Here's the second chapter in the novelization of Triangle Strategy. If I'm honest, I'm not feeling that motivated because the game itself starts off slowly n in the first three chapters. But then, it mostly focuses on the worldbuilding and introducing the various factions and some of its characters.
I'm debating on whether I should change the story a bit so that Dragan survives but can't effectively negate Gustadolph's pretext for war so that the general storyline still goes the way it does in the game. Then again, that would probably feel a bit weird as Dragan's death was all but stated to happen in the first demo of the game, so I feel compelled to respect the storyline. Plus, his survival would make this a slight AU rather than a faithful novelization.
But then Maxwell is technically an optional party member even though it was ambiguous as to whether he died in chapter VI or not and his survival is only revealed in a cutscene that unlocks when certain conviction parameters are high enough after a certain point in the story. Oh well. And I'm gonna have to deviate here and there or use youtube as a reference, because I can't seem to memorize every detail and piece of dialogue perfectly, despite knowing how the story goes. I could also play the game concurrently with writing the novelization, but it may or may not take longer that way. And I'm done rambling, here I go.
The Banquet
Frederica couldn't help but be a bit amazed as she accompanied Serenoa, Geela and Benedict to the mountain which was the location of Wolffort Village and Castle Wolffort itself, the town itself was built largely on the summit of the mountain that led to it. The group headed into the castle once they arrived at the village.
Once inside the main hall, a woman in her early thirties with white hair, a brown tunic, pants and a cloak greeted them"Welcome back, both of you" she said to Benedict and Serenoa.
"Was there trouble while we were away?" The tactician asked her.
"None" The woman replied"Unless you count Erador... But what else is new?" The man had no indoor voice and couldn't keep his mouth shut about certain subjects.
"Lord Serenoa, Benedict" A deep, boisterous voice greeted them next as a knight with grayish hair and goatee wearing armor over a yellow tunic and pants with boots came down the stairs of the entrance hall"Out with it, Benedict. I heard from one of our scouts that you and Lord Serenoa were beset by bandits as you went to the harbor, is everything all right!?"
"We are fine, Erador" Serenoa assured him.
"Good to hear of it" Erador smiled relieved.
"Pray keep your voice down, Erador" Benedict reprimanded his friend, annoyed"Or can't you see that it was largely you running your mouth that caused the trouble in the first place?" House Wolffort's Military commander did not have much of an indoor voice and couldn't resist blabbing to anyone outside the castle about Serenoa's upcoming marriage to Lady Frederica.
Serenoa took this moment to formally introduce his father's two other Retainers to Frederica"Lady Frederica, this is our scout and Benedict's right hand woman, Anna. And this is House Wolffort's Military Commander and Arms Master Erador."
"I am pleased to meet you" Frederica politely told Anna and Erador.
"So you're the future Lady Wolffort? No harm shall come to you if I have anything to say about it" Erador declared.
Geela couldn't decide whether she was impressed by the knight or not"My, his voice certainly carries."
"Well, I'm afraid you'll have to get used to it" Erador chuckled, the others laughed slightly at this as well.
"Though not by blood" Serenoa said to the Pinkette"I consider them a part of my family all the same, and as of today, so will you be considered a part of ours."
"I am honored" Frederica smiled.
"I believe you and Lady Frederica had best go speak with your father, Lord Serenoa" Benedict said.
Serenoa nodded and headed up the stairs with Frederica. The two of them entered the study where a middle-aged man in his fifties with brown hair, a mustache, a regal tunic and pants was waiting for them.
The younger noble greeted his father"I have returned, father."
The older man nodded, pleased"So this is Frederica of Aesfrost."
"Yes, my lord, I am Frederica Aesfrost, I am here to honor the arrangement between Glenbrook and Aesfrost" The pinkette bowed.
The older man, Symon chucked"Ha, ha, there's no need for formalities my dear girl. After all, you are soon to become a part of my family." His expression then turned serious"But there are some things you should be made aware of. And you must hear this too, my son."
