In the text editor you should be able to copy the settings for Hard into the settings for Easy or Normal (maybe back up the file in case you want to revert). Then just recompile it and stick it back in.
Edit: The save file format is laid out here. I'm not sure whether difficulty is stored as a "resource" or not. If the resource names are plain text, it shouldn't be hard to figure out whether that is the case.
It's heavily implied that Alvin IS Jacques de Aldersberg, the Grand Master of the Order of the Rose. If you pay attention, Jacques will tell you all the stuff that you tell Alvin.
Best Answer
There is no way to disable just that, you'd have to disable SFX or, if that doesn't work, sound entirely.