Chapter 14: Open Fire



On the World Map

The free city of Tahra, with Linoan as its mayor, had always been doing its best to protest against the Empire’s evil deeds.

However, now surrounded by Imperial troops led by Commander Paulus, Tahra’s situation was looking increasingly grim.

Tahra had maintained its freedom by promising never to oppose the Empire, but that freedom seemed short-lived now…

Opening Cutscene

Paulus:
“I don’t see Rist…”

Baldack:
“Yes, I believe he has either fallen or been captured.”

Paulus:
“…I feel sorry for him.”

Baldack:
“If I may, sir… Rist directly went against his commander’s orders. He only got what he deserved.”

Paulus:
“…Perhaps not. I was never in favor of the attack on Tahra. My hesitation has led to many soldiers to their deaths. …It’s my responsibility. Laugh at me, Baldack. Laugh at this old coward.”

Baldack:
“Commander…”

Paulus:
“But I won’t hesitate any more. I am a warrior of Freeji, I must fulfill my duties. Will you help me, Baldack?”

Baldack:
“Yes, of course, Commander Paulus! The main forces of my 8th Legion have arrived. Let us commence the attack!”

Paulus:
“Yes, I will send my forces to aid you once they are ready. Knowing you, I doubt I need to say this, but… Be careful.”

Baldack:
“Yes, I will swear to my honor that I will bring Tahra down!”

(Scene switches to Linoan)

Eda:
“Lady Linoan, the attack has begun.”

Linoan:
“The Empire’s full-scale attack… What is Lord Leaf doing?”

Eda:
“The prince is having a meeting with the other commanders.”

Linoan:
“I see… Is Dean with them?”

Eda:
“Dean is watching the south gate because he doesn’t feel comfortable at meetings… My brother can be difficult at times.”

Linoan:
“No, I would never have survived without him. After my father was killed, our mansion was taken away, and for two years I was unable to even go outdoors freely. The cruel surrogate would constantly threaten me to tell him where the prince was. The thought of that abuse still sends shivers down my spine… But then…Dean rescued me from that nightmare. He protected me from assassins from the Empire, and always cheered me up when I was about to break down. He always laughed it off, but I was sure he was a well-known mercenary. I never knew he working under Lord Arione…”

Eda:
“Prince Arione knew about the danger Tahra was in, so he secretly ordered my brother to rescue you. Dean was so pleased at the trust the prince was putting in him that he abandoned the army to fulfill the prince’s commands.”

Linoan:
“Lord Arione…went through that much…?”

Eda:
“He couldn’t leave the country, but then again, he couldn’t let you, his fiancee, die… I can only imagine how troubled he was. Anyway, please don’t worry, Lady Linoan. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed by Dine and Nova. You must believe in our victory. Now, I must go out and fight as well!”

2nd Turn

Homeros:
“Hey, what’re you packing up for? You leaving or something?”

Shanam:
“Ha… Staying here would be for nought…”

Homeros:
“Whoa, you can’t leave yet. The people living here served you that much because they wanted your help. You’re not gonna be very popular if you leave now. Especially among the women.”

Shanam:
“N-No, my servants have come to pick me up… I’m a prince, so I can’t leave my country for very long…”

Homeros:
“Oh, so you’re the prince of Isaac? Come on, gimme a break. You can’t fool me.”

Shanam:
“Ulp… You knew?”

Homeros:
“I’m a bard, you know. I know Prince Shanan’s face. Well anyway, do what you want. Anyone would want to save his own life first. There’s no reason to fall along with this city.”

Shanam:
“So you too…”

Homeros:
“Yeah, I’m leaving tomorrow, after I have my fun tonight.”

Shanam:
“All right, then I’ll be going. We might meet again.”

Homeros:
“Hey, wait a sec. At least tell me your real name.”

Shanam:
“…It’s Shanam.”

Homeros:
“Huh, at least your names sound alike… See ya, Prince Shanam.”

8th Turn

Trabant:
“It has begun at last… Macroy, I trust you understand. We are here as allies of the Empire. Whatever you do, don’t fight them.”

Macroy:
“…And then we capture Tahra while the Empire is exhausted…”

Trabant:
“That’s right. This will be an important card when dealing with Blume. Don’t waste it.”

Macroy:
“Of course, your Majesty.”

10th Turn

Arione:
“Father, wouldn’t attacking Tahra only be for the benefit of the Empire? The citizens hate the Empire. If we side with the people now, we may be able to establish good relations in the future…”

Trabant:
“No. Tahra isn’t strong enough to help us defeat the Empire. Do you remember the battle at Melghen Valley? We lost to the Empire even with the help of both Northern and Southern Thracia.”

