A Triumphant Return

Campaign: The Princess's Party

Chapter 9 / 4-2

A Triumphant Return

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Summary

The fiends are defeated by the prince and his allies. After this success, Chelle promises to devote both resources and intelligence to her brother's cause. Something in her demeanor, however, raises Jupiter's curiosity.

Dialogue

Hear me, people of Chanzelia! I know the sound of marauding fiends made its way to your terrified ears. You heard their thundering footsteps as they approached! You trembled at their snarls as they attempted to lay waste to the city's defensive ramparts! Your hearts were aggrieved, and you were sore afraid... Yet still your worries! For I say to you, the rampaging beasts have been put to the sword by Euden! Yes, my beloved brother has repelled the vile enemy at our gates! Huzzah! Huzzah! Remember: We, the royal family of the great Alberia, shall ever be your protectors! All glory to Alberia and her royal family! All glory to our lady Chelle!

Chanzelia

"All glory" my glorious backside. What a joke! Seriously! WE'RE the ones who took down the fiends and protected the city! And yet it seems Chelle has managed to make this mostly about herself. Yet she did so without resorting to outright lies. It was an impressive bit of work. I am loath to put the term "impressive" to cunning such as hers. What you so blithely call "cunning," dear Patia, was actually a rather clever bit of statecraft. I was not aware that statecraft included convincing people you had a hand in great deeds which you most decidedly did not. Such naivety is amusing. The people wish to believe they are protected by a great strength, that they may rest easy at night. It is the responsibility of their leader to provide that belief. Still works out as a great deal for you in the end. I think "cunning" is definitely the word to go with here. Are you all right with being used in this way, Euden? I don't need accolades—all I care about is that the people of Chanzelia and the surrounding villages are safe. Your father would be proud to hear you say as much, for King Aurelius was well- regarded for holding the selfsame beliefs. Ambition has many merits of its own, particularly when the times trend as they do now. Is that not right, Brother? If you wish to protect the masses, a modicum of ostentation is often necessary. None seek salvation from a weakling, after all. Er, I suppose so...? Be that as it may, I am not so petty as to pretend your actions did not directly lead to the defeat of those fiends. Nor would a highborn lady such as myself ever deign to break her word. So does that mean you're going to— It does. I hereby offer you my cooperation. Thank you, Chelle! Truly! That being said, I have no wish to see the beautiful white halls of Chanzelia's palace redecorated in shades of red. I will offer you both intelligence and resources, but only on the condition that such cooperation remains secret. I can live with that. Chanzelia's resources and spy network are second to none; this could change the tides of the entire war. Chelle, I would like to formally accept your generous offer. It pleases me to hear it. In that case, let us fete the formation of our auspicious alliance this very night! Wooo! I LOVE feting! Party tiiime! I'm gonna eat until my belly turns into a huge bowling ball! Damn straight! Nothin' like knowin' there's a buncha reinforcements on the way to spark the ol' appetite. Hrm. Somethin' wrong, Jupiter? I was merely reflecting on how much I like this princess. What?! How dare you think to play both sides of the field after you made a sacred pact with my darling! Steady, Flamewyrm. That is not my intention. I merely believe this princess and I would get on quite well.