Part 2: Chapter 3: Geoffrey’s Charge



Before Battle (Melior)

Lucia:
“Good luck! I’ll be sure to keep the palace safe. I’m sorry we couldn’t allocate more troops for you. You’ll be OK, though, right?”

Geoffrey:
“Of course. We might even have too many. Actually, I’m more worried about the queen’s safety. Make sure the guards stay sharp.”

Lucia:
“Count on it. I’ll maintain a tight watch on the area, and there is the backup plan, just in case.”

Geoffrey:
“Good… Hearing you reiterate that makes me feel better, I have to admit.”

Lucia:
“Remember, this isn’t for glory. You’ll be confronting our own people. Just do your job and come straight back.”

Before battle (Felirae)

Crimean Rebel 1:
“The Royal Knights have left the capital! We estimate roughly 4,000 soldiers are marching on Felirae.”

Ludveck:
“That means about 2,000 are left in the capital… That’s more than I’d expected. …Hmm, I suppose it can’t be helped. The column headed toward Felirae is primarily cavalry, is it not?”

Crimean Rebel 1:
“Yes, sir. Exactly as you surmise, sir.”

Ludveck:
“In that case, the forces at the capital will be led by the queen’s confidante, Lady Lucia. This is most perfect. The soldiers remaining at Castle Felirae have been given detailed instructions…false instructions, I might add. …The dear pawns. They are so very heroic, and so very disposable.”

Kieran:
“General, all troops are in position! We stand ready for the assault!”

Geoffrey:
“Thank you, Kieran. The majority of the castle vanguard appears to be common soldiers. And there’s still no sign of Ludveck or any of his subordinates?”

Kieran:
“Correct, sir. And the rest are a bunch of amateurs! You should see them flop around on their horses like rag dolls. They won’t last long against the finely tuned skills of our Crimean Royal Knights.”

Geoffrey:
“Don’t get overconfident, now… Most of their forces are likely inside, waiting for us to exhaust ourselves out here.”

Kieran:
“Yes, good point, sir!”

Geoffrey:
“And the main gate… Have you seen it? Breaking through that is not going to be easy. We must be patient.”

Kieran:
“Yes, sir.”

Geoffrey:
“And remember, we’re not facing enemy soldiers. Yes, they’re foolish enough to be lured into joining Ludveck…but they are fellow Crimean citizens. Her Majesty would prefer to capture these rebels alive and try to talk some sense into them.”

Kieran:
“I’m…amazed, sir. Her Majesty’s kindness is touching! I’ll convey that to all our men.”

Geoffrey:
“Listen up! We’re to sweep aside the rebels and punch through the fortress gate! Her Majesty wants as many lives to be spared as possible! Set lances! All forces, charge!”

Tashoria:
“Not one step backward! Be strong! The duke will soon arrive with reinforcements. Stand strong a little longer… Stand firm for the revolution!”

After battle (Felirae)

Crimean Soldier 1:
“Sir, the rebels have been routed! Some managed to escape, but most have surrendered their weapons.”

Kieran:
“General Geoffrey! No sign of the Felirae regulars, is there?”

Geoffrey:
“…No. This was clearly a ruse. Duke Felirae’s main force is most likely en route to the capital.”

Kieran:
“But how?! Quickly! Rally the troops! We must return to Melior at once!”

Geoffrey:
“Don’t panic! They want us to act rashly. Settle down. …We have contingencies in place. Light the flares to notify the capital. Move, man!”

Geoffrey:
“Scout commander!”

Geoffrey:
“It’s very likely we’ll be ambushed on the way back to the capital. Don’t let anything escape your notice! We may need an alternate route back to the capital… Send some men out to investigate the old highway.”

Geoffrey:
“Those of you who remain, disarm the prisoners and tend the wounded! Let’s move, everyone!”

After battle (Melior)

Haar:
“…Well, look at that. Someone’s launched a flare… And from Felirae, of all places.”

Lucia:
“The emergency signal from Geoffrey! As I suspected… The rebels were just a decoy. Sir Haar, thank you for your assistance.”

Haar:
“Hey, wait… Are you telling me that you knew about this all along?”

Lucia:
“We knew the duke was up to no good. But if we had known about the decoys, we wouldn’t have sent the Royal Knights to Castle Felirae. I suppose I’m just surprised that Lord Ludveck, the supposed epitome of nobility, would so willingly sacrifice his followers.”

Haar:
“You know…you play a pretty deep game, woman.”

Lucia:
“We all do, wouldn’t you say? Her Majesty is at Fort Alpea. We’re due to hear from her at any moment. I’ll go check on that.”

Haar:
“Sharp as a tack, aren’t we? I think I’ll excuse myself, then…”

Lucia:
“Actually, there’s one more thing… I want you to wait here a little longer. If all goes as planned, I’ll be back shortly with your payment. Then you may do as you wish.”

Haar:
“And if all doesn’t go as planned?”

Lucia:
“Then set out for Fort Alpea and alert the queen. I’ll also send a messenger to Geoffrey. Thank you.”

Haar:
“Very well, time for a nap…”

After battle (Somewhere)

Lucia’s Spy:
“…”

Lucia:
“…Well? Any news from Queen Elincia?”

Lucia:
“What?!”

Lucia:
“How?!”

Lucia:
“You…”

Ludveck:
“Yes, me. I was very hurt by how cruelly you manipulated me, my lady. And I am not easily wounded.”

Lucia:
“Lord Ludveck… How did you…”

Ludveck:
“My lady, I am certain to know of any and all facts that concern your activities. My dear, lovely Lucia. Oh yes, it was quite some time ago that I was informed of both this place and your network of shadowy assistants.”

Lucia:
“Ah.”

Ludveck:
“I would like to know one more thing… Something only you are aware of. …Where the queen is currently hiding.”

Lucia:
“Good luck finding that out.”

Ludveck:
“Perhaps it’s a little place called…Alpea?”

Ludveck:
“All that foolishness…the ruses, the informers, the secret flight from the palace… Ha ha ha… All that effort, wasted.”

Lucia:
“…Is that so?”

Ludveck:
“Hm? I can see that my lady still retains secrets. Would it trouble you so much to tell them to me?”

Lucia:
“To you, Lord Ludveck? I am afraid there is nothing to tell.”

Ludveck:
“Lady Lucia… I’m done with these games. You’ll tell me whatever I wish to know… But I believe I already know your secret.”

Lucia:
“We shall see.”