#drillemont

I meant to translate the DRK quests shortly after Heavensward’s launch, because the changes here are among the most extreme in the entire game, but honestly, I hate English Fray (Esteem) so much that I just kept putting it off. I can see why he appeals to certain people, but I just can’t stand him, so... he’s the reason this took so long.

It was also my intention to translate the entire Dark Knight questline, as I did for the lancer guild quests some time back (messily — I’ve half a mind to repost that because it’s so unpleasantly organized), but having to read English Fray’s lines is so painful that I cut my workload down to just the level 45 and 50 quests. This should be enough to give you a general idea of how different the JP and EN quests are, but if demand is high for it, I’ll do the rest of the quests, too. Anyway, enjoy.

As a word of warning, these translations adhere very closely to the original text but are not entirely literal in several places. I could easily provide completely literal translations upon request, but in general I swapped things around to avoid the Japanese grammatical idiosyncrasies of phrases like “the you who X for Y and the me who Y for Z,” and so on and so forth. Additionally, there are several places where I would have liked to reword things for stylistic purposes, as I sometimes do, but here I chose to remain loyal to the text.

OUR ANSWER だから僕は "even so, i”

フレイ：ああ、[PLAYER]……！ 来てくれたんですね……。 嬉しい……君なら、きっと来てくれると思っていました。 フレイ：……っ……あまり、時間がありません。 さっそく皇都を出て、ふたりで旅に出ましょう……。 フレイ：旅は……懐かしい…………。 エオルゼアから離れ、名もなき旅人として、 本当に大事なものだけを護り……生きていくんです……。 フレイ：大審門を出たところで、再び合流しましょう。 僕の名前を呼んでくれれば、すぐに見つけますから……。

FRAY: Ah, [PLAYER]... So you’ve come. I’m pleased. I knew you would never disappoint me... FRAY: ...Ugh... ...We don’t have much time left. Let’s leave this city... for an adventure, just the two of us... FRAY: A new adventure... yes, how nostalgic... We could leave Eorzea as nameless travelers, protecting only that which truly matters. We could live... FRAY: Outside the Gates of Judgment, we will join once more. You need but call my name, and I will find you...

LOCALIZATION Fray: I knew you would come to your senses, [PLAYER]. Now, let us...let us go... Fray: ...If I never see snow again, it'll be too soon. Fray: We should go somewhere warm─at least for a little while... Fray: Wait for me near the Gates of Judgement. When you are alone, call out and I shall join you.

？？？？：今の声、もしやと思ったら…… やはり、[PLAYER]殿でしたか！ 律儀な騎兵：私は、ホワイトブリム前哨地を預かる、 ドユリモン卿の部下にございます。 砦の奪還や、氷の巫女の追跡では、大変お世話になりました。 律儀な騎兵：あなたがここにいらっしゃったのも、 戦神「ハルオーネ」様のお導きに違いない……。 恥を忍んで、ひとつご協力をお願いできないでしょうか！ 緊張した騎兵：実は、普段は南方にいる巨人族の一団が、 縄張りの拡大を狙って、このあたりまで北上してきたのです。 緊張した騎兵：我らホワイトブリム前哨地の騎兵で討伐にあたっているものの、 数が多いため、雑兵を抑えるので精一杯……。 緊張した騎兵：一団を率いる「罵声のコイオス」を討つ役目を、 腕の立つあなたが、引き受けてはくださいませんか！？ 律儀な騎兵：我らが手下を抑えている間に、頭目を討つことができれば、 一団は撤退せざるを得なくなる。 多くの仲間と、力なき民が救われましょう！

???: That voice just now, could it be...? It is! ‘Tis [PLAYER]! STEADY KNIGHT: Forgive me — you would not know our faces. I am but a humble knight sworn to Lord Drillemont, who keeps vigil over Whitebrim Front. Our garrison is much indebted to you and yours for your assistance with the Stone Vigil and with Lady Iceheart. STEADY KNIGHT: Your presence here now seems to me the divine providence of the Fury Herself! Please — might we make of you one request? SHAKY KNIGHT: Know you the giants that live near Boulder Downs? It would seem that they are planning to expand their territory — they move further northward each day. SHAKY KNIGHT: We knights of Whitebrim Front have been tasked with culling their numbers, but there are so many, and our own numbers are so few... SHAKY KNIGHT: If we could just eliminate their leader, Loudmouth Coeus, that would surely end their advances. Please, sir, take up your arms and join us in this fight! STEADY KNIGHT: Aye — we can distract his subordinates and give you ample opportunity to cut him down. Without him, they’ll be forced to retreat! You’d save many of Ishgard’s knights and commoners from the giants’ menace, sir.

