Here's the next chapter, doing the rest of Partitio's final chapter and the rest of the Mother route of the third chapter of Throne's story. Though I plan to handle Roque a bit differently than in-game, I'm ultimately going to follow the canon events, mostly.

Disclaimer: Octopath Traveler II was created by Square Enix, as well as its characters, locations, etc.

Justice Vs. Compassion

Roque boarded his Steam Tank and aimed its canon at Partitio, who swiftly dodged. Priscilla and Osvald cast spells at the canon, greatly weakening the weapon while Hikari and Alistair struck at the Glacis Plate, barely affecting the Obsidian.

"Heh, useless" Roque started to repair the canon while using the Smokestack to unleash a poison attack which narrowly hit Ochette and Priscilla. Castii administrated an antidote to the Huntress and the Prosecutor while Partitio narrowly avoided being run over as the Obsidian nearly rolled into him, the merchant countered with jab of his spear, barely denting the Steam Engine.

Hikari powered himself with Shadow's Hold, taking care not to lose himself as he strikes repeatedly at the Glacis Plate, heavily damaging it. At this, Roque used Steam Whistle to unleash a hot wave of energy the party, blasting them back. Temenos healed the group while Alistair and Partitio struck at the Steam Engine.

"Surely you are starting to regret crossing us, Mr. Brilliante" Alistair taunted"Your steam engine is no match for us."

"I regret none of the actions I have taken to achieve my aims" Roque retorted"Except for Partitio, that is. He was too dangerous a foe, I should have squashed him a long time ago. Back when that he and that little town were withering away!"

"I am grateful to you, Mr. Roque" Partitio said"Because of you, I experienced poverty in a way I never would have dreamed of. It helped me to realize the truth: That things that are of value deserve to be shared! I don't quite know how much of a difference I can make, but I plan to share the wealth and make the world a happier place. That's what being a merchant means to me!"

"You ignorant, gullible churl" Roque shook his head"That dream's a fool errand, Partitio. Sell off such useless ideals and learn from history! No matter the era, it is the wealthy, the powerful who are deserving to define the course of history!" With that, he made quick repairs to the canon, glacis plate and smokestack, attacking with a vicious wave of dark smoke, blinding the group. Castii and Ochette quickly administrated herbs to everyone. The canon fired at Alistair, who narrowly dodged.

"We need to finish this, quickly" Osvald grunted"We can't withstand that mechanical monstrosity's assault, forever. Hikari, Alistair, Ochette, you take out the Glacis plate, I will disable the canon. The smokestack should be no trouble for you and Priscilla, Partitio. After this, we hit the main engine with everything we've got. Temenos, you and Castii stick to healing everyone when necessary.."

"That ought to wrap things up nice and pretty" Temenos commented.

Partitio fired an arrow at the Smokestack, followed by a thunderstrike from Priscilla, heavily damaging is. Roque countered by rolling the steam engine at the two, pushing them back. Alistair and and Hikari cross slashed the Glacis Plate, followed by a powerful claw and arrow combo, courtesy of Ochette and Akala. Osvald cast a barrage of icewind, heavily damaging the canon.

"What? Impossible" Roque started to try to repair the damaged parts.

Priscilla and Osvald hit the main engine of Obsidian with powerful thunder and fire spells while Agnea hit Roque with a Ruinous Kick, disrupting his repair work. Hikari and Alistair struck hard at the Steam Engine, followed by arrows from Partitio and Ochette.

The combined assault caused the Steam Engine Obsidian to buckle and collapse from the combined assault, Roque was forced to evacuate the engine as it caught fire. Partitio looked at his former mentor with a serious expression"You're finished, Mr. Roque."

Roque sighed deeply, the weight of his regrets hanging heavily in the air. "This is the first time something has ever slipped through my fingers," he muttered, a sad resignation in his voice. As he reflected on his past, the memories came flooding back. "It all started with one measly pocket watch," he began, his eyes glazing over with the memory. "I saw it one day, glittering through a shop window. I wanted it more than anything else in the world. I spent countless hours working as a Bootblack, saving every coin, until I could finally afford it."

He paused, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "But the moment it was mine, I felt a deep, gnawing dissatisfaction. I soon set my eyes on another trinket, and then another. This cycle continued, each new acquisition leaving me emptier than before. At some point, I stopped caring about how I came by the objects of my desire."

