Scenario:Altair - Holy Night's Miracle
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Holy Night's Miracle
Several days after receiving the package, Altair tells the crew about a battle in the past called the "Holy Night's Miracle." At the time, Altair was serving as a military strategist for Sphiria in a battle against a country that had suddenly declared war on them. However, one day the enemy troops retreat from their advantageous position, and the enemy strategist invites Altair to have a one-on-one talk with him. Altair accepts the invitation and goes to see the enemy strategist at the mountain summit.
Several days after the arrival of the mysterious package.
(Captain) and company visit Altair's room to ask for his help preparing for the upcoming winter celebration.
Lyria: Hello, Altair! We wanted to talk to you about the winter party...
Altair: Ah, my apologies. I said I would offer my assistance, didn't I?
Altair: Please give me a moment. I will be right there.
Choose: Are you in the middle of a book?
Altair: No, I was only rereading an old journal of mine to confirm a few things.
Altair: Don't worry, I've already found what I needed.
Choose: What's that you're reading?
Altair: Ah, this is an old journal of mine. Notes I wrote on previous battles in which I served as strategist.
Altair: I was rereading it because something caught my attention recently.
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Altair: Do you recall the package we received a few days ago?
(Captain) nods.
Choose: There was a letter inside, right?
Altair: Sharp as ever, (Captain). Has the mysterious letter been on your mind as well?
Choose: The package with the clothes you're wearing?
Altair: Yes. This garment is quite comfortable, so I've taken a liking to it.
Altair: However, what caught my attention was the letter included with these clothes.
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Altair: The "Holy Night's Miracle" mentioned in the letter refers to a certain battle from a few years ago.
Altair: I participated in that battle as a strategist.
Lyria: You did seem like you had an idea on what the letter was about.
Vyrn: The "Holy Night's Miracle" sounds pretty epic. What kind of battle was it exactly?
When (Captain) and the others press the strategist for details, Altair looks thoughtful.
Altair: Hm... Yes, it should be all right to tell all of you.
Altair: If you'll allow me to recall a memory from years past...
It is a winter memory from several years ago.
At the time, Altair was working as a strategist for Sphiria, posted at the foot of a mountain near the country's border.
Altair: (It's been ten days since the sudden declaration of war... The more I think about it, the stranger it seems.)
Altair: (The enemy is the one attacking us, but they are much smaller in number compared to our army. They're at a severe disadvantage.)
Altair: (I highly doubt they have a grudge against Sphiria—especially not one so big they would strike despite the difference in military strength.)
Altair: (What is the reason behind their sudden hostility?)
Sphiria Soldier: Pardon my interruption, Altair. I'd like to make a report.
Altair: Very well. Has there been any sign of movement from the enemy?
Sphiria Soldier: No. The enemy forces are currently encamped at the south summit with no sign of moving anytime soon.
Sphiria Soldier: Their soldiers appear exhausted. It's clear we currently have the upper hand.
Altair: So they have no intention of retreating, yet are holding back on making an attack.
Altair: Their strategist is a seasoned commander—it's strange that they are choosing neither to retreat or advance.
Sphiria Soldier: What should we do? It shouldn't be difficult for us to take them down if we mobilize our entire army.
Altair listens to the soldier's proposal, but shakes his head.
Altair: One must not climb heights in order to fight. The enemy army is not unprepared—marching carelessly would not end well.
Altair: We'll simply have to continue waiting on them.
A few days later, a letter from the enemy strategist arrives, addressed to Altair.
He reads through it, his expression growing perplexed the further down he goes.
Altair: I see... So he'd like to talk to me one-on-one.
Altair: (They say that unless you venture into the tiger's den, you cannot get the tiger's cubs... But it would be unwise to walk straight into a trap.)
Altair: (Not to mention, I doubt the enemy thinks I'd simply accept his invitation without some form of assurance.)
Altair: What is the current status on the enemy's formation? It's possible they're splitting up their forces and waiting to strike while I'm away.
Sphiria Soldier: Actually... it appears the enemy has already left the summit!
Altair: What? They withdrew from the summit?
Altair's eyes widen at the unexpected news.
Sphiria Soldier: Their troops have already descended the mountain and are lined up at the base on the other side.
