Ernest Satow

Ernest Satow (アーネスト・サトウ) is a British diplomat, linguist, botanist, and Japanologist. He is best known for his political visits and relations abroad, particularly in Japan during the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji period. His publications continue to remain valuable third-person perspectives for these periods of Japanese history and guides for diplomatic practices.

He acts as the Genbu of Heaven (天の玄武, Ten no Genbu) in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 5. His starting political ideology for this game is open country.

Background Story
Ernest is the third eldest son of a Slav father and British mother. He kept his father's family name and suffered discrimination at an early age for his mixed heritage. To cheer himself up from his dreary surroundings, Ernest would regularly seek refuge in the books within the public library or gaze listlessly at the ocean. His days in London were miserable and disappointing to him.

When he was was sixteen, one of his older brothers presented him with Laurence Oliphant's Narrative of the Earl of Elgin's Mission to China and Japan. The book was the latest craze in London as everyone was enchanted by Oliphant's fantastical account of the Orient. Ernest was no different. He was particularly drawn to its descriptions of Japan, falling in love with its pristine landscape and idealized beauty. Believing unquestionably in the book's romanticized "promised land", Ernest sought to someday see it in person. His Slav heritage prevented him from entering a prestigious college, yet Ernest was driven by his love for Japan to persevere in his studies of foreign culture, language, and policies. He quickly passed the exam to become a diplomat when he was eighteen. He represents the strongest country during the time setting of the parallel world.

Ernest's talents and intellect led to his first assignment as Harry Parkes's interpreter in Japan. His family were supportive, and his mother gave him her ring as a keepsake. She hoped that it would protect Ernest from foreign peril. As he was packing his luggage, Ernest's expectations of a peaceful visit were marred when he received news that Oliphant and other British diplomats were attacked by armed Japanese locals. His superiors commanded him to pack a weapon for self-defense. Ernest reluctantly obeyed the order, haphazardly packing a rifle his family had purchased within one of his traveling trunks. He believed that he would never needed to use it.

In September 1862, Ernest arrived in Japan. At first the breathtaking sights and rural surroundings had met his expectations and lifted his spirits. Reality sank in just a week after his arrival. Hisamitsu Shimazu led an expedition "to purge" British nationalists in the capital and Edo. Two months later, Takasugi began to kill any foreigners in his force's path. While samurai cut down unarmed merchants and foreigners, "ghosts" would appear from nowhere to devour refugees. Even the common locals regarded the British as demons, many ostracizing their presence. They were afraid or too spiteful to offer them help, even if a British man were to be dying next to them. On top of these events, Ernest learned that Parkes and his British cohorts thought little of him outside of foreign negotiations and regulated him to minor chores within their manors. He was expected to be Parkes's butler and errand boy.

The young diplomat felt betrayed by the land he once loved, causing him to outright declare his hatred for it. For the sake of someday leaving Japan, Ernest stays true to his profession and obligations to serve the Queen. He used to keep his mother's ring on his person. He now uses it as a bookmark to ensure that it wouldn't get lost somewhere.

Story Events
Ernest first meets Yuki in Choushu in May 1863 while he and his traveling companion are fleeing from Takasugi and Genbu. Yuki intervenes to help his wounded comrade. When Takasugi closes in on them, everyone becomes aware of Ernest's Guardian potential when he magically repels Genbu's attack. While Yuki protects them from Takasugi, Ernest carries his friend away to safety. Two months later, he would help peace negotiations between the British and the samurai of the Satsuma Domain, coming into contact with Komatsu through these talks.

A year later, Ernest is ordered by Parkes to scout the capital. He happens to spot Yuki in the streets, introduces himself to her, and thanks her. Chinami happens to be present and ends their pleasantries with his racist slurs towards Ernest. Yuki later asks the British gentleman to forgive her friend and to someday get along with Chinami. While he courteously agrees to do so in Japanese, Ernest voices his displeasures for the samurai aloud in English. He is surprised when Yuki understands him, asking her to keep his abhorrence a secret from the others before his Satsuma samurai escort hails for their departure. After he leaves Yuki, Ernest is attacked by two extremists. One of his bodyguards sacrifices himself for Ernest's escape from the capital.

Ernest later guides merchants and other foreign residents through Choushu to escape the capital's riots. Yuki and company reunite with him on the way, informing him of their wish to stop Takasugi. Ernest agrees to join them in order to voice his misgivings to the rebel. Like the other residents of the parallel world, he is informed that he is a Guardian when the White Dragon is reborn in the modern world and is in denial of his divine duty. He returns to his home world to continue his service to Parkes. After he ensures that Choushu will accept the shipment of foreign firearms, he leaves for the capital.