LOCALIZATION ???: Wait, I know that voice! It's [PLAYER], the hero of the Scions! Unbending Knight: Allow me to say what an honor it is to meet you, sir! I mean, by the Fury, the man who bested Shiva! Every knight under Lord Drillemont's command knows the tale! Unbending Knight: I could go on, but, well...I'll just say it. If I may, sir─we need your help. Uneasy Knight: We've a giant problem, sir. A band of them has taken to raiding caravans passing through Daniffen Pass. We think they may be planning to expand their territory... Uneasy Knight: Lord Drillemont wants them gone, but you know how it is─too much work for too few hands. We'd need at least two dozen knights to clear them out safely... Uneasy Knight: But now that you're here, sir, we have nothing to fear! Unbending Knight: Aye! While we create a distraction, you can slip past and put their leader down! Without him, they're sure to cut and run! So will you help us, sir?

デュランダル家の騎兵たち：[PLAYER]殿、どうかご協力をッ！ デュランダル家の騎兵たち：…………どうかッ！ 緊張した騎兵：おお、引き受けてくださるのですね！ ありがとうございます。 このご恩は、いつか必ず……！ 律儀な騎兵：それでは、作戦地点まで、よろしくお願いします！

HOUSE DURENDAIRE KNIGHTS: Master [PLAYER], please lend us your strength! HOUSE DURENDAIRE KNIGHTS: Please! SHAKY KNIGHT: Ah, so you will help us? Thank you so much! We will surely repay you this kindness! STEADY KNIGHT: Then we leave ourselves in your capable hands. Let us away to the battlefield.

LOCALIZATION House Durendaire Knights: We beg of you! House Durendaire Knights: We beg of you! Uneasy Knight: Thank you so much, sir. We won't forget this! Unbending Knight: Pray accompany me to the pass, sir. We can discuss the finer details of our plan there.

フレイ：………………[PLAYER]、どうして。  FRAY: ...[PLAYER], why...?  

LOCALIZATION Fray: No... No more. Enough…

律儀な騎兵：この先が、目的地となります。 巨人族の一団を率いる「罵声のコイオス」が、 間もなくやってくるはずです。 律儀な騎兵：[PLAYER]殿は、地図に印をつけた地点で警戒を。 あなたに、戦神「ハルオーネ」の加護がありますよう…… どうか、お気をつけて！

STEADY KNIGHT: Here we are — we’ve reached our destination. The leader is likely not far. STEADY KNIGHT: Master [PLAYER], I’ve marked your position on your map. Be on your guard, and may the Fury protect you...

LOCALIZATION Unbending Knight: The leader should be somewhere in the tunnels, sir... Unbending Knight: Once you are in position, we'll launch our attack. If all goes to plan, you should only have to contend with the leader and his guards. May the Fury guide and protect us!

律儀な騎兵：おお……！罵声のコイオスとその護衛を、 無事に討伐してくださったのですね……！ 律儀な騎兵：なんという朗報だ！ これで、余所で戦う仲間たちも、 統率を失った一団を追い返すことができましょう。 律儀な騎兵：そして……その…… やはり、あなたはすごいお方だ！ 私事で恐縮ですが、以前からずっと尊敬しておりまして……！ 律儀な騎兵：外様への風当たりが強いホワイトブリム前哨地においても、 あなたは軍事的な貢献をなさったばかりか、 騎兵たちの悩みまで聞いてくださった。 律儀な騎兵：私のような、名もなき騎兵が、 あなたの働きにどれだけ救われてきたことか。 あの、よろしければ……あ、あ、握手などッ……！

STEADY KNIGHT: You’ve done it! You drove off Loudmouth Coeus and his minions! STEADY KNIGHT: Truly, these are glad tidings! Our comrades elsewhere in the field can cull the rest of the giants easily now.  STEADY KNIGHT: And what’s more... forgive me my audacity, but you are really something! I’ve — I’ve been a fervent admirer of yours for a long time, ser! STEADY KNIGHT: You came into Whitebrim Front like a howling gale, but by the Fury — not only did you settle our problems with the Stone Vigil, but you also listened to our troubles, our worries... STEADY KNIGHT: I am merely a nameless knight, but I am deeply, truly indebted to you, ser. And — and if I might, I... i-if you would do me the honor of shaking your hand, I...

LOCALIZATION Unbending Knight: By the Fury, you really did it! And you made it look so easy! Unbending Knight: As for us─there were some injuries, but nothing serious. It was starting to look rather grim, actually...but the moment he fell, they sounded the retreat. Unbending Knight: It was an honor to fight with you, sir! You really are everything the bards say. Unbending Knight: Truth be told...I've been following your deeds for some time now...ever since you first came to Whitebrim Front. Unbending Knight: Your martial prowess is widely known, of course, but what I found truly inspirational was your compassion for the common man. Unbending Knight: How you would risk your life without thought for fame or fortune, how the lowest among us could find a friend in you...

