Path of Conquest
One day while on assignment, (Captain), Percival, and the rest of the crew visit Percival's native land of Wales. There they find Aglovale has implemented policies that enliven the public square and bring joy to the people. Though Aglovale later tells the party this new statesmanship is only a means to fortify Wales, the crew can sense a hidden devotion to the populace in his words.
(Captain) and crew are delivering a shipment to Wales, the home of Percival.
The town surrounding the castle is lively, its streets positively bustling compared to before.
Vyrn: Whoa, what's going on here? Anywhere you look, it's packed with people.
Lyria: Do you think it could be a festival, Vyrn?
Vyrn: Huh, a festival...
Vyrn: Hey, (Captain)! Let's hurry up and deliver the load so we can look around town!
Vyrn: There might be some stalls selling tasty bites!
Lyria: Yummy... food stalls...
Lyria: (Captain), let's deliver our load quickly!
Vyrn and Lyria tug at (Captain)'s sleeve as playful encouragement to hurry the shipment to its destination.
At the sight of (Captain) and the others' interactions, Percival cracks a smile.
Percival: There's no need to rush, vassals. Today's no festival.
Vyrn: Huh, are you serious? Then why are there so many people here?
Percival: That is likely the fruit of my brother's statesmanship.
Percival: Take a close look at the town. Don't you think the marketplace has expanded?
Vyrn: Now that you mention it, I guess so!
Percival: The shops' stock now includes food and clothing that have never been seen before in Wales.
Percival: And merchants from lands near and far can be seen trading in every corner of the marketplace.
Percival: Shipping and supply businesses are thriving compared to days past.
Percival: The number of merchants has increased, and they're more active than before.
Percival: More travelers seem to be visiting the region as well. Hm... It's truly fascinating.
Percival: (Captain), deliver your shipment at once. I'd like to inquire about the region's policies with the merchants.
Vyrn: Hey!
Vyrn: And off he goes!
Wasn't he the one who said not to rush?
Lyria: Hehe, Percival seemed really happy.
Vyrn: Heh heh! Well, this is Sir Burnsalot's home!
Vyrn: All right then! Let's follow after him!
Their cart full of packages in tow, (Captain) and the others give chase.
Once the members catch up with Percival, they efficiently convey their shipment to its final destination.
Percival then asks a merchant why the marketplace is so lively.
Shoptender: Easy as pie! As a matter of fact...
Shoptender: Oh now? If it isn't Sir Percival himself! My, oh my!
Percival: I understand that you may not feel too comfortable speaking with me. But would you mind discussing my brother's policies?
Shoptender: No, I couldn't feel more comfortable!
Shoptender: I've got nothing but gratitude for the new policies that Sir Aglovale's established.
Percival: Hmm, they must be quite something...
Shoptender: Yes, as a matter of fact, he swept away all the old ware sellers who had monopoly rights and tax exemptions.
Shoptender: These days it's about your skills. A real meritocracy! You can't help but work hard!
Shoptender: And the tariffs are toast too. Wales is a free market if there ever was one.
Shoptender: Merchants are visiting from near and far, which is part of why the streets are humming. Sir Aglovale's done wonders!
Percival is moved at hearing about Aglovale's policies.
Percival: (Hm... So his attempt to enliven the economy succeeded.)
Percival: (And this strengthened the state... His decision-making skills are remarkable—never did brute force come into play.)
Percival: (My brother gave form to the country and paid respect to the public, the wellspring of its power.)
Percival: (The public is the foundation of the state after all... I'm of the opinion that this statecraft is succeeding.)
Lyria: Hehe, you really seem happy, Percival.
Percival: Yes, to make the public smile is one of the jobs of a statesman.
Percival: And I've seen my brother do just that. I couldn't be happier.
The party thanks the shopkeeper and passes through the vibrant streets to the castle town's central square.
It brims with music makers, buskers, and cheering passersby.
Percival: Well now...
