Castle
Upon entering the castle, you'll find yourself in the Main Hall. Your primary objective here is to locate the Duke. Before proceeding, take a moment to explore for valuable items and engage with NPCs for lore and side quest triggers.
Main Hall Exploration
- Right Side: Head to the right from the entrance. You'll find a small alcove with a chest containing a Life Bottle.
- Left Side: On the left, speak to the Royal Guard near the staircase for some background information. There's also a hidden Apple Gel behind a pillar here, so keep an eye out!
- Staircase: Ascend the grand staircase in the center. This leads to the upper levels of the castle.
Upper Levels: West Wing
Once upstairs, you'll be on a landing. Take the door to your left (west). This leads to the West Wing Corridor.
- First Door (Left): This is a storage room. Inside, you'll find a chest with 200 Gald.
- Second Door (Left): This room is the Royal Library. While there are no immediate items, interacting with the bookshelves can sometimes trigger skits or provide hints for later puzzles.
- End of Corridor: At the very end of the West Wing Corridor, there's a small antechamber. Check the potted plant for a hidden Orange Gel.
Upper Levels: East Wing
Return to the main upper landing and take the door to your right (east). This is the East Wing Corridor.
- First Door (Right): This is a guest room. On the bed, you'll spot a sparkling item – pick up the Panacea Bottle.
- Second Door (Right): This is another guest room, currently empty. No items here, but a good place to rest if you need a moment.
- End of Corridor: The door at the end of the East Wing Corridor leads to the Duke's Chambers. Prepare for a cutscene and a significant plot development here.
Duke's Chambers
Upon entering, a lengthy cutscene will play, advancing the main story. Pay close attention to the dialogue. After the scene concludes, you'll be prompted to make a choice or proceed to the next objective. Before leaving, ensure you've thoroughly explored the room:
- Desk: Examine the Duke's desk for a hidden Melange Gel.
- Wardrobe: Open the wardrobe to find a Specific.
Once you've collected all items and seen the cutscene, your next objective will be to exit the castle and head towards the Lower Quarter of Zaphias, following the new lead provided by the Duke.