切迫した声：た、大変だッ！ 律儀な騎兵：ど、どうした！？ いったい何事だ……！？ 生真面目な騎兵：ホワイトブリム前哨地に、敵襲だ……！ 黒衣を纏った見慣れぬ者が、暴れまわっている！ 律儀な騎兵：なんだって……！ まさか、異端者の一味か！？ 生真面目な騎兵：わからない……。 いつもの異端者とは、どうも様子が違うんだ。 何が望みなのかも、さっぱりわからない。 生真面目な騎兵：ただ……刃を交えたやつによると、 [PLAYER]殿の名を呟いていたって…………。

URGENT VOICE: Ser! Ser! It’s an emergency! STEADY KNIGHT: What is it? What’s happened? SOLEMN KNIGHT: At Whitebrim Front, ser — we’re under attack! A man clad in black armor suddenly tore through our sentries — STEADY KNIGHT: What? Could he be a heretic?! SOLEMN KNIGHT: I don’t know, sir! He didn’t seem like the usual sort of heretic. I don’t even know what it is that he wants from us! SOLEMN KNIGHT: But he... he was calling [PLAYER]’s name...

LOCALIZATION ???: Sir, sir! Unbending Knight: Is something wrong? Untiring Knight: It's Lord Drillemont, sir. He heard we were in the field with [PLAYER], and is demanding he come to Whitebrim Front at once! Unbending Knight: Demanding!? What is the meaning of this!? Untiring Knight: Certain...allegations have been made, sir. It would seem that he was observed conversing with...with a corpse in the Brume... Untiring Knight: Not that anyone would ever believe such slander, of course...

生真面目な騎兵：応援を呼びに来てみれば、 まさか、[PLAYER]殿ご本人がいらっしゃるとは！ 生真面目な騎兵：あなたならば、侵入者のことがわかるかもしれない。 私とともに、ホワイトブリム前哨地へと、 向かってはいただけないでしょうか……！

SOLEMN KNIGHT: I did not actually expect to find [PLAYER] here when I ran for reinforcements, but... SOLEMN KNIGHT: Perhaps he is an acquaintance of yours! Please, come with me to Whitebrim Front, before more are injured!

LOCALIZATION Unbending Knight: Surely there is no need for concern. I mean, “conversing with a corpse”? What fools do they take us for? Untiring Knight: I should warn you, sir, that some of these allegations were made by Temple Knights. Untiring Knight: You, um...you may be asked to surrender your weapon...

フレイ : ……来たんですね。 約束の場所には、いてくれなかったのに。

FRAY: ...So you’ve finally arrived. You weren’t where you promised to be, you know...

LOCALIZATION  Fray: Hah hah...“surrender your weapon”? After what happened in Ul'dah? They must be mad.

フレイ : 僕の忠告も聞かず、君はまだ、都合のいい英雄で居続ける……。 だったら、君をそうさせる奴らを、全員消そうと思ったんだ。 フレイ : ここまでされる理由がわかりませんか？ ……ええ、わかるはずもない。 僕を遠ざけた「彼」こそが……君なのだから。

FRAY: You didn’t listen to my advice... You’re still the same convenient “hero” youve always been. So the only choice I have left... is to take these people who take advantage of you and make them disappear. FRAY: You understand now, don’t you? ...Yes, of course you do. The friend who pushed me away at Moraby Drydocks... That man was you.

LOCALIZATION Fray: Pay attention, [PLAYER]. This could be the greatest moment of our life... Fray: That is, if you could stop denying the truth that's been staring you in the face since the moment we met.

フレイ : そう、僕は君だよ。 君が英雄になるたび心の闇に封じてきた、恐怖や憎しみ…… 負の感情という、影なんだ。 フレイ : あのとき……君が初めてソウルクリスタルに触れたとき、 残留していた「本物のフレイ」の「暗黒」の力が発動した。 彼が今際に抱いた生への渇望が、君のエーテルを奪ったんです。 フレイ : けれど、吸収されたのはエーテルだけじゃなかった。 「暗黒」の力に触発された、君の負の感情…… つまり僕が、この体に宿りました。 フレイ : やっと……英雄となって遠ざかっていた君に、 僕と向き合ってもらえる機会を得たんです。 フレイ : ……ですが、奪ったエーテルが尽きてしまえば、 この体を動かすことはできなくなり、僕は消える。 あるいは、君の心の闇に戻されるのかもしれない……。 フレイ : その前に、知ってほしい思いがあった。 君に誰よりも僕を選んでほしかった。 なのに、こいつらが……みんなが邪魔をする……！