Sphiria Soldier: Furthermore, it appears the only one left at their summit camp is the strategist.
Altair: I see. They left their advantageous position and now stand without a commander as well.
Altair: That is their strategist's way of showing his goodwill.
Sphiria Soldier: Altair, does that mean...
Altair: The enemy strategist has something he is willing to prioritize above his duty to ensure his troops' safety.
Altair: Whether his plan is foolish or clever, I'm certainly intrigued. I believe his invitation to have a talk is worthy of consideration.
Altair: As a precaution, select a few of our soldiers who are accustomed to the terrain and position them throughout the mountain.
Altair: In the case of an emergency, I will release a red flare into the sky. That will be your signal to march on the enemy.
Despite the uneasiness on his face, the soldier nods.
And with that, Altair ventures into the quiet mountains by himself.
His trip is smooth, without a trace of the enemy troops anywhere. Finally, the young tactician reaches a house at the summit.
Elderly Strategist: Thank you for coming all the way here. Are you the Silver Strategist?
At the house, Altair finds an elderly but imposing man dressed in uniform, standing patiently in wait.
Holy Night's Miracle: Scene 2
The enemy strategist asks Altair for his help. The elderly man explains that due to the king's orders, his troops cannot stop fighting unless they lose; thus, he would like Altair to help bring his troops to defeat without any losses so the soldiers can return home to spend the holy night with their families. Altair is impressed by the elderly strategist's concern for his country and its people and agrees to help. Altair comes up with a plan in which the Sphiria army stumbles upon the troops the king is positioned with, under the pretense of a coincidence. Seeing the difference in their armies' power, the king decides to withdraw his own troops, which puts an end to the battle without any sacrifices made.
Inside the house, Altair and the elderly man face one another.
After a few moments of silence, the elderly strategist looks Altair in the eye and begins to speak solemnly.
Elderly Strategist: Your talent and efforts are well-known even within my army.
Elderly Strategist: It is an honor to have you accept my invitation and come all the way here to see me.
The strategist bows to Altair.
Altair gazes at the man, unsure of his motives, before returning the bow.
Altair: Likewise. It is my honor to receive your goodwill.
Altair: I have to say, I was surprised by your decision to withdraw your troops from the summit.
Elderly Strategist: Haha. As were my men, who questioned my sanity for doing so.
Elderly Strategist: But I knew I had to prove my good faith at least to that extent for you to consider my invitation.
Elderly Strategist: Now, we don't have much time. Let's get straight to the point.
The elderly strategist straightens up, his mouth tightening into a line.
Elderly Strategist: To put it frankly, I'd like to ask for your insight on how my troops can be brought to defeat without suffering any losses.
Altair: What?
Altair raises his eyebrows at the startling request.
Altair: You want your own army to lose? No strategist in his right mind would dare to speak such words... May I ask for the reason?
Elderly Strategist: Of course.
Elderly Strategist: But first, I'd like to ask you—how informed are your people on the affairs of my country?
Altair: To our knowledge, your armies suddenly took up the conquest of invading other countries a few years ago.
Altair: But you were on decent terms with Sphiria.
Altair: Imagine our surprise when you assaulted us unprovoked.
Hearing this, the elderly man heaves a mournful sigh.
Elderly Strategist: All of this is according to our king's wishes.
Elderly Strategist: Recently, our king has been anxious over his old age... Or rather, he is concerned for the prince, who was born late and is still very young.
Elderly Strategist: If the king were to pass away and have his young son ascend the throne, it would certainly cause much conflict both within our nation as well as with other countries.
Elderly Strategist: In order to prevent that from happening, the king thought to strengthen our country's power... by engaging in battles we have no chance of winning, over and over again.
Altair: But I have not heard any news of your country suffering multiple defeats or losing any territory.
Elderly Strategist: Up until now, both the soldiers and I have done our best to avoid utter defeat.
Elderly Strategist: Thanks to that, we have managed to prevent ourselves from losing our land.
Elderly Strategist: However, our army is reaching its limit. Continuing to battle in this way will lead to many sacrifices in the future.
Altair: I see. And that is why you want your country to be defeated before such sacrifices are made.
Altair: However, it would've been more logical to convince your king to stop, rather than risking your life to meet an enemy like myself.
