Katzelia/Lore

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Official Profile

Age	26
Height	92 cm
Race	Harvin
Hobbies	Crafting conductor's batons
Likes	Haase, beautiful music
Dislikes	Dissonance, people who aren't sincere when it comes to music
Character Release とある貧民街で人々から「王様」と慕われる、元ガルゲニア皇国の第五皇子、「断罪の皇帝」カッツェリーラ。カードに封印されたアーカルムシリーズの星晶獣の脅威から全空を護るため、カッツェリーラと主人公達は力を合わせる事になります。しかしカッツェリーラの中には、祖国へ戻り自身と妹を陥れた者たちに復讐せんとする怒りの炎がくすぶっており……？

Source ^[1] ^[2]

* This is an unofficial, amateur translation.

Age	26歳
Height	92cm
Race	ハーヴィン
Hobbies	指揮棒作り
Likes	ハーゼ、美しい音楽
Dislikes	不協和音、音楽に真摯でない者
Character Release とある貧民街で人々から「王様」と慕われる、元ガルゲニア皇国の第五皇子、「断罪の皇帝」カッツェリーラ。カードに封印されたアーカルムシリーズの星晶獣の脅威から全空を護るため、カッツェリーラと主人公達は力を合わせる事になります。しかしカッツェリーラの中には、祖国へ戻り自身と妹を陥れた者たちに復讐せんとする怒りの炎がくすぶっており……？

Source ^[1] ^[2]

Background

Events

Trivia

Haaselia is his sister.
His full name is Katzelia Alois Gangnus.

Etymology

"Katzelia" is a play on the German word "Katze", which means "cat".
- This is further playing on Judgement's cat imagery.

Special Cutscenes

	Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain special event cutscene scripts. View these tabs at your own discretion.

Happy Birthday Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Did you enjoy the birthday song your crewmates sang for you? They rehearsed quite diligently. Keeping the surprise under wraps took a bit of work I might add. It was a pleasure to play for you. I haven't waved my baton as a conductor in such a long time. Is there anything else you want for your birthday? You're welcome to tell me. Today's your day to be extra special. I think I can be forgiven for spoiling you a little. After all, you're always there for us. I'm appreciative of your efforts every single day. Happy birthday, (Captain).
2	✔	A splendid birthday to you, (Captain). I celebrate the occasion as if it were my own birthday. And of course, I've once again gathered the musicians among the crew to put on a show! Consider it our gift to you. Although we first performed together only a year ago, we made sure to rehearse plenty this time and have improved greatly. Now feast your ears as I wave my conductor's baton and deliver you a birthday melody!
3	✔	Happy birthday, (Captain). Many days and months have passed since I first joined your crew. To think it all started with you stopping me from declaring war on my homeland. And now I spend my days searching for a peaceful way to take back my country. You know, you've been serving as an inspiration in a lot of ways. Hahaha! It's true that you are no king or emperor, but a captain of a crew. But the way you unite people of differing backgrounds is an example of a good leader that all royalty should be. And despite our daily hardships, you do well to get us past them. I still have much to learn from you. Of course, I'm also here to help whenever you need me! May this journey of ours continue with you in good health and spirits.
4	✔	As it is your birthday, (Captain), we shall celebrate with a grand performance tonight. Together with your crew members, of course. They absolutely adore you. Reminds me of the friends I once had back home, though many of them perished in the plot to overthrow the empire... You should treasure your friends, (Captain). Losing mine was like feeling a part of myself die... I wouldn't wish that kind of suffering upon you. Heh... Sorry, I didn't mean to give you a life lesson. Or imply that you weren't already treating your friends well. Forget I said anything. In any case... Happy birthday. Another year older, another year wiser.
5	✔	Happy birthday, (Captain)! I have to say, your earnest journey is one that is most refreshing to see! However, it also brings me worry—after all, not everything at the end of a journey is what one had wished for. Something you had been looking forward to could end up being a disappointment when it is finally in front of you. But don't despair. The path you take until then will never disappear—rather, that is where the true value lies! I should stop before this turns into a full-on lecture... Well, but I know you will be just fine. You have my full support. If you ever need anything, ask me and I will be there for you!

Happy New Year Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Phew... Ah, (Captain). I didn't know you were out here. The party's still in full swing. No, I'm not tired. If anything I've never felt more at ease. To welcome in the new year in such peace while in exile... I attribute that all to you, (Captain). Words can't express my gratitude. But to always be protected would be a disgrace for the fifth imperial heir of Galgenia. You may call upon me to lend a hand whenever the need arises. Let us have a year of good fortunes.
2	✔	(Captain), happy New Year. What wonderful weather we have today. Perfect for a performance! With your permission last year, I invited musicians in the crew to get together and practice regularly for today... And the time has come to show you what a musical tour de force this crew is capable of! Well then, let us begin! Hark as the joyous melody echoes across the skies!
3	✔	(Captain), happy New Year. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this year. Speaking of which... It is about time for me to begin. Oh, you haven't heard? To celebrate the new year, I'm seeing how long of a concert I can hold! It shall be many hours of entertainment! Hahaha, you're so pleasantly surprised, you're at a loss for words! Haase, too, was moved to the point of tears when I told her of this plan. Hm... Since I have just had breakfast, I will aim to finish performing around dinner. Now please, sit down and listen to the music!
4	✔	(Captain), happy New Year! May this one treat you well. Now, are you ready for our performance today? Hm? Why the furrowed brows? Hahaha! Are your nerves getting the better of you? I suppose you are supposed to be performing a solo today! There's no need to be so nervous. Remember, music is about enjoying yourself. Although... There are quite a few crew members who've been looking forward to hearing you sing... It's become the talk of the ship, actually... They might be disappointed if your performance were to fall flat... Oh! Um, never mind me! I was simply muttering to myself! Enjoy yourself, and be confident in your abilities! Now relax!
5	✔	How could this be... Hm? Ah, (Captain)... Happy New Year. I'm looking forward to another year with you... Me? It's nothing... No, I'm not feeling unwell. Heh... You can laugh all you want. To think that I, Katzelia Alois Gangnus, would oversleep on New Year's Day... Nothing like this has ever happened before... I haven't even seen Haase for the first time this year yet. It seems I've grown rather accustomed to the lifestyle of this crew. It's comfortable here... Rrg... Though I did say you could laugh, I didn't expect you to laugh this much. Good grief... I can't seem to keep my composure as the imperial heir when it comes to you. Now, it's about time I went to pay my respects to Haase for the new year. Would you like to come with me?

Valentine's Day Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Is that you, Haase? Oh, no, it's (Captain). I thought perhaps my sister had come to give me chocolate. When we were still in Galgenia, my sister would be there first thing in the morning every Valentine's Day, but for some reason this year she hasn't come... Did something happen? Maybe I unwittingly angered her in some way... But I digress. Can I help you, (Captain)? Wha? You come with a gift of chocolate? ... Er, well... Is it all right to take your chocolates before Haase's? Argh! What do I do...
2	✔	(Captain)? Have you seen Haase? No? I see... In that case... Hm? Today is Valentine's, right? Normally, she'd have come over already to hand me some chocolate... I presume she simply got lost on the way, which is why I'm looking for her now. ...! You have chocolate for me too, (Captain)? You have my thanks. How fortuitous I am to receive chocolate while searching for my sister... Oh, yes, yes, I'm very pleased with this... Many thanks, (Captain)! Well then, I'm off to look for Haase!
3	✔	(Captain)! Could it be... Valentine's chocolate for me? I do apologize for the trouble you must got through every year. I shall treasure this gift. Hm? Why are you giving me two boxes? What, this one is from Haase? What is the meaning of this? Why hasn't Haase come to give it herself? I was just about to head toward her location so she could hand it to me directly, like she always does! Don't tell me... She is bedridden because she has fallen ill! That must be it! There can be no other possibility! Haase, I am coming to nurse you back to health! Haaaaaseeee!
4	✔	Ah, are these chocolates for me? Why, thank you! I always look forward to receiving them from you! However... I'm afraid I must enjoy them later. I assure you, I'm eager to have a taste... But I couldn't bear to eat yours before I've had some from my sister, Haaselia. Once I've had hers, I'll be sure to partake in yours and let you know what I think. I'll stay here and wait for her. She should find me before long. I can picture her now, searching everywhere on the ship for me already! Hahaha! ... ... ... ...
5	✔	Haase? Ah, (Captain)... It's you. Is something the matter? A gift of chocolate! Thank you always, (Captain). I graciously accept. Hm? Me? No, I have no specific plans for today. Yes, I'll see you around then. Haase? Haase? Haase! Haaaaseee! Huff... Huff... I see... I understand now. She must be out in town buying ingredients to make chocolate...

White Day Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	(Captain), please take this. When I fled from my home of Galgenia, I had nothing but the clothes on my back. That's how I've been living my life in exile. Some days I ate. Some days I didn't. With what little coin I saved, I can't buy a gift that will bring a smile to anyone's face. There isn't a single thing that can match the chocolates you gave me before. You may take this as a selfish request on my part, but... Don't think of me now as an emperor-to-be, but simply as a man. And so without getting your hopes up, I present you with this box to open. A gift for White Day. If you're happy with it, then I'm happy too...
2	✔	(Captain), today's White Day. Allow me to thank you for Valentine's. Just like last year, I made these chocolate myself. I am confident in their taste. For something that I made, that is... You gladly accept? Splendid. Now to give this other box to Haase! I haven't seen her since this morning. She must be hiding somewhere in embarrassment. I'll take my leave now, (Captain)!
3	✔	(Captain), this is for you—your White Day gift. And this large box is for Haase. Could you take this to her? Sorry for saddling you with this burden. I cannot go myself, as I have something I must do. Originally, I planned to give it to her first thing in the morning. As soon as I got up, I waited outside her door. But noon came, and she still hadn't left her room. I could sense she was there, but she seemed hesitant to leave. She probably stayed up late and is tired... Which is why I gave up and left. Hm? What do I have to do today? I suppose I haven't told you yet. I'm holding auditions for a vocalist to sing the aria I wrote for Haase! I had hoped to invite Haase to join as a special judge... But now the whole thing can be a surprise once everything is set up! (Captain), do keep this a secret!
4	✔	Katzelia: (Captain), I have a thank-you gift for Valentine's, as well as a song to show my appreciation. The Demon Cat will handle the performance. I'm certain you'll find it satisfactory. Judgement: ...! Katzelia: Hm? Am I not gifting anything to Haase? Of course I will. I've prepared a song for her as well. But I want to give thanks to more than just my sister. After all, you're an important comrade who is irreplaceable to me! Hm... Judging by your expression, you don't fully believe me... Well, I did attempt to serenade Haase first, but she insisted that I prioritize you... Which is perfectly fine by me! I intended to shower you both with appreciation regardless! Now let us begin the show!
5	✔	Katzelia: (Captain), take this! This is in return for Valentine's! The chocolate you gave me was delicious. Once again, thank you. Hahaha! Of course you're my number one! Why the doubt, (Captain)? Choose: Oh, Haase! Katzelia: What! Katzelia turns to look but no one is there. He wonders if (Captain) had mistaken someone else for Haaselia. Katzelia: (Captain)! Where is she? Where's Haase? Haase! Haase? Katzelia's Voice: Haaaaseee!
Gift		Chocolate Biscuits

Trick or Treat Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Katzelia: Trick or treat! Judgement: ... Katzelia: ... No good? I thought as much. I thought Demon Cat's aspect and abilities might be well suited to this holiday... Lamentably this beast is not scary in the least. We were inundated with cries of "he's so cute" from the children. Aaaah! This reeks of shame! Come with me, (Captain)! If that's how it's going to be, then I'll don my own costume and take candy for myself!
2	✔	Katzelia: Is that you, (Captain)? What a surprise to see you in such an outlandish getup. Oh, right—today's Halloween. So you'll be going into town now? I've tried using Demon Cat to put the scare in others before, but it hardly ever works. A primal beast it may be, but I suppose cats just aren't that scary. Guess I'll forgo the festivities this year. Hm? You think I can get treats by letting the common folk pet Demon Cat? Hm... That does seem like a splendid tactic to gather up the many types of treats in town. Though I'm not too keen on the idea of an emperor taking treats from commoners, perhaps an exception can be made today... And who knows, it might even be fun! Shall we go then, (Captain)? Come, Demon Cat! Let the masses coddle you like the feline you are! Judgement: ...
3	✔	???: Trick or treaaat! Woooooo! Katzelia: Hahahaha! It was me inside all along! Did I scare you? It seems this monster outfit was effective. But what matters more than an outfit is enthusiasm. A primal beast is no exception to that. What do you have to say for yourself? Judgement: ... Katzelia: Hm... A demon cat like you wouldn't understand, I suppose. Strategy requires observing your quarries, and what they might deem frightful or adorable. Let us be off, Demon Cat! We shall be the ones of this crew to gather the most candy! Judgement: ...
4	✔	Judgement: ... Katzelia: No, Demon Cat. Watch me. RAAAWR! With bark to your bite, like that. Judgement: ...! Katzelia: No, not like that! You need to roar! RAAAWR! Strike fear into your audience! Judgement: ...! Katzelia: Sigh... That's enough. I would have fired you by now if you were a member of my orchestra. (Captain). Sorry to keep you waiting. I thought for certain I could have the demon cat roar convincingly, but it seems it is not to be. Well, it's good enough to attract attention. Perhaps we'll even have a few treats thrown our way. Now let's be off! Follow me! Judgement: ...
5	✔	Katzelia: Trick or treat! Passersby: ... Katzelia: Trick or treat! Passersby: ... Katzelia: Trick or treat! Passersby: ... Katzelia: Sigh... I give up. Doing this over and over again without surprising a single person is pure foolishness. Hm? Ah, (Captain). So you saw... Demon Cat told me it would scare someone this time, so I had followed along... But as you can see, it's been to no avail. Demon Cat must be the least terrifying out of all the primal beasts. What's that? You'll stay with me until we manage to scare someone? Usually I am resistant to acts of charity, but it is a festival today... This could be interesting. Very well! Then let's be off, Demon Cat! Be grateful! Judgement: ...!

Happy Holidays Cutscenes
#	Link	Text
1	✔	Tonight is the main event! See here, (Captain), wipe that blank look off your face. How long have we been practicing this carol for? Are you nervous? Music is an essential component to an enjoyable evening. You don't have to be good as long as you have heart. My baton shall take command of this holy night!
2	✔	At long last, the holidays have come! Are you ready for the main event, (Captain)? A bunch of us got together and practiced singing carols just for today. Though we all come from different walks of life, everyone's being a lot more cooperative about it this year. It goes to show how much respect we have for you, (Captain). Hm? You believe it's because they trust me? Hm, an interesting take. It would be quite a blessing if indeed true.
3	✔	It's wonderful to have a performance the eve of the holy night—especially one that has improved in quality since last year's. Hahaha, your caroling was magnificent, (Captain). Your voice stood out amongst the choir. Now then... I believe it is time for me to retire for the evening. Hm? I suppose it is a bit early to sleep. But I have plans for the early morning. Other musically inclined crew members are going to help me wake Haase with a performance. After all, there can be no greater present than waking to a beautiful melody. This is meant to be a surprise, which is why I've asked everyone to keep it a secret. Yes... I can picture it now... Haase startling awake and breaking out into a smile! I hope you understand why I must take my leave now. But wait... What if I went to wake you after Haase? Hahaha! No need to be shy! I would be more than happy to bestow this early morning present upon you too!
4	✔	(Captain): ... Katzelia: Let us begin, Demon Cat. One, two, three, four! Judgement: ...! The sudden booming noise startles (Captain) wide awake. Katzelia: (Captain), what did you think? I was struggling with creating a new sound for our holy night performance today... But now I've finally found what I was looking for! I wished for you to be the first to hear it, which is why I rushed over immediately! My apologies for waking you! I hope you enjoy our performance later! Well then, I shall take my leave here. There's still plenty of time to sleep, so get some rest! Have a wonderful holy night!
5	✔	Katzelia: The atmosphere of the holy night is most certainly profound. The people's happiness and excitement are palpable... Although I do enjoy these feelings I'm sensing from strangers on the street, the familiar faces of the crew are also comforting. This sort of environment stimulates my music composition, and a delightful melody unconsciously comes to mind. With the high spirits of the holidays, everyone is sure to be able to feel music to an even deeper extent. So with that, (Captain), let your voice decorate this festive winter night! It's time to show the fruit of your training! You can leave the accompaniment to me! Come, Demon Cat! Judgement: ...! Now, (Captain)! Follow my direction and sing!

Fate Episodes

	Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Fate Episode cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the character. View these tabs at your own discretion.

A Peasant's King

The so-called king of a town's slum requests the audience of the crew via a resident named Thomas. When the crew come face to face with the king, he takes out a single card, and in a blinding flash of light, the crew suddenly find themselves fighting monsters on a vast battlefield.

(Captain) and company have just completed a quick mission on an island. That's where a fated encounter is about to occur.

Vyrn: Whoo, that was easy!

Lyria: The requestor was all smiles too when we finished!

Vyrn: Hm?

The crew members are walking along a boulevard when they hear approaching footsteps. Soon they are surrounded by a gaggle of strangers.

Lyria: Um...

???: Call me Thomas. I hail from the town's edge. You're all talented skyfarers, I take it?

Vyrn: Uh, what?

Thomas: Got a proposal for—

(Captain) and the others stay guarded as they wait to hear what Thomas has to say, but a passerby interjects.

Passerby: Watch yourselves, skyfarers! Those no-goodniks are from the slums!

Vyrn: Slums? What's that all about?

Passerby: The squatters there make a living offa graft. Betcha they'll cozy up to you and then loot your bags.

Thomas: We do no such thing!

Passerby: Heh, who you trying to convince, huh?

The situation grows tense on the boulevard. Unsure of what they've gotten into, the confused crew members can only stand there.

Vyrn: So... I don't really get what's goin' on here, but is there something you need from us?

Thomas: Right, sorry... I was hoping to refer you for a job. King's looking for capable people.

Vyrn: Huh? What do you mean?

