Shadow of the Past

Shadow of the Past is the first part of .
==Steps==
#Talk to Master Jean
#Look for the former aristocrat in the city
#Talk to the person by the city wall
#Return to the Knights Headquarters and discuss the counterplan
#Talk to Amber
#Go to Stormbearer Mountains and find Eula
#Defeat the Fatui nearby
#Witness the young woman defeat the final Fatuus
#Talk to Eula
==Dialogue==
;(Enter Jean's office)
: Jean: ...Thank you for coming on such a short notice, Honorary Knight. I know you must be busy.
: Jean: Well, to make a long story short, there is a particular matter at hand that the Knights requires your assistance with.
: The Knights are as busy as ever.
:: Jean: *sigh* Yes, it has been one thing after another recently. Neither myself nor any of the Mondstadt garrison are able to catch a moment of peace.
: Sounds like typical Master Jean to me.
:: Jean: I have been meaning to have a word with you if the occasion presented itself, but as you know, Mondstadt's safety must always be my first priority.
: Jean: I have recently received multiple reports from the Knights of someone within the Lawrence Clan having close dealings with the Fatui.
: Paimon: The Fatui! Again!?
: Paimon: But who are the Lawrence Clan?
: Jean: There was a dark period in Mondstadt's history when the aristocracy ruled over the city. The hard-won freedom that followed with the fall of Decarabian was lost once again, as slavery spread throughout the land.
: Jean: The first Dandelion Knight, Vennessa, spearheaded the revolution that overthrew the old aristocratic system and established the Knights of Favonius, leading Mondstadt to become the city that you see today.
: Jean: The aristocrats, that had oppressed the people of Mondstadt, were none other than the Lawrence Clan.
: Paimon: Oh, Paimon gets it. So the clan's descendants are now scheming with the bad guys to carry out more dubious deeds?
: Jean: ...We suspect as much, though we have yet to obtain any solid evidence. The reason I summoned you here today is to ask you to help us further investigate this matter.
: But, why us?
: Sounds like a job for the Knights of Favonius to me.
: Jean: *sigh* Unfortunately, the Knights of Favonius and the aristocracy have been at odds with one another for as long as I can remember.
: Jean: We have already considered every possible way of resolving our differences, but it seems the descendants of the aristocracy remain antagonistic towards the Knights...
: Jean: ...No matter what stance we take when dealing with them, the outcome is always the same... Our efforts only result in adding more fuel to the flames.
: Jean: We could come knocking on their door on the grounds of a search warrant, but if the investigation were to come up empty, I'm afraid tensions and distrust would only increase.
: Jean: All of our past efforts would have been wasted...
: But as the Honorary Knight, I technically also belong to the Knights...
: Jean: You are in fact the best candidate to represent the Knights of Favonius.
: Jean: But you need not emphasize your role as the Honorary Knight. You are a traveler from a distant land, and you can approach the aristocrats in this way.
: Jean: Once you come to friendly terms with the Lawrence Clan, you should be in a good position to learn more of their possible connections with the Fatui.
: Paimon: Whoa, leave it to Master Jean to come up with such a thorough plan.
: Jean: Aha, perhaps such plans have become second nature after all the diplomatic issues I've dealt with.
: Jean: The name of the Lawrence Clan member in question is Schubert. Lately, he can often be found strolling in the northern city walls.
: Jean: It is said that he is difficult to get along with due to his temperamental disposition, but if we approach him calmly, then things should go off without a hitch.
: Leave it to me.
: I hope things will go smoothly.
: Jean: Thanks again for your help. If you run into any snags along the way, I'll do anything in my power to support you.
;(Talk to Jean again)
: Jean: Schubert can be quite touchy, so it may not be easy to get along with him at first.
: Jean: But as long as matters remain calm, then you should be able to come to friendly terms with him.
----
;(Talk to Michelle)
: Paimon: Hello, have you seen an aristocrat by the name of Schubert anywhere nearby?
: Michelle: Hmm, the name doesn't ring a bell, but there has been an odd fellow strolling around here recently.
: Michelle: He's always looking around, and sometimes he seems to stop to draw or note something down. To be honest, I've got no idea what he's up to.
: Michelle: If that sounds like the person you're looking for, just head towards the city wall and you'll most likely run into him.
;(Talk to ???)
: ???: Huh? Who are you?
: Paimon: Hello, we're here to...
: ???: Hmph... "Hello"?
: Uh, hello...
:: ???: Did I hear you correctly? "Hello"?
: Yeah, what's wrong?
