When Seteth said Alois would take me on a tour of the Monastery, I imagined Garreg Mach would be mostly the same as the game, only with larger structures and more distance between them. And for the most part, I was right. But the fact I'm an outsider in the eyes of these people - and thus justified in not knowing stuff - comes with some advantages.
"These classrooms don't look meant to house many people," I comment while we explore the building that serves as the Academy proper. "Do you really have so few students every year?"
"Not exactly. See this?" Alois replies as he points at one of the yellow flags with a black deer on them that adorn the sides of the entrance. "This marks this classroom as the Golden Deer's. It's one of the three used by the field classes and their homeroom teachers to discuss missions."
I furrow my brow. "Field classes?"
"It's the unofficial name given to eight students from each House picked by the faculty to participate in a field mission every month. They're usually accompanied by their homeroom teacher and a retinue of Knights."
That explains what the deal was with the background students. Though I wonder what made the faculty pick students like Linhardt and Hilda for this.
After some more explanations that the classrooms for the actual lessons are on the floors above and that there are, in fact, more than the three homeroom teachers, we proceed with the various other structures.
And there isn't much noteworthy about them. The fishing pond and the greenhouse are what their names imply, and the only new thing I learn is that they provide fish and vegetables for the kitchens respectively.
The training grounds for students turn out to be full to the brim, as the students are preparing for their graduations next week. That, at least, gives me a chance to learn we're in the middle of the Lone Moon of 1179. And that the students for the 1180 class will arrive three weeks from now and start their lessons the one after.
Which means I'm much closer to the start of the game than I'd like to be. Damn.
Still, bad news isn't all I get from visiting the training grounds. As my attention is caught by…
"Holy-" I say as I watch one of the Black Eagles students launch fireballs against one of the training dummies. "Is...is that magic?"
"Yup!"
I look at the other students in her immediate vicinity. All of them have embers, sparks of electricity, leaves and dirt, snowflakes or some kind of black goo dancing around their hands. And all of them attack their targets with several different spells. I can only watch that show in shock.
"First time seeing magic, eh?"
Alois' question breaks me out of my stupor. "S-sorry, it's just...well…"
"It's alright," Alois chuckles. "I have seen it plenty of times in action, but I always find it a magical experience to witness."
Aaaand he ruined it. Well, at least this way I won't have to explain I'm used to thinking magic isn't real.
I turn back to the students that are basically playing with the elements after that. I hail from a world where magic doesn't exist. But now I'm in one where it does. Where does that leave me?
"Interested in learning?" Alois asks when he notices the attention I'm giving the students. "You know, the Knights of Seiros have mages within their ranks. I could ask a couple I know if they could teach you."
...tempting. Really.
I shake my head all the same. "Not worth the bother. I suspect I will be busy with the kitchens."
"Doesn't mean you can't try," Alois insists. "There's this kid that is also very busy doing all sorts of jobs around Garreg Mach. And he is still able to find the time to train his archery skills with Shamir."
Wonder who that kid is…
"Whatever his reasons, I doubt I'd be as committed to it as he is," I respond. "Mine is merely a curiosity. Not something I feel I could put that much effort into." Least of all when it will do me no good when I find a way to return to my world.
Alois looks disappointed by that reply, but cheers back up almost immediately. "If you say so. Anyway, ready to continue this tour?"
I give the students training their magic one last glance before nodding to Alois. "I am. Let's go."
The final stop for our tour is a structure that was present in the games and wasn't at the same time.
The stables. Along with another building that stands tall over them, with two towers at its sides that go even higher than the building itself. These towers also have huge openings all across them, although I can't tell what their purpose is.
At least, not until a shape moves from the corner of my sight and heads straight for one of the towers. It's only when it lands right by one of the openings that I notice it's a woman riding a horse. A winged horse.
Holy shit, an actual Pegasus Knight?!
"And here are the barracks of the Knights of Seiros!"
...yeah, it checks out they would have one. I was just a moron who thought they didn't because the game didn't bring it up.
"This where you and the others reside?"
"Yup! Reside, train, keep our equipment, that sort of stuff. We also keep the Monastery's mounts. Be their horses," he turns his head to the stables, "or pegasi and wyverns," he turns it to the towers, "they are all kept here."