Percival: (Those performers are wearing the traditional garb of other lands, and the timbre of their instruments is unheard in Wales.)
Percival: (They've likely come from the surrounding territories.)
Lyria: Wow, this looks so fun!
Vyrn: There's no festival going on, but it's still poppin'!
Percival: Yes, this is surely one of the boons from my brother's new policies.
Vyrn: Huh? What do you mean?
Percival: You're witnessing his effort to make for more cultural exchange between this and other lands.
Percival: It's dazzling, enthralling. It's brought the town to life.
Vyrn: Oh, I see! So that's why so many people are here!
Percival: (This contact with other cultures will make the populace more diverse and more flexible in thought.)
Percival: (No, but more than that, the smiles of the citizenry are the greatest bounty.)
Percival: Haha, this statesmanship is wonderful in all forms.
Percival gazes at the faces of the people in the square, marveling at the policies of Aglovale.
A swell of voices becomes audible in the direction of the city gate.
Vyrn: What's that?
Lyria: Maybe some sort of incredible show is about to begin!
Their curiosity piqued, (Captain) and company hurry toward the noise.
They rush down alleyways and through the gate. What they see on the other side leaves them awestruck.
The voices are not part of any show but rather a procession of returning soldiers.
Commoner 1: Welcome home!
Commoner 2: Wow, you're so cool... I'm gonna join an order of knights when I grow up.
Vyrn: Heh, they seem really popular!
Lyria: It's the whole Order of the White Dragons from Feendrache!
That's when he appeared.
Their liege, Aglovale, arrives with his attendants to commend the returning troops.
Aglovale: ...
Percival: Brother!
Aglovale: Congratulations on your safe return, soldiers.
Aglovale: It is no exaggeration to say that your efforts are the reason that the public of Wales lives in peace.
Aglovale: I look forward to the next display of bravery you will surely make for the country.
Knights: Yes sir!
Aglovale: But for the remainder of the day, you need not attend to your positions.
Knight Captain: Huh? B-but...
Knights: ...
Aglovale: Why do you seem so bewildered?
Aglovale: Bahahaha, you must rest and recover at your family's side!
Commoners: Wow!
Knights: Yes sir! Please allow us to express our thanks, King Aglovale!
Commoner 1: Leave it to King Aglovale!
Commoner 3: The goodly king!
Commoner 2: He's so cool!
Percival: ...
Vyrn: Hehe, even our chests are swelling with pride!
Together with the common people, (Captain) and the crew sing Aglovale's praises.
It's then that the crew catches the royal's eye.
Aglovale: When I noticed a group of people standing out, I didn't think it would be Percival and his vassals.
Percival: Too long has passed since we last met, Brother.
Lyria: I was happy that you care about your retainers so much, Aglovale!
Aglovale: Bahahaha! That's a pleasure to hear.
Aglovale: Hm... We're in public view. Let us return to the castle and speak there.
Aglovale: Follow me, all.
Percival: Yes, Brother.
(Captain) and the party move to the throne room of Wales Castle for an audience with Aglovale.
Percival and the others touch on what they heard and saw in town, mentioning how it surprised and moved them.
Percival: These policies that prioritize the public's needs... They're all wonderful.
Vyrn: We couldn't believe our eyes—this didn't seem like the same country we saw before.
Aglovale: I'm satisfied to see that the reforms have had such effects.
Aglovale: However...
Aglovale's expression shifts from gentle to stern as he turns toward the party.
Aglovale: Percival, mention of the public is never far from your lips. That sentimentality seems to be a constant with you.
Aglovale: But my policies are no more than a means of strengthening Wales.
Percival: Brother, if I may speak frankly, I find such speech unpleasant.
Percival: Do you still believe it—that human nature is evil?
Aglovale: Haha, and if I do, what of it?
Aglovale casts an icy eye on (Captain) and laughs dryly.
Aglovale: A powerful state can't be created with affection for the public alone.
