Percival was born to Herzeloyde and Ghamuret, both aristocrats of the House of Wales, along with two older brothers, Aglovale and Lamorak. Sharing a healthy competition with his brothers and having loving parents made for a happy childhood. It was from Herzeloyde that Percival learned to be kind and offer help to those in need.
At some point, a war broke out between two countries neighboring Percival’s home. Refugees came to Wales and the noble family offered them as much help as possible. Soon, the war worsened and trouble spilt into areas of Wales. During this time, Percival, his brothers, and his mother were travelling in a carriage when it was attacked by a pair that had been some of the refugees they had aided. His mother was killed when the carriage was flipped on its side, asking Percival to not hold grudges with the last of her strength. Her parting words were that she loved Percival and his brothers.
Years later, Aglovale inherited lordship of Wales and Lamorak became a talented wandering sorcerer, leaving Percival to follow an ancient custom of his House. Percival traveled to the Kingdom of Feendrache to become a knight. He eventually took the rank of co-deputy commander alongside his rival, Lancelot, under their leader, Siegfried.
Then, the King was murdered and the culprit was believed to be Siegfried. When his once trusted commander fled, Percival struggled with his beliefs. Though he did stay to see his order of knights reformed, Percival left once Lancelot was promoted to commander. The now former knight began to travel, learning about how a country should be run. He does so in the hope of creating his own, where even the most vulnerable people can live in peace and prosperity.
|
Spoiler Alert!
These tabs contain full Fate Episode cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the character. View these tabs at your own discretion.
|
The Simmering Fire Within
(Captain) and company meet a fiery young man named Percival who is determined to have them as his vassals.
(Captain) and company are traveling in a carriage through a mountain.
A mother, fast asleep with her two children, and a man in extravagant armor are riding along with them.
Vyrn: What're we doing here? We could just fly over these mountains with the airship.
Lyria: Oh, Vyrn... Sometimes it's nice to slow down and enjoy the journey, don't you think?
They're on their way back from delivering supplies to troops in the foothills.
The horse-drawn carriage trundles on as the sun goes down.
Just then, two children sleeping on their mother awaken.
Thin Boy: Agh...
Young Girl: Yawn...
Frail Mother: Oh, it's all right children. Go back to sleep, my dears.
Thin Boy: Mama, I'm hungry. Do you have any snacks?
Young Girl: Me too, Mommy. I'm hungry too.
Frail Mother: I'm sorry, my dears. That bread earlier was the last of our supplies.
Thin Boy: Oh, all right...
Young Girl: Aww... But... I'm hungry!
The young girl begins to cry.
Frail Mother: Just wait a little longer, all right? At the next village I'll pick something up.
Young Girl: Nooo! I can't wait anymore!
Lyria: (Captain), do we have any food we could give them?
- We've got an apple!
- We've got a cookie!
Choose: We've got an apple!Lyria: Let's see... Oh, here it is!
Lyria: It's an apple that Vyrn was saving as a snack!
Vyrn: Hey! What are you doing with my apple?
Lyria: Come on, Vyrn. You can give up an apple for the kids, right?
Vyrn: Oh yeah! Sure I can!
Vyrn: (Awww... There goes my apple...)
Lyria gives the apple to the children. Encouraged by her gesture, an armored man also offers up some of his rations.
Choose: We've got a cookie!Vyrn: Oh yeah! I forgot about that.
Vyrn: Lyria was saving a cookie as a snack!
Lyria: What? Ah, well um, let's not be too hasty...
Vyrn: Ah, here it is! I found it!
Vyrn: Hey, Lyria! We can give this cookie to the kids, right?
Lyria: Yes! Of course!
Lyria: (Awww... I'll just have to get another one...)
Vyrn gives the cookie to the children. Encouraged by his gesture, an armored man also offers up some of his own rations.
Continue 1???: Eat this. It's bland, but it should fill you up.
Frail Mother: Thank you, kind strangers. All of you...
Young Girl: Yay! There's so much food!
Vyrn: It's the least we could do to cheer you up!
Lyria: Don't mention it! Now eat up!
Young Girl: We will! Thank you, everybody!
Thin Boy: Oh, thank you so much...
???: Maybe now you'll stop whining and keep quiet...
Frail Mother: I'm sorry...
The man goes back to sitting in silence...
So the crew decides to strike up a conversation with the mother.
Vyrn: It must be hard traveling with young kids, I bet.
Frail Mother: It is... It pains me to take them on such a tough journey while they're so innocent.
Lyria: May I ask why you're traveling?
Frail Mother: Of course. Recently our country has been taken over by a real piece of work...
Frail Mother: There was a resistance, and now the country's in an all-out civil war.
Vyrn: Wait... Does that mean what I think it means?
Lyria: Yes. The soldiers we delivered supplies to were probably involved.
The carriage makes its way up the mountainside, giving the passengers a view of the foothills bathed in the fires of war.
Frail Mother: That's what we're trying to escape. That's why we're heading for the border.
Vyrn: Oh... And to think that we got involved without even knowing...
Lyria: Oh dear...
Feeling guilty, Lyria looks to the mother.
Lyria: If there's anything we can do to help you, please tell us.
Frail Mother: What? No, I...
Frail Mother: You don't even know me. I'd hate to be a burden to you.
Lyria: But we want to help you!
Lyria: You see, we're actually skyfarers. If you want, we can take you to a nearby city on our airship!
Vyrn: Yeah! It's no trouble at all. And we don't mind either!
Frail Mother: Well, if you're sure... Thank you so much.
Frail Mother: I'll never forget the kindness you've shown to us today.
Suddenly, the armored man breaks his silence.
???: There's no escape. Wherever you go.
Vyrn: What's that you say?
???: I said that wherever you go, it will all be the same.
Lyria: What do you mean?
???: I've been traveling around for longer than you can imagine. This woman's story is all too common.
???: Wherever you go, there will be people who only look out for themselves at the expense of the country.
Vyrn: Well, not everyone's gonna be model citizens.
???: Of course not. That's my point.
The man then poses a question to the crew.
???: So I have to ask... Will you folks reach out the same way for every sob story you come across?
Vyrn: Of course! Why wouldn't we?
???: Humph...
The man smiles in answer, but his eyes reflect both pity and curiosity toward the crew.
The Simmering Fire Within: Scene 2
(Captain) and company meet a fiery young man named Percival who is determined to have them as his vassals.
Suddenly there is a shriek from the driver, and a great roar surrounds them.
???: Tch... You all stay in the carriage!
Frail Mother: Oh dear!
Vyrn: Hey! Wait!
With a sigh, the man jumps out of the carriage. The crew, ignoring his instructions, follows after him.
There's no sign of the driver and the road ahead is blocked by countless fallen trees.
