers!

Oh, there's a Glaze Lily here? Paimon didn't notice it earlier!

Flowers... Glaze Lilies... Incense...

Oh no... Sylvain's room! Quick!

Wait, what—

Hey... Did you hear? Someone was attacked again last night!

...It was the older of the merchant brothers, right?

I think his name was Sylvain... Poor guy was murdered in cold blood!

First it was Mr. Edgar, then that merchant named Lucien, and now this...

...Listen up, everyone. This is an active crime scene. Please, no loitering!

...It's been three days, and they haven't even caught a glimpse of the guy... What is going on...

Do you think it could be the work of an evil spirit?

I mean, how do you get away with something like that with so many people watching?

Keep it moving, everyone... No loitering!

*coughing*

...I suppose I'm next.

...

...You don't know that. Kirya already attacked you once, and you survived... Perhaps he doesn't consider your crime to be worthy of death...

You were the only reason I managed to survive, Emilie... Ah, I never did thank you for that, did I?

Even if I wasn't there, Tighnari was also in the vicinity. He would have been able to help.

Is that so...? I suppose I'm a very fortunate person, then...

I have exceptional students, caring friends, and the respect of my peers... If it is, indeed, my time to go, then I'll die without regrets.

But, Kirya has nothing... Yelena is gone, and, now, his enemies are too.

...It really makes you wonder... if there's even a reason to keep on living.

If you really want an answer, I suppose you'll have to ask Kirya himself once we finally catch him.

Ah, well, I hope it all goes well.

...Emilie, there's something else I'd like to ask of you... With everything that's happened, holding the exhibition is off the table now.

But, so many flowers were transported here for the show, some of them thousands of miles away from their homeland... I can't let them wither away with no one to care for them.

Whether Kirya gets to me first, or I'm sent back to Fontaine to stand trial, I won't be around to look after them.

I know it's a lot to ask... But, could I entrust them to your care?

Of course, Master.

Really...? I'm glad to hear it.

Now, I truly have nothing to worry about...

...Sheriff Shyam still has some questions for me, so I've got to go.

Hah, go ahead. Best not to keep him waiting... He can be quite impatient.

...I'm sorry, Master.

...

Ah... Hmm...

*sigh*...

Emilie still isn't back... I hope she didn't run into any trouble...

Yeah, that's true...

旅行者, I had my men start spreading the information you requested. The crowd is gone now, too... But, I have to admit, I'm not really sure what's going on...

After listening to Emilie's plan, I started getting the materials together and arranging personnel... I barely had a second to spare last night...

To be honest, I'm still not sure how the crime was committed that night...

It's pretty simple, actually...

The key clue was right in front of us the entire time!

Feel like you've been waiting to say that for a while...

Hehe, let's go! We'll show you where the culprit hid "Auguste"!

(The corners are filled with flowers from different nations. The fragrance is incredibly strong.)

(The Glaze Lily is swaying gently, its petals closed. There's a ring of moisture around the rim of the petals that feels sticky to the touch.)

This is it!

...The Glaze Lily? Huh, I think I've heard of it before. It's a flower from Liyue, right?

Well, did you know... it only blooms at night?

Emilie, you're back!

How did it go?

Exactly as expected.

A flower that only blooms at night... Ah, like the Nilotpala Lotus!

Exactly. Although, the Nilotpala Lotus wouldn't be a good substitute in this scenario. When it's closed, the gaps between the petals are too large.

That's why "Kirya" chose the Glaze Lily as his mechanism... He would start by preparing an "Auguste" sample...

That's right. He applied a diluted form of Slime Condensate to the petals to stick them together, and enclosed a sample of "Auguste" in the center.

That way, the "Auguste" would remain trapped inside during the daytime, unable to seep between the petals and evaporate into the air. This also allowed the culprit to plant the poison well in advance while his targets remained oblivious.

However... the diluted Slime Condensate wouldn't be viscous enough to prevent the petals of the Glaze Lily from opening at night. So, by nightfall, the flower would bloom, thereby forcing the target to inhale the "Auguste" trapped inside...

And Kirya could execute his revenge without having to step foot inside the room during the night...

