Aletheia (Dark)/Lore

Game

Strategy

Lore

Voice

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Official Profile

Age	63 (as of Aletheia) 65 (as of Aletheia (Dark) As of A Slash to Sever Binds)
Height	162 cm
Race	Human
Hobbies	Magic tricks
Likes	His daughter's smile
Dislikes	His daughter's frown
Granblue Fantasy Theater Known as the Sage of the Sword, Aletheia is an unmatched user of both the sword and the staff, but his persistence drives him to improve his abilities even now. Witnessing him brandish a radiant holy sword is enough strike fear into the hearts of his foes, but he's also something of a sly old fox, and is prone to shirking responsibility. His worldwide renown as a sage may give him a god-like reputation, but seeing him think about his long estranged family would easily convince anyone of his humanity.

Source

Age	63歳 (as of Aletheia) 65歳 (as of Aletheia (Dark) As of A Slash to Sever Binds)
Height	162cm
Race	ヒューマン
Hobbies	手品
Likes	愛娘の笑顔
Dislikes	愛娘の悲しい顔
Granblue Fantasy Theater 剣の賢者と呼ばれる旅の老剣士。 剣術、魔術ともに達人級だが、探究心はとどまることを知らず、年老いた今もなお腕を磨き続ける。 輝く聖剣を構える姿は、近づく事さえ躊躇われる程の威圧感で敵を圧倒する。 老獪にのらりくらりと面倒事を回避する一面も。 知らぬものがいない程、名の知れた賢者ではあるのだが、離別して久しいかつての家族を想う姿はどこまでも人間らしい。 Character Release フェイトエピソードでは、アレーティアが実子であるルシウス、ティナと共に三人でとある依頼を受けることになります。 かつての行き違いから険悪な雰囲気を拭うことができないアレーティアとルシウスですが、家族三人で依頼に取り組む中、互いに歩み寄ることはできるのでしょうか――

Source

Events

• A Slash to Sever Binds

Special Cutscenes

Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain special event cutscene scripts. View these tabs at your own discretion.

Happy Birthday Cutscenes
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Happy New Year Cutscenes
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1	✔	Oh, (Captain)! I'm sorry for calling you out without much fair warning. I was hoping... you could tell me about a few ways to enjoy the New Year's holiday. As you know, I was never really able to celebrate the occasion with my family in any meaningful way. So I was thinking that this would perhaps be a good opportunity to strengthen family ties. With Teena and Lucius being fully-grown adults and all, I can't imagine they would be very open to the idea of playing around with their old man. Assuming I'm right on that point, we can at least enjoy some sweet sake together.
2	✔	Hrgh! Hah! Hm, the mochi is starting to look nice and firm. We make quite the team, (Captain). Wouldn't have expected any less of you. But that won't be all! We can make it even smoother, and even more satisfying to chew! It may not be my place to say, but I'd very much like Lucius and Teena to try some of the mochi I made myself. I was never one to do any impressive cooking, but I can still use my strength to at least make some treats for New Year's. Though I don't know if something like this would make the two of them happy... No, I must not be overcome by my lack of confidence—I am not my past self anymore. I'll make this mochi the most delectable it can be! Come, (Captain)! Let us take up one more round!
3	✔	(Captain), you've come at a good time. Take a look over there. Aletheia points at something bobbing in the wind at the end of the ship. You can't tell what it is? Well, that's what they call a kite. I saw the youngins playing with their own and thought to try my hand at it. Unfortunately, my attempt didn't go well. The string snapped, and now it's caught over there. Though I may be a master of the blade, the subtleties of amusement are lost on me. I'd like to retrieve it, so that I can eventually share it with Lucius and Teena... But I'm afraid it's out of my reach. Would you be willing to help me?

