Still mostly talking in this chapter, but Caeden and Serenoa will meet up. Probably not going to have Frederica show up until next chapter at the soonest. And I'm thinking on whether to have Daren become a full-blown antagonist or just a plain anti-hero who will slowly warm up to Serenoa. I also have a certain character in mind who will eventually make an unexpected appearance, later on.
Disclaimer: Triangele Strategy and its characters were made by Square.
Liberation of the Grand Norzelian Mines
The bulk of the early afternoon was spent in quiet contemplation as Serenoa finished the day's paperwork before going into the throne room of Whiteholm Castle to wait for Benedict to arrive with the Scales. Roland, Cordelia, Hughette and Maxwell joined him, soon after.
"How was patrol?" The consul asked Hughette.
"Quite well" Hughette replied, affably. Even with Roland having given up his station as king and become Minister of Salt, the Hawk Rider had continued to serve as Roland's bodyguard whenever he went between the Salt Mines, the Source and Whiteholm.
"All is well on my end" Maxwell told Serenoa"I just conducted a training session with some of the new soldiers."
"Good to hear from you both" Serenoa nodded"Did Roland and Cordelia inform you and Hughette of what we discussed earlier?"
Hughette nodded"Yes, he even suggested that Maxwell and I begin making preparations in the event a decision to cast aside the Teachings of Hyzante was made. I'm sure you remember that I was disturbed at the idea of abdicating rule of Glenbrook to Hyzante, but it was still my duty to support him."
"I was quite surprised, judging from the state of Norzelia as of now" Maxwell responded"Most of Glenbrook's current military strength comes from not only the soldiers of House Wolffort, but from inexperienced boys and men whose passion outstrips their skill. As of now, they'd stand little chances against the might of the forces commanded by Ministers Kamsell and Exharme if we are to break away from Hyzante."
"That does not surprise me" Serenoa commented"But I'm sure that there are ways we could bolster our strength."
The group waited silently until Benedict came into the room, accompanied by Anna, a certain Shieldbearer and a dark-haired white mage. The old tactician looked at Serenoa.
"I brought the Scales with me as you requested, Lord Serenoa" Benedict stated"I had Erador and Geela accompany me on the way, here." He placed the Scales of Conviction on a table.
"Thank you, Benedict" Serenoa nodded.
"I knew of the rumor from overhearing a couple speaking of the Sect while on a prior visit to Wolffort Village" Geela added"I can't say that I was surprised that you learned of it, too. Anna is as efficient as ever, I see."
"I was simply doing my duty" the Wolffort Spy said.
"So, Lord Serenoa" Erador said in his usual, booming tone of voice"I am hearing correctly that you want to help Lady Frederica?"
"That is what we are to discuss, Erador" The Consul nodded"Today, yet another difficult choice is to be made, right here and now, with the Scales. As you all may know, a rumor was going on about a strange sect that is preaching about Centralia. Roland, Cordelia and I believe that the person leading this sect is Frederica."
Geela nodded, thoughtfully"I knew that the leader of the sect had to be Frederica, I heard that she has been struggling with getting the truth out regarding Hyzante's deception and the existence of Centralia. I hadn't originally intended to speak to you of this, due to the rather difficult problems that would be present if you decided to intervene. And the rumors of Centralia's existence and the true history of Norzelia weren't being taken at face value, by most."
"She is certainly persistent, if not foolish" Benedict grunted"Even with the precaution she supposedly took to avoid being arrested under the new regime, Frederica is putting her life at stake. And to be blunt, Lord Serenoa, you may find yourself on the brink of Hyzante declaring you a heretic and sentencing you to death."
"I am well aware of that potential scenario" Serenoa nodded, resolutely"As all this was the result of the decision to hand over the Salt Crystals to Hyzante, we should ask ourselves: Should we help the Sect, and in doing so, risk the ire of the Heirophant and possibly plunge Norzelia into yet another war as a result? Or do we do nothing, which potentially would leave Frederica to her fate if Kamsell or Exharme catch wind of her attempts to counter the teachings of the Goddess?"