Vyrn: What's happened?
???: Bandits.
Bandit 1: Haha! Hand over all your valuables!
???: I'd be careful about who you're talking to.
Vyrn: Hey, big guy! We'll help you fight!
???: Just don't get in my way.
Bandit 2: Hey! That's enough chatter. Hand it over to us now!
???: Humph... I've had enough of you idiots. It's time to teach the both of you a lesson.
The man gracefully moves into a fighting stance as he slides his hand along the edge of his sword.
All of a sudden, his blade alights with a cold fire.
Both the bandits and the crew stare in awe at the beautiful yet dangerous glow.
???: All right. Who's first?
Bandit 1: You are!
The fight is over in a flash of the armored man's firebrand. The bandits, frozen in place, quickly burn cold.
Bandit 1: S-so c-c-cold! And so hot!
Bandit 2: How'd he do that? We gotta get outta here!
Once the coast is clear, the mother and children come out of the carriage.
Frail Mother: Oh, thank you so much!
???: There's no need for your thanks, madam.
???: I barely had a chance to let out so much as a spark before they scampered off.
Vyrn: Well, well, it looks like someone's being modest.
Lyria: I guess he's a lot nicer than he looks!
Young Girl: You're a fire magician, mister? That's so neat!
Thin Boy: Say, can you tell us how you do it?
???: We can chat later. We're not out of the woods yet.
???: We should get going before more bandits show up.
Vyrn: How are we supposed to go anywhere? The driver and horse have run off!
Lyria: That's right. And besides that, with the trees in our way there's no way forward.
The bandits are gone, but the gang now finds themselves stuck in the middle of nowhere.
???: No need to worry.
And with that, the man takes a mighty swing with his sword.
The flames come shooting forth from the blade, turning all the fallen trees to ash.
???: Come on. Let's go.
Vyrn: Right behind ya...
Lyria: Have you ever seen fire like that before, (Captain)?
The man leads everyone away from danger...
But before long the young girl starts to cry.
Young Girl: Mommy, I'm tired! I don't wanna walk anymore!
???: We're nearly at the border.
???: We'll be safe once we reach it, so just hold on a little longer.
Young Girl: No! I can't! I want a piggyback ride!
Thin Boy: Come on, don't be a baby.
Frail Mother: I'm sorry darling, but Mommy's tired too. Are you sure you can't walk?
Young Girl: No! How about you, (Captain)? Gimme a piggyback ride!
The young girl approaches (Captain) with hope in her eyes.
As (Captain) reaches a hand out to the girl, the man speaks out suddenly.
???: Wait.
Vyrn: Hey, what's up with the scary face?
???: How long do you all intend to look after this woman and her children?
Lyria: Well, I don't know...
???: It's easy to lend a helping hand right now, but you're forgetting something.
???: This family has to learn to stand on their own.
Vyrn: I can't argue with that, but didn't you give them some food earlier?
???: Hunger can be unbearable.
???: But if someone has energy enough to moan, they have enough to walk.
The gang silently listens to the man.
He turns to the children and, in his best attempt at a calm voice, begins to speak to them.
???: You have to find the strength within yourselves to keep moving. Support each other if you must.
???: And don't ever make your mother worry. From now on you have to be her helpers. All right?
Boy and Girl: All right!
The children nodded their heads earnestly as they listened to his words.
???: Good. Let's get to the border, shall we?
And so the party picks up again, making their way to the border.
The Simmering Fire Within: Scene 3
(Captain) and company meet a fiery young man named Percival who is determined to have them as his vassals.
???: We should be safe now.
Vyrn: Phew! I'm glad those bandits never came back.
Lyria: Me too! Though we'd have been ready for them if they did.
???: We all did very well to get here safe and sound.
Thin Boy: Haha! We should be fine now!
Young Girl: Hehe! Let's keep on walking!
Frail Mother: Everyone, thank you so much.
???: We still have a ways yet until the border. Do you think you can make it?
They continue to walk on, but at last the border gate comes into view.
Once there, they are stopped by the gatekeepers.
Gatekeeper 1: Why, hello there. Show me your permits, please.
The party presents their travel permits.
???: Everything should be in order. Now please let us through.
Gatekeeper 2: Well, I guess everything checks out...
Suddenly, the gatekeeper rips the permits to pieces right before their eyes.
???: What's the meaning of this?
Gatekeeper 1: Sorry, but we're under strict orders to not let you through.
The two bandits they'd met earlier suddenly appear.
Vyrn: Hey, what's going on!
Lyria: I've got a bad feeling about this!
???: ...
Bandit 1: Come on. You didn't think you'd get away that easily now, did you?
Bandit 2: Heheh! We need to pay you back for that little stunt you pulled earlier.
Gatekeeper 1: All right now. Just don't hurt the mother and children.
Bandit 2: Fine! We split the spoils same as always. All right?
???: Heheheh...
Bandit 1: What's wrong with him?
Gatekeeper 2: I think you touched a nerve with this one.
???: Corruption has spread into every corner of this land.
Gatekeeper 2: Ha! Why thank you! We do try.
???: No, it is I who must thank you.
???: With rotten scoundrels like you, I don't have to hold back.
Gatekeeper 1: Come on then! I can't wait to knock you off your high horse!
???: You're about to get burned so badly, your ancestors will get singed. Are you ready?
Vyrn: We've got your back! Come on, (Captain)!
???: (Captain), I need you to stop me if I go too far. I can't always tell.
Lyria: Don't worry! We'll step in!
???: Then here I go!
The man readies his sword before charging forward at full speed.
The fight is over in an instant. Both the guards and the bandits have fallen.
However, the man's ire sparks a fire that quickly spreads to the border gate, burning it down.
With no obstacles in their path, the party crosses the border to safety.
The Simmering Fire Within: Scene 4
(Captain) and company meet a fiery young man named Percival who is determined to have them as his vassals.
Having successfully evaded their pursuers, the crew returns to the Grandcypher.
Vyrn: Oh boy. He took it pretty far with the fire...
Lyria: The gatekeepers were really mad, weren't they?
???: Don't worry! I'll take the blame.
Vyrn: Take the blame? Well of course, since it was all your fault anyway...
???: Never mind that. No good comes from fretting over the little things.
The man glances over at the sleeping mother and her children.
???: About these three... I suppose you intend to drop them off somewhere safe?
Vyrn: Of course!
Lyria: We promised to take them to a town, so that's what we're going to do!
Vyrn: And where can we drop you off, Sir Burnsalot?
???: Hm, I hadn't thought about that...
The man seems stumped by Vyrn's question.
After thinking for a few moments, he begins to speak again.
???: Well, you folks seem to be able to handle yourselves in battle. Which country do you fight for?
Vyrn: Hm? We don't fight for any country. We're just a ragtag crew of skyfarers.