Valentine's Day Cutscenes
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White Day Cutscenes
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Trick or Treat Cutscenes
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Happy Holidays Cutscenes
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1	✔	(Captain), you too? Come to pester me about some kinda gift? Looks like many of the youngins among the crew have mistaken me for Santa Claus. They were telling me about their wishes just before you arrived. Children are so hard to reason with... But I think I'm getting used to it. Thinking of my former journey, I never dreamed that I would get to enjoy moments of peace like this. My heart may have been covered in snow before, but since meeting you, it has all but melted away. And that's probably the best gift that I could ever hope for.
2	✔	Whew. Everyone's finally gone home. Just like last year, it seems the children still think I'm Santa Claus. I was somewhat able to handle the situation... But the emotions of those youngins go up and down—dealing with them is quite the feat, I have to say. Still, what surprises even myself is how I don't dislike playing the role of Santa Claus. And I believe the one who changed me this much was you, (Captain). Now, there is still much to enjoy this winter night. If you need help with anything at all, don't be afraid to ask.
3	✔	(Captain), have you been good this year? That's heartening to hear! A very happy holidays to you, ho-ho-ho! Oh? I see you're confused as to why I'm laughing in such a manner. Over the years, the youngins have mistaken me for Santa Claus more times than I can count. They're always disappointed when they find out the truth. I thought that this year I would act the part and bring a little cheer instead. Judging by your reaction, my efforts are convincing enough. I even prepared presents, just in case. Would you humor this old man? Ho-ho-ho-ho...

Fate Episodes

Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Fate Episode cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the character. View these tabs at your own discretion.

Together, Alone

One day, Aletheia witnesses his two children, Teena and Lucius, quarreling. Due to a shortage of available skyfarers, Lucius had attempted to take on a three-person mission alone, angering his sister. With a little encouragement from Lyria, Aletheia volunteers himself. Dressed in a new outfit given to him by Teena, the sage embarks upon the mission with his son and daughter at his side.

---

One afternoon in the Grandcypher's dining hall...

As each member of the crew goes about their day, one dispute stands out amongst the otherwise peaceful clientele.

Teena: You always do this, Lucius! Why can't we ever just talk?

Lucius: ...

Teena: What were you thinking, accepting a mission by yourself and trying to leave without telling me?

Lucius: ...

Teena: You could at least try to communicate while I'm telling you off for not communicating...

Lucius: I said I was sorry. Are we done here?

Teena: No, we aren't! I'm telling you, you can't go alone!

Vyrn: W-whoa, are Teena and Lucius fighting?

Lyria: That's not like them at all... Aletheia, did you see what happened?

Aletheia, who was watching the quarrel unfold from another table, turns to answer Lyria.

Aletheia: Hmm. It seems my thick-headed son doesn't care about his own safety.

Lyria: He doesn't?

Aletheia: Mmhmm. Apparently, he intends to take on a three-person mission all on his own.

Vyrn: That's pretty unsafe, all right! Lucius is crazy as ever, huh.

Lyria: I can understand why Teena would be so upset.

Aletheia: So can I...

Aletheia: (Still, a three-person mission would suit us nicely...)

Aletheia: (Lucius might agree to have Teena join him, but he'd never do the same for me.)

Aletheia wasn't there the day his village was attacked and his wife was killed.

For a long time, his son Lucius resented him for abandoning his family.

However, Lucius recently learned that his father's absence was an unavoidable tragedy. The two have started to reconcile, but progress is slow...

Aletheia: (No... Some other time. It's still too early.)

But Lyria notices Aletheia's pensive frown. She smiles as an idea forms in her head.

Lyria: Why don't you go with them, Aletheia?

Aletheia: Ha, best not. There are better candidates than me. Say, why don't they take Feena?

Vyrn: Feena? She's busy with a job on another island.

Aletheia: Oh... All right. Still, they have plenty of other crewmates to choose from.

Lyria: Actually, a lot of people are away at the moment. They're all on missions, or visiting their families.

Vyrn: Yeah, we're really shorthanded right now. Maybe that's why Lucius tried to go solo.

Aletheia: ...

Lyria: And I'm sure Teena would love to see you in action while wearing that outfit!

Lyria gestures at Aletheia's clothes—a suit that is much more elegant than his usual attire.

His mind turns to a few days ago, when he received it...

Aletheia: We were visiting an island that was in the midst of an annual festival.

Aletheia: The people were celebrating the love and appreciation they had for their families by giving them gifts.

Aletheia: The others in the crew were following the local custom, so I thought I would join in.

Aletheia: Unsure of what to get them, I settled on two nicely wrapped boxes of candy.

Aletheia: Lucius wasn't impressed, but Teena was over the moon. Better still, she had also bought something for me...

Teena: Here, Dad. I found this in a nearby shop. I thought it might look nice on you.

Teena: We're celebrating our families, right? I thought I'd follow the local traditions. Hehe... Promise that you'll wear it sometime?

Aletheia: Perhaps you're right, Lyria. Besides, a mere handful of candy for clothes this stylish is in no way a fair exchange.

Aletheia: I can help my lovely daughter and repay my debt to her at the same time.

