At the end of the mission when the moon ends, You make your way to the cardinals' room. Seraphine speaks to You along the way.
Seraphine: This moon takes us to the border of Faerghus and Leicester to defeat the nobles that are on the run from Alliance territory… I think that we can take care of this without any issues, wouldn't you say?
You nod your agreement and say that You will be doing your best to see victory after the coming fight.
Seraphine: I knew that you were going to say that. Now, let's go and talk with the other Blue Lions. I'm sure that they'd like to hear from us about what's going to be happening next. Plus, we need to set out as soon as possible.
You arrive at the cardinals' room soon afterwards, and Seraphine's voice fades from your mind.
Magnolia: Alright, everyone. It's good to see that you're all here. We're going to be targeting this specific point on the border of Faerghus and Leicester. It's near Goneril territory, but we won't actually be crossing over to the given land.
Luciana: We're targeting this area since it's the easiest region to travel through to reach Faerghus from Leicester. After all, the climate of Faerghus isn't exactly known for being friendly to outsiders, and we believe that this is going to be the perfect spot for us to catch them at.
Aestlyn: That makes sense… Perfect. We're going to have to form a defensive line to catch the troublemakers before they can fully escape what they've done. This could be our last chance to defeat the people responsible for this war… At least partially responsible.
Karim: You're right. I know that I'm ready for what's coming next. There's no way that they're going to be getting past me, and you can consider that much a promise on my part. We've got this under control.
Nora: Imagine if we wound up running into Raithius and Novalee while we're there… That certainly would be interesting. They've been trying to accomplish something similar to us, so it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.
Reese: Still, I think that we should go into this with the idea that we're going to be taking care of it on our own. We don't want to rely on something that isn't going to wind up happening. We have to be ready on our own merits.
Kyle: That's a given. After we defeated the assassins from the previous moon, I think that we can take on anything. Well, maybe not anything, but pretty close. They're not going to stand a chance compared to us.
Falon: We might be talented soldiers, but caution is still going to be required if we want to make sure that nothing too bad happens… And we need to make sure that we don't cross into Goneril territories.
Illona: House Goneril sided with Malice when the war started, so we're going to have to block the Admoderor lord and lady from crossing over into the nearby lands. That will basically mean that they've gotten away until we can invade Goneril territory.
Cassia: It sounds to me like we have a plan for what we're going to be doing next then. We should move out sooner rather than later so that we can set up a defensive line before they can slip through our grasp.
Magnolia: I agree. Blue Lions, let's move out.
You follow the Blue Lions out of the monastery, noting that Magnolia still seems to be doing far better than she was previously. You smile at the realization that she will likely continue to feel better from this point forward thanks to your conversation the previous moon.
The journey to the border of Faerghus is long, but You eventually arrive at the spot that You believe will help you to stop the Admoderor family's lord and lady from crossing into Faerghus lands. The Blue Lions spread out along the border.
Magnolia: Alright… This is what we should be doing. Over there, you can see the edge of Goneril territory. The land is split between Faerghus and Leicester, but I suspect that the Leicester side has already fallen.
Luciana: That would make sense, and it would explain why they were coming to us instead of simply crossing the border through Goneril territory… Raithius and Novalee are incredibly thorough in their efforts, it seems.
Reese: Look over there… It seems to me like we've already found the people who are causing us so many problems in the first place. I somehow doubt that anyone else would come here at this time.
You see what Reese means when a group of figures shifts on the horizon. You instinctively slip into a defensive stance, ready to fight back as soon as the command comes from Magnolia to begin the battle.
Magnolia: Alright, everyone. This is what we've been preparing for, and I think that we're ready for it. Come on, Blue Lions! It's time for us to charge!
You survey the battlefield at Magnolia's words, and You see that a large group of soldiers surrounds the lord and lady of Admoderor territory. There are too many guards for You to count, and You suspect that getting through the soldiers will be the difficult part of the battle to come. You make a mental note to do what You can to keep them from breaching Goneril territory for the sake of not letting them escape. Goneril territory seems to be far more difficult to invade, and keeping them out is at the heart of your victory.