FRAY: I am you. The fear and hatred that you keep locked in the darkness of your heart, all the negative thoughts you deny... I am your shadow. FRAY: You see, when you first touched that soul crystal, the darkness nurtured by the real Fray was invoked... and his lingering desire to live captured some of your aether. FRAY: He stole not only your aether, but the darkness that lived in your heart... So I came to inhabit his body. FRAY: And after all that time you spent pushing me away, I finally got to meet you... FRAY: ...But I’m running on borrowed time. Soon, the aether that Fray took from you will be spent. And once that happens, I will no longer be able to move this body... I will disappear once more into the darkness of your heart. FRAY: Before that happens... I wanted you to understand how I felt. I wanted you to choose me over everyone else. But everyone... everyone keeps getting in my way!

LOCALIZATION Fray: Say my name. Say it. My real name. Our real name! Fray: Come now, you knew Fray was dead from the beginning, but you didn't care! Fray: You had a sword and a soul crystal. But what you wanted was a mentor. Fray: A mentor with the gifts and the knowledge. A dark knight who could guide you on the path─who you could aspire to become. Fray: A man who was free to say and do the things you would not. Fray: ...Even now, you continue to deny it. Well. Deny me all you want. You cannot deny what we have done. Fray: Have I not been good to you? Have I not given you everything I promised? Fray: Did I not help you to hear the whispers of our very soul!? Fray: Open your eyes. Look. Do you see now? Do you see?

英雄の影身 : 優しいやり方は、やめにしましょう。 残ったすべてで、君がしまいこんできた痛みを届けます。 君にも、僕を生み出した世界にも。 英雄の影身 : さあ……思い知って、選ぶんだ。 僕を殺して世界を護るか、世界を護って僕（キミ）を殺すか！

HERO’S SHADE: I want no more of this tepid kindness. With what little I have left, I will convey to everyone my pain... Even you... even the world that created me... HERO’S SHADE: Now... think fast and make your choice. Will you save the world by killing me? Or will you save the world by killing you?

The Japanese script here specifies that Fray’s last “I” is supposed to be pronounced “you” — in other words, he says “you” but he means “me.” It’s essentially untranslatable but serves to reinforce the idea that Fray is you.

LOCALIZATION [PLAYER NAME]: Everything up to now has been your story... [PLAYER NAME]: ...And everything after now will be mine!

In the English script, the Hero’s Shade takes on your PC’s full name. Obviously, I don’t know your PC’s name, so [PLAYER NAME] will have to suffice.

英雄の影身：誰かのために頑張る君が、ずっとずっと疎ましかった……。 僕もその「誰か」になりたかった……。 英雄の影身：ここがどれほど暗くて、痛くて、寂しいか…… 思い知ってよ、[PLAYER NAME]！ 篤実のドユリモン：[PLAYER]、加勢する！ この前哨地の恩人ひとりを、戦わせてはおけん！ 英雄の影身：恩人……？　身代わりの間違いでしょう？ 英雄の影身：お前らが……お前らのせいで………… 自分を大事にできないんだッ！

HERO’S SHADE: You wound me each and every time you give yourself to someone else... I wanted you to give yourself to me... HERO’S SHADE: My pain, my suffering, my loneliness... Do you understand it now, [PLAYER NAME]? DRILLEMONT THE HONEST: [PLAYER], you have my blade! I will not suffer the champion of this outpost to fight alone! HERO’S SHADE: Champion...? You think us your champion? HERO’S SHADE: It’s people like you... It’s your fault... It’s your fault that he can’t even accept himself!

LOCALIZATION Esteem: You can't really kill me, you know. Oh, you'll try. But you'll fail. Esteem: You may as well put the blade at your own neck. But where would that leave us, hmmm? Drillemont the Honest: Pull yourself together, Francel! You are stronger than this! Esteem: Friends? Really? This is a private affair, and you know it. Esteem: But carry on pretending otherwise, if it please.

英雄の影身：負の感情があふれてる！ ああ、痛いんだね、[PLAYER]！  HERO’S SHADE: Let the pain run through you! Yes, it hurts, doesn’t it, [PLAYER]?

LOCALIZATION Esteem: Oh, look! You're doing it again! Bravo, [PLAYER], bravo!

英雄の影身：ハァ……ハァ……終わりが、近い…………。 英雄の影身：ねえ、ちゃんと届いてる……？ 君の押し殺してきた、痛み、憎しみ、悲しみが……。 英雄の影身：君に届かなかった悲鳴……僕の思いを…… 届けるんだ！　この剣の、最期の一振りまで……ッ！

HERO’S SHADE: Huff... huff... the end... is nigh... HERO’S SHADE: Do you feel it? The pain, the hatred, the sadness you’ve suppressed...  HERO’S SHADE: The screams that never reached you... Every single part of me... I’ll make you feel it all! Until I've drawn my last!