???: Hm, that's just what I'm looking for.
???: Very well then. I shall do you all the honor of naming you as my vassals.
Vyrn: S-say what!
???: Look at you! Flying up in glee!
???: I'm pleased you agree so willingly.
Vyrn: No way! What's with this ego all of a sudden?
???: What? You don't want to serve me? That's strange...
???: You should feel honored to serve under one such as me.
Lyria: Well, um, we don't even know your name yet.
???: You don't? Oh, how rude of me.
Percival: I am Percival of the House of Wales. I'm sure you've heard of me.
Vyrn: Sorry... It doesn't ring a bell.
Percival: Is that so? Then I guess you haven't heard.
Ignoring the confusion amongst the crew, Percival continues to speak.
Percival: I could tell when I first laid eyes on you. You all have good hearts.
Lyria: Good hearts?
Percival: Yes. The way you all reacted to the plight of that poor woman and her children...
Percival: You went to help her without a second thought, did you not?
Vyrn: Exactly! We help the helpless! Is that so wrong?
Percival: No, not at all.
Percival: But it's charitable acts like that that endear fools like you to people like me.
Lyria: Oh, I see... I guess.
Vyrn: Hey! You call that a compliment?
Percival: Don't take it the wrong way. I think the world would be a better place if there were more fools like you in it.
Percival: But you saw the corruption in this land.
Lyria: We did...
Percival: At this very moment, there are people suffering everywhere.
Percival: I dream of a country where even the powerless can live in peace and prosperity.
Percival: And I'm doing all I can to bring such a utopia into reality. For now, I'm on a fact finding mission.
Lyria: Really? What a wonderful goal!
Vyrn: Humph. Talk is cheap!
Lyria: Vyrn! Don't be so harsh...
Percival: He's right. So to make my dream come true, I'll need your help.
Percival: (Captain), I'll ask you once again. Will you join me as my vassal?
- Yes, let's create this utopia!
- Only if you can defeat me!
Choose: Yes, let's create this utopia!Percival: Such enthusiasm. It seems my estimation of you was on the mark!
Vyrn: Hey, (Captain)! What about Estalucia?
Lyria: Come now, Vyrn! I'm sure (Captain) has a plan.
Vyrn: All right. Well, if you're sure...
Lyria: I'm sure, maybe. (Captain) wouldn't do this on a whim, probably...
With a confident grin, Percival continues to speak.
Choose: Only if you can defeat me!Percival: Oh? So you dare to challenge me after witnessing the power of my blade...
The tension between (Captain) and Percival builds.
Vyrn: Hey now... Let's all just calm down.
Lyria: Oh dear, what do we do! We can't let those two fight!
Sensing their worry, Percival lowers his sword.
Percival: Humph. You're not worth it.
Percival: But (Captain), you shouldn't play with fire.
Percival: Heheh... You'll be my vassal yet.
With a confident grin, Percival continues to speak.
Continue 1Percival: To create my new country, I'll need more people to join my cause.
Percival: So for now, I'll join you in your travels and look for new vassals wherever we land.
With that, Percival invites himself into the crew.
Vyrn: Hey wait! Sir Burnsalot!
And he's gone...
Lyria: Well... it'll all work out all right.
Lyria: He seems to be a good person at heart, so I don't see a problem with him joining us.
Vyrn: Oh boy. How many people are we gonna pick up on this trip?
With a new crew member, the Grandcypher rides the winds to the next destination.
But no matter how swiftly they fly, Percival's past will soon catch up with him.
The Lord of Flames's Requiem
Percival, (Captain) and the crew receive a request to stop bandits plaguing a town. Suddenly, the bandits appear and challenge the crew.
Percival has joined the crew, and they continue traveling on their journey.
Stopping at a town for a little time off, the crew is requested by the mayor to defeat the bandits that plague the area.
Percival: To be asking for help from total strangers, the circumstances must be dire indeed.
Town Mayor: I'm afraid so. I'm truly sorry to ask this of you, as you're only visiting.
Percival: Let's put that aside for now. So then, is there any form of defense force in this town?
Town Mayor: Well, there is but they were no match for the bandits. Now most of them are injured.
Percival: I see. In other words, we're the only ones to defend the town.
Town Mayor: That's the case unfortunately. Won't you help us?
Percival: All right. After all, if the bandits attack then that would ruin our vacation.
Percival: Isn't that right, (Captain)?
(Captain) nods eagerly at Percival.
Town Mayor: Thank you! Everyone, thank you!
Percival: Save your thanks for later. For now, tell us more about these bandits.
Town Mayor: Of course. They're holed up in some nearby ruins, and every night they come and raid our town.
Percival: Ruins, you say? And how would you rate their fighting prowess?
Town Mayor: Well, it's the young men of the town who actually fight them, so I'm not sure.
Percival: Then call these young men here this instant!
Town Mayor: Yes sir! Right away!
Just then, a young man comes running up, nearly out of breath.
Townsperson: Mr. Mayor! Come quick!
Town Mayor: Oh, what perfect timing! These folks would like to speak with you.
Townsperson: Bandits! The bandits are here!
Town Mayor: What? This is terrible! I beg you to help us, skyfarers!
Percival: Tch... (Captain), shall we battle with an unknown enemy?
Percival: Then again, I suppose we have little choice. Let's go!
Vyrn: All right! Just leave it to us!
The party hurries to the center of the town to face the bandits.
By the time they arrive, the bandits are already busy causing trouble.
Thief 1: Ha-ha! Do you like what you see?
Townswoman: Aaah!
Percival: You scum. Take your hands off her.
Thief 1: Huh? Just who are you?
Percival: Apologies, but I never give my name to scoundrels.
Thief 1: Ha! Well, I don't need your name to beat you senseless!
Percival: What a fool. Let's charge, (Captain)!
The Lord of Flames's Requiem: Scene 2
Percival's power stuns the bandits, but his kindness awes the crew. Together they drive off the remaining bandits.
Percival: Haaa!
Thief 1: Nghh! No!
Thief 2: Hey! You all right?
Thief 1: These guys aren't from around here!
The young girl escapes from the bandit's grasp.
Townswoman: You rescued me! Thank you!
Percival: Thank us later! Now stand back!
Townswoman: S-sorry!
The crew faces off against the bandits who've come to ransack the town.
Percival: En garde!
The party is blown away as Percival summons forth a blaze to dispose of the bandits.
Lyria: Incredible! Percival's taken them down on his own.
Vyrn: Just the other day, he was complaining that we care too much.
Vyrn: But now look at Sir Burnsalot here, looking out for the little guys.
Lyria: I guess Percival is just one of those people...
Lyria: Someone who finds his own reasons to lend a hand.