Aglovale: The heart of statesmanship lies in securing the public's obedience to the ruler's ideals.
Aglovale: Understand? Vested commercial interests do nothing but weaken the state.
Aglovale: Their abolition is of the essence.
Aglovale: I've given all merchants opportunities that competition might arise.
Aglovale: This has invigorated the market, boosting my dear Wales's exports and thereby my tax revenue.
Aglovale: The new arts and cultural forms have the capacity to relieve the public's frustration.
Aglovale: And if those expand our knowledge, there's an exponentially greater chance that useful information will reach me.
Aglovale: Then there are the orders of knights who wish to display their benevolence.
Aglovale: If their hearts and minds are healthy, they can act bravely to ensure order.
Aglovale: The young people who see them will aim to emulate them and learn chivalry.
Aglovale: Chivalry, of course, demands an oath of loyalty to one's lord.
Aglovale: This allegiance will encourage them to grow, and in the future, they'll serve as knights.
Aglovale: All will serve my ends and Wales's ends.
Percival: ...
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: Huh?
Aglovale's speech seems to have gone over the heads of (Captain) and company.
They allow what he's said to settle for a second.
Vyrn: But isn't it really all for the people of Wales in the end?
Lyria: That's what it feels like to me.
Aglovale: What are you talking about? You're entirely wrong.
Lyria: Is that true?
Aglovale: Naturally.
Vyrn: But still...
Aglovale: That's enough!
Aglovale: You are free to believe as you wish. It may be true that there's room for interpretation.
Percival: (The public of Wales is sure to know how sincere he is despite his posturing.)
Aglovale: Percival... What's so amusing?
Percival: It's that you seem to be the perfect fit as the ruler of Wales, Brother.
Aglovale: Humph, you will not mock your brother.
The atmosphere between the pair grows tense.
A soldier rushes up to Aglovale.
Knight: I beg your pardon! Your Grace, this is an urgent matter.
Aglovale: What is it?
Knight: Sir! Moments ago we received information that flames were sighted on a ridge near the borderlands.
Knight: What would you have us do?
Aglovale: In the wrong weather, the damage from mountain fires could expand.
Aglovale: Form a group and head out to extinguish the flames. I'll have meteorological specialists accompany you.
Knight: Yes! As you wish, sir!
Percival: Does Wales have such specialists in it?
Aglovale: Yes.
Aglovale: Wales is overflowing with people skilled in a wide range of vocations.
Aglovale: There are now many experts unaffiliated with the state.
Aglovale: What choice is there but to make use of their power?
Aglovale: In these latter days, a state's destiny is determined by more than military force and subterfuge.
Aglovale: One who would act for the future must turn his eyes to internal affairs.
Aglovale: All that I do, I do to ensure my reign.
Vyrn: He might say a lot of mean-sounding stuff, but he's a good king in the end!
Lyria: Yes, I think so too.
Percival: It seems that I have to learn from my brother's statesmanship and continue on my fact-finding mission.
Aglovale has instituted a host of reforms intended to strengthen Wales.
He vaunts that those are not for the public of Wales but rather for its ruler, Aglovale, himself.
But the members of (Captain)'s party smile gently as they sense the true intentions beneath the steely exterior.
Blade and Mind of Steel
In the depths of night, a shadowy figure suddenly manifests in the keep of Wales Castle and attacks a regent, taking control of his body. The following day the regent encourages Aglovale to excavate the caved-in facility wherein the underground chamber and related phenomena were researched, and then join forces with the Otherworld once more. Aglovale consents.
???: Gweh-heh-heh...
On one darkling night, obsidian clouds shroud the moon.
A shady figure suddenly appears in the ward of Wales Castle and creeps along as if hunting prey.
Regent: Sigh...
???: ...
The figure turns into a black fog and lashes out at the person who passes it.
Regent's Voice: Gwaaah!
???: Your body looks like it'll do...
