Gala Leif/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

My sword serves His Majesty!

On Entering a Room

I offer you my aid.

When Quest Begins

I shall demonstrate my devotion. Let us be off!

Is everyone prepared?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

I march with you!

You have but to say the word!

When Controlling Character in Quest

Leif of the White Sparrows is ever at your service.

When Receiving a Heal

My thanks!

Thank you!

When Entering a Boss' Room

This is the end!

By my sword shall we know victory!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Do not lower your guard!

For Alberia!

Upon Getting to Low Health

To think I have been pressed this hard...!

Such a powerful foe!

Upon Opening a Chest

I accept it with gratitude.

We shall divide the spoils equally amongst us all.

Boss on Low Health

Our victory is imminent!

Just a little more, now!

Boss Enters Break State

Now! Press the advantage!

I'll not let an opening such as this slip away!

Rare Enemy Spawns

Ho! A rare enemy!

Fortune smiles upon us this day!

Upon Death

Ridiculous... I cannot die here...

Everyone...forgive me...

Upon Revival

My devotion is steadfast.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Have at you!

Buff Self: Witness my devotion!

Buff Ally: Ready yourselves!

Debuff Enemy: Make way!

Heal Ally: I shall be your shield!

Heal Self: My blade is unbending!

Player Uses Damaging Skill

Such skill!

You honor yourself.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

The dragon's power is with me!

I feel the pulse of the dragon!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

I borrow the strength of the royal family!

Idle During Quest

Let us continue on.

Inaction is a luxury we can ill afford!

Quest Clear

So long as there is breath in my body, I shall be ever devoted.

Quest Failure

Argh, disappointing...

Home Screen Walking

This is a fine day for training.

I must be more diligent.

We have all grown— myself included.

I shall be a model knight.

My blade does its work for the royal family.

I shall be devoted for all of my days.

Home Screen Inside

To allow harm to come to the royal family would ill befit a knight of the Royal Guard.

Punctuality is the basis of all; an orderly daily life creates a most unshakable faith.

I have been called inflexible, yet could never act inconsistently with my own loyalty.

Board games are optimal for learning tactics. Would you care to engage in a match?

One can learn much about past generals' thoughts and battle tactics from books.

Hard work is crucial. How can one make others grow if they themselves do not?

Home Screen Portrait

It is my greatest desire to wield my sword for Your Majesty.

The strength of the White Sparrows is yours to wield as you see fit.

My loyalty is in service to the royal family of Alberia, not a base empire dedicated to malevolence.

I swell with pride at the thought of Patia and my other knights. Their skills are true, so please rely upon them as need demands.

My sword belongs to Your Majesty. Wherever you go, I would blaze your path.

Collection Portrait

If I miss my training and so weaken myself, I'm not fit to be a member of the Royal Guard.

I quite enjoy reading, though my tastes are squarely in the realm of tactics and battle.

Nothing could make me happier than seeing those whom I have taught the blade growing stronger.

Serving Your Majesty reminds me of how I told you to wield a sword. Ah, but those were fine days...

You have come most strong, Your Majesty! I truly look forward to the day you surpass me.

At The Halidom

Is aught amiss?

Do you require my counsel?

I stand by Your Majesty, now and forever.

New Mana Circle Unlocked

My swordsmanship reaches greater heights!

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

I swear undying fealty to you once more, Your Majesty.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

