Chapter XVIII: Harden Thy Heart/Script

Chapter XVIII: Harden Thy Heart/Script
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Chapter XVIII: Harden Thy Heart/Script contains the script for all scenes from its respective chapter in Triangle Strategy.

War Chronicle Summary

Serenoa, the new king of Glenbrook, enters into talks with Gustadolph. The two nations form an alliance in order to free Norzelia from Hyzante's monopoly over salt, and their allied forces easily topple the Holy State's vanguard-no match for Benedict's cunning.

Chapter Opening

Narration

• Narrator: King Serenoa invites Archduke Gustadolph to Glenbrook in hopes of securing an alliance with the duchy.
• Narrator: Gustadolph accepts the secret invitation and makes his way to Whiteholm Castle.
• Narrator: However, the salt crystal deposits uncovered in the Grand Norzelian Mines are currently in the hands of Serenoa.
• Narrator: A meeting between the two great rulers comes with equally great risk.

Cutscene (Whiteholm Castle: Hall)

• Clarus: (SHARP) What is the meaning of this, Lord Benedict!?
• Benedict: It is as I said: the Kingdom of Glenbrook will cease all business with the Norzelia Consortium.
• Benedict: The related parties should leave Glenbrook immediately and any assets remaining shall be seized by the kingdom.
• Clarus: This is madness! Not only will you cut your ties with Hyzante, but the Consortium as well?
• Clarus: How do you intend to get your salt now?
• Benedict: You needn't worry about that.
• Clarus: ...So it's true.
• Clarus: Glenbrook has mined salt crystals from deep beneath the earth.
• Benedict: It is no business of the Consortium's.
• Clarus: You dare slight us after all we've done for Norzelia!? The post-war accords said that someone must ensure the fair distribution of salt, and so we did!
• Benedict: And we appreciate all your efforts.
• Benedict: However, King Serenoa has no need for the Consortium in Glenbrook.
• Clarus: The nerve of you people! Hyzante will never forgive such insolence!
• Benedict: Save your tears for the long road back home. The Consortium was only ever good for lining its own pockets.
• Benedict: Which is far from fair, as I see it.
• Clarus: ...I see now. House Wolffort wishes to see the Consortium eliminated in its entirety.
• Clarus: In that case, I will return to Hyzante as you said and report this outrage.
• Anna: Was it right to provoke him?
• Anna: Clarus may use his underground connections to stop us.
• Benedict: That was my intention. He will now bring disorder to Hyzante's unity.
• Benedict: More importantly, the new Norzelia truly has no need for the Consortium and its control over salt's distribution.
• Anna: The new Norzelia...
• Benedict: The world King Serenoa would rule. I have formulated a plan to bring about that new age.
• Benedict: But first, our negotiations with Gustadolph must succeed.
• Herald (M): Ser. Archduke Gustadolph's ship will be arriving any minute now.
• Benedict: Thank you.
• Benedict: The outcome of our negotiations hinges on King Serenoa's decision.
• Benedict: I must speak with him. Alone.

Cutscene (Whiteholm Castle: Throne Room)