Passerby: Hey, I'm warning you, skyfarers! Lately it seems like they've come into a bit of cash...

Passerby: An' I bet they didn't do it on the up-and-up. You're gonna get suckered into some shady deal!

Thomas: No! We do not engage in that kind of stuff!

Lyria: E-excuse me...

Thomas: S-sorry... You must be so lost right now...

I'd like to hear more about this job.

Choose: I'd like to hear more about this job.

Thomas: You... You'll hear me out?

Vyrn: Sure! It's not like we're saying we'll do it, but it wouldn't hurt to hear the details!

Thomas: Thanks. That really helps us out.

Thomas: To be honest with you, we don't know the details either. King just told us to go round up strong folks like you.

Vyrn: You keep saying king, but does this place even have a king?

Thomas: I owe you an explanation but not here.

Thomas and his cohorts guide the crew to the slums. Their surroundings change drastically the further along they go.

Lyria: ...

Thomas: Are you shocked by how run-down everything is?

Lyria: Oh no, that's not what I was thinking!

Vyrn: Yep, it's shabby all right. Why would a supposed "king" wanna live here?

Lyria: Vyrn! That's not a nice thing to say!

Vyrn: O-oh yeah... Sorry about that...

Thomas: Haha! Don't worry about it. It's hard to believe, but things are a lot better than they used to be.

Thomas: Any improvement made to this area is all thanks to King.

Vyrn: Really? What kind of person is this King guy? Is he a real king?

Thomas: We started calling him King because he looks the part and ran with it.

Thomas: It's not like we know his real name anyway. And he never told us why he came here in the first place.

Thomas: All we know is, he just... appeared in town one day.

Thomas: And before any of us knew it, he was teaching us stuff.

Vyrn: Hmm... What kinda stuff did he teach you?

Thomas: Let's see... Okay, here's my story. Not long ago I was running moonshine with a few buddies under the baron's nose.

Lyria: Gasp! Isn't that a bad thing?

Thomas: Mm-hm. That guy back there was right about me. I still feel guilty about what I did.

Thomas: But back to the story.

Thomas: You need big barrels to make alcohol. I went out and found what I thought was good lumber—made the barrels myself.

Thomas: I'd heard whispers about some mysterious guy in town, then one day, poof, he's right in front me. Came to stop my moonshining ways.

Thomas: Somehow he knew I had a good eye for judging timber quality. Said I should be a wood dealer. He'd even set it all up for me.

Thomas: Things moved quickly from there. He was the bridge between me, the lumberjacks, and the carpenters.

Thomas: So now I'm brushing up on procuring and selling high-quality timber. Sure beats making booze in secret, I can tell you that.

Lyria: That's great! What an inspiring story!

Thomas: That's how he got our lives in order and showed us a better way to live.

Thomas: Doesn't really matter who said it first, but we started calling him King out of respect and friendship.

Vyrn: Gotcha. You've got me all excited to meet this guy!

When Thomas finally stops at their destination, however, the crew sees a dilapidated residence that can hardly be described as regal.

Thomas: My work's done here. King will tell you about the job.

The crew members are the only ones to pass through the entrance and into the gloom. The door closes behind them.

Vyrn: Guys? Do you really think a big shot named King lives in a shack like this?

???: Warmest welcomes to my palace.

A voice booms from within the room. The crew sees a diminutive figure sunk deeply into a chair.

???: And so a crew of mighty skyfarers appears before me. I heard the reports on how your crew operates.

Vyrn: Are you the one they call King?

King: The one and only.

The Harvin's affirmation of his status as a king is self-evident in his mannerisms.

???: Please have a seat.

Haaselia not in crew

A female Harvin steps in. (Captain) and the others sit down around a table at her beckoning.

Haaselia is a crew member

Another figure appears from behind King, causing the crew to do a double take.

Lyria: Haase!

Haaselia: How do you do?

Vyrn: I was wondering where you'd gone... What are you doing here? Do you know King?

Haaselia: You should hear the explanation from King himself. I am only attending him.

Haaselia says nothing more, and the crew members sit down around a table at her beckoning.

King: I assume you have come to hear about the job I am offering to capable skyfarers.

King: But first I have something to show you.

King produces a card and places it on the table for everyone to see.

The card is quite worn. It's hard to make out what's drawn on it, but that's not the only peculiar thing about it.

Vyrn: Whoa... This card...

Lyria: I can feel a great power coming from it...

Vyrn and Lyria sense an indescribable power lurking within the card.

King: Well, well. Your intuition is sharp. I feel safe placing my trust in you, and I hope you will all accompany me somewhere.

Vyrn: Hm? But we just got here. Where are we going now?

(Captain) and company start to climb to their feet.

King: There is no need to get up. From here we shall be diving into this card's dormant memory.

Vyrn: Uh, the card's what?

They glance down at the card on the table. It's faint at first, but a white light emanates from it and gradually increases in intensity.

Lyria: Eeeek!

Squinting through the glare, the crew is presented with an astounding sight.

Vyrn: Whoa... Where are we?

The room in the slums is gone, replaced by a sweeping wasteland of smoke and embers.

Lyria: It almost looks like...

Primal beasts glide through the sky while monster hordes stalk the ground. The crew holds its collective breath.

Vyrn: Where's King? He was just with us a second ago!

They quickly scan the area, but King is nowhere to be seen.

Lyria: I wonder where he went?

Monster: Groooar!

Vyrn: Yipes! Here come the monsters!

Vyrn: This all too confusing, but we gotta deal with this first!

The situation is a mess, but the only course of action open to the crew is to face the oncoming horde.

(Captain) prepares to meet this challenge head-on, weapon at the ready.

Back to top

His Majesty's Petition

The crew defeats the monsters and are returned to the slums where the king explains that a malevolent primal beast is sealed in the card, replaying memories of the War in order to learn how to destroy the Sky Realm. The crew agrees to help the king stop that from happening.

A brutal battle unfolds between the crew and foe after foe.

Lyria: Huff... huff... I think it's calmed down a little?

Vyrn: Looks like we got most of the monsters around here. What now, (Captain)?

We need somewhere to regroup.
Let's make a break for it.

Choose: We need somewhere to regroup.

Vyrn: Right-o! Let's find a place to hide out!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Let's make a break for it.

Vyrn: Yeah, but to where? Oh well, we'll figure it out as we go.

Continue 1

Vyrn: So any ideas on how we got from the inside of some shanty to here?

Unsure of what else can be done, the crew members continue to fell any foes they encounter but find nothing to help explain their current predicament.

Vyrn: Where'd that little King go? You think he got attacked by monsters somewhere?

Lyria: Mm... I'm worried.

Lyria: Oh! What's that over there!

Lyria points to a cluster of white light hovering just off the ground.

Vyrn: What in the world... Careful. It's probably a monster.

The light is dim at first. Then it gives off a burst of luminescence.

Vyrn: Argh! I'm blind!

Vyrn: Wha? We're back at King's place!

Lyria: What just happened?

Vyrn: Beats me. Maybe we dreamed the whole thing...

Lyria: King!

A calm King is planted firmly in his chair as if nothing had transpired.

King: You put on quite a display of your fighting prowess.

Vyrn: You sent us to that place, didn't you?

King: Indeed I did.

Vyrn: You can't just zip us around out of the blue! Someone could get hurt!

King: ...

What was that place?

Choose: What was that place?

Lyria: I want to know too. It looked like...

King: What you experienced was the end of the War.

Vyrn: Huh?

(Captain) and the others feel shivers run down their spines.

King: A change of venue is in order. We can continue speaking there.

King hops off his chair, prompting the crew to immediately tense up.

Lyria: ...

King: Haha. I praise you for staying on your toes, but this time we shall simply be stepping outside.

King: A meal will do us good. Follow me.

Haaselia not in crew

King exits the room with a grin, followed closely by the woman who seems to be his attendant.

Haaselia is a crew member

King exits the room with a grin, followed closely by Haaselia.

King's mention of the War still rings in their ears as (Captain) and company file out behind their hosts.

Resident 1: Yo, King! How's everything going?

Resident 2: Hi, King. It's a hot one today.

Resident 3: Get a load of this, King. My grandkid started workin' at the smithy makin' nails and blades.

Resident 3: It's all thanks to the advice you gave that the little'un has a good job now.

King: Hardly. He accomplished it himself through natural talent. It runs in his fingers.

The crew observes from behind as many residents greet King. Vyrn and Lyria whisper to each other.

Vyrn: When I found out he was the one who kicked us onto that battlefield, I thought he was a real piece of work, but...

Lyria: Yes. A lot of people here seem drawn to him.

The crew stays guarded against King's veiled motives, but they're not sure what to make of all the happy faces turned King's way.

They all finally arrive at a street-corner canteen, and everyone has a seat inside.

Lyria: Everyone in this area seems so grateful to you.

King: I acknowledge it was not my place to meddle in their lifestyles, but I was allowed to do so.

King: This canteen was able to open thanks to the sudden increase of workers in the area. The nights really come alive.

Lyria: That's wonderful!

King: Oh, this is nothing to write home about just yet.

Food is shortly carried out.

King: The menu here is meager at best. Acquiring fresh, quality ingredients is an expensive, not to mention difficult, undertaking.

Simple dishes consisting of dried meat, beans, and root vegetables sit on the table.

Vyrn: Hmm... Looks tasty enough for me.

King: But I wish they could have more.

Vyrn: I think that's great and all, but why are you doing this? What's your game?

King: Thomas probably mentioned this to you, but I have never spoken a word about my past.

Vyrn: Yeah, I remember that.

King: I will only say that helping the poor gain wealth also benefits my cause.

King: But it isn't enough. I want to make the residents still more affluent.

Vyrn: Affluent, huh? How rich do you want them to be?

King: How rich? Hmm... Rich enough to hear the joy in music for instance.

Lyria: Did you say music?

King: Consider it a metaphor. Come. It is time to eat.

Vyrn: Yeah! I'm starving!

Vyrn: Huh?

Haaselia not in crew

???: Mm-mm... Gulp.
I detect nothing.

???: Enjoy your meal, King.

King takes the partially eaten meal from the girl. He begins to eat the rest unperturbed.

Vyrn: Um, what are you doing? You don't have to eat from the same plate, you know. We got enough plates to go around.

???: I was tasting for poison.

Vyrn: P-poison? Why would you have to taste for poison?

King: Pay no heed. It's a way of life.

???: Yes, just a way of life.

???: Oh, King, you have a spot of sauce there.

The girl wipes King's mouth with a napkin.

Vyrn: Say, who is she anyway?

King: Did I not introduce her before? This is my younger sister. The people have taken to calling her Princess.

Princess: Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Go to "Continue 2"

Haaselia is a crew member

Haaselia: Mm-mm... Gulp.
I detect nothing.

Haaselia: Enjoy your meal, King.

King takes the partially eaten meal from the Haaselia. He begins to eat the rest unperturbed.

Vyrn: Um, what are you doing? You don't have to eat from the same plate, you know. We got enough plates to go around.

Haaselia: I was tasting for poison.

Vyrn: P-poison? Why would you have to taste for poison?

King: Pay no heed. It's a way of life.

Haaselia: Yes, just a way of life.

Haaselia: Oh, King, you have a spot of sauce there.

Haaselia wipes King's mouth with a napkin.

Vyrn: Say, how do you know Haase anyway?

King: Did I not explain before? She is my younger sister. The people have taken to calling her Princess.

Lyria: Really? You're Haase's older brother?

Haaselia: It's nice to see you all again.

Continue 2

Vyrn: Y-yeah...

King: Let us return to the business at hand.

King places the card on the table. (Captain)'s face stiffens.

King: A primal beast is sealed within this card. I must warn you it is especially ferocious.

Vyrn: An actual primal beast?

King: Furthermore it is using a certain process to refine its power—soon it will manifest in our world to exterminate all skydwellers.

Lyria: What kind of process?

King: The very one you saw earlier: the War.

Vyrn: Wait, wait! How's that possible? The War happened, like, forever ago!

King: Yes, that event occurred far back in history. But what you experienced was neither dream nor illusion. It was a memory.

Lyria: A memory...

King: This primal beast is constantly repeating the memory of the War, so that it may learn every facet of warfare.

King: It is preparing for the next grand-scale conflict on the horizon.

Lyria: Oh no...

King: The moment the primal analyzes all the knowledge it needs, it will manifest.

Vyrn: What can we do then? Can we stop it somehow?

King: That is why I am asking for your help. Enter into the memory and prevent the primal's forthcoming revival.

King: You will be the outliers of the battlefield.

Vyrn: What's that mean?

King: As I said the primal must learn all there is about warfare before it can manifest.

King: If you enter the memory and begin laying waste to the enemies on the battlefield, that is more data for the primal to process.

King: Thus you would be buying time for our world.

Vyrn: Oh, okay...

Vyrn: But doesn't that mean we'd have to fight nonstop?

King: Well, you mentioned earlier feeling a power emanating from the card.

King: If the primal beast deems it impossible to absorb all knowledge about this battle, I expect it will give up, and that power will disappear.

King: I can't give you a concrete number, but I doubt it will take less than several dozen fights.

King: I apologize for not providing a clear explanation when I sent you into the memory earlier.

King: The thing is, this card is so powerful that it always carries the risk of being abused.

King: Before I could disclose the truth, I needed to ascertain your reliability.

King: I hope you can forgive me.

Lyria: When you put it that way, you have nothing to apologize for.

Vyrn: Yep! Totally understandable!

King: An elderly fortune teller entrusted me with this card while I was traveling.

King: I have been searching for competent fighters ever since. At long last I have found them in your crew.

King: Will you lend your strength to ensure peace reigns in our skies?

(Captain) and company cannot help but respect King for his dedication to the safety of the Sky Realm even as he lives modestly in the heart of the slums.

Leave it to me.

Choose: Leave it to me.

Vyrn: Yeah! We got it covered!

King: Your courage is a beacon of light in these dark streets! I wish you the best of luck. My meager capabilities are at your disposal as well.

A primal beast slumbers in a card.

The crew joins forces with King so that the seal on this terrible force may never be broken.

Back to top

The Augmented Fifth

As (Captain) and company battle monsters on the field, the king reminisces about his past. His real name is Katzelia, fifth imperial heir of the Galgenia Empire. He spends his time as an orchestra conductor, having little to no interaction with the empire's politics, but those peaceful days draw short when the emperor falls ill.

A primal beast is sealed within a card, reiterating the memory of the War in order to discover a method for certain victory.

Should the primal complete its assessment and manifest in the world, the entire Sky Realm will face a deadly threat.

But if a powerful outlier that can't be analyzed were to be injected into the memory, its approaching manifestation will be delayed indefinitely.

Acting as that powerful outlier, the crew jumps into the memory and engages in battle with everything on the line.

Vyrn: Nice! Now, (Captain)!

Vyrn: Lyria!

Lyria: Got it! Summoning now!

As the crew fights heroically, King sits atop a small hill nearby, watching it all unfold.

King: Hahahaha! Just listen to that requiem of haunting cries and trembling earth! This is what war is all about!

Haaselia not in crew

Princess: Those skyfarers are quite strong.

Haaselia is a crew member

Haaselia: You have found yourself an excellent group of players.

King: Indeed. Even our fatherland couldn't produce stalwarts of their caliber.

King: I have delivered what you wanted, Demon Cat.

???: ...

King: With this I draw one step closer to achieving my objective.

???: Katzelia Alois Gangnus. Well done, my son. Your recital the other day was magnificent.

???: The leaders of the smaller nations were most astounded to see an imperial prince take up the conductor's baton.

Katzelia: I am unworthy of such praise, Your Imperial Majesty.

Emperor: It's been two years since your mother, the third empress, was claimed by illness.

Emperor: Then my beloved daughter—your elder half sister who was third in line for succession—also departed from this world due to illness one year after.

Emperor: The Galgenia Empire has suffered many deaths over these last few years.

Emperor: However, I daresay your symphonies will dispel the dire melancholy besieging this land.

Katzelia: Nothing brings me more joy than knowing that you are satisfied with my performances.

Emperor: Yes, they are magnificent indeed, but... Isn't it high time to learn the finer points of war and politics?

Emperor: One of my six children has sadly been lost. I want the remaining five to come together and exemplify our empire's dignity.

Katzelia: The empire's dignity lies not in the swinging of a sword or spear.

Emperor: Pray tell, Katzelia, what would you swing instead?

Katzelia: I shall swing a conductor's baton.

Emperor: Heh, cheeky lad. Your indifference to political affairs shows me that you take after my little brother rather than me.

The Galgenia Empire consists of several smaller countries.

Despite being the fifth imperial heir, Katzelia has no interest whatsoever in government or the military.

Katze is returning from his audience with the emperor when he runs into his uncle, the archduke, and his eldest half brother, the first imperial heir.

Katzelia: Greetings to you both, dear uncle, dear brother.

First Heir: Ho there, Katze. What brings the empire's vaunted maestro here today?

Archduke: Did His Majesty summon you in regards to your concert? It was a lovely affair.

Katzelia: I am glad you enjoyed it.

Archduke: However, you're well into your majority now. Do you still find politicking unworthy of your attention?

Katzelia: I just had a conversation with Father in which he claimed I took after you.

Archduke: Hah-hah-hah! Me of all people! Coming from His Majesty, I would think he sees me as a hedonist.

Katze's uncle isn't involved in politics, but rather investments, philanthropy, and other contributions to the empire.

The precedent set by his uncle greatly inspired Katzelia to become a musician.

Katzelia: I am not cut out for politics. You, Brother, are the person best suited to ascend as the next emperor.

Katze's half brother is the eldest son of the first empress. As the first in line for succession, his path to the throne is more or less assured.

Conversely, Katzelia is fifth in line. Barring a disaster of epic proportions, he won't get a chance to rule.

First Heir: You shouldn't speak so frivolously. His Majesty is still in good health.

Katzelia: Forgive me. I implore you to disregard my impropriety. What I meant was I intend to use my music to help the empire. The orchestra is doing quite well.

Aside from Katzelia, who is the conductor of the Galgenia Symphony Orchestra, the entire ensemble is comprised of commoners.

