Rover decides to head to investigate the Montelli Quarter. Along the way, evening begins to fall.

Rover approaches a fountain and strikes up a conversation with some residents.

Optional Lanny Dialogue - Act 1

Optional Bellata Dialogue - Act 1

Rover arrives at the Montelli Quarter.

Timoteo: “Ha, Antonio, surely you know how things work here. It's always about who pays more. Is there a problem?”

Antonio: “Do you Fisalias even honor contracts?”

Timoteo: “Ha, since when do Montellis fret over such trivialities? Instead of whining, maybe focus on cleaning up the mess your Echoes caused. Ha ha ha...”

The Fisalia man walks away, leaving Antonio fuming.

Antonio: “And you are...?”

Zani: “Greetings, Sir Antonio. I'm Zani from the Averardo Bank. This lady here is a distinguished guest of your family, Rover. She was attacked by a rogue Vitreum Dancer while dining, and we're investigating.”

Antonio: “Ah, so you're... Please accept my apologies! It's a relief to see you unscathed. We're as puzzled as you are about the Echo's behavior.”

Rover: “It's okay, but there's something else I want to know.”

Antonio: “Miss Carlotta asked me to hold nothing back, so ask away.”

Rover: “Tell me about Reserved Terminals and Reserved Echoes.”

Antonio: “Well, before I do, a little context first. In Ragunna, the Order controls all Terminals for Echo use. They store Echoes in their Data Bank and only grant access after thorough screening. Only a select few Resonators are permitted to carry a Reserved Terminal. You see, most Ragunnesi rely on the Genesis Nexus and Common Echoes, with little need for the special access types. However, things have changed with Ragunna opening up to the greater Solaris. People want to travel, making Reserved Terminals essential for safety outside the Order's reach. You see why demand is up. The Montellis saw an opportunity and started to develop them. After all, necessity is the mother of invention, hm? It should be celebrated, but some think we disrespect the Order's authority or even the Sentinel by doing this. The path forward has been... resistant. Heh, if you ask me, I suspect the Fisalia family has been spreading slanders about us. We back the Carnevale to showcase our Reserved Terminals to the people. It's our chance to prove their worth and attract investors.”

Rover: “And the Fisalia family has been standing in your way?”

Antonio: “Sigh... The Fisalias have coerced our miners to break their contracts, seizing our largest vein and cutting off our Terminal supply. They say the Fisalias have been seen frequenting the Cathedral of Mercury. They must be in league with the Order. How else would they dare to seize ou mine so boldly? And it gets worse. With the Carnevale nearing and our Echoes malfunctioning, the family's Executor might have to step in. The Carnevale is at risk. While we hope it brings fortune, the festival itself is what truly matters to us, just like the rest of Ragunna. We must uncover why the Echo lost control. We cannot let the Fisalias use this to tarnish our reputation any further!”

Rover: “I can help you with the investigation.”

Antonio: “That would be good for us, but it hardly seems proper to involve our esteemed guest in our troubles...”

Rover: “I have my own reasons.”