• Benedict: The archduke will be here shortly.
• Serenoa: Thank you. Our future rests on these negotiations, doesn't it?
• Benedict: Have you read The Power of Salt?
• Serenoa: I have. Lord Dragan gave it to us before he died. It contains all he gleaned in his research on salt.
• Serenoa: I thought it might give us a clue as to how we can convince Archduke Gustadolph to aid us.
• Serenoa: I understand now just how much potential salt possesses.
• Benedict: Indeed. It is not merely a seasoning for food.
• Benedict: We have control over the salt crystal veins. We can use this to our advantage during negotiations.
• Serenoa: But this is Gustadolph we are dealing with. Pressure and intimidation will only cause him to bare his fangs.
• Serenoa: Negotiate poorly, and we will end up swallowed by the duchy in the name of Gustadolph's "freedom"...
• Serenoa: What do you think we should do, Benedict?
• Benedict: ...Before I answer, I would know one thing.
• Benedict: Is it your desire to monopolize the salt crystals, Your Majesty?
• Serenoa:
• Option 1: It is.
  • Serenoa: Of course. The salt vein is within Glenbrook's territory.
  • Benedict: That would make us no different than Hyzante.
  • Benedict: Gustadolph started this war to end their monopoly over salt.
  • Benedict: If we do the same, he will undoubtedly come after us as well.
  • Serenoa: So do you mean for us to hand it over?
  • Benedict: No. We will merely be used as pawns should we give him the salt crystals.
  • Benedict: Lord Dragan has given us the answer to this riddle.
  • Benedict: We shall use salt to bring about a free and prosperous Norzelia, greater even than that which Gustadolph imagined.
  • Benedict: If we can prove as much to the archduke, we can earn ourselves an ally in Aesfrost.
  • Serenoa: Does that mean you have a strategy in mind?
  • Benedict: It does.
• Option 2: It is not.
  • Serenoa: I have no desire to do so.
  • Serenoa: That would make us no different than Hyzante.
  • Serenoa: And seeing as Gustadolph sought to break the Holy State's monopoly, I doubt he would ally with us.
  • Benedict: But we will merely be used as pawns should we give him the salt crystals.
  • Serenoa: I have no intention of doing that either. Lord Dragan's answers shall guide us.
  • Serenoa: I will use the salt to bring about a free and prosperous Norzelia, greater even than Gustadolph could.
  • Serenoa: If I can prove that to him, I am certain he would join our cause.
  • Benedict: Precisely. You prove time and again you are worthy to stand atop the summit of Norzelia.
  • Benedict: I have a befitting strategy in mind.
• Benedict: Lord Serenoa, would you allow me to negotiate with the archduke?
• Serenoa: ......
• Serenoa: Very well. We must have him on our side.
• Benedict: And we shall.

Cutscene (Whiteholm Castle: Throne Room)

• Gustadolph: Most intriguing.
• Gustadolph: You once refused to bend the knee to me at this very spot, and now seek an alliance as King of Glenbrook.
• Serenoa: I could not have foreseen this moment either back then.
• Serenoa: Nor that you would have your own cousin slain after discovering the salt crystal veins.
• Gustadolph: I hope you aren't expecting an apology. Have we not usurped the same throne?
• Serenoa: I have not asked you here to discuss the past, but the future.
• Serenoa: I am certain you understand that taking on Hyzante alone is a fool's errand. We must unite if we are to stand a chance.
• Gustadolph: And you expect me to believe that one of the Saintly Seven wishes to defeat the Holy State itself?
• Serenoa: We must prevent Hyzante from gaining complete control over salt and consequently Norzelia. I even parted from a dear friend over it.
• Gustadolph: I see. I have no objections to overthrowing Hyzante.
• Benedict: Then let us begin the negotiations.
• Gustadolph: ...Silence! I am here to speak with King Serenoa, not his servant.
• Serenoa: I have given Benedict full rights to be here. Consider his words my own.
• Gustadolph: (CLOUD) Hmph. So the bird did not break free after all. His vassal opened the cage door...
• Gustadolph: Very well then. But allow me to make this clear:
• Gustadolph: If you wish for an alliance, you will give me the salt crystal veins. They belong to Aesfrost for having discovered them in the first place.
• Benedict: We cannot do that.
• Gustadolph: Then we have nothing to discuss.
• Benedict: Pray answer me this, Archduke. What do you intend to do with the salt?
• Gustadolph: People need salt to live.
• Gustadolph: But here in Norzelia, it is owned entirely by Hyzante and the Consortium. Their high taxes make it nearly impossible for some to obtain.
• Gustadolph: Once I defeat Hyzante, I will abolish both that abhorrent Consortium and its taxes, and allow free trade throughout the land.
• Gustadolph: I would ensure that any who desire salt receive their fair share of it.
• Benedict: That would make you the only one with control over salt. It is no different than Hyzante now.
• Gustadolph: I do not covet riches like they do! Under my rule, the people would have salt. They would finally have freedom!
• Gustadolph: This is the only future before us.
• Benedict: I beg to differ. We intend to make salt available to all.
• Benedict: Anyone will be able to obtain as much as they like for a modest price.
• Gustadolph: You would put control of salt in the hands of the people!?
• Gustadolph: To what end!?
• Benedict: To change the world with the potential residing within every grain of salt. For example...
• Benedict: Preserving foods with salt would make life and trade more prosperous than ever before.
• Benedict: Using salt in leather and glass crafting could create newer and better goods.
• Benedict: Farmers could give it to their livestock, and it could also be used in various medicines...
• Benedict: It can even be used in explosives.
• Gustadolph: How do you know about that!?
• Benedict: These are but a handful of examples. If we give the people access to salt, there is no telling how many other uses they may find.
• Benedict: Norzelia will enter a golden age of prosperity and her people will thrive like never before.
• Gustadolph: ...I did not take you for an idealist. I think we both know that the people lack the intelligence for innovation.
• Benedict: They just haven't been afforded the chance. But with the proper mechanisms in place, they can be taught.
• Benedict: I have already started work on a plan to make salt available over the course of several years.
• Gustadolph: Do not underestimate the people's greed. It won't be long before they turn on their rulers, intoxicated by the power of salt.
• Benedict: The very nation you sought to defeat feared the same and sought to control them with their Goddess's might.
• Gustadolph: Hmph...
• Serenoa: Archduke Gustadolph, I do not fear a free people. I wish to lead them, but will fight if I must.
• Serenoa: That is why I took this throne.
• Serenoa: I believe anyone who wishes to rule the new Norzelia should be prepared to do the same.
• Gustadolph: ...Tell me this: how did you know salt possesses such potential?
• Benedict: And I would ask you in return: were you unaware of it yourself?
• Benedict: It was all written in a book Lord Dragan gave us.
• Serenoa: It is the result of his extensive research at the Aesfrosti Archives.
• Gustadolph: Dragan... You mean to say it was the knowledge of one of my own?
• Gustadolph: (CLOUD) Had I made him prime minister, our positions would be reversed...
• Gustadolph: (CLOUD) ...So this is my punishment for seeing him killed.
• Gustadolph: Very well. Consider me interested in the future House Wolffort sees for this world.
• Gustadolph: As the Archduke of Aesfrost, I hereby swear my allegiance to your cause.
• Serenoa: You have our thanks, Archduke Gustadolph.
• Benedict: It is only a matter of time until Hyzante realizes what we are planning. Let us proceed to the war council.
• Gustadolph: Lead the way.