I furrow my brow. "The Monastery's mounts? Not just yours?"
"Nope. These mounts are also used by the clergy to travel around and by the students during their lessons on riding or during missions."
Guess that explains where the students get their mounts upon promotion.
"I see," I tell him. "Anything else I should know?"
"No, I think that's pretty much-"
"Alois!"
Both the Knight and me turn to where that exclamation came from. It turns out the one who spoke was a lady Knight, wearing a version of their armor with fewer plates and with a bow strapped to her back, her blonde hair kept in a ponytail. As she strides toward us, her face is set in a scowl.
"Ah, Riley," Alois greets her, although how forced his joviality sounds this time doesn't bode well. "What can I help you with?"
She points in my direction. "What's...this doing here?"
… is she talking about me?!
"This man," Alois says as he gently places a hand on my shoulder, voice devoid of joviality now, "is a Dagdan refugee. One Archbishop Rhea herself decided to offer shelter to."
The Knight widens her eyes. "Seriously? First she has one of these Dagdan troglodytes join our ranks and now she wants to shelter one of the very mongrels that attacked the Empire?!"
Oh you xenophobic, self-righteous…
"Yes," Alois firmly states. "And as Knights of Seiros, it is our duty to obey her commands. Especially us Lieutenants."
The bitch looks just about ready to make a retort, but before anything can come out of her mouth, she shuts it, grits her teeth and mumbles an "Understood" to Alois before she storms off.
A bitch and a coward. Congratulations on your criteria for selecting Knights, Rhea.
Once she's gone, Alois turns back to me, a concerned look on his face. "Sorry about that," he tells me. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," I reassure him before hissing out, "Who was that woman?"
He purses his lips. "That would be Dame Riley Ferreira. One of my fellow Knight-Lieutenants."
Like I said, congratulations on your criteria for selecting Knights, Rhea.
I let out a groan. There's nothing I can do about that. "Is this the kind of attitude I should expect from everyone here?"
Alois briefly hesitates before saying, "Riley is more vocal than most. But in terms of how people feel around outsiders…"
Instead of finishing the sentence, Alois makes a slow nod.
Wonderful. I already knew that, but having it spelled out for you is just...wonderful.
Some of Alois' usual energy returns for his next words. "But not to worry! If you're working with Rebecca, you have nothing to worry about! She's nothing like that!"
I'll believe that when I see it.
Although, speaking of that…
I glance at the sun setting in the distance, signaling the end of the day. A doubt pops up in my head at that sight. "Lady Rhea didn't mention whether my work at the kitchens started tonight," I tell Alois. "Did Seteth say anything about it?"
Please tell me I'm free tonight. I don't wanna be late on my first day.
"Don't you worry about that," Alois reassures me. "Your first shift will be tomorrow."
Oh, good, good.
"Although," he glances at the sunset as well, "maybe I should introduce you to Rebecca. It may be a good idea for you two to start getting acquainted. I don't think we'll be able to see her before her shift, but you can at least say hello during tonight's dinner."
I glance at the sun again. "Is that supposed to mean dinner time will be soon?"
"Sure!" he says before he glances down at my clothes. "And I think we should also have the time to go see your room if you want to change into something less…" he trails off, his mouth moving as if to say God-knows what words. The one he settles on at the end is, "Eye-catching."
…
I look down at my hoodie and jeans. My hand trails on the zip keeping it closed as I do so.
He's right. What I'm wearing is eye-catching. Mostly because it doesn't belong to this world. Like me.
"I-I didn't mean-!"
"I know what you meant." I have to let out a sigh before I can continue. "You are right, it's best if I change my outfit." I look up to him and his worried face. "Can you show me the way?"
He lightens up again at that question. "Certainly!" He turns to some other direction and then waves at me. "Come along!"
After that, I follow his lead, just as I have done all day. But this time, it's all much quieter.
After unlocking the door with a 32 attached to it, I open it and see the room inside. I don't know what it was like before Seteth 'had it arranged', but the interior is pretty basic. The only pieces of furniture are a bed to the left and a desk and a closed casket to the right. The only source of light is the window on the opposite side of the room from where I am.