A Sparrow's Resolve

White Sparrow Corps, assemble! Sir! I will now lay out the path for the Sparrows moving forward. First, we shall join up with His Highness Prince Euden. Then, using the Halidom as our base of operation, we will free the capital from the scourge of the Dyrenell invaders. SIR, YES, SIR! Captain! At last, the time has come! Vice Captain of the White Sparrows
Patia
Let's show those Dyrenell dogs what true Alberians are made of! Hear hear, Captain! We'll put some fear into those imperial blackguards! I've long awaited the day when we could make right the humiliations we've been forced to weather all this time! While I appreciate your enthusiasm, I must make certain you all are aware of a certain fact. Sir? The path we walk dictates that we raise our swords against the royal family. If any among you feel you cannot do this thing, I would bid you leave our order now. What?! Captain, please explain! I mean precisely what I said: Our course puts us on a path to battle the royal family. I suppose I never thought of it in quite that way before... Thus far, we have bent to the will of the Empire. We did so in order to help the young royal who will become the next monarch, and take back our kingdom in so doing. Yet it is an undeniable fact that some of the royals have sided WITH the Empire. That's... We White Sparrows serve the royal family, but above all we serve Alberia. And if that means we need raise our blades against the monarchy in her defense, we shall. ...... To lay a hand upon the royals one ought to serve is the greatest act of disloyalty a knight can commit. And as such a treasonous individual, you may even face condemnation at the hands of your own kin. Thus, I will cast no aspersions whatsoever upon any who choose to leave us this day. Think carefully, and make the decision that best serves your own life. ...... Enough, Captain. I beg your pardon? I steeled my resolve the moment I followed you and joined the Sparrows. The White Sparrow Corps can accept no restrictions or leash, even if it means opposing king and country! If our nation is rotting from within, it is the duty of the Sparrows to carve that rot out and expose it to the sun. I know well we speak of treason this day, yet I also see the reason for it—and I will not permit you to shoulder that sin alone. Aye, Patia's right! I'm with you till the bitter end, Captain! And I! My pride and honor belong ever to the White Sparrows! Are you all certain? Think carefully now. This is a question not only of your own futures, but those around you. Friends. Perhaps even family. Our families would let us have it if we turned our backs on our duty! They're with us to the end—as we are with you! Seconded, Captain! All that I am, I offer now to the White Sparrows! It seems we all share your resolve, Captain Leif. And that's because whatever the future may hold, it is our greatest honor to fight at your side to the very end. My apologies, all of you. It seems I misjudged the strength of your resolve. Your point is well made—there's not a soul within the White Sparrows whose will has not been honed to steel. Now let us lay low the Empire as one! HUZZAH!

---

Haaaah! Gwah! Well, this isn't good. I think we're surrounded. Fear not. Your Highness. I shall see you safe—I swear it! We have them vastly outnumbered. Don't let this opportunity slip away! See to it the prince is taken alive! Prepare yourself, traitor! Hrk! Now! Mobilize the fiend! Graargh! Are you crazy? That thing will take out your own side as easily as it does ours! Look out, Highness! Gaaargh! Are you all right, Your Highness? Leif! White Sparrows, defensive formation! Protect the prince at all costs! Understood, sir! So it's true! The White Sparrows have turned traitor to the glorious Empire! The White Sparrows serve the Kingdom of Alberia, and I name as foe any who would seek to do her harm. You dare threaten us?! Patia, take your troops and harry the enemy! The rest of you, stay with the prince! Understood! Follow me, men!

---

...Captain, I've confirmed that the imperial army is in full retreat. Good work, all of you. Ha! The Empire is no match for us! Thank you, Captain. They caught us when I was the only escort guarding His Highness. It is most shameful that I allowed him to be exposed to such danger. Untrue. Without your quick actions, we could not have saved the prince. You have my gratitude. If anyone is doing thanking around here, it should be me. But Leif, are you sure it was a good idea to openly declare war on the Empire? Weren't you hiding in the capital in order to protect Zethia? From the moment I left the capital, I bound us to this fate. Further, we were already headed to your castle, so I would ask you not to worry yourself about it overmuch. Wait. You were heading to the Halidom? We were indeed. From this day hence, Your Highness, the White Sparrows shall serve as your blade and shield! You have no idea how happy I am to hear that, Leif. Thank you.

Episode 2

Pieces on the Board

Say, Leif? I was wondering if you'd be willing to teach me Alberian chess. Of course, Highness. But if I may ask, why the sudden interest? I'd like to be able to consider battlefield tactics more carefully. And I remember how you used to say chess was good practice for that kind of thing. If that is the situation, I am glad to help. Please give me a little while to prepare.