Altair: Or has your king become so foolish that he can no longer discern the state of his war?
Elderly Strategist: Our king is not wicked or foolish. He has protected the peace in our country for decades.
Elderly Strategist: The fact remains that we have yet to suffer a clear loss—and this is, in part, my fault as well.
Elderly Strategist: Since we have never suffered defeat, there is no reason to stop the battles. That is what the king thinks.
The old tactician lets out a deep sigh.
Elderly Strategist: Of course, if our army sustains enough damage from yours, the king may reconsider.
Elderly Strategist: But I don't want any of my men's lives to be wasted in meaningless conflict.
Elderly Strategist: I want to free them from battle as soon as possible and let them spend the holy night this year at home with their families.
Altair: So you'd like to work with me to bring your army to defeat without hurting any of your soldiers.
Elderly Strategist: That's right. A plan that would only be possible with your cooperation.
Elderly Strategist: Will you work with me, Silver Strategist?
Altair: Your proposal as a strategist to lead your own troops to defeat... is quite startling.
Altair: You'd even go so far as to consult the enemy. Under normal circumstances, this would be considered treason.
Altair: But I suppose that simply shows how prepared you are to undertake this responsibility.
The elderly strategist nods, not a sliver of doubt in his eyes.
Elderly Strategist: Even if I am to be accused of treason, it is the duty of a strategist to ensure the safety of his troops.
Elderly Strategist: I could not end this battle in which our impending loss is already clear.
Elderly Strategist: The least I can do now is decide the way we suffer our loss.
Altair: (His determination is as strong as steel.)
Altair: (I see... Deciding a loss for the sake of your country and its people is also a strategist's duty.)
Altair: (This only proves that I still have much to learn...)
Altair: Very well. Then I will do my best to present you with a plan worthy of my name as "Silver Strategist."
For the next several hours, Altair and the elderly strategist discuss their plan.
Elderly Strategist: I have no objections. This should allow my soldiers to return home safely.
Elderly Strategist: I will inform them of the formation and strategy tomorrow morning.
Altair: Ah, one more thing. I have one request I'd like to make regarding this plan.
Elderly Strategist: Very well. I would give even my own life if that is what you require.
Altair: Oh, no, it's something much more simple. Please tell your troops that the Silver Strategist did not come to see you.
Altair: We never met today, and we have not conspired anything together.
Altair: Everything that happens from here is merely a coincidence—that is how I'd like it to be.
Elderly Strategist: Oho... What is your reasoning for that? After all, this plan we've devised would only add to your list of accomplishments.
Altair: Even if this plan produces the desired results, a strategist found conspiring with the enemy faces an inescapable execution.
Altair: However, if events unfold one after another by mere coincidence and luck happens to be on the enemy's side, then your army's defeat will hurt only your honor and not your life.
Elderly Strategist: The death of one old man is a price I'm willing to pay if it means spurring the king to reconsider his actions.
Altair: Your intentions are noble indeed. These skies are in great need of a commander such as yourself.
Altair: Which means it falls to this strategist to devise a plan that can preserve as many lives as possible, including yours.
Taking in Altair's words, the elderly tactician closes his eyes, as if deep in thought.
Finally, the man nods. He extends his hand toward Altair for a handshake, finalizing the plan between them.
The next day, the Sphiria army takes a detour, sneaking around the mountain to regroup on the other side.
Altair's instructions to his troops are to gather at a nearby field and strike the enemy from behind, taking them by surprise.
Sphiria Soldier: Altair! We have a report from our scouts!
Altair: Have the enemy troops at the mountain base made a move?
Sphiria Soldier: No—our scouts found the enemy standing in our path around the mountain. It appears someone resembling the king himself is among them!
Sphiria Soldier: As they are quite small in number, it shouldn't be a problem if we charge ahead. Your orders, Altair?
Altair: (It seems all is going according to plan...)
Altair: What a surprise. I'd planned to attack from behind, but who would've thought that they'd choose to close in on us at the same time.
Altair: Still, this is the best opportunity we could ask for. We can't let it go to waste.
Altair: Tell all the mages in our magic unit to release a beam of light at the enemy simultaneously.
