The night before the emperor arrives to give You your mission briefing, You are walking around the monastery when You come across Chris standing alone. You decide to approach her.
Chris: Ah-! H-Hello, Professor. How are you doing this fine evening?
You ask her what she is doing out so late.
Chris: N-Nothing… O-Okay, I'm thinking about tomorrow. My father is going to be here… Just thinking about it makes me sick.
You ask what her father is like.
Chris: I already told you at the beginning of the month not to get caught up in anything that he tells you. He's been known to manipulate a lot of people. He's come off as a great ruler of Adrestia who has done a lot for the nobles, but… There's more to it than that. I'm not looking forward to seeing him.
You tell her You would like more details.
Chris: I… Um… Professor, I don't mean to offend, but I don't think I can do that right now. I don't want to anger him further. He hates me enough as it is. Besides, it's getting late, perhaps we should both go to bed.
Seraphine: She's definitely dodging the question. Press a bit harder!
You follow Seraphine's instructions and ask again.
Chris: I'm sorry. I need to keep this to myself, at least until the end of the mission. I don't want your opinions to be influenced by me just because I don't get along with him very well. I should probably let you form your own opinion on him anyways. It's late enough as it is.
Seraphine: Isn't she insistent on not saying anything?
Chris: Goodnight, Professor.
Chris walks away, and Seraphine appears at your side.
Seraphine: The more people talk about this emperor, the more afraid I get. He can't really be that bad, right…? Then again, if his own child is so scared of him… I don't know. I have a bad feeling about all of this.
You nod your agreement before returning to your room. It has gotten rather late, and You have a big day ahead of You. Seraphine follows You, and You both fall asleep soon after in preparation for the day to come.
The next morning, You and the students do not meet in the Blue Lions homeroom, but rather, outside of Aisa's room on the second floor. Chris is with your group.
Chris: Well… Here we are. We're about to get our orders from the emperor of Adrestia about our next goal.
Reese: You look like you're about to pass out.
Chris: It's not a big deal.
Magnolia: I'm curious as to what he'll have to say on the matter of the mission…
Falon: Not to be that person, but… I have a bad feeling about him.
Aestlyn: I haven't heard many good things about the emperor.
Nora: I've never met him, or anyone on par with his station, but… I don't think he's very pleasant, if that's okay for me to say.
Karim: Somebody told me that he eats babies each morning for breakfast.
Illona: That… That's ridiculous! N-Nobody eats babies!
Chris: He doesn't eat babies. He eats the hopes and dreams of everyone he comes into contact with.
Kyle: I don't think that's any better…
Cassia: I'm intrigued as to what he'll be like.
Chris: The answer is unpleasant. Incredibly unpleasant.
Reese: It's time for us to get in there.
Karim: What if he-
Cassia: He won't have babies in between his teeth.
Illona: Thank the goddess…
Kyle: Hm… Didn't Ms. Hepius also work for him at one point…?
Nora: We can talk about all of this later. He asked us to carry out a mission for him, and it must be important if he chose us above his own guard.
Aestlyn: Whatever the reason is, I'm nervous already…
Chris: Whatever it is, don't get swept into his words. If he offers you anything, deny it. No matter what. If he says he can offer you money for your services, turn him down. Don't accept any offers of his.
Magnolia: What is all of that supposed to mean?
Chris: Just trust me on this, okay?
Seraphine: I don't even know this man, but I already think I want to punch him.
Falon: Let's go before I lose my lunch just thinking about it…
The students enter the room alongside Reese. You take up the rear. Inside the room, You see Aisa speaking with the emperor, Hendrix von Faixnoye. He is a tall man with black hair and brown eyes. He bears no resemblance to his daughter.
Aisa: Good morning, students. It's a pleasure to see you. I take it you've already heard that you'll be taking your mission today from the Adrestian leader.
Hendrix: Greetings.
Chris: Father… It's nice to see you again.
Hendrix: …
Aisa: Why don't you go on and give them their mission?
Hendrix: Of course… One lord within my territory has acted out against me. Lord Thaddeus Bazler is his name. He sent mercenaries to attack a Crest scholar two months ago. Your class was involved with that mission.
