Orchis offers to give the crew a tour of Mephorash. While roaming the city, Orchis is overwrought with excitement as she speaks of the past.
Gran and crew return to the palace and explain to Orchis what they've discovered.
Orchis
I see. So Freesia wouldn't tell you anything.
Lecia
Considering her personality, it can't be helped.
Orchis
But if you're staying on the island, you're most welcome here!
Orchis
Oh, that's right! I should give you all a tour of Mephorash since you're here!
Io
Really? You'll do that for us? I figured you'd be busy.
Suddenly, Orchis stops in place.
Orchis
Oh, yeah. You're right. I might be busy.
With pleading eyes, Orchis turns her gaze to Adam.
But Adam responds unfazed.
Adam
Her Highness has been confined to the palace for several days now due to her official duties.
Adam
And there's still a mountain of paperwork I would like to have her look over.
Orchis
...
Adam
But connecting with the citizens and inspecting the city are also important royal duties.
Adam
And after all, we owe Gran and company very much for rescuing Erste.
Adam
It'd be a royal shame if we didn't show them our warmest hospitality.
Orchis
So that means...
Adam
Shall we take our leave now, Your Highness? Today's official duty is a city inspection.
Orchis
Yay! Thank you, Adam!
Gran and company, along with Orchis and Adam, go out into the city of Mephorash.
Orchis
And that bakery is over 10 years old. It's been around forever!
Orchis
It tastes just like it did when I was a kid, and it's so delicious.
Orchis
Oh! And that shop! I went there all the time with Apollo! Let's go take a look!
Io
Hey, slow down! You could slip and hurt yourself!
Lyria
W-wait! I'm coming, too!
Katalina
Looking at the three of them, you could barely tell that the princess is older.
Adam
Orchis was locked within the palace as a spirit for approximately 10 years.
Adam
She may be unconsciously trying to gain back that lost time.
Rosetta
Seeing the three of them laughing so happily makes me think.
Rosetta
It's truly proof that we won that battle, in more ways than one.
Eugen
Nothin' better than a child's smiling face.
Lecia
By the way, something's been bothering me.
Lecia checks her surroundings before addressing Adam.
Lecia
Are there no soldiers or guards here in Mephorash?
Adam
The force is quite small, but they're here.
Adam
You see, during the empire's reign, this city was almost entirely neutralized.
Vyrn
Now that you mention it, there wasn't a single soldier the last time we came here.
Adam
Currently, we've requested security from other skyfaring crews who've more or less kept the peace.
Monster
Groarrr!
Rackam
Even so, it seems you could use some more help. Gran, how about we take care of these?
The crew overhears townspeople complaining and questioning their new ruler. Orchis is hurt, but Adam explains that she must stay determined.
Monster
Groarrr...
Rackam
And that's the last of them.
Gran and company defeat the monsters that appeared during their stroll through the city.
But people whisper nearby and look on with cold gazes.
Townsperson 1
More monsters? How frightening. The danger's reached our city now.
Townsperson 2
Our town was much more prosperous and safe during Queen Viola's rule.
Townsperson 1
I guess the princess just can't fix this, even with her Astral lineage.
Orchis
...
Townsperson 2
Queen Viola was a wise woman.
Townsperson 2
But maybe it was a mistake for her to pick an Astral as her husband.
Townsperson 1
You said it. Ah, I sure miss the days of the old kingdom.
Io
Hey! Orchis is doing her best, so don't say that.
Io is eager to defend her friend, but turns to find a small hand on her shoulder.
Orchis
No, it's all right, Io.
Orchis
It's true that there's less peace in the city than before.
Orchis
And I know better than anyone else about my lack of power.
Lyria
Don't say that...
Orchis
And it's not just Mephorash. Agastia is seeing it, too.
Vyrn
Now that you mention it, what happened to Agastia after all that?
Adam
Without anyone to govern it, Agastia has turned into a lawless area.
Adam
With our current power, we just don't have the resources to run Agastia.
Adam bites his lip, seeming frustrated at his own explanation.
Orchis
Adam, I'll return to the palace. I've no right to trifle about town while the country still needs help.
Io
Huh? But we haven't gone to that shop you were talking about!
Orchis
You and Lyria go ahead. I'd love to hear about it from you later.
Orchis
Well then, I'm off to continue my duties.
Orchis turns on her heel in the direction of the palace, but Adam appears suddenly, blocking her path.
Adam
Your Highness, where might you be going?
Orchis
I told you. I still have duties left, so I'm going to the palace.
Adam
But the inspection is incomplete. I believe I said that the city inspection is an important royal duty.
Adam
And royal duties must never be neglected, Your Highness.
Orchis
But...
Adam
As for your duties at the palace, you may return to them after you've sufficiently inspected the city.
Adam
Keep in mind that countries with many communities will always have differing opinions on their rulers.
Adam
It's important to empathize, but as the ruler of a country, you must learn to accept these things.
Orchis
Adam...
Inspired by Adam's words, Orchis clenches her hand into a fist.
Orchis
All right. Thank you, Adam.
Let's go, Lyria! Io!
Eugen
Ha-ha! Seems like you've got a soft spot there, Admiral.
Adam
I only wish for Her Highness to be able to carry out each of her duties to the fullest.
Vyrn
Well then, we'll help out and take on the monsters around here!
Lecia
That's right! If we can make the city just a little more peaceful, maybe there will be less cause for worry.
Gran and company decide to keep the peace in the city of Mephorash by driving out the monsters.
Townsperson 1
Have they gone yet?
Townsperson 2
It should be fine now. The plan is almost ready, but don't let down your guard.
While Gran fights, a suspicious plan is waiting to be executed in the shadows.
71: Captivating Truth 
