Birds in a Cage

Birds in a Cage is the third part of .
==Steps==
# Continue executing the plan
# Go to the seaside to look for The Knave
# Follow The Knave to the Court of Fontaine
# Follow The Knave to complete the negotiations
# Leave the Palais Mermonia
==Dialogue==
:
: Lyney: Alright, looks like we're all here. Let's go ahead with the plan.
: Before we do that...
: I have a question.
: Freminet: Oh? What is it?
: Have The Knave and The Doctor ever worked together?
: Lyney: What makes you ask that?
: Paimon: Well, we kinda ran into Clervie last night... and that's what she told us.
: Paimon: We met The Doctor back in Sumeru. He's super dangerous! And he's done all sorts of bad things!
: Lyney: ...It's possible that "Father" and The Doctor have had certain dealings, but I don't think "Father" would work with him.
: Lyney: We're not really on the same side, so there's not a lot of trust between them. That doesn't exactly set the stage for a successful partnership.
: Lyney: I did hear, though, that when "Father" first became a Harbinger, The Doctor offered to work with the House of the Hearth.
: Lyney: "Father" rejected most of his proposals, except for one... It had to do with some sort of secret experiment.
: Paimon: Secret experiment? Could that be what Clervie was talking about?
: Lynette: I don't think so...
: Lyney: I don't know any details about the experiment itself, but I do know it's an entirely independent operation. The Doctor only proposed a direction for the research. That was the extent of his involvement. I still don't think that counts as working together.
: Lyney: The details of the experiment are confidential, but complete records are kept on all participants. That doesn't seem to be the case with the situation Clervie referred to.
: Lyney: I know you don't agree with some of the Fatui's methods, and I'm not asking you to. But, I am asking you to trust us on this. The House of the Hearth has its own principles. There are certain lines we're not willing to cross.
: Paimon: *sigh* Alright. That's good to hear at least.
: Paimon: Clervie seems to think The Knave and The Doctor worked together to do something horrible. If that turned out to be true... Paimon doesn't know how we would even face you guys.
: Paimon: It's just that... it doesn't seem like Clervie is lying either...
: Paimon: The easiest thing to do would be just ask The Knave directly, but Paimon doesn't think she'd tell us.
: Let's focus on the plan for now.
: Lyney: "Father" didn't come back last night. She's probably still near the shore. We'll be counting on you to distract her.
: Lyney: Lynette, you're with me. Freminet, you know what to do. Be on your guard, everyone.
: Lyney: Alright, let's get to it.
;(Talk to Lynette and Lyney, optional)
: Lynette: Where are we going today?
: Lyney: Let's try somewhere further away this time.
;(Clervie's idle quote at the camp, optional)
: Clervie: Oh, it's raining. I should put my clothes away...
----
;(Talk to Arlecchino)
: The Knave: Ah, it's you two again. I must say, you look a bit pale. Did you have trouble sleeping last night?
: Paimon: Uh... a little.
: The Knave: Perhaps if you had less on your mind, you'd be able to absolve yourself of such troubles.
: The Knave: So, what are you planning to do now? Catch up on some sleep? Or, should I give you some time to rack your brain for a topic to discuss before I ask any questions...
: The Knave: Although I must profess to being curious... Without Childe here, how do you plan on distracting me?
: (!!!)
: Paimon: US distract YOU!? Hahaha, good one... But no, um, we were just... here for a chat!
: The Knave: Hm, looks like you could have used some extra time to think. No matter, if you don't have any other plans, why don't you accompany me somewhere?
: The Knave: Don't worry. I'll be sure to steer clear of any scheming children.
: Paimon: Ah... the ocean breeze is sure nice today...
: So, you know everything then?
: The Knave: Children always think they can hide things from the grown-ups. But, nothing gets past me, least of all a little scheming. I think I'll let them have at it for a little longer. I can be very patient.
: The Knave: Well, I'll leave you to think things over. If you're so inclined, meet me outside the Palais Mermonia.
: The Knave: Good things come to children who do as they're told. So, I do hope you decide to tag along... if only for your friends' sakes.
: Paimon: What should we do?
: Paimon: She clearly knows about everything we've been doing, and Paimon doesn't think it'd be a stretch to say she was threatening us just now.
: We should release the pigeon that Lyney gave us.
: Paimon: Oh, good idea! Hopefully he sees it in time...
: Paimon: Well, we should probably head to the Palais Mermonia. Paimon doesn't want to find out what happens if we don't show up. Based on what The Knave was saying just now, it sure didn't seem like it'd be anything good...
: We really don't have any other options...
: Guess all we can do is take it one step at a time.
: Paimon: Okay, then we probably shouldn't keep her waiting. It seems like Lyney and the others are on thin ice, so let's do our best to not get them in any more trouble...
;(Approach Palais Mermonia)
: The Knave: Seeing as we still have some time before my meeting, we might as well enjoy some pleasant conversation while we wait.
: The Knave: I'm glad to see you get along with my children. Being surrounded by good companions is necessary for a child's development.
: Paimon: You're not planning on doing anything to them, are you?
: The Knave: I assume you're referring to Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet...