When the battle begins properly, the following dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: Lord Julian and Lady Antoinette of House Admoderor… This is your only warning! If you cross over into Faerghus territory, you will be apprehended by my personal forces! I am the queen of Faerghus, and I refuse to allow you to enter my land!
Julian: If you won't give us the ability to pass through freely, then we'll simply have to charge through you!
Antoinette: I wouldn't be so bold when you won't be able to stand in our way!
Magnolia: If you think that I'll be pushed around so easily, then you're about to be seriously let down. Then again, I suppose it matters little. You've stated your intentions, and I'm going to make sure that you face consequences for your actions and words. Alright, everyone! It's time for us to charge!
The fight starts to rage around You, and the Blue Lions press onwards alongside You. They fight with incredible strength, and You note that they are able to defeat many of the soldiers from Admoderor territory with ease. They have grown quite a bit, and the previous mission has bolstered your strength enough to make this battle far simpler than it otherwise would have been.
After three turns, the following dialogue plays out as the camera shifts to Julian and Antoinette.
Julian: They're far better at this than I suspected…
Antoinette: It matters little. We have to find a way to get through to them.
Julian: You're right. Everyone, full speed ahead! Charge through anyone that you have to, and kill the queen if you get the chance.
The battle progresses despite Julian and Antoinette's demands, and Magnolia grows far more aggressive because of their threats. Your forces continue to push forward for quite some time until a new interruption cuts off your progress from the next battle.
At the start of turn five, the following dialogue plays out as Raithius and Novalee appear on the field.
Raithius: Well, it certainly looks like we're going to be able to catch up to them now.
Novalee: You're lucky that our other comrades decided to take care of the lingering business involving the other houses so that we could pursue them…
Raithius: You can't get through life without relying on luck at least a little bit, Nova.
Novalee: Of course… Hold a moment. Look over there.
Raithius: Would you take a look at that? The army of the Blue Lions… It's good to see that Magnolia still has everything under control around here.
Novalee: Let's try to push through to her side of the fight. We can defeat our foes along the way.
Raithius: You read my mind. Shall we, my love?
Novalee: Really? Teasing at a time like this?
Raithius: It keeps things interesting.
Novalee: Fine… Come on.
You press closer to Julian and Antoinette. Soon enough, You engage in combat with them alongside the Blue Lions.
If You initiate combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Julian: You shouldn't interfere with our attempts to escape. By standing up to us, you have asked to die. Allow me to be the agent of the goddess that sends you to your grave!
If Magnolia initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: I do recall that I warned you to not trespass into Faerghus territory.
Julian: You're stronger than I thought you would be. Look at how many soldiers you've defeated.
Magnolia: You'll be next. You missed out on the chance to surrender, so I'll finish this battle here and now.
Julian: Let's see if you have the ability to keep pace with me!
If Aestlyn initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Aestlyn: You… Why are you staring at me this way?
Julian: You're from House Aster, are you not…?
Aestlyn: So what if I am?
Julian: You shouldn't even be alive…!
Aestlyn: What are you-
Julian: I was hoping that you would die alongside your family five years ago.
Aestlyn: Wait… Did you-?!
Julian: Perhaps.
Aestlyn: You… You monster! You die here and now!
If Adeline initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Adeline: Father… I was hoping that we wouldn't cross paths this way.
Julian: You're on the wrong side of this conflict, Adeline. Come with me. There's still hope for you.
Adeline: You made your choice, and I did the same thing. I won't be betraying my values now.
Julian: If you insist… Then fine. I'll simply have to show you why you shouldn't stand up to me in the first place.
Adeline: You may have pushed me around in the past, but you won't succeed now! I refuse to allow you to slip away this time!
If Luciana initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Luciana: You shouldn't have come here. I'll make sure that you don't cross into Faerghus territory no matter what.
Julian: You shouldn't get in my way.
Luciana: I could say the same to you. Step away or face the consequences.
Julian: I think I'll chance it.
Luciana: Your mistake then.
If Raithius initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Raithius: Bet you didn't expect to see me here, huh?
Julian: What are you-
Raithius: Chasing after you. My subordinates are taking care of the last pieces of necessary business within the Alliance. This was a bit of a personal matter for me, so here I am.