Priscilla, sensing the vulnerability in Roque's confession, felt a twinge of sympathy. "I detest criminals," she said softly, "but through my mother, and through Osvald, Throne, and Temenos, I've come to realize that things aren't always black and white. I became a prosecutor because of my father, but I suppose I'm not so different from you, or even my uncle, Sylas, as much as I loathe to admit it. I believe you can be rehabilitated, Mr. Briliante."

Roque blinked at her words, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes. Yet, he shook his head slowly, resignation settling over him. "It's too late for me," he murmured. "There came a day when I realized I no longer cared for money or myself. I was lost, consumed by my desires, and nothing could fill the void. I became a shell of a man, driven by a futile quest for satisfaction."

Partitio stepped forward and extended his hand to Roque, a determined look in his eyes. "Mr. Roque, you've got skills and experience that can be put to better use. How about you join me in making the world a better place? Together, we can build something great."

Roque stared at Partitio's hand, a flicker of hope sparking in his eyes. He took a deep breath, then grasped Partitio's hand firmly. "I... I accept. Maybe it's not too late for me after all."

Just then, Sabrina, accompanied by a handful of guards from Clockbank and a man in a Clockbank Constable Captain uniform with blond hair, blue eyes, goatee, and a mustache, approached. The Princess of Vella walked over to Roque, her gaze firm. "Did you come to your senses, then?"

"I have," Roque nodded. "Princess Sabrina, correct? I cannot apologize enough for my behavior earlier, and that goes for all of you."

Sabrina nodded thoughtfully. "My initial opinion of you hasn't changed, Mr. Briliante, but if you seek to make amends, perhaps your punishment for whatever corruption you have wrought will be alleviated somewhat."

The Constabulary Captain stepped forward. "I apologize for the delay, Lady Priscilla. Can you fill me in on what transpired?"

"Yes, Captain Alex." Priscilla explained the situation to the attentive Constables.

Captain Alex looked thoughtful as he heard the entire story. "So, Mr. Roque Briliante attempted to murder an innocent merchant, and the Prince of Ku, along with several others. And he was party to the troubles I hear were plaguing Oresrush?"

"I don't deny it," Roque stated. "Captain Alex, I am ready to atone for what I did."

"Everyone deserves a second chance, after all, long as there's still good in 'em," Partitio grinned, then turned to Alex. "Captain, I don't suppose we can let Roque off with Community Service? He wasn't a bad sort, just misguided."

"That is a matter we should discuss in a court of law," Captain Alex replied. "Princess Sabrina, though we of Clockbank do not answer to Vella, I respect the heck out of Chief Prosecutor Edwin, King Lorian, and Vella's Justice Minister Lian as we worked together in the foreign Legal Exchange of Attorneys. Archduchess Carolyn would understand if you wish for Mr. Roque to be judged by Vella's laws. Will that be satisfactory?"

Sabrina nodded. "You are in the clear to arrest him, Captain. But it's only fitting for him to be tried in the courthouse at Clockbank."

Roque wasn't surprised when he heard this. "Before I go, Captain, I want to finalize my agreement with Partitio and grant him the rights to my steam engine, and for him to claim ownership of my factory."

"Very well," Alex nodded, stepping back to wait.

Roque looked at Partitio. "Shall we, then?"

"Thank you, Mr. Roque." Partitio and Roque took the time to finalize the trade agreement. The younger merchant then asked, "Your talent is still mighty great, in spite of your crimes. If the court can be convinced, how would you like to be my business partner?" He offered his old mentor a silver coin.

"We'll have to wait and see. I don't know what the judge will say, so hold on to your coin until then." Roque replied, though he was grateful for the offer.

"Captain Alex, could you let Judge Richardson know that I shall prosecute?" Priscilla asked.

The Constabulary Captain nodded. "Certainly, Lady Whiteshore. I daresay this will be the first time in a while that you were present in one of Clockbank's courtrooms. And in spite of the scale of his crimes, Mr. Briliante will have the right to an attorney. If he doesn't have a defense lawyer, the court shall assign one to him. The rest of you may attend the trial if you wish."

With that, the constabulary arrested Roque and took him to their ship. Priscilla, Alistair, and the rest of their group returned to the Grand Terry, while Ori and a few other curious journalists accompanied Captain Alex and his squad.