---

...And so, those are the fundamental tactics used during the game's opening. Have you any questions so far? Yeesh... Maybe you can give me a moment to sort all of this out? My brain hurts. I mean, I think I get the basic rules, but I'm finding it hard to convert that knowledge into tactics. Do not get flustered, Highness—it is that way for all students of the game at first. Bear in mind, however, that the state of the battle is ever in flux. You must train your mind so you are able to react to such ever-changing conditions in the heat of the moment. You know, this is starting to remind me of Chelle; she used to play chess all the time. Yes, and she often bade me to serve as her opponent. She, Prince Phares, and Prince Valyx were all skilled opponents, but Prince Leonidas was a particularly cunning player...

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...... ...... I annihilate your woodland archers with my stone trebuchet. Then I shall use this chance to claim your grassland warriors. Heh. Have you turned a blind eye to my sellswords? Ah, but if I let fear rule the day and move to take your sellswords, I will be unable to protect my sorcerer princess. Coward. What you name cowardice is, in fact, a sound stratagem. As my sellswords protect the sorcerer princess, so, too, does a true knight protect their royal charge. Thus, no chance at victory is ever missed. Ah, you're countering my attack with the sorcerer princess you just protected. A shrewd move—if an insufficient one. A knight may serve as a defender, but the royal walks the path of conquest, whatever the situation. ...Checkmate. A double check! This is quite the upset. You have become quite skilled, Your Highness. And you have become worse. I grow weary of our matches. I will endeavor not to disappoint you in the future, Prince Leonidas. After a performance like this, I worry about your future on a real battlefield. The world is much like a chessboard, my dear Leif. You accept an assignment, fulfill it, and then perish for the sake of your sovereign. Indeed. In real life as in the game, many are sacrificed so the monarchy might remain alive and well. We stake our lives on protecting the royal family from any who would do them ill. Even if the ones who would do them ill are from the same royal line? ...... Look well upon our board. In the end, there is but one sovereign left standing. A royal family is not always a monolith; countless tomes are filled with histories of families who clashed amongst themselves. If a future such as that awaited us, what would you protect? Peace in Alberia, above all else. Oh ho! An excellent answer! But let me put another question to you: What IS this "peace" you would seek to protect? Stability for all who reside in Alberia, and the prosperity of her royal family. Heh... Aaaaah ha ha ha! Oh, my dear Leif. I suppose you believe prosperity possible even for a house divided, then? I do. Your basis for that belief? It is as you say: A split in the royal family would be a grave threat to peace. However, if such a split were to occur, I would stake my life on redressing it. This I do for the sake of my homeland. I see. So you believe the peace of the kingdom can be maintained so long as you are present? That is inconceivably arrogant, Leif. I beg your pardon, Highness. It is not granted, for it is not necessary. Such arrogance means only that you are devoted fully to your ideals—a realization I find most welcome indeed. But in that case, I have a final question for you. Suppose I were to be the one standing in the way of the peace you espouse. Would you put me to the sword? ...... Answer me. Were you to walk an errant path, Your Highness... Yes. I would raise my sword against you for the sake of peace in Alberia. Do not forget those words.