Lyria: Hehe, I'm sure you will!

Aletheia rises from his seat and approaches Teena and Lucius, who are still arguing.

Teena: Dad... Oh! You're wearing it!

Aletheia: Yes, I wanted everyone to see what my daughter gave me!

Lucius: Is that all you came to say?

Aletheia: Don't scowl like that, son. I'm merely trying to help out my fellow crew member. There's room for one more on your team, right?

Lucius: Hey, hang on—

Teena: Yeah, there is! We were just looking for another teammate.

Teena: C'mon, Lucius. Let's go as a group of three. Please?

Lucius: ...
Fine. Follow me if you want.

Lucius: But I'm in charge of protecting Teena. Got it?

Aletheia: Fine by me. Heh, you're starting to sound like a man, boy.

And so the three set off on their mission together.

Aletheia and Teena, at the very least, look forward to spending some quality time as a family, however fleeting it may be.

---

Back to top

A Long Road Home

Aletheia, Teena, and Lucius arrive at the village that had tasked them with slaying monsters and escorting the village elder. Once there, they learn that the elder and his son are in the midst of a feud, with the elder's daughter mediating between them. The son is enraged that the elder intends to skip his daughter's wedding to go on a journey. Acutely aware of the similarities between the elder's family and their own, Aletheia and his children become wary of the days ahead.

---

Aletheia, Teena, and Lucius set forth together on their mission.

Their first step is to see their client—the elder of a small village on a remote island.

Teena: Let's see... The job is to clear the road of monsters, right? Looks pretty clear already...

Lucius: Apparently, the monsters around here are nocturnal. We have to be prepared to fight in the dark.

Aletheia: Don't forget that we have to escort the village elder. We're taking him to the airship docks on the outskirts of the island, I believe?

Teena: That's right. It sounds simple, but I bet it's gonna take a lot of time and hard work.

Teena: Aren't you glad you didn't come alone, Lucius?

Lucius: Yeah.

Teena: See? We're gonna do great as a team! Let's go help out those poor villagers!

Aletheia: Heh heh...

They continue on, all of them surprised at how well they're getting along.

The long road finally ends at the village where the mission's client resides.

Village Youth: Mom! I'm going out to check on the cows!

Village Woman: Thank you, sweetheart. Be sure to get back before it gets dark!

Beaming, a boy darts off towards a distant hill, on which cows graze near an idyllic stream.

As the gentle sound of a nearby water mill fills her ears, Teena breathes deeply of the fresh country air.

Teena: Mmm, what a great little village...

Teena: Kinda reminds you of home, doesn't it?

Aletheia: Yes, it does.

Lucius: ...

Lucius: Hmph... I thought you'd long since forgotten what home looked like.

Aletheia: ...

Teena: H-hey! I thought we all agreed on the way here that there'd be no fighting!

Teena: No more digging up the past! C'mon, that looks like the elder's house over there!

Teena ushers Aletheia and Lucius along towards the elder's residence.

Elder's Son: Welcome, welcome! The village feels safer already.

Elder's Daughter: Thank you for coming such a long way. You must be exhausted—would you like some tea?

After arriving at the house, the three are received by the elder's own children.

Lucius: So, tell us about the specifics of the job.

Elder's Son: Of course, forgive us. Here's what we know...

The elder's son quickly briefs the skyfarers on the details of the mission.

He describes what kind of monsters lurk nearby, and how many they number. He also explains that the three are to lodge at the elder's house for the duration of their stay.

Aletheia: That should do for now. Thank you, young man. Although...

Elder's Son: Yes, sir?

Aletheia: Only that we've yet to meet the man we're going to be escorting. Is your father under the weather?

Elder's Daughter: Ah, no, he's—

Elder's Son: He's probably in his room, preoccupied with packing. The inconsiderate lout.

Elder's Daughter: B-brother!

The Three: ...?

Elder's Daughter: I'm sorry, my brother and my father aren't on the best terms right now. And over something so trivial...

Elder's Son: Trivial? That heartless bastard is leaving the village before your wedding day! His own daughter's wedding day!

Elder's Daughter: Hey! I told you not to talk about that in front of our guests!

Elder's Son: He should know how important a wedding ceremony is to a young girl! Especially in a village as small and remote as ours!

Elder's Son: But he's ignoring all of that! And for what?

Elder's Daughter: Stop, brother! I'm sure he has his reasons!