Julian: Tch…
Raithius: Now, let's end this swiftly, alright? I have other business to be taking care of, after all.
If Novalee initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Novalee: You escaping was the one thing that we couldn't have seen coming… But it doesn't matter now. You fall here and now.
Julian: You're awfully confident for someone so young and inexperienced.
Novalee: And yet, I managed to catch you in spite of this.
Julian: You won't succeed in this battle.
Novalee: If you say so… We'll simply have to see.
If anyone else initiates combat with Julian, the following dialogue plays out.
Julian: If you're going to stand in my way, then I'll dispose of you by force! It's your decision!
When Julian is defeated, the following dialogue plays out.
Julian: I… I can't die here… I deserve… Better than this…
If You initiate combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Antoinette: I never anticipated that the leader of these forces would be so young… But it doesn't matter. Your age is unimportant when compared to the skill at my disposal. You will fail today regardless of your previous accomplishments. Consider that a promise.
If Magnolia initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Magnolia: You're making a mistake by doing this, you know.
Antoinette: You have no room to talk when it comes to mistakes. You're too young to understand how to rule.
Magnolia: And yet, I still must. I'll defend my people no matter what, even if that includes striking you down.
Antoinette: We'll see if you have the strength.
Magnolia: Try me.
If Aestlyn initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Aestlyn: Your family holds the Crest of Noa…
Antoinette: You have the same power, don't you…? You must be from House Aster.
Aestlyn: What of it?
Antoinette: I didn't realize that you were even still alive. I thought everyone had died… And rightfully so.
Aestlyn: You… You killed my family, didn't you?!
Antoinette: Personally? No. But I did give the order.
Aestlyn: You won't get away with this! I'll kill you myself!
If Adeline initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Adeline: Mother… I was hoping that it wouldn't come to this.
Antoinette: Why are you on the side of our enemies? Adeline, you should be over here!
Adeline: No.
Antoinette: What?
Adeline: You never let me control my life before, but it's my turn to make choices now. I know where I belong, and it isn't with you.
Antoinette: How dare you! After everything that we've done for you… You still have the audacity to betray us?!
Adeline: You never did anything for me. You did things to me. Now, I'm going to do something to you as well… Goodbye, Mother.
If Luciana initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Antoinette: Let us through. I can spare you the following fight if you do that much.
Luciana: I promised I would defend the border, and I meant it.
Antoinette: Bold claim to make. Do you have the power to back it up?
Luciana: We'll simply have to see.
If Raithius initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Raithius: Surprise! I'm here too.
Antoinette: Why are you here?
Raithius: I had to chase you down. Did you really think that I'd let you get away so easily? You're pinned on two sides now.
Antoinette: You should have sided with us. It would have made things easier for you.
Raithius: I know where I stand, and you're much the same. Now, let's fight for those ambitions.
Antoinette: This is one battle that you have no chance of winning.
Raithius: We'll simply have to see how it all unfolds then, hm? Let's get to it.
If Novalee initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Novalee: You truly thought that you would be able to get away from us without any consequences?
Antoinette: You shouldn't have followed us here.
Novalee: A living being always lashes out with most strength when it's been cornered… Am I correct?
Antoinette: You should have stayed where you belong: the gutter.
Novalee: Unfortunately for you, I managed to rise above. And now, I'll show you just how much this gutter rat is capable of.
If anyone else initiates combat with Antoinette, the following dialogue plays out.
Antoinette: It wasn't meant to end this way, but I suppose that it doesn't matter. I'll defeat you either way!
When Antoinette is defeated, the following dialogue plays out.
Antoinette: No… We were so close… We're destined for greater things than this…
After the battle draws to a close, You stand with Magnolia and the other Blue Lions.
Magnolia: Everyone, go and survey the area. Make sure that none of their soldiers managed to escape. I doubt that anyone made it to Goneril territory, but it's best to be safe rather than sorry. We'll meet up again soon to discuss our next move.
The Blue Lions disperse, but Luciana remains at Magnolia's side as Raithius and Novalee approach.
Raithius: I didn't think that I would find you here of all people. I heard that you had taken up residence in the monastery.
Magnolia: I decided to step outside of my comfort zone. Plus, I heard that a few nobles from your territory were trying to make a run for the Kingdom. It was the least I could do to help.