Percival: (Captain)! Now's not the time for idle banter!
Percival: Let's drive them out!
Lyria: Yes sir!
Thief 1: Hey! Watch out for the fiery fellow!
Thief 2: All right! Let's surround him!
Vyrn: Hey! Take us lightly and you're gonna be sorry!
Vyrn: Just hold on, Sir Burnsalot! We're coming!
The Lord of Flames's Requiem: Scene 3
The crew heads toward the bandit hideout. Percival begins acting strangely, talking about the Order of the Black Dragons.
Thanks to Percival, the crew disposes of the bandits down to the last man.
The following day, under Percival's command, the crew heads for the bandit hideout.
Percival: The enemy may be numerous, but they're undisciplined.
Percival: Stay vigilant. We didn't come this far to falter. Failure is not an option!
Lyria: Yes! Failure is not an option!
Vyrn: Hey, don't you think Sir Burnsalot is acting a bit strange?
Lyria: I don't think so. He doesn't seem so different from his usual self.
Vyrn: All right. If you say so...
Percival: All right, everyone! Victory lies before us! All that's left for us to do is take it!
Lyria: Roger!
Percival's rousing words inspire the crew, and they quickly do away with the bandits.
Then they head off in search of the bandit leader.
Leader: Curses. I've never seen anyone fight like that before.
Leader: Just who are you guys?
Percival: My name is Percival.
Percival: Lord of Flames and first officer of the Order of the Black Dragons.
Leader: The Black Dragons?
Percival: If you surrender now, I promise you won't be harmed.
Leader: Curses! What's an order member doing around these parts anyhow?
Lyria: Uh, Percival?
Lyria: Did he just say something about an order?
Vyrn: Beats me. I'm confused.
Percival: Huh? What am I saying here?
Leader: (Hm... Somethin' seems off here...)
Lyria: Percival! Are you feeling all right?
Percival: The Order... of the Black Dragons?
Leader: (Now's my chance to get him!)
Vyrn: (Captain)! I don't know what's going on, but we need to help Sir Burnsalot!
The Lord of Flames's Requiem: Scene 4
After defeating the bandits, (Captain) and the crew return to the town. Percival reveals the traumatic betrayal he experienced in his past as a knight in his neighboring country.
With (Captain) and the crew's help, the bandits are defeated.
They arrive back in town to a warm welcome, and stop at an inn for some rest.
Percival: ...
Lyria: Percival's been down ever since the incident at the hideout.
Vyrn: You're right. Ever since he started talking about black dragons or something.
Percival: I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I wasn't myself.
Lyria: Oh, don't worry. All that matters is that you're all right.
Vyrn: But I gotta ask, what was that all about?
Percival: I thought, that just maybe, I'd left that part of my life behind me.
Lyria: What part of your life? You can tell us if you want.
Percival: It's a long story, but if you really want to hear it then I'll tell you.
Lyria: We really do.
With a heavy sigh, Percival begins to tell his tale.
Percival: I told you before that I was born into the House of Wales, didn't I?
Lyria: Yes, I think you told us that the day we met.
Percival: Well, there's a rule that in order to inherit the family wealth...
Percival: One must join an order in our neighboring country.
Vyrn: Oh yeah? So you're saying that you used to be an actual knight?
Percival: Yes, I was. Though it was long before I met you.
Percival: Back then, I was the first officer in an order serving that country.
Percival: But one day, my captain slayed the king.
Vyrn: Slayed the king? Unbelievable!
Percival: Indeed. We all trusted him, and it left us in shock.
Percival: His betrayal was the beginning of the end for our order.
Percival: Since then, I've been struggling to find the heart to believe in anything.
Lyria: And your captain? What became of him?
Percival: He disappeared, leaving behind an incompetent king and a manipulative consul.
Percival: I truly admired the old king and my captain.
Percival: I would've given my life to serve them both to build the country they desired.
Percival: I was so troubled, I had to confide in a friend, who was another officer.
Percival: Can you guess what he said?
His expression reflects both sadness and nostalgia as Percival continues to speak.
Percival: A knight's only objective is to serve his country. Once he swears this oath, he need only follow the path before him.
Percival: After the incident, our order was reformed into a new one called the White Dragons.
Percival: I made sure my friend became captain of the new order before I left the country.
Percival: As for the rest of the story, you already know. I set out on a journey to learn more about how a country should be ruled.
Lyria: I see now.
Vyrn: Yeah, and this is where we come in, right?
Percival: Indeed. But my slip-up in the hideout made me realize something.
Percival: It seems I have regrets about leaving. You see, I left my rival behind in that country.
Percival: And now he may think he's bested me. I saw him promoted to captain, after all.
Percival seems lost in thought for a moment before gazing back at the crew.
Percival: I'm sorry. I'm afraid I went on a little too long. You all must be bored stiff.
Lyria: Actually, I think we might know the country that you're talking about.
Percival: What! Really?
Vyrn: Yeah. Now that you mention it, the White Dragons thing does ring a bell.
Vyrn: You're talking about that Feendrache place that is protected by Sylph, right?
Percival: This is quite a surprise. I never thought I'd hear this coming from you.
Lyria: Well, um, Percival...
Lyria: I don't know if it will do much good, but how about we all go pay Feendrache another visit?
Percival: ...
Lyria: Well, um, Percival...
Percival: What is it, Lyria?
Lyria: I don't know if it will do much good, but how about we go with you to pay that country another visit?
Percival: What! What's this all of a sudden?
Vyrn: She's right. It might help you out...
Vyrn: And maybe give you a chance to finally put the past behind you. What do you say?
Percival: ...
Percival: Humph... It seems you're not going to let this go, are you?
Percival: I admit you're probably right. Before I can create an ideal land...
Percival: I first need to deal with my regrets from the past.
Vyrn: All right! And if there's anything we can do to help, just say the word!
Lyria: Yes! I'd love to see your dream country become reality!
Upon hearing Lyria's kind words, Percival allows himself to smile.
Percival: Come, the hour grows late.
Percival: Let's rest up for tomorrow.
The bond between Percival and the crew grows ever stronger.
But no one could foresee the events that would inevitably draw Percival toward his destiny.
A Royal's Resolve
Percival and the crew visit Wales, governed by his older brother Aglovale. Before seeing him they go to check a nearby floodwall, but a sudden storm urges them back to shelter.
Percival: Wales...
It's been quite a while.
During their journey, (Captain) and the crew decide to visit Wales, Percival's home.
The country is governed by Percival's older brother Aglovale.
Vyrn: So your brother's here in this town, Sir Burnsalot?
Percival: Yes, apparently for a visit. He's quite busy, so it'll be some time before we can see him.
The crew has come to a riverside town after learning that Aglovale is here on official business.