"Yes, father" Serenoa nodded.
Lord Symon proceeded to speak"Although House Wolffort, one of the three High Houses is most known for our military prowess and we boast great influence and have served well in the Saltrion War, we of House Wolffort are no more than the Banner-men for the King himself."
"I understand" Frederica nodded"In order for our countries to form the strongest possible bond, it would have been appropriate for my sister, Lady Eirika to marry the crown prince of Glenbrook."
"Yet, you and Serenoa were arranged to be wed, you do know why that is the case?" Symon pressed.
Serenoa nodded in understanding, though he didn't like the prospect of putting Frederica in danger should relations between Glenbrok and Aesfrost go south"So if things go wrong and relations between our countries worsen, we could be cast aside like pawns."
"Exactly" Lord Symon nodded"It would to do tread lightly." He then bent over all of a sudden, coughing.
"Father!" Serenoa went over to his side.
"Lord Symon!" Frederica walked closer, worried.
Symon stood back up"I am all right. But, Serenoa, I would like you to host tonight's banquet in my stead."
"I will" Serenoa nodded, he knew from recent years that his father's health is declining.
The two younger nobles bid Lord Symon good night and left the room. Serenoa showed Frederica to one of the spare bedrooms, consisting of a basic bed, bookcase and a dresser. There was also a window with a view of the sky.
"I hope this room is to your liking" Serenoa said, awkwardly"But this is the best I can offer until the day we wed, Lady Frederica." His own room, honestly wasn't that much more luxurious, but it suited him well.
"Please, just call me Fredereica, Lord Serenoa" The half-Roselle said"We are to wed, after all."
Serena nodded smiling slightly"Then in this case, you can just call me Serenoa."
"Very well, then" Frederica said, feeling a bit nervous herself"And you need not concern yourself so much for my comfort, its perfect."
"I'm happy to hear that. Anyway, we need to get ready for this afternoon's guests" Serenoa headed back out, Frederica followed.
Earlier, Roland had returned to the castle, he knew that his father and older brother would be irritated to hear about his going out alone, but the young prince didn't think they'd care.
"Prince Roland!" A female voice greeted him as a young Kings guard who is around his age with dark hair, brown eyes, a brown tunic with matching gauntlets and pants came up to greet him"I've been looking for you, everyone was rather worried."
"I should doubt it" Roland replied, matter-of-factly"No one here would care if something happens to me, I am just the second born prince after all."
The guard, Hughette shook her head in disagreement"I would, was this why you did not tell me you were leaving the castle grounds on an excursion!?"
Roland shrugged"It was but a short excursion, besides those bandits who Serenoa and his betrothed fought were nothing."
"Yet, still, you should have informed me, did you forget that I am your loyal Retainer and bodyguard?" Hughette asked, pointedly.
"It won't happen again" Roland assured her.
"I should hope not" the Kingsguard member said, ruefully"So do you still intend to participate in the upcoming tournament?"
Roland nodded"Yes, Ser Maxwell will be there, and Serenoa. Are you telling me that you are coming to partake as well?"
"Of course" Hughette said"Wherever you go, I must accompany you as your father says that I must."
Roland couldn't argue with that, instead going back into the royal castle for the evening, Hughette followed him back inside.
Later on in the afternoon saw dignitaries from Aesfrost and Hyzante heading into Glennbrook for a celebration of the peace they had endured since the end of the Saltrion War and the grand Norzellian mine venture. Two of the visiting nobles, a young man with dark hair in black clothes with red cuffs and gloves and a woman with dark hair, tan complexion, a sleeveless vest with a tanktop and pants approached Castle Wolffort, the woman headed inside first while the man went to take a tour of the town.
Frederica, Serenoa, Lord Symon and Benedict came downstairs to greet the Dignitary from Hyzante. Two soldiers clad in blue and white accompanied the black-haired woman. Lord Symon greeted the Hyzantian ambassador"Welcome to Castile Wolffort, Minister Lyla. Allow me to express my gratitude to the Holy State, without you this venture would've never come to fruition."