Cutscene (Whiteholm Castle: Gardens)

• Gustadolph: ...Glenbrook and Aesfrost have entered into an alliance. You and I are enemies no longer.
• Frederica: I am glad to hear it. Thank you for joining our cause.
• Gustadolph: Together, we will strike down Hyzante. For the Roselle as well.
• Gustadolph: I am sure your mother would have been happy to hear it.
• Frederica: ...Indeed.
• Gustadolph: Frederica. Do you resent me for attacking House Wolffort?
• Frederica: I have come to an understanding of what you hoped to accomplish.
• Frederica: Your duties as archduke outweigh your personal desires.
• Gustadolph: Precisely. I have no regrets for what I've done.
• Frederica: Neither do I regret standing against you, or slaying Erika and Thalas.
• Frederica: Not because I harbor personal grudges against any of you.
• Frederica: But because my eyes must look not to the past, but to the future.
• Gustadolph: King Serenoa said the same earlier.
• Frederica: It should come as no surprise, Archduke Gustadolph.
• Frederica: He and I walk the same path, hand in hand.
• Gustadolph: ...You've grown strong, Frederica.

Narration

• Narrator: The Kingdom of Glenbrook and the Duchy of Aesfrost enter an alliance, their combined forces led by Serenoa. Together, they set out to strike down the Holy State of Hyzante.
• Narrator: Sensing their movements, the desert nation summons Exharme's soldiers home from their march on the Grand Norzelian Mines to prepare for the arrival of the allied forces.
• Narrator: Though the walls around the Holy State have kept it safe for many years, it is now up to Benedict to discern how best to penetrate the Goddess's Shield.

Main Story (Whiteholm Castle)

Though the battle has yet to begin, Benedict has already made the first move against Hyzante.