The rest of the group present talked among themselves for the better part of a minute before Benedict chose to make himself heard again"So, you intend to help Frederica to free the Roselle after we had all but discarded any chance we had of doing exactly that by siding with the Saintly Seven?" He was incredulous, and very frankly concerned about their chances"Then perhaps you should have chosen my plan and sided with Aesfrost when you had the opportunity."
"Benedict is right, our chances as of now are not ideal" Anna pitched in.
Roland put on a twisted grimace at the mention of Benedict's original proposal for how they would handle the Salt Crystals, he still wouldn't have sided with Gustadolph if they had a second chance to decide what should be done with the Salt Crystals.
"But I'm sure we can still turn things around" Serenoa insisted"I'm sure there were a fair few among you who didn't approve of the idea to give the Salt Crystals to Hyzante, which would not only prolong the suffering of the Rosellians, but also would mean abetting the lie that Hyzante uses to control the Salt Monopoly and the Roselle." He looked at the old tactician"Benedict, what were your original thoughts on the matter, regarding our decision, back then? And would you support the idea of going against Hytzante's teachings, now?"
"Roland's plan, however flawed, did ultimately benefit most of the populace" Benedict replied after a moment's hesitation"We do not have the means to penetrate the Goddess Shield, the risk may be far too great. And frankly, if I must speak my mind, it was rather hypocritical of Roland to refuse to put aside his grudge against Aesfrost for the greater good when he didn't 't believe my plan to be for the greater good."
"Frankly, Benedict, I don't think either of us were taking the Roselle into account. Though your plan probably would have ultimately freed them, I suppose" Roland pointed out"And I believed up until today that my plan would be what was best for all of Norzelia."
"Erador, what are your thoughts?" Serenoa asked the Shieldbearer"While it may be more practical to not do anything, I feel we should help Frederica."
Erador grinned"If helping Lady Frederica and fixing our mistake from last year if what you want, Lord Serenoa, then I'm all for it. Besides, I think its what Lord Symon would've wanted." He then frowned"As for what happened in the last war, the idea to abandon the Roselle and let Hyzante take control over everything had left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I could never bring myself to abandon you."
Serenoa thought for a second, then turned to Frederica's former attendant"Geela, while it would cause chaos in Norzelia once again, what would you say to helping Frederica? And did you think our choice to hand Hyzante the Salt Crystals was a mistake? Because it might still be possible to overthrow Hyzante's teachings."
The White Mage nodded, thoughtfully"While Roland's plan benefited the majority of Norzelia's populace, it also disregarded Frederica's feelings on the matter and further doomed the Roselle to their fate. If that wasn't enough, a lot of people who spoke against Hyzantian rule were sent to the mines for their trouble. Just as Frederica has followed her heart, Lord Serenoa, I'd wholeheartedly encourage you to do the same. If that doesn't tell you anything, my sympathies lie with her. Plus, I spoke with Ezana, Narve, Corentin and Medina the other day."
"How are they faring?" Serenoa asked, curious.
"They are currently staying at what was the Roselle Village, they felt that they'd be able to enjoy the most freedom possible under your governance as Consul of Glenbrook and had nowhere else to go once Hyzantian rule had spread to the entire continent" The white mage, replied"I'm sure they'd want to assist Frederica if they can."
"Anna" Roland addressed the spy"Do you agree with what Serenoa is suggesting we do?"
Anna remained unflappable in her response, she was honestly feeling undecided on what they should do and was resigned to going along with what everyone else elected to do as usual"Whether there is a chance that Frederica will be discovered by the Heirophant and be executed, or we choose to aid her and quite possibly invite death unto ourselves, there is no easy solution."