"Not that I don't appreciate having a room of my own," I comment. "But are all rooms kept like this?"
"Afraid so," Alois replies. "The Church keeps the essentials a person would need. Anything else, they have to buy it themselves."
"Hmm," is how I acknowledge his words.
I walk over to the bed and press on the mattress with my hand. It is harder than what I'm used to, but not unbearably so. All in all, manageable.
After that, I move to the other side of the room. The desk is...honestly an extra. I can't think of any use for it in the immediate future. It's a nice-looking desk made of sturdy wood, that much is true, but little else catches my interest about it.
I find myself much more drawn to the casket with no lock keeping it closed next to it. One that, upon opening it, I discover contains several ashen shirts and sets of dark brown pants and boots. Not unlike the stuff Cyril wears during the school phase.
"I assume this is what Seteth meant by 'suitable clothing'," I say as I grab one of the shirts, noticing several patches in it as I do so. And looking at everything else in the casket, they don't seem to be faring much better.
"Yup," Alois replies. "That's the standard uniform for the Monastery's workers."
So basically my work uniform. Really, I feel honored.
"Would you mind leaving me alone for a moment?" I ask the Knight. "I would like to change."
"Certainly," he replies nodding, before stepping out of the room and closing the door. Leaving me to my own devices.
Taking this chance for privacy, I search the pockets of my jeans and find my phone, my house keys, my wallet and my documents. All stuff that, in the best case scenario, will be useless to me. And in the worst case will raise questions that will land me into trouble.
I dig through the clothes inside the casket until I'm able to place them right at the bottom. Hidden by all that, no one will be able to find them.
Alright. Now I can change.
I remove all I have on me (minus the underwear) and toss it aside before picking up the shirt I'd taken earlier and a pair of pants and boots that I quickly put on. As it turns out, the shirt is a bit looser than I'd normally wear, but not to a degree I can't handle. And the rest fits me just fine.
Well, I guess I underestimated your eye for this, Seteth.
With the change done, I pick up my original clothes, fold them and then place them inside the casket as well before closing it.
…
It will be fine. When I'll find a way to return home, they will be here, ready to be worn by me again.
All I have to do is make sure not to cross the lizard people that control this land. Or stumble upon the moles plotting a millenia old revenge. Or draw the attention of the teen-aged girl readying a war. Or get in the way of the crazed serial killer masquerading as a fencing instructor.
…
GODDAMMIT, WHY?!
I let out a hiss as pain spreads through my hands. Looking at them, I find them clenched into fists and resting on the top of the casket.
I disregard that new information as my mind wanders to other thoughts.
Why me?! What did I do to deserve this?! I had enough problems at home without the shitshow that is this game!
What am I even supposed to do?! I'm not some therapist that can 'fix' Edelgard or anyone else here! I'm not some smart guy that can outwit everyone! Heck, I can't even fight at all! I'm just deadweight in this-!
A bang on the other side of the door snaps me out of my thoughts. "Are you alright in there?" Alois asks concernedly.
"Y-yes," I reply. "Almost finished, just... just give me a moment."
I check on my hands. They are thankfully not bleeding, but the soreness still remains and all I can do to try and make it pass is stretch them out a bit.
After that, I take a deep breath. I have to keep those thoughts to myself and keep a cool exterior with everyone else. None must learn what I know. If anyone does, the events that are supposed to happen will change. And God only knows where that will lead.
I walk over to the door and open it. Alois is there, but his jovial expression is more strained now.
"Is everything alright?" he asks.
"Yes," I reassure him. "Just bumped into the casket while changing. Nothing to worry about."
He doesn't reply or react in any kind of way. Given the kind of man he is, that worries me.
"Anyway," I intervene, spreading out my arms. "How do I look with these?"
Some warmth returns to Alois' face. Not all of it, though.
"They fit you nicely," Alois says. "You could say they work for your position, eh?"
...what?
"Did you get it?" he asks. "Because, you know, 'work' and you…?"
Oh! Uh…
"Let's move on, alright?" I decide to tell him.
Alois lets out a disappointed sigh, but recovers quickly. "Alright, follow me."
And we're off again.