By the next morning, the sample of "Auguste" would have nearly fully evaporated, the Glaze Lily would have already closed its petals, and any lingering odor would be concealed by the fragrance of the other flowers in the room.

...And his mission would be accomplished.

Wait a second... You're telling me this version of "Auguste" is so toxic, inhaling the minute amount trapped inside a flower is enough to kill a grown man?

Then, how did Edgar even survive ingesting a whole bottle of the stuff?

That's because "Auguste" is just as dangerous now as it was all those years ago. The level of toxicity has never changed. Only a small subset of people are truly at risk.

Ah, you mean... people who are sensitive to elemental energy! So, it's just some sort of happy coincidence that Sylvain and Lucien are allergic to the stuff?

That can't be right... They were involved in the operation all those years ago... If the stuff gave them a bad reaction, they would've known from the very start!

I wouldn't use the word "allergic," necessarily. It's more like they're "susceptible" to its effects... But, that distinction isn't important right now.

You can think of it this way: It's not that Sylvain and Lucien are innately sensitive to elemental energy, but that "Kirya" found a way to ensure that they would be...

...Alchemically-produced essential oils, the Primordial Seawater that caused unrest in Fontaine not too long ago — all of those are substances that can heighten your sensitivity to elemental energy.

And Kirya chose... Spirit Borneol.

That stuff gave us a lot of trouble when we first came to Sumeru...

Ah, yes. I definitely remember that.

In Sumeru, it's not uncommon to use incense indoors, so its presence wouldn't arouse suspicion. The flowers in the room could also serve to mask the scent...

Flowers were pretty important to his plan, huh... The Glaze Lily is native to Liyue. It would be completely unnatural to have one here in Sumeru if it weren't for the exhibition. What a coincidence...

...Actually, it's not a coincidence at all.

No wonder he was willing to pay a small fortune to rent out the hotel...

He probably used the Mora Yelena left him, don't you think? That money was supposed to set him free...

But, in the end... It was just a tool for his revenge.

There's a saying among forensic doctors in Fontaine: "Every step you take leaves a mark."

But up until this point, we haven't been able to detect any trace of Kirya's activities. That's not because he was coming and going undetected, or because he's some kind of evil spirit.

But because he's been disguised as someone else this entire time.

But... Kirya was only in his teens back then. He wouldn't even be forty years old by now!

Edgar's lived here for so many years. Even if he changed his appearance, going that long without giving anything away... It would be impossible!

...B—Bad news, Sheriff! Mr. Edgar was attacked!

What!?

A dark, shadow-like figure just ran out of his room! It was giving off a really ominous aura...

But, before we could even react, the figure up and disappeared, like some sort of ghost or something... By the time we got a look inside the room, Mr. Edgar was gone!

Do you think Kirya kidnapped him?

I need you to think very carefully about this... Are you certain that figure wasn't Edgar himself?

Uh... I mean, Mr. Edgar was so frail... I don't see how he could've moved that fast...

It would seem Master decided to tap into an ill-advised source of power.

What? But, that's so dangerous with the condition he's in. It's...

...Suicide.

But why... Why would he do that? He has already accomplished his revenge!

No... If his aim was to target "everyone" who had a hand in Yelena's death...

If he left Sylvain alive yesterday, not out of a desire to see him suffer, but to confirm the truth about why Yelena chose to die...

Then, there's still one target left!

The shadow-like figure ran in the direction of the elevator, and my partner immediately chased after them...

...We should hurry, before they're forced to confront each other.

Where in the world did he go... Oh, let's ask the merchants nearby!

A shadow-like figure with an ominous aura?

Sorry, I didn't see anything. I was busy taking inventory...

G—Ghost! It's a ghost!

It's alright, please calm down and take a deep breath... Can you tell us what you saw?

*panting* I saw a black shadow... It ran right past me...

How could... How could something like that happen in broad daylight...

*sigh*... If we go any further, we'll be out of Port Ormos! They'll be hardly any witnesses...

It's alright. I can detect a faint whiff of the scent from here. I would say he passed by this location not too long ago.

...Hm, it's this way. Please, follow me.

The scent is getting stronger. This must be the place.

Ah! Oguz!