Aletheia: ...

Lucius: Ahem...

Aletheia and Lucius lower their gazes, embarrassed by how much the elder's family resembles their own.

Only Teena maintains eye contact, nodding along and listening intently.

Elder's Son: O-oh... I'm sorry. I let my emotions get the better of me...

Elder's Son: I'm sure you didn't want to hear any of that...

Elder's Daughter: Y-you all must be so tired! Let me show you to your rooms so you can get some rest.

Lucius: Y-yes... Thank you.

As the skyfarers follow the elder's daughter through the house, they can't help but ponder their situation.

Lucius: (Why do I get the feeling...)

Teena: (That fighting off monsters...)

Aletheia: (Is going to be the easiest part of this mission?)

Theirs is a family that seldom sees eye to eye—but on this, they are all in agreement.

A Long Road Home: Scene 2

The next day, Aletheia sets out alone to reinforce a fence, bolstering the village's defenses. After speaking to some locals, he suspects that the elder has hidden motives for his behavior, but he hesitates to involve himself. Eavesdropping from afar, Lucius cannot bring himself to reach out to his troubled father. The day after that, father and son work together to slay monsters, but old wounds resurface and exacerbate the divide between them.

---

Aletheia, Teena, and Lucius wake up early the next morning to survey the village.

Lucius: So this fence is the only thing that's keeping the monsters out...

Teena: This won't protect the villagers from an actual attack. We should reinforce it if we can find the time...

Aletheia: Hmm, I think I can handle that.

Teena: You, Dad? I didn't know you were handy like that.

Aletheia: Of course I am. Don't you remember whose job it was to patch up the house back when you two were kids?

Teena: Oh, right... Okay then. Let us know if you need help with anything!

Lucius: Let's get moving, Teena. We should locate the monsters' den before nightfall.

Teena: Sure! See you later, Dad! Be careful!

Aletheia: I'll see you later.

Aletheia: Now then. Let's find out if I've still got it.

Aletheia returns to the elder's house to borrow some tools, then heads back the way he came to repair the fence.

Aletheia: Hmm, that should do it.

By his hand, the once tattered fence is rebuilt anew, tall and sturdy.

Aletheia: Ah, look at the time. That took longer than I thought it would. I wonder where Lucius and—

Village Youth: Hey, misterrr!

???: Hey, Daaad!

Aletheia: ...!

Village Youth: Huh? What's wrong, mister?

Aletheia: O-oh... It's nothing, boy. Are you from the village? What's going on?

Village Youth: Here, I brought you these sandwiches! Mom said to give them to you for fixing the fence!

Aletheia: Ah, I see. I'll have to thank her later.

Aletheia: (All this domestic work must be reminding me of old times.)

Aletheia: (Ah, Lucius was such a cute kid when he was about this boy's age...)

Village Youth: Over here, Mom! He says he wants to say thank you for the sandwiches!

Village Woman: Oh my, sorry to have bothered you. You must still be busy working.

Aletheia: No, no, I was just finishing up. I appreciate you making me these, I'll share them with my children later.

Village Woman: Oh I see, the three of you are family! No wonder you seem so close.

Aletheia: Hehe... Well, I'm glad we at least seem like we get along.

Village Woman: It sounds so wonderful, travelling the skies with your children. Our elder could learn a thing or two from you.

Aletheia: Was his relationship with his children always so strained?

Village Woman: No, just the opposite! They used to be the picture of a happy family.

Village Woman: The elder's wife died when they were still young, you see. That man raised those kids all by himself.

Aletheia: He sounds like a great father.

Village Woman: He is! Though that's probably why his son is having trouble forgiving him...

Aletheia: ...

Village Woman: My goodness, it's already so dark. I'm afraid I have to be going.

Village Woman: Come on, time to say goodbye to the nice man!

Village Youth: Okay! See you later, mister!

Aletheia: See you around.

...

Hmm.

Aletheia: (Sounds like the elder has his reasons for the way he's acting...)

Aletheia: (But coming from me that would sound... hypocritical.)

Aletheia: (And none of this changes the fact that he is causing his children pain...)

As the sage stands alone in the twilight, he unwittingly lets his inner thoughts escape his lips.

Aletheia: Ha. I have studied the blade all my life, but what good is it to me now?

Aletheia: (Where matters like these are concerned, I'm just another father... and not a very good one at that.)

Aletheia lets out a dry laugh as he packs up the tools and heads back to the elder's house.