"Even still, I very much would rather go down with a clear conscience" Serenoa replied, then looked at the princess"Cordelia, while I already know where you stand, do you believe that we should help Frederica?"
"Of course" Cordelia nodded"But I will leave the decision to you and whatever the majority of us decides to vote on."
"Ser Maxwell, what are your thoughts on the idea of helping Frederica?" Serenoa asked"I want to aid her if I can."
"To some, the idea of plunging Norzelia back into chaos for one woman would be ludicrous, but" Maxwell replied with a small smile"If that is truly what you and Roland want, then we shall protect Lady Frederica if the majority of us wishes it."
"Hughette, what are your thoughts? I think we should help Frederica, even though it may make things difficult for Glenbrook" Serena asked the Hawk Rider.
Hughette frowned"I am of the same opinion as Benedict, casting aside the Goddess's teachings presents great danger, the Heirophant won't take it, lightly. We do not have many allies who we can turn to."
"I know that Sect would seem to be our only potential allies since Aesfrost is all but destroyed, but I am sure that there are still some people, such as the prisoners in the Norzelian mines who do not agree with the Heirophant's policy" Serenoa argued"It wouldn't be the first time we faced seemingly impossible odds and came out alive." He still remembered when they fought General Avlora and protected Roland from Aesfrost instead of turning him in.
Hughette nodded, thoughtfully"It sounds like you might already have an idea to get us through this difficult endeavor. All right, I will consider it."
Benedict handed Serenoa six of the tokens of conviction"I kept these along with the scales in pristine condition in case House Wolffort ever had a need for them again. I shall cast my vote, which leaves you to hand out the remaining six."
Serenoa nodded, gratefully"Thank you, Benedict." He proceeded to give the remaining tokens to Roland, Cordelia, Erador, Geela, Anna and Hughette before speaking further"I believe I know where most of you stand in this matter, but once you made a decision, place your token."
Cordelia approached the scales, turning"I'm sorry, Roland. But I can't ignore it when people are suffering and when an old friend of ours is placing herself in great danger." She placed her token in one of the three empty scale plates.
Roland approached next"You needn't apologize, Cordelia. As Minister of Salt, I decided I may as well try to improve the Roselle's situation, which we can't do peacefully." He placed his token in the same place as hers.
Geela stepped forward next"Serenoa, I decided that I shall trust you on this." She placed her token in the same spot before stepping away.
Hughette walked over to the scales and placed her token right in with the others'"This may be a battle we can't easily win, but I will support Roland as always." She stepped away for the next person to cast their vote.
"It is a reckless idea which poses great risk, but as you say, Lord Serenoa, it may be feasible to lessen the risks, somewhat" Benedict stated"Just be aware that we may not get many allies in this endeavor." He placed his token with everyone else's, knowing that its futile to vote for staying out of the sect's affairs at this point.
Anna placed her token"I place my faith with you, Lord Serenoa."
"Yours is a noble cause, Serenoa" Erador boomed"I say we go for it." He placed his token with everyone else's.
As soon as everyone stepped away, the scales tilted left, the other two plates being empty. Serenoa announced"Its been decided. We will assist the Sect as they work to free the Roselle and expose Hyzante's lies."
"I shall draw up contingency plans, then" Benedict stated, though he was still unsure about the idea of trying to expose Hyzante's false teachings for what they are"As for Frederica, we do not know where she is., we will need to find her."
"She may still be somewhere in Glenbrook" Geela supplied"She wouldn't dare to venture to the desert where the capital of Hyzante is under the present circumstances, and Aesfrost lies largely in ruins, so she'd have no reason to go there, either."
Serenoa nodded and turned to the Hawk Rider"Hughette, fly your hawk around the old Falkes Demense to see if she's there."
"Consider it done" Hughette nodded. You don't see many bald-looking young people in Norzelia, so spotting Frederica ought to be easy in her opinion.
"Then I shall scout the former Telliore Demense" Anna volunteered.