Chris: You had worked with her at one point, yes?
Hendrix: I'd like you to eliminate this lord and any of his remaining soldiers. Such dangers to the Empire cannot be allowed to live.
Reese: What other information do you have on him?
Hendrix: He has been attempting to overthrow Faixnoye rule for quite some time, though I never imagined he'd make such strides against the family directly.
Chris: Did he attack you directly?
Hendrix: Quiet, girl. Did I give you permission to speak?
Chris: …
Seraphine: Intense much…? Yikes.
Hendrix: You are to defeat him once and for all. Do not leave a single soldier alive. Those who wish ill against the royal family deserve nothing short of death.
Cassia: We heard about the Crest scholar Evenor Hepius… What's the truth behind her working for you in the past?
Hendrix: Yes, she did. She was researching Crests at my request until twelve years ago. I had no further need of her, and so I let her go.
Cassia: No further need of her? What does that mean…?
Chris: Father, is there anything else you need of us?
Hendrix: What did I say about speaking out of line?!
Chris: M-My bad…
Karim: How about we just head out and bash this guy's head in?
Hendrix: Such vulgar phrasing… But yes. Return to me once your mission is complete.
Seraphine: I can't wait to leave. He's so irritating to be around… What's his deal? How rude can someone be?
You ask Hendrix if he needs anything else.
Hendrix: No…
He looks at You for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing.
Hendrix: You… Who are you?
You explain that You are a professor for the Officers Academy.
Hendrix: I see… Leave at once. You have business to take care of.
You start to leave with most of the students, but You see Chris is staying behind to speak with Hendrix for a moment longer. You hang back to see how it goes.
Chris: Father, please listen-
Hendrix: I have nothing to say to you. You disobeyed me, and you will live with the consequences.
Chris: I don't even have a chance to prove that I'm loyal to you?
Hendrix: You deserve no chances. You have harmed the Faixnoye family greatly, and I will not be forgiving you for it.
Chris: Father, just let me-
Hendrix: Leave.
Chris: Please, I want to say sorr-
Hendrix: Go!
Aisa: Perhaps it is best if you go and carry out your mission for the month. There is no time to speak now.
Chris: I… I understand…
Chris looks at him for a moment longer before walking away, brushing past You as she goes.
Seraphine: You should talk to her for a second. She looks pretty upset.
You close the door behind yourself as You go before tapping her on the shoulder.
Chris: H-Huh? Oh, sorry, Professor. You shouldn't have had to see that.
You ask if Hendrix is always like that.
Chris: I guess you could say that… We don't get along all that well, as I'm sure you could tell. Let's just say that I made a horrible mistake before coming here, and he didn't exactly take it well.
Seraphine: What could she have possibly done to make him that mad…? Do I even want to know?
Chris: My father has set me up with a man for an arranged marriage. He figured it was the perfect chance to expand our influence… He always pushed me to grow closer to my future partner, Arthur. I didn't want to. I spoke of my frustrations with Polly, and my father mistook it for me cheating on Arthur. It was nothing of the sort, but… He thought he had seen enough.
Seraphine: Why am I not surprised he jumped to conclusions like that?
Chris: I guess he hasn't gotten over that grudge. It's fine. If he doesn't want to talk to me, then that's his problem.
Seraphine: Somehow, I think there's more to it than just that.
You tell Chris You are happy to be there for her if she needs it.
Chris: I do appreciate it, Professor… Perhaps we should go on with the mission. I'll deal with this later.
Seraphine: She has a point… I'm not eager to move on from this serious subject either, but… I guess we don't have any other options.
Chris: If you'll excuse me, I… I cannot stay here. You have a mission to take care of, but… F-Forget it. Goodbye, Professor.
Chris leaves, though You can see tears glistening in her eyes.
Seraphine: I don't think I like the emperor at all after that conversation… Gods above, what an unpleasant man.
You leave the room silently, thinking about the emperor. Hendrix hasn't given You a strong first impression, but You cannot call him out on it. That would be a recipe for disaster given his status as the leader of Adrestia. Instead, You remain quiet and keep in mind to stay away from him.
A few hours later, You and the students arrive in Bazler territory to deal with the lord responsible for such a rebellion.