Nathan, Throne, and Scarlet navigated the dimly lit corridors, the cold stone walls reflecting the echoes of their footsteps. The air was thick with tension as they ascended the spiral staircase leading to a platform. An archway stood at the top, with a bell swaying gently in the breeze. Tied to the bell was a young woman with dark hair and clothes, her face pale with fear. Speaking to her was a middle-aged woman with flowing blonde hair and a crimson dress, a sadistic smile curling her lips.

"My dear Mira, let me tell you a little fairy tale," the woman said in a deceptively sweet voice, her eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "Which you must know, now that you are a true snake."

"A fairy tale?" Mira asked, her voice trembling with confusion and dread.

The older woman smiled, her expression turning sinister as she held a whip. "A prelude before the real fun starts." She began to whip Mira, her movements deliberate and ruthless. "Once, there was a man and a woman who were in love with each other. But they were a prince and princess of enemy kingdoms. It wasn't long before war broke out between them. So they decided to run away, together."

Throne stepped forward, her voice cutting through the air. "It's been some time, Mother, dearest."

Mother turned her attention to the purple-clad assassin, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "Oh, there you are, Throne. And you brought guests, how quaint."

"Mother, or should I say: Eustacia, I am Scarlet, you might be familiar with Red's mercenaries," Scarlet introduced herself in a similarly deceptive tone. "And this is Nathan, we represent Lord Walden of Verandell."

"Oh, yes, the Crimson Sun, I heard of you," Mother said, her tone laced with sarcasm. "What a pretentious lot. The Blacksnakes are so terribly close to wanting a turf war with this Walden fellow. And you dragged Throne into this, too, I see."

"I came of my own volition," Throne retorted, her eyes flashing with determination. "And you knew I was here, then?"

"Of course," Mother nodded with a smirk. "It's not every day we get a new sister at our orphanage, after all. As for Red's mercenaries, you could say I heard a rumor or two. Bunch of pathetic amateurs who pulled a job, and their leader was sent to a rather cold prison for his trouble. Scarlet, dear, you are Red's daughter, then?"

"I am," Scarlet nodded. "And if it's a turf war the Blacksnakes want, you should know that Father guy already died at Throne and Nathan's hands. That organization soon will be nothing, once you are dead and gone, Eustacia."

"Do not address me so casually," Mother hissed as a couple of her aides hurried onto the scene. "And you say Father is dead? How awfully convenient. I would be rid of Throne already if she wasn't so dearly protected and cared for by him. And I heard of you, Nathan Whiteshore. Percival would have been a rather painful thorn in the Blacksnakes' side if your father hadn't framed him. My thanks to your father, incidentally."

"You know about that scandal with my family being broken up like that?" Nathan asked, his voice filled with scorn. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised, it was a rather big deal. But reminders of that so-called bitter, jealous genius get my goat. You're playing a dangerous game, getting me riled up all of a sudden."

"Don't let her push you, Nathan," Throne told him firmly. "She is quite good at psychological manipulation." She then turned to face Mother. "You have a certain key that I need to attain my freedom. And for that, I would gladly face you, Mother."

"Oh, ho," Mother laughed, her voice dripping with malice. "You are indeed grown, how lovely." She brandished her whip as her aides came to stand by her. "But now, I suppose it's time for a nice, very long nap. With Father gone, you no longer have his protection. How sad."

Throne readied her dagger, her eyes steely with resolve. "You will not make a mockery out of him. My feelings for Father were already complicated as it is. Get ready to die, Mother."

The two aides rushed towards Throne, only for Nathan and Scarlet to engage them in battle. Throne dodged as Mother lashed at her, striking back with precision and skill. The clash of metal and the hiss of the whip echoed through the chamber. With a swift move, Throne wrapped the whip around her dagger and yanked it free from Mother's grasp.

Scarlet danced around her opponent's attacks, cutting him down with her sword. Nathan toyed with his adversary before ultimately striking him down.

Throne walked over to the now disarmed Mother, her voice cold and determined. "Now I will have the key, and your life."

"Wait, no!" Mira protested, her voice filled with desperation. "I don't care how many times Mother whips me! She is the only person who was ever nice to me!"

Scarlet shook her head at Mira. "Sorry, sweetie, but your dear mum needs to pay for her crimes."

Mira only glared at Scarlet in disdain.

