April: The Interview
Dorothea noticed her boyfriend's distress. "What's wrong, Ferdie?"
Ferdinand exhaled deeply. "We just witnessed something extraordinarily beautiful and terrifying-"
Catherine entered the room. "I have given the order to the Knights to investigate a possible blood pact with the Chaos Dragon Velezark. I think it would be best to travel to Aytolis or Gristonne to inquire more about Velezark."
Rhea approved, "I agree; it seems like the best course of action."
Shiro declared, "Next stop, Gristonne! I wonder how everyone's holding up over there."
The heroes stepped into the portal to Gristonne, coming face to face with Darios. When Sophie crossed between worlds, she bumped into him and faceplanted onto the floor. The cold, hard tile made her nose smart after the impact.
Silas picked his daughter up off the ground and cleared his throat. "King Darios, we have a question for you." Darios gestured for him to ask. Silas continued, "We think that the Twilighters are able to meddle with the Outrealm portals because of a possible blood pact with Velezark."
Darios frowned. "But Rowan and Lianna killed him. He can't form a blood pact."
Subaki elaborated, "It's possible that he created one before he attacked Aytolis. Is there anyone he could've teamed up with?"
Darios' eyebrows furrowed. "Hmm. If that did occur, you're more likely to find the ones in Gristonne rather than Aytolis, since Gristonne used to worship him."
Owain involuntarily shuddered. "Just like the Grimleal from my world."
Azura asked, "Are you okay with us investigating Gristonne for any possible leads?"
Darios nodded. "Of course. It's the least I can do to help the people who saved me and brought me back to my home."
Sophie raised her hand. "Um, before we go, I want to ask. Can you tell us everything you can about Velezark?"
Darios recited, "Velezark had the ability to warp space and time, as well as eating whole dimensions. Velezark decided to wreak havoc on Aytolis, but the Divine Dragon tribe interceded. The Divine Dragon queen created the Shield of Flames to seal him away. While the queen succeeded, it cost her her life. Over time, the seal must have weakened and Velezark's spirit managed to break free and return."
Ophelia tried to hide her disappointment, but failed. "So, there's no record of him having contact with humans?"
Darios shook his head. "Besides my father, no. Even then, Velezark had to use my father so he could be physically resurrected. He avoided humans."
Caeldori summed up, "So we're no better off now than if we investigated the whole country?"
Darios offered, "I can have the royal guard assist you. The clergy might have more information about Velezark for you, considering that before his defeat, their lives centered around him. Let me give you a map." He went into the war room and gave them a detailed map of the surrounding area. "Remember, it is possible that someone there is a spy for the Twilighters. Be careful of what you reveal."
The group trudged toward the national rectory. Dorothea noticed the more pristine road conditions. "Is it me, or is the terrain easier to walk on than before?"
Linhardt stretched his arms. "Not surprising, considering the new increase in the avant-garde religion. With larger congregations, the roads around the rectory probably came into use more and people donated resources to improve them."
While everyone else pleasantly made idle conversation, Dedue approached Ingrid. "Has your father ever gotten back to you about your proposal to following your dream and restoring House Galatea to its former glory at the same time?"
Ingrid sighed. "Yes, but he isn't pleased. He thinks that I'd be asking too much of His Highness. He still wants me to marry."
Dedue remarked, "Your father seems like a kind but stubborn man. What kind of qualities in a suitor does he want for you?"
Ingrid listed, "Well, he'd either have to be noble or wealthy to improve House Galatea's standing, but he has to be virtuous, kind, and intelligent."
Dedue inquired, "Do you know anyone who meets those expectations?"
Ingrid sighed again. "No one comes to mind. I'll probably end up in an arranged marriage. I know it's my duty to provide for my family, but why must it sting so?"
Dedue's face crinkled in concern. "I will do my best to make sure that you are able to do both. You have been one of the kindest people I met. I will not let you down."
Ingrid's cheeks flushed. "That's some high praise, Dedue. Really, I don't know if I'm deserving of it."
At last, they arrived at the rectory. Caeldori gave Shiro a side eye. "Remember, don't tell them anything except the bare minimum."
Shiro complained, "Why are you looking at me when you say that?"
Caeldori broke eye contact. "As much as I love you, you'd be the person to blow our cover."
Shiro protested while Inigo knocked on the door, preparing a little speech to make good first impression on whoever would answer and make them more likely to give them the information they wanted. A short, chubby, jolly-looking man creaked the door open. "How may I help you?"
Inigo gave him a wide smile and, keeping Darios' warning in mind, retold the very basic parts of their quest and why they needed to know more about Velezark. The man beckoned them inside. "Very well. We know much about the Chaos Dragon. Surely some of it will provide some use to you."
Caeldori cut to the chase. "There's been some talk about Velezark's interactions with humans. Can you tell us what you know about it?"
The man sat down in a cushy seat, motioning for the guests to do the same. "Yes, yes. Velezark was very antisocial. He only communicated with his army of manaketes and monsters. Despite all this, the people of Gristonne worshipped him anyway. We thought it would save us from his destruction and he would leave us in peace."
Silas prodded, "So he never came here and spoke to anyone?"
The man thought about that. "Well, there is an account of him arriving here and meeting with the chief priest. They went to a secluded chamber and came out hours later. The chief priest gained new abilities over space and could slightly bend time."
Sophie thought, "So Velezark did make a blood pact!"