Arione:
“That was because of Reidric’s betrayal…”

Trabant:
“Perhaps. But either way, we were forced to sign a humiliating treaty. Northern Thracia fell into the hands of Empire. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the Empire’s power is now ten times that of ours. And you still wish to challenge them? Do you think you can win? The people here will die, is that what you want?”

Arione:
“No… You’re right, Father. I was too imprudent. …Father, I want to ask you something…”

Trabant:
“What is it?”

Arione:
“Let me help with the attack on Tahra.”

Trabant:
“…Do you have a plan? Very well. If we are able to take this prosperous city, I don’t mind how. Do as you will!”

Arione:
“Yes, thank you, Father!”

Trabant:
“But don’t take too long. I don’t want to have to end up sending in my main forces.”

Arione:
“Yes. Many citizens will die if this goes on… I must speak with Linoan.”

(Arione goes to the castle)

Arione:
“Linoan! Where are you? It’s me, Arione!”

Linoan:
“Lord Arione!? What are you doing here?”

Arione:
“That’s not important. Tell your people to disarm and surrender. It’ll be a disaster if you fight now.”

Linoan:
“Why…? This is not like you at all. What happened?”

Arione:
“My father is preparing a legion to attack Tahra.”

Linoan:
“!”

Arione:
“That’s not all. Lopto’s armed priests are approaching as well. If the ‘Black Rose’ Schwarze Rosen comes, the citizens will be massacred, every single one of them.”

Linoan:
“The Schwarze Rosen…! I was fearing this the most…”

Arione:
“Linoan, leave it to me. Thracia will capture Tahra. We will the put the people under our protection. We will put an end to the child hunting, and I’ll promise to protect you as well.”

Linoan:
“What will happen to Lord Leaf and the other knights?”

Arione:
“They’ll have to escape. The Empire is after the prince, and my father fears him as well.”

Linoan:
“…Very well. I will entrust the matter to you.”

Arione:
“Thank you.”

Linoan:
“However, I will go with Lord Leaf. I will regret leaving my people behind, but this is the best way now. Once we defeat the Empire, I will return to Tahra… Will you promise to return Tahra to me once I come back?”

Arione:
“Defeat the Empire… Very well, I promise. …But is this Prince Leaf really that trustworthy? Will he be an enemy to Thracia, or a friend…? Either way, I would like to meet him…with Altena…”

Homeros’s house

(If you use Nanna)

Homeros:
“Oh…? Mm, nice, very nice. I’ll cancel my other offers for you, babe.”

Nanna:
“Huh? …What are you talking about?”

Homeros:
“You see, this is my last night here. I want to make love to you all, but I’ve only got one body, so… Ow! Whoa, babe, what was that for!?”

Nanna:
“What are you thinking!? Even the children and the elderly are working hard to protect this city! And you’re just sitting here drinking in broad daylight… You should be ashamed!”

Homeros:
“H-Hey, you don’t have to cry. Okay, okay, I’ll help you out, all right? But I’m not strong, so don’t give me any heavy work…”

(If you use a child character)

Homeros:
“What do you want, kid? I’m taking a nap. Go home.”

(If you use a male character)

Homeros:
“I have no need for men. Go away.”

(If you use a female character other than Nanna)

Homeros:
“Uhm… Sorry, but I’ve kinda got my hands full tonight.”

House (bottom left)

(If you use Dean)

Woman:
“Oh, Dean… Lady Altena is waiting for you.”

Altena:
“Hello, Dean. I’m glad you seem well.”

Dean:
“Lady Altena!? What are you doing here?”

Altena:
“You haven’t changed, have you, Dean? I came all this way to give you this spear.”

Dean:
“Spear…? But…this is Lord Arione’s Dragon Lance…”

Altena:
“He wants you to use it. He was saying that it is his apology to you for making you a traitor.”

Dean:
“It was me who chose to leave the army. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t take this.”

Altena:
“Dean, don’t step on my brother’s kindness. If you won’t take it, I will order you as the queen of Thracia.”

Dean:
“Haha… I’m no longer a knight of Thracia… But very well. I can’t go against Lady Altena’s orders. I will take this Dragon Lance for now.”

Altena:
“Good… Dean, protect Linoan with that spear. Linoan and my brother are to be wed… I’m sure Arione would have liked to protect her himself, but he can’t leave the country for very long. I think that’s why he gave the spear to you.”

Dean:
“…I think you’ve misunderstood, Lady Altena… Please don’t worry about Lady Linoan. I will protect her in place of Lord Arione!”

Fighting Paulus

Paulus:
“So… This is it…”

Defeating Paulus

Paulus:
“Lord Blume… Please reconsider… It is still…not too..late… Ugh!”

Releasing Paulus

Paulus:
“I’m sorry… But I must take responsibility for my defeat…”

Fighting Baldack

Baldack:
“Let’s see if you can defeat me!”

Defeating Baldack

Baldack:
“No… This can’t…be…”