Scenario:Black Knight - Proof of Her Resolve
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Proof of Her Resolve
Soon after becoming the Black Knight, Apollonia encounters Freesia. She tells Freesia that she is only concerned about saving Orchis and not about status. On her way to the port, she is joined by Lieutenant Sovell, who is charged with keeping an eye on her. Meanwhile, the Golden Knight arrives in Erste to find out the motive behind the revival of the Black Knight.
Black Knight: It was back when I had only just started to call myself the Black Knight.
Black Knight: As I struggled and suffered within the depths of despair, I began to believe in, long for, and chase after that single beam of hope.
Black Knight: To revive Orchis. If I could do that, then no sacrifice would be too much for me.
Black Knight: That was my unshakable resolution—what I swore when I put on this black suit of armor.
Black Knight: ...
Inside a facility in Agastia, the sound of heavy footsteps echoes as the Black Knight makes her way down a corridor.
With such an imposing air around her, no one dares to meet her eyes until a single woman approaches from the opposite direction.
Freesia: Are you setting off already for your next destination?
Black Knight: I only dropped by briefly to report on the incident from the other day.
Black Knight: I don't have time to dawdle. You should know that by now.
Freesia: I only worry about your health. After all, we cannot afford to lose you.
Freesia: The Black Knight is a Luminary Knight that essentially exists to serve the True King and is ordained according to the will of the True King.
Freesia: Despite the position of the Black Knight remaining empty for a long time, it is only because of Akasha that the True King hasn't threatened us...
Freesia: Thanks to our possession of Akasha, the Erste Empire has been able to maintain a show of force against the True King, albeit precariously.
Freesia: I assume even the True King wants to avoid any bloodshed.
Freesia: In other words, our current harmony is sitting on thin ice. Still I made a conscious decision to restore the Black Knight's position, even if it means breaking that ice.
Freesia: Please do not forget this.
Black Knight: Did you stop me just so you could lecture me?
Freesia: I am simply saying that I have my own reputation to uphold. And you can't afford to end up impaired either, can you?
Freesia: Through your efforts, we can save Orchis...
Black Knight: Hmph... I don't need you to tell me that.
Black Knight: Anyway, wouldn't it work more to your favor to have me away on another errand?
Freesia: I'm not sure I understand what you mean...
Black Knight: Drop the act. I know you're working under the table, though I'm not sure for what exactly.
Freesia: ...
Black Knight: I have no interest in what you're doing, and I don't intend to delve any further.
Black Knight: But if I find that it poses any threat to me... I won't hesitate to cut you down.
Freesia: I will remember that...
Freesia: Well then, if you'll excuse me. I have some business to attend to.
Freesia coolly takes her leave without a trace of emotion on her face.
Black Knight: What a nuisance...
???: Heh, that's rather disrespectful, I must say. Best not let Lady Freesia hear that from you.
A man with a gentle demeanor steps out from the shadows of the corridor and smiles pleasantly at the Black Knight.
Black Knight: I didn't know you had a habit of eavesdropping... Lieutenant Sovell.
Sovell: Excuse me. Your conversation happened to drift into my ears as I passed by...
Black Knight: Not like it matters. You've been charged with keeping an eye on me, after all. I expected you to be nearby.
Black Knight: If you want to tattle on me, go right ahead.
Sovell: That's quite harsh. But please understand that I am on your side.
Sovell: As is Lady Freesia... Though her heavy-handedness stems from her high expectations of you.
Sovell: After all, you assumed the role of Black Knight and became top advisor to the empire at such a young age—that's not something just anyone could do.
Sovell: To those like me, who can only toil away at some modest job, it is an unattainable dream.
Black Knight: How slavish of you to think that. Hard work is a form of talent in itself.
Black Knight: This status I have is nothing but an ornament given to me by someone else, regardless of whether I want it or not.
Sovell: And whether you agree or not, that is what people call talent.
Sovell: Ah, I didn't mean to keep you with such a trivial conversation. I'm sure you're quite busy.
Sovell: Allow me to accompany you to the port.
Sovell bows in a gentlemanly manner and proceeds to walk in step with the Black Knight.
Meanwhile a single ship makes a stealthy landing in a deserted corner of the island, away from the eyes of Agastia.
Golden Knight: So this is the Erste Empire...
The Golden Knight looks scornfully at Agastia's townscape spreading out before her eyes.
Hearing of the restoration of the Black Knight's position in Erste, she arrives at the empire for a secret investigation under the True King's orders.
Golden Knight: The vacancy of the Black Knight's seat was allowed only by the grace of His Majesty...
Golden Knight: To restore the position without first acquiring the True King's consent... Such impudence must not be tolerated.
Golden Knight: I will find out the true intention behind this, on behalf of His Majesty!
Swelling with rage, the Golden Knight steps forward and heads for the town of Agastia, taking a small number of soldiers with her.
Proof of Her Resolve: Scene 2
While walking to the port, the Black Knight has the feeling that they are being watched. She and Sovell head to a deserted area, where Istavion soldiers suddenly step out from the shadows and close in on them.
The Black Knight and Sovell walk side by side until they reach the port.
Black Knight: ...
The Black Knight is alert as her eyes move to and fro, scanning the surroundings.
Sovell: Is something the matter? You've been looking about for a while now...