---

...Er, Leif? Ah! My apologies, Your Highness. It seems I was woolgathering. It's not like you to let your mind wander in the middle of a conversation. I was overtaken for a moment with a memory of the past. You mentioned Leonidas just before you stopped talking. Does it have something to do with him? It does. I had quite some confidence in my own chess skills, but the last game we played ended in my utter defeat. And after that, we... Your Highness, may I ask you a question? Sure. What is the peace you fight to protect? I fight so people everywhere can live in happiness. And does that include your siblings? For no matter the kingdom, there can only be one seated upon the throne. Knowing that, do you think the kingdom of happiness and peace you seek is possible? I don't think it's possible—I KNOW it is. And I will see it done. How? ...Heh. I was afraid that was coming. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure. But a peace built on the sacrifices of others isn't what I'm looking for. Still, I'm going to find some way to make it happen. I will make sure everyone is happy—and that includes my siblings. You are a truly kind person, Your Highness. Down to the very core of your heart. Actually, I'd say I'm selfish. I know my older brothers have a different opinion on things, but I have no intention of yielding one inch on my own views. So I don't think I act out of kindness at all. It's more like...arrogance. Such arrogance means only that you are devoted fully to your ideals... Sorry? Just something that was said to me once. Your arrogance, Highness, is wonderful, for it shows the power of your spirit. You really think so? I would make a request of you, Highness. Oh? What is it? If ever I should stand in the way of the peace and happiness you seek... If ever I travel an errant path... You must see me punished for it. I can't ever see you doing that, Leif. Still... Well, I suppose anyone can make a mistake. So if that ever happens, I'll set you straight. Thank you, Your Highness. You set my mind at ease. With this, I, too, will be able to seek the same peace you do. Leif? Forgive me, just talking to myself. Now then! I believe we've a lecture on chess to complete, yes? We sure do!

Episode 3

The Sparrow and His Charges

Hey, there he is! Leeeeeif! Luca? Well, this is unusual. Have you need of me? Yeah, I wanted to ask you a couple of questions about the other royals. You mean His Highness's siblings? Yeah. See, I feel like I kind of get Emile, but I don't have a CLUE about the others. I'd like to know what kind of folks they are so I'm ready next time we run into 'em. I understand your reasons, but to speak on the royal family so blithely is... I'd also be interested in filling in some of the blanks about my siblings. You are here as well, Highness? I figure you'd know more about them than most, Leif, so I'd be happy to hear anything you feel free enough to divulge. Euden knows the score! Now c'mon, make with the deets! Very well, then. To begin with...

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...Hoo! Hah! Yah! Hngh! Hrh! Hrk! Aaagh! ...Ow. Are you all right, Prince Emile? I am OBVIOUSLY not all right! Why must I be dragged into the middle of the woods for sword practice like this?! It is training for field operations. If you are to lead an army, you must be able to react to various battlefield settings. Wholly unnecessary. Soldiers fight— leaders and royalty do not. There are times when a leader must stand at the vanguard of battle, Your Highness. It would be most problematic if you were unable to do so at such a moment. And so, I would have you please dedicate yourself to your training this day. Grr! You ALWAYS act so self-important! Listen here, you—I am PERFECTLY capable of doing what needs to be done if I try! There is nothing I can't do if I just put my mind to it and... Hmm? Leif, look! A suspicious individual! I'm going after him! Prince Emile, wait! It's merely a rabbit! ...Which he already knew when he ran off. Between being cunning enough to skive off his daily training and the strength of his competitive spirit, he may yet make a fine commander. However...

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Welcome home, Prince Valyx! We offer our most humble thanks for your service in slaying those fiends! ...... Three cheers for Prince Valyx! Hip hip, hooraaaaaaaaa...? Er, Prince Valyx? Is something amiss? Prince Valyx, you must reply to the citizenry when they call out to you. Your silence makes them most anxious. Hmm, yes. ...Rest easy, good people! The fiends have been wiped out; you need worry no more this day! Three cheers for Prince Valyx! Hip hip, hooray! Hip hip, hooray! I grow weary of this buffoonery, Leif. It was you who proposed the strategy that wiped out the fiends, not I. I assure you, Highness, it is not— I will not stand here and accept praise that belongs to another like a common note-cribber in a class. I assume you would have ME stand before the people in that case? I would not; I know it is my duty as a royal to ease the hearts of the people. To be a royal is to put to rest my own emotions if doing so will help preserve the order of the kingdom. I admire the strength of your responsibility. However, I believe it is also good to prioritize your own emotions on occasion.