Altair: However, fire the light only as a warning. We need not inspire vengeance with unnecessary damage.
Altair: The point is to show them our military strength and reduce the enemy's morale by doing so.
Sphiria Soldier: Right away, sir!
Elderly Strategist: What happened? Report, soldier.
Elderly Strategist: So the enemy thought to ambush us from behind, and located the king's troops by coincidence as they were marching...
Elderly Strategist: And you say that upon seeing the strength of our enemy, the king has decided to withdraw... and propose a treaty instead?
Elderly Strategist: Then we have no choice but to retreat as he wishes. I must ask the king to forgive my failure to bring us to victory.
Elderly Strategist: Thank you, Silver Strategist... or should I say, Altair.
The elderly strategist looks toward the field where he knows Altair is positioned.
The man's eyes fill with tears of gratitude as he gazes into the distance.
Holy Night's Miracle: Scene 3
The crew accompanies Altair to the elderly strategist's house. There, they find out that the person who had sent the crimson garment to Altair was, in fact, the grandson of the elderly strategist, who has already passed away. The grandson explains that the clothing was something the families of the returning soldiers made for the elderly strategist as a token of gratitude; however, the strategist had insisted to his family that the one most suitable for the garment was Altair. Hearing this, Altair is once again reminded of the true resolve of a strategist that he had learned from the elderly man, and promises (Captain) that he will always be there to support the captain.
Altair: After that, Sphiria received an envoy from the other country proposing an official treaty.
Altair: And on the day of the holy night, the two countries agreed to peace.
Altair: The battle went down in Sphiria's military history as a miraculous battle that ended with zero losses on either side.
Altair: It has since been referred to as the "Holy Night's Miracle" by both countries.
Lyria: That's incredible... So you and the other strategist were able to end the battle peacefully!
Altair: Yes. No one other than the other strategist knows I was involved with devising a plan that led to the treaty.
Altair: To everyone else, a miracle occurred that day—the result of unexpected actions from both sides.
Altair: That's why there aren't many people who would be capable of writing this letter.
Lyria: Do you think the one who sent you this outfit is that strategist then?
Vyrn: Hold on. How many years ago was that battle again?
Vyrn: Wouldn't it be kinda weird that he waited all this time to send you something?
Lyria: Hmm, good point... Maybe it took many years to make this?
Altair: Haha, that is a very good question. In fact, I already have a theory.
Altair: I was looking at a map of Sphiria's surrounding areas that I had in my journal.
Altair: There is a location I'd like to investigate as soon as possible.
Altair: Would all of you like to come with me?
(Captain) and the others nod at Altair's invitation, eager to find out the identity of the mysterious sender.
Vyrn: So the sender of that package lives somewhere around here?
Altair: Yes. The strategist I spoke of earlier works for the country we're in now.
Altair takes a look at their surroundings.
Altair: Looking at the well-kept state of this town, it doesn't seem like the country is caught in warfare at the moment.
Altair: The king must have ceased any meaningless declarations of war after that battle.
Altair and company ask the townspeople whether they know the strategist the crew is looking for.
With help from several people, the crew eventually arrives at a small house slightly outside of town.
Altair: Pardon me. Is anyone home?
???: Yes, who is it—
???: ...!
Those clothes! You must be the one Grandfather talked about, the...
Those clothes! You must be the one Grandfather talked about, the...
Altair: Yes, I am who they call the Silver Strategist. My name is Altair.
Altair: So you're his grandson. Are you the one who sent me these clothes?
Altair gestures to the crimson garment on himself.
Altair: I assume your grandfather, once the military strategist of this country... has already passed away.
Grandson: Nothing escapes the Silver Strategist, I see. It is as you say.
Grandson: Please come in, and we'll talk more inside.
The young man shows the crew into the house.
Grandson: It's an honor to meet you, Altair.
Grandson: I've heard the story of the Holy Night's Miracle many times from my grandfather.
Altair: So he spoke to only you and his family about the truth of that day.
Grandson: Yes, albeit years after the battle.
Altair: I see... How are the state of affairs in your country now? The town seemed peaceful at a glance.
Grandson: After that fateful battle, the king turned his attention from increasing political strength to prioritizing internal affairs.
