Okay, let's get back to Cold Steel IV Act 1 Chapter 2!
When we arrive in Raquel, Ash unveils his disguise, which is honestly more impressive than I expected! Naturally, the people who know him best still recognize him, but they're also the ones who won't sell him out, so it balances out. They tell us that the clientele lately has been more well off than normal. Rumor is that they're merchants or nobles from Ordis. The people here still believe in Ash despite what's been reported about him, which is kinda nice. We run into Machias's partner in Raquel, too, but he's a little too down about his luck to notice us.
On top of that, Maya is here waiting for us, having heard the good word from Sidney. As the game reminds me, Maya's father is from around here, although she hasn't been able to find him since she came back. They suspect he's been recalled into the army since he was an expert sniper at one point. She tells us that Leonora went to Ordis to gather intel. Governor Regnitz was also set up as an interim supervisor, explaining why we saw him there at the beginning of the game. The Third Armored Division is stationed at Juno Fortress, too, led by Kurt's uncle Zechs. With all that in mind, we decide it's a bit too dangerous to venture near Ordis at the moment.
The church seems acutely aware of what's going on, understanding that there's a malevolent force stirring up violence among the people and there isn't much they can do to stop it. After we get done investigating, we decide to check out reports of black Pleroma Grass to the north of us. However, before we can take off, Hugo Kleist stops us. Apparently, someone in Raquel ratted us out. I guess it was probably that guy we chased all over the place in CS3! We find ourselves an unlikely rescuer in Vincent (accompanied by Rex, for some reason), who has stopped being completely useless! Hugo backs down, but before he goes, Fie asks him where Mint and Becky are. He insists he doesn't know either.
Kurt recognizes Vincent as a member of the Florald family, and Juna remembers him as Ferris's brother. Vincent believes all the Thors compatriots are tied together by Rean, although some like Hugo have decided to walk a different path. Kurt wonders what kind of agreement he had made with Hugo, and apparently they brokered a deal not to publicly announce the existence of the Weissland Army. The members of the nobility won't be punished as long as they comply with the draft. The Imperial Government's fear is that the war with Calvard couldn't go forward if there was the question of another civil war lingering in the air.
We visit Ash's old home and reminisce a bit, but then we run into the informant Miguel and one of Ash's old friends. As they threaten us, they get enveloped in a black mist, showing they've been possessed by the Great Twilight.