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One, two, three! One, two, three! Tsk! You couldn't BE more awkward, Leif. Do try to relax a little, mmm? With all due respect, Princess Chelle, is there not a more accomplished partner with whom to practice dancing? I worry that my inexperience with this manner of thing will only result in me teaching you poor habits. Oh, but you misunderstand. This is not practice for me, but for YOU. Er, and why, exactly, Highness? Because when there's a party and I choose you to be my dance partner, it would be most shameful if you stumbled about the floor like a common barnyard animal. ...Shameful for the both of us. Perhaps you should NOT select me, in that case? I am free to choose whomever I wish. Now then! We continue. You're quite diligent, after all—I'm certain you'll strive to improve so you don't embarrass me! Eee hee! You are a complicated one, Highness.

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...Prince Phares, I have brought the books you requested. Thank you, Leif—and forgive me for having you do the work of a serving boy. I have been absorbed in my research and not shown my face to those in the castle, so I suspect they are all quite exasperated. Not at all, Your Highness. Your research is of great use to peace in the realm. You even ended up producing a medicine that cured an illness once thought to be incurable. Everyone is most grateful. Though I've yet to produce a medicine that can cure my own condition. Er... Think nothing of it. After all, I view my having been afflicted with this illness as a twist of good fortune. You do? Have you ever given thought to what the dragon's blood IS, Leif? Noble blood that ought be respected, as well as a cornerstone of our kingdom. Yes, yes. All that and more. And yet, that same noble blood has made my body like... Well, like this. I believe a secret is hidden within the dragon's blood, and I wonder if my body might be most intimately related to it. And I admit no small amount of eagerness to seeing what might become of our kingdom should the secret at its foundation be exposed... (Prince Phares is possessed of a most magnificent intellect.) (Though I pray he never walks an errant path for the sake of it...)

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...Those are but a few of the things I recall about your siblings. Hot diggity dog! I mean, I kinda figured it already, but those siblings of yours... Well, they sure do have some unique personalities. Heh. Yeah, I guess I'm rather unremarkable, all in all... You think some unremarkable schmo could make pacts with a buncha dragons?! ...C'mon, Leif! Back me up here! Luca is correct, Your Highness. You have just as much individuality as your siblings. Thank you both. But that reminds me, I still had some things I wanted to discuss about Leonidas. Ugh. He's the biggest handful of the bunch! Prince Leonidas has excelled in both the martial and literary arts since a young age. We diligently studied both together as we honed our skills with a blade. Together? Wait, I thought you were the guy what taught all the royals how to wave a poker around. With Prince Leonidas, it's probably fairer to say we were classmates as opposed to teacher and pupil. Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. He was a force of nature who shocked us all by the ease with which he dispatched knights many times his years. So he's been strong since he was a kid? I heard he absolutely couldn't tolerate losing. That would explain how he turned into a guy that's like a burning inferno. Yes, you could call him that. Prince Leonidas is an exceptionally strong and fearsome man. (I saw that tendency in him long ago, but now...)

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Suppose I were to be the one standing in the way of the peace you espouse. Would you put me to the sword?

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(I pray his fire does not blaze so hot that it burns this world to ash...)

Episode 4

The Raven's Shadow

Your Highness, I bring news. What is it, Leif? Sire, I've received word from Patia that the imperial army makes ready to assault the Halidom. And further, the invasion force is none other than the Black Raven Corps, led by Harle. Harle?! These are no ordinary opponents. We'll need to be amply prepared. Summon everyone at once. It's time for a strategy session.