: The Knave: Although there's that situation with Filliol and Nanteuil as well... Hm, it appears quite a few people have been acting out lately.
: The Knave: No matter. I'm not one to discriminate. All those who betray the House meet the same fate. There are no exceptions.
: Paimon: Does that mean you're going to kill them?
: The Knave: Oh? Are you here to beg for their lives? I'm sorry to disappoint, but the rules of the House change for no one. In my organization, everyone is responsible for their own actions.
: Paimon: But... Don't you care about them at all? They really respect you! They even call you "Father"! You must feel something for them!
: The Knave: Any organization in which feelings come before principles is one destined for ruin. The House of the Hearth is hardly an exception. You could say our principles are more stringent than most.
: The Knave: Perhaps I can offer you this consolation, at least — as our guests, you two will not be held accountable along with them.
: There's really no other way to solve the issue?
: The Knave: I would imagine Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet will be able to keep their lives.
: The Knave: As for Filliol, Nanteuil, and the others... I'm afraid there's little I can do. They can try to escape, but once you know our secrets, there's no getting out alive.
: Paimon: But that's... That's awful...
: The Knave: Ah, you seem concerned. Out of consideration for my guests, I suppose I could turn a blind eye for a little longer.
: The Knave: If Lyney and the others manage to dispose of Clervie in the meantime, all evidence of their wrongdoing will be lost. In that case, I could hardly punish them for something I couldn't prove.
: The Knave: If their efforts are unsuccessful, on the other hand, all will be held accountable, and the punishment will be severe.
: It's a deal, then.
: We'll hold you to it!
: The Knave: Of course. Oh, and here... I believe this belongs to you. Do try and keep better track of it next time.
: The Knave: It takes a considerable amount of time to train a bird like this. It would be such a pity if you were to lose it... permanently.
: Paimon: Wait, where did you get that...
: The Knave: Well, I'm afraid that's all the time we have to chat. Now for the matter at hand.
: The Knave: I asked you to meet me here because I have business at the Palais Mermonia. It has nothing to do with you, but I think it would be prudent for you to stick by my side for the time being. There will always be time later to run off and tell Lyney what you've learned.
: The Knave: Well, time to go. Looks like we wrapped things up just in time.
;(Enter Neuvillette's office)
: The Knave: It's been a while, Monsieur Neuvillette.
: The Knave: I must say, I wasn't expecting my meeting request to be approved quite so quickly. The Palais Mermonia operates with an efficiency worthy of admiration.
: Neuvillette: It is only right that an esteemed diplomat such as yourself should be afforded the proper level of respect.
: Neuvillette: Although, if I may speak plainly, I must confess that I did not anticipate we would have the occasion to meet again after presenting you with the Gnosis.
: Neuvillette: ...I see you've brought and Paimon with you as well. If I may inquire as to the purpose of your visit...
: The Knave: I'll be departing Fontaine shortly. There is, however, an outstanding matter that I would like to see resolved before I go.
: The Knave: It requires a rather lengthy explanation, I'm afraid. So, I took the liberty of explaining everything in this proposal. Please review it at your leisure, Monsieur Neuvillette.
:
: Neuvillette: I understand your request. However, at the risk of causing offense, I must admit that I fail to see why you would wish for such a thing.
: The Knave: I heard you have a certain fondness for water tasting, Monsieur Neuvillette, so allow me to use water as an analogy.
: The Knave: A family is like a large body of water with countless rivers flowing in and out.
: The Knave: As someone who watches over this system, I would hope that each river that flows from the source will eventually reach the ocean.
: The Knave: Of course, objectively speaking, I know this is impossible. Most of the rivers will dry up along the way, disappearing into the ground and leaving nothing but a barren riverbed behind.
: The Knave: Not all rivers are destined to reach the ocean, but I would not see their existence rendered meaningless. I believe the water that flows within them is simply meant for a different destination... like a field in need of irrigation... or, perhaps, the glass of a certain water-tasting enthusiast.
: Paimon: Um... Did you get any of that, ?
: Not really...
: Kind of...
: Neuvillette: Your words paint an optimistic picture indeed. Allow me to remind you, however, few among us are willing to sip from a glass filled with tainted water.
: The Knave: It may have been tainted at one point in time, but not to worry — I'll make sure it's strained of all impurities and returned to its cleanest form.
: Neuvillette: ...
: Neuvillette: I seem to recall there being a "transactional" aspect to your proposal. Perhaps you could expound on that.
: The Knave: If you accept my proposal, Monsieur Neuvillette, I will gradually withdraw my forces from Fontaine.
: The Knave: And, unless absolutely necessary, I will no longer carry out any "special missions" within Fontaine.
: Neuvillette: I presume I can take your words to mean that, in the future, cases similar to the Tartuffe assassination will cease to cross my desk?
: The Knave: Tartuffe? Ah, that thief who embezzled funds from all those charities, you mean? My deepest condolences to his family, but without any evidence, I cannot imagine how the House of the Hearth might have been involved in his passing.
: The Knave: Of course, if you accept my proposal, Monsieur Neuvillette, I'm sure certain measures could be taken to reduce the frequency of such troubles.