Are you alright? W—Were you attacked?

Argh... No, no... I'm alright. I was just chasing after that figure, and then, all of a sudden, I didn't feel so hot...

Let me take a look.

The air definitely feels heavy... It smells nice, but for some reason, it's hard to breathe...

This feeling... I've encountered it before...

Everything looks alright. It was probably just the stress of the chase combined with the impact of the environment. A bit of rest would do you some good.

I can't rest! Mr. Edgar is still in there! He taught my sister how to make perfume...

He's a good man... I can't just abandon him to die by Kirya's hand!

Oguz... You need to calm down and listen to me. Edgar is the one we're after. He and Kirya are the same person.

But... How is that possible!? I thought you said Kirya was in his thirties?

Mr. Edgar is seventy something... Changing your appearance to look decades older... That doesn't seem possible!

That's precisely why he had to resort to extraordinary measures to age himself.

...A Delusion.

Kirya used a Delusion to bring back the Auguste flower, corroding his body in the process... just like his older sister.

No... He couldn't have. Mr. Edgar has been in Port Ormos for years! If someone started impersonating him all of a sudden, we would have noticed!

And what if the impersonation started before he ever set foot in Sumeru?

I... Uh...

...I've yet to confirm it, but I suspect Kirya killed the real Edgar in Fontaine not long after his release from prison.

While Edgar was incarcerated, Kirya started making preparations to replace him, including forcefully aging his body, studying perfumery... and planning the real Edgar's demise.

The new "Edgar" then decided to relocate to Sumeru, seemingly out of an innocuous desire to let go of the past. He even left perfume-making in favor of mentoring students... But, these decisions were all for a specific purpose... the need to distance himself from anyone who might see through the facade.

And Sumeru fit the bill to a tee. With no one around to question his identity, all he had to do was grow a beard, don a pair of glasses, make a few minor alterations to his appearance... and everyone would believe he was exactly who he claimed — Edgar, a perfumer from Fontaine.

As the years went by, he removed his disguise little by little and continued to refine his skills... It would have been a gradual process, one that ensured no one around him would notice anything unusual.

That explains why Sylvain said he barely recognized Edgar back at the hotel...

He aged himself decades beyond his years just so he could accomplish his revenge... Is that even worth it?

I... I need to find Mr. Edgar... He's not that kind of person, he can't be... *coughing*

What you really need is to get out of here and rest!

No, I... I can keep going!

Wait... This environment is likely being influenced by the Delusion. Any discomfort, no matter how slight, should not be treated lightly.

I know how to relieve your symptoms, Mr. Oguz... Please, come with me and rest.

I'm sure Kirya... No, Edgar wouldn't want any more innocent people implicated in all this.

Collei's right. 旅行者 and I will take things from here. From our brief exposure to "Auguste," it would seem the substance has little effect on us...

This leads me to believe those blessed with a Vision or capable of wielding elemental power are more resistant to the effects of abnormal elemental energy. In other words, this environment doesn't pose as much of a risk to us.

Actually, now that I think about it, this stronghold likely has multiple points of entry. If the target were to escape from a different point of entry, that might allow him to evade capture...

...I hate to trouble you, but we need people to survey the perimeter...

I...

Heh... Thanks.

...Hear that? We're heading out! There's work to be done! Oguz, head back to Port Ormos and start gathering reinforcements!

Got it...

旅行者, Emilie, Paimon... Please, be careful.

For someone whose only purpose in life is revenge, there's no telling what they'll do when there's no reason to move forward.

Don't worry. This isn't the end, not for us... or for Kirya.

...We're not going to let "Auguste" kill anyone else. It's time for the mythos to fade into obscurity.

Woah... Look at all the Auguste flowers...

There are so many of them... Paimon can't believe a single person did all this! It must've taken a lot of time...

I fear that statement is truer than you know, Paimon. Using a Delusion comes at a cost... not just time, but the time you have left to live...

But, why would Kirya need this many Auguste flowers?

He only needed a few bottles of "Auguste" to carry out his plan, right?

...Perhaps hatred wasn't the only emotion fueling his obsession with "Auguste."

...What do you mean?