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The Black Ravens advance from woods to the south and mountains to the west. It's likely they hope to catch us in a classic pincer assault. And to make it worse, they got more bodies and gear than us. Being forced to split our forces would put us at a disadvantage. Couldn't we cut down the western bridge and just worry about protecting the south? No. We must place our attention on the eastern woods. Uh, the east? But there's no way to reach the Halidom from that direction. If they lack a path, they will make one; Harle excels in attacking opponents in ways they least expect. He will predict our strategy of dropping the bridge and not advance from the west OR south. Begging your pardon, Captain, but our scouts report their forces in the west and south. There's not a single imperial dog anywhere near the east. Their forces will mobilize in the east under cover of night. They've intentionally let us learn their battle plan in order to turn our own preparations against us. Ah, but you're a keen one, Captain! Right. In that case, I'll take the front line and lead everyone to— No. The White Sparrows will take the fore. I would ask you and the others to remain here and solidify the Halidom's defenses. I'm not sending you out there to fight in my place! I've heard plenty about the strength of the Black Raven Corps—the White Sparrows shouldn't take them on alone! I know well Harle's particular brand of cunning. I believe I can predict what he will do and think of ample ways to outsmart him at his own game. We cannot permit the Halidom to fall, Your Highness. You MUST safeguard it. ...Okay, I understand. But be careful. Then I entrust His Highness to you all. We'll keep him safer'n a safe! ...That's a thing, right?

---

(I knew we would face each other in battle one day, Harle...)

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Haah! Hrk... They just keep coming! My, my. Already out of breath, are we? Tsk! These foes are SO persistent. Harle, no! Don't break formation! Graaargh! Look out! A fiend's attacking in the spot Harle left unprotected! Yes, that's it... Stay riiiight there so I can... HAAAAH! Harle! How dare you use an ally as bait! This is hardly the time for your moral sermonizing. Look behind you. The result is all that matters—in all things. Oh, and you can start thanking me whenever you like. You are far too reckless. That's only a problem if you don't win. Enough chatter! The battle isn't over! Oh, very well. Let's get this over with.

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...We managed to finish this without any needless casualties. Now rest yourselves and prepare for the next sortie. Yes, sir! Sheesh. THAT took long enough. Come here, Harle. Another lecture, is it? ...Joy. If you know what I'm going to say, perhaps you should not put comrades in harm's way in the first place. Why would you DO such a thing? Is it not obvious? To win. What else is there we need concern ourselves with? You're saying that if it means victory, you're willing to resort to any means no matter how cowardly or despicable? Victory at any cost is no victory at all! Have you no sense of knighthood?! I do this BECAUSE I'm a knight. It's our job to fight, which means it's our job to WIN. And if victory cannot be achieved, is it not every knight's dearest ambition to perish honorably for the sake of liege and land? Although I suppose there isn't really any liege TRULY worth serving... You forget yourself. Enlighten me, then! What manner of person is a liege worth serving? A wise sovereign who considers the kingdom and serves her people. In much the same way, our duty is to serve the kingdom and her people while protecting the royal family. A banal reply. Wholly tedious. Then please, enlighten me. Oh, I have no idea. That's why I'm asking you, the very model of knighthood. But I can say one thing... If there is no liege worth serving, I wonder if there is even a such a thing as true knighthood? ......

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(Even back then, I couldn't read what he was thinking...) A liege truly worth serving... Did you find your answer to that question in the Dyrenell Empire, Harle?

Episode 5

A Sparrow's Vow

The Mistholt
Eastern Environs
All troops, assume formation. Our assault begins now. Yes, sir! Captain Harle, we've enemies incoming! It's the White Sparrow Corps! Well, how utterly delightful. Do not lose composure! White Sparrows or no, they are but a small, mewling force! All they will find with us is blood and dust!