"I will personally search the Wolffort Demense with some soldiers" Geela stated.
"Then Roland and I will try to inspire the prisoners in the mines to revolt against Hyzante" Serenoa stated.
Just then, a Whiteholm soldier entered the throne room"Consul Serenoa! Minister Roland! Suspicious figures were spotted at the Grand Norzelian Mines!" He cried.
Roland turned"What? An attack? Do you know who is responsible?"
"I have no idea, but they seem to be remnants of Aesfrost" The soldier reported"Several bandits were among their number as well."
Roland was shocked, Aesfrost was destroyed, they shouldn't be able to reorganize, especially not after only a year"Does Aesfrost want to get into our hair, again? Why would they attack now of all times?"
"I don't know, we don't even know if Aesfrost has re-surged, or if they are simply seeking to reestablish somewhere" The soldier replied"My best guess is that they want to cripple Hyzante's economy by seizing the mines."
"Something tells me that it is not that simple" Serenoa said"Ready my men, I shall go and investigate the remnants and ascertain what their goal is. I am sure that that Frederica would never allow for needless violence, so I doubt that it has to do with the sect."
"Take me with you" Roland suggested, he still had a job to do in overseeing the mines.
Serenoa nodded and left with Roland to investigate the mines. Maxwell, Erador, Cordelia and a handful of former Glenbrook soldiers accompanied them. Near the entrance, a Hyzantian guard was conversing with a man in an Aesfrosti soldier uniform and an older man in a Aesfrost captain's uniform with dark brown hair.
"The mines are off-limits, you can't go in without permission" The guard told the soldiers.
"We just wanted to share some tidbits of information with the prisoners, that's all" the younger soldier insisted"My name is Caeden."
Serenoa's group hid behind a rock formation as they tried to discern what is going on.
"Oh? Is it that Centralia nonsense I heard that some delusional nun is spouting about?" The Hyzantian guard sneered.
The older soldier smiled, wryly"How do you know if it's nonsense? If you don't let us in, I suppose I'm going to have to get rough with you."
"What!?" The Hyzantian guard exclaimed, feeling threatened.
"Captain, I'm not sure I'd do that" Caeden butted in, uncertain if they really should be foisting their way in.
'So, they're with the Sect, then? I better step in' Serenoa thought as he came out of hiding"Hold."
"Consul Wolffort" The relieved guard greeted him"What brings you here?"
"We have reason to believe that Aesfrost remnants are at large" Serenoa replied.
"What?" The guard asked in disbelief.
The Aesfrosti captain snorted"With the Iron city in ruins, Aesfrost is all but decimated. I, Caeden and a scant few others, along with a simple border village are all that is left of the Duchy. And what is it to you, Consul of Glenbrook?" He asked, condescendingly"I am Daren, a former captain of the once-proud Aesfrost army."
Roland felt his blood boil for a moment, he still hadn't forgotten about Aesfrost's transgressions under Gustadolph's rule. But for now, he would follow his friend's lead.
"A pleasure to meet you, I am sure" Serenoa told Daren, politely"I cannot apologize enough for what befell your country and the needless death of Lord Svarog. But Minister Roland and I are seeking to improve the state of things, here. Perhaps we can come to an agreement."
"As if I would listen to what a Hyzantian dog has to say" Daren spat, turning to walk away.
Caeden, who had kept silent until now, looked at Serenoa"I don't have it in me to forgive what happened to Aesfrost, either. But I think if you really want to help to make things better, I guess I could let you in on a secret or two after I get the prisoners of the mines outta there."
"Heretic" The Hyzantian guard drew his blade"You shall not undermine-"
"Enough!" Roland firmly told the guard"My comrades and I have things under control, we will deal with this man after we are done inspecting the state of affairs in the mines. You are to inform Minister Kamsell that I am personally dealing with a group of rebels that are on the march to the mines and ensuring that no prisoners escape."