LOCALIZATION Esteem: Heh...things are certainly coming to a head, aren't they!? Esteem: Do you have any idea how ridiculous you look? Flailing about like a wild beast in a battle against yourself!? Esteem: A house divided cannot stand, [PLAYER]!

英雄の影身 : ああ……。 終わるのか……これで…………。 英雄の影身 : 君を、こんなにも強くしてしまったのが、 僕の声だったなら……ひどい皮肉ですね……。 英雄の影身 : その強さは、君を何度でも英雄にして、苦しみをもたらす。 いつか、その命まで奪うかもしれないのに……。

HERO’S SHADE: Aah... So this... is the end... HERO’S SHADE: You gave me a voice, and now you take it away... Is this not... terribly ironic...? HERO’S SHADE: That strength of yours... it makes you a hero... but it gives you so much pain. And one day... it might even claim your life...

LOCALIZATION [PLAYER NAME] : It would seem I underestimated myself... But no matter. [PLAYER NAME] : They have borne witness to the darkness within us... [PLAYER NAME] : To what lies beneath the mask...

デュランデル家の騎兵 : おいっ！　 [PLAYER]さんが、侵入者を相手に戦ってるらしいぞ！ 野戦病院の治療師 : [PLAYER]さん、負けないでくださいーっ！ デュランデル家の騎兵 : か、加勢しますか！ 我らがこれまで受けたご恩、今こそ……！

HOUSE DURENDAIRE KNIGHT: Look! Look! It’s [PLAYER]! He’s fighting against that madman! INFIRMARY CHIRURGEON: [PLAYER]! We’re here for you! Please, don’t lose! HOUSE DURENDAIRE KNIGHT: Y-You have my blade, if you’ve need of it! I wish only to repay you for the kindness you’ve shown us!

LOCALIZATION ???: [PLAYER]! [PLAYER]! Listen to us! Cenota: We will never forsake you! No matter what! Clotairion: We know who you are, [PLAYER]! We know─and so do you!

英雄の影身 : これが、君の戦ってきた結果……。 英雄の影身 : ……もう、十分です。 君はこれからも、誰かのために戦い続けるんでしょう。 誰に強いられなかったとしても、君自身の意志で。 英雄の影身 : ああ、それは「暗黒騎士」の在り方でもありましたね。 君に……とてもよく似合います。 これからも、きっと強くなれるはずです……。 英雄の影身 : でも……だからこそ、痛いんだ。 まっすぐに進み続ける君に、苦しみを口にしない君に、 ただ、「生きて」と届けたかったんだ……！ 英雄の影身 : ほかの誰が、その苦悩に気付かなくても、僕だけは……。 自分のために、声を上げていたかった。 だけど……もう…………。 英雄の影身 : [PLAYER]……？ 英雄の影身 : っ……僕は………… 僕は君の、英雄にはなれない部分です。 英雄の影身 : それでも、まだ…… [PLAYER NAME]でいられるのかな。

HERO’S SHADE: So this is the fruit of your labor... HERO’S SHADE: ...Very well. I understand. You will continue to fight for others. Not because you are forced to... but because it is what you desire. HERO’S SHADE: Yes... was that not the cause of the dark knight? To protect the weak. So in the end, this suits you well. You will surely... grow even stronger than this... HERO’S SHADE: But with that strength comes suffering. And when you suffer — when you walk your path without showing pain — so too do I. I wanted to make you understand that, for your own sake... but this is enough...  HERO’S SHADE: [PLAYER]...? HERO’S SHADE: I am... the part of you that could not be a hero. HERO’S SHADE: But I wonder... if I could be one with you once more.

LOCALIZATION [PLAYER NAME]: The Warrior of Light! Our Weapon of Light! [PLAYER NAME] : It isn't too late, [PLAYER]. We...we can still be free... [PLAYER NAME] : [PLAYER]? [PLAYER NAME] : So this is your answer... [PLAYER NAME] : Listen to my voice. Listen to our heartbeat. Listen...

英雄の影身 : ありがとう……。 痛みを知り、悲しみを知り、苦しみを知る我が主よ。 英雄の影身 : 僕は君の心に還り、世界を守って戦う君の、 涙となり、怒りとなり、力となりましょう。 英雄の影身 : ……また、ともに旅をしようよ。

HERO’S SHADE: Thank you... You who knows your pain, who knows your sorrow, who knows your suffering.  HERO’S SHADE: Once more, I will return to your heart. And when you fight to protect the world... I will be your tears, and your anger, and your strength. HERO’S SHADE: ...So, let’s go on an adventure...

