Chapter 22: Across the River



On the World Map

Leaf led his troops and pushed on past Fort Danzhi towards Manster.

Now, the only obstacle that lay between them and Manster was the Great River of Thracia, the widest and longest river on the Thracian Peninsula.

With its mineral-rich water, this river was the source of prosperity for the cities in Northern Thracia.

Once this river was crossed, Manster would only be a few days away.

Opening Cutscene

Leaf:
“The Great River of Thracia… The sheer vastness of this river never ceases to amaze me. Just look at purity of the water… It must surely be blessed by the Ethnya, the Earth Goddess.”

August:
“Do you think so? To me, it looks like a crimson river of blood. This river has led us to prosperity, but it has also been the target of greed and selfishness. Many fierce battles have been fought here. Your grandfather, the former king of Lenster, fought and died at this river, Lord Leaf.”

Leaf:
“That’s right… My grandfather died here…”

August:
“To be specific, he fought further downstream at the Thracian Bridge. The Lenster army collapsed after Conort’s sudden betrayal, and the king fell… Lord Leaf, this river has traditionally been easy to defend and difficult to conquer. The Empire will be sending in its strongest forces to maintain this defense point. This battle will be the toughest yet… Be very careful.”

(Scene switches to Coen)

Coen:
“Cyas! You’ve done enough. Now go back!”

Cyas:
“No, I will stay by your side until the end.”

Coen:
“If you really want to help, then listen to me. Do you remember how my daughter Aida died protecting you from Manfroy? After that, I hid you in an isolated church and withstood Manfroy’s relentless threats. And years later… Your ability was recognized, and you became the court bishop of Velthomer. I was happy that Manfroy wouldn’t be able to touch you in your status. However, with Lord Yurius’ awakening, the Lopto Church’s power is beginning to surpass that of the Empire’s. Cyas…I know you’re aware of the markings of Fala that have appeared on your body. Neither Lord Yurius nor Lady Yuria had them…and that’s what Manfroy is afraid of. Cyas, you must live. You are a holy warrior of Fala…you must pass on the blood of Velthomer. And for now, you must hide that fact and nurture your power…”

(Scene switches to Rinehart)

Rinehart:
“Hello, Bishop Cyas.”

Cyas:
“General Rinehart! What brings you here? I thought Queen Ishtar had already returned home.”

Rinehart:
“Yes, she has, but I chose to stay because I’m worried about my sister. Besides…Lady Ishstar has no need for me any more.”

Cyas:
“She told you that herself?”

Rinehart:
“Yes. She said that since she is with Lord Yurius, there is no need for me to worry about her…”

Cyas:
“…… Lord Rinehart… This is difficult to ask, but I heard that Lady Olwen has turned against us and joined the enemy.”

Rinehart:
“Yes… But she’s still a child. I’m sure she’s just being manipulated. She should understand if I talk to her.”

Cyas:
“I know how you feel, but Lady Olwen has grown up. She won’t be following in your steps forever. She has her own way of life…try to understand that.”

Rinehart:
“Her way of life… Are you saying that she has found a life that is different from mine?”

Cyas:
“Yes… Either way, it would be a good idea to talk with her. If you can find her, that is…”

Conversation (Olwen, Rinehart)

Olwen:
“Rinehart! I knew you’d be here when I saw the Gelpritter…”

Rinehart:
“Olwen… It’s good to see you again.”

Olwen:
“Rinehart, I…”

Rinehart:
“Don’t worry, we can talk later. For now, I’m just glad that you’re safe. We’ve been worried about you. Come, Olwen… Let’s go home.”

Olwen:
“No…I can’t go back yet. I won’t return to Freeji until I
rescue the kidnapped children from the clutches of the Lopto Church.”

Rinehart:
“Please, Olwen… Listen to me. You’re my only sister. I don’t want to lose you!”

Olwen:
“I made my resolve after thinking on my own, as another human being. This is my decision, Rinehart…even you won’t be able to change it.”

Rinehart:
“In that case…we’ll be enemies. Are you willing to fight against me?”

Olwen:
“If you insist on standing in our path, then…”

Rinehart:
“Hm… I see you’ve made your resolve. Bishop Cyas was right, you really have grown up. Very well, then… Suit yourself. And this is my last gift to you. Take it!”

Olwen:
“This… This is your most prized sword!”

Rinehart:
“Yes… It was give to me by Lady Ishtar, but I have no need for it now. You should take it.”

Olwen:
“But why? It seemed so…precious to you.”

Rinehart:
“That’s enough talk. Now return to your own army, Olwen! If we meet on the battlefield again, I will show no mercy!
Understood?”

When your units approach Cyas

(If Coen is alive)

Coen:
“The enemy has come this far already… That’s enough, Cyas! Retreat!”

Cyas:
“No, I wish to stay with you…”

Coen:
“Silence! Are you telling me you can’t follow my orders?
Now go!”

Cyas:
“Wait, please! I just…”

(If Coen is dead/captured)

Cyas:
“Lord Coen… Must I really…not die here…?”

When your units approach the castle

(If Cyas hasn’t escaped yet)

Cyas:
“…All right, now! Drop the bridge! Give the Gelpritter the command to charge!”

(If Cyas has escaped)

Soldier:
“Now! Drop the bridge!”

Rinehart:
“They’re coming! All right, charge! Show the enemy the wrath of the Gelpritter! Keep them away from the castle at all costs!”

Fighting Coen

Coen:
“You won’t advance any further!”

Defeating Coen

Coen:
“The Empire…will not…lose… Gah!”

Releasing Coen

Coen:
“…I have nothing to say.”

Fighting Rinehart

Rinehart:
“This was meant to be… Forgive me…”

Defeating Rinehart

Rinehart:
“So this…is…the end…”

Releasing Rinehart

Rinehart:
“…Farewell…”

Fighting Cyas

Cyas:
“Withdraw your blade… You are not strong enough to defeat me…”

After beating the map

August:
“Finally…we made it across.”

Leaf:
“A crimson river of blood… I think I know what you mean now.”

August:
“…Blood that has been spilled once will never return. What is important is that we do not put that blood to waste. Now, Manster is just up ahead, Lord Leaf. We must hurry.”