Unbeknownst to him, a lone figure watches him from afar.

Lucius: ...

Lucius remains silent, unable to reach out to his father. Both of them remain in solitude until night silently fades to day.

Lucius: Raaagh!

Teena: Nice one, Lucius! Head's up, Dad, one's coming your way!

Aletheia: Mm.

Though too quick to be seen, the faint swish of a swinging sword can be heard as the monster collapses at Aletheia's feet.

Aletheia: Hmm, that should do it.

Eager to maintain a clear line of sight, Aletheia and his children elect to clear the area of monsters while the sun is high in the sky.

Their hunt progresses without incident, allowing Aletheia to observe his son's bladework up close.

Aletheia: That was some good form you had back there, Lucius—keen and refined.

Lucius: Oh yeah?

Aletheia: Yes. It's clear you've been taking your training very seriously.

Aletheia: Still, that final stance you adopted is one you have yet to perfect. Master that, and I'm sure your skills with the blade will become even sharper.

Lucius: Hah, figures. That stance is the one you taught me just before you left the village.

Lucius: Of course I haven't perfected it. How could I, if my master never returned to teach me?

Aletheia: ...!

Aletheia: I-I see. I...

Aletheia: (To think that I forgot the sword stance I taught my own son...)

Lucius: ...

Lucius: I'm going to see if we missed any monsters. You can go back to the house without me.

Teena: Hang on, wait...

Teena: Honestly, both of you...

A Long Road Home: Scene 3

That night, Aletheia comes face-to-face with the village elder, who explains his motive for departing. In order for his daughter's groom to come to the village, the road needed to be cleared of monsters. However, the villagers are too poor to afford hiring skyfarers. And so, for his daughter's sake, the elder plans to be escorted to town and take out a loan to pay Aletheia, resolving not to return home till he works off his debt. Reminded of his own past, Aletheia can do nothing but let the elder go.

---

Teena: Thank you, that was delicious! You're a really good cook.

Elder's Daughter: I'm so happy you enjoyed it! But, umm...

Elder's Daughter: Will Lucius not be joining us tonight?

Teena: Uhhh...

Teena averts her gaze. Upon their return to the elder's house, Lucius went straight to his room and hasn't come out since.

Teena: He's apparently a little, uh, under the weather?

Elder's Son: He is? I'll go call for the doctor!

Teena: No no, it's okay! He'll be fine, he's a tough guy!

Teena: Actually, Dad, why don't you take Lucius's food up to his room?

Aletheia: What?

Teena: Yeah, what Lucius said was out of line today, but it's also your fault for forgetting what you taught him.

Teena: Go take him this nice meal so the two of you can make up. Can you do that for me?

Aletheia: ...
Do I have to?

Teena: Yes, you do! C'mon, get up there!

Aletheia: Teena's grown into such a confident young woman...

Aletheia heads towards Lucius's room holding a carefully plated tray of food.

He plods down the corridor reluctantly, head down as he drags his feet.

???: Oh!

As a door in his path unexpectedly swings open, Aletheia skirts deftly out of the way, tray of food undisturbed. An old man emerges from the open doorway.

Aletheia: Aha. You must be the elder of this village.

Village Elder: Indeed I am. Ah, and you must be one of our skyfarer guests!

Village Elder: I apologize that I can't give you a proper welcome, but I really must go and prepare for my journey...

Aletheia: Wait. Can I have a moment of your time?

Village Elder: Huh? Yes, all right...

Aletheia: I have children of my own, so I wanted to ask you, father to father...

Aletheia: Why miss your daughter's wedding to go on this journey? Can't it wait until after the ceremony is done?

Village Elder: ...
My children have spoken to you, then.

Village Elder: You're right, of course. I should stay. But I simply can't...

The elder grudgingly begins to tell Aletheia his story.

Village Elder: Our village is a poor one.

Village Elder: Well, I suppose most villages are. But ours is in a worse spot than most.

Aletheia: What do you mean?

Village Elder: The only way for people to make a living here is to sell produce for a meager amount at the nearest town.

Village Elder: But the monsters have blocked off the roads, and with them our only source of income.

Village Elder: If we can't transport our produce, we can't make money. If we have no money, we can't hire someone to remove the monsters.

Aletheia: Well, you hired us, so you must have figured something out.

Village Elder: Yes. Except that we don't have the money to pay you yet.

Aletheia: What?