The sun has fully come down and given way to the night sky by the time we arrive at the dining hall. And to my surprise, no one has arrived yet.
The layout of the place is similar to its in-game counterpart: various long tables with seats for the various people, with a counter where I assume dishes are served on the far side of the room. Normally, that may seem pretty bland.
But something between its size and the overall feel given by the walls and windows surrounding the room, makes it feel like it's the Great Hall from the Harry Potter movies (enchanted ceiling aside).
But the two of us are not here to admire the place.
Alois goes over to the counter and I follow right behind him. On the other side of it, there's a lady, in her thirties by the looks of it, dressed in an outfit similar to mine, with her brown hair tied into a ponytail. Her blue eyes widen when they land on Alois, before she smirks at him.
"Well, well," she chuckles. "Hello there, Alois. Feeling hungrier than usual today, are you?"
"Hello to you too, Rebecca," Alois responds, causing me to wince at the name he calls her by. "But no, nothing quite like that. I'm just here to make some introductions." I almost flinch when he wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Rebecca, this is Eugenio Beccaria." He turns his head to me. "Eugenio, this is Rebecca. Say hello to each other, you two!"
"Uh…" is what comes out of my mouth. "Hi?"
Rebecca lets out another chuckle while she shakes her head. "Hi to you too." She then crosses her arms and arches an eyebrow. "Eugenio Beccaria, is it? Are you the guy Seteth mentioned?"
Oh boy, here we go with another. "Yes, that's me," I sigh. I just hope she will be more inventive with how she belittles Dag-
"Well, welcome to Garreg Mach," she continues with a closed-eyes smile. "It's good to have you here."
"Uhm, thanks," l reply dully, taken aback by her joviality toward me.
And that confusion must show, as her next words are, "Is something the matter? Oh wait," she twirls her ponytail. "Are you fancing me right now?"
I wince at that question. "Wh-what?!"
Rebecca breaks out laughing at that. "Just a jest, dear. No need to get upset."
Uh…huh?
Her laugh thankfully doesn't last long, and soon her face becomes serious. "But seriously, are you okay? You lost color for a moment there."
"I'm fine," I reply. "Was just surprised. I was under the impression most did not like the presence of a Dagdan."
Rebecca purses her lips at that. "Unfortunately, you are right," she huffs out. "Fódlan is not the most welcoming of places for outsiders." Yeah, I figured.
"But don't you worry," she perks up, smirking. "You are going to be under my care from here on out, and I'm much more understanding than other people that work here." She furrows her brow. "Just be sure to be here early tomorrow, okay?"
I let down a gulp. "Crystal."
She goes back to smiling. "Goodie. Now, what can I get you two?" She turns to Alois, the smile turning into a knowing smirk. "We've got pickled seafood and vegetables tonight. Interested?"
Alois chuckles. "You know it!"
Rebecca then turns to me. "And you?"
Uh…
"Is there anything with cheese you'd recommend?"
"One Gautier gratin and one pickled seafood, coming right up!"
Before I can react one way or another to her sudden statement, she leaves the counter and goes to another room, presumably the kitchens proper.
"So, what do you think of her?" Alois asks after that.
"She's…interesting," I admit. She definitely seems self-aware enough about her homeland. And assuming she didn't put a front for Alois, we should be able to work together just fine.
I just pray that half-flirt half-jest isn't the norm for her.
"What else can you tell me about her?"
"She arrived at the Monastery..." he stops and rubs his chin in thought, "almost four years ago at this point. She's a native of Varholm Village, in the County of Gloucester."
So she is - or was, I don't know - a subject of Lorenz's father's? No wonder she wanted out.
Rebecca returns soon after with two trays. Both come with a glass of water and a plate with two different dishes. One is with raw fish and turnips drizzled with some kind of oil. The other has meat legs covered by a layer of cheese.
My mouth waters at seeing the latter.
"Here you go, dears," Rebecca says. "Enjoy your meals."
"We will!" is all Alois says before he waves at her and leaves, with me following behind.
As we go take a seat, I notice a bunch of other people are now arriving in the dining hall. Looks like we were just in time.
"So, how did you like Garreg Mach?" Alois asks me while that happens.