In the default timeline, Ernest meets Yuki again by January 1866 when Ouchi brings him to her. He explains that his superior is supporting the movement to replace the current shogunate with a new leader; his current mission is to ensure mediations with the Choushu and Satsuma parties succeed. When it becomes clear that talks have failed, Ernest decides to stay by Yuki's side in the time they have left. He perishes with Takasugi, Ouchi and Komatsu in the parallel world's final collapse.

Subsequent timelines have Ryouma bring Yuki to Ernest in October 1865. Her comrades convince him to join their cause since their interests for an anti-shogunate alliance happen to coincide. She convinces him to become her Guardian once the final steps for the Satchō Alliance are in place. He stays with the main party for the rest of the game in every timeline.

Kazahanaki has Ernest accompany his superior to Edo in December 1864 for political talks with Komatsu. Both men happen to be talking at Chidori Pool when Yuki and company encounter them. Ernest is immediately chosen by the Dragon Gem and briefly informed of his Guardian duty. Quickly overcoming his surprise, he rationally agrees to protect Yuki for the sake of establishing future relations between the new shogunate and his motherland. Ernest stays within the parallel world in every conclusion of the game.

Personal Route
In one of the timelines within the original game, Yuki volunteers to save British people within the capital from vengeful spirits. Ernest appreciates her generosity and allows the main party into the British manor when his superiors are away. While everyone else is occupied with the foreign trinkets and interior, Ernest invites Yuki into his private quarters. He shows her the book which inspired him to go to Japan and explains his past to her. Yuki answers with her belief that he must still like the country, yet Ernest insists that every land takes by force. He elaborates for her that England is no different, comparing his country's ruthless bloodshed in India for the luxury of tea.

When Yuki and company head to Choushu to set up the Satchou Alliance, Ernest interprets for Parkes to the resident samurai. His superior was irritated by the samurai's concerns and was ready to cut off his support. The interpreter keeps Parkes's derogatory slurs to himself and calmly proposes a firearms shipment that is convenient for both parties. Yuki overhears their negotiations and thanks Ernest for his empathy for the locals, a claim he swiftly denies. In private, Ernest tells Yuki to not misunderstand his love for his job. His Guardian duties perplex him since he still cannot fully embrace protecting a country that has betrayed him. Yuki relates to his confusion yet promises to help him find a reason for his divine duties together.

Before talks for the Satchou Alliance begin, Ernest leaves with Souji to learn the situation in the capital and returns twenty-two days later. Amami's influence has spread with the shogun's absence and cries for another shogun has become common place. Ernest warns that the alliance should be made quickly before Parkes changes his mind. Katsura's lord wishes for the Satsuma domain to provide 2,000 soldiers to demonstrate their sincerity for the pact. Komatsu believes Saigou will not be easily convinced to agree to the sudden rush for military resources. After confirming its arrival in Choushu, Ernest convinces Saigou to purchase the best European rifle model in place of the troops. Both parties agree to meet. During the set up for the alliance, Yuki's comrades become interested in learning about the west. Ernest gladly devotes his time explaining the cultural differences to them yet attests that Japan has its redeeming qualities. As he elaborates on his intricate knowledge of local shrines, Yuki and company are amused by his enthusiasm for Japan. The friendly banter dispels the distrustful disposition Takasugi and Chinami have carried towards foreigners.

Katsura presents the rising concern with Choushu extremists. They do not wish to be in Satsuma's debt anymore than necessary, fearing that they will be indirectly indebted to the shogunate. Parkes insists he will support both parties if they unite, but representatives from neither domain come to an agreement. Shun suggests researching the alliance for a clue by going to the library in the modern world. Since Sou is spotted nearby, the others suggest splitting up to distract the lad while Yuki and Ernest investigate. Yuki's health takes a dip from the dimensional time travel, but she tries to feign a healthy disposition. Ernest finds a book from her world's Ernest Satow and is surprised when Yuki falls unconscious.

He carries her back to her room and is by her side when she awakens. Ernest deduces that she is frail because her priestess powers are draining away her health. Yuki explains her wish to protect her home world and everyone dear to her, seeking to do whatever she can to achieve it. The gentlemen is baffled by her devotion as they are both outsiders to the parallel world's Japan. While he still can't find himself to share her zeal or easily accept his divine duty, Ernest believes he can at least protect her from harm. He alludes to his intimate feelings for her yet Yuki is unaware of its implications.