Village Elder: Naturally. I had no choice. Drawing money from my daughter's wedding funds was out of the question.

Village Elder: But I have to pay you skyfarers for your work somehow.

Village Elder: So, once you've slain all of the monsters, I plan to have you escort me to town, where I will borrow the money you are owed.

Village Elder: Afterwards, I will find work in order to pay off my debt. I doubt I'll be able to come back to the village for several years.

Aletheia: Mmm... But can't you wait until the wedding is over before you leave to borrow money?

Village Elder: That would require you and your children to stay for quite a while.

Village Elder: Moreover, the groom is from another village, and will need to travel here for the ceremony.

Aletheia: I see. The groom cannot come until the roads are safe.

Aletheia: That is... certainly difficult.

Aletheia: Still, I'm sure your children would understand if you explained, wouldn't they?

Village Elder: Oh, they most definitely would. In fact, they're both so kind, they'd insist on helping me pay back my debt.

Village Elder: I won't allow that. I don't want them to be worried, or involved in any way. I intend to slip away quietly.

Aletheia: I... see...

Aletheia: (He reminds me of myself, all those years ago...)

Village Elder: ...
I'm sorry for bothering you with my story. It's late, and I must go.

Village Elder: Ha. I wonder why it is that we fathers become so stubborn towards our own families.

Aletheia: ...
I don't know.

Aletheia remembers that he is carrying Lucius's dinner, now cold, and begins to walk towards his son's room once more.

Aletheia: Lu...

His voice fades before he can call his son's name. His arm falters before he can knock on his son's door.

Aletheia: (What right do I have to stop the elder, when I'm not even brave enough to speak to my own boy?)

He knows in his mind what he should do, but his body fails to act.

Aletheia quietly places the tray of food on the floor and leaves.

Teena: Oh, Dad... Lucius... What am I going to do with you both?

Teena, watching over her father from behind a nearby corner, sighs with worry.

A Long Road Home: Scene 4

The day of the elder's departure arrives, and Aletheia prepares to escort him to town. As they leave, Lucius imparts some mysterious instructions. Aletheia obeys them once he is on the road, and discovers a letter from Teena hidden in his pocket. It explains that the new suit is actually a gift not just from her, but from Lucius too. Aletheia realizes that by telling him where to find the letter, Lucius is trying to reconcile with him. Eager to do the same, the sage convinces the elder to return home, where their children wait for them.

---

The days fly by, and the time comes for the elder to depart from the village.

Teena: Okay, Lucius and I are going to help cut the grass up at the pasture before we head to town.

Teena: That means you're escorting the elder, Dad.

Aletheia: Mm. I'll see him there safely.

Elder's Son: I'm so sorry. You could've all gone together if the cowherd hadn't tripped and gotten injured...

Teena: Aww, that's okay, we like helping around the village!

Teena: But... Are you sure that you don't want to join your sister and say goodbye to your dad?

Elder's Son: Oh... No, there's no need. It's not like I'll never see him again.

Lucius: ...

Teena: Hmmm... Dad, can I talk to you?

Aletheia: What is it?

Teena leans towards Aletheia and whispers.

Teena: Don't you think you should stop the elder from leaving? Even after he told you why he was going?

Aletheia: Teena... Were you eavesdropping?

Teena: I was worried you and Lucius were going to get into another fight! Anyway, are you gonna stop him or not?

Aletheia: I... I don't think it's any of my business.

Aletheia: It's not my place to tell him how to treat his own family. Of course, if you want to stop him, I won't get in your way...

Teena: You can't keep running away from your problems!

Teena: Normally you're so logical and calm that it ticks everyone off! But when it comes to family, you suddenly turn into a thickheaded mule!

Aletheia: Guh...

Teena: Honestly, you're just like Lucius. Listen to me, Dad...

Teena: Yeah, it's true that the elder is being stubborn, and that his decision is hurting his son and daughter.

Teena: But no matter how broken the family, there's always some part of you that loves them—that yearns to be together.

Teena: And I think it would mean so much to the elder if he heard those words from you!

Aletheia: Teena... I don't...

Village Elder: Excuse me, but if we don't leave soon, the ship might leave without us...

Aletheia: Y-yes, of course. Let's go.

Teena: Dad!

Aletheia: I'm sorry, Teena.

Aletheia: I'm a weak old fool who can't even believe that his own children love him.

For one brief moment, as Aletheia steps through the front door, his eyes meet with Lucius's.

Lucius: ...