Cutscene (Whiteholm Castle: Throne Room)

• Anna: ...Benedict. Have you finalized our plan of attack against Hyzante?
• Benedict: I have. We shall shatter the Goddess's Shield with Aesfrost's Deathsknell.
• Benedict: We can then storm the capital and take Hyzante. However, there is one problem that remains...
• Benedict: Transporting, placing, and firing the weapon will take a considerable amount of time.
• Benedict: So we must draw the Hyzantian army's attention away from the cannon until it is ready.
• Anna: But they might confine themselves to their castle rather than come out and fight us.
• Benedict: We must draw them out. We cannot allow them the opportunity to calmly scout about.
• Anna: Buying time against Minister Exharme's forces won't be easy.
• Anna: The damage will be great, even if we do succeed. Aesfrost cannot hope to triumph alone.
• Benedict: Which is why I have measures in place to ensure our victory.
• Benedict: Anna, did you send the letter like I asked?
• Anna: Yes. I sent an unsigned message to Minister Tenebris.
• Anna: It included details of his and Sorsley's illicit salt trade and their profitable underground arena.
• Anna: I also added that we would report it to the Holy One and enclosed a copy of the evidence I gathered.
• Benedict: Perfect. Tenebris will fear for his position and desperately look for any way to establish himself worthy of his seat.
• Benedict: And what of Clarus?
• Anna: As predicted, he has returned to Hyzante.
• Benedict: Clarus was master of the underground arena, and Tenebris his bookmaker.
• Benedict: Now the merchant needs someone in his corner and the saint needs a pawn...
• Benedict: With nowhere left to go, the two will join forces and be the ones to throw Hyzante's strategy into disarray.
• Benedict: They will do anything to defeat House Wolffort.
• Anna: I see. We should be able to buy time against their improvised army.
• Anna: But there is no guarantee it will work.
• Benedict: One last letter should be all the push that Tenebris needs.
• Anna: Another letter?
• Benedict: Signed by Prince Roland, asking for his aid in destroying House Wolffort, who stole his throne.
• Benedict: It lays out a plan in which Prince Roland will attack us from behind with his own army while we fight Tenebris in front.
• Anna: What!?
• Benedict: There is no reason for him to doubt it. I forged his handwriting and sealed it with the royal band.
• Anna: But how...?
• Benedict: I made an imprint of his ring when I took it to fake his death.
• Benedict: I thought it might come in handy someday.
• Anna: Benedict...
• Benedict: Everyone knows of Prince Roland and King Serenoa's disagreement. If Tenebris thinks he has a chance of winning, he will take it.
• Benedict: Even if the odds aren't in his favor.
• Anna: I understand, but does King Serenoa know?
• Benedict: No, he does not. He would not forgive me for using Prince Roland as such...
• Benedict: This was entirely my cunning.
• Anna: (SHARP) King Serenoa!?
• Serenoa: ...I heard everything.
• Serenoa: Your plan gives us the greatest chance of victory. I hereby order you to see it through.
• Benedict: Are you certain?
• Serenoa: I am certain there is no going back for us. Only forward.
• Benedict: ...As you command.

Narration

• Narrator: His decision made, Serenoa marches toward Hyzante, certain a victorious end will justify even the most underhanded means...
• Narrator: A letter forged with his old friend's name arrives in the Holy State, and all the pieces begin to move according to Benedict's plan.

Cutscene (Hyzante - City Streets: Residence)

• Tenebris: ...I see. So House Wolffort seeks to destroy not only Hyzante, but the Consortium as well.
• Clarus: Yes. They would bring ruin to the order of Norzelia we worked so hard to build.
• Clarus: Minister Tenebris, you must have the Holy One strike them down!
• Tenebris: But of course. House Wolffort must be punished for defying the Goddess.
• Tenebris: Were that I able to chasten them with my own hands. Alas, I am unfit to command...
• Tenebris: But you, Lord Clarus, are a master at assembling the mercenaries and ruffians in the underground arena.
• Clarus: It is only natural for a merchant to have knowledge of battle. He must protect his wares at all costs.
• Tenebris: How heartening it is to hear you say that! Now I am certain there is no other who could fulfill my request...
• Tenebris: Lord Clarus, I wish for you to serve me and ride to battle against House Wolffort. You may leave the issue of troops to me.
• Clarus: You wish for me to command your soldiers!?
• Tenebris: Our odds are more favorable than you think. You see, I received a letter from a certain someone not days ago.
• Tenebris: "Let us defeat the usurpers of House Wolffort together." Signed by King Roland himself.
• Clarus: King Roland? Truly?
• Tenebris: It has the seal of the royal family. I have confirmed it myself to be true.
• Clarus: So King Roland really was overthrown. Were I in his shoes, I would also want revenge against such traitors.
• Tenebris: He also wrote that he will spring a surprise attack from behind during the battle.
• Clarus: Oho! With King Roland on our side, House Wolffort won't stand a chance against us!
• Clarus: ...Have you spoke to anyone else of this, Minister Tenebris?
• Tenebris: No. You are the only one I wished to share this victory with.
• Clarus: I am happy to hear it. I will do all I can in your service.