LOCALIZATION [PLAYER NAME] : ...If this is how it must be, then so be it. [PLAYER NAME] : But know that when you tire of this charade, I shall be here...waiting to take the reins... [PLAYER NAME] : You need only ask...

生真面目な騎兵：[PLAYER]殿……。此度の激戦、おつかれさまでした。 生真面目な騎兵：我々には知り得ぬ事情があるようですが、ほかならぬ、あなたのことです。余計な詮索はしないと、ドユリモン様もおっしゃっております。 生真面目な騎兵：収容した、あの「フレイ」という男の遺体は、できるかぎり丁重に埋葬すると、お約束いたしましょう。 生真面目な騎兵：おや、懐で何か光っていますよ？装飾品には詳しくありませんが、とても美しい光ですね。……それでは、私はこれで。

SOLEMN KNIGHT: Master [PLAYER]... You must be exhausted after that battle. Thank you for protecting us. SOLEMN KNIGHT: There, ah... there is much about the situation that yet remains unclear, but as it seems to be your personal business, Lord Drillemont has given orders to forestall any investigation. SOLEMN KNIGHT: As for the corpse of the man named Fray, he will be interred with full rites — that I promise you. SOLEMN KNIGHT: Er, there’s something glowing on your chest... ah, a crystal? Hmm, it isn’t very detailed for a piece of jewelry, but it shines with such a soothing light. Well, I’ve said my piece. Take care.

LOCALIZATION Untiring Knight: Praise Halone you're all right, sir! For a moment, we feared we'd lost you forever... Untiring Knight: Lord Drillemont made it clear that we will speak no more of what happened. Not that he had to ask, mind... Untiring Knight: As for your...friend... I am told he will be interred with full rites. May his soul rest in peace... Untiring Knight: ...Are you certain you are all right, sir? You seem a little... Never mind. Fare you well...

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Translation talk time, I guess.

I want to say something — I genuinely cried while translating this, which is something I’ve never done while translating anything before. I don’t know if... no, I doubt very much that anyone will have the same reaction reading my translation, because it loses a lot going from one language to another, but Japanese Fray is a really beautiful and sorrowful character, and it makes me sad that they changed him so drastically in English.

(I prefer calling him Fray rather than Esteem, by the way, even though I know that the individual known as Fray Myste is different from the Fray born from the Warrior of Light’s fractured soul. I have also used male pronouns for him throughout this translation, but I realize she is technically female if you have a female character.)

I wonder if I properly conveyed things like Fray’s loneliness, and his sadness, and his desire to run away. I think that was the part that hit me the hardest? The fact of the matter is, I hate the Warrior of Light; I hate everything that is chosen and special; I like mediocrity and insignificance. I’m the sort of person who deletes blogs if they get too popular, and who plays on low-population servers so I can generally be left alone. I like playing brand-new level 1 characters because I miss the days when we were just nameless adventurers wandering around cities helping people. I’d like to think, therefore, that I understand what Fray means when he says that he wants to go on a new journey, on an adventure with only you by his side.

So it really makes me sad that English Fray is just sort of this generic bloodthirsty edgelord, but I guess this is just what they assumed the English fanbase would prefer. And given Fray’s relative popularity, I guess this is what the English fanbase prefers...? I mean, he says some really cool shit in English, but the tone of it is completely different...

...By the way, it also really bothers me that the English script conveniently blames Fray’s rampage on Temple Knights trying to arrest you, like... What was the line of thinking there? “Well, we can’t have your dark side talking about how much they love you, so let’s blame the religious zealots again?” Look, I am a shameless Temple Knight apologist, and I will not stand for this!

EDIT: I don’t normally save my responses to questions, but since this exchange was relevant to the translation, I’ll add it here.

Thank you for this. The japanese translation is indeed beautiful. The German one is not bad either, it’s really close to the japanese actually. But in German he does not directly say “I want you to give yourself to me”, but you can feel it in his words.

I figured that was the case! The FR and DE localizations tend to stick closely to the JP script whereas the EN usually goes its own way. I do not know German, but I’m generally okay with reading stuff in French, so I usually double-check my translations against the French localization. However, for the dark knight quests, the French localization is the same as the English, so I translated purely off the Japanese without additional references.

To be honest (and I apologize for this) Fray doesn’t say “I want you to give yourself to me” in Japanese either. What he says is sort of like:

“When you worked hard for the sake of someone else [other people], I was always incredibly disgusted… I wanted to be that ‘someone’…”

but this is extremely clunky in English for a variety of reasons (the most prominent of which is that “someone” and “other people” are generally singular and plural respectively, whereas in Japanese, the word has a looser sense of plurality) so I took the liberty of making it

“You wound me each and every time you give yourself to someone else… I wanted you to give yourself to me…”

because this sounds more natural to my ear. Given the context of Fray’s extreme jealousy and borderline romantic obsession, I thought it was fine to make the idea of “working for others” sound slightly sexual with the phrase “give yourself” – the entire context of him wanting to convey his feelings to you, and wanting to kill everyone else so that he can be with you, and wanting to be one with you again is all hilariously romantic/sexual anyway, so I didn’t think I was crossing any lines by doing this.

