A Changed Alberia

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Chapter 2 / 1-1

A Changed Alberia

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A Hasty Retreat

Summary

On their way back to the royal city, the prince and friends learn Alberia has been reborn as the Dyrenell Empire. The prince has been named traitor by the king—now the emperor—and has no choice but to flee his pursuers.

Dialogue

After resting at King Alberius's castle, the Halidom, and letting my wounds heal, I set off with the others for the royal city. Though the mist had cleared, the road was long. We passed through the Halidom's postern and followed along Myriage Lake. The imposter who took Zethia and the Shard would not leave my mind. Who WAS he? I was certain my real father back at the royal city knew the answer—and that he would help us get Zethia and the Shard back.
Myriage Lake –Royal Highway–
Blegh... Finally! We've nearly made it back to the royal city. We have to hurry. Every moment we delay is a moment Zethia suffers. Hold up. We got soldiers incoming.

Maybe a little welcomin' party for Euden?

I don't think so. That banner they're flying isn't Alberia's. I recognize that standard...

That's the banner of the Dyrenell Empire! But how is that possible?

Prince Euden! Thank the goddess I found you. "Captain of the Royal Knights" "The White Sparrow: Leif" Leif? What are you doing here? Did something happen? Ah, I feared word hadn't reached you yet. I'm sorry to bring this news to you, Your Highness, but...

Alberia has fallen.

What?! Our land has been given a new name: the Dyrenell Empire. But that's the name of the evil empire that was destroyed three centuries ago! We're a kingdom, Leif, not an empire. Tell me what happened. It's your father. He is...changed.

He has abandoned our charter of peace and declared war on the rest of the world. You cannot stay here, Your Highness. Get as far away as you can!

Leif, what are you so scared of? Just hurry, before he finds you and— Well, well. If it isn't Prince Miscreant in the flesh!

How fortunate for us to meet here.

"Chief of the Capital Guard" "The Black Raven: Harle" I thought I'd have to scour the entire kingdom for you! Who are you calling a miscreant, Harle? Oh dear! Oh dear dear dear. Has no one warned you of the precarious position you're in? That sneer, that haughty bearing, that way he keeps saying "dear..." Everything about him turns my stomach.

State your point and be done with it, cur! We've not time for the likes of you.

Hoo, El-ly! You tell him!

And for once, I agree with ya. This guy's a chump and a half.

And YOU are all in the service of a criminal, which makes you all complicit. Of what crimes? Of ALL of them! You unleashed fiends on the royal city, you kidnapped dear, dear Princess Zethia— We're not responsible for that! Tell it to your cellmate; the two of you will have SO very long to get acquainted.

Guards! Arrest them all!

Stop! This is a mistake! I demand to speak to my father! Ha! That's never going to happen, you stupid twit! "Sixth Heir to the Alberian Throne" "Emile" Our father's the very one who ordered me to take you in! Emile?!

Father would never do that! The man you think is Father is an imposter! Open your eyes, Brother!

Ah-ah-ahhh! You're still talking, and criminals don't get to talk. ...Guards! What are you waiting for?!

Seize them!

Yes, sire! You metal-plated pond scum. How dare you raise your weapons to your own prince! Prince? All I see is a traitor.

And if the traitor is smart, he will lay down his sword at once.

Listen to me, everybody: our only hope of figurin' this out is if we escape, so... RUUUUUUUN! We have no choice. This way, everyone!