Not long ago, he told me he didn't want all the flowers transported to Sumeru to wither away in a foreign land.

But, Kirya betrayed Snezhnaya, abandoned Fontaine, and lived his entire life in Sumeru under the guise of someone else...

For someone with nowhere to call home... Perhaps dying among a bed of Auguste flowers, just like his sister, is the best homecoming he could ask for.

*panting*... *coughing*...

The scent... getting stronger... almost at the...

...Did they catch up that fast?

No... my strength is just waning...

...But, it doesn't matter... This is far enough.

Hmph...

Ahh!

This is... A garden of Auguste flowers?

...But, it's not mine... It's the one that was set on fire all those years ago in Fontaine...

...Yelena?

Yelena!

You tried to hide it from me, but I... I always understood!

The reason why you continued to use the Delusion... The reason why you set your garden on fire... It was all because of me!

...I shouldn't have listened to you that day. I shouldn't have taken the Mora and ran...

But, by the time I realized something wasn't right... there was nothing left. The flowers were gone... and so were you...

...I know I'm almost twenty years too late... I should have come looking for you earlier...

I should have... I should have died with you that day...

...

...Yelena?

—!

Yelena!?

...

No... Don't leave me... Please...

Yelena!

Uhhh...

...Emilie?

I... I'm alive? No, that's not possible. I saw her... Yelena... We were together...

...No. That was an illusion, likely brought about by the residual toxin in your body coupled with the pollen in the air, neither of which are fatal.

No, the amount of "Auguste" I drank... It should've been enough...

...A fake? But, how...

...We started making the preparations last night with one goal in mind.

...To create a perfect accord.

...So, you switched the bottles of "Auguste" and then lied to me about Sylvain's death...

Convincing you that your revenge had been completed... was the easiest way to get you to let down your guard.

Impossible... even if you found a way to switch out the bottles, there's no way you could have made an accord!

If "Auguste" was so easy to replicate, Yelena wouldn't have...

It was a combination of Rainbow Roses, Glaze Lilies, and Cecilias... Those ingredients would have conflicted with each other if you tried to combine them in the past.

But recently, we found a way for them to work together.

...Rainbow Roses... Glaze Lilies... and Cecilias?

..."Auguste" was created over ten years ago. All this time, people never stopped analyzing it, never stopped trying to recreate it.

Perfumery techniques are advancing day by day. We've found better ways to extract essential oils, separate oils and fats... we even discovered new ways to combine fragrances together.

The mythos surrounding "Auguste" may have been untouchable almost twenty years ago... But, now, it's time for it to become a thing of the past.

The past...

You've been working as a perfumer for all these years... You should have always known that it is possible to make an accord, even if only in theory.

But, the meaning you assigned to "Auguste" became so inflated, you allowed yourself to get lost in it... just like the "Perfume Mania" that captivated the public all those years ago.

You believed in its "divinity" and "grandeur"... You believed it was entirely "one of a kind."

Your obsession with "Auguste" is also what allowed us to predict how you intended your plan to end... and to make preparations in advance.

We just didn't expect it to happen so fast...

Or that you would activate the Delusion.

Ha... Haha...

Well... you hit the nail on the head, now didn't you?

So... Sylvain isn't dead...

Since you've been preparing your accord since last night... I assume you've also figured out my method, then?

That means the news of Sylvain's death, the crowd gathered outside the hotel this morning... It was all an act you put on with the Sheriff?

...Yes. If we hadn't, you might have resorted to the Delusion out of desperation, or continued to use your "Spirit Borneol" and "Auguste" combination to wreak havoc...

Who knows... Maybe I would have just offed myself then and there.

I know if you had things your way, you would carry the truth of "Edgar's" demise and the secrets of this garden to the grave, but I'm sorry, Master... I don't want to see any more death.

Sylvain only inhaled a small amount of poison. He's being detained as we speak.

All the crimes he concealed back then will be exposed in a court of law for everyone to see, and all his secrets will be revealed... The same goes for you as well.

Is that so... Well, I suppose I'll be spending the rest of my days in a prison cell, then.

Woah... He accepted that kinda fast...

...I don't feel the need to justify my actions, nor do I intend to repent for them.