Side Story (The Goddess's Shield: West)

Clarus joins forces with Hyzante to get revenge on those who humiliated him...

Cutscene (The Goddess's Shield: West)

• Clarus: When you said you would gather the troops, I had not expected cavalry, Minister Tenebris.
• Tenebris: It was the least I could do to ensure our victory. I leave them in your charge, Lord Clarus.
• Tenebris: Once you defeat Wolffort, a seat among the Saintly Seven will be left open.
• Tenebris: And I think none more fitting for that place as the minister of salt than you, Lord Clarus.
• Clarus: You flatter me, Minister Tenebris. I think your deeds this day may earn you the position of Minister Idore...
• Tenebris: Hahaha...
• Tenebris: (CLOUD) Yes. With this victory, I can erase the sins of my past...
• Exharme: House Wolffort is coming this way.
• Exharme: Are you sure you needn't any aid, Minister Tenebris?
• Exharme: I know you wished to lead the vanguard, but House Wolffort is not to be underestimated.
• Tenebris: Worry not, Minister Exharme. I have given Lord Clarus a certain path to victory.
• Clarus: Yes. You may rest easy.
• Exharme: ...Understood. Then I leave it to you.
• Tenebris: Let us watch Lord Clarus triumph over House Wolffort together.
• Exharme: (CLOUD) I pray for your victory. Even should you lose, the Goddess's Shield will protect us.

Exploration (Hyzantian Sands)

House Wolffort begins their feint attack to buy Aesfrost time to ready the Deathsknell and shatter the Shield.

Before Exploration

• Benedict: Archduke Gustadolph and Lord Svarog's armies have left with the cannon.
• Benedict: They should be able to sneak around the city's southern side and make the necessary preparations.
• Serenoa: Then let us make our move too.
• Erador: Finally. I'm ready for a fight!
• Benedict: Do not forget. Our objective is to draw the enemies' eyes to us and stall for time.
• Erador: I know, I know.
• Erador: We'll draw their forces to the western side of the Shield while Aesfrost readies the cannon to the south.
• Erador: And after they blast through the wall, we pour in and take the palace!
• Erador: ...Right?
• Benedict: Exactly. We must be cautious.
• Benedict: King Serenoa, please speak with the soldiers before we depart.
• Benedict: Hearing their commander's words will no doubt raise their spirits.
• Serenoa: I shall.