Regent's Voice: Guh! Who's...
The fog swallows up the person and turns him into its marionette.
Regent: ...
???: Gweh-heh-heh...
The following day dawns.
The regent steps ahead and bows his head reverentially to Aglovale, who has just finished with an assembly of the round table.
Regent: There's a matter that I must raise with you, King Aglovale.
Aglovale: Then why did you not speak up during the assembly?
Regent: The issue being what it is, I'd first like to share it with Your—
Aglovale: Speak.
Regent: It's concerning the past attempt to open the gate of the Otherworld.
Aglovale: Only a small handful of people are aware of that...
Regent: To me, such information is no scarce commodity.
Regent: Was that not why you enlisted me into the state?
Aglovale: Humph, you speak the truth. Continue.
Regent: The large underground chamber which caved in, and the research facility that served to investigate the Otherworld...
Regent: What if you were to excavate them?
Regent: Your reforms, Aglovale, have transformed Wales into a veritable rising star.
Regent: Is this not, then, the time to found an empire that will span the world?
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale scrutinizes the regent's subtle movements in an attempt uncover his true intentions.
Not picking up on this, the regent continues to gesticulate through his impassioned attempt to convince the king to unearth the sites.
Regent: True, they might have been destroyed by some of the Feendrache orderlies...
Regent: But the dragon nodes' location is a known.
Regent: And a recent investigation showed that a fraction of the power still flows through the nodes.
Regent: What good will hesitation do? The time for excavation is—
Aglovale: You're suggesting, then, that we join forces with the Otherworld once again.
Regent: Indeed, my lord.
Aglovale: Hm...
The regent continues his fiery speech to Aglovale, who sits wordlessly upon his throne.
Regent: The old days are past, and now our registers are filled with eminent scholars.
Regent: If we join forces with them, we could make use of the Otherworld's dreadful powers—they would assist in the path of domination!
Aglovale: (Humph, this is the most audacious thing I've heard in a while.)
Aglovale: Let us excavate the underground chamber and research lab as you say.
Aglovale: We will talk more after that.
Regent: Yes sir! As you wish, King Aglovale!
The regent begins enlisting skilled diggers into state positions.
Leading the crew of diggers, he prepares to excavate the collapsed underground chamber.
Blade and Mind of Steel: Scene 2
Returning to Wales for an assignment several days later, the crew is walking though the bustling town when Percival catches the scent of gunpowder wafting in from the west of Wales Castle. He races toward the source and finds laborers who have almost finished excavating the caved-in underground chamber where the battle with the Otherworld Key took place. The crew hurries into the chamber.
Several days pass.
(Captain) and the others have come to Wales to deliver a shipment.
As during their previous visit, crowds of people fill the market.
Vyrn: Whoa... This place is still popping.
Percival: Hm... It seems that a host of crews are carrying shipments here just as we are.
Percival: Who would've thought my brother's policies would have us so busy?
Vyrn: Hehe, not me!
Lyria: Don't you think we should deliver the load and get lunch?
Hearing Lyria's stomach rumble, (Captain) and the others let out a good-natured laugh.
Lyria: Hehe...
Vyrn: All right! Let's wrap up this delivery for Lyria and everyone else.
As (Captain) and party members are unloading the packages, they notice an unexpected odor.
It seems to be drifting in on the wind from the west of Wales Castle.
Percival: (Is that... the scent of gunpowder?)
Vyrn: Huh? What gives, Sir Burnsalot?
Percival: There's something I'd like to look into. My apologies, but please see the load to its destination.
Vyrn: H-hey! Where are you going?
Lyria: I wonder what's happening. What should we do, (Captain)?
- Let's follow him!
- Maybe he had a snack attack.
Choose: Let's follow him!Vyrn: That's right. It's Sir Burnsalot we're talking about—there's gotta be something going down!
Choose: Maybe he had a snack attack.Lyria: Do you think he smelled a tasty restaurant?