Everyone magically returns to the parallel world's capital. Ernest reviews the book in his quarters until Parkes informs him of his wishes to support Amami. He believes the rival factions would be lost without his support and believes the shogunate to be more profitable. Ernest protests yet reluctantly agrees to give up the Satchou Alliance. Yuki and company learn the news from Ouchi, rushing to the British manor to confirm it. The British gentleman declares his loyalty to his motherland and draws his rifle on them to drive them back. Yuki is the last to leave in denial. She is unable to accept his choice without being granted the chance to express her feelings to him. The priestess therefore goes to the Dragon Pond in the north and sacrifices her life force to the White Dragon.

While Parkes relays his plans to speak to Amami, Ernest hears her voice magically pleading to him to come back. Moved by the sadness in her voice, the gentleman decides to sneak out of the manor during the night. He somehow makes it safely to Yuki's room at the nearby inn. Embracing her in his arms with unabashed affection, Ernest realizes his true devotion lies with his Japanese comrades. His oath of unwavering trust in them leads to him finally being chosen by the Dragon Gem. As her new guardian, Ernest pleads Parkes to bide him time to realize the Satchou Alliance. Thanks to his other self's book, he knows to rely on Ryouma. Ryouma's patriotic outburst negates the tension for talks, and the treaty is signed by the Satsuma and Choushu representatives without incident. Ernest presents the document and Ryouma's constitution to Parkes, stating that the British are already supporting the true innovators of Japan. Their success would help the Queen and future trading negotiations. Upon seeing Ernest's determination and his intimacy for Yuki, Parkes agrees to side with them. Yuki takes this chance to inform Ernest that he was chosen as a Guardian to act as the bridge between the East and West.

Amami is left defenseless with the weakened shogunate, so Yuki and company confront and defeat him. Before Yuki goes back to her home world, Ernest openly confesses his renewed feelings for her and gives her his mother's ring. She shares her own intimacy and decides to go back home with him. As Ernest becomes accustomed to the modern world, he looks forward to once again becoming a diplomat for country and woman he loves.

Kazahanaki has Yuki share Ernest's reluctance to follow their divine titles to the letter. She recommends negating the expected guardian and priestess formalities in favor of creating a supportive friendship. He is comfortable with this arrangement since it sounds the most reasonable to him. Yuki gains his trust by selflessly protecting the foreign district in Edo from vengeful spirits, and Ernest repays her with a friendly play date to lift her spirits. One day, Ernest receives an order to mediate between a foreign aristocrat and a local merchant. He asks for Yuki to help him by recommending Japanese items which would please the British. Thanks to their help, the merchant's sales have skyrocketed. The same merchant later invites them to try on kimonos to celebrate. Ernest initially declines, telling Yuki in English that his job discourages friendships. The maiden encourages him to accept the gesture in good faith. The merchant is pleased to see them dressed up and wants to take a photograph to celebrate the occasion. Ernest and Yuki share an awkward moment when he insists they sit closer to one another to get them in frame. Since their posture looks intimate, they embarrassingly agree to keep the moment a secret from the others. Ernest becomes aware of his changing affections for her when he teases her about the photograph and its replica later.

During the group's leisure, Parkes summons for Ernest. The youth reports that the new shogun advocates for the west so their integration will likely proceed without further incidents. He has met Parkes's expectations enough to be recommended to another post as an oversees consultant. The elder has faith in his talents and wishes for the young protégé to learn as much as possible. Ernest is informed that Parkes has already scheduled for his next assignment outside of Japan, news which comes as a shock to him. Ernest ponders the new responsibility on his way back to Rindou's manor and reveals the news to a concerned Yuki. Although she feels it's a shame for him to leave Japan, she cheers for him to accept it for his dreams.

As the group later passes through the foreign district, they are stopped by a woman aristocrat. She is the wife to one of Ernest's clients and gives her greetings to the gentlemen. After Ernest shoos her away with a formal promise to entertain her, Ryouma and the others tease him for the catch. The gentleman surprises everyone when he raises his voice in anger, insisting she is only a business friend. Upon hearing his diction, Yuki wonders if his friendship with her is sincere. He privately clarifies that the woman means nothing to him. When Yuki appears unresponsive to his panic, he asks her how she would feel if he did become intimate with the other woman. Only then does Yuki realize that she would be lonely without him, becoming bashful at the realization. He promises to not do anything to harm their friendship. When he later uses his coat to shield her from rainfall, they both become skittish by the growing closeness between them.

Yuki learns about her fading body soon afterward. On the same night her dwindling life force is explained to her, Ernest visits her. She tries to lie that nothing is wrong, but his profession has taught him to see past deception. Trusting him as her dearest friend, Yuki decides to tell him the truth about the pendant. Yuki explains it is her priestess responsibility to sacrifice herself for the good of the others as she tries to fight back her tears. Ernest embraces her as comfort, stating that he will always be there for her. In her distress, she claims he is lying since they are from different worlds and she doesn't have the heart to rob him of his happiness. He counters by expressing his sincere affections for her and his wish to accompany her to her home world once the conflict has ended. Yuki is comforted by his words and accepts his newfound feelings for her.