Katzelia: That's all for today. Next time we'll continue with the third movement.

Orchestra Member 1: Katze! Hey, Katze!

Katzelia: What is it?

Orchestra Member 1: Heard you talked to His Imperial Majesty. Did he happen to say anything about my improv solo during the concert?

Orchestra Member 1: I was just thinking, you know... if people started talking about it, maybe it'd get stuck in his head or something...

Katzelia: He said that was the only part he couldn't stand, so, in a way, you got your wish.

Orchestra Member 1: H-he did?

Katzelia: Pffft...

Katzelia: Hahaha! 'Tis a jest! He praised your performance for its heartfelt passion.

Orchestra Member 1: Sigh... That was harsh for a joke, you know...

Orchestra Member 1: You're not what I'd expect from someone born into the imperial family.

Katzelia: Oh? Those are words of treason. I hereby sentence this criminal to stay after and continue practicing.

Orchestra Member 1: Nooo! That's cruel and unusual punishment!

Orchestra Member 2: Teehee, Katze is such an amusing fellow.

Orchestra Member 3: You won't find an imperial prince like him anywhere else. Maestro here is our empire's pride and joy.

Katzelia: Hah, laugh it up while you can.

Katzelia, the fifth imperial heir, builds rapport by joking around with his orchestra mates as if he too were a commoner.

But those days of bliss come to an end at the same moment the emperor collapses.

Back to top

Stormy Premonition

With the death of the emperor, the first imperial heir ascends the throne and begins to root out suspected conspirators involved in various deaths of the imperial family, going so far as to imprison the fourth imperial heir. Katzelia's orchestra members are murdered from drinking poisoned wine, but he avoids the poison when he's distracted by a voice coming from a card his mother used to keep. Spurred by the fury of losing his parents and his friends, Katzelia vows to uncover the truth.

Katze takes his place beside the emperor's sickbed.

Katzelia: I am here, Your Majesty. How do you feel?

Emperor: It hasn't been so bad today. Katze, has anything unusual taken place?

Katzelia: No, nothing in particular. The empire is running smoothly.

The emperor has been bedridden for a month. He's unaware that someone has assassinated the second imperial heir in his absence.

Death came in the form of a stab wound to the abdomen, but neither the assassin nor the weapon has been identified. The castle is in tumult.

This information is withheld from the emperor, as it would surely be the final nail in his coffin.

The spate of deaths over the years has naturally spawned theories about a conspirator in the shadows.

Haaselia not in crew

???: Welcome home, dear brother. How fares our Father?

Haaselia is a crew member

Haaselia: Welcome home, dear brother. How fares our Father?

Katzelia: It's good to be home, Haase. He's regained some color in his complexion today.

Haaselia Alois Gangnus is Katze's blood sister, the youngest heir of the emperor's brood of six.

Once the sixth in line for succession, the deaths of the second and third imperial heirs have brought her that much closer to the throne.

Katze finds himself in the same precarious situation.

Haaselia: I feel uneasy, Brother. What is to become of the empire?

Katze embraces his sister to quell her shivers, gently stroking her hair.

Katzelia: There's nothing to fear, little Haase. Father will bounce right back before you know it.

Haaselia: You are the only one I can rely on, Brother...

But just a few days later, the emperor draws his final breath.

The first imperial prince takes his father's place, overseeing an empire in turmoil.

New Emperor: The cancer eating away at this empire must be excised. We cannot afford to hesitate.

Male Citizen: I swear I don't know anything! I was only hired to clean the castle!

New Emperor: Guilty.

Female Citizen: Why was I brought here? I had nothing to do with the assassination of the second heir!

New Emperor: Guilty!

If so much as a shadow of suspicion falls on anyone, they are punished without mercy or fair trial by the new emperor.

Hard evidence is eventually produced implicating Katze's older sister, the fourth imperial heir, as the culprit. She is immediately imprisoned.

Katzelia: Brother! What is the meaning behind our sister's imprisonment!

New Emperor: The investigators searched her room and found the dagger used to kill the Second.

Katzelia: I won't believe it! Yes, our sister is strong-willed, but she is also a kind person.

New Emperor: We were simply unaware of the bad blood between the Fourth and the Second—the exact opposite of your close relationship with Haase.

Katzelia: But won't you at least grant her a fair trial with a proper defense?

Katzelia: Recently you've taken to doling out guilty verdicts in quick succession... Is that the right course of action?

New Emperor: Stop talking like a fool. That woman is a snake. You're falling right into her trap.

New Emperor: Besides, the mood in the empire has finally stabilized.

The citizenry is shocked and saddened at the revelation that the Fourth is the true criminal.

And yet they seem to accept the fact readily, if only to provide a resolution to the tragedy that rocked the nation.

Katzelia: (What a mockery.)

Katzelia: I have an orchestra rehearsal to run, Brother. That's all I have to say for today.

New Emperor: I look forward to the performance at the coronation ceremony. One last thing, Katze.

Katzelia: Yes?

New Emperor: You will address me as "Your Imperial Majesty."

Katzelia: ...!

New Emperor: It wouldn't set a good example to call me "Brother" forever, don't you agree?

Katzelia: As you wish.

With the assassination incident wrapped up, a new date for the delayed coronation is finally set.

The Galgenia Symphony Orchestra spends every waking hour rehearsing for the performance.

Katzelia: (My brother has changed. He used to be more levelheaded...)

Katzelia: Hm? Are we missing someone today?

Casting a quick glance over the ensemble, Katze immediately realizes the absence of a familiar face.

Orchestra Member 1: Um... Her father was found guilty by you-know-who... and executed...

Katzelia: ...!
That can't be!

Having lost the head of their household, the surviving family members hide at home rather than suffer the stares of their neighbors.

After rehearsal, Katze and a steward secretly pay a visit to the absentee's house.

Orchestra Member 2: Katze! You're an imperial prince! Why would you come here, especially without bodyguards?

Katzelia: That doesn't matter. Tell me about your father...

Orchestra Member 2: Sob... Daddy... My dad, he... He's not some kind of schemer!

Orchestra Member 2: But they still accused him of being an accomplice in the murder of the second heir... What is my family supposed to do now?

Katze takes out a gemstone ring and places it in the woman's hand.

Steward: What are you doing, Lord Katze?

Katzelia: You stay out of this.

Orchestra Member 2: What is this ring for?

Katzelia: A memento from my mother. It will ease the burden for you to move elsewhere.

Orchestra Member 2: I couldn't possibly take something that important from you!

Katzelia: It's fine. I'll have a ship prepared at port. Have your family gather their belongings with haste.

Orchestra Member 2: K-Katze... I really... I can't thank you enough!

Katzelia: Don't thank me... I'm sorry this is all I can do for you...

Katze sees the family off as they head for the port.

Steward: To bequeath your mother's ring to a person of such a low status...

Katzelia: It matters not. This card is all I need.

Katze takes out a card from his pocket.

Whatever was drawn on the card is now faded beyond recognition.

Steward: Your heirlooms were that ring and this card.

Steward: But what purpose do they serve? Neither seems particularly valuable...

Katzelia: Their value comes from improving the lives of the people. Mother would be overjoyed to know that.

Katzelia: My inheritance from her has served its purpose, even if this card has no value at all.

Katzelia: I'm far more concerned with the course this empire is taking and what will become of it.

The day of the coronation approaches. Preparations everywhere are in their final phase, including those of the symphony orchestra.

Katzelia: That'll do for today. Make sure to rest well before the big day.

Orchestra Member 1: Katze! I come bearing refreshments!

The man promptly whips out a bottle of wine to the cheers of the ensemble.

Katzelia: Where did you get that?

Orchestra Member 1: Don't know who sent it, but it came with a message attached that said, "I look forward to the performance."

Katzelia: I see...

Aromatic burgundy sloshes around the brim of each glass. Katzelia raises his own glass in a toast after everyone else has been served.

Katzelia: Here's to a top-class performance worthy of the expectations held by our emperor and fellow countrymen. A toast to the glory of Galgenia.

Orchestra Members: To the glory of Galgenia!

As one, the orchestra partake of the wine.

Katzelia, just a sip behind, brings the glass to his lips.

???: ...

Katzelia: ...!

Orchestra Member 1: Phew! That's the good stuff!

Orchestra Member 1: Hm? Something wrong, Katze?

Katzelia: I thought I heard someone's voice just now. It was quite close...

Katzelia turns his head this way and that. He instinctively pulls out his card and looks at it.

Orchestra Member 1: Bwaha! Don't tell me the card talked to you! Well, you always were a card yourself—

Orchestra Member 1: Urrrgh! Cough... Hack...

Suddenly the orchestra members start to claw at their own throats in obvious pain. Retching of black blood soon follows.

Katzelia: Wh-what's happening? Hey!

Orchestra Member 1: Katze... Help...

The wine drinkers, lying in their own blood, will not rise a second time.

Katzelia: I don't... understand...

Imperial troopers rush to investigate the scene, cordoning it off from Katzelia. The investigators have to snap Katzelia out of his daze to get his attention.

Imperial Trooper: Lord Katzelia, the evidence we've gathered proves that the wine was laced with poison.

Imperial Trooper: Does that have any significance to you?

Katzelia: No—

Orchestra Member 3: You dragged us into this!

Katzelia turns quickly to face a few members who are still alive. They glower at him.

Imperial Trooper: It seems fortune favors those who don't drink.

Orchestra Member 3: You had it made as royalty, but you insisted on hobnobbing with us commoners. Now look what your family drama has done! They're dead because of you!

Katzelia: ...

Imperial Trooper: Stay your foul tongue, knave! Such language shall not be directed at an imperial prince!

But Katzelia also blames himself.

Given the recent assassination, it makes sense that the poison was meant for him.

Haaselia: Welcome home, dear Brother. It seems you have had a bad day...

Haaselia looks worriedly at Katzelia. Evidently she has heard the news.

Katzelia gives his sister a hug and a quick peck on the forehead.

Haaselia: It's so scary... They still haven't caught the perpetrator...

Katzelia: Don't worry. I'll keep you safe from all the evils in this world.

First the death of his mother, and then the death of his father. His friends were the next to go.

All Katzelia has left is his little sister.

Katzelia: I swear I will unmask the one attempting this coup.

In his chest beats a heart of wrath.

Back to top

Time of Judgment

Katzelia is accused of assassinating the former emperor and sentenced to be punished. In this dire moment, Katzelia forms a pact with the primal beast Judgement, who helps him escape death. After learning that the person manipulating the new emperor is their uncle, Katzelia and his sister, Haaselia, are forced to flee into exile.

The Fifth makes an impassioned speech in front of a squadron of imperial troopers.

Katzelia: Murder runs rampant in our empire! Killings that extend beyond the death of the second heir!

Katzelia: The late emperor who we thought was claimed by illness, the passing of the third heir a year before that, and even my mother two years back.

Katzelia: I highly doubt the purported causes of their deaths!

The accusatory tone in Katze's aggressive words sparks a commotion among the soldiers and retainers present. But Katze doesn't care.

Katzelia: The criminal's weapon of choice is poison, the potency of which was most likely tested on animals beforehand!

Katzelia: Check the records of the public health office! Do not allow a single animal autopsy report to go unread!

Katzelia: The one who is plotting to overthrow our empire is angered that I still breathe! They will surely strike at me again!

Katzelia: I am willing to use my life as bait! Therefore, comrades, it is not my safety but the capture of the culprit which I implore you to prioritize!

Once a fickle imperial prince in love with music, Katze now commands troops with authority.

But late one night, the door to Katze's room is violently bashed in.

Soldiers pour into the room, led by his elder half brother, the new emperor.

Katzelia: What is the meaning of this, Your Imperial Majesty?

New Emperor: Little brother Katze... You are hereby under arrest, accused of murdering the symphony orchestra musicians.

Katzelia: Preposterous!

New Emperor: The fact that you did not drink the wine is proof alone. Obviously you wouldn't knowingly poison yourself.

Katzelia: That is absurd! What reason would I have to murder my own orchestra members!

New Emperor: Well, let's go through your thought process.

Katzelia: My thought process?

New Emperor: I was going to ignore you since you never showed an interest in politics, but you were just hiding your fangs!

New Emperor: Oh, what a sly, usurping beast you are! Currying favor with the masses by taking command of the military forces!

Katzelia: Ignore me? Usurping...

Katzelia: No! Brother, you couldn't have—

New Emperor: I told you to address me as "Your Imperial Majesty!"

Katzelia: Please tell me it's a lie, Brother! Father... Mother... Why did you...

New Emperor: Humph.

New Emperor: The former emperor planned on skipping over me to another heir despite the fact that I was first in the line of succession.

Katzelia: ...?
I had heard no such thing.

New Emperor: I will not bother arguing with you.

The soldiers level their guns at Katze.

Katzelia: Damn you, louts! You're pointing your guns at the wrong person!

But Katze's words fall on deaf ears. These soldiers are already firmly entrenched in the new emperor's camp.

New Emperor: I view that as intent to resist.

Katzelia: You planned to kill me from the start...

Katzelia: (He's taken everything from me! He should be the one on trial! If only I had the power to pass judgment!)

The soldiers place their fingers on the triggers.

Katzelia: Wh-what? My card... is glowing?

???: ...

Katzelia: What!

???: My name is Judgement. These winds carry the burden of adjudication. A tempest of verdicts.

Judgement: I can give you the power to convict, if you so desire.

New Emperor: Wh-what is this phantasmal cat?

Katzelia: You're a primal beast, aren't you? What is it you seek?

Judgement: For you to make a pact with me. I can grant you power.

Katzelia: Power, you say?

New Emperor: A demon has entered these castle walls! All soldiers, exterminate it immediately!

Judgement: Know that my power requires an equivalent excha—

Katzelia: Do it!

Judgement: ...

Judgement: Then you agree to the pact?

Katzelia: I'll prepare whatever this equivalent you're asking for is afterward! Just give me the power to judge these men!

Katzelia: And do it quickly!

Judgement: It is done. May the storm serve you well.

New Emperor: The demon disappeared? What was that all about?

The emperor and his retinue are still perplexed by the sudden coming and going of the primal beast.

Katzelia: Brother...

New Emperor: ...!

Katzelia: Court is now in session. The hour of judgment is upon us. I trust you are prepared?

New Emperor: Wh-what?

New Emperor: Oh, I get it! That demon was all your doing, wasn't it!

New Emperor: I don't know what tricks you're employing, but no amount of chicanery can deceive the emperor of Galgenia!

Katzelia: Order in the court. The defendant stands accused of—

New Emperor: Fire! Fire, fire, fire! Pull your damn triggers!

A whirlwind erupts from within Katze just as the soldiers shoot.

New Emperor: Gaaah!

Bodies go flying back, slamming into the walls before crumpling to the floor.

New Emperor: Guh... Ungh...

Katzelia: Brother, answer me truthfully. Why did you try to kill me?

New Emperor: I told you already. I was going to leave you in peace! But then...

Katzelia: I see. You have a coconspirator.

Katzelia: What is this plot to install a younger heir over you? You were clearly on track to claim the throne without having to resort to murder.

New Emperor: One of you younger brothers was slated to rule... Uncle said so...

Katzelia: He what?

There's a knock at the door. The steward peeks in from outside.

Steward: Lord Katzelia, there is something you should hear—

Steward: By the gods! What am I witnessing?

Katzelia: Lower your voice. You were saying?

Steward: Ah, er, yes! The investigation of the public health office was carried out as you ordered.

Steward: Several documents dating from a year ago were discovered. They pertain to the removal of animal corpses from the archduke's residence.

Steward: It was listed as pest control, but staffers claim the archduke himself carried it out.

Katzelia: So that's his game...

Katzelia: The normal order of succession starts with the emperor's eldest child, and then progresses through his other children based on the order of birth.

Katzelia: Since Uncle is a sibling of the emperor, his right to succession falls to the seventh position behind Haase.

Katzelia: If all six of the imperial heirs are removed from the picture, Uncle will naturally claim the right to rule!

Katzelia grabs his half brother by the nape.

Katzelia: I know Uncle's silver tongue has completely fooled you, but he'll come for you eventually!

New Emperor: U-Uncle would never do that! He's on my side!

Katzelia: You damn fool!

Katzelia discards his brother like garbage and stalks off.

Steward: Wh-where are you going?

Katzelia: To see the archduke! I have some questions for my uncle. If my theory is correct...

Katzelia: He will suffer all the pain and humiliation this empire has, and more!

Steward: Please reconsider! I caught a glimpse of many soldiers coming this way!

A cacophony of footsteps rumbles like approaching thunder.

Steward: Oh no... They are here!

Steward: I think I understand what's happened, but if the soldiers see you like this, it won't look good for you!

Steward: Moreover, we don't know how many of them are under the archduke's influence!

Katzelia: Then what would you have me do?

Steward: Withdraw. Please think of Haaselia's well-being. You are the only one who can save her!

Katzelia: ...!

Steward: There is another way out. Take Lady Haaselia and escape. You must hurry!

Daybreak. Katzelia and Haaselia flee to the nameless wilds on the edge of the empire. Only the steward is there to say goodbye.

Katzelia: A rough life of exile awaits us. Uncle and his cronies will no doubt continue to hunt us down.

Steward: There are no words to describe what this has become.

Katzelia: Don't cry. This is not a final farewell.

Katzelia looks back on the distant empire, slowly being bathed in the dawn's light.

Katzelia: I shall return! And when I do, the trial will commence!

Katzelia: To my eldest brother who abandoned his siblings to save himself, my uncle who murdered his own relatives for his ambitions, and every coconspirator in the upper echelons...

Katzelia: The sentence for each and every one of them shall be death!

Katzelia: If I have to crawl through the dust and drink mud to do it, I will live to render judgment upon you!

Steward: Oh, Lord Katzelia... One day you will become emperor. You are the only one truly suited to rule!

Steward: Thus never forget, my lord, that even at your lowest moments, you must maintain your grace!

Steward: Grace is the essence of authority. Continue to refine yourself so that the people may honor you with their esteem!

Katzelia: Very well. From this day forth, I shall act as the legitimate heir to Galgenia.