During Exploration

• Entering exploration phase:
  • Serenoa: We will make our stand against Hyzante's vanguard here.
  • Benedict: Erect the barricades! Solidify our defenses! We must not let the enemy win!
  • Serenoa: (CLOUD) The final battle with Hyzante is near... I must make sure we are duly prepared.
• Exiting exploration phase:
  • Serenoa: The Hyzantian army comes! Prepare for battle!
• Speaking with Benedict:
  • Benedict: We mustn't forget that we are merely acting as a diversion this time.
  • Benedict: We must bring down the enemy here first, to which end we have installed barricades.
  • Benedict: We won't have much time to rest between the battles that lie ahead.
  • Benedict: But we must do our best, for the glory of House Wolffort.
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Benedict: We must do our best, for the glory of House Wolffort.
• Speaking with Frederica:
  • If you surrendered the Roselle to Hyzante previously:
    • Frederica: When we handed the Roselle over to Hyzante that day, we swore that we would save them...
    • Frederica: If we topple Hyzante, the Goddess's Teachings will be no more, and we can free my people...
    • Frederica: I am ready, Serenoa. We will not lose to them.
  • If you protected the Roselle from Hyzante previously:
    • Frederica: If we topple Hyzante, the Goddess's Teachings will be no more, and we can free my people...
    • Frederica: I am ready, Serenoa. We will not lose to them.
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Frederica: I am prepared to fight for the Roselle at the Source. We will not lose to Hyzante.
• Speaking with Geela:
  • Geela: I was born in Hyzante. To say I had no reservations would be a lie...
  • Geela: But there is no place for emotions on the battlefield. I will do what I must to see this war to its end.
• Speaking with Anna:
  • Anna: The enemy knows this land better than we do. But there is nothing for us to fear.
  • Anna: We will stall them with defensive tactics, then cull their numbers. It should suffice, no matter who comes our way.
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Anna: We will stall them with defensive tactics, then cull their numbers. It should suffice, no matter who comes our way.
• Speaking with Hughette:
  • Hughette: I never thought I would be fighting an enemy without Prince Roland by my side...
  • Hughette: My apologies. I will focus on the battle ahead.
• Speaking with Erador:
  • Erador: It's an honor to spearhead the final battle, a feint though it may be.
  • Erador: I'm gonna give this one my all, on my honor as a Wolffort!
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Erador: I'm gonna give this one my all, on my honor as a Wolffort!
• Speaking with Wolffort Soldier #1 (M):
  • Wolffort Soldier #1 (M): I'd heard tales about the Saltiron War, but never imagined I'd be participating in a battle just as big.
  • Wolffort Soldier #1 (M): And to think we're up against Hyzante, the biggest nation of them all...
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Wolffort Soldier #1 (M): To think we're up against Hyzante, the biggest nation of them all...
• Speaking with Wolffort Soldier #2 (M):
  • Wolffort Soldier #2 (M): We've joined forces with Aesfrost to take down the Holy State...
  • Wolffort Soldier #2 (M): It's almost like the Saltiron War all over again...
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Wolffort Soldier #2 (M): This is almost like the Saltiron War all over again...
• Speaking with Wolffort Soldier #3 (M):
  • Wolffort Soldier #3 (M): We've erected the barriers just like Ser Benedict instructed.
  • Wolffort Soldier #3 (M): I really hope this works...
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Wolffort Soldier #3 (M): We've erected the barriers just like Ser Benedict instructed.
• Speaking with Wolffort Soldier #4 (M):
  • Wolffort Soldier #4 (M): Aesfrost is heading toward the Shield's southern side, steering clear of the enemy's eyes.
  • Wolffort Soldier #4 (M): It will take some time until they reach their destination, though.
  • On repeated conversations:
    • Wolffort Soldier #4 (M): It will take some time until the Aesfrosti army reaches the Shield's southern side.

Battle: Confronting Clarus (Hyzantian Sands)

Clarus leads the Hyzantian cavalry into battle, never knowing that he has already fallen into Benedict's trap.

Before Battle

• Clarus: House Wolffort, you will rue the day you spurned me!
• Clarus: Cavalry, prepare to charge!
• Hughette: The vanguard is led by Clarus of the Consortium.
• Serenoa: We managed to avoid a battle with their main forces, as intended.
• Benedict: Indeed. But their numbers are greater than I anticipated.
• Serenoa: Unfortunately so, but Clarus anticipates Roland coming to his aid and has likely let his guard down.
• Serenoa: This is a perfect chance to cull Hyzante's numbers.
• Benedict: With all due respect, Your Majesty...
• Serenoa: I know. I shan't let my guard down.
• Serenoa: This is the first battle of the war. We must demonstrate our might not only to Hyzante, but Aesfrost as well.
• Serenoa: Benedict, let the soldiers know of this battle's import.
• Benedict: I shall.
• Benedict: Warriors of Wolffort, listen well! This is more than a battle against the Holy State of Hyzante.
• Benedict: This is a battle against their salt monopoly, their Teachings, their Consortium! This is a battle against everything that keeps Norzelia chained to the past!
• Benedict: This battle will carve the way to a new era, one where we all have salt, and all are free!
• Benedict: And the leader of that new era will be none other than King Serenoa. Now, draw your swords!
• Benedict: (SHARP) For a new Norzelia! For His Majesty, King Serenoa!
• Wolffort Soldiers: (SHARP) For Norzelia!
• Serenoa: (SHARP) Soldiers, advance! Strike down the vanguard!