:: ???: "What's wrong"? Did you just say "what's wrong"?
: ???: Hmph! And I suppose you think that you can simply strut up here and greet me in such an ignoble and vulgar manner?
: Schubert: Given that I don't recognize you, I can only assume that you are a traveler of some variety. I'll have you know that you are speaking with the Schubert Lawrence, a blood descendant of the magnanimous nobility.
: Schubert: If you wish to address me, you'd best consider your words more carefully. Such nonchalant manners are inadmissible and will never do.
: Schubert: Now, if you're somehow capable of understanding anything I've said, then you will get down on your knees, apologize for your negligent actions, and give me a proper introduction. That is the appropriate etiquette!
: Paimon: That's etiquette? Paimon's never heard of something so complicated before!
: Schubert: Hmph, in former times when people knew their place and respected traditions, such conduct was only basic courtesy when greeting a nobleman.
: Schubert: And neglecting your manners would result in a swift whipping.
: Schubert: *sigh* But look at the world now, rules have been thrown to the wayside and manners forgotten. Ugh, I cannot bear to see such degradation.
: Sounds like too much hassle to me...
: It's no wonder the aristocracy fell.
: Schubert: What did you say? You dare question the dignity of the nobility?
: Schubert: I'll have you know that though the Lawrence Clan is in decline, myself and others of noble blood are looking for a chance to restore our rightful honor.
: Schubert: Just look around, the people are unruly and undisciplined! I, however, strive to retain the elegance and etiquette of the nobility. After all, we are of a completely different breed by birth.
: I haven't even said anything yet...
: Schubert: Save your words, I find your manners and bearing repulsive. I have nothing to discuss with the likes of you.
: Schubert: Besides, I am in no way obligated to instruct commoners on basic courtesies.
: Schubert: Now, I have more pressing matters to attend to. I'll take my leave.
;(After talking to Schubert)
: Paimon: So this is what Master Jean meant by "difficult to get along with"?
: Paimon: *sigh* Let's head back and talk things over with her.
----
;(Approach the Knights Headquarters)
: Amber: Well, if it isn't the Honorary Knight! I'm just on my way out to gather some intel. I didn't expect to run into you here!
: Amber: Huh? Judging by your expression, you must have run into some trouble.
: Paimon: Master Jean tasked us with a special assignment, but things seem to have run aground for the moment.
: It's a long story...
: It wasn't our fault.
: Amber: No need to get down on yourself, sometimes things just don't turn out as planned. Even I can't guarantee useful intel every time I'm dispatched.
: Amber: You just have to keep at it and never give up!
: Thank you.
: That's Amber for you.
: Amber: Hehe! Hey, why don't you let me try to help? What's the problem?
: Paimon: Master Jean asked us to build a connection with someone named Schubert Lawrence.
: Paimon: But it turns out that he's a peculiar character that doesn't listen to anyone... Especially Paimon.
: Amber: Aha, Schubert, I know him! Let me guess, he said you didn't have any manners.
: So you heard...
: Sounds like you're no stranger to his rants...
: Amber: Hehehe, I've been on the receiving end of his lectures many a time. The Lawrence clan can be very particular about such things.
: Paimon: Uh... You mean everyone in the Lawrence Clan is just a big headache?
: Amber: As aristocrats, they believe there should be a certain distance between themselves and common folk. *sigh* I understand their thinking, but that's just not how things are anymore.
: Amber: However, there is one exception among the Lawrence Clan. My good buddy — Eula!
: Paimon: B—Buddy?
: Amber: That's right! Not only is she from the Lawrence Clan, but she's also Captain of the Knights of Favonius 4th Company.
: Jean told us that the Lawrence Clan sees the Knights as enemies.
: How could a member of the Lawrence Clan join the Knights?
: Amber: Eula is special! She's not quite like the other members of her clan. She has her own beliefs and it shows.
: Amber: In other words, she doesn't really adhere to the strict rules and conventions of her family.
: Amber: However, she's still quite knowledgeable about dealing with the Lawrences. I'm sure you'll see what I mean if you meet her.
: Paimon: Hmm, that's strange. If Eula is a member of the Lawrence Clan, then why would Master Jean choose us for the task? Couldn't she just ask Eula?
: Amber: Ah, well... It's a little complicated. Basically, the Lawrence clan has frowned upon the fact that Eula joined the Knights, her family members don't particularly care for her...
: Amber: In their eyes, Eula is nothing but a traitor to the family.
: She sounds like quite the character.
: I guess that's understandable from their point of view...