Lyla, who is one of Hyzant's Saintly Seven and Minister of Medicine, smiled slightly, shaking her head"You are too kind, Lord Symon, for you have also played an integral role in this. I must admit however, that I was surprised by the news of the union of your son and Lady Frederica. I would have never imaged that a Bannerman of Glenbrook would have joined with Aesfrost's Ruling Family. I hear that Lady Frederica is the Archduke's half sister, how did this arrangement come to be?"
"Your curiosity is understandable" Symon replied"It was promised by the previous Archduke during the war. But truth be told, I'm surprised that one so well informed as you has not heard of this."
The woman then turned her attention to the younger man"And this is your son? As I recall..."
"Serenoa Wolffort, at your service, minister" the younger Wolffort nobleman introduced himself.
"And I am Frederica Aesfrost" said the half-Roselle.
"My son has much to learn" said Symon"But I believe that their union will bring about a bright future. For today, I intend to step down and hand over the reigns of lordship to Serenoa."
Lyla was surprised"You are abdicating your position? Surprising news comes in pairs, I see. But nonetheless, I'm happy for you both. I should imagine the lords and ladies of tonight's banquet will take great interest in this new lord, as will I."
Symon chuckled"Pray go easy on my boy, my lady."
Lyla nodded"And I take it that young Lord Dragon of Aesfrost is also in attendance?"
"Indeed" Symon nodded"He's been assigned to oversee the Grand Norzelian Mines. I understand his star in Aesfrost has seen a meteor rise."
"Good" The Hyzantian minister nodded"I do hope to hear more of the new explosive substance with which me means to blast the tunnels. For as a fellow scholar of sorts, in a different field that is, I'm always curious as to how new discoveries are made."
Symon looked behind Lyla"Hm. He should have arrived by now, has anyone seen him?"
"Dragan has gone to see the city" Frederica replied"He was halfway there when the gangplank landed."
"Ah" Lyla turned to Frederica"He's your cousin, yes? I see we share an innate curiosity for new places."
"I will go find him and escort him here, the banquet begins soon" said Serenoa.
"Our guests are the most esteemed personages of their respective nations, take care not to cause offense" Symon cautioned his son.
"Of course, father" Serenoa nodded, heading outside while Benedict introduced himself to Minister Lyla. The young lord headed into the village of Wolffort to look around, taking the time to speak with the citizens and see how things are faring in the village in general. Eventually, he found the dark haired Aesfrosti nobleman in a corner of the town.
Dragan greeted Serenoa as he approached him"Ah, good day to you. The town certainly is prosperous and has the upmost faith in their lord, quite an impressive achievement at my expense."
"You are too kind, Lord Dragon" said Serenoa, politely.
"Ah, my apologies, and you are?" The Aefrosti nobleman asked.
"The apology should be mine" Serenoa replied"I am Serenoa Wolffort. I came to remind you to return to the castle before the banquet begins, certain parties were quite insistent."
Dragan nodded"Of course. I appreciate the consideration, I should like to continue to explore the town a while longer, but rest assured that I shall be punctual upon my arrival."
Serenoa nodded, and continued to speak with the people for a while longer before returning to the castle. Later, at the banquet, Serenoa, Fredreica, Lord Symon, Benedict, Geela, Anna, Erador, a couple of soldiers and the visiting nobles were enjoying the night's meal and generally enjoyable each other's company. Dragan walked up to Serenoa"Thank you for your hospitality today, Lord Serenoa."
"Think nothing of it" The young lord assured him"Did you enjoy the city, Lord Dragan?"
"Quite" Dragon nodded"The people are full of life and love for their lord, that says what I need to know about House Wolffort."
"You honor us with your words" said Serenoa.