Reese: I haven't heard good things about Lord Bazler.
Nora: Oh? What have you heard?
Reese: He's known for his bad behavior among nobility, whether they come from places inside or outside of the empire. This next one is just a rumor, but there are some who think he's involved in the largest human trafficking ring on the continent.
Falon: I've heard the same…
Aestlyn: He sounds like a monster…
Magnolia: I'll be the one to confirm what I've heard then. He's been taking people for his ring for many years, but the emperor hasn't acted against him. As far as I can tell, the emperor owes a debt to Lord Bazler. That's the primary reason that nothing has been done about it. I somehow doubt that he's going to be helping us save any hostages.
Illona: I've heard that most of them are from Brigid or Dagda… P-Professor, they're outside countries that tried to start a war with the empire a while back. There's peace now, but he could have used it to his advantage to hurt people.
Karim: Dastard… Can't wait to kick his ass.
Cassia: It looks like we're almost there.
Magnolia: In that case, I guess we should get in there… Any last thoughts?
Kyle: If he's truly been stealing innocent people to use for his selfish desires… I'm going to enjoy defeating him once and for all. It's the least I can do for all the people he's hurt.
Cassia: Disgusting monster…
Aestlyn: Is there a way we could get him in trouble for this? The rebellion is bad enough, but dealing with human trafficking… Bazler is willing to harm us all. That must eliminate any deals he and the emperor could possibly have, right?
Illona: Only time will tell.
Karim: I'm tired of standing around here waiting. Let's take him out already.
Falon: I don't think we need to wait any longer…
Thaddeus Bazler appears on the horizon, mounted on a brown horse. His troops surround him. They've taken up a defensive position outside the territory's mansion.
Bazler: Welcome, students of the Officers Academy!
Magnolia: Lord Bazler…
Bazler: The princess of Faerghus? What brings you here?
Magnolia: I'm supposed to take you down today.
Bazler: I see… If that's the way it must be, perhaps we'll just have to go along with that…
Nora: And that throws diplomacy right out the window.
Cassia: He doesn't deserve diplomacy to begin with after all that he's done. I want him to die already for his actions.
lllona: I would like to know why you went after Ms. Hepius.
Bazler: Crests are valuable, kid. They're power in its purest form. That Crest scholar has the key to giving and removing Crests freely…
Cassia: What did you say?!
Aestlyn: Giving Crests…?!
Bazler: She's a traitor and a scoundrel… She brought it on herself.
Kyle: What does that even mean?
Falon: I somehow doubt he's going to just tell us.
Aestlyn: It's time for you to die... !
Bazler: Well, don't you look nice… If you need somewhere to go after the school year-
Aestlyn casts a light spell at Bazler.
Aestlyn: Don't even think about it!
Bazler: Feisty… Fine. If that's how this has to be. Men! To battle!
Magnolia: Guess it's time for us to go.
Reese: Students of the Officers Academy! To arms!
There are multiple types of soldiers seen around the battlefield. There are many soldiers wearing black armor, showing they are part of the group Malice. There are other soldiers wearing ragged clothing and using weapons that are barely held together. All fighters from the second group are underaged boys and girls.
Magnolia: These people seem to be proof enough of the trafficking.
Falon: These people do in fact appear to be from Brigid or Dagda, but there are some from Albinea in there too. I bet they're being forced to fight us.
Aestlyn: We need to spare them.
Karim: That man… Dastard!
Illona: They're so young…
Kyle: Then stay away from the soldiers that aren't in black armor! They're all slaves!
Cassia: Look at them… They all seem sick.
Nora: I want to slash him in half.
Seraphine: Are all nobles like this? They're really coming off as unpleasant and awful, you know…
The battle properly begins. The Blue Lions are already showing signs of growth, having learned to slash freely through the enemy. The group keeps the youthful soldiers not in black safe to the best of their abilities. If one of your units speaks with a youth, the youth will change to green and start trying to escape.
If You speak to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Youth: You're here to save me?! Thank you so much! I'll leave now!
Seraphine: There's one down…
If Magnolia speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: You seem to be one of Bazler's hostages…
Youth: Yes…
Magnolia: Then drop your weapon and run. We're going to save you.