: Amber: She's very easy to get along with. Just explain the situation and I'm sure she'll help you come up with a way to get along with Schubert.
: Amber: In fact, I think she's out in the wilderness on patrol this morning. You should be able to find her around Stormbearer Mountains.
: Paimon: Thanks, Amber! Alright, you heard her, let's go find Eula!
: Amber: Good luck, you two! I've got my own matters to investigate!
;(After talking to Amber)
: Paimon: Who would've guessed the Knights have a member of the Lawrence Clan...
: Paimon: Well, if you want to learn about the conduct of the Lawrence clan, who better to ask than one of their own family members?
----
;(Approach the Fatui in the Stormbearer Mountains)
: Paimon: Huh, the Fatui? What are they doing here! Is that why Eula was sent on patrol here?
: Paimon: Ugh... Let's fight first and talk later!
;(After defeating the Fatui, a cutscene starts)
:
;(After the cutscene ends)
: ???: You don't think twice before reaching for your sword, do you? Ugh... do you have any idea how long I've been tracing these targets?
: ???: ...And now you get to stake a claim. Hmph, you think you're stronger because you got to them first? Ugh... mark my words, vengeance will be mine!
: Paimon: ...Uh, what?
: I'm sorry, vengeance?
: ???: That's right. I heard the commotion and came as swiftly as I could, only to find you two already fighting the Fatui. Not only that, you were making quick work of them, too!
: ???: If I didn't make my move, you would have been able to take all the credit!
: ???: Still, I'm glad you're unscathed. Confronting that number of Fatui at once can be dangerous.
: Actually, I'm quite used to fighting the Fatui.
: I know my way around a fight.
: Paimon: Uh... Sorry, Paimon doesn't understand what you mean... but thanks for your concern.
: ???: Concern? Why would I be concerned for the safety of my arch-enemies?
: Paimon: "Arch-enemies"? Wait a minute! You were saying how glad you were that we were "unscathed" a second ago!
: ???: By which I meant, if you were injured, I'd have to escort two strangers guilty of stealing my targets all the way back to Mondstadt...
: ???: Which would mean you'd caused me even more trouble... my vengeance would be swifter still!
: Paimon: Huh? So that's how you see all this!
: So you must be Eula?
: Eula: Yes, that's me.
: Paimon: Paimon thinks she's pretty strange... Although, at least we can communicate with her.
: Eula: You dare to call someone you've just met "strange"? Forget the aristocracy, that's rude even by normal standards!
: Eula: Speaking of which... how do you know my name?
: Paimon: This is the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius. And speaking of rude, we're trying to investigate an aristocrat named Schubert Lawrence.
: Paimon: He's so obsessed with etiquette that he's not even willing to speak with us.
: Eula: Hahaha! I understand now. That's my uncle alright.
: Eula: But why do you mean to investigate him?
: He may be secretly involved with the Fatui.
: Eula: I see... Haha, you have some nerve defaming a family member right in front of me. I will have vengeance for this, too!
: Paimon: No, no, no! This is an assignment from Master Jean! It's just an investigation, that's all!
: Aren't you curious about your uncle?
: Aren't you worried about your uncle?
: Eula: To the everyday citizens of Mondstadt, everyone in the Lawrence clan is scum. It's natural for rumors and unwarranted gossip to lead to such suspicion.
: Paimon: Hard to avoid such a reputation when you're known as the ruthless rulers of Old Mondstadt.
: Eula: So that's what you think of me? Yet another transgression to avenge...
: Paimon: But didn't you say it first!? Argh...
: Eula: Hahaha, curious... We've only just met, and you've already given me three causes for vengeance. It's been a while since I've encountered anyone as interesting as you.
: Your definition of curious is... curious.
: Why do you seem so happy about it?
: Eula: I assume you need me to teach you the conduct of the Lawrence clan. Only then will you finally be able to communicate with my uncle, correct?
: Paimon: That's right. Amber told us to come and talk to you.
: Eula: Well then, let's begin your training immediately. It'll be easier to train when we're back in Mondstadt, we'll require other people.
: But aren't you plotting vengeance against us?
: You're not planning to take revenge at an opportune moment, are you?
: Eula: We can put that aside for now. Besides, if it's the Acting Grand Master's assignment, and Amber's the one who recommended me, I should comply.
;(After talking to Eula)
: Paimon: Uh... Paimon's confused... This girl's all "vengeance this" and "revenge that," but she doesn't seem the least bit angry...
: Paimon: Still, Paimon has met bigger weirdos before...
==Soundtracks==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
es:Sombras del pasado
pt-br:Sombras do Passado