Percival: He guides the country as its leader. There's much I could learn, so I'm eager to speak with him.
Lyria: Sounds like there's lots to look forward to.
Vyrn: At any rate, this place is bustling with people!
Percival: With both the river and a large road nearby, the area here soon flourished into a town.
Percival: But rising waters brought flood damage every now and then.
Vyrn: Oh yeah? For a town as nice as this, the up-keep must be tough.
Percival: Well, not anymore. A floodwall was built recently, so there's no more concerns about that, I've heard.
Lyria: Oh, really? That's a relief.
Percival: Indeed. That gives me an idea... Hey, (Captain), let's go see it for ourselves.
- Lead the way!
- Aw... Do we have to?
Choose: Lead the way!Percival: Hah... I see you've finally come around.
Percival: After all it's your duty as my vassal to accompany me on inspections.
Choose: Aw... Do we have to?Percival: You're my loyal vassal, are you not? Why wouldn't you accompany your future king?
Vyrn: Now back it up a second. Why does the future king need to inspect a floodwall anyway?
Percival: It's obvious. A king must be familiar with construction efforts in order to ensure a comfortable standard of living for his people.
Percival: There's no better example than to see my own brother's achievement firsthand.
Vyrn: If you say so...
Continue 1Lyria: Then let's be on our way!
Vyrn: Whoa, the water's pretty high.
Percival: Yes. It seems there's been a lot of rainfall these past few days.
Lyria: Even so, the wall looks well-built, so there's nothing to worry about.
Percival: Indeed. There's no concern of collapse. It should hold.
Vyrn: That's a relief. Your brother really did a good job here!
Percival: You're right. It's all the result of his policies.
Percival: ...
Percival knits his brows as he looks over at the opposite bank.
Lyria: Hm? What is it, Percival?
Vyrn: Are you looking over there at the riverbank?
Oh, it looks like another town.
Lyria: Hm... Oh! I see it. It looks a little smaller.
The crew strains their eyes at the opposite town when tiny beads of rain begin to fall.
Lyria: Is it raining?
Percival: It's starting to come down. Looks like it's going to be a storm.
Percival: Right, let's hurry back into town.
Lyria: Okay!
Whoa, it's really pouring now!
Vyrn: Yikes! Let's skedaddle!
The gang makes a run for it in the pelting rain, back toward the town in search of shelter.
A Royal's Resolve: Scene 2
(Captain) and company go to visit the floodwall again; it's sturdy, but the wall for the village on the opposite riverbank looks unsafe. This leads Percival to suspect that Aglovale had to make difficult decisions during construction.
The storm grows stronger through the night, but it slowly dissipates as dawn comes.
Then, early that morning...
Vyrn: The rain's stopped, but now the river is roaring with waves.
Lyria: It's a little nerve-racking to watch.
Vyrn: Well from the look of that floodwall yesterday, it's not gonna crumble anytime soon!
Vyrn: And anyway, Sir Burnsalot, what's gotten you so curious about that other town all of a sudden?
The crew accompanies Percival on his way to check out the town across the river.
Percival: Just take a look at that floodwall.
Lyria: You mean, the one over there?
Vyrn: Hm, I can't see it very well, but it looks shorter than the one over here.
Percival: Indeed, it does. It's most likely weaker than the one on this side too.
Lyria: But you don't think it will fall... do you?
Percival: It's been bothering me since yesterday. Factoring in the rainfall and the rough waters...
Percival: I'm not entirely sure about it.
Vyrn: Well, that doesn't sound good! And how come only this side gets a decent wall?
Vyrn: They're so different! Doesn't it seem unfair?
Percival: Unfair, you say... But the problem isn't as simple as you think.
Percival: It's impossible to carry out construction everywhere at the same time in equal measure.
Lyria: You're right... They'd have to do it in some order or another.
Percival: Exactly. Areas must be prioritized, and flood control is a tough undertaking in itself.
Percival: This is surely all according to Aglovale's calculations. This must've been the most logical way to carry out the task.
Vyrn: I see. I guess that makes sense. Not that I would know...
Lyria: I see... Being a king sounds hard.
Percival: Indeed...
A Royal's Resolve: Scene 3
Percival and the crew cross the river to find two sisters about to be swept away by the high water. Percival gets stuck trying to rescue them both and refuses help from the crew, but soon Aglovale appears and comes to their aid.
The gang crosses a large bridge and reaches the opposite side of the river.
Vyrn: Yikes... The water here is way higher.
Lyria: And the waves are choppy here too. It's a little scary.
Percival: Hm?
Quiet down for a second.
Lyria: Huh?
???: Waaah...
Vyrn: Hm? I hear a voice...
Lyria: Oh no! Look over there!
Big Sis: Hold on! Don't let go!
Lil Sis: Waaah... I'm scared!
Just ahead, a turbulent stream is threatening to carry away two young sisters.
Big Sis: It'll be all right! I p-promise... I'll save you!
With her body half-submerged, the older girl grasps her younger sister with one arm while clinging to the riverbank with the other.
Lil Sis: Waaah... I'm scared... And the water's so cold!
Big Sis: Nghh! My hand's... too slippery!
Aaah!
Percival: Tch...
Big Sis: Huh? Who are you?
Just before the girls are swept away from the riverbank, Percival jumps down to grab them.
Percival: Hold on! Don't let go of your sister!
No... My footing...
With the force of the waves and weak ground of the riverbank, Percival can't pull up the two girls, let alone himself.
Percival: Hey! Can you try and pull yourself up slowly?
Big Sis: Nghh... I can't...
Please, could you just save her first?
Lil Sis: Waah...
Percival: Nghh...
Percival: (If I save her sister, then I have to let go of her hand. But then that means...)
Lyria: Percival!
Vyrn: Hey! We'll give you a hand!
Percival: Stay right there!
Lyria: Huh? But...
Percival: The ground is weak! Don't come near the water! You won't help anyone by falling in!
Vyrn: But Sir Burnsalot! If we don't do something—
Monster: Grooar!
Vyrn: Yikes! A monster came out of the river!
Lyria: Percival!
Percival: Nghh... No!
Just as the monster is about to swallow up Percival and the girls, the monster and the water surrounding it freeze instantly.
Vyrn: What was that!
Aglovale: ...
Percival: Brother?
Aglovale: Have you lost your mind? Foolish brother.
Percival: Hey! Hold on to me and pull yourself up!
Big Sis: All right!
Using the frozen layer of water for footing, Percival pulls the sisters safely onto the riverbank.
Lil Sis: Waaah! I was so scared!
Big Sis: But you stayed brave. Good girl!
And thank you so much, everyone!
Lyria: I'm glad you both are okay! And thank you, Aglovale—
Percival: Hey! Don't congratulate yourselves yet. We've got company.