Throne walked over to Mother and swiftly cut her down, taking the key. Nathan untied Mira from the bell and used a healing grape to heal the girl.

"Too easy," Scarlet commented.

Throne picked up the key, her expression resolute. "We're finished here."

"What should we do with the child?" Nathan asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Scarlet sighed, her eyes briefly softening. "She'll be all right, hopefully. We have bigger fish to fry."

Nathan frowned, uncertain. "Are you sure?"

Throne stepped forward, her gaze steady. "The orphanage still has personnel who can look after her and the other kids. They will be better off without Mother's influence. Let's go."

As they turned to leave Mother's Garden, Mira stood there, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and anger. Her eyes followed the departing group, her heart heavy with conflicting feelings. She couldn't bring herself to forgive them for killing Mother, the only person who had shown her any kindness, twisted as it was. Driven by a simmering need for retribution, she silently decided to follow them, unsure of how she might take revenge, but determined to find an opportunity.

The following morning, in Courtroom 5 of Clockbank's local courthouse, Priscilla took her place at the Prosecutor's bench, ready for the trial to start. Roque stood at the defendant's stand, while Osvald, Hikari, Partitio, Ochette, Alistair, and Sabrina sat in the gallery.

Temenos approached the witness stand, ready to testify. Ori stood in one corner of the courtroom, taking notes, while another Scrivener prepared to testify after Temenos.

Judge Richardson, a man with brown hair and a stern expression, presided over the trial. "The trial for Roque Brilliante will soon commence. But first, where is your attorney, Mr. Brilliante?"

"I expected no defense lawyer would take my case, given my attempt on Partitio's life was witnessed by several people, Your Honor," Roque replied resolutely. "So I declined the offer."

Alex, standing nearby, added, "Your guilt is clear, and your willingness to accept your impending guilty verdict is admirable, but are you sure you want to proceed without representation?"

"That won't do," Priscilla interjected. "Without a defense lawyer, it's easy for someone to get wrongfully convicted." She addressed the gallery, "Would anyone care to be Mr. Brilliante's attorney?"

"Shoot, I'll gladly do it," said Partitio, stepping forward.

"You're still as naive as ever," Roque shook his head. "And you are a merchant, not a lawyer."

"I know, Mr. Roque. But I want to help ya' as much as I can," Partitio replied. "How about it, Judge?"

Judge Richardson raised an eyebrow. "A merchant acting as a defense lawyer? Unorthodox, but given the short notice, I can make an exception. Your name, please?"

"Partitio Yellowi, Your Honor. I recently took over Mr. Roque's company," Partitio introduced himself.

The judge nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Mr. Yellowi. This circumstance is indeed unorthodox, but I will allow it. Does the defense understand the full context of this case?"

"Yes, Your Honor," Partitio affirmed.

Judge Richardson turned to Priscilla. "Is the prosecution ready?"

"Yes, Your Honor," Priscilla replied, then turned to Temenos. "I apologize for dragging you into this. I know you are an Inquisitor, not a detective."

"It was no bother, darling," Temenos winked. "It is my duty as an Inquisitor to bring the truth to light."

"Now then," Judge Richardson tapped his gavel. "Court is in session for the trial of Mr. Roque Brilliante."

Temenos began his opening statement. "As some of you may not know, I am Temenos Mistral, Inquisitor of Flamechurch. Mr. Brilliante gave Mr. Partitio Yellowi a rather difficult time with the oppressive situation in Oresrush. Additionally, Mr. Brilliante attempted to kill me, Prince Hikari, Priscilla, Osvald, Ochette, Castii, and Agnea with a large steam engine/tank hybrid to avoid fulfilling his contract with Partitio."

The gallery murmured in disapproval, some glaring at Roque.

"Pop," Ochette whispered to Osvald, "Prissy said this is a trial, right? What exactly is going on?"

"Just watch, you'll get the idea," Osvald replied gently.

Judge Richardson, with a stern look, addressed Partitio. "Does the defense have anything to say?"

"Yes, Your Honor," Partitio replied respectfully. "I can't deny that Mr. Roque tried to kill me and oppressed Oresrush, but I believe he was misguided and let his desires go to his head. His guilt is clear, but I think he regrets his actions." He paused, then added, "Wow, never thought I'd be good at this lawyering stuff."