I did what I set out to do. I may have lost in the end, but it was my choice every step of the way. And if I could do it all over again...

Hah... But, there's no going back, is there?

Be careful, everyone. This environment is dangerous, I'll lead the way...

...Stick close... We can't let Edgar die...

Looks like I'm almost out of time... Although, I do have one final question, Emilie.

...Of course, Master.

The combination you used to make your accord... How did you figure it out?

...The scent of "Auguste" is complex and varied, yet the main ingredient consists of a single variety of flower.

So, as I was analyzing the sample yesterday, I got to thinking... What if the scent of the Auguste flower was already imbued with that complexity during its cultivation?

You're saying... Yelena designed "Auguste" to have the scent of multiple flowers?

Rainbow Roses, Glaze Lilies, Cecilias... The perfumers of the past knew that if you combined their essential oils directly, they would just cancel each other out. It was a conundrum they could never solve.

But, if you cultivate a new flower species that intrinsically carries the unique features of those three scents, you can bypass that issue entirely... It goes without saying, that for the time, this idea was a stroke of genius.

Rainbow Roses, Glaze Lilies, and Cecilias... Hah, those really do seem like flowers you would choose...

...Yelena.

...Did you know? Miss Emilie's releasing a new perfume!

Ah, right! I heard about that! I think it's called... "Yelena"...

...Seems like everyone in Fontaine is talking about the new perfume you're releasing!

I was hoping to release it without such a fuss, but... the news spread way faster than I expected.

I just hope it won't become the source of some new "myth"... especially after all the work we did to demystify "Auguste."

I did! Although, I made a few modifications to the formula to make the scent more pleasant and long-lasting... I actually brought a few samples with me today. I hope they're to your liking.

Also... I was hoping you could try out the fragrance before I officially release it, and tell me your thoughts.

Of course! A good sense of taste and sense of smell go hand in hand, you know. Just leave it to Paimon!

...*sniff* Ooh, it smells great!

I'm not sure that's the kind of feedback she had in mind...

Haha, it's alright. All feedback is worth considering.

Besides, when it comes to perfume... commenting on whether it smells good is the most straightforward assessment you can ask for. There doesn't always have to be a deeper meaning.

Speaking of deeper meanings... Kirya's final question...

Right... Do those flowers have some special meaning? Hearing their names seemed to have an effect on him...

Hm, if I had to guess... I'd say it probably has something to do with the language of flowers.

The language of flowers? Oh, we've heard of that before. Paimon remembers hearing something like... the "Cecilia" represents "the true feelings of the prodigal son"...

What each flower is said to represent varies by person and across different moments in history... the same is true for the flowers that make up the scent of Auguste.

After returning to Fontaine, I did some research... and it turns out, the meanings of those three flowers can be reassembled to form a single phrase...

"...Forget the past, and keep on living."

Perhaps that's the legacy Yelena always intended, not the nobility and grandeur most people associate with Auguste.

Or maybe... That's what she hoped for her brother...

Do you think Kirya knew about that?

I paid him a visit before his trial and explained what I found... But, he didn't seem to care.

"Who knows? Maybe she didn't mean anything by it at all?" — that was his response.

"...Yelena is gone. We'll never know what she was thinking. We can look for meaning all we want, but it'll never be anything but conjecture."

"Even if that is what she was trying to say, I would never be able to forget her."

"...Avenging her death... That was the meaning I chose for my life."

...Kirya cultivated his revenge like a flower. He was commited to making it bloom, even if, in the end, it didn't bear the fruit he was hoping for...

...Kirya.

In any case, he did want me to pass along his thanks.

"...Thank you for saving my life, for giving me the chance to learn that Auguste... could have carried a very different meaning."

...

Love and hatred are a privilege of the living.

When someone dies, their thoughts, feelings, and intentions die with them. In that sense, what Auguste truly represents in the language of flowers will forever remain a mystery.

But... even if it's only a conjecture, I would like to believe my own interpretation.

The meaning we give to flowers, the symbolism we assign to our perfumes... They're constantly twisted and exploited in our imperfect world...

And yet, at the very outset, they're born from the simplest and most beautiful desires we hold in our heart.