Hieronymus

(Talk to Hieronymus)

Hieronymus: Oh? It's you. Not every day a guest shows up in this village — Nice field, huh?

Did you plant all this wheat yourself?

Hieronymus: Hahaha, not a chance! A field this size? If I had to tend it solo, I'd collapse from exhaustion.

It's a beautiful wheat field.

Hieronymus: I know, right? The crop's looking fantastic this year. Look at that golden hue, doesn't it outshine MnestiaRomantic Titan's dress?

Hieronymus: You're one of us now, no need to be shy. With such fine weather, once our grapes have fermented, be sure to take my kids out to the wheat fields. Sit in the sun, feel the breeze... I'm not bragging, it feels great.

Phainon's Memory

Hieronymus: Phainon, you brat! You're finally back. Skipping out on chores again, where did you go?

Phainon: Me? Haha, I was just out back in the warehouse.

Hieronymus: Hah... Messing with those ancient treasures from the Chrysos War again, weren't you? Be honest, that little clay jar you're so obsessed with? I'd bet it's just Piso's granddad's old pickle crock.

Phainon: Let's not argue over that now, Dad. What I wanted to say is...

Phainon: I've... packed my bags.

Hieronymus: Oh...

Hieronymus: Ha! I almost forgot! Kid, you're quick on your feet, just like me. Your mom still doesn't believe it...

Hieronymus: ...When are you leaving? Your mother and I will see you off.

Phainon: At the Lucid Hourmorning of the day after tomorrow, you don't have to send me off. It's too early, and the field work never ends.

Phainon: I'll be fine on my own. Really.

Hieronymus: ...

Hieronymus: Alright, have it your way. Kid, not long ago you couldn't even lift a hoe, and now you're off to Castrum Kremnos to train with a sword...

Hieronymus: If Aedes Elysiae ever lose this wheat field... I don't even know how we'd keep track of the seasons.

Phainon: Haha... I'm afraid I won't be around to help you and Mom harvest for a long while.

Hieronymus: Don't worry about it. Your mother and I are still strong as a pair of oxen. Even without you, we'll keep this household running just fine...

Hieronymus: Focus on your swordsmanship. Don't get lost in idle thoughts. Even if you never become the Deliverer they sing about in legends or can't protect the whole world, you still need to come back and protect this little village of ours.

Phainon: Hah... How many times do I have to say it? I'm not cut out to be some Deliverer.

Phainon: Dad, Mom, everyone... I'm home.

Hieronymus: Phainon... you... you've grown taller.

Phainon: Haha... It's been so long. You almost didn't recognize me, did you?

Audata: Of course not, mom recognized you at first glance. Still the same scatterbrained kid who just barrels ahead without thinking!

Audata: Hieronymus, look! He's grown so strong. He was all baby-faced when he first left home, but now, he's even taller than you!

Hieronymus: That's a good thing! Otherwise, how could he live up to the title of "Deliverer"?

Phainon: Hey— Mom, Dad!

Word sure travels fast around here.

Is our Deliverer blushing?

Hieronymus: Heh, who would've thought? Back then, you were all about "wanting to learn swordsmanship at Castrum Kremnos!" And now look at you, you've actually beaten Nikador!

Hieronymus: Having a talented kid like you work the fields would be a real waste of potential.

Phainon: Haha... Dad, I can't take all the credit for this.

Phainon: I couldn't have made it this far without the friends who walked this path with me: my teachers, my rivals, and... my best companion.

That's right! That's me!

We're great partners!

Phainon: It's a long story... I'll tell you all about it slowly.

Audata: This kid of mine must have been quite a handful! Here, I made some honey suncakes. Please, help yourself!

Audata: Phainon, I know you've seen the world out there, but don't you dare look down on your mom's cooking!

Phainon: No way, I've been craving Aedes Elysiae's food for ages!