The Path She Believed In

Campaign: Android Anguish

Chapter 11 / 6-4

The Path She Believed In

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Pursuing Knowledge

Summary

Harle discovers a royal secret regarding what happened ten days after the seventh child was born and joyfully relays it to Elisanne. This new information fills her with sudden doubts about the prince she so loyally serves.

Dialogue

I, Finlorda, do hereby agree to grant
the wish of the human, Aurelius.

On said terms is the agreement
between our nations so sworn.

—Aurelius
—Finlorda

Ha ha ha! Oh, but one DOES find history in the most unexpected places. I never thought to stumble upon such fascinating things in this, of all places. Someone clearly tried to seal them away from prying eyes—but alas and alack, the former king's untimely passing has weakened such protections. Now truth will see the light, and chaos will follow after. Ah, but the beginning of such times can be so jolly indeed! What WILL the vassals of that traitorous prince think when they learn of this? Ooo, my excitement is palpable!

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There! That is the church that requested our aid! This church is a known conservative stronghold. Are we safe to assume the perditionists are behind the attack? None can say—communications were lost before they could do more than beg us to help with all speed. Regardless of what awaits us, our mission does not waiver. We are here to save as many lives as possible—and we shall. Hildegarde, lead the fleeing believers to safety and tend to the injured as needed. Julietta, circle around and cover the back. I shall strike from the fore. ...Go! May Ilia's blessing be with you. And with you. Let's move!

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Haaaah! Graaaagh... This was no work of perditionists; it was the Empire! The perditionists and Empire both worship the Other, a stance to which conservatives are most strongly opposed. It seems the Empire has turned their sights on the conservatives—likely for their refusal to worship the Other. You are not wrong, my dear Paladyn. But my main reason for coming here today is SO much more thrilling! You! Ah, what a joy it is to see you again. What are you doing here, wretch?! Why, I've come to see you, of course! And what better place to meet a Paladyn than in the goddess's stomping ground? So I prepared this stage, chased away any who might interfere...and waited. Are you saying you attacked this church merely to draw me here? Correct. For what possible purpose? I have something I would like you to see. It is a secret regarding one you care about as much as—if not more than—even Ilia. It is about your dear, precious prince. You must be a LITTLE interested, mmm? I care naught about anything you might have to say! Ah, but you should care! Here, take a look. I recently found both this document and book in a hidden room at the palace. They contain a secret about the seventh prince that the former king struggled EVER so hard to keep hidden.

Alberian Calendar, Year 287

A seventh and eighth child have
been born to King Aurelius.
The seventh is named
Euden
and the eighth is named Zethia.

However, ten days following the birth
of the seventh child...

Lies... LIES! Oh? And does the signature at the end not at all sway you? I found it terrifically compelling, myself. It does appear to be King Aurelius's signature and seal, but... No. No! I still won't believe it! So you intend to turn a blind eye? Walk away whistling a merry tune and forget you ever saw it? Is this how Paladyns and the Church behave in the face of inconvenient truths? Th-that's not it! I just... Oh, how shaken you look! How pitiable! Ah, but this HAS been fun, hasn't it? Alas, I am needed elsewhere now. Busy busy, that's me. Well, toodle-oo! Wait! ...Give those to me. Why? So you might burn them and relegate history to the ash heap? I cannot allow that, my dear Paladyn. I need to watch you struggle, you see. I need to watch you SUFFER. Yes, well, as I said before, "Toodle-oo." ...Do take care of this one, won't you? Harle, wait! ...HARLE!

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Are you all right, Elly? ...Of course. Why would I not be? You've been lost in thought since our return. Did something happen back there? I'm...just a little tired, is all. I think I shall retire to my room. Hey, Elly! Could I have a— I'm sorry! Please leave me be! ...Elly?

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(Could it be true? Could it REALLY?) (I wish to deny it with all that I am, and yet, it was the royal family's seal.) (But if what I saw there is true, it means my beloved prince is...)