Vyrn: Hey, hey, what are you saying?
Vyrn: He made a serious face and ran off all of a sudden! There's gotta be something going down.
Continue 1(Captain) and associates entrust a nearby shop with their haul and follow in Percival's wake.
Percival: ...
Guided by the scent of the gunpowder on the wind, Percival arrives near the western wall of Wales Castle.
There seems to be no trace of anything unusual on the surrounding grassy plains.
Percival: (I hope it was only my imagination...)
Percival: Hm?
While inspecting the vicinity in detail, Percival notices a large pit.
It's wide enough that an adult could easily enter. A ladder leads into the depths.
Percival: (The scent of gunpowder is emanating from within. But what is this hole in the first place?)
When Percival is about to enter the hole, a voice sounds out from behind.
Lyria: Percival!
Percival: Ah, my vassals...
Vyrn: Is something going on? You had me worried when you ran off...
Percival: My apologies. Something just caught my attention.
(Captain) and the others peek into the pit that Percival stands before.
Lyria: Um... Does that hole go somewhere?
Percival: I'm not sure. But I smelled gunpowder coming from it...
Vyrn: Did you catch a whiff from way back there? You've sure got a nose on you!
Vyrn: For as many times as you called Blondie a mutt, you're the one who—
Percival: ...
Vyrn: Hahaha, never mind!
- Let's go in.
Choose: Let's go in.Percival: Right. You can follow behind me.
(Captain) and the others climb down the ladder into the hole.
Reaching the bottom of the hole, they notice torchlight flickering in a tunnel off to one side.
Lyria: The lights are on, but nobody's here...
Vyrn: Whaddaya think this place is?
Percival: Well... I don't know why a tunnel would be dug in a place like this.
Percival: But an answer's sure to present itself if we continue onward.
A few moments after hearing the reverberations of two raucous voices, a pair of soil-sodden men appear.
Laborer 1: Whoa!
Vyrn: Whoooa!
Laborer 1: Who're you supposed to be?
Vyrn: You took the words from my mouth. Don't go scarin' us like that...
Percival: We're a band of skyfarers who just happened to find a big hole near the castle. Yes, coincidentally...
Percival: What is it that you're doing here?
Laborer 1: Ah, yeah, that's, uh...
Vyrn: Hey, no need to hide nothin' from us.
Vyrn: We're all friends here!
Laborer 1: All friends?
Laborer 2: Ah! You're... You wouldn't be Percival, would you?
Laborer 1: Huh? Perci-who?
Laborer 2: Ah, I'm sorry! He's still a newbie here!
Percival: Don't concern yourself. Now what are you doing here?
Laborer 2: Truth to tell, we're digging out the collapsed underground chamber. Using gunpowder, boring down...
Percival: You're digging out the underground chamber?
Lyria: Percival, could it be...
Percival: Yes... It's likely where the battle against the Otherworld Key took place.
Vyrn: Hey, so how far down did you dig to get to the underground chamber?
Laborer 2: This morning we blew up a big ol' rock that was in our path. All that's left now is to tidy up.
Percival: ...
Percival: I can't believe that my brother would repeat the same mistake. What purpose would that serve?
- Now is no time for questions!
Choose: Now is no time for questions!Percival: (Captain)... You speak the truth. Onward, my vassals!
Lyria: Yeah!
Vyrn: Yeeeah!
Pushed on by (Captain), Percival takes the lead and advances deep into the tunnel.
Blade and Mind of Steel: Scene 3
In the underground chamber, Aglovale defeats the Otherworld fiend who had possessed the regent; though Aglovale pretended to be deceived by the possessor, he was actually deceiving it. (Captain) and the others enter the chamber just in time to see Aglovale use a magic circle to summon the Otherworld fiend with whom he'd formerly made a pact. He then raises his blade to contend against it without others' help.
Aglovale steps into the underground chamber that the regent encouraged him to excavate.