Youth: Thank you so much!
If Falon speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Falon: I don't think you're from around here… Run. Get out of here. I'm here to rescue you.
Youth: Thank you! I-I'll get right out of here!
If Nora speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Nora: Please don't try to fight back against me… Run far from Bazler territory. He won't be chasing after you.
Youth: Thank you, kind lady!
If Aestlyn speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Aestlyn: I can't believe that monster harmed you this way… I'm going to take him out for you. Please, run as far away as you can.
Youth: Alright! I'll go now!
If Kyle speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Kyle: That monster… Please leave. I'm not going to let you get hurt.
Youth: Thank you so much…!
If Illona speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Illona: I-I don't want to fight you… Please, run away…
Youth: Thank you!
If Karim speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Karim: I wish you didn't have to suffer like this… Get away. Now.
Youth: I-I will!
If Cassia speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Cassia: I can't believe that he's done all of this to you… I'm going to help you escape. I'll eliminate Bazler for you.
Youth: Thank you...
If Reese speaks to one of the youths, this dialogue plays out.
Reese: I'm here to save you… Go make a better life for yourself. Carve your own path.
Youth: I-I will…!
If all the youths escape, You will receive one item for each stat at the end of this fight. For every two youths killed, one item will be taken away.
If You initiate combat against Bazler, this dialogue plays out.
Bazler: Well, what do we have here? A teacher from the school? Pathetic… You do look familiar though… Hmph. It matters not. Goodnight, Professor!
If Magnolia initiates combat against Bazler, this dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: I can't wait for you to finally kick the bucket.
Bazler: You seem familiar… Hm. How strange.
Magnolia: Why are you talking about this now?!
Bazler: Quiet, brat! I'll just have to kill you myself!
If Falon initiates combat against Bazler, this dialogue plays out.
Bazler: That red hair… I think I've seen it before…
Falon: Red hair? What?
Bazler: You look quite like one conspirator I have… A lady of nobility from Faerghus… Have you ever met Josephine Goneril?
Falon: Why are you asking me this now?!
Bazler: If that's a no, fine. Perish.
If Illona initiates combat against Bazler, this dialogue plays out.
Illona: Can… Can that Crest scholar really give out and remove Crests?
Bazler: I said that earlier, didn't I?
Illona: …
Bazler: Are we done? It's time for you to die.
Illona: Not if I get rid of you first…
If Cassia initiates combat against Bazler, this dialogue plays out.
Cassia: Can Crests really be given away and taken away?
Bazler: You seem intrigued… Aren't you a darling one? If you needed a place to stay, I'd be happy to-
Cassia: Still your tongue. Answer the question.
Bazler: Yes… The answer is yes.
Cassia: That's all I needed.
When Bazler is defeated, this dialogue plays out.
Bazler: Ugh… You're… Terrible… Stains…
After the battle, the group stands before Bazler.
Bazler: You're all stains… Terrors to Adrestia…
Magnolia: Why did you act out this way? What made you want to start a rebellion?
Bazler: The emperor is a fool… He pretends to be in power, keeping everyone under his thumb, but it's never enough for him…
Magnolia: That's… That's it?
Bazler: He deserves this all… Everything that's coming to him! The Faixnoye line has destroyed Adrestia for far too long!
Magnolia: If you won't answer honestly, then I guess we'll just have to end it now.
Bazler: I wouldn't be so sure.
Bazler claps his hands, and a small group of ambush troops appears from the trees. He gets to his feet and runs away. The Blue Lions struggle with the ambush troops for a few minutes as Bazler disappears off into the distance. Once their lord is gone, the troops leave, and the territory is abandoned.
Seraphine: We have to go after him!
Karim: We have to get him! Let's go already!
Cassia: He has to be let go… We need to make sure that all of the people he took for his ring are safe.
Aestlyn: We have to free them.
Nora: It's the least we can do for them.
Falon: This was going on for so long, and yet, nobody stood up for the innocent people.
Illona: My head is swimming just thinking of it…
Kyle: The whole empire is going to be searching for him. Plus, the church wants him to be taken out as well.