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White Sparrows, charge! We shall break through and strike their core! Understood, Captain! Haaaaah! Nnngh! Follow me, everyone! HOO-RAH! My, but you are a boisterous little lass. Let's shut you up, shall we? Your opponent is me, Harle—and I will not let you anywhere near the Halidom! Ah, Leif. Reunited at last. Harle... You once served the kingdom the same as I, and yet now you turn your blade against His Highness. This I cannot abide! You are a disgrace as a knight! Aaaah ha ha! Oh, but that is rich! YOU would speak to ME about disgrace? It is the height of comedy that a disloyal cur who stabbed Empress Zethia in the back would think to lecture another on the way of knighthood! Have you taken up a new occupation as a jester, perhaps? Shall I pelt you with moldy fruit from the boxes? Say what you will! Haah! Hmph... Weak! Have you noticed how your sword falters? What are you...? You once told me that a knight's duty is to protect the royal family. Those words are the rantings of a fool! With the royal family now splintered, not only can we not protect them all, but none wish for us to do so!  ! I know you understand this, else why would your blade falter as it does? ...It's true. Things are as you say. The sovereign I serve is only one of many who might eventually sit upon the throne. Still, I wish for each member of the royal family to find happiness and peace. And I'm telling you that dream is impossible! Pull your head from the clouds and face— But there is one person who can achieve that goal. He is a tireless seeker of peace, and if he becomes king, he will fight to protect both the peace of the realm AND the stability of the royal family. His Highness Euden is a lord who ought be served! Ahhh, there it is at last: You would see that traitorous whelp made king and pledge your sword to his cause. So even the incomparable White Sparrow himself has fallen. ...A true pity. I would bear any dishonor gladly if it meant being able to protect His Highness. Your nonsense ends here, Harle! Tsk! You're as large a pain as ever! The White Sparrow Corps' treachery is plain as daylight! Black Raven Corps, annihilate the traitors! Dys fahr Dyrenell! Dys fahr Dyrenell! White Sparrows, now is the time for you to show your devotion to Alberia! Vio rhyse Alberia! Just as I expected from the Sparrows. You are each elite, and you push my Ravens to their very limits. Prepare yourself, Harle. Your clandestine machinations end here. Mmm, I wonder which of us will meet our end this day? Captain, we're being stormed from our flank! We've been ambushed! What?! They planned an ambush HERE?! Just as you read my actions, so, too, did I expect you would come for me. I could hardly have not prepared a suitable welcome for you, old friend! My prey was ALWAYS the White Sparrows! We've been undone! We can't hold them off for long, Captain! Alas, I imagine this will be the end of our long, complicated relationship. Let us settle things for good, Leif! Hrk... H-Harle! Sir, I bring news! The traitorous prince himself has arrived and is cutting his way through the troops we left in ambush! What?!

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There are only a few ambush troops! Let's take them out and join up with Leif and the Sparrows! Black Ravens? Ha! Black CRAVENS is more like it! ...Damn, that was good. Hope somebody wrote it down.

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This can't be... They should be back defending the castle! We're left with no other option. Release the fiends. But sir, releasing the fiends will turn the battle into an all-out brawl. All of our careful planning will be for naught. It's crucial for one to know when to quit. For today, we'll have them expend their troops on the fiends. I thought you wanted to settle things, Harle! Yes, well, I always was a dirty liar. We'll have to save that for another time. Hrk... So many fiends! I look forward to seeing just how long you can continue to pontificate on duty and loyalty, Leif! Ta taaaa!

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That was the last of the fiends, and the imperial army has fallen back. I thank you for your assistance, Your Highness. I'm just glad you're all okay. But I requested that you attend to the protection of the castle, Your Highness. Why did you decide to come here? Because I had a feeling you were Harle's real target. You what? I thought he might be putting on a show of attacking the Halidom in order to whittle down the strength of the White Sparrows. You predicted Harle's tactics... Nothing quite that impressive. Let's just say I was worried and followed my gut. After hearing His Highness's concerns, we sent a scout to the battlefield. They saw the ambush and came a'runnin' back to tell us about it. You have grown skilled, Your Highness. The day would have been much darker indeed if not for your courage. Uh, Leif? Why are you kneeling...? The time has come for me to swear my allegiance. Your Highness, the White Sparrow Corps has long been granted autonomy by the kingdom of Alberia. But from this moment forth, we swear our fealty to you alone! You are a ruler worthy of being served. I...don't know what to say. We serve you alone, and shall work at your side to bring peace to the kingdom. And in that case, I swear I will never betray the faith you've placed in me. Whatever may come, I will make this a nation where all can live in peace. I look forward to the day. Know then that the sword of the White Sparrow shall be with you until that glorious moment arrives!