Grandson: He selected several retainers who were especially capable to assist him.
Grandson: Currently, those retainers serve as advisers who support the young prince.
Altair: So the king decided to seek power from within his own country.
Altair: I had my doubts during the battle, but now it's clear that your king was a wise ruler after all.
Lyria: Um, I hope your grandfather didn't end up getting punished by the king...
Grandson: No, he didn't. But to take public responsibility for our defeat, my grandfather left the army.
Grandson: The battle has been recorded as one in which our strategist was unable to accurately perceive the enemy's advances.
Altair: But on the other hand... the people of your country thanked your grandfather for bringing back their families safely.
Altair: This red garment was something made for your grandfather as a token of the people's gratitude, wasn't it?
The young man nods, proving Altair's speculation correct.
Grandson: In our country, red is the color of heroes. To the families of the soldiers, my grandfather was their hero.
Grandson: But my grandfather kept telling us—his family—that the real hero of the Holy Night's Miracle was not himself, but you, Altair.
Grandson: He explained how you, despite being the enemy commander, gave your best effort to devise a plan that allowed our soldiers to return home safely.
Grandson: He also told us about how you advised Sphiria's king to make the peace treaty's terms more agreeable to both countries.
Grandson: In his eyes, you were the one most suited for that garment.
Lyria: So that's why you decided to send it to Altair.
Vyrn: We were really suspicious of it at first 'cause you didn't include a name on the package, but I'm glad Altair opened it after all!
Grandson: I'm very sorry. The fact remains that Altair was once our enemy, so I decided against writing a name when sending it.
The strategist's grandson smiles sheepishly.
He turns to face Altair once more.
Grandson: Altair, I apologize for not considering your circumstances when sending the garment.
Grandson: Still, will you please accept this gift from my grandfather?
At the young man's plea, Altair puts on a gentle smile.
Altair: Of course, I gladly accept. Otherwise, I would not be here to talk to you.
Altair: It's true that I'm here to verify the sender of this garment, but more importantly, I came to offer my thanks.
Grandson: Your thanks?
Altair: Yes. Your grandfather showed me what it truly meant to be a strategist—
Altair: To be willing to cast away your honor and even your own life in order to protect your people, your troops, and your king's integrity.
Altair: You say your grandfather called me a hero... but to me, your grandfather was the one worthy of the title.
Grandson: Thank you very much... I'm sure he would have been overjoyed to hear those words from you, Altair.
After that, the crew goes to visit the strategist at his grave before bidding the island goodbye.
As the Grandcypher slowly departs from the port, Altair stands on the deck, lost in thought.
Altair: ...
Altair: Ah, (Captain).
Altair: Come to think of it, I haven't expressed my gratitude yet.
Altair: Thank you for agreeing to come with me today, despite it being a personal request.
Choose: Did it bring back memories?
Altair: It certainly did. This was a good opportunity for me to learn from my past experiences and reflect on my life up until now.
Choose: Are you happy knowing the full story?
Altair: I am. I respected the strategist very much, so I'm glad I was able to hear more about him.
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Altair: The "battle" that day taught me just how heavy the responsibility of a tactician is.
Altair: It gave me the determination and desire to expand my knowledge and experiences.
Altair: This garment reminds me of the strong feelings the strategist had stirred within me back then.
Altair turns to face (Captain), his eyes serious.
Altair: (Captain). Allow me to swear to you once more.
Altair: I will devote my entire being to aiding you whenever you need me.
Altair: And I promise that, someday, we will reach the Island of the Astrals together.
(Captain) returns Altair's sincere words with a smile.
Choose: You know I always depend on you.
Altair: Indeed, I am more than aware.
Altair: After all, you have given me the very important task of supervising the winter celebration.
Choose: Let's start with preparing for the party.
Altair: Ah, that's right. You wanted to talk to me about that the other day.
Altair: I'd be honored to help. In fact, I've already devised a number of plans.
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Altair: Now, let's get started, (Captain).
Altair: From the menu to the entertainment, leave everything to me.
Altair: Rest assured that I will present you with a most miraculous feast this holy night!
Altair nods confidently at (Captain).
The hem of his crimson garment fluttering in the wind, Altair makes his way back inside the ship together with the captain.