Steward: Lady Haaselia...

Haaselia: I will accompany Brother wherever he goes. If he is to be the next emperor, then I will play the role of his attendant.

Steward: Ah... How noble...

Katzelia: Haase, the road ahead will be full of hardships. Please support your foolish brother.

Haaselia: Of course. I will always be with you, Brother.

And with that, the siblings leave the island.

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Orthodox Succession

Katzelia announces that he desires to start a war of succession to take back the Galgenia Empire, unaware that the crew has overheard him. When the crew refuses to help Katzelia carry out his plan, the exiled imperial summons Judgement to fight them.

From upon the hill, Katzelia, Haaselia, and Judgement continue to observe the fighting down below.

Judgement: ...

Haaselia: ...

Katzelia: It's convenient that your desire for strong fighters coincides with my needs as well, Demon Cat.

Katzelia: My objective is to launch a war of succession to take back Galgenia, but I lack experience and knowledge of warfare.

Katzelia: What better model to study tactics and logistics from than the War itself.

But war alone doesn't make an emperor. The one who stands over everyone must also win the hearts of the people.

That's why Katzelia took charge of the impoverished people of the slums.

Katzelia: Progress has been slow, but the time of war is steadily approaching.

But he has made a mistake.

Lyria: What's this about a war?

Katzelia: ...!

Katzelia spins around and is met by the gaze of the crew.

Katzelia: I believe you have misheard me.

Vyrn: I don't think so, buster! You said the War is convenient or something. You've got some 'splainin' to do!

Vyrn: While I'm at it, we've seen that primal beast before too! Which makes you the person we saw on Sephira Island!

Katzelia: Hmm, so that was you back then...

Katzelia clears his throat and puffs out his chest.

Katzelia: I am Katzelia Alois Gangnus, rightful heir to the throne of the Galgenia Empire!

Katzelia: I request your assistance in starting a war of ascension against the treacherous felons that commandeered my empire.

Vyrn: You're tryin' to start a war?

Vyrn: Is that why we're in this memory?

Katzelia: On the contrary, the conflict within this memory is for this primal beast's objective.

Judgement: ...

Vyrn: What kind of objective?

Katzelia: If you want to know, you must submit to my command. I will give you important positions in my army.

Absolutely not.
What would you make us do?

Choose: Absolutely not.

Vyrn: Yeah! We're skyfarers! We don't soldier for nobody's army!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: What would you make us do?

Katzelia: With my intellect and your power, we shall be able to recruit every noteworthy warrior in the skies with ease.

Katzelia: Become my generals and lead our troops to victory!

Vyrn: Hah! We're skyfarers through and through! We ain't got time to be anybody's puppet generals!

Continue 1

Lyria: Please don't start another war! That's not the King I know who helps the poor!

Lyria: Thomas told us that you were the one who showed them a better way to live!

Katzelia: ...

Lyria: I'm sorry, but I don't think war is the right way to do things!

Katzelia: Silence!

Katzelia: So am I to shut my eyes to fallen comrades who vomited blood? Do you understand what it feels like to be powerless?

Katzelia: Have you seen the landscape of hell itself?

Katzelia: I have an obligation to save the citizens of my empire! This is the only way I can do that!

Katzelia: I can afford no surrender. Until my plan comes to fruition, I will not go to my grave!

Katzelia pulls out his conductor's baton from his jacket.

Vyrn: Wh-what are you going to do with that?

Katzelia: All you need to start a war is a collision of ideologies to create a spark...

Katzelia: Like this!

With a flick of Katzelia's baton, the primal beast commences its attack on the crew.

Orthodox Succession: Scene 2

Katzelia and Haaselia vanish in the aftermath of fighting Judgement. Judgement, now free from The World's control and following the crew, reveals the history of two exiles as well as what the Arcarum were created to do. Returning to the slums, the crew inform the residents that their king has left.

Vyrn: Huff... Huff... I think we won...

Vyrn: Huh? King's gone!

Haaselia not in crew

Lyria: Princess isn't here either. I wonder where they went?

Haaselia is a crew member

Lyria: Haase isn't here either. I wonder where they went?

Judgement: The siblings have already left this memory. They have their own purpose to pursue.

Vyrn: You mean this whole war business?

Judgement: Not the war, but what lies beyond it. If you'll allow me, I will tell you of their fall from grace.

Judgement proceeds to retell the tragic past shared by Katze and Haase.

Lyria: I can't believe they went through such rough times...

Vyrn: Well, that explains them, but what's your story?

Judgement: I am Judgement of the Arcarum.

Judgement: The Arcarum are primal beasts cut from a different cloth—our tailor is The World.

Judgement: The World wishes to create a new world only for the Arcarum.

Lyria: A new world?

Judgement: When the next conflict that rivals the War arrives...

Judgement: Data is needed to ensure our victory. That data is you.

Vyrn: What!

Judgement: The information gleaned from observing strong warriors on the battlefield is crucial if we are to triumph.

Judgement: The World manipulated me into lending power to Katze. The discovery of capable fighters was a product of this pact between Katze and I.

Vyrn: That's a crazy plan. Is it really okay to be tellin' us The World's scheme though?

Judgement: The shackles that The World placed on me were unfastened in our violent duel.

Judgement: I am free. No longer do I have reason to do as The World commands.

Judgement: Katze has embarked on a journey to a far-off place to see his mission through. However, I have nothing left.

Judgement: Therefore I surrender myself unto you.

The crew is transported from the memory of the War back to the slums.

As expected, King and Princess are nowhere to be found.

Vyrn: Looks like all we're left with is this Judgement card...

What once was a worn-out card now displays an unmistakable picture of Judgement.

Thomas: Hey!

Lyria: Oh, it's Thomas.

Thomas: Y'all know where King went? I wanted to talk to him about work stuff.

Vyrn & Lyria: ...

(Captain) tells him the truth: King and Princess have already skipped town.

Thomas: He abandoned us?

Other townsfolk form a crowd around (Captain), sensing that a misfortune has occurred.

Resident 1: Bull! You're saying King's gone?

Resident 2: But what's going to happen to us if King and Princess are gone?

Resident 3: I can't bear the loneliness... Tell me you're lying...

Lyria: ...

The people continue to wail, but the crew can do nothing else for them.

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Any Way the Wind Blows

Some time after falling out with Katzelia, the crew returns to the slums and are reunited with him, Haaselia, and Thomas. Katzelia no longer wishes to pursue his war of succession, instead striving to restore peace to his empire, and so he formally joins the crew. He reestablishes his pact with Judgement and vows to return to the slums once Galgenia is at peace.

Days and months pass after the showdown with the king of the slums.

(Captain) and company have come back to the island for the first time since King's disappearance to transport cargo for a job.

The rich and prosperous requester has asked for the crew specifically.

Vyrn: Hehe! This guy knows his skyfarers if he had the good sense to choose us!

Lyria: Oh! I think this is the shop.

(Captain) approaches the door of the shop. It opens and a man steps out.

???: Hey there! I've been waiting for you!

Lyria: Thomas!

Thomas: It's been a while. Y'all look well.

It's none other than Thomas, the wood supplier the crew met in the slums.

Vyrn: Wait... So the rich guy that hired us is—

Thomas: You guessed it! Me! I asked for you specifically!

Vyrn: Holy smokes! You mean you own this joint? How'd you do it?

Thomas: I put King's lessons to good use and never strayed from the path of doing honest business.

Thomas: Sometimes I'd snag a big deal, and then that led to another deal, and another... My luck kept rolling.

Thomas: Business was booming. Figured I'd need a shop, so I set up a place on this island.

Lyria: Oh, I see. I'm glad everything has worked out for you!

Thomas goes on to happily report that other residents from the slums have also since prospered.

Vyrn: So where do you want us to take the cargo?

Thomas: Actually the destination hasn't been finalized yet.

Vyrn: Say what? How's this gonna work then?

At that moment a pair of familiar figures make their entrance into the shop.

Katze & Haase: ...

Lyria: Oh my goodness!

Katzelia: Long time no see.

Haaselia: Have you been well?

Haaselia not in crew

Vyrn: Whoa! It's King and Princess! Where'd you guys run off to?

Haaselia is a crew member

Vyrn: Whoa! It's King and Haase! Where'd you guys run off to?

Katzelia: After we left your presence, we were found by imperial pursuers. We had no choice but to go on the run until recently.

Katzelia: We were at the ends of our ropes, ready to give up, when we happened across Thomas.

Thomas: Course I'm just a simple merchant. Even though I knew their lives were in danger, I didn't have the power to do anything.

Thomas: That's when I got the idea to call you guys.

Vyrn: I'm with you so far...

Katzelia: I decided to stop thirsting for a war of succession.

Katzelia: Defeat at your hands drove home the fact that I am a musician and not suited to war.

Katzelia: From now on my calling is to find a way to take back the empire through peaceful measures.

Katzelia: That is in the best interests of the citizens of Galgenia.

Lyria: I agree! That's the best way forward!

Vyrn: Wait... Then the cargo we're here to transport is...

Katzelia steps closer to (Captain).

Katzelia: (Captain), you are the captain of the crew.

Katzelia: Will you shelter us two exiles?

You're more than welcome.
Just don't lie anymore.

Choose: You're more than welcome.

Katzelia: I don't know how to thank you. You didn't even hesitate, despite the fact that I once took up arms against you.

Vyrn: Hehe, think nothin' of it! (Captain) doesn't do it for the thanks!

Katzelia: I am humbled...

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Just don't lie anymore.

Katzelia: I swear on my homeland, the Galgenia Empire, that I will never deceive you ever again.

Katzelia: And I apologize for the incident that transpired between us.

Vyrn: Well, I think we can accept that, right, (Captain)?

(Captain) nods with a smile.

Katzelia: I am humbled...

Continue 1

Haaselia not in crew

Haaselia: Thank you very much.

Haaselia is a crew member

Haaselia: Thank you very much for not just sheltering my brother, but for opening his eyes as well.

Lyria: You never said anything to us about Katze's intentions...

Haaselia: I was uncertain of what to do back then. I'm sorry.

Haaselia: I was powerless to persuade my brother who was so consumed with revenge.

Haaselia: But in my heart, I knew (Captain) would show my brother that war is not the answer.

Haaselia: I believed that losing to you would bring him to his senses, just as it did for me.

Thomas comes to say goodbye to Katzelia.

Thomas: Take care of yourself out there, King!

Katzelia: I am a king no longer. Just baggage.

Thomas: Nope! You'll always be a king to us! Doesn't matter where, doesn't matter when, you'll forever be in our thoughts!

Lyria: He's right! And you're not baggage, Katze! You're our friend!

Katzelia: Friend?

Orchestra Member 1: Katze! Hey, Katze!

Orchestra Member 2: Teehee, Katze is such an amusing fellow.

Orchestra Member 3: You won't find an imperial prince like him anywhere else. Maestro here is our empire's pride and joy.

The faces of departed comrades flash through Katzelia's mind. Never had he dreamt of ever making friends again.

Lyria: Katze! I feel the Judgement card calling out to you!

Katzelia: What?

Lyria hands the card to Katzelia.

Judgement: ...

Katzelia: Demon Cat...

Judgement: I have prepared another pact between us, Katze.

Katzelia: You would once more lend me power? But I no longer intend to start a war.

Judgement: I have been released from The World. My mission now is to judge The World. Such is the conclusion I have drawn.

Katzelia: Humph. And now you need a host to carry it out.

Katzelia: Very well! I am kin of an imperial usurper! You were an altered primal beast!

Katzelia: We both know the pain of betrayal by those close to us.

Katzelia: Let us join together, my fellow cursed companion, and blast fierce winds over the arena of judgment!

Judgement recedes into a single point of light on the card, and Katzelia pockets it.

Katzelia: I suppose possessing this power ends my short-lived tenure as baggage.

Thomas: Astonishing as always, King... Taming a primal beast like it's nothing...

The Grandcypher pushes away from dock.

Thomas: Stay safe, King!

Katzelia: Thomas, tell this to the townspeople for me! Once I reclaim the empire, I will come back to see you all!

Thomas: I'll let 'em know! We'll be here waiting as usual! Please take care of yourself!

And so the exiled emperor sets out on a new adventure aboard the Grandcypher.

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Trumpeting the End of The World

As (Captain) and company prepare to face off against the Inchoate World, he deactivates all the Arcarum primals, then forces the replicated world to converge on him. Katzelia and Judgement fail to escape with the rest of the crew.

After overcoming numerous trials, (Captain) and company finally reach the Inchoate World.

The being that appears before them exudes a far more menacing aura than the previous time the crew confronted him.

Lecia: That's... the Inchoate World? Why does he look so different from...

Inchoate World: Your resolve has brought you far, foreign elements of the new world.

Inchoate World: And foolish Evokers and Arcarum who dare rebel against your god.

The overpowering air about the Inchoate World almost seems to take physical form.

(Captain) and company are equal parts cautious and fearful.

Katzelia: Heh. I believe you're rather lacking in strength to dare stand in my way.

Katzelia: Let's finish this up quickly, Demon Cat. I'm a busy man, after all.

Judgement: Very well. It is time to deliver judgment upon The World.

Judgement: Once my wish is granted, the rest shall be yours.

Katzelia: Yes. I will return to my country, for there is something there I must do.

Katzelia: We don't have the time to cater to mere child's play.

Inchoate World: How pitiful. The lowly beast has strayed far from the objective of its sublime maker.

Inchoate World: I will show you firsthand the difference in power between creator and created.

Inchoate World: As creator, I hereby issue a decree to the Arcarum.

Inchoate World: You shall all be disposed of. Never will you get in my way again.

Judgement: ...

Katzelia: Hm? What is the matter, Demon Cat?

Despite Katzelia's question, Judgement remains silent.

Katzelia: What's wrong?

There is no response. The Arcarum primal has come to a complete standstill, as if devoid of life.

Inchoate World: Do not expect it to answer. For I have cast out the Arcarum.

Inchoate World: It can no longer move and will lose shape soon enough.

Vyrn: Wh-what's that supposed to mean!

Vyrn: What exactly did ya do!

Inchoate World: I merely discarded my creation—nothing more, nothing less. It was but a thrall before its creator.

Inchoate World: I was the one who manufactured the Arcarum out of primal beast cores that saw their end during the time of the War.

Inchoate World: It may have developed a sense of self and betrayed me, but it is by my hand that it was given life.

Inchoate World: Never underestimate your maker. The Arcarum lack the means to resist my commands.

Inchoate World: From the very outset, each of their fates rested within the palms of my hands.

Lyria: But then, that means we...

Inchoate World: Yes. All the time you've spent, bonds you've forged—it was all for naught.

Katzelia: Tch... Such foolishness.

Katzelia: You remind me of my wicked brother who poisoned my orchestra mates... Absolutely irritating.

Katzelia: I don't like you. Demon Cat is under a contract with me—in other words, it is a subordinate of the emperor.

Katzelia: So spare me your claims of creation. The emperor who tames the dog is far greater than the maker whose hand is bitten.

Katzelia: Tames the cat, in my case.

Inchoate World: Well, I suppose you're not entirely without merit. The data you've gathered has proven to be especially valuable.

Inchoate World: I'll make sure that none of it goes to waste.

Inchoate World: Be glad that your efforts will form a cornerstone of the new world long after you have been wiped out.

The replicated world trembles violently as he utters those words.

The fabric of reality twists and bends as the world around them begins dissipating into palish particles that converge on the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: What the—

That's our cue to run!

Choose: That's our cue to run!

Lyria: R-right!

Monika: Lecia, give the order to withdraw!

Lecia: On it!

Lyria: Please hurry, Katzelia!

Katzelia: All of you go first.

Vyrn: What're you talkin' about!

Lyria: You need to escape too! Come with us!

Katzelia: Demon Cat is my retainer. A worthy emperor would not abandon his retainers and leave on his own.

Katzelia: Besides, its power will be indispensable to me from here on out. I must bring it back.

Judgement: ...

Vyrn: But...

Let's retreat for now.
I'll stay too.

Choose: Let's retreat for now.

Katzelia: I once chose to leave the Galgenia Empire and someday return. I am still in the middle of fulfilling my intention.

Katzelia: But I no longer want to run from any more problems. I have only to step forward.

Vyrn: We don't wanna leave our friend behind either, ya know!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: I'll stay too.

Katzelia: Heh, don't be ridiculous. You're the captain of a crew—you must protect your friends.

Vyrn: That's what we're sayin'! You're our friend too!

Lyria: That's right! Let's retreat for now!

Continue 1

Katzelia: Don't make me repeat myself.

Katzelia: I'm staying here. Go on without me.

Refusing to leave anyone behind, (Captain) reaches out to grab Katzelia's shoulder.

In a single moment, Katzelia and Judgement scatter into particles and are absorbed into the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: N-no!

Shocked, (Captain) makes to run back to save Katzelia.

Monika: What are you doing, (Captain)! We need to get away!

(Captain) turns to Monika.

No way am I leaving them behind!

Choose: No way am I leaving them behind!

Vyrn: Yeah! What (Captain) said!

Lyria: Katze's always so positive... but we know that, deep down, there's a lot on his mind, and he's always thinking about his country.

Lyria: We want to help Katze achieve his goal! We can't just abandon him here!

(Captain) brushes off Monika's hand and turns back around. However...

Monika: Sorry, (Captain).

Feeling a powerful impact from behind...

(Captain) slumps to the ground.

Monika: Hate me if you want, but I can't afford to lose you too.

Moments before losing consciousness...

The captain is able to make out Monika's apology.

Contending with some dizziness, (Captain) slowly gets up from bed.

Where... is this...

Choose: Where... is this...

Lyria: Thank goodness you're finally awake!

Vyrn: You sure had us worried, (Captain).

The captain is relieved to hear the voices of trusted companions.

Monika: This is our frontline base.

Monika: I knocked you out cold earlier and had you brought here.

Now understanding what had happened, (Captain)'s expression is one of shock.

Lecia: Um... (Captain). Please don't hold a grudge against Monika.

Lecia: She was only trying to save you.

I know...

Choose: I know...

A pained expression overtakes the captain's face.