Cassia: Even the emperor has to go against him with this betrayal… This isn't something he can ignore.
Reese: We can't let Bazler get away with this.
Magnolia: Then let's do it. These people deserve freedom.
The rest of the group walks away to get to work. Seraphine appears before You.
Seraphine: Thaddeus Bazler… What a monstrous pile of trash. He was keeping so many young people hostage here without a shred of regret.
You think of how he never showed signs of caring for what he had done.
Seraphine: He wanted us all to die, and he was willing to sacrifice innocent, malnourished children to reach that end… Disgusting.
A youth appears in front of You before You have a chance to reply.
Youth: Thank you for all you did for us today… Here. Take this.
You receive all the stat items that You earned from the battle.
Youth: Goodbye. Thank you again.
The youth walks away.
Seraphine: So hurt, and yet they still tried to do something for us… They really all did deserve better.
A few hours later, the group arrives back at the monastery. In the primary chamber where Aisa regularly stays, there are four people. These three are Aisa, Roy, Chris, and Hendrix. They were not talking when You entered, instead merely standing in the silence and waiting for You to return. Chris still seems upset, but she is hiding the signs better now, though she refuses to look at her father. When You appear, Aisa looks up.
Aisa: Ah… Greetings, Professor. I see that you have returned from your mission.
Roy: What happened to Lord Bazler?
Hendrix: I hope you killed him. Any people who stand up against the empire deserve nothing short of death.
Illona: I… I'm sorry, but it didn't go that way…
Reese: He got away, but we found something you'd surely want to see.
Cassia: We found evidence that he runs a human trafficking ring with contacts all over the continent. Even Brigid, Dagda, and Albinea are involved.
Falon: Once he's found, we'll make sure he's prosecuted for his crimes. Nobody like that can be allowed to live.
Hendrix: I don't care about that right now! He acted against the empire, and he cannot be allowed to live!
Chris: I-I'm sorry it went like this, Father… I promise you, I'll-
Hendrix: Quiet! You didn't even come close to the battlefield, girl!
Chris: …
Karim: We confirmed him to be the same person who attacked the Crest scholar Evenor Hepius a few months back as well.
Aestlyn: He said that she had figured out how to give people Crests.
Kyle: That can't be true…
Magnolia: After spending so much time studying Crests, the possibility is there.
Nora: If it is true, I don't want to imagine what that knowledge could cause in the wrong time.
Aisa: I see… Church troops will make a move to arrest Lord Bazler as soon as possible.
Roy: Thank you for your work, students. You may return to your classroom now.
The students all leave the room with Reese. Chris stays behind, and You do as well.
Hendrix: I must return to Adrestia now.
Chris: Father, I-
Hendrix: Don't speak to me. You didn't even grace the field of battle. I am very disappointed.
Chris: I… I understand…
Hendrix: Farewell.
Hendrix leaves.
Chris: Um… I'll be on my way as well…
Chris leaves.
Aisa: Thank you for your help, Professor. You have done a lot for the church on this day.
Roy: We will be working with the people you freed from Bazler's territory to find better lives for all those taken.
Aisa: I had heard rumors of what he was doing, but I didn't realize it was so expansive…
Roy: He has been doing such for twenty-five years, according to Nesreen. She relayed all the information your troops found on the field to us.
Seraphine: Twenty-five years?!
Aisa: There was much harm done by his lust for power… We won't be able to do much for the people who have lived with this for their whole lives.
Roy: His father, the previous Lord Bazler, was involved in this as well. It has a fifty-year history in total.
Seraphine: I can't believe nobody tried to stop him… What's the point of the nobility system if it means some people are ruled over without a say? I mean, nobles are supposed to protect their territory, but they aren't doing a good job if they let somebody get away with this.
Aisa: He had contact with a noble in Leicester, and as far as we are aware, he was tied with the previous king of Faerghus somehow. The connection is unclear…
Roy: We'll be looking into this Leicester noble, Lord Wenlock Columbus, in case he merits further investigation.
Aisa: For now, please go on about your business.
You nod and leave the room.