"Yes, Minister Roland" The guard replied"Will you require reinforcements?"
"That won't be necessary" the Salt Minister replied.
As the guard took off, Caeden commented"Smooth words there, Minister."
"I don't know how long Kamsell will remain fooled by this" said Roland with a small smile"But we ought to have enough time to convince the prisoners to rebel against the Goddess's Teachings."
"I am of the same mind" Serenoa nodded in approval"It might even be feasible to make it seem as though an ordinary group of bandits or rebels raided the mine so that we don't attract suspicion unto ourselves."
As the group headed into the mines, Serenoa addressed Caeden"So, are you with the Centralia Sect, then? You and Captain Daren certainly didn't hesitate to confront the guard from earlier while trying to enter the mine."
"Actually, I was told to keep an eye on Daren" Caeden shrugged"And why do you ask?" He said politely so as not to upset Serenoa or Roland.
"Frederica is risking herself, she is my former beloved" Serenoa explained with a hint of regret in his voice"When my companions and I decided to go with Roland's plan to side with Hyzante, a decision which abandoned the Roselle to their suffering, she left due to our conflicting convictions."
Caeden thought about this for a moment, a mix of anger and disbelief swelled within him as he took a deep breath before finally letting it out"You know... Lady Alexandra told me about you, Lord Serenoa. The heck were you and King Roland thinking, disregarding those who were suffering from Hyzante's phony teachings!? My homeland was destroyed because of you."
Roland placed a hand on Caeden's shoulder, feeling a twinge of guilt"That is enough, but I know how you feel. I felt the same way after Aesfrost invaded Glenbrook and murdered my family and almost killed Ser Maxwell. If you must kill me for causing you to suffer from the loss of your homeland and loved ones through my plan to hand over Glenbrook to Hyzante, then so be it."
The former Aesfrost soldier took a moment to calm down"That won't undo the damage your stupid plan caused, Roland. Though I have to admit I needed to vent, you both had good intentions, right?"
"I wouldn't quite put it like that after the pain I caused Frederica" Serenoa admitted"I don't expect you to forgive me for my part in deciding upon that terrible plan, Caeden. But I swear it on my father's grave that I will make amends for my and Roland's mistake."
Caeden smiled softly"That's all I can ask for. I may not know all the details of what happened between you and Lady Aesfrost, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind you helping us out in overthrowing Hyzante's phony teachings."
"And where do you suppose Daren went off to?" Maxwell chose this moment to speak"Weren't you to keep an eye on him?"
"I don't know, but he was just as ticked off about what happened last year as I am" Caeden admitted"I hope that he'll realize that you and King Roland were only trying to do what is best for Norzelia." Truthfully, he had an inkling that Daren is up to something, but with House Wolffort on his side, Daren will have another thing coming if he tries anything.
Serenoa smiled softly"I hope so, too. Though I can't blame him for feeling the way he does."
"And if Daren tries anything, we should be able to overpower him" Maxwell added.
The group continued further into the mines until they reached a tunnel where several Roselle and other people who had spoken against the teachings were being put to work. In a corner of the chamber, in a makeshift cabin, a certain Apothecary was tending to the sick and injured.
One of the guards in the vicinity greeted the group"Consul Serenoa, Minister Roland, what brings you here?"
"Business, Captain Carth" Roland replied"Is everything going smoothly?"
Captain Carth nodded"Yes, my lord. And who is your latest companion?"
"Caeden" the former soldier replied"I came to share some interesting tidbits that you and the prisoners might wanna hear."
"What is this about?" One of the prisoners turned from where he was mining"Oh, Lord Serenoa."
One of the Rosellians, Jerome turned"Lord Serenoa." His voice contained little more than disappointment in the former lord of House Wolffort"I see you decided to turn up, what is it this time?"
"Jerome" Serenoa stepped closer"I am sorry that I didn't have the courage to defy Hyzante, let alone King Roland. But I can assure you that I came to set things right. A Sect has arisen to attempt to set you and the other Roselle free, and to counter the falsehoods of Hyzante's teachings."