Monster: Grooar!
The monster jumps out from between the cracks in the ice.
Percival: Heads up, (Captain)!
A Royal's Resolve: Scene 4
Aglovale criticizes Percival for being unable to make rational decisions, endangering everyone around him. He gives Percival a new wardrobe and dismisses him until he can answer what it is to be a king.
The crew combines their strengths to fight off all the monsters.
Vyrn: Whew... Talk about a surprise attack.
Lyria: You said it... But at least everyone is all right! Aglovale really saved the day!
Percival: Indeed. Brother, I truly—
Aglovale: If I hadn't come, what would you have done?
Aglovale: In foolishly attempting to protect those two girls, as well as your vassals, you put everyone in even more danger.
Percival: ...
Aglovale: Seems you're aware to some extent... But do you understand? This was all caused by your weakness.
Aglovale: You've learned nothing from your journey. I pity the people swept up by a king like you.
Vyrn: What? Now look here, that's going too far!
- Spare us your pity!
- Tell us what you really think.
Choose: Spare us your pity!Percival: Hey, (Captain)...
Lyria: That's right! We appreciate Percival for his kindness and...
Aglovale: Percival. What do you say?
Percival: ...
Aglovale: No response then?
Vyrn: Hey! Why are you being so mean? Aren't you supposed to be his brother?
Choose: Tell us what you really think.Aglovale: Do you not get it? As his vassal, your stature is as worthless as Percival's.
Vyrn: Hold it right there, pal! Are you trying to start a fight with (Captain) too?
Continue 1Percival: My vassals... Stand down. That's enough.
Percival raises a hand to signal (Captain) and the others to calm down.
Percival: This is my problem and mine alone.
Lyria: Percival...
Aglovale: Percival, what exactly is a king to you?
Percival: A king...
A king is...
Aglovale: Humph. That's enough. For now, let's do something about your deplorable appearance.
Percival's clothes are sullied with mud and water from the rescue.
Aglovale: I'll let you have this, so change into it.
Aglovale takes a bundle from a guard and tosses it over to Percival.
Percival: Wait, Brother. I...
Aglovale: I'll hear nothing more from you. When you have your answer, you may return to the castle.
Aglovale leaves without another word.
Vyrn: Wow! I've gotta say, that outfit really suits you!
Percival changes out of his stained and worn gear into the new outfit given to him by his brother.
Percival: ...
Vyrn: That's some pretty fancy armor!
Percival: This is an heirloom of the House of Wales. It was one of my father's most prized possessions.
Vyrn: Oh yeah? Well, you can tell!
Lyria: Yeah, it's excellent! You look marvelous—just like a king!
Percival: Like a king...
Percival: (I wonder... Will I ever become worthy enough for this armor?)
With a quiet burning in his eyes, Percival gazes into the distance, contemplating his future kingdom.
Reaching for His Kingdom
Percival and the crew help the townspeople across the river fix the floodwall. The younger sister tells Percival how much she loves her town even though the flooding causes problems.
After rescuing the two sisters, the crew sees them off and decides to visit the other side of the river.
Lyria: So this is the small town we saw...
Percival: Yes, indeed it is.
Vyrn: Hm, it's not so much small as it is empty...
Lyria: Yeah. When you compare it with the other town, there aren't that many people, and it's not exactly bustling.
Percival: Well, the other town has a main road along with the river nearby, making it a major point for distribution.
Percival: (It's as clear as day which of these towns is more valuable to the country...)
Percival appears deep in thought.
Just then, a loud commotion can be heard from outside the town.
Townsman 1: Hey! We've got trouble! There's water coming in through the flood wall!
Townsman 2: What! We've gotta hurry. Let's round everyone up and head out there!
Townswoman: This again? I'm tired of worrying every time it rains around here...
Townsman 2: There's no time to complain. We've got to get out there to protect our homes.
The men get their tools in hand and march out toward the river.
Vyrn: Sounds like they could use some help! Let's get out there too, (Captain)!
Lyria: Yeah! Let's go!
Percival: Hey! Wait!
Percival: Blast it... Didn't you learn your lesson just now at the riverbank?
Townsman 2: Hey! We need more sandbags over here!
Townsman 1: I brought some more! Is this enough?
Townsman 2: This area should be fine. But that area's looking a little shaky, so let's stack a little more there.
The crew arrives at the river to see people working together to repair the floodwall.
Vyrn: The work is going pretty quick. They're really good at this!
Percival: In fact, they're great at this. But it must mean that they've done this enough times to know it like second nature.
Lyria: That must be tough...
Percival: They've come to protect their town by putting in all this effort.
Vyrn: I know it's difficult, but it's great to have neighbors who really care!
Lyria: Yeah, it sure is!
Townsman 1: Hey, you over there! Are you passing through? Do you mind lending us a hand?
Vyrn: Yeah! Let's give 'em some help, (Captain)!
Percival: I suppose I'll help out too. If something were to happen to you outside my watch, it would surely be troublesome.
The sun has set by the time the repairs are finished.
The two sisters from earlier in the day offer the crew a place to stay for the night as a token of their thanks.
Lil Sis: Hey, mister armor man! Look at this...
Lyria: She seems to really like you, Percival.
Lil Sis: I folded these. I helped with laundry!
Percival: Oh yeah? That's good that you can help around the house.
Lil Sis: It's good? Because I'm a big girl?
Percival: That's right.
Lil Sis: Hee-hee! I knew it! My sister tells me I'm getting to be a big girl now!
Percival: You really like your family, eh?
Lil Sis: I love them! My sister is really good at cooking.
Lil Sis: And my granny is so nice! She teaches me how to sew, and do the laundry, and lots of other things.
Lil Sis: And my grandpa's a builder. He's always fixing people's houses and even the wall by the river. It's like magic!
Percival: I see...
Lil Sis: Yep! Isn't that neat?
Percival: Yeah, it's neat. You love your town, don't you?
Lil Sis: Uh-huh! I have my family here, and Emma next door, and my puppy dog Chee, and my kitty cat Mew!
Lil Sis: But... I wish the water outside would stay down so we can live better.
Percival: Yeah...
Percival smiles as he gently pats the young girl on the head.
Reaching for His Kingdom: Scene 2
Percival tells (Captain) that he will never sacrifice the few to save the many, even if it's the rational decision. They then visit Aglovale, and on hearing Percival's declaration, Aglovale challenges him to a sparring match.
Late in the night, Percival awakens and silently slips out of the house.
Percival: Hey there, (Captain).
Having followed after Percival, (Captain) walks up to his side and looks up at the night sky.
Percival: Why are you up? You couldn't sleep?
- Well, I sort of woke up...
- Well, why are you up?
Choose: Well, I sort of woke up...Percival: Was it me who woke you up? Sorry about that...