What happened afterward?

Choose: What happened afterward?

Monika: (Captain)... Follow me.

Monika: It's faster if I show you directly.

(Captain) and company follow Monika out of the room.

Having come outside, the crew looks above to find a giant sphere the size of a floating island.

What... is that?

Choose: What... is that?

Monika: That showed up all of a sudden after we escaped from the replicated world.

Monika: According to the survey team's report, there's an entire world nestled within the sphere. A world never seen before.

Monika: And the sphere has been getting larger over time.

Monika: It doesn't show signs of stopping either, which means it'll only be a matter of time before...

All turn pale as they imagine the worst possible outcome.

Lyria: I can sense the Inchoate World's presence from that sphere.

Vyrn: So you're sayin' that thing's basically the Inchoate World?

Lyria: Most likely...

Katze must be in there...

Choose: Katze must be in there...

Lyria's and Vyrn's expressions cloud at the thought.

Monika: Our world will be swallowed up by that thing sooner or later if we don't do something about it.

Monika: The situation's dire, but that's no reason to curl up and wait for death.

Monika: I realize you're probably still mad at me, but (Captain)... Won't you lend us your strength?

Like you even need to ask!

Choose: Like you even need to ask!

Vyrn: We're gonna go save Katze and Judgement!

Lyria: Yes! I'm sure there's something we can do for both of them!

Monika: Thank you. We're indebted to you, (Captain).

They look up to the sphere once more.

Their resolve to save their dear friends burns bright.

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 2

Katzelia wakes to experience losing his orchestra members once more, and Haaselia is murdered in front of him. Sinking into despair, Katzelia dissipates into particles of light; however, the final fragments of his existence continue to resist The World. Judgement appears to follow Katzelia's instruction, sounding the trumpets. The glow emitting from the Evoker's light particles grow stronger.

Orchestra Member: Katze! Katze, hello?

Katzelia: Hm? Something the matter?

Orchestra Member: That's it for today's practice, right? Everyone's already left. What are you zoning out here for?

Katzelia: Ah... It felt like I was having some sort of vision... Was it a dream?

Katzelia: Never mind... I might've been dozing off during the second half of practice.

Orchestra Member: Wha... Are you all right, Katze? Sure you're not getting burnt out?

Katzelia: Haha! Nothing to worry about.

Orchestra Member: Our conductor's health is always a concern... Please don't push yourself too hard, okay?

Katzelia: All right, I'll try not to!

Haaselia: Welcome back, Katze.

Katzelia: I'm home, Haase.

Katzelia embraces his younger sister and gives her a soft kiss on the cheek.

Haaselia: So Father's condition isn't getting any better...

Katzelia: Yes... It's proving difficult. I'm told that they're searching for different methods to treat him, but...

The empire has been going through a state of unrest as of late, with the sudden passing of the second and third imperial heirs.

Katzelia: When a country is unstable, its people also become restless. As they grow more conscious of their expenses, the economy also suffers.

Katzelia: From there, crime rates increase—and those looking to shake the country take advantage of the political situation.

Katzelia: That is why it's important for us to remain composed.

Katzelia: People look for security. If the imperial family remains calm, they become the pillar that the country's people can depend on.

???: You're exactly right, Katze.

Katzelia: Schlangehr. I didn't know you were here.

Schlangehr Rela Gangnus—the first imperial heir and older brother of Katzelia and Haaselia—approaches from the other side of the room.

Schlangehr: I came to talk with you two.

Schlangehr: As you very well know, we used to be siblings of six, but we are now left with only four of us. It is heartbreaking to think about...

Katzelia: Indeed...

Schlangehr: As you said, Katze, if the central pillar of the country wavers, the people will be able to sense the unrest.

Schlangehr: But I believe we can clear the people of their insecurities if the four of us work together.

Schlangehr: Haase, your duties will certainly increase from here on out. You must work hard for our empire.

Haaselia: Of course. If there is anything I can do, I intent to put in my full effort.

Schlangehr: Hearing that is a relief. I feel my own insecurities dissipating with those words.

Katzelia: I feel the same. If we join hands as siblings, there is nothing we cannot do.

Schlangehr: Indeed! I am overjoyed to have such a trustworthy brother and sister!

Despite the apprehension, with the combined efforts of the imperial siblings, surely a bright future awaits the empire...

So Katzelia believed from the bottom of his heart.

Orchestra Member: Katze! We received a delivery of wine!

Katzelia: The sender... isn't written on here.

Orchestra Member: But there's a note that says "I'm looking forward to your next performance"!

With wine glasses at the ready, the orchestra members are waiting eagerly for a taste of the bottled delight.

Katzelia: Then I suppose we'll have some.

Katzelia: Glory to Galgenia!

???: ...

Katzelia: ...!

Orchestra Member: What's the matter, Katze? Everyone's begun to drink already.

Katzelia: It's... nothing. I'll have a glass as well.

Orchestra Member: Hrrgh... Gah!

Katzelia: Wha...

The orchestra members suddenly begin to show signs of pain, coughing up blood as they collapse one after another.

Katzelia: N-no...

Katzelia: Ah!

Beyond the writhing bodies of his orchestra mates, Katzelia spots a single figure.

Schlangehr: Katze...

Katzelia: Schlangehr!

Katzelia: So that's how it is... It's you. You killed them, Schlangehr!

However, Katzelia finds himself unable to move his body at all. That's when he notices a second figure.

Haaselia: Katze...

Katzelia: Haase!

Schlangehr: Katze... You pretended to occupy yourself with your music while hoping to gain the people's support.

Katzelia: Why would I ever want to do that!

Schlangehr: You think I didn't realize? You wanted to put your foot in the door and someday sit on the throne as the next emperor, don't you?

Katzelia: Have you lost your mind? You were lured by the earl to kill all the members of my orchestra!

Schlangehr: Uncle is my ally!

Katzelia: That man is merely manipulating you, killing off the imperial heirs one by one as he gains political power in the shadows...

Katzelia: He may very well be aiming for the throne itself!

Katzelia: Someday, you too will be murdered by that man and—

???: Katze...

Katzelia: ...!

Katzelia turns to see the collapsed orchestra members slowly getting up, raising their faces to look at him.

Blood continues to pour from the corners of their mouths as they gaze at him with hatred.

Orchestra Member: Katze... Why did you not drink the poison? We all drank it...

Orchestra Member: Could it be that you knew the wine was poisoned?

Katzelia: No! It wasn't me! I'd never...

Orchestra Member: Then why are you the only one to survive, while the rest of us all died? It's unfair... It's all so unfair...

Orchestra Member: If only we didn't get so close to you. Then we wouldn't have died...

Katzelia: ...

Schlangehr: How pitiful, Katze. All those ones supporting you are now gone.

Schlangehr: And now...

Schlangehr whips out a knife from his pocket and puts it to Haaselia's throat.

Haaselia: Eek!

Katzelia: S-stop it! Don't hurt Haase!

Schlangehr: With this, not a single person will be there to give you their support.

Schlangehr's lips curl into a grin as he slides the knife across Haaselia's throat in one swift motion. Blood gushes from the wound.

Haaselia: Gragh...

Katzelia: Haase!

Schlangehr: Fool... How can someone who can't even protect what's important to him ever become emperor?

Schlangehr: If you wish to stand at the top, then you must obtain the power to do so.

Schlangehr: It is the duty of a ruler to possess power befitting of his role. For one so powerless to dream of being emperor... Preposterous.

Katzelia: Haaseee!

Haaselia: ...

Katzelia: Aaaah!

In his despair, Katzelia crumbles into particles of light, disappearing into the void.

A veil of darkness covers the world, and Schlangehr's figure shifts into another.

Inchoate World: How weak to not even be able to preserve yourself...

Inchoate World: A fitting end for someone clinging onto the position of emperor, trapped within a small system called an empire.

Judgement: ...

A trumpet sounds from within the darkness.

Inchoate World: I'm surprised you can still move.

Judgement: It seems getting absorbed gave me the opportunity to do so.

Inchoate World: Both you and this world are things I created... You mean to say that you've found a way to regain your autonomy?

Inchoate World: Still, it is too late. As you can see, the foolish dreamer has disintegrated into nothing.

Judgement: This is an interlude.

Inchoate World: What?

Judgement: The curtain will rise again after this interlude. Keep your silence.

Inchoate World: Are you saying the performance isn't over? That it's set to start again?

Judgement: I am simply following Katze's conducting.

Judgement: Though he is not at his full strength, I know he is swinging his baton, directing me to continue the performance.

Inchoate World: Swinging his baton?

The Inchoate World looks at his feet and notices a baton lying on the ground, where it flicks itself feebly.

Inchoate World: He's... still alive?

Judgement: Conductor, please swing your baton precisely.

Judgement: You have not achieved your goal of becoming emperor. Your song has yet to finish.

Judgement: Or do you intend to halt your performance in a place where there is no one to listen?

The next moment, the baton soars up as if lifted by the wind and hovers in front of Judgement.

The tip of it begins to draw an arc in the air, waving in rhythm.

Inchoate World: This is nothing but an empty threat. Enough of your ridiculous farce.

Judgement: I have received directions from the conductor. The sound of the trumpet announces the reopening of our performance, and the colors of the prism will guide the way to destruction.

Inchoate World: Destruction? I won't fall for a mere bluff—

Judgement: ...

Inchoate World: What? What's happening?

Judgement: ...

The scattered light particles gradually begin to swing to the swaying space around them.

They float into the sky, and their light begins to grow brighter and brighter.

Judgement: It now begins... The destruction of The World.

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 3

Breaking free of The World's control, Katzelia uses his newly acquired power together with Judgement to fight against The World. Feeling threatened, The World has no choice but to expel Katzelia and Judgement. The two rejoin (Captain) and company on the Grandcypher.

Katzelia: Now, let the curtain rise.
It is time for the finale, World.

Judgement: Let us make it a grand performance.

Inchoate World: What is the meaning of this? You should have lost your self by now...

Katzelia: The illusion you showed me is nothing more than what I've experienced in my mind many times before.

Katzelia: I will admit that it felt real. But you cannot erase me completely.

Inchoate World: Even your sister's death fails to perturb you... Is that the person you really are?

Katzelia: Haaselia is my most beloved sister.

Katzelia: Back when we were running from our pursuers, I had Haase be the taster for our food in case it was poisoned.

Katzelia: Do you know why I did that?

Inchoate World: Using your beloved sister to taste for poison... How contradictory.

Katzelia: Contradictory? Not at all.

Katzelia: If Haase were to die of poison, I would have immediately partaken in the same food and died with her.

Inchoate World: What?

Katzelia: What meaning is there to becoming the emperor in a reality where Haase does not exist?

Katzelia: To become emperor, or to die with Haase... It was one or the other.

Inchoate World: To think you have sunken to this level of perversion...

Katzelia: I told you—she is my most beloved sister! And you had the audacity to show me an illusion in which she died by herself!

Katzelia: Unforgivable! I sentence you to death!

Inchoate World: Someone who only dreams of becoming emperor dares to lay punishment on me?

Katzelia: It's time for a waltz! Dance like leaves in the wind!

When Katzelia swings his baton, a strong gale sweeps down on the Inchoate World.

Inchoate World: Impossible!

Inchoate World: I have misjudged the situation... I have no choice but to dispose of you.

As the Inchoate World says this, a beam of light shines down on Katzelia and Judgement.

Judgement: It appears the World intends to expel us from this place.

Katzelia: Most rude of him to invite us in, only to drive us out again! I'll have to teach him a few manners!

Intense winds blow around Katzelia until they make a tornado.

Inchoate World: These two little...

The light shining on Katzelia grows increasingly bright, until all of his surroundings become a shade of white.

And before he realizes, Katzelia finds himself falling through the blue sky.

Katzelia: Tch... We were driven out after all.

Judgement: Look below—it's a ship. It seems they have noticed us already.

Katzelia: Awfully smart of (Captain).

Katzelia allows the wind to carry his body as he hurtles toward the deck of the ship waiting below him.

Just before he collides with the ship, he swings his baton. The Evoker slows down to a hover and slowly lowers himself onto the deck.

Katzelia: Haha.

Judgement: What is it?

Katzelia: That fall just now was rather amusing.

Katzelia: It's given me an excellent idea for delivering judgment onto the false emperor.

Lyria: Katze!

Vyrn: Are you okay?

Katzelia: Thank you for coming. Allow me to tell you what happened.

Katzelia proceeds to explain the events that unfolded inside the sphere in detail.

Lyria: How terrible... It must've been so dangerous in there.

Katzelia: I tried to resist—however, we had no choice but to be expelled. It must be The World's rule for that place.

Vyrn: The sphere's gettin' bigger, isn't it? If we leave it like this...

Judgement: It will eventually swallow the sky entirely. Then The World will, no doubt, become the new law of these skies.

Katzelia: We cannot ignore it.

Judgement: Katze. I propose infiltrating that place once more.

Katzelia: But of course. I intend to do so.

Vyrn: If the two of you are goin' back, then we're comin' with ya!

Lyria: But are we going to be okay?

Judgement: You will retain mobility as long as you're with us.

Judgement: We have already succeeded in resisting his power, which means we should be able stand against The World this time.

Katzelia: Indeed. What will you do, (Captain)?

The captain nods and tells Katzelia and Judgement that the crew will accompany them.

Vyrn: We're gonna fight with ya!

Lyria: Yes! Let's do our best!

And with that, it is decided that they will confront the World once more—this time, together.

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 4

The crew reenters the sphere to stop the Inchoate World once and for all. He sees the appearance of the crew as a trial to be overcome before world creation can happen and awaits their arrival at the center of the sphere.

The crew steps inside the floating sphere to settle matters with the Inchoate World.

Vyrn: Whoa... What's with this place...

Lyria: The many different colors mixed together is making my eyes go round...

The wild color scheme is extremely unsettling, violently distorting the captain's perceptions.

Vyrn: Rrgh... I'm startin' to feel sick...

Lyria: Me too... Are you all right, Katze?

Katzelia: I am perfectly fine. It may be that by absorbing a small part of The World's power, I am now able to withstand this place.

Vyrn: Hm? You seem kinda different... like your clothes, hair, and everythin'.

Katzelia: I believe this is also from the influence of The World's power, now that it is a part of me.

Katzelia: This world reflects what is inside my heart. I was broken once because of that, but I have been revived to take my current form.

Katzelia: This form is, so to speak, the shape of my heart—my vision of the future, where I am to become emperor.

Vyrn: So The World's power's became part of you...

Lyria: Is that really all right?

Katzelia: Like I said, I feel absolutely fine. So much that I'd like to wrap up the loose ends here as soon as possible, and return to my country.

Vyrn: Heheh! Glad to hear it!

Bracing themselves for what may come, the crew proceed onward to the center of the multicolored world.

Inchoate World: You lot again.

Vyrn: Gwah! You got us good last time, and now we're gonna get payback!

Inchoate World: What more could you want from me? I have no more business with you. You nuisances are a waste of time—

Inchoate World: No, wait... I see how it is. Defeating your group is the final trial I must overcome before the new world comes to fruition.

Katzelia: So I'm your final trial? A most interesting way to think about it. In fact, you may be right.

Katzelia: Then I shall put you to the test. Surely you will understand just how foolish your aspirations have been in your last moments.

Inchoate World: A birth becomes that much more meaningful after successful completion of a trial. And a trial exists to be overcome...

Inchoate World: Very well then. I welcome you all to be the final sacrifices to mark the true completion of my task.

The Inchoate World seems to disappear, blending into his multicolored surroundings.

Let's go.

Choose: Let's go.

The crew's march toward the center of the sphere continues.

Back to top

Beyond the Trial

The Inchoate World unleashes his full power to overcome the trial that is the crew. A final showdown ensues.

Inchoate World: You've come.

By tracking the aura of the Inchoate World, the crew finally reaches the center of his realm.

The Inchoate World looks down on the crew as he speaks, a hint of surprise in his breath.

Inchoate World: How strangely comforting... Though you obstacles in my path normally fill me with disgust...

Inchoate World: Seeing you as a trial meant to be overcome fills me with pride and joy.

Inchoate World: The face of fate changes depending on your interpretation. And my interpretation has led me to birth a new world.

Inchoate World: You are nothing but nuisances now—stepping stones on my path to world creation... That is how I define your fates.

Katzelia: Stepping stones? Fate? Heh, surely you jest.

Inchoate World: What?

Katzelia: Your own fate ends here—there are no more stepping stones for you. Learn to use language befitting of yourself.

Katzelia: You'll do well to remember the final word in your dictionary: "Failure."

Inchoate World: Yes... this will do. A fool pretending to be emperor is a far more worthy trial than a laudable Evoker.

Katzelia: I am not pretending. I am the emperor.

Inchoate World: Arrogance is a crime.

Katzelia: In that case, the one to undergo judgment will be you.

Inchoate World: Once I have created my new world, I will be the new reason. The right to judge will be mine.

Inchoate World: The time has come to bury you all as wretched artifacts of the old world!

Fierce winds begin to blow around them, causing the various colors to converge on the Inchoate World.

As he is encased in what appears to be some sort of cocoon, Lyria audibly gasps.

Lyria: Watch out! The Inchoate World is getting stronger!

Inchoate World: You antiquated relics will become the cornerstone of the new world. For that is your fate; that is providence.

Inchoate World: You have no future beyond today. Your destinies end here. I shall wipe away your very souls from existence!

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

The crew finally defeats the Inchoate World and returns to the Sky Realm. With their battle against The World over, Katzelia decides it is time to return to Galgenia together with Judgement and ascend to the throne as emperor.

Inchoate World: Rgh!

Inchoate World: Impossible! I should be the one who decides destiny!

Inchoate World: All trials succumb before me... Your defeat here was supposed to mark the celebration of the new world's creation...

Inchoate World: But yet... how is it that mortals of the old world have bested me!

Katzelia: Now it is clear who was the overly arrogant one. The crime is yours to bear.

Katzelia: I hereby sentence you to execution!

Katzelia: Emperor Katzelia himself shall personally send you to your grave!

Katzelia's raging winds batter mercilessly against the Inchoate World.