Oguri wishes to establish open trade relations between the Ichijo clan and the British. Ernest asks Parkes to approve the gesture and it is easily granted when Yuki and company clear vengeful spirits from the foreign district. With the path to Edo Castle open, Parkes gives Ernest a cherry blossom tree he had received as a formal gift from their business partners. He has no interest in it and asks the interpreter to dispose it. Ernest decides to instead plant it near Chidori Pool so other people can enjoy the blossoms. While the group cheerfully plant the tree, Ryouma declares that everyone should meet again in the future underneath the tree's cherry blossoms. Everyone agrees, optimistic in the future they helped create.

Before Yuki and company defeat Zhulong, the couple go on another bashful date through Edo. Ernest privately invites Yuki into the British chapel which had been transported into the ruined modern world. He asks her to stand near the podium and rehearse wedding vows with him. Though she is sheepish by his sudden request, Ernest slides his mother's ring onto her finger and swears his love to her. Yuki confesses her mutual affections for him but can't get over her embarrassment. Rather than hold her to her practiced oath to him, Ernest has her promise to live past the conflict and safely return to her home world. She swears in the name of his god to stay true to her word.

Upon Zhulong's defeat, Yuki celebrates her success and looks forward to returning home with Ernest. He then comes clean that he will not accompany her, stating that he lied to her in order to strengthen her resolve. There are many deeds he must accomplish yet in his world, feeling that he doesn't have the right to rob her of her hard earned happiness. Yuki wants to go with him yet he reminds her to honor the promise she made within him in the chapel. Ernest has enough time to confess that his love for her is genuine before the gateway between worlds repairs itself. Yuki tries to live happily in her world until Miyako takes her to Chidori Pool during the spring in their world. While a tourist thanks their world's Ernest for the blooming cherry blossom grove, Yuki can't bring herself to forget about her Ernest. The White Dragon answers her last wish and, after receiving her cousin's blessings, sends her to the parallel world. Yuki reunites with Ernest before he leaves Japan. Although stunned to see her before him, Ernest warmly devotes himself to her. He promises to never leave her as they set sail for new horizons together.

Fighting Style
Unless the player willingly stops their progress in the story to level grind, he is a hard character to use during the first playthrough of the original game. Ernest serves as the mage. He has the weakest physical attributes and the lowest Speed rating from the main party. He will have trouble dodging attacks and hitting enemies. Yet he is the only character with a party heal. Any status afflicting seals will be at their best when he uses them. Ernest shines while assisting with party spells; his contributions can be deadly even if he is a reserve party member.

Kazahanaki magnifies his weaknesses but tweaks his accuracy to be better than the vanilla title. His passive battle ability has been omitted.

Ernest can use Wood, Metal , and Water seals for his weapons.

Here are Ernest's stats at level 50:
 * Attack: 66
 * Defense: 68
 * Magic: 85
 * Speed: 62

Here are his stats at level 99:
 * Attack: 102
 * Defense: 109
 * Magic: 135
 * Speed: 92

Special Abilities

 * Heal All (全体回復, zentai kaifuku)
 * Unlocked - Level 15
 * Cost - 4 Will
 * Restores lost health to entire party. Can be leveled to fully cure characters.


 * Acuity (英明, eimei)
 * Unlocked - Level 7
 * Cost - 2 Will
 * Lowers the required Will power needed for magic and abilities the next turn only.


 * Haste (駿足, shunsoku)
 * Unlocked - Level 18
 * Cost - 2 Will (outside battle and events only)
 * Speeds up protagonist's gait on the world map. Useful for conserving sand from hourglass. Can be leveled up to increase speed.


 * Encouragement (鼓舞, kobu)
 * Cost - none (passive)
 * If Ernest is in the current fighting party, he may randomly cheer for his comrades and increase the likelihood of their passive abilities.

Weapons

 * Sealing events
 * Ernest's Story - Chapter 9
 * Chapter ending story event (uses all sand from hourglass)
 * Defeat the vengeful spirit twice.


 * Yuki's Story or Ernest's Story - Chapter 5
 * Mount Nezumi; Parallel world
 * Personal events can be skipped but do not trigger and fail his events throughout playthrough. Defeat the Four Fiends in the parallel world. Before heading to Edo Castle, go to the mountain and select Ernest's name. Defeat Chi You. If the player chooses to quit fighting the beast once the party is defeated, it will not return. The player will need to restart the entire chapter for it to reemerge.