During Battle

• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: I shall put an end to House Wolffort's arrogance here and now.
  • Clarus: They will repent for stealing the throne.
  • Clarus: Won't those fools be surprised to see who has joined our side. Hahaha...
  • Serenoa: ...Clarus looks awfully confident. That can only mean he's fallen into Benedict's trap.
  • Serenoa: But we mustn't get cocky. We are up against the Hyzantian cavalry. Now charge!
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: King Roland's army will arrive any moment now...
  • Clarus: ...What is taking King Roland so long!?
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: Has something happened to King Roland? Where is he!?
  • Clarus: Could it be... Was this all a ruse by House Wolffort?
  • Benedict: Hmm... Clarus looks quite flustered.
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Serenoa: Reinforcements... Give them no quarter!
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Benedict: Clarus is well prepared. We mustn't let our guard down.
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Benedict: Clarus, I knew you would join hands with Hyzante.
  • Clarus: Once I defeat your lord, the last seat of the Saintly Seven shall be mine.
  • Benedict: ...You have yet to realize your strings are being pulled by another. What a fool you are.
  • Clarus: Enough! I shall be the victor here, not you!
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: Gck... I refuse to lose to filthy usurpers who wish to destroy everything the Consortium built!
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: You are a traitor, Serenoa Wolffort! With you dead, I will take my rightful place among the saints!
• Upon conditionunknown:
  • Clarus: Ngha... I never expected to be brought this low with Minister Tenebris's cavalry...
  • Clarus: I was played for a fool and lost my composure... I no longer deserve the title of "merchant"...
  • Clarus: So this is the end of our era...
• Upon Benedict falling in battle:
  • Benedict: Even the best plans...can go awry...

After Battle

• Anna: I am pleased to report that Clarus's army has been defeated.
• Benedict: Good... Now the enemy will concentrate all their power on us...
• Anna: Benedict, please rest.
• Anna: There are no signs of the enemy nearby. They remain wary, watching us from afar.
• Benedict: There is no time to rest.
• Serenoa: I concur. Minister Exharme's army is likely our next opponent.
• Serenoa: We must prepare to intercept them.
• Anna: Please wait, Your Majesty.
• Anna: Benedict has barely slept since Prince Roland's departure. Even if just a moment...
• Benedict: Anna, our feint is not yet finished. We haven't the leisure of resting.
• Benedict: I will be ready shortly.
• Serenoa: ...Good. Anna, help Benedict.
• Anna: ...Yes, ser.

Cutscene (The Goddess's Shield: West)

• Exharme: It looks like it was too big a task for Clarus after all.
• Tenebris: It shouldn't have ended like this... King Roland was meant to attack from behind...
• Exharme: King Roland? What are you talking about?
• Tenebris: I received a letter from His Majesty asking us to strike at House Wolffort together!
• Exharme: A fraud, without a doubt. Likely sent by their strategist, Benedict.
• Tenebris: No, it cannot be! It was sealed with the royal band!
• Exharme: That tactician could even forge the royal seal if he wanted to.
• Exharme: And one truly hoping to strike down Wolffort would not beseech a man so incompetent as you for help.
• Idore: Yet they did, and you believed them without a second thought.
• Tenebris: B-but I...
• Idore: Now Glenbrook has successfully taken the initiative.
• Exharme: I care not if Clarus perished. The loss of so many cavalry is a hard blow to our forces.
• Tenebris: Please, Minister Idore, give me a chance to make this right!
• Exharme: You have failed. Do you really think you deserve a second chance?
• Idore: Minister Tenebris, I should let you know you were not the only one to receive a letter in secret.
• Idore: But the one I have claims you were involved in trading illicit salt and operating an underground arena for profit.
• Tenebris: A-ah... P-please, forgive me...
• Idore: That is for the Holy One to decide.
• Idore: The hierophant must know of this turn of events. Let us return to the palace together.
• Idore: Minister Exharme, I leave the city's protection in your capable hands.
• Exharme: Understood. I shall crush House Wolffort.
• Idore: May the Goddess be with you.