Chapter 17B: The First Rain of May



On the World Map

After making their way through the Dark Forest, Lenster stood before the Liberation Army at last.

However, even the lightly guarded southern gate was defended by high cliffs and numerous ballistas. Breaching the gate was not going to be an easy task.

Opening Cutscene

August:
“Prince, there is the castle up ahead. This is the back gate, so the enemy won’t be expecting us.”

Leaf:
“But August, the cliffs on the east side are too high to climb, and we’ll be sniped by the ballistas if we attack from the west. What should we do?”

August:
“Yes… I wasn’t expecting there to be so many ballistas. But if we wait too long, reinforcements will arrive. Hmm…”

Leaf:
“What do you think, Dorias?”

Dorias:
“We’ll have to do something about the ballistas to proceed. We can attack them with magic, or ambush them from the sky… Either way, we will suffer some casualties.”

Leaf:
“All right… I’ll try to come up with something.”

(Scene switches to Palman)

Palman:
“General Amalda, what is an individual like you doing defending the rear gate? Did something happen?”

Amalda:
“My opinions seem to have angered Count Gustav…”

Palman:
“Ah, the child hunting. Have you argued with him again?”

Amalda:
“Count Gustav is kidnapping children from this area to sacrifice to Lopto, even without the king’s orders. Do you think that is forgiveable?”

Palman:
“Now, now, Lady Amalda… I understand how you feel, but Emperor Alvis himself has approved of the child hunting. Sooner or later, all the children in this area will be sent to the Imperial capital. Just you protesting on your own won’t make a difference.”

Amalda:
“Why is this happening! I had faith in Lord Alvis… I became a general to be able to serve him. What has happened to him…?”

House (any other than the bottom left one)

(Visit with someone other than Leaf)

Elder:
“Are you a part of the Lenster army? Then, where is Prince Leaf? I need to talk to him…”

(Visit with Leaf)

Elder:
“Ah… Prince Leaf… You have returned. The people of Lenster have waited so long for this day.”

Leaf:
“Village Elder… I’m sorry for the long wait and difficult times. It’s all right now, though. Starting now, the knights of Lenster will devote their full energy to the castle’s recapture. Please, wish for our victory.”

Elder:
“Prince, I have a favor to ask… We would also like to assist you in your advance on the castle.”

Leaf:
“Assist us… You mean the villagers are going to fight?”

Elder:
“Yes… We have put up with the Empire’s harsh treatment until now. However, we have gathered strength in secret for the day Lenster would be liberated.”

Dorias:
“Elder, there are many ballistae within the castle walls. Even with decent equipment, the militia will be killed by their attacks.”

Elder:
“Of course. We aren’t expecting to return alive. However, we will be the Prince’s shield to the best of our abilities. We will attract the ballistae, and in that time, the Prince can capture the castle…”

Leaf:
“Don’t be a fool! What would be the point of victory if we lost you!? I won’t approve it!”

Elder:
“Prince Leaf… In all these years past, we’ve seen all the difficult times through. All of the children were taken by the Empire, and all of the already suffering women were taken into custody by Gustav. Because we opposed that brutal treatment, our families were killed as well. However, Prince… The one thing we cannot live with is our country being lost. If you regain the land, even if it means our lives, we will always be behind you. Whatever might happen, we have no regrets.”

Leaf:
“Elder…”

August:
“Prince Leaf, do you understand now? The country has been destroyed, and the people who remain live in constant sorrow. They talk exactly like knights-with a quiet but absolute fidelity to the death. Even their feelings for their children could not break that trust.”

Leaf:
“…August, are you saying you would take their help!?”

August:
“That is one way of putting it.”

Leaf:
“Dorias, what do you think?”

Dorias:
“I can understand the feelings of the villagers, but I’m still against it. In the end, though, it’s up to you, Prince.”

Dorias:
“What is your decision, Prince Leaf?”

Choice: Accept the offer/Rely on our own strength

(Either way, the conversation ends)

House (bottom left)

(If you have over 20000G)

Man:
“Hey, you guys are trying to take down the castle, right? Well, I’ve got good news for you. You see, we’ve done a little something to the eastern gate, and we can open it by ourselves. How ’bout it, do you want our help? It won’t be cheap, of course… Let’s say about… 20000G? What? Too much? Hey, now, we’re risking our lives here, too. I think we deserve it. Well, what do you say?”

Choice: Pay 20000G/Attack from the front

(If you have less than 20000G)

Man:
“Eh? You got no money, do you? Then go away.”

Eastern gate

(If you paid the man 20000G)

Guard:
“Hey, I was waiting for you. I know the story. Good luck in there.”

When you get inside the gate

Amalda:
“The castle is in danger… …All troops, retreat to the castle! Don’t lag behind the rebels!”

Fighting Palman

Palman:
“You won’t take this castle!”

Defeating Palman

Palman:
“… Freeji is… so far away…”

Releasing Palman

Palman:
“I can no longer live as a soldier… I suppose I’ll go back home…”

Fighting Amalda

Amalda:
“What… What am I doing here…”

Defeating Amalda

Amalda:
“It’s all right… This is how… a blood-covered murderer like me… should die…”

Releasing Amalda

Amalda:
“So I have to keep living this nightmare…”

After beating the map

Leaf:
“We’ve finally breached the castle gate, but what about the inside? Let me hear your report, August.”

August:
“Yes… An advisor to King Blume by the name of Gustav is in charge. He has been a problematic man, in more ways than one.”

Leaf:
“Count Gustav… He has been in charge of Lenster this past decade and made the people suffer like no other…”

August:
“Yes. He isn’t much as a commander, but he uses his wealth to outfit his troops with the best gear. He may be tougher than we think.”

Leaf:
“Anything else?”

August:
“Yes, another issue is General Xavier. He is a fine warrior, and his army of heavy infantry will prove to be a problem as well.”

Dorias:
“Xavier! Damn… That traitor!”

Leaf:
“Dorias? Do you know him?”

Dorias:
“Yes… Xavier was once a general of Lenster. He was a loyal man respected by many, but once Lenster fell, he betrayed us and switched sides like the back of his hand! I can’t forgive him! I will kill that shameless man myself!”

Elder:
“Count Dorias! That’s not true!”

Dorias:
“Elder? What are you talking about? Are you defending a traitor!”

Elder:
“No. General Xavier joined the Empire against his will to protect us. After Lenster fell, we commoners were left abandoned in the hands of the enemy. General Xavier felt sorry and sacrificed his honor to rescue us. If it weren’t for him, we wouldn’t be alive now.”

Dorias:
“Really? Is that true? Then why is still staying in their ranks even after the prince has returned? If he led a rebellion with his army, he should be able to take the castle with ease…”

Elder:
“Well… General Xavier had eight of his lieutenants with which he shared his suffering, but the lieutenants’ wives and children have been taken hostage in the castle. General Xavier can’t do anything without their aid… He is a kind man who cares about his men…”

Leaf:
“Then if we rescue the hostages, we can release Xavier!”

Elder:
“But it won’t be so easy…”

Leaf:
“I have to apologize to him. I have to apologize to him as the only remaining heir of Lenster!”