"Your statement certainly leaves no room for objection," Priscilla acknowledged. "The prosecution would like to call its next witness, a Scrivener." She looked toward the corner. "And there is a perfectly good one taking notes on the trial."

"Yikes!" Ori exclaimed, gripping her notebook.

"Captain Alex, bring the witness forward," Judge Richardson instructed.

Alex escorted a reluctant Ori to the witness stand.

"Seriously? Why did you do that?" Ori demanded of Priscilla.

"My apologies, but I thought you'd provide valuable testimony. Temenos's words were sound, but I'd like your input," Priscilla replied.

Ori sighed and put her notes away. "Never imagined you'd be a tough prosecutor, Whiteshore. How did you know I was in the corner?"

"You were just barely being subtle. Your testimony, please," Priscilla requested.

Ori took a breath. "Good day, everyone. I'm Ori, a Scrivener for Clockbank Times. I wasn't there during the fight, but Roque tried to weasel his way out of his contract with Mr. Yellowi. He didn't want to give up his precious steam engine."

The gallery and judge's expressions grew even more unfavorable toward Roque.

"The prosecution rests its case," Priscilla stated. "Does the defense have any objections?"

"No, I guess not," Partitio replied. "But I have a recommendation for the judge. I want Roque to be my business partner." He looked at the judge. "I understand Mr. Roque needs to be held accountable, but could you reduce his sentence to a few years and community service? It's only fair he gives back to those he wronged."

Judge Richardson was surprised. "A rather unusual request..." He pondered. "Given Mr. Roque's age and apparent remorse, I suppose I can show some leniency. I may not share your forgiving views, Mr. Yellowi, but you seem a good judge of character. So be it. Mr. Roque Brilliante will serve five months of community service after a year of solitary confinement, and he will be under supervised probation."

A juror stood in shock. "But Your Honor, the punishment must fit the crime—"

"Order!" Judge Richardson banged his gavel. "My decision is final. Consider this a warning, Mr. Brilliante."

Roque was taken aback. "I find this a lenient punishment compared to my crimes, but I am grateful for this second chance."

"Court is adjourned." The Judge banged his gavel for the last time as Captain Alex began to escort Roque to prison.

Priscilla, Temenos, Osvald, Ochette, Partitio, Hikari, Agnea, Alistair, and Sabrina headed out of the courtroom.

"Seeing you at work in the courtroom for the first time was a remarkable opportunity, my dear," Temenos said flirtatiously to Priscilla.

Priscilla blushed at her boyfriend's comment. "I do my best. And I must admit, the old me probably would have ensured that Roque got exactly what he deserved. But then, I remembered your insightful words about Nathan, Temenos."

"I wouldn't have blamed you either way in Roque's case. He brought this upon himself," Temenos said sagely.

"I agree," Osvald said as they kept walking.

Priscilla then addressed Osvald, "Do you know anything about the Lumina? I'm still thinking about what Harvey said, regarding the possibility of being part of the Lumina Clan."

"A little bit," Osvald replied. "Elena is part of their bloodline through her late mother. I curse myself for not seeing that that was why Harvey got close to me, but then, the madman was good at hiding his true nature."

"The power we used in our fight with Harvey hasn't manifested in me for a while, though," Priscilla said as she kept walking. "If I am a Lumina clan member, would it be through my father or mother, I wonder? And would that make Nathan part of their lineage if my mother was part of the Lumina?"

"The world is full of possibilities," Alistair chimed in. "We should wait until we can find the time to visit Lady Vanessa and ask."

"You're right," Priscilla nodded.

Partitio picked this moment to speak. "I'm gonna tag along with you guys for a while longer. It's the least I can do to thank you for helping me and Mr. Roque. It's gonna take time for me to draw up plans for the steam engine to be used for transportation and other potential business ventures."

"That would be an honor," Sabrina said, pleasantly surprised. "Are you sure, though?"

"The rest of the company's bigwigs can get along fine without me and Mr. Roque for a while, I think," Partitio replied. "So yeah, I'm sure. Plus, I'm kind of wondering how Throne is doing."

"Throne strikes me as a resourceful person. I imagine she's fine," Priscilla responded thoughtfully.

"I bet you're right," said Partitio as the group returned to the Grand Terry to sail back to the eastern continent.

That's it for this chapter, got something planned for the next one to wrap up Throne's story while continuing Temenos, Agnea and Hikari's.