Inchoate World: Gwaaah!

Inchoate World: Damn you... Damn you all! How could I lose...

Inchoate World: What of my new world!

His hands reach out, only to grasp at thin air. Cracks begin to form all over the Inchoate World's body.

Inchoate World: Guuuuh!

With a deafening roar, the Inchoate World lets out a flash of light followed by a harsh noise that stains the world white.

Vyrn: What... happened to us? Where's the Inchoate World?

Katzelia: Seems like the winds were a little too strong. I'd intended to send him to the execution grounds, but he ended up crumbling before I was able to do so.

(Captain) and company wake up to find themselves collapsed on the deck of the Grandcypher. Katzelia tilts his head up to look at the sky.

Lyria: I don't sense the Inchoate World's presence anywhere... The sphere's disappeared as well. Is it over?

Judgement: I cannot find The World either. I believe we can safely assume he has been terminated.

Katzelia: Only foolish things happen when fools obtain power. Easy to see why he chose my brother to disguise himself as.

Katzelia: Our battle with him may be over, but my wish has not yet been fulfilled. Until then, it is not truly over.

Vyrn: So you're gonna return to your country and become emperor?

Lyria: Your brother is still chasing after you, isn't he?

Katzelia: Yes... But I am growing tired of being chased. It's time for me to stand up against him.

Katzelia: He is the man who killed the members of my orchestra and laid the blame on me.

Katzelia: I cannot tolerate the fact that a criminal who deserves proper judgment is sitting on Galgenia's throne as emperor.

Lyria: Please let us know if there's anything we can help with!

Katzelia: Heh. I want to be surprised, but after everything you've done for me already, I suppose I shouldn't be.

Monika's Voice: Hey! Is everyone all right?

Just then, they hear a voice calling out to them from afar.

When they turn toward the sound, they spot an airship approaching, with Monika and Lecia standing on its deck.

Vyrn: They must be here to check up on us, now that the sphere's gone.

Lyria: We're fine! Nobody's hurt!

As (Captain) and the others report to the Crew of Enforcers on what happened inside the sphere, Judgement turns to Katzelia.

Judgement: Katze, my objective has been fulfilled. You have my gratitude.

Katzelia: Now it's my turn. I will need your assistance.

Judgement: Very well. What shall we do with the others?

Katzelia: I need to borrow the crew's power as well, albeit only momentarily. I plan to give a solo performance to my brother.

Judgement: I take it you already have a way to enter the country then.

Katzelia: Our time inside the sphere has given me an idea. It seems The World was not entirely useless.

After an intense struggle against the Inchoate World, Katzelia finds himself with a new power.

Now he fixates his eyes on his real goal, which he must fulfill by first returning to the Galgenia Empire.

Back to top

Verdict

Several days after the incident inside the sphere, Katzelia gathers the crew.

Katzelia: I have something to tell all of you.

Haaselia: Is something the matter, Katze?

Katzelia: I plan to make my return to Galgenia.

Vyrn: Finally, huh?

Lyria: Your battle is far from over, isn't it?

Katzelia: Yes. I must dethrone my brother, Schlangehr Rela Gangnus.

Katzelia: Then, I must become the emperor of Galgenia myself.

Haaselia: ...!

The crew grow nervous upon hearing Katzelia's plans.

Vyrn: That Schlangehr guy's the one who framed you, right? What're you plannin' to do with him?

Lyria: It's only right that you tell him you didn't do anything bad!

Vyrn: But if it was that simple, things probably wouldn't be this complicated...

Katzelia: Informing him of my innocence will most certainly not be enough. Situations like this call for something more. In a word, a pretext.

Katzelia: Put simply, I need to give people a reason to see my actions as just.

Katzelia: So I cannot simply kill the current emperor. If I did so, it would merely be murder. The lords of the council would not stand for it.

Vyrn: You mean you gotta gather evidence and prove your innocence?

Katzelia: Too much time has already passed. It would be physically impossible to prove my own innocence now.

Katzelia: It has been decided that I was the one who poisoned the orchestra members—it won't be easy to overturn that decision.

Katzelia: Even if I were able to bring his crime to light, I still doubt there would be many willing to stand on my side.

Lyria: But why? It was such a terrible event...

Katzelia: To the lazy, it is far easier to maintain the current peace than to face the crimes of the past.

Katzelia: Very few want to stir trouble—even fewer among those well in their years. That is how the truth is covered.

Vyrn: That's awful...

Haaselia: That's how it is, unfortunately. The center of any state tends to take a conservative approach, after all.

Lyria: Then what will you do?

Face them head-on.
Find a valid pretext.

Choose: Face them head-on.

Katzelia: I'm going to face all of them head-on. There's no need for me to return to my country in such secrecy.

Katzelia: I will personally meet with the people of Galgenia and persuade them to join my side. That way I'll be one step ahead, and the council won't dare to make me an enemy.

Vyrn: Right. That doesn't sound like a bad idea!

Katzelia: I hate to trouble you, (Captain), but could I ask you to drop me off at Galgenia?

When they finally arrive at Galgenia, Katzelia disembarks by himself at the port.

Soldier: Katzelia Alois Gangnus! Who would've thought you'd show yourself so openly like this. Put both of your hands up and surrender yourself!

Katzelia: Listen carefully to me. You are swearing loyalty to the wrong person.

Soldier: You dare speak ill of His Majesty the emperor? I'll take that as a sign of resistance! Guards, capture the man!

The guards present at the scene simultaneously charge at Katzelia. The Evoker is surprised, but manages to dodge the multiple attacks. However...

Katzelia: Rrgh... So many magic users. I didn't think they'd unleash tamed monsters as well...

Judgement: Katze, we must counter their attacks in order to survive.

Katzelia: No true emperor would hurt his subjects! Do you intend to make me into my brother Schlangehr?

But that very sentiment backfires, and a single soldier's sword finally manages to pierce through Katzelia's body.

Katzelia: Guh...

Katzelia: I can't believe... this is the end...

The End

You must withdraw from this quest.

Make your choice once more for a different future.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Find a valid pretext.

Katzelia: I will save our sister.

Haaselia: Our sister!

Vyrn: Sister?

Katzelia: The fourth imperial heir of Galgenia... Luvera Eva Gangnus.

Haaselia: She is the daughter of the second empress consort, and the only one out of us siblings who is skilled in magic.

Lyria: Your older sister... Where is she now?

Katzelia: I hear she has been accused of killing the second imperial heir with a dagger, and has since been imprisoned in a pitiful dungeon.

Katzelia: I'm sure she was also framed, as was I. Even if Luvera had indeed killed our sibling, she would've used magic and not a simple dagger.

Katzelia: In order to leave some form of evidence, someone working for my brother had used a dagger to carry out the murder, then left the weapon in my sister's room.

Katzelia: Saving my sister who has been falsely accused and imprisoned will be strictly an act of justice.

Haaselia: A commendable idea, Katze. That should provide sufficient justification to dethrone the emperor.

Katzelia: Yes. We'll wait for the right time to strike. Still...

Katzelia: ...

Haaselia: What is the matter, Katze?

Katzelia: Ah, it's nothing...
I was just thinking how lovely you are as always, Haase.

Haaselia: Oh, Katze...

Schlangehr: ...

Schlangehr Rela Gangnus anxiously looks around, surrounded by his guards.

Schlangehr: I take it our defense is flawless?

Imperial Guard: Yes, sir! We have raised the security level of the castle grounds, port, and town areas, as well as the outskirts.

The emperor is right to be concerned after receiving a letter from his younger brother Katzelia, who had escaped from the country.

The letter received contains one sentence: "I will be seeing you soon." This is enough to make Schlangehr feel restless.

Schlangehr: I felt Katze's confidence through his words in the letter... Could he be plotting something? He does have that strange primal beast, after all...

Imperial Guard: Rest assured, Your Majesty. We won't let even a single rat through.

Schlangehr: What was that!

Imperial Guard: The wind, sire. It's quite gusty outside—the weather may get rough tonight.

Schlangehr: A-are you sure it's the wind?

Imperial Guard: Yes. It seems the gusts are picking up already.

Schlangehr: It's like we're in the middle of a storm!

Imperial Guard: I have to say, a sudden squall like this is rather rare...

The winds grow stronger and stronger, rattling the enormous window behind the throne.

Schlangehr: Eeek!

The window shatters into a thousand pieces. Schlangehr sees a figure beyond the dancing glass shards in the air.

When the glass finally falls to the floor around them, the figure gracefully makes a landing.

Katzelia: Pardon my intrusion from up above.

Katzelia: It has been a long while, Your Majesty. It is I, Katzelia.

Schlangehr: K-Katze... How d-did you get...

Katzelia: It seems you were quite thorough with your placement of guards—I saw them all around town. There were even several ships in the sky.

Katzelia: But it seems a single person was able to fall past without being detected.

Schlangehr: Fall past?

Katzelia: I disembarked from an even higher place, you see. Then it was just waiting for my feet to reach ground.

Katzelia: It was something I came up with after free-falling from the sky a while ago.

Katzelia: I do have to be attentive of the weather, and I'd chosen the date accordingly.

Schlangehr: There's n-no way you can fall from the sky like that and not be dead!

Katzelia: Conveniently enough, I have a bit of control over the wind, you see. I can at least soften my own landing.

Suddenly, a large shadow appears beside Katzelia.

Judgement: ...

Schlangehr: Eek! A primal beast!

Imperial Guard: This is as far as you go, Katzelia!

A single soldier charges straight at Katzelia, who merely turns to look behind him and gives a swish of his baton.

Katzelia: Sing!

Judgement: ...

Imperial Guard: Gwah!

Judgement unleashes a wind that picks up the soldier as if he were a feather. The man is thrown against the wall before losing consciousness.

Schlangehr: Wh-what're the rest of you doing? Get him! Kill him!

Imperial Guards: ...

The other soldiers make no attempt to move—but not only because they are afraid of the primal beast.

Katzelia: Unfortunately, Your Majesty, it seems your words have failed to reach them.

Schlangehr: What?

Katzelia: Sound is something that vibrates and moves through the air. It is highly dependent on things like temperature and wind.

Katzelia: Currently, the two of us are surrounded by a layer of wind—a barrier that cuts off any sound, if you will.

Schlangehr: ...?

Katzelia: In simpler terms, sound is something that bends under certain conditions.

Katzelia: Right now, your soldiers are watching their emperor move his mouth like a fish, yet failing to make a single sound. It's no wonder that they're rather puzzled by your strange behavior.

Katzelia: If you don't raise your voice, I'm afraid your orders won't get through to them.

Judgement: May I neglect the soldiers in the vicinity, Katze?

Katzelia: Hm...

Continue questioning the emperor.
Scatter the nearby soldiers.

Choose: Scatter the nearby soldiers.

Katzelia: First, let's have the soldiers make their exit. Demon Cat, blow them out of this room.

Katzelia turns his back on the emperor and points his baton at the guards.

Katzelia: I don't want them gravely injured. Show some restraint.

Judgement: I know.

Schlangehr: Heh!

Katzelia: Gragh!

Katzelia topples over onto the ground, a large knife sticking out of his back.

Schlangehr: Yes... I did it!

Schlangehr: Look! The emperor himself has slain the rebel! This is the end of Katzelia!

Katzelia breathes his last, and the Galgenia Empire remains within the grip of the current emperor.

The End

You must withdraw from this quest.

Make your choice once more for a different future.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Continue questioning the emperor.

Katzelia: My matter lies with the emperor. As long as the guards don't make a move, let them be.

Katzelia puts the tip of his baton at Schlangehr's throat.

Katzelia: Now, Your Majesty... Your life is in my hands. Do you understand what that means?

Schlangehr: You want to h-hurt me? I dare you! They'd make it so you could never step foot in Galgenia again!

Katzelia: Hahaha! Surely you jest!

Katzelia: You've already done that for me yourself, have you not?

Schlangehr: ...

Katzelia: Even so, I have returned, as you can see—and with new power.

Katzelia: I will give you a choice. You may choose to confess to your crimes, or say goodbye to these skies forever.

Katzelia: Either way, you will be removed from the position of Galgenia's emperor.

Schlangehr: ...!

Katzelia's baton moves from Schlangehr's throat to between his eyebrows. The emperor's eyes follow the tip of the baton.

His expression shifts to that of someone utterly defeated.

Schlangehr: I confess... to my crimes...

It is clear from the man's feeble voice and disheartened demeanor that he has truly given up.

Katzelia: Very well. I will now proceed to apprehend you, and have you undergo trial and judgment under the law for your crimes.

When Katzelia lowers his baton, the wind surrounding them stills.

Steward: Lord Katzelia!

Katzelia: Perfect timing. We must go immediately.

Steward: I have awaited your return! Everything has gone according to plan, I presume?

Katzelia: Of course. This man has admitted to being a false emperor himself.

Schlangehr: Rrg...

Steward: Where are you off to, my lord?

Katzelia: To where my sister is—time is of the essence. We leave now.

After ensuring all of the guards are properly tied up, Katzelia throws Schlangehr into a prison cell.

He then hurries toward the dungeon where his sister is being held captive.

Katzelia: Make haste. There is no time to delay.

Steward: As you wish! Why the hurry though, my lord?

Katzelia: Schlangehr may have admitted to his own crimes, but that does not mean others have recognized him as a criminal. At this point in time, I am still seen as the rebel.

Katzelia: Once I have released my sister and validated my pretext, then my actions will be pardoned. Hopefully that can serve as a stepping stone for my ascension to the throne.

Steward: Understood!

Katzelia: Is my sister safe?

Steward: Yes. However, as I mentioned in my letters, I have not yet been able to see her.

Katzelia had been exchanging letters with the steward using a secret code, which allowed him to gain information on the ongoings of the empire.

Katzelia: I'm worried...

Katzelia: Who knew there was a room like this inside this cave...

Steward: A more comfortable space was made, as it was a member of the royal family being imprisoned, albeit a criminal—innocently accused of such, of course.

Katzelia: I'm relieved to see that the environment is not as dire as I had expected.

???: Who is it?

???: Huh? Katze!

A figure can be seen further into the room—Luvera Eva Gangnus, older sister of Katzelia and Haaselia.

Katzelia: It has been too long, Luvera! I, Katzelia Alois Gangnus, have returned to Galgenia!

Luvera: You're... alive? But I heard you were dead...

Katzelia: I'm very much alive, as you can see.

Luvera: Well, what a surprise! I'm glad you're alive. So, hm, what's going on?

Katzelia briefly explains to Luvera about what has happened up until this point.

Luvera: Uh-huh. I guess we should hurry then, right? This seems like the most dangerous phase...

Steward: ...!

Luvera: If Schlangehr's faction gets wind of this now, we're not keeping our heads, are we?

Katzelia: You saved me an explanation. Yes, if we're found too soon, our plan will be for naught.

Luvera: So we'll want to get moving with my big reveal, then? Going out and claiming my innocence far and wide. Ideally with evidence and witnesses.

Katzelia: May I ask your thoughts?

Luvera: I'm sure there's plenty of evidence. Schlangehr became emperor just like he wanted, didn't he?

Luvera: Mr. Absolute Ruler isn't going to go around disposing of measly evidence like poisons or weapons or lackeys.

Katzelia: Yes, I am of the same opinion. However, since even gathering such evidence requires a pretext...

Luvera: You came to break me out first, to leverage my claim of innocence in justifying your own, mm-hm?

Katzelia: I regret having to use you, dear sister, for something like this...

Luvera: I don't mind at all. You know I'm not the type to get mad over something like this.

Luvera: Though I will say... Schlangehr turned out to be a real fool. The throne would've been his anyway.

Katzelia: You are most right. I suppose greed brings one's foolishness to the fore like little else.

Steward: (Lord Katzelia and Lady Luvera both have such outstanding character. Surely they will bring glory to the empire...)

Luvera: Speaking of changes, I see you've changed a lot yourself, Katze.

Katzelia: I decided to let down my hair, though my previous hairstyle proved rather convenient when swinging my baton on stage.

Katzelia: After navigating through some unusual experiences, I decided to give myself a fresh start.

Luvera: That's not exactly what I meant, but that too. We've gone through a lot, you and I.

Giving Katzelia a look of gratitude, Luvera slowly walks out of the prison cell.

Luvera: Well then, I suppose it's time for me to rise to the throne and become the new emperor.

Steward: Huh?

Katzelia: ...!

Steward: Lady Luvera, did you just say...

Luvera: I call for an immediate council session to proceed with the succession. You've done well, my dear Katze!

Go to "Continue 2"

Continue 1

Continue 2

Verdict: Scene 2

Katzelia is about to give up on becoming emperor when he sees Haaselia attempting to take her own life. (Captain) saves Haaselia just in time. Haaselia tells Katzelia and the others about her revenge and her true feelings. She tells her brother that he must become emperor, setting off a ripple in his heart.

Upon obtaining her freedom, Luvera immediately gathers as many lords in the empire as she can and states her innocence.

Katzelia provides several pieces of evidence that point to Schlangehr as the true criminal.

The most convincing evidence is a poison identical to the one used to kill the members in Katzelia's orchestra.

The man had kept the poison in his room of all places, hiding it in a drawer.

Luvera: Schlangehr's officially behind bars, awaiting judgment.

Katzelia: Our people are still unaware of the situation. We must work wisely...

Luvera: It's not an easy thing to accept—that the emperor was the true murderer, caught by his siblings who had been seen as the criminals up until now.

Luvera: Still, I'm so glad you and Haase are doing well. Who would've thought you'd be with a skyfaring crew?

Katzelia: A group that roams from island to island is the perfect place to hide oneself, after all.

Luvera: It's a relief to know that the two of you will continue to support me after I become emperor.

Katzelia: ...

Vyrn: You can't be emperor?

Once things have settled down after his brother's arrest, Katzelia invites (Captain) and company to Galgenia and explains the recent events.

Lyria: But your plan was successful, right?

Katzelia: I succeeded in dethroning Schlangehr—he is no longer emperor. Mine and Haase's honor have also been restored.

Katzelia: But now that Luvera is free again, she is next in line to succeed the throne. It is only natural that she becomes emperor...