Black Knight: Follow me.
The Black Knight changes course without warning, her steps quickening.
They finally reach a deserted area, where the Black Knight calls out in a loud voice.
Black Knight: Why don't you come out now? You can't expect me to fall for something like that!
In response to her call, soldiers wearing yellow designs on their armor appear from the shadows and surround the Black Knight and Sovell.
Sovell: ...!
What is the meaning of this?
What is the meaning of this?
Black Knight: That design... The Istavion Kingdom, huh? Heh, so that's how it is...
Black Knight: How and on whose orders did you come to Agastia?
Istavion Soldier: ...
Black Knight: Not going to answer, are we?
Black Knight: Unfortunately for you, I don't plan to go down without a fight.
Black Knight: Fools. Let me show you... just who you've decided to pick a fight with!
Proof of Her Resolve: Scene 3
The Golden Knight appears and asks Apollonia her motive for becoming the Black Knight. Furious at the Black Knight's insolence in refusing to obey the True King, the Golden Knight decides that any further talk would be useless and proceeds to draw her sword.
Black Knight: I'll spare you your lives. It'll only be trouble if this escalates to a problem between our two states...
Black Knight: But you won't be able to move for a while. Now, let's hear who the mastermind behind this is.
Black Knight: Well, there are only a handful of people who'd be able to employ all of you to do their dirty work...
???: Hmph... I see it's not just for show that you call yourself the Black Knight.
Saying these words in an icy tone, a figure clad in a majestic suit of golden armor approaches the Black Knight.
Black Knight: That golden armor... So you were the one behind this. We finally meet.
Golden Knight: I suppose there's no need to introduce myself.
Golden Knight: I've heard stories about you. It seems you're quite the audacious one.
Black Knight: The way you talk suggests you've come to challenge me.
Black Knight: Or should I say, challenge the position of the Black Knight.
Golden Knight: I could say the same. You speak as if you'd been expecting this.
Black Knight: The position of the Black Knight was restored without the consent of the True King. Some kind of interference was bound to come.
Black Knight: I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being perceived as a proclamation of war.
Golden Knight: I see... You mean you took on the name of the Black Knight knowing full well of its history?
Black Knight: Correct.
Golden Knight: Why, you...
At the Black Knight's bold words, fury seethes through the Golden Knight. She struggles to hold her emotions back before continuing.
Golden Knight: If you already know what I'm here for, then let's get this over with. I only have one thing to ask of you.
Golden Knight: Black Knight, come with me to Istavion. An audience with His Majesty is being requested of you.
Golden Knight: It's not too late. If you're willing to comply with the demands, then I can act as the mediator for—
Black Knight: No.
Golden Knight: What did you just say? Perhaps I misheard...
Black Knight: I said no. Don't make me say it again.
Golden Knight: Do you know what you're saying? You don't have the right to refuse!
Golden Knight: If you won't come with me, then I'll have you relinquish the position of the Black Knight immediately!
Black Knight: That's impossible.
Golden Knight: Don't get too full of yourself, you brat!
Unable to contain her anger any longer, the Golden Knight looks at the Black Knight with an almost murderous intent.
Golden Knight: The Seven Luminary Knights aren't something an impudent brat like you can just identify with on a whim!
Golden Knight: Only one with a legitimate pedigree who has shed blood, sweat, and tears can qualify to be one of the Knights!
Golden Knight: I don't know if it's money or honor that you're after...
Golden Knight: But this isn't something you can use to satisfy your insignificant self-interest!
Black Knight: ...
Black Knight: I've been keeping quiet and listening to you this whole time, but you really say whatever you want, don't you?
Black Knight: I'll admit that my attachment to the position of the Black Knight is for my self-interest.
Black Knight: But that doesn't mean I'm doing it for a frivolous reason.
Black Knight: Becoming the Black Knight... is proof of my resolve!
Golden Knight: ...
Golden Knight: It seems that any further discussion would be a waste of time.
The Golden Knight takes a deep breath as if to regain her focus and strengthens her grip on her sword.
Golden Knight: Prepare yourself! I'll cut that resolve of yours into pieces!
Black Knight: A match with the Golden Knight herself, huh?
Black Knight: Perfect... I've been wanting to test my strength for a while!
Proof of Her Resolve: Scene 4
The knights fight on par with each other until they hear the footsteps of approaching Erste soldiers. Promising to settle the matter another time, the Golden Knight takes her soldiers and withdraws. As the Black Knight reflects on the fight and strengthens her resolve, Sovell watches it all unfold in quiet discomfort.
Black Knight: Haaah!
Golden Knight: You wretched...
The Black Knight and the Golden Knight exchange blows, the clash of their weapons furious and leaving no room to breathe.
Their abilities matched, time passes without either able to deliver a finishing blow.
Golden Knight: Ugh... Looks like we won't be able to get anywhere with the sword.
The Golden Knight looks away into the distance for a brief moment. She steps back, putting distance between herself and the Black Knight, and sheathes her sword.
Black Knight: What's the matter? Are you giving up?
Golden Knight: I believe I told you not to be so full of yourself. Listen.
Golden Knight: Those are footsteps of Erste soldiers. It seems they've noticed our scuffle.
Golden Knight: It'll be trouble if we run into them. You and I will settle this