Bhujerba - Lhusu Square

[As the party emerges from the mines, they see Lamont approach the the Archadian inspection party that is lingering outside. They hid behind the columns to watch.

Judge: I see you’ve been out walking without the company of your carriage… Lord Larsa.

[An Imperial steps aside to reveal Penelo is with the Imperial party.]

Judge: We caught her wandering out of the mines. You must take care with such undesirables about.

Penelo: I was kidnapped –

Judge: Silence!

Larsa: If it is a crime to wander on one’s own… then I, too, am guilty. Marquis. I trust that your estate can accommodate another guest?

Ondore: Why not?

Larsa: Judge Ghis, I shall heed your counsel. I will not travel unaccompanied any longer.

[Larsa takes a stunned Penelo's hand and walks away.]

Judge: That was unexpected.

Larsa: Thank you, Penelo.

Penelo: O-Of course.

[As the Imperial party leaves, Vaan & co. feel safe to come out.]

Vaan: What’s Penelo doing? And what’s the deal with that Lamont?

Balthier: That’s no “Lamont.” Larsa Ferrinas Solidor. Fourth son to Emperor Gramis… and brother to Vayne.

Vaan: What? That kid!?

Fran: Do not worry. I believe he will treat her well.

Balthier: Nobody knows men like Fran does.

Basch: Our purposes lead the same way: to Ondore. We must find means to approach him.

Balthier: The Marquis is channeling money to organizations opposing the Empire. We’ll start there.

Aekom: The one with the shiny armor, he was a Judge of Archadia, yes? Haa… More impressive than ever I imagined, he was! The Marquis must do as they say.

[Upon approaching the area at the top of the stairs…]

Basch: Marquis Ondore announced my execution 2 years ago. If news of my survival were to spread, the Marquis may find his position compromised.

Balthier: The men he’s been funding bear little love for the Empire. They won’t be thrilled to discover that rumors of your death were, in fact, greatly exaggerated. If we were to raise a clamor to that effect, we might just get their attention.

Vaan: Nothin’ to it! I’ll just go around town spreading the word. How ‘bout this?

[You are prompted to press the square button…]

Vaan: [yelling] I’m Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca!

[The denizens of Lhusu Square turn heads at Vaan.]

Vaan: Well? What do you think?

Balthier: That certainly qualifies as a clamor. All right, Vaan, get to it. For the girl’s sake, eh? Oh, and the more people around to witness your little performance, the better. If we’re going to reach the Marquis, it’s up to you. We’ll be waiting here, if you need us.

Lhusu Square

Miners’ Ender (woman leaning against wall, talking to man): I hear that the quality of the magicite taken from the mines has dropped, but this is most odd. All the Stones I have seen are of highest grade!

Lhusu Parivir: We are parivir, sworn to defend those who work the mines. Many raksas dwell in Lhusu! Very, very dangerous place. Thus are we needed. You have the look of someone new. You would do well to hire us, should you wish to enter Lhusu. Of course, not today, for the mines are closed.

Lhusu Miner (man with back against wall): You carry potions and elixirs, do you not? Haa… Their value cannot be overestimated! Better than magicks, many times. Especially for healing!

Lhusu Miner (man sitting cross-legged on crate): A friend of mine, he found a great treasure deep in the mines, but when he went to reach for it, ayi! It was a raksas! A most horrible fiend! Not all treasure is treasure, bhadra.

Street Vendor: Normally I sell my wares to the miners, bhadra, but with the mines closed, business is, how shall I say it? Dead. Take a look, won’t you? [shop menu]

Cartographers’ Guild: On a trip into the mines? Would you like to buy a map, kupo?

[Select a map to purchase.

Bhujerba 70

Lhusu Mines 650

Cancel]

So long, kupo!

Lhusu Parivir/Aekom: Today all work in the mines had stopped, bhadra. An inspection party has come from Archadia, yes. They have brought many guards. There is no need for our guild of bodyguards, the parivir.

Balthier: The Lhusu Mines: one of the richest veins in Ivalice.

Basch: Under Imperial guard, no doubt.

Lamont: Actually, no. With but few exceptions, the Imperial army is not permitted in Bhujerba. Well, shall we proceed?

[Balthier and Basch look at each other. Lamont heads for the mine entrance.]