Vyrn: What're you talkin' about? You're the one who freed her!

Vyrn: You freed her so that you could become emperor... Now you're sayin' she's the one who's gonna be emperor? What was the point of doin' all that then?

Lyria: Hold on, Vyrn! It's still a good thing that Katze's sister is free now...

Katzelia: I had considered this possibility, but there was nothing I could do about it. I only had one path to take.

Katzelia: I was hoping my sister would refuse the throne, but it seems I was too optimistic.

Katzelia: Perhaps I could have maneuvered the plan in a way where my sister would not be able to ascend to the throne.

Katzelia: But my pride would not allow me to do anything of the sort... That would only make me the same as Schlangehr.

Vyrn: But you're doin' it for the peace of this empire... You worked so hard this time.

Lyria: Is there nothing else you can do that will help you become emperor?

Vyrn: Good point! There's gotta be other ways, right? We'll help ya!

Katzelia: I do appreciate it. However...

Katzelia: There is nothing to be done. The traditions of imperial succession must be followed.

Katzelia: My sister Luvera is a good person. And if she wants to take the throne, then her wish becomes the highest priority.

Katzelia: There is no reason to defy the order of succession at the council session...

Lyria: That can't be...

Seeing the crew's gloomy expressions, Katzelia stands up.

Katzelia: Heh... Don't look so down. I was able to carry out half of my objective, after all. Not everything always goes according to plan.

The crew stays silent, unsure of what to say. Katzelia's gaze wanders to the window.

Katzelia: Haase?

Lyria: Huh? What's the matter?

Katzelia: Why is Haase over there? What is she doing?

Katzelia squints at the small figure, who is walking down a corridor in the tower across.

Vyrn: You're right, it's Braidy Girl! You've sure got a good eye...

Katzelia: She's walking rather unsteadily. Something isn't right...

When (Captain) suggests that they go take a look, Katzelia nods.

Katzelia: Haase!

Katzelia and company run down the hall, but somehow, Haaselia fails to notice their approach.

Haaselia suddenly steps onto the ledge of a window in the corridor.

Katzelia: Haase!

Katzelia cries out when he sees Haaselia disappear out the window. (Captain) immediately leaps after her.

The captain barely makes it in time, grabbing Haaselia by her arm.

Katzelia: Haase... What did you...

When they see Haaselia covered from head to toe in blood, the crew are at a lost for words.

Haaselia: I suppose I could tell all of you, now that everything is over.

Haaselia had sought revenge for her friends, carrying out a secret mission where she found herself amidst a deadly struggle.

In the end, Haaselia managed to kill her uncle the earl—who had been controlling Schlangehr from the shadows—as well as his accomplices.

Katzelia and the others take in a sharp breath when they hear how the fierce battle unfolded.

Katzelia: Haase. Why did you not talk to me about any of this?

Katzelia: I could have been able to find a solution without you throwing yourself in danger like that. Then you wouldn't have to get hurt—

Katzelia's words are cut short when Haaselia abruptly slaps him across the face.

Katzelia: Haase?

Haaselia: You really don't know anything about me, Brother. I'll use this opportunity to tell you once and for all.

Haaselia: I've always... always hated you!

Katzelia: ...!

Haaselia: Despite your talent for politics, all you spend your time on is music. Not to mention, you treat me like a child...

Haaselia: If you think your overprotection is a form of kindness, then you're wrong!

Haaselia: If I had talked to you about this, how do you think you would have responded?

Haaselia: If it was just a lecture on how meaningless revenge would be, I'd be able to bear it. But knowing you, Brother...

Haaselia: You would take measures to distance me from danger and solve the problem all by yourself—regardless of my wishes.

Haaselia: Those kinds of things don't make me happy at all! I'm not someone who exists only to be protected!

Haaselia: I hate all of that about you, Brother! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! I hate you so much!

Katzelia: ...

Katzelia: Is that how you truly feel, Haase?

Haaselia: Yes. Those are my genuine feelings, without a shred of falsehood.

Katzelia: I see. So you're finally telling me how you feel.

Haaselia: Finally? Why're you talking like you already knew...

Katzelia: Who do you think I am? I'm your brother—and I love my sister. I can at least sense my own beloved sister's feelings.

Katzelia: But love is something you give, and not something to wish for in return. That's why I never stopped giving my love to you.

Katzelia: But my love was what almost drove you to your death.

Katzelia: A man who cannot even understand the heart of his own sister is not fit to serve as emperor. It is beyond my capability...

Haaselia: Not fit... to be emperor? What's the matter with you all of a sudden... It's not like you to be so faint of heart.

Katzelia: Heh. You think of me too highly, Haase.

Katzelia: Well... Will you listen to what I have to say, as a fellow imperial heir?

Katzelia: I'd like to tell you about my experiences up until now, and the large wall I find myself facing even now.

From there, Katzelia relates the story of how Luvera is now set to become the next successor of the throne.

Haaselia: Luvera's going to become emperor? What are you going to do, Brother?

Katzelia: Nothing. This is the conclusion our journey together has brought.

Haaselia: Our flight from pursuit, our lives hidden in the slums, our days in the crew as skyfarers... brought us to this?

Katzelia: I know it's not what you want to hear, and I'm sorry. I even had you serve as my food taster...

Haaselia: It was to ensure that you become emperor.

Katzelia: No. If you had died by poison, Haase, I would have partaken in the same thing and died with you.

Haaselia: ...!

Katzelia: Without you here in Galgenia, there is no meaning to becoming emperor, nor to live.

Haaselia: Don't be ridiculous!

Katzelia: ...!

Haaselia: I had an inkling, and that's exactly why I said I hate you so much! Why was I even tasting for poison then?

Haaselia: I risked my life for it, you know. You need to have the same level of resolution as I did!

Katzelia: Haase...

Haaselia: We've been on the run for so long. You want to reduce all of that to nothing because of one measly norm? Was my brother that much of a coward all along?

Haaselia: You will become emperor! No matter what, you hear? You are the person who can be this country's ruler, Brother!

Haaselia: You must ascend to the throne! I risked my life because I knew that this empire will be in good hands—your hands!

Katzelia: ...

The desperate words from his beloved sister ripples across Katzelia's heart.

Katzelia: Thank you for listening to my foolish story, Haase, despite what you are going through.

Haaselia: I don't mind. Looking at your gloomy face would be much more distressing.

Katzelia: Let's talk someday—just the two of us. Haase... I wish with all my heart that you will stay alive until then.

Haaselia: I guess I'm left with no choice then. I have a lot of things I'd like to talk about, so I suppose I'll keep living for now.

Leaving Haaselia's medical treatment and safety in (Captain)'s hands, Katzelia immediately heads for another room in the castle.

Verdict: Scene 3

When Katzelia asks Luvera to give the throne to him, his sister tells him to prove his worth by delivering judgment on Schlangehr in a confidential trial. Katzelia proceeds to build a gallows and thinks about what kind of sentence would be best for the future of Galgenia. Finally the day of the trial arrives, and Katzelia reads out the verdict.

Luvera: Katze? What are you doing here at this hour?

Katzelia: Luvera, I'll get straight to the point. I'd like to ask you to yield the throne to me.

Luvera: Oh my. Have you taken up being a weather vane?

Katzelia: Dodging my pursuers, I came back to this country and overthrew our brother the evil emperor.

Katzelia: I released you from your prison, Luvera, and brought Schlangehr's treachery to the attention of the council lords.

Katzelia: Through this, I've come to realize that the one most suitable to become emperor is none other than myself.

Luvera: Yes, you did splendidly. The heroic story of Katzelia will be passed down though many generations, I'll bet.

Luvera: I still have to say no, though.

Katzelia: Why is that?

Luvera: I can hardly give away the throne of Galgenia for free, now can I?

Katzelia: ...

Luvera: So if you think it should be yours, prove to me and the council you're up to it.

Katzelia: Prove?

Luvera: The lords are tearing their hair out on what to do with Schlangehr.

Luvera: I don't blame them―the first imperial heir killed his own parents and siblings and ascended the throne. It's a rift waiting to happen.

Luvera: We were discussing it earlier, and most likely, the trial will be kept confidential.

Katzelia: A confidential trial... A trial without jurors or lawyers, only to be seen by a select few and with no record left behind...

Katzelia: Though I believe everything should come to light, if it is for the well-being of the state, then I suppose there is no other way...

Luvera: Right, so I want you to be his judge. Besides, who knows how much influence Schlangehr might have on the official court?

Katzelia: Me?

Luvera: What better way to prove yourself than by delivering a brilliant judgment on Schlangehr?

Luvera: Our brother is a heinous criminal who murdered many, pinned the crime on you and Haase, and locked me up—all for his own greed.

Luvera: Show me and the lords in court how you'd deal with that criminal imperial heir...

Katzelia: And you'll yield the throne to me, is what I should presume?

Luvera: I'm not making any promises. Show me something convincing.

Katzelia: ...
As you wish.

Scheduling the trial for a date thirty days away, Katzelia gets to work studying precedent trials and preparing for any possible sentences he can conceive.

Katzelia: Set up a gallows in front of the castle within thirty days.

Steward: Will you be hanging Schlangehr, my lord? But... is the trial not a secret?

Katzelia: The trial will be held in secret, but I was never told that the punishment, too, needs to be kept undercover.

Katzelia: I believe trials should be made known to the public. In this case, I'd like the people to at least be able to witness the punishment.

Steward: Will Lady Luvera not be opposed to this idea? I imagine she would...

Katzelia: The trial has been left entirely in my hands. You've no need to worry.

Katzelia: Besides, there is the possibility that Schlangehr will be sentenced to another form of punishment. I am merely preparing as much as I can in advance.
Now take your leave. I'm quite occupied.

Steward: Please call for me if you need anything, my lord.

Katzelia locks himself up in the archives of the castle for days, looking through previous trials.

Judgement: Katze, are you not tired?

Katzelia: What a laudable thing to say for a demon cat who hasn't shown itself for so long.

Judgement: You have yet to fulfill your objective. Might there be anything I can assist with?

Katzelia: I appreciate the sentiment. I admit, I am so busy I would even ask a cat to lend me a hand—alas, however, I have no need of paws.

Judgement: ...

Several days later.

Vyrn: Hey! How's everything goin'?

Katzelia: (Captain)... You're here. I apologize for not having been there to welcome your arrival. What is the matter?

Lyria: Mr. Steward called us over!

Judgement: I spoke to the steward. I thought it would be best for you to establish contact with others, so I asked him to call for the crew.

Katzelia: The poor man isn't so young anymore, I hope you didn't go giving him a heart attack...

Lyria: We heard that you were looking for... precedent trials?

Katzelia: Yes, I'm looking for records of trials from the past. I'm hoping to use them as references and evidence for my brother's trial.

Vyrn: We'll help too! We heard from Gramps that you might get to be emperor!

Katzelia: Your offer is appreciated, but let me warn you, it is more difficult than it seems. You needn't go out of your way to...

Lyria: We haven't been able to assist with much, so we want to help!

Katzelia: I believe I've received your assistance quite a few times already...

Vyrn: Heck, all we did was use our ship to drop you off at the castle. You did everythin' else yourself.

Katzelia: (I meant all the days I spent in the crew before that too, but... no matter.)

Katzelia: Heh... Once again, I can't even be surprised.

Katzelia: Then I shall take you up on the offer. I'd like you to look for a few specific books, and bookmark particular pages for me.

Lyria: Okay! We'll do our best!

The crew work together to look for records of past trials, delivering what they can find to Katzelia.

Katzelia: (How heavy of a sentence should I give, and what reasons do I have to give it? I need to make these clear...)

Vyrn: It looked like you were buildin' something outside the castle. What is that?

Katzelia: A gallows.

Vyrn: Wha! Gallows?

Katzelia: Ah, come to think of it... It should be just about finished. I've been in here for so long that I don't have any idea what is happening outside.

Lyria: Is it for... the trial?

Katzelia: If you're starting to feel uncomfortable with this, you don't have to help me. It's not a burden for you to carry.

Vyrn: Have you decided on the sentence already?

Katzelia: No, not yet. This is simply a part of my preparations, as I would like to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of.

Vyrn: Now that we think about it, you're sentencin' your own brother, right? Must be hard on ya...

Katzelia: Not particularly. I'm far past that stage already—an extreme sentence for Schlangehr is unavoidable.

Vyrn: ...

Finally, (Captain) breaks the silence. The captain tells Katzelia that the crew is ready to help him nevertheless.

Katzelia: (Captain)... Are you sure? This is my country's problem, after all. There is no reason for you to involve yourself to this point.

Lyria: We came here to help you, Katze. And we'll continue to do just that.

Vyrn: We know just how hard you've been workin' for the sake of this place. You're gonna help make it an even better country from here on, aren'tcha?

Katzelia: An even better country...

Lyria: Once you become emperor, I hope that everyone here can live happily and in peace.

Katzelia: In peace...

Lyria: That's what we talked about before deciding to come here.

And so the crew gets back to work, combing through the numerous volumes.

Katzelia: (That's right... The trial may be confidential, but the judgment will be an example for the future of this empire.)

Katzelia: (Schlangehr's heinous crimes... and the rise of a new emperor... What exactly constitutes as proper judgment?)

On the day of the trial, council lords, Luvera, Haaselia, and the crew gather in the courtroom.

Luvera: So you're the crew I've heard so much about. I'm happy to finally meet you.

Vyrn: Are you...

Luvera: Allow me to introduce myself. All smiles, all magic, all-powerful!—the one and only Luvera Eva Gangnus!

Lyria: Um, I'm all smile-ful! The one and only... Lyria!

Vyrn: You don't hafta follow her act...

Lyria: Oh, I felt like I should for some reason... Hehe.

Luvera: What a lovely introduction! Thank you for looking after my brother and sister.

Haaselia: I'm relieved to see that you've been freed, Luvera.

Luvera: I'm glad that you're back too, Haase. Until recently, I'd assumed you were no longer alive, just like Katze.

(Captain) and company seat themselves in the public gallery. Soon, Schlangehr is brought into the courtroom, and Katzelia finally enters to sit in the judge's seat.

Katzelia: Would the defendant take the stand.

Schlangehr: ...

Schlangehr gingerly makes his way to the stand and steps onto it.

Katzelia: Are you Schlangehr Rela Gangnus, the first imperial heir of the Galgenia Empire?

Schlangehr: Yes.

Vyrn: Hey, where'd Luvera go?

Haaselia: Over there.

The crew follows Haaselia's gaze and looks up to see Luvera, seated at a place even higher than the judge.

Vyrn: It kinda looks like she's the real judge.

Haaselia: In a way, she is. That's where the emperor and the royal family sit when someone is being tried for a political offense.

Haaselia: In the case of my sister, she may already be assuming the position of emperor.

Lyria: Does that mean that Katze won't be able to become the next emperor?

Haaselia: His odds are certainly nearing zero. It all depends on Luvera...

Luvera: (Just how will Katze deliver judgment on Schlangehr?)

Steward: (Lord Katzelia...)

Katzelia: Defendant, do you admit to the murder of the previous emperor, in addition to fellow imperial heirs and citizens of Galgenia?

Schlangehr: I... do.

Haaselia: (Unforgivable... My uncle may have coaxed him into it, but what a height of foolery...)

After a careful arraignment, the trial proceeds to the presenting of evidence and testimonies from witnesses, which continues for some time.

And finally, the time for the verdict arrives. The tension in the air is at its peak as everyone awaits with bated breath.

Verdict: Scene 4

Katzelia proclaims Schlangehr not guilty, giving clemency in commemoration of the coronation—a sentence he deems suitable, after putting into consideration what effect the execution of a former emperor could have on the empire. Luvera is satisfied with the decision and agrees to pass on the throne to Katzelia. Schlangehr is made to work as a chief of council for the rest of his life, under the watch of his siblings. Katzelia ascends the throne as emperor and continues dedicating himself to bettering the state.

Haaselia: (This is the end...)

Luvera: (This is it.)

Katzelia: The grief of the families of victims who have lost their lives as a result of your conspiracy is unfathomable.

Katzelia: The accountability lies with the defendant, who has admitted to being the main offender in a series of cruel events. I shall now read the verdict.

Katzelia: I declare the defendant...

Schlangehr: ...!

Katzelia: Not guilty!

Schlangehr: ...!

Steward: ...!
...?

Haaselia: ...!

Vyrn: Not guilty? Wait, not guilty?

Lyria: Um... By "not guilty," does he mean...

The courtroom is silent for a few moments before the lords of the council begin to talk among themselves.

Katzelia: Order!

Katzelia knocks on the table with his gavel, but the courtroom remains abuzz.

Vyrn: Wha... Braidy Girl, why's he not guilty?

Haaselia: I have no idea... Our brother is the perpetrator of incredibly heavy crimes. A verdict of not guilty is outrageous...

Steward: But Lord Katzelia has indeed pronounced Lord Schlangehr innocent. What could be the meaning of this?

Those present at the trial are finally brought to silence when flames suddenly erupt around Katzelia.

Katzelia: ...

Vyrn: What the! Is that magic?

Haaselia: Could it be... Luvera?

Luvera looks down from her elevated seat, gazing at Katzelia with disappointment in her eyes.

Luvera: Katze... Care to explain? Going by the rest of the room, I don't think it's just something wrong with my ears.

Luvera: Did you really just pronounce Schlangehr "not guilty"?

Steward: Lady Luvera, please stop!

Luvera: I was locked up by Schlangehr for a very long time. You understand why I'm angry, yes?

Luvera: I do wish the four of us siblings could play jump rope together. What do you think, Schlangehr?

Schlangehr: Jump rope?

Luvera: Yes, with your intestines. Katze will hold one end while Haase and I jump.

Luvera: You'll be on the other end, of course, still connected. You can see how far they'll stretch, one swing at a time.

Schlangehr: Eek...

Luvera: Katze, how is Schlangehr not guilty? I was looking forward to seeing what kind of unique sentence you would give him...

Luvera: But you've disappointed me. Surely no reason would be great enough to clear his abominable crimes.