Novalee: We greatly appreciate your assistance. We were worried that they were going to get away from us, so we had to make some… Less than favorable decisions in order to track them down.
Raithius: We sent all of our other comrades off to take care of other issues and came here on our own. The Alliance has nearly entirely been taken back from the influence of Malice now thanks to our combined efforts.
Luciana: We've heard as much from the Kingdom. It's nice to know that you're making so much progress in saving your country from the influence of our enemies.
Magnolia: We wanted to stop the nobles that had run away from you before they could end up in Goneril territory. We haven't managed to defeat the Goneril family on our side of the border.
Novalee: We took care of the fighters on our half recently, and there shouldn't be any members of the family left aside from yours truly. The Faerghus side is a different story, but I trust you to handle it.
Luciana: Other matters have simply been interfering with our ability to take on such an issue, but we'll get there soon enough.
Magnolia: If your work is finished in Leicester though… Does this mean that Malice has been eradicated?
Raithius: For the most part, at the very least. There are still a few things for us to round off before we can officially say that we're ready to move towards other endeavors.
Luciana: I had a feeling you were going to say that… I wish that there was more we could do to help you at the moment, but we have other tasks to handle ourselves.
Novalee: You don't need to worry about it. In fact, I believe that we'll be able to take care of what's left on our plate soon. That will give us more than enough time to offer you aid as well.
Magnolia: That would be amazing… We still have more to put up with than you would expect. At the very least, we've made significant progress in unraveling what's left.
Luciana: Our primary task as of now is to find the commander of the forces found within Faerghus so that we can defeat them. We'll be able to take care of that later on.
Novalee: It's good to see that you were able to help us in defeating the members of House Admoderor though. We did our best to cut off their escape routes by occupying the space along the border between Leicester and Almyra, but there was only so much that we could do before they decided to make plans to head in your direction.
Magnolia: It seems that it worked out for everyone then… How much do you have left to do in Leicester?
Raithius: Oh, not much… We do want to help you to defeat House Goneril on your side of the border though. We'll make plans within the next moon or so to offer assistance in that task. How does that sound?
Luciana: We'll be sure to keep in touch.
Novalee: As much as I would like to stay here and keep talking, we have other places to be. We need to make sure that nothing has happened in our absence.
Raithius: Ever the paranoid one, Nova… Still, you do have a point. We'll have to leave now, but we'll tell you if anything happens so that we can head in your direction. See you later.
You watch as Raithius and Novalee leave, and You turn to face Magnolia and Novalee.
Magnolia: Overall, I would say that this mission has been a success.
Luciana: We should do what we can to prepare for a march on House Goneril then. If we're receiving his aid for that fight, then we'll want to have a plan in place for when he reaches out to us.
Magnolia: Of course. I think that we should head back to the monastery as soon as possible to take care of that, as a matter of fact.
Luciana: Perfect. I'll do what I can to gather everyone, and then we'll head back. We shouldn't linger here any longer than we have to so that House Goneril doesn't grow bold enough to attack us now. That would be a recipe for disaster.
Magnolia: Agreed.
In the hours that follow, You and the other Blue Lions head back to the monastery. You manage to keep from getting caught by the soldiers of House Goneril, meaning that You do not have to fight them off. By the time that You arrive back at Garreg Mach, night has fallen, and You find yourself walking tiredly to your room. Seraphine manifests beside You after You arrive at your destination.
Seraphine: Perfect… Everything seems to be coming together. After we defeat House Goneril, we'll be able to focus our attention on the commander behind the enemy forces. Plus, we might wind up with the alliance of Raithius and Novalee, whether it be temporarily or permanently. I can't wait to see what could come of this.
You nod and say that You agree before remarking on how tired You are.
Seraphine: I was going to say that if you didn't say it first. Come on. Let's get to sleep.
You nod and lay down for the night. As sleep claims your body, You find yourself flooded with relief that the mission went well. You accomplished your objective, avoided the wrath of House Goneril, and made an alliance with Leicester. You can feel the end of the war arriving sooner than ever, and You hope that peace feels as perfect as You are already starting to imagine…
Rendezvous next week!
-Digital