"It's…a remarkable place," I reply half-hearted. Something I scold myself for when I see the worried face Alois makes.
"And how are you feeling overall? Everything okay?"
"Yes, of course everything is-"
Alois arches an eyebrow and titles his head, effectively cutting me off.
"...this sudden change in my life has been off-putting," I admit. "But I'll get over it, don't worry."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Alois offers, with a softer face and tone than he's had so far.
"No," I reply. Soon he'll have much bigger concerns than me. Much bigger. Very soon.
"But...thank you. For asking," I add, almost as an afterthought.
He makes a more sedate smile this time. "My pleasure. I'll always be here if you need an ear."
I won't. But the thought is appreciated.
Though perhaps it's best if I lighten this conversation somewhat. "That's enough about me, though. I've heard all about this place, but what about you? How did you become a Knight?"
I already know that, of course. Along with most of his relevant history. But it's as good of a topic change as any. And who knows, I may learn something about him that the game didn't mention. I certainly did with Garreg Mach.
His usual boastfulness returns to him. "Now, that's quite the story to tell."
As the night creeps closer, I pay attention to Alois' recollection of his past. Most of what I didn't already know are funny stories he thought worth remembering, but this way I also learn the names of his wife and daughter. And that his wife runs an inn here in Seiros' Rest.
Meaning they'll both be potentially here when Edelgard…
No, no, no, no thinking about that.
I listen to all of Alois has to say with the utmost attention, as it mostly keeps my mind off of my current predicament. The meal helps too.
[Rebecca]
After finishing my dinner and saying good night to the others, I head straight for my room and make sure to lock the door behind me. I then sit down on my bed and let out a sigh of relief. Just like I have done every night for the past four years.
Another day.
I still can't believe I've lasted this long. When I was first brought here, I thought for sure the Church would have had me executed. Instead, they took me in. Of course, they don't know the full truth, but still…
Oh well. No point looking a gift horse in the mouth. Least of all if it's for the one place where she won't be coming for me.
I can't help but grit my teeth at the thought of that witch.
I get back on my feet and stretch my limbs, preparing for my usual exercises before sleep. But before I can, I notice a glow coming from the top of my desk. Or rather, coming from-
I widen my eyes as a shiver goes down my spine at the sight. No, this can't be!
I get to the door and press my ear against it, checking that there's no sound coming from the other side. Only when I'm sure of that, do I go to the table, pick the small crystal and twirl it in my hands.
"Who is this?" I ask, my voice something in-between a whisper and a hiss.
"Hello there, Rebecca," an all too familiar jovial voice responds. "It has been quite some time. How are you doing?"
"You?!" I retort. "Are you insane?! Do you have the slightest idea what the Church will do to me if I'm caught talking with you?!"
"Why?" she replies with faux-confusion. "It's quite late. Are you telling me Garreg Mach sees a lot of activity even now?" A gasp-like sound comes from her side. "Oh, I get it! You were hoping to see someone tonight." She lets out a giggle. "Silly me, sorry to crash your night."
"That's not-!" I bite my tongue. "Alright, never mind. What is it?"
"Now we're talking," she says before her voice turns serious. "I'm afraid I need to collect on that favor you owe me. There is something I need done and only you can help."
"I can't leave the Monastery," I tell her. "I won't be able to justify it."
"Now, now, I haven't said anything like that."
Uh?
"It has come to my attention that an individual may have arrived at Garreg Mach recently. Male, a little taller than you, brown hair and chubby."
Is she talking about Eugenio? "What do you want from him?"
"For now, I just need you to keep an eye on him. And to keep me updated on his moves."
"But why?"
She takes a pause before answering this time. That, in and of itself, is not a good sign.
"A project of mine that was years in the making has just come crashing down. He might be the only success that could have come out of it. And the only hope to salvage something - anything - from it."
I furrow my brow. "I'm listening."
In the original draft of Entrapped, this was the chapter I liked the least, mostly because it was more exposition than story. Hopefully this came out better.
And also, Rebecca! As you may have guessed, she's different in this new version. Hope you're looking forward to seeing how!
Thanks to Softandhappy for betareading. You can find us at the Fanfiction Treehouse discord server at: 9XG3U7a
See you all next time!