(Captain) mumbles that it's all right and looks up at Percival.
Percival: Hm... I know what you're thinking.
Choose: Well, why are you up?Percival: Don't answer my question with a question.
Percival: It doesn't matter... I know what you're thinking.
Continue 1Percival: I'm thinking it too. About what my brother said today.
Percival: About what it means to be a king, sitting at the head of the ideal land I'm striving to create.
In the quiet of the sleeping town, his somber voice rings cold.
Percival: I've told you before that I want to build a land without war, where even the powerless can live in peace.
Percival: But in my land, I won't abandon the few for the sake of the many. I can't.
Percival: Even if it is the most logical way...
Percival: After seeing the people of this town today, I feel that more than ever.
(Captain) listens quietly as Percival continues.
Percival: Surely Aglovale's policy is to always choose the practical solution that will help the most citizens.
Percival: And surely, his choice must sometimes leave others behind.
Percival: It's not that I think it's wrong...
Percival: It's just that I want to follow my heart and find another way.
As if a weight of uncertainty has been lifted from his chest, Percival's mouth begins to curve into a familiar, confident grin.
Percival: (Captain), tomorrow we go to the castle and pay a visit to my brother.
(Captain) smiles and nods eagerly.
The next day, the crew stands before Aglovale inside Wales Castle.
Aglovale: So you've come, Percival...
Aglovale: Which means you've found your answer, correct?
Percival: Yes, Brother.
Aglovale: Good. Then answer me this.
Aglovale's voice echoes as (Captain) and the others hold their breath.
Aglovale: A mother and her daughter stand before you, about to be eaten alive by a monster. You can only save one.
Aglovale: Who will you choose to save?
Percival: I...
Percival lifts his head, staring directly into his brother's eyes.
Percival: I refuse to choose one. I will reach out to save them both.
Aglovale: ...
Percival: ...
The brothers quietly stare each other down.
Aglovale: Percival...
Aglovale slowly stands and walks toward the door.
Aglovale: Come with me.
Aglovale leads everyone to the forest behind the castle before unsheathing his sword and facing Percival.
Aglovale: Draw your sword.
Vyrn: Whoa! What's going on here?
Aglovale: It's been some time, but let's have a sparring match.
Percival: As you wish...
Percival steps out before the crew and slowly draws his sword.
Aglovale: You've yet to win a single match against me, haven't you?
Percival: Indeed, I haven't. But I've improved quite a bit since then.
Aglovale: Humph. Enough talk. Let's see what you've got!
Reaching for His Kingdom: Scene 3
Percival refuses help when he's losing the battle, but then Lyria explains that vassals are meant to fight alongside their king. With renewed resolve, Percival and the crew take on his brother as one.
Percival fights against his brother but is soon brought to his knees.
Percival: Nghh... This can't be...
Aglovale: You've gotten a little better, but still you lack discipline.
Aglovale: You can barely land a scratch with your pitiful swordsmanship, and yet you speak to me of your absurd ideals.
Percival: Brother...
Aglovale: The weak have no right to speak of such things.
Aglovale: That's because your ambition will bring misfortune not only to you, but to the people around you.
Percival: Nghh...
Unable to stand and watch, (Captain) jumps out before Percival.
Percival: No! Stand back!
(Captain) turns to face Percival.
Percival: Just stand behind me...
Percival: Agh!
(Captain) strikes Percival across his cheek.
Percival: (Captain)... Why?
Vyrn: Say, Sir Burnsalot, that hurt, didn't it? My friend's pretty strong! Don't act like you didn't know!
Lyria: Percival, you are always protecting us because you say we're your vassals...
Lyria: But vassals aren't just there to be protected, right? That's not what loyalty is.
Percival: My vassals... (Captain)...
(Captain) nods at Percival, staring clear into his eyes.
Percival: Ha... I see.
I see now...
Percival slowly raises himself to his feet and faces his brother once again.
Percival: Brother, if it's all right by you, I'd like to change my answer from earlier.
Aglovale: Go ahead...
Percival: A mother and daughter are about to be eaten alive by a monster...
Percival: And I, with the help of my vassals, will reach out to save them both.
Aglovale: Humph...
Aglovale: Ba ha ha ha!
Aglovale: Then show me you have the strength to achieve it!
Reaching for His Kingdom: Scene 4
Percival beats Aglovale for the first time in his life. He assures his older brother that he's ready to walk the difficult path he's chosen with the strength of the crew behind him.
Percival: I beat him... for the first time...
Lyria: You did it, Percival!
Aglovale: Humph... Your vassals aren't all bad.
Percival: Yes. They are my pride.
Aglovale: I now know the combination of all your strengths. But... I'm still the strongest one-on-one.
The crew gives a small laugh at Aglovale's gentle, but slightly sulky, reminder.
Vyrn: Heh-heh! I guess that attitude runs in your family, Sir Burnsalot! You both hate to lose!
Percival: Brother... When we were younger, even I and Lamorak couldn't win against you as a team.
Aglovale: Ah... Is that right?
Aglovale chuckles lightly before gazing at his brother with a stern face.
Aglovale: Percival.
Percival: Yes, Brother.
Aglovale: The path you've chosen may lead you to your idealistic values, but that path will surely be trying.
Aglovale: Are you prepared?
Percival: Yes, I—
(Captain) silently stands beside Percival, who straightens his posture and nods.
Percival: I have the best companion by my side. Therefore, I shall see it through.
Aglovale: I see... Then do as you like...
Aglovale: May you never bring shame to that armor.
Percival: I promise. Thank you, Brother.
Percival places a hand over his chest and bows deeply as his brother leaves.
Percival: (Captain)...
Percival lifts his head to see (Captain) still standing by his side.
Percival: I owe you my thanks. From here forward I'll be counting on you as my greatest ally.
The two smile brightly at each other, brimming with pride and a new sense of determination.
For Her Homeland's Sake
Heles wishes to return to Alster Island upon learning of a trade dispute there, but she decides not to after Percival argues the importance of teaching the people self-sufficiency. Some time later she learns that conflict has been avoided, thanks in part to an unknown red-haired knight.
It's vacation time for (Captain) and the crew, who have decided to spend it on a peaceful island.
The central marketplace hums with activity; merchants and shoppers rush to and fro with giddy excitement.
Heles: Hm...
Lyria: Heles? Why the long face?
Heles: Sorry. Watching this lively marketplace brings back memories of how Irestill used to be...
Vyrn: Yeah, it'd be great if Irestill quickly returned to the way it was before.
Heles: Yes. And with that in mind, I want to exert even more effort to achieve that goal—to go beyond the level of my current endeavors.
Heles: (Yet what more can I do for my kingdom? That's something for me to think about further.)