THE HERETIC AMONG US “the power of dragons and the history of the war”

ギイェーム: 恐れることはありません。 アナタが無実の徒であるならば、魂は神に救われましょう。 ですが、もしも神に背いていれば･･････。 GUILLAIME: Do not be afraid. If you are innocent, the Fury will save your soul. However, if you have disobeyed Her word...

問い詰められた調査員: ち、違います！ 私は異端なんかじゃ･･････ハルオーネ様の教えを信じて･･････！  CROSS-EXAMINED RESEARCHER: Please, there must be some mistake! I am not a heretic... I believe in the teachings of Halone...!

ドリユモン: そこまでだ、ギイェーーームッ！！！ DRILLEMONT: Stop right there, Guillaime!!

ギイェーム: これは、ドリユモン卿･･････。 そのように声を荒らげて、いったい何事です？  GUILLAIME: Oh, Lord Drillemont... Pray do not raise your voice so. Exactly what is going on?

ドリユモン: 茶番は終わりだ。 我々はお前の策略に、踊らされていた･･････ だが、この聡い冒険者がすべてを見破ったのだ！ DRILLEMONT: This farce is over. All along we've been dancing to your tune, but this keen-eyed adventurer has seen through it all! 

ドリユモン: 異端者が異端審問官を名乗るとは、なんと罪深い！ イシュガルドの民の使命を棄て、 ドラゴン族に与する悪党よ･･････お前を制裁するッ！ DRILLEMONT: A heretic claiming to be an inquisitor — such epitome of sin! As an Ishgardian, how could you abandon our holy duty and side with the Dravanians?!

ギイェーム: イシュガルドの民の使命、ですか･･････。 くくく･･････はは･･････はははははははははッ･･････！ GUILLAIME: The holy duty of the people of Ishgard, hm... Kukuku... haha... hahahahahahahaha! 

ギイェーム: 貴様らは何年それを続けてきた！？ 子に、孫に、いつまで不毛な宿命を負わせるつもりだ！ 慣習に縛られ、道を模索することもなく、 この国はとうに腐りはてた。 なればこそ、我が手で、竜の牙で、変革を起こすのだ！！ GUILLAIME: How long do you miserable worms intend to continue this?! Your children, your grandchildren — all will inherit your barren destiny! Bound by your customs, refusing to travel new roads... this nation rotted long ago. But worry not — we will reform it, by our own hands and the fangs of dragons! 

ギイェーム: 来い、騎士ども！　そして無謀な冒険者よ！ 貴様らが恐れる竜の力で、八つ裂きにしてくれるッ！  GUILLAIME: Come, ye knights, and you, reckless adventurer! I will teach you to fear the dragons and tear you limb from limb!

篤実のドリユモン: ついに本性を現したな。 罪咎の制裁、受けてもらうぞ！ DRILLEMONT THE TRUE: So, he's revealed his true nature. And now he shall receive the punishment for his sins!

異端狩りのギイェーム: それが愚かなのだ･･････。 人の無力さ、思い知らせてやろう。 HERETIC-HUNTER GUILLAIME: How foolish... I will make you realize the powerlessness of men.

異端狩りのギイェーム: 浅い･･････浅い、浅いッ！　 貴様らは何もかもが浅すぎるッ！ 人は決してドラゴンに敵わぬ！ この戦いが、いかに無意味なものか教えてやろう！ HERETIC-HUNTER GUILLAIME: How shallow... shallow, shallow! Everything about you is shallow! Men have never been the enemies of the dragons! I tell you this battle is pointless! 

異端狩りのギイェーム: 竜より授かりし力･･････「ドラゴンブラッド」によってッ！！」 HERETIC-HUNTER GUILLAIME: Now, I call upon the power awarded me by the dragons... Dragon’s Blood!

竜人のギイェーム: ギギギ、グググッ･･････グオォォォォォ！ ･･････さあ･･････この力に･･････抗ってみるがいい･･････！ GUILLAIME THE DRAVANIAN: [I'm not going to directly romanize his sound effects here because they sound silly in English, but take my word for it: he laughs really creepily and then roars.] Now, come... this power... just try to defy me!

篤実のドリユモン: 竜の眷属に姿を変えた！？ 異端の術か･･････気をつけろ、冒険者！  DRILLEMONT THE TRUE: He transformed into a dragon...?! A heretic's trick! Watch out, adventurer! 

