''Interesting, the entire Mamono village on lockdown?''

''Who?''

''Mom!?''

Somehow, your mother in the flesh has snuck right beside you without Shigeko or you noticing. Garbed for war with chainmail, leather, her Ironwood bow with a visible filled quiver, and her sword without a cover of white cloth, her firmly neutral expression heralds nothing good. Oh dear... Her face is sweaty, too. Did she run here?

''You were taking a mighty long while,'' she says, resting her free hand atop the pommel of her arming sword while holding her bow. ''You've gone and provoked a riot in the Mamono village?''

''It's a bit more complicated than that, and I'd say I prevented one, thank you very much!'' When she's in this mood, the best thing to do is to move along! ''Had a loooong day and more importantly, I brought my friend Augustine with us for, you know... the ritual.''

Canaan noticeably softens upon looking at your pink doctor friend.

''I see. I've been made aware of this... situation. Space might be a bit tight in our home, but my family will be honored to host you if tonight proves inconclusive.''

''Y-yes, I... thank you. I don't think I'll be able to lift that shadow of dread over my heart.'' Augustine squeezes her bag. ''Walking will clear my head, as would supper, I'll admit.''

Darkness quickly shrouds your world once your group sets out on the long, lonely road that leads into Eichenwald's southern countryside and farmlands. Augustine's lamp quickly has you huddle with Shigeko and your pink god-touched friend while your mother walks a few feet ahead, somehow scouting for threats while simultaneously remaining actively listening to your day's activities.

Originally, you set out with Seyraphal (who came back home without incident) and Shigeko to question the bishop about Olin's suspicious death, but things quickly changed.

An unknown phenomenon has struck around one hundred twenty inhabitants of Eichenwald, putting them into a coma. They sometimes awaken to die, apparently witnessing some kind of entity. During her time in the baron manor, Augustine also lent her burgeoning expertise to her teacher to help resolve this incident, but nothing conclusive could be found.

Olin's knightly master, Aryel, is convinced the boy died from foul play. It's difficult not to agree after what you've learned about him, especially with his recent newfound appreciation of the Mamono plight.

The Mamono village is one bad day away from rioting and a pandemic. But that might change as soon as tomorrow, thank the gods.

The mercenaries are genuine, irredeemable scums. You've tried your best to be somewhat open to a dialogue, to learn their perspective, but getting intimidated by their second in command, and potentially jailed for one night for no good reason, is more than you can tolerate.