The fire surrounding Katzelia closes in on him, the flames almost licking his skin. But the judge remains unfazed.

Katzelia: From here on, a new emperor shall ascend the throne, and the ways of our state will change.

Katzelia: As precedent allows, this also means court decrees may be changed or even nullified.

Haaselia: Wait... Could it be?

Katzelia: To the defendant and all who were involved with the crimes in question, clemency shall be granted.

Imperial Heirs: Clemency?

Steward: By clemency, does he mean...

Katzelia: Too many people have lost their lives already. Execution of the former emperor will only strike fear in the people of this country.

Katzelia: Should we cast the families of the criminals to the streets? No—this would only become a larger hindrance for our state administration in the future.

Vyrn: So what's this clemency thing?

Haaselia: It's a special system we have in Galgenia, used in times of national celebration or mourning. It can be used to change court decrees.

Haaselia: Still, usually a criminal of this level would not have their guilt cleared.

As the council lords continue to voice their concerns, a single laugh pierces the air.

Luvera: Hehe... Hehehe...

Luvera: Clemency, is it? I see now. Yes... That works for me.

Steward: Lady Luvera! Are you certain?

Luvera: Thirty days ago, I told Katze I wanted to be convinced.

Luvera: And he's given a convincing reason for the ruling, so I've nothing to say. It is a coronation tradition after all.

Luvera: I'm sure Katze has his fair share of hatred for our brother, yet he chose to fix his eyes on the future of our country. Isn't that what you want in a political decision?

Luvera shifts her gaze to Katzelia.

Luvera: I'll let the council know about my withdrawal from the throne.

Haaselia: Brother!

Katzelia: Court is adjourned!

Confused, the council lords loiter for a while talking among themselves, until the sound of the gavel prompts them to exit the courtroom.

From the snippets of conversation, it is apparent that the lords are satisfied with the sentence, relieved that judgment has prioritized stability of the state.

Schlangehr: Huh? Um... huh? N-not... guilty?

With the defendant pronounced innocent, the prison guards eventually take their leave, and Schlangehr is left alone on the stand.

Luvera: Oh, Schlangehr...

Schlangehr: Eek!

Katzelia: My brother.

Haaselia: Schlangehr...

The siblings surround their brother, who recoils in fear.

Katzelia: Schlangehr... You are now a free man, innocent and without blame. Consequently, I have a request for you.

Schlangehr: A request?

Katzelia: It appears that you have an impeccable talent for acting—so much that you were able to pose as a virtuous man while murdering so many.

Luvera: A splendid performance.

Haaselia: Yes, we fell for it completely.

Katzelia: I will give you orders for everything—all I want you to do is continue pretending to be a good person and help the weak.

Schlangehr: A... good person?

Katzelia: From here, I plan to minimize the political role of the emperor, as well as the authority the position holds. The emperor will shift into being only a symbol of the empire, so that no tyranny will befall our country again.

Katzelia: I will then establish a new council, in which you will serve as its first chairperson while parading as a good person.

Schlangehr: H-how long... do I have to do that for?

Luvera: How long? I wonder... Maybe half a year? Or until next year? What do you think, Katze?

Katzelia: That is a good question. How about five years? Or perhaps ten is better. What do you think, Haase?

Haaselia: Until death, of course!

Schlangehr: Death!

Katzelia: There you have it, Schlangehr. After all, as the oldest of our siblings, it's your duty to listen to the youngest.

Katzelia: Spend the rest of your days in Galgenia as a virtuous man.

Luvera: Being a chairperson won't be an easy job, but we'll be there watching over you. You'll have no time to come up with any evil plans.

Luvera: While we're at it, let's leave the gallows where they are in front of the castle. And keep it in working condition, of course.

Haaselia: An excellent idea, dear sister. Then we can put it to use at any time.

Katzelia: The gallows is both a punishment and a vow—a testimony of our resolution as siblings to protect the peace of this empire with our lives.

Schlangehr closes his eyes, envisioning the future given to him by his siblings.

Schlangehr: I-I'll... do it...

Luvera: Hm? What's that? We can't hear you.

Schlangehr: I'll do it!

And with that, Schlangehr spends the rest of his life acting as a virtuous person, never to reveal his true colors to the public.

After his passing, a bronze statue of him is erected. The pedestal under it reads: "In memory of our former emperor, who dedicated his life to the people's democracy."

Katzelia: With the implementation of our new systems, Galgenia has been hard at work.

Vyrn: You sure it's okay for you to be here? You're the emperor!

Katzelia: Hahaha! Yes, I will return soon.

Lyria: The airship you came on is really big...

Sailing behind the crew is an enormous airship several times the size of even the Grandcypher.

Katzelia: It's an airship specifically for the emperor. It's not nearly as fast as the Grandcypher, but it's quite comfortable.

Katzelia: Well, it isn't too much trouble for me to be away from Galgenia. There will be less and less work for the emperor from here on out.

Katzelia: Still, everyone is looking at the gallows at the castle wondering what it's for, so I will have to think of an excuse for it.

Lyria: Our crew talked about it afterward, and we were wondering... Why did you decide to forgive your brother, Katze?

Katzelia: I didn't forgive him.

Katzelia: You see, I was thinking about how to best deliver judgment, when (Captain) suddenly came to mind.

Vyrn: Hm? (Captain)?

Katzelia: (Captain) has welcomed people from many different backgrounds into your crew, finding ways for them to help it prosper.

Katzelia: I wanted to try following that example, knowing it meant leaving the truth in the shadows.

Katzelia: Especially once I realized that the fastest path to our country's stability led not through executing the former emperor, but through letting him live.

Katzelia: But the bereaved families of victims still live with immeasurable grief. We can give them as much compensation as our state can afford, but their sadness will not disappear.

Katzelia: Even so, I took the country into my hands. I'd like to believe that it is through taking in both light and dark that a country can become stronger.

Vyrn: I see... I don't know what the right way is, but I can see where you're comin' from.

Lyria: It must be something you decided after thinking about it for a long time.

Katzelia: In the end, I couldn't hang Schlangehr at the gallows...

Katzelia: And my grudge remains as it was. At its original goal, my journey has been a failure...

Seeing Katzelia sink into conflicting emotions, (Captain) gently puts a hand on his shoulder.

Yet it succeeded in letting me meet you.

Choose: Yet it succeeded in letting me meet you.

Katzelia: ...!

Katzelia reaches up to lay his hand on (Captain)'s.

Katzelia: I'm glad I was able to meet you and your crew, (Captain). I have no regrets.

Katzelia: With the experiences I've had from being in your crew, I intend to dedicate myself to bringing glory and prosperity to Galgenia.

Katzelia: Thank you, (Captain).

Though Katzelia was unable to complete his original objective, the truth remains that he has protected what needed to be protected.

And it is thanks to his stoutheartedness that the Galgenia Empire can now walk the true path to glory.

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Conducting an Empire

Haaselia and (Captain) are invited to Emperor Katzelia's music festival. When Haaselia tries to suggest that Chairman Schlangehr was pardoned for her sake, Katze changes the subject and commends her instead. Their older sister Luvera joins and a warm moment between the siblings follows.

Some time has passed since Katzelia was throned the emperor of Galgenia.

He's holding a music festival today and the party is in full swing.

Vyrn: Hey, this looks fun! The whole hall is filled with music!

Lyria: It's so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves! And Katze makes a really cool conductor too!

Vyrn: You'd never think the government was in turmoil just a little while back.

Haaselia: It's a relief to see harmony being restored. I was worried for a moment there.

Having been invited to the music festival, (Captain) and friends wander the venue searching for Katzelia.

Schlangehr: Now for the next topic on our agenda. There are issues with river management in the northwest.

Katzelia: If we don't intervene, the rivers will flood at the first sign of a storm. Disaster prevention is of utmost urgency.

Lyria: Oh, there he is! Hey, Katze! Long time, no see!

Katzelia: Oh, (Captain)! So glad you could make it! I hope you're enjoying the festival?

Lyria: We are! Thank you for inviting us!

Katzelia: And Haase! How wonderful to see you looking so well! Come into my arms!

Katzelia opens his arms wide for a hug, but Haaselia shirks away from him.

Haaselia: The same goes for you. I was expecting to find you worn out from work, but you clearly have energy to spare.

Katzelia: I suppose I do! I've been looking forward to this music festival. It's been great to unwind from the stresses of everyday life.

Katzelia, arms still wide open, invites Haaselia in for a hug once again, but she responds with only a reluctant smile.

Schlangehr: You must be the crew who aided His Imperial Majesty. He speaks highly of you. And Haaselia—a pleasure as always.

Schlangehr: I didn't get a chance to introduce myself last time. I am Schlangehr Rela Gangnus, the chairman of this country.

Schlangehr shakes (Captain)'s hand and offers a few cordial words to break the ice.

Vyrn: Hey, Braidy Girl. Is it just me, or is this guy a totally different person from last time?

Haaselia: He's been forced to spend the rest of his days playing a good person.

Haaselia: He's keeping his promise by the looks of it, but this is just...creepy.

Schlangehr: What is it, Haase? Do I happen to have something on my face?

Haaselia: No...I was just thinking how unusually...friendly you are today.

Schlangehr: Oh, my. I almost forgot I have a meeting to attend!

Schlangehr: I must be off. Please excuse me.

Schlangehr walks out with a beaming smile on his face.

Katzelia: I did suggest he take the day off and enjoy the festival, but he's always keeping himself busy, that one.

Vyrn: You must be busy too, being the emperor and all. You could probably do with a day off yourself!

Katzelia: Well, you have a point there.

Katzelia: I held this music festival to ease the public's concerns about my enthronement and the changes happening in government.

Katzelia: I want this festival to demonstrate that the country's heading in a new direction.

Katzelia: But that's enough about politics! What did you think of my conducting out there, Haase?

Haaselia: What conducting?

Katzelia: Why, the concert I just performed in. I, the emperor, ascended the conductor's podium and led the orchestra into glorious harmony.

Katzelia: I informed you in the letter, did I not? What time I would be performing.

Haaselia: Oh, right. Now you mention it. I'm afraid it utterly slipped my mind.

Katzelia: No... I can't believe it!

Katzelia: You mean, you missed the show? Why, Haase? Why must you be so cruel? What have I done to deserve this?

Haaselia: I jest. (Captain) and I saw the whole thing.

Katzelia: You... You did?

Haaselia: I was just winding you up, Brother. I mean, how often does one get the chance to send the emperor into a spin?

Vyrn: Katze hasn't changed. Even as the emperor, he's still wrapped around her finger.

Lyria: Hehe! At least he's staying true to himself!

Katzelia: Ahem. It's been such a long time since I was reuinted with Haase, my excitement's getting the better of me.

Katzelia: It is undignified for the emperor to lose his composure in public. Please follow me to my room.

Katzelia: All right. We can speak in privacy here.

Once the group has entered the room, Katzelia turns to Haaselia and gives her a pat on the back.

Katzelia: You've lost weight. Are you eating properly?

Katzelia: The stress of me being away isn't getting to you, is it?

Haaselia: Relax, I'm fine. In fact, I'm actually very well.

Haaselia: And I thought I told you to stop smothering me.

Katzelia: I know. But that's just how I show my love. Hate me for it if you like, but I'll never change.

Katzelia: No matter how kind or cruel your words may be, I accept them all. That is the true meaning of love.

Vyrn: I know I said he hadn't changed, but I take it back. He's gotten worse.

Haaselia: He's beyond help at this point. My mean jibes don't even affect him anymore.

Haaselia: Maybe he wasn't the best person to come to about this...

Katzelia: See, I could tell there was something on your mind. Come on, let it all out. Big brother will make it better.

Haaselia: No. I just wanted you to take a look at this.

Haaselia pulls out a stack of parchment papers.

Haaselia: This is a proposal I wrote about the country's orphanage policies.

Haaselia: After seeing how orphanages are run in other countries, I have became aware of the issues in our own. It's all written in there.

Katzelia: This is what you've been up to?

Haaselia: I can't sit by idly while my brother is serving as the emperor.

Haaselia: It's not the perfect proposal, by any means. I feel that there's something missing.

Haaselia: That's why I came to see you. To get your opinion.

Haaselia: You've had a busy day, so you could look over it at a later date. Don't keep me waiting too long, though.

Katzelia: I didn't realize you were thinking about the country.

Katzelia: All right. But as much as I love you, Haase, I shan't go easy on your proposal. These policies concern the whole country.

Haaselia: Of course. Please don't, in fact. You'd get a wallop right to the face if you did.

Haaselia's smile fades and her voice quietens as Katzelia turns his eyes to the document.

Haaselia: There's one more thing.

Haaselia: It was quite a shock when you pardoned our big brother Schlangehr despite how much you hate him.

Haaselia: But now that I think about it, I realize you did it to divert the investigation away from me... after I killed the archduke and his lackeys...

Katzelia: Haase.

Katzelia, eyes still fixed on the documents, begins to speak without airs.

Katzelia: I think the present situation is the best outcome we could've asked for Galgenia.

Haaselia: ...
What?

Katzelia: Perhaps it was an arbitrary judgement, but my main priority is to stabilize the country, and now Schlangehr is in agreement with that too.

Katzelia: I do not regret pardoning him of his crimes. And no one can argue that the pardon deviates from any laws or customs either.

Katzelia: In the past, conflicts resulted in casualties and survivors. But now we have the present.

Haaselia: What do you mean by that? You think things are better now?

Katzelia: Yes. Because you and I, Haase, have fought tooth and nail to reclaim Galgenia and make it so.

Haaselia: ...!

Katzelia: You avenged the people you wish you could've protected, and that was necessary for us to reform the country.

Katzelia: You fought bravely, Haase. You are a pride to the imperial family. It's thanks to you... that we have the present.

Haaselia: I'm honored, but...

As Katzelia raises his head to meet eyes with Haaselia, she turns her face away.

Haaselia: If you're going to read my proposal, then please hurry up and read it already!

Katzelia: R-right you are. Let us begin.

Lyria: Those two look like they're getting closer, don't you think?

Vyrn: That's what being open and honest about your feelings will do for ya!

Katzelia: Hm? Who is it?

Luvera: It's me. I'm coming in, Your Majesty.

Luvera: So there you are. I've been looking for you.

Luvera: You invite me to your party, then leave me out there on my own?

Katzelia: Sister, where have you been? I didn't think you were coming. I didn't see you at the music festival nor the party.

Luvera: I got so engrossed in my magic research that before I knew it, I'd forgotten about the festival.

Haaselia: How have you been, Sister? It's been a while.

Luvera: Good to see you. As you can see, I'm just full of beans!

Luvera: It sounds like you've been busy, Haase. I didn't mean to listen in, but I overheard your conversation earlier.

Luvera: You can't let her show you up, Katze! Remember, you succeeded the throne because I allowed you.

Luvera: If you don't conduct yourself like a suitable emperor, I might just come back and challenge you for the title!

Katzelia: Sigh... I suppose you're encouraging me, in your own way.

Katzelia: If I should ever stray from a noble path, then I ask you take me to the gallows.

Luvera: Good! Then there'd be a reason to put it to good use. Poor thing's just been sitting there since I had it constructed.

Luvera: Don't worry, Haase, I'll be here looking after Katze.

Luvera: You go and fulfill your duties, and return to our country someday holding your head high.

Luvera pulls Haase in for a gentle hug.

Haaselia: I will, Sister. I will keep forging ahead on my own path.

Katzelia: Wait... Why will Haase hug Luvera but not me? Why, why does she always reject the comfort of my arms!

Vyrn: Cool and collected as always, Emperor!

Katzelia's outburst breaks the tension in the room, causing a smile to crack onto everyone's face.

In this peaceful moment, the siblings are united in the feeling that they can build a bright future together.

Back to top

Side-scrolling Quotes

JapaneseThis is an official transcription.	EnglishThis is an official translation.
執行！	Make it so!
ガルゲニア皇国を取り戻すその日まで……	I await the day I take back Galgenia...
罪には罰を！	This is the sentence for your crime!
私の指揮を見ろ！	Observe how I conduct!
どんな曲がお望みだ？	What song would you like to hear?
こういう曲はどうだ？	Was that tune to your liking?
あぁ、ハーゼ……私のかわいい妹よ……	Oh, Haase... My lovely little sister...
どうだ？美しい音色だろう？	Well? Wasn't that a beautiful tone?
審判はすでに始まっているぞ！	Court is in session!
嵐の餌食となれ！	Surrender yourself to the storm!

References

↑ Granblue Fantasy Official Blog Post, 「アーカルムの十賢者」紹介！
↑ Cygames, Inc. (2020). GRANBLUE FANTASY GRAPHIC ARCHIVE VI.

[1] Granblue Fantasy Official Blog Post, 「アーカルムの十賢者」紹介！

[2] Cygames, Inc. (2020). GRANBLUE FANTASY GRAPHIC ARCHIVE VI.

[1]

[2]

Katzelia/Lore

Contents

Official Profile

Background

Events

Trivia

Etymology

Special Cutscenes

Fate Episodes

A Peasant's King

His Majesty's Petition

The Augmented Fifth

Stormy Premonition

Time of Judgment

Orthodox Succession

Orthodox Succession: Scene 2

Any Way the Wind Blows

Trumpeting the End of The World

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 2

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 3

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 4

Beyond the Trial

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

Verdict

Verdict: Scene 2

Verdict: Scene 3

Verdict: Scene 4

Conducting an Empire

Side-scrolling Quotes

References

Navigation menu

Katzelia/Lore

Official Profile

Background

Events

Trivia

Etymology

Special Cutscenes

Fate Episodes

A Peasant's King

His Majesty's Petition

The Augmented Fifth

Stormy Premonition

Time of Judgment

Orthodox Succession

Orthodox Succession: Scene 2

Any Way the Wind Blows

Trumpeting the End of The World

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 2

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 3

Trumpeting the End of The World: Scene 4

Beyond the Trial

Beyond the Trial: Scene 2

Verdict

Verdict: Scene 2

Verdict: Scene 3

Verdict: Scene 4

Conducting an Empire

Side-scrolling Quotes

References

Navigation menu

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