The earth and rubble that once filled it have been cleared out. It's almost as if there was never any cave-in to begin with.
Aglovale: (Humph... Who would've thought those loathsome magic circles would still be in place?)
Regent: King Aglovale, the documents that were present in the lab have been retrieved without incident.
Aglovale: Bahaha! I had no intention of unearthing this place...
Aglovale: But you have served me well. Have a word of praise.
Regent: Oh my! May I some day be worthy of it...
Aglovale takes some of the documents from the lab in hand and begins to review them.
Aglovale: (I should like to encounter that fiend a second time, for if I do, then surely...)
Regent: Now then, King Aglovale! Let us commence summoning with this magic circle...
Regent: And forget not the pact! The Otherworld Key will be ours, and once it is, opening the gate to the Otherworld will be no great task.
When the regent speaks, Aglovale's hand stops paging though the documents.
Aglovale: You're talking about renewing the pact with that otherworldly being?
Regent: Yes, the magical circles that your father was researching exist for the purpose of summoning.
Regent: Indeed, this time the power of the dragon nodes is...
Aglovale: Heh heh...
Aglovale: Bahaha!
Regent: King Aglovale... Is there some issue?
Aglovale: Why, no... It seems that I'd jumped to conclusions.
Aglovale shoots the regent a contemptuous glance.
Aglovale: We're through here.
Regent: Hm?
Aglovale: I was under the mistaken impression that making a pact with you was needed to summon that being.
Aglovale: But now, realizing that my father's research and a magic circle is all that's necessary...
Aglovale: I have no time to continue playing along with your wretched farce.
Regent: ...
Aglovale: Show yourself, worthless knave. On your own you are powerless.
Regent: What!
Aglovale: Is something wrong? Are you trembling there inside my regent?
Realizing that Aglovale was in command all along, the regent flies into a rage.
Regent: You blathering—
Aglovale: Oh? Howling now, are you? Very well—then step forward where I can see you!
Regent: You think you're clever, don't you, mortal?
???: You won't get away with this! You won't!
The regent's body begins convulsing, and a moment later black smoke pours from his mouth and assumes the form of an otherworldly being.
Aglovale: ...
???: Gweh-heh-heh...
???: You will regret calling me powerless—
Aglovale: Haaaah!
It takes only a moment.
Aglovale slices off the lancer's head with a single sweep of his sword.
???: Ghlrrrgg...
Aglovale: How foolish of you... attempting to manipulate me.
Just as the otherworldly being disappears, the regent regains consciousness.
Regent: Mmm... What happened to me?
Aglovale: Heh...
Aglovale extends a hand and helps the regent to his feet.
Regent: I...
Aglovale: There's no need to think. Return to your quarters and rest.
Regent: But...
Aglovale: If you overextend yourself, your performance in tomorrow's assembly will surely be affected. Recuperate for your homeland's sake.
Regent: If that is your command, King Aglovale, I will gladly oblige.
Aglovale looks on kindly as the regent heads toward the exit.
Aglovale: (He seems to have been suffering from fatigue. The otherworld beings shouldn't have been able to manipulate him otherwise.)
Aglovale: (Caring for my retainers' health is among my duties. I must take more care in the future.)
Percival: Brother!
Aglovale: Well now...
Aglovale grins at the party, who rushes in as if to replace the regent.
Aglovale: Have you come to deliver a shipment to Wales?
Percival: Yes, but now I...
Aglovale: Bahaha! You've certainly done well to find this place, Brother.
Vyrn: Sir Burnsalot sniffed out the gunpowder coming from the pit.
Aglovale: Did he now...
Percival: Brother, what were you trying to do in this pit?
Aglovale: Did you think that I'd repeat the same mistake?
Percival: No, surely not, but... Concern got the better of me.
Aglovale: There is a reason that I've come down here for a second time.
Aglovale: And, as such, only one thing remains to be done.