"I am only being frank" Dragan replied"Frederica is the sister of the Archduke after all, and my cousin, besides. I'd not see her married into an unworthy house, so suffice so to say, my expectations were exceeded." Dragan was one of the few members of the Aesfrosti family who treated Frederica well, despite her heritage.
"I've heard much about your ingenious contributions to the mining efforts" Serenoa spoke, he was impressed Dragan's ingenuity"I see that prosperous days are ahead of us."
Dragan nodded in agreement"As do I, our countries finally enter an age unfettered by war. With Glennbrooks's mediation, Aesfrost's iron and Hyzante's salt, there's no limit to what we can achieve. As such, as must regard each other as equals and forge mutually beneficial relationships."
Lyla, who was standing nearby raised an eyebrow"I sense there's skepticism in your words, Lord Dragan, do you mean to imply relationships are not already mutually beneficial?"
"I need not imply anything" The Aesfrost noble assured her"The salt tax you claim makes my my case more than clear."
"Bold words from one so young, is this how peers address each other?" Lyla asked, pointedly.
"Perhaps the young ones, yes" Dragan said, returning his attention to Serenoa"What are your thoughts on this, Lord Serenoa?"
Serenoa bowed his head, choosing his answer with care"Disagreements with the Salt Taxation was the cause of the Saltrion War, was it not?"
"Salt is a divine boon" Lyla cited, referring to a part of her homeland's teachings"A blessing to the true believers by the Goddess. That is the foundation of the teachings of Hyzante." She then asked in a stern tone"Do you mean to gainsay our fundamental beliefs by allying with Aesfrost?"
"Of course not, minister" Serenoa replied"We understand that the source is the sole supply of salt in Norzelia. We would not deny that its the holy state's right to harvest and tax it as they see fit."
"Thank you for acknowledging that" Lyla spoke more calmly"Though it strikes me that your words are measured..."
"You need not be so noncommittal, Lord Serenoa" assured Dragan"Its only natural we'd all have differing opinions on the matter. However, that's all the more reason for us to be open for us to have frank discussions."
Serenoa had a bad feeling that he had just about toed a line, Dragan was calm and collected, but Minister Lyla was a hard woman to read, yet she was a bit offended at his statement regarding the cause of the war.
Fortunately, his father stepped in"Honored guests, pray forgive my son. We of House Wolffort are simple warriors, politics and finances do not come so easily to us. I can say, however, that we will fight justice and tyranny wheresoever it may be. We do not enjoy conflict, but still we will not hesitate to defend our land and our people whenever we must. No matter the threat, we fight for home and kingdom."
"Yes, Lord Symon, we are keenly aware" said Minister Lyla.
"I apologize if I spoke out of turn" said Lord Dragan"However, the fact remains that with every winter that passes, tensions rise between our nations with salt being the cause. The common folk have all but forgotten the taste, I simply wish to end their suffering."
"The Ministry I oversee is committed to the preservation of life" Minister Lyla stated"I personally believe that salt should not be a luxury solely reserved for the highly privileged view. All those who live require it, not just those who are born within the borders of our holy state."
Dragan gave her a blank look"You agree with me, then?"
Minister Lyla shook her head"How I feel matters little. In Hyzante, the word of the goddess, as conveyed to us through the Hierophant, is absolute. But perhaps this mining venture may lead to the change you seek."
Symon nodded in agreement"Indeed, we must set our gaze to the future. All of us. I expect you to be the ones to usher us into a new era."
"Yes, father" Serenoa agreed.
Okay, cutting it off here. I hope it was okay, despite the lack of action. I felt I had to split the novelization of chapter 2 into two parts because of how long and complex the story starts off. I know I mostly copied the game's script, but Its probably the best way I can probably keep the canon characters in character.
After next chapter, I'm planning on doing the Hyzante route of the game's third chapter. As for Lyla, I personally have mixed thoughts on the character, given she is given very few redeeming characteristics as someone who at best hated what she was doing but did it anyway.
Next chapter will at least have a bit of action it it, because of the tournament.