Seraphine: The emperor is a lot worse than we thought… For one, he mistreats his daughter. On top of that, he let Bazler get away with this until it directly inconvenienced him. Both sides are awful, but I see why somebody would want to rebel against him.
You nod your agreement.
Seraphine: Let's just get to the classroom.
When You arrive at the classroom, the students are all standing together with Reese.
Reese: And so ends our largest fight up to this point… I don't really know what to say after all we've learned today.
Karim: I'm utterly exhausted… That was so much to deal with.
Kyle: I need some time to think for sure.
Cassia: This is the reason nobles have a bad reputation. They don't care about who they hurt so long as it fuels their desires.
Illona: But overthrowing nobles… That's impossible, right? It would be too much for a small group to handle.
Nora: This sucks…
Aestlyn: I just want to forget about it all… How disgusting must he have been to do all this?
Falon: We saved so many innocent people today, but that can't erase the sins of the past. What a monster…
Cassia: Plus, he got away…
Illona: He has to get caught soon, right?
Kyle: He has to be… The church will handle it.
Nora: I'm sick of this. Night, everybody.
Karim: Why are nobles so frustrating? Gods above…
Falon: I can't believe him…
Aestlyn: Goodnight, guys… Try to feel better.
The students all head out with Reese. The only other person in the classroom is Magnolia. You ask her what is on her mind.
Magnolia: It's something that we found out while we were out there today… I'm sure you noticed the evidence relating to my father and the trafficking ring.
Seraphine: Maybe this is why the king was killed…
Magnolia: My father wasn't a good person. History treats him like a great king who was victim to horrible bandits, but that's not the case. Malice killed him for one, but… He was an awful man. I'm almost glad I never knew him growing up. He would have made me sick because of what he did… I went through the evidence.
Seraphine: What does that mean?
You ask her Seraphine's question.
Magnolia: Albinea is a colony of Faerghus. It went to war with Faerghus when my kingdom would not provide it independence. My father hated everybody from Albinea… He hated them enough to lead hunts in which he murdered Albineans for 'crimes against Faerghus'... He just wanted them to die for being foreign.
Seraphine: Maybe it's good that he's dead…
Magnolia: I'm sure that's where the Albinean hostages were from… He probably took the people he found most attractive along just because he wanted to… And that…
Seraphine: Are any royals on this continent good people?!
Magnolia: I found a document listing off the women my father was involved with. It was so much, and I… One of them was my mother. She was halfway Albinean, a second-generation immigrant from Albinea. Her father was from Albinea while her mother was from Faerghus. I guess he encountered her on one of his hunts… And she was dragged into all of this. At the very least, that's how I believe it happened. That… That changes everything.
Seraphine: That's insane…
Magnolia: It explains why she was forced out of the palace though. She was never allowed to be around me while I was growing up. I tried to visit her as much as I could, but… It was thought of as awful that she was partially from Albinea, and she was treated horribly for it… You know, I was given an ultimatum a few years ago. I could live with my mother or take the throne. I never realized it before now, but… It's crystal clear why to me now. She was Albinean, and by extension, I am. However, her blood is thicker than mine… I'm only there because of my father's Crest, and… I can't help but wonder what that's worth in times like these… Oh, sorry for going on. I didn't mean to ramble.
You assure her she is fine.
Magnolia: Thank you so much for listening to me… I'm going to turn in now. I have some thinking to do. Goodnight, Professor.
Magnolia leaves the classroom quickly.
Seraphine: What a disgusting man… I don't know who killed the king of Faerghus, but I think that he's better off in the grave.
You nod your agreement.
Seraphine: I'm starting to wonder if any good nobles exist… Either way, it's not something I can answer today. Let's go to bed.
You start back to your room. When You arrive, Seraphine doesn't say anything about the events of the day. She goes to sleep without so much as a goodnight, which is abnormal for her. Given the events of the day, You suspect that for the second month in a row, Seraphine is questioning the way F ódlan is run given the questionable state of the class system. You do not comment on it and go to sleep silently, though it takes You quite some time to sleep. Questions dance through your mind about the continent, its values, and the people who make it run. You hold doubts about Fódlan, but You do not voice them and let sleep claim You...
We're certainly making progress now
-Digital