With his late father's research materials in one hand, Aglovale draws magic circles on the four walls.
Percival: What are you...
Aglovale: Watch and see...
He begins chanting a spell from the documents, and the walls begin to glow.
Turning back to the magic circle in the center of the chamber, he then calls out to the Otherworld.
Space in the chamber begins to warp and is at last covered in a murky ebon darkness which obstructs the party's sight.
Lyria: Eeek!
Vyrn: Whoa!
When the darkness clears, the otherworldly being that had once attempted to manipulate Aglovale in a past incident manifests in the center of the magic circle.
???: ...
Aglovale: How long has passed... You worried me, leaving without a parting word.
???: What of it? What do you want now—you who are commanded by human passions?
Aglovale: Do not condescend to me.
???: Gweheheh... You are laughable.
???: You say that you would quell rival states, and I intended to lend my power.
???: But your purpose is not what I believed. We are through here.
Aglovale: No, we are not. I cannot allow you to redeem your sullied name.
Percival: Brother, I'll assist.
Aglovale: No... This is simple enough for me to handle alone. Watch from where you are.
Inhaling deeply, Aglovale glowers at the being and slowly reaches toward his blade.
Aglovale: ...
???: For the sake of pride, you wager your life. Pheh heh heh... Well enough. You will turn to dust.
Aglovale: Haaah!
The noble then draws up his blade and slashes at the sneering being.
Blade and Mind of Steel: Scene 4
In the underground chamber, Aglovale defeats the Otherworld fiend who had possessed the regent; though Aglovale pretended to be deceived by the possessor, he was actually deceiving it. (Captain) and the others enter the chamber just in time to see Aglovale use a magic circle to summon the Otherworld fiend with whom he'd formerly made a pact. He then raises his blade to contend against it without others' help.
???: Gwrgnhh... I underestimated you...
The artful swordsmanship of Aglovale takes a heavy toll on the otherworldly being.
Sensing the danger, the being warps space in a moment's time and attempts to flee.
Aware that its power is contained by the surrounding barrier, Aglovale does not so much as flinch.
???: What!
Aglovale: It seems that my father's research served a purpose after all.
Vyrn: When did you—
Percival: Just a bit ago, before reaching out to the Otherworld.
Percival: To think he'd know to prepare a barrier in anticipation of this...
Lyria: He's just as skilled as his little brother!
???: Gnnnph...
Aglovale: I've had my fill of this game. Let us end this.
???: Gwahahaha! Do not grow conceited! One day this world is certain to be ours, and—
Aglovale: Silence.
???: Gaaaah!
Aglovale refuses to lend his ears to the otherworldly being; instead he simply cleaves it in half.
Its body vanishes as if swallowed up by the darkness.
Aglovale: Mouthy little creature...
Percival: ...
Aglovale: Is something amusing? You're smiling enough, I think.
Percival: No, it's simply that I'm relieved.
Aglovale: Under my rule, Wales will be a mighty land—there is no need for me to borrow the power of those malformed creatures. That would be unconscionable.
Aglovale: And how could I show my face to you and Lamorak if I did?
Percival: No, that's—
Aglovale: Well, this is the end.
Aglovale: What do you say we return to the castle and feast?
Aglovale: You come too, vassals. Share with me your stories of travel.
Aglovale: The knowledge I gain could lead to new reforms.
Lyria: Yes sir!
At that very moment, Lyria's stomach rumbles loudly.
Lyria: Ooooh...
Vyrn: You said it... We're starving...
Aglovale: Bahahaha! Let's return to the castle now, all.
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale stops in his tracks as if suddenly recalling something.
He extends his father's research materials away from his body...
And holds them squarely above a burning torch.
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale: (I will become a man worthy to preside over the House of Wales...)
Flame consumes the documents and turns them to ash.
As he gazes at the rising smoke, Aglovale vows to fortify Wales on his own.
He hopes that the day will come in which he and his two brothers can converse at length in peace.