Jerome was pleasantly surprised"Truly? But even if what you say is true, it is a bit late for that, no?"
Captain Carth looked at Serenoa in disbelief"I thought you had a little more sense than this, Lord Serenoa. Are you betraying the Heirophant?"
"I wouldn't expect you to understand" The Consul replied, grimly"But you must know that the very foundations of which Hyzante built their teachings were nothing but falsehoods. The Roselle are innocent, their forefathers wanted to share the salt crystal pillar, not hoard it. The blessings of the true goddess lie not just within these mines, but also in Centralia, the original homeland of the Rosellians."
The rest of the guards and the prisoners were astounded to hear this, but the majority was more skeptical than anything about what Serenoa just said. Captain Carth stepped forward"Minister Roland, do you agree with him?"
"No" Roland said, he had seen this coming and therefore came up with a strategy"Ser Maxwell, let's take out the trash."
To the guards' surprise, Roland rushed one of them and killed him. Maxwell darted about the area, taking down two more guards. Serenoa darted at Carth, who narrowly dodged and tried to strike back. Serenoa parried with his sword and countered with a double slash, driving the guard captain backwards. Several more guards attempted to join the fight, only for Roland and Maxwell to intercept them.
"Please, lay down your sword, I am merely doing my duty" Carth begged, realizing that he is outmatched by Serenoa's superior swordsmanship.
"Your loyalty is clear to me, Captain Carth" Serenoa replied, somberly"We both know very well how blunt the Heirophant is on the subject of traitors. You would go and inform Minister Idore, wouldn't you?"
Carth nodded, grimly"You and Minister Roland had my respect for how kind and just you are, Consul. I don't want to have you die for this, but I cannot defy the Heirophant, either."
"And while we are at it" Caeden stepped forward"Prisoners of the Norzelian Mines, I came with a message from the Sect. Or, well, Captain Daren did, but I didn't want any bloodshed. Centralia, the very birthplace of the Roselle and a greater source of Salt truly exists. The Goddess's teachings were nothing but falsehoods. If there is a true goddess, I believe that she wouldn't have wanted you all to undergo such needless suffering and pain."
The miners, Rosellian and otherwise, were even more surprised and murmured among themselves. A Rosellian spoke"How do you know this to be true, boy?"
"I believe so" Caeden replied with a smiled"Because Lady Aesfrost believes it to be true, she had a record of Lady Orlea's words regarding the falsehoods and the true blessing of the goddess. Anyone willing to uncover the Heirophant's lies and expose them and bring true equality and peace to all would be free to join us in our efforts."
The guards had stopped fighting for a moment to listen, they technically were loyal to Hyzante, but a few of them had their doubts about innocent civilians being put to suffer along with the Roselle, never mind that they never cared or had no idea that the Roselle were innocent of the sin they were "atoning" for. Carth took a moment to catch his breath before speaking"If what you say is true and we were to help in this endeavor, what safety can you guarantee us from the Heirophant's wrath?"
Caeden shook his head"I guess this is the part where you would throw stones at us, right? Lady Aesfrost had that happen to her quite a few times. I can't guarantee your safety, captain. But the Sect wants to succeed with as little bloodshed as possible."
"Did you say Lady Orlea?" Jerome asked Caeden"So, Frederica is still fighting for us Roselians as her mother did. It may be futile, but perhaps we could be of help to her Sect."
"Silence" one of the other guards tried to charge at Jerome, only to be intercepted by Maxwell. who knocked him backwards.
"That sounds like a lost cause, to me, so please allow me the honor of putting you heretics out of your misery" Carth commented"I spent my entire career as a proud soldier of Hyzante, and therefore am prepared to go down as a proud soldier of Hyzante! Even you, Lord Serenoa, will get no mercy."