竜人のギイェーム: クッ･･････なぜ･･････諦めぬ･･････！？ GUILLAIME THE DRAVANIAN: Tch... why... won't you accept defeat...?!

篤実のドリユモン: なめるなよ･･････我々の力を！　戦いの歴史を！ DRILLEMONT THE TRUE: Taste our power! This is a battle that will change history!

竜人のギイェーム: ググ･･････ガァッ･･････貴様ら如きにィィィ！  GUILLAIME THE DRAVANIAN: Kuku... gah... you bastards — !

ギイェーム: ウ･･････ぐ、ガァ･･････ッ！ ドラゴン族の･･････チカラ、が･･････ッ･･････！  GUILLAIME: U... ugh, gah... the power... of the Dravanians...!

ドリユモン: ここまでだ、名も知れぬ異端者よ･･････。  DRILLEMONT: This is the end, nameless heretic.

ギイェーム: ぐ･･････はぁ･･････はぁ･･････。 アインハルト家の力は衰え･･････名家の均衡は、崩れた･･････ 混乱が起きる･･････十分･･････だろう･･････。 GUILLAIME: Guh... ha... ha... the decline of House Haillenarte's power... the collapse of the balance of the noble houses... it is enough... that I have sown that discord... 

ギイェーム: 冒険者よ･･････貴様だけは･･････想定外だった･･････。 やはり、騎士などより･･････よほど恐ろしいな･･････ GUILLAIME: Adventurer... only you... were unanticipated... compared to the knights... you were exceptionally terrifying... 

ギイェーム: 外の･･････者は････････････。 ･･････忘れるな････････････。 竜の牙は･･････いつでも貴様らの、腐った喉元に･･････。 GUILLAIME: Outsider... do not forget... the fangs of the dragons... are ever at your throat...

ドリユモン: 今は不毛に思えようとも、いつか必ずドラゴン族を滅ぼす。 流れた同志の血と、都市民の涙に報いることができるのは、 我らの剣だけなのだ･･････。 DRILLEMONT: ...It does not matter how barren we feel now. Someday, we will surely destroy the Dravanians. Though the blood of our comrades may flow, and the tears of our people may flow, we shall ever have our swords in hand...

ドリユモン: すまない、冒険者よ。 これは我らの都市の問題、お前が気にすることでは･･････ いや、もはや意固地になる意味もない。 ホワイトブリム前哨地に戻り、 お前の仲間も交えて話すとしよう。 我らが抱える問題と、 お前たちの飛空艇「エンタープライズ」の話だ。 DRILLEMONT: My apologies, adventurer. This is our city's problem, and yet you were involved... no, there is no meaning in holding such opinions anymore. Return to Whitebrim Front and speak to your companions. Tell them of the problems that we faced, and of your airship, the Enterprise.

LOCALIZATION

Guillaime: You needn't tremble so, my child. The righteous shall enjoy everlasting peace in Halone's halls. Only the wicked─ [NPC NAME?]: But why!? Why must I die!? By all that is holy, I swear to you that I have never questioned the teachings of Halone! Drillemont: Inquisitor! Release the maid and come with us! Guillaime: My lord Drillemont─what is the meaning of this interruption? You are aware that I am at present conducting an interrogation, are you not? Drillemont: Silence, villain! I name thee heretic, murderer of Inquisitor Guillaime and countless innocents! Drillemont: You are a traitor to Ishgard, to your own kith and kin! Your sins are beyond measure─beyond redemption! Guillaime: Ah...grave allegations indeed. But you will find your logic is flawed. How can I betray that which I owe no allegiance? No, Lord Drillemont─my conscience is quite clear, I assure you. Guillaime: I wonder...can you say the same? You whose hands are black with the blood of those whose only sin was to question your nation's crazed crusade! Guillaime: You speak to me of Ishgardian innocents? Hah! All are complicit in these crimes, for all live their lives by the archbishop's lies. Guillaime: But I know you will not hear me, deafened by dogma as you are. If you desire retribution, Lord Drillemont, then come─let us see how Ishgardian steel fares against Dravanian fang and claw!

Drillemont: Show the heretic no mercy! He must pay for the innocent blood he has spilled! Guillaime: Ignorant swine! Soon you will know the futility of your faith! Drillemont: Do you see, heretic? You and your allies are no match for the might of Ishgard! Guillaime: How wrong you are, Ishgardian! I have been blessed with power far beyond your ken! Guillaime: Come, my brothers─grant me the strength to smite our enemies! Guillaime: I...am...reborn! Drillemont: Stand your ground─'tis but an illusion! Guillaime: A dragon stands before you, yet still you do not flee!? Drillemont: Your magicks have no power over me, heretic! Guillaime: No, NO! It cannot be!