Meanwhile another individual with a great burden on their shoulder, Percival, contemplates the ideal way to rebuild his own homeland.
Percival: (The citizens of this town go about their lives with a skip in their step. This is how a country should be.)
Percival: Hm? What are you staring at so intently, Heles? Is there something stuck to my face?
Heles: I see this town's grabbed your attention as well.
Percival: Indeed it has. These people prove that it is the citizens who form the foundation of a nation.
Heles: Yes. But unlike the common people, you and I are not the type of individuals who can easily lie back and relax on our days off.
Percival: I'd say that's a fair assessment. Then as you have pointed out, I believe wandering about town and making observations is the best course of action for us.
Percival: Hm... However, this day off is long overdue, and my vassals deserve to let off some steam.
Lyria: Um, where are you going, Percival?
Percival: I'm heading to the port to examine how this island conducts its trade.
Heles: I see... Then please allow me to join you.
Percival: Mm, as you wish.
Percival and Heles split off from the crew and head for the port.
A great many airships are flitting through the air when the pair arrives at the port.
Hundreds of cargoes line the docks, either ready to be exported or waiting to be unpacked.
Percival: Superb! What a smooth-running system...
Heles: Goodness... I could learn so much from this place. Let's go converse with the merchants!
Percival and Heles go around speaking to everyone they see, gleaning what they can to help rebuild their respective homelands.
Just then one particular airship docks rather abruptly.
Percival: Ah, that airship bears the flag of—
Heles: Huh? Irestill? It's an airship from my kingdom!
The two dash over to the airship that had just landed.
A messenger from Alster Island disembarks to greet them.
Messenger: Lady Heles! I wasn't expecting to find you so quickly!
Heles: What is the matter? And how did you know where I was?
Messenger: Well, the skyfarers you travel with are quite famous. We followed the rumors to track you down.
Messenger: Um... So I hate to be the one to tell you this, but...
The messenger explains that the people of Alster are nervous about the possibility of a violent clash breaking out.
It all started with a dispute between established local vendors and newly arrived traders from outside the island.
Up until now the Great Court and security forces had managed to keep the peace.
But the mafia had kept a sharp eye on the situation and then made their move when they saw an opening, exacerbating the conflict.
With no other recourse left, the Great Court wants Heles to return to set things straight.
Heles: ...
Messenger: Sigh... Like I said before, I really didn't want to break this news to you, Lady Heles, but—
Heles: Let's make for Alster. We'll block the mafia and put an end to this trade dispute once and for all.
Heles begins to board the airship, but Percival clamps his hand on her shoulder.
Heles: Percival?
Percival: Tell me, messenger... This trade dispute stems from an argument over vested rights, yes?
Messenger: Yes.
Percival: I'll put this simply. Upholding vested rights of the locals creates a closed, protectionist market.
Percival: Now, if you really want the kingdom to prosper, you should lower taxes and abolish the idea of vested rights.
Percival: Yes... If you do that, I think a free-market economy will be established that is as dynamic as the one found in this town.
Messenger: But what about the local vendors who have been around for generations?
Percival glances quickly at the messenger before turning his gaze back to Heles.
Percival: If Heles is the one to proceed with this course of action, then the matter will probably resolve rather quickly. But the people would soon grow overly dependent on her.
Percival: Imagine if that dependence lead to citizens standing in the way of their leader despite her guiding them toward prosperity. You wouldn't want that, would you?
Heles: ...
Heles: (Hmm... Percival makes a sound argument, but...)
Heles: You're exactly right, Percival, but my first priority is to stop tensions from boiling over!
Percival: Humph. Do you place such little value on the wardens you cultivated by your own hand?
Heles: ...
Percival: Well? If you were unable to return home, are you saying they couldn't even stop a fight?
Heles: That's not...
Imperial Guard 1: We'll protect the people in Lady Heles's absence!
Imperial Guard 2: Hah hah hah! Have no fear. We've been run through the gauntlet by Her Highness herself!
Heles: No. They're not weak in the slightest. They're my proud wardens who don't need me to babysit them!
Percival: Aha! Then believe in them. Let them sort things out with the people. That's part of what makes a kingdom grow.
Heles lets out a soft breath, then takes the messenger's hand in both of hers.
Heles: I will remain here. So please... Give my message to our vendors and everyone else.
Heles: Let them know that I understand how they all feel. But I also want us to welcome newcomers and follow a path of renewed growth.
Messenger: Very well. I will relay your message to everyone in full.
The messenger takes to heart Heles's conflicted decision and boards the airship to return to Alster Island without her.
A few weeks later, that same messenger from Alster arrives on the Grandcypher to speak with Heles once more.
Heles: Heh. I can already tell what you're about to say from the look on your face.
Messenger: I'm just relieved to be able to deliver some good news this time.
The security forces had completely routed the mafia before their plans could go into full swing.
As for the local vendors, they agreed to adopt a free-market approach upon hearing Heles's words.
Heles: (Hehe... I have Percival to thank for all of this.)
Heles: Speaking of which... (Captain), have you by any chance seen Percival?
Vyrn: Oh, yeah. So this actually happened a little earlier...
Percival: ...
Vyrn: Huh? You headin' out at this time of night, Sir Burnsalot?
Percival: Humph. I'll just be gone for a little while. Watch over things here, my vassals.
Vyrn: H-hey! Geez, slipping into the night so suddenly... What's up with that?
Vyrn: But I haven't seen him come back yet. I wonder what happened...
Messenger: That sounds like... Well, it's possible that... Um, there was a report from the guards...
Heles: Does it pertain to Percival?
The guards reported that a knight with red hair appeared out of nowhere and helped them destroy the mafia in a matter of days.
Vyrn: Whoa... That's gotta be him...
Lyria: Hmm... It sure sounds like Percival...
Just then the thud of clanking armor gets louder and louder as someone approaches the deck of the airship.
Lyria: Oh! It's Percival!
Percival: What's this? You all look depressed for some reason. Did something happen?
Seeing Percival safe and sound brings relief to (Captain) and the others.
Vyrn: Hey, you could've just told us you had to go to Alster, ya know!
Percival: Hm? Now why would I have any reason to go to Alster?
Vyrn: Look at this guy, playing dumb when we already know the truth.
Percival: Hahaha! A red-headed knight, was it? He must be quite a fanciful fellow.
Percival: Ahem. I'm a little tired now. I shall retire to my room. Wake me up if anything happens.
With dirt and soot raining from his cloak, the knight with hair as red as flames strides gallantly to his room, an innocent smirk gracing his face.
Heles: Heehee... That Percival is a perfect gentleman...
Heles smiles and bows her head to Percival as he enters the bowels of the Grandcypher.
Percival (Light))
Percival (Grand) As of The Strength to Wield)
Light Cookies