Normally, Lucius would turn away immediately. But this time he stares straight into Aletheia. It is as if time is standing still.

Lucius: Inner pocket, blue stitching.

Aletheia: What?

Lucius: You heard me.

Teena: I believe in you, Dad. We believe in you!

Teena's words linger in the air until they are smothered by the sound of the door being shut.

And yet, Aletheia finds that the image of his son's gaze, and the sound of his daughter's voice, have been burned into his mind.

Village Elder: ...

Aletheia: ...

The two men walk in silence. They do not interact, except for Aletheia occasionally moving to protect the elder whenever they hear an animal rustling in the brush.

After a while, the silence becomes too heavy to bear.

Village Elder: Um... Your daughter seems a capable young woman.

Aletheia: Thank you. I don't know where she gets it, but in the blink of an eye she went from crawling on all fours to bossing me around.

Village Elder: Ah, I understand. Girls grow up so quickly, makes you wonder where the time went.

Aletheia: Quite the opposite for boys, I think.

Village Elder: Ha ha ha, yes. My son and I are the squabblers of our family too.

Aletheia: Ho ho, maybe it's like that in every family.

Village Elder: Ha ha ha...

Village Elder: ...
Are you not going to check your inner pocket?

Village Elder: I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear...

Aletheia: Oh, that's all right. I was curious myself anyway. Let's see...

Aletheia peers into the inner pocket of his suit jacket. Sure enough, he finds a loose seam, bound with a vivid blue thread.

Aletheia: (The color's too distinct for it to be a patch job...)

He breaks the seam, revealing a small compartment. He rummages inside it.

Aletheia: What's this... A letter?

He pulls out a thin, folded piece of paper. From edge to edge the page is brimming, almost bursting with words—Teena's handwriting.

Teena: Dear Dad, Hi, it's Teena. I'm sorry we couldn't give this letter to you normally. Lucius made a fuss.

Teena: Here's the deal: I'm the one writing this letter, but only Lucius knows where it's hidden.

Teena: Basically, the only way you can read this letter, Dad, is if Lucius tells you where it is.

Teena: Why did we write to you in such a roundabout way? Well for one, it's because Lucius is a big wuss.

Teena: But it's also because this suit isn't just a gift from me—it's from the both of us.

Aletheia: ...!

Teena: I chose the design, and Lucius chose the color. We both thought long and hard about what you would look best in.

Teena: But Lucius didn't want you to know that he'd helped, so he told me to say that the suit was a gift from me alone.

Teena: I didn't like that one bit, so I made a deal with him.

Teena: I bet Lucius that he would eventually tell you where the letter is.

Teena: I wagered five chocolate chip cookies that I would win. Lucius didn't wager anything.

Teena: I know we've all spent a lot of time separated from each other. But Lucius is trying his best to make things right with you again.

Teena: I believe in Lucius. I believe that he'll tell you where this letter is.

Teena: And I believe that, deep down, the two of you still love each other.

Aletheia: Teena! Lucius!

Aletheia: I... I've been such a fool of a father!

Aletheia holds the letter tight in his hands. It is so thin that he feels like it would disappear if he let it go.

His heart and mind are made up.

Elder's Son: So you're confident that my father is going to come back right now?

Teena: Yes, I am... I think my dad is going to convince him to turn around.

Teena: So when he does, please try to patch things up with him.

Elder's Son: I don't know...

Elder's Daughter: Come on, brother, you heard Teena. Father had his reasons.

Elder's Son: But... He's being so selfish. He didn't tell us anything.

Teena: You're right. It's too easy to ask that you forgive him for everything just like that.

Teena: All I ask is that you start to make things right again, bit by bit.

Elder's Son: Bit by bit...

Lucius: It's not an easy path.

Lucius: Sometimes it feels as if it's even more demanding than the path of the sword.

Teena: Oh, Lucius.

Lucius: But no matter how treacherous, a path is still a path—it can be walked.

Teena: Yeah, it can.

Teena's face breaks into a smile—she's heard the sound of the front door being opened.

Village Elder: Um...

The village elder stands in his own doorway, embarrassed. Aletheia stands behind him, a resigned but content expression on his face.

Aletheia: ...
Hello.

Teena: Welcome back!

Lucius: W... Wel—

Lucius: Welcome back.

His absence left a void too large to fill, too deep-rooted to wash away.

But after many years, their father has come back to them.

His return marks their first step towards making things right together—as a family.

---

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