: Neuvillette: You choose your words carefully indeed. In that case, I am inclined to accept your proposal.
: The Knave: My thanks for your generosity, Monsieur Neuvillette.
: The Knave: Well, with that settled, we should be going now. I took the liberty of bringing along two bottles of spring water from Snezhnaya for you to enjoy. I do hope I get the chance to hear your impressions... perhaps at our next meeting, yes?
: Neuvillette: Indeed. I trust you would not overlook your commitment in the meantime.
: The Knave: Alright, , Paimon, time to go.
;(Talk to Neuvillette, optional)
: Neuvillette: I believe I've told you before that my emotions easily resonate with those of others.
: Neuvillette: Yet, in the few meetings I've had with that Harbinger, I haven't been able to sense any aspect of her emotional state. Her mind is like a still body of water — who knows what darkness lies in its depths, and the lack of ripples on the surface gives nothing away.
: Neuvillette: It's unclear whether this is her natural state of being, or whether it's an incredible strength of will that gives her the ability to master her emotions. Either scenario, however, suggests she is a very dangerous individual.
: Neuvillette: I do not expect an explanation as to why you two are by her side. Whatever your reasoning, I would only advise you to take caution.
;(Leave Palais Mermonia)
: Paimon: So, uh... What exactly were you talking about back there?
: Paimon: Paimon only heard you mention some rivers, a large body of water, and then... some kind of irrigation scheme?
: The Knave: You really want to know? I would imagine there might be more pressing concerns at the moment...
: Paimon: *sigh* Lyney... Paimon really hopes everything's going okay...
: Paimon: Oh! Paimon recognizes that look! You've got your thinking cap on, don't you ?
:: (The Knave may seem relaxed, but she didn't seem to be joking earlier when she said those who betray the organization must pay with their lives. I think she's serious about punishing those kids.)
:: (How should we stop her? No, there's something else we should figure out first.)
:: (While we were talking in front of the Palais Mermonia, she mentioned Clervie's name. Does that mean she knew where Clervie was this entire time? Maybe she even anticipated how Lyney and the others were going to act...)
:
: ???: Ahhh!
: ???: Oof... Oh shoot, are you alright?
: ???: Aw geez, I'm so sorry. I was so focused on selling these papers, I wasn't looking where I was going.
: My bad.
: I also wasn't paying attention.
: ???: Well, let me make it up to you at least. Here, take this paper — on the house.
:: (He looks kind of familiar for some reason...)
: Paimon: Oh, you don't have to give us anything!
: Newsboy: Please, I want to. It's not like I'm short on supply. All the extras will be useless come tomorrow, anyway.
: Newsboy: It's my fault, really. I was just trying to bring home some extra Mora for the family, but I bit off more than I can chew. I haven't had many takers today, so I'm still swimming in papers.
: The Knave: What's going on here?
: Newsboy: Nothing much... I just ran into your friend here on accident. I should probably get going, actually, so...
: The Knave: Hold on.
: Newsboy: Um... Of course, I'm happy to compensate you with Mora, it's just... I don't have any on me at the moment...
: The Knave: I'll take three papers. Here, your payment.
: Newsboy: Oh! Thank you for your patronage! May the Archons bless you with good fortune!
: Newsboy: If only I had the chance to run into such generous customers every day... Haha, I should probably just take on a smaller inventory, though, right? I'm getting married soon, so sometimes it's hard not to get ahead of myself... Anyway, I should head out. Goodbye!
: The Knave: Well, now that my affairs are settled, we should take the boat back to Poisson. We've even acquired some light reading to enjoy along the way.
: Paimon: Actually... Why don't we... stick around for a little longer?
: Paimon: Paimon just realized how hungry she is! She can't head back to Poisson on an empty stomach!
:: (Looks like Paimon is trying to buy us more time. If we head back now, I doubt Lyney and the others will have made any progress. What should we do...)
: The Knave: It appears you two are under the impression that delaying our return will somehow alter the situation in your favor. I'm sorry to ruin your fantasy, but your efforts are meaningless.
: The Knave: That being said, I could be persuaded to give Lyney some extra time... I just have one condition.
: The Knave: If you agree to my request, I'll even answer some of your questions. You're quite curious about Clervie, are you not? And my relationship to her...
: Paimon: Wait, why are you being so generous all of a sudden? You're not gonna ask us to do something bad, are you?
: The Knave: You overestimate yourself. You don't have the talent for bad things.
: Paimon: Ugh, then what could you possibly—
: The Knave: The most important consideration in a negotiation is that both sides receive something they want. Demands and threats only get you so far.
: Your condition... Let's hear it.
: The Knave: Wonderful. Here it is...
: The Knave: When the time comes, make the choice that you deem most appropriate in the situation, and lend your help to the House of the Hearth.
: Paimon: Okay... sounds normal enough... But, what do you mean "when the time comes"? When is that supposed to be?
: The Knave: That is for you to decide.
: We accept your condition.
: The Knave: Then we have a deal. Follow me.
==Soundtracks==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
vi:Chim Trong Lồng