With that, Carth ordered his remaining men to strike and lunged one last time at Serenoa, who parried. Caeden pulled out his own blade and cut down a Hyzantian guard while Roland and Maxwell fought off two more as best they can. Cordelia hung back mostly so that she can provide healing when needed. Another guard narrowly grazed Roland with an arrow, only for Erador to rush the archer and slam him with his shield.
Carth slashed again at Serenoa, who parried and countered with a slash, causing the captain to stagger. Caeden pitched in by knocking Carth to the ground, flooring him.
"What's going on?" A voice said as a certain Apothecary came onto the scene with a couple of the prisoners who had been overworked.
"Medina" Roland greeted her"Perfect timing, we shall explain everything, later. For now, I'd like you to patch up the wounded."
"All righty" Medina nodded"What about you?" She noticed a slight tear on Roland's shirt.
"I'll be fine" Roland assured her, he had a healing pellet on hand.
Serenoa turned to Medina"How are the overworked prisoners?"
"As fit as a fiddle. Honestly, I am just a bit surprised that you are here" The Apothecary commented.
Serenoa nodded and said"I'd like you to tend to Captain Carth's injury."
"Of course" Medina nodded, going to the wounded captain's side.
"Why?" Carth gasped, stunned that he was getting medical attention. The remaining guards and the rest of Serenoa's group had meanwhile stopped fighting, seeing that Serenoa had bested the guard captain.
Serenoa looked at the wounded captain with a serious expression"It would not do to permit a man who still has the potential to change to die. All I seek to do is help the Sect to bring true equality to all."
"Heh" Carth chuckled, bitterly"You are too kind, my lord."
"As for everyone who has spent too long as prisoners" Roland addressed the miners"We need every able-bodied man and woman we can get, for we are to cast off our false beliefs. I know this means Hyzante will engage in a bloody civil war with us against the joint forces of the rest of the Saintly Seven, but for too long, the lies of the Heirophant's "goddess" have gone abetted and unpunished." He looked at Serenoa and Cordelia for reassurance before continuing his speech"Will you cooperate with us as we bring the truth and true equality back to the people, including those I had callously abandoned!?"
Jerome stepped forward"I shall support this cause however I can, Minister Roland." He then looked at Serenoa with a very serious expression"Serenoa, do I have your word that you will truly set things right if at all possible?"
"You have it, Jerome" Serenoa nodded.
Several other men and women and a handful of Roselle stepped forward. One of the men addressed Serenoa"We knew there was still good in you and Minister Roland, yet, for you treated both us and the Roselle working with us, equally. We shall fight for you as best we can."
Carth sighed, deeply as he stood up after Medina finished treating his injuries"If this is truly your will, Consul Serenoa: Then I shall see it done to the best of my ability. Though some part of me still considers you a heretic for doing this, I still owe a debt of honor for your kindness."
"You need not feel indebted to me, Captain. But thanks" Serenoa replied.
"Some of you may want to resume working here so that Idore and his ilk don't suspect anything yet, though" Roland pointed out"Our next objective is to meet with Frederica and use Orlea's diary to reveal Hyzante's deception."
Medina walked over to Roland"I guess I'm coming with you, guys. Never felt right what we did last year, truth be told."
"Welcome to the cause, Medina" Serenoa smiled"I know its going to be difficult, but we will do our upmost to overthrow Hyante's teachings."
The group and some of their new allies headed out of the mines while others remained to continue mining the salt crystals.
And wrapping it up for now. As for Jerome's presence in this chapter, I decided to go with Serenoa having decided to defend the Roselle during the game's storyline, but was forced to put the Roselle to work at the mines after going with Roland's plan. If there are a few things that still don't make any sense, sorry, I've mostly been winging it.
Realistically speaking, not sure how Serenoa, Frederica and their allies would succeed in overthrowing Hyzante's teachings and revealing the true history to the continent, but I'm going to try to think on that.