The Sparrow's Resolve

Campaign: The Princess's Party

Chapter 9 / 3-1

The Sparrow's Resolve

Previous Quest

Saving the Sparrow

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The Fiends' Feast

Summary

Having rescued Leif, the party returns to the landship. Leif suggests working together with New Alberia, but Chelle's response is less than positive. But when fiends attack, she finds herself more open to bargaining, after which he prince and his party engage the enemy.

Dialogue

All right, that'll do it for the fiends. Are you okay, Leif? Your Highness? Did the princess also invite you here? She did indeed. We haven't seen each other since we parted ways back in the capital, Leif. I hope you've been well. Yes, mercifully. You carried yourself splendidly in that battle, Highness. Our time apart has seen you grow into a fine young man. Well, we've been busy, so I had to learn fast. Still, we should save our catching up until we're somewhere safer. Eee hee hee! My, but that was a simply DELIGHTFUL bit of entertainment! The beloved prince saves the infamous White Sparrows from danger and sparks a heartfelt reunion in the process? The members of my court were held in RAPT attention, let me tell you. Then those fiends were YOUR doing, Princess Chelle?! What in the world were you thinking?! Even one of your standing must— My, but aren't YOU the hot-blooded one! Vice Captain Patia, is it not? ...You know of me? Oh, indeed I do. And honestly, I thought you would have been most GLAD for the opportunity I provided...but it seems not. Why would you think that?! Because I thought you enjoyed fighting! You certainly seemed most eager to cross swords with Empress Zethia. H-how did you...? You said you would gladly give your life for a chance to strike her, I believe? I don't... How could you possibly...?! Oh, curious little cats are always turning their ears in your direction, I imagine. That's why it's good practice to watch what you say—and about whom. Your Highness, I implore you not to make sport of my subordinates. Oh? Well then, I beg your humble pardon! Still, wouldn't you agree that someone with the gall to threaten the royal family be owed a lesson in respect? I see that your disposition has made the journey to the present well intact. Yes, how very unfortunate. But alas, I am as I was when I was your charge. You never DID like me, did you? Okay, whaaaaat is happening right now? No matter; ancient history isn't worth the time spent thinking on it. Come, Leif! We have a party to attend. I did not come here to revel, Princess. I should think you well aware of that. Then why did you answer my invitation? Such feigned ignorance ill suits you. You know full well that your invitation arrived at precisely the moment when I resolved to depart the capital. I presume your little "cats" have been paying mind to my movements for quite some time. ...... I believe your invitation proves our aims travel on a similar course. I would hear exactly what these "aims" of yours are, Sparrow. I am a knight of Alberia, and a knight's aim is ever to protect the royal family and deliver them from hardship. ...Even if said royal family member has had their body possessed. Zethia! Let me tell you what has transpired of late. After the revival of the Dyrenell Empire, I remained steadfast in the capital. It was a choice I made with reluctance, but one I judged best for the sake of finding a way to free Princess Zethia. Which is why you've been pretending to support the Empire until now, I take it. So did you find anything? Unfortunately, I cannot say with certainty. But in order to gain that certainty, it is necessary to understand exactly what is lurking inside Zethia's body. And I believe that knowledge may lie in Clave Loy'elune. Er, and what IS Clave Loy'elune? Hold on. Just what does this conversation have to do with me? I fear I have no real interest in that younger sister of ours. Oh man, this lady is ICE cold. Zethia's state is the state of this nation. How can that not hold your interest? I won't deny this country is a key gala venue for me, so I'm rather heartbroken to see what's been happening to it lately. Then you should cooperate with us until we eliminate the tyranny of the Empire for good and all. For it is currently a battle fought only by New Alberia and Euden. I think it is past time that the royal family cooperate with him and take a stand against the Empire. Please, Chelle, listen to him! He's right! I want to save Zethia, but more than that I want to salvage the happiness and prosperity of our people. My, but that IS a pickle! How can you do anything but offer your aid, Princess Chelle? What possible reason could you have for refusal? Because there is no advantage to MYSELF, dear Leif. And as such, I see no real need for me to join this little cause of yours. Are you mad?! To be certain, if I WERE to cooperate, I would likely gain some small measure of military might in the process... But are you aware of what THIS is? Ooo! Ooo! I know! It's a jewel! This, my excitable sylvan, is materium— an ancient substance that can be mined from the outskirts of Chanzelia. It can hold almost impossible amounts of pure mana, which can then be used in whatever way the wielder desires. It is an item beyond value. So that's how Chanzelia... Yes, materium made my city a source of endless wealth. And with that wealth, I can buy weapons or military might or whatever I please...which means I do not need YOU. If I were to cooperate with you people, the eye of the Empire would turn to me. How can I possibly host my galas in peace if I am constantly being hounded by the Empire as you are, mmm? You're worried about PARTIES?! Do you have any concept of how the people of this kingdom are suffering under the rule of the Empire?! Your brother alone seeks to fight on their behalf, yet you would sit here and speak of base entertainment?! I fear empathy always HAS been one of my brother's more pathetic traits. How dare you! Do you think the poor and desolate wish to see the rich and powerful brought low? To see their social betters eke out a meager living in the muck as they do? You cannot possibly— No! The masses do not want a leader who suffers alongside them—they want a leader who pulls them OUT of suffering! The duty of a monarch is not to understand the trials and tribulations of her people— it is to lift them up so they might enjoy the same splendid life of ease that she does! The course you are on will not quiet the suffering of a single soul, dear brother. It will only make that suffering worse. If you would call yourself a king, you need at least understand that much. I hear what you're saying, Chelle, but I think— Hold that thought. ...Yes, Captain? What is it? The landship is under siege by fiends, Your Highness—and there are even more making their way to Chanzelia. *sigh* It seems I may have tried TOO hard to make this a lively party. ...Very well, Captain. What should we do about it? I do not believe their current numbers pose a significant threat to the Gran Fiore. Additionally, the outer wall of the city should hold them at bay there. However, the small villages located outside the wall will likely be ravaged. Oh my. What to do, what to do...? Oh, but I have a SPLENDID idea! Why don't all of YOU go out there and take care of the nasty beasties for me? If you do, it miiiight sway my opinion when it comes to cooperating with you. You would seek to bargain with the lives of your own people?! You CLEARLY did not pay attention to my little speech earlier. If I can solve this problem without getting my own hands in the muck, so much the better. How can you say that?! I love me a good fight, but the thought of doin' it for this lady makes my breakfast wanna hit the wall. And yet if we refuse to help, it is the people of the nearby villages who will suffer for her selfishness. Elly's right. We won't do this for my selfish sister—we'll do it for her people! You REALLY ought to learn when to say the quiet part of things quietly. But very well! Go on and fight for whatever reason makes you happy—it will provide splendid entertainment regardless. Chelle! You are a low— Enough, Cleo. Your words will fall on the deafest of ears in this place. We should make haste, Your Highness. Listen to me, everyone: Fighting for the sake of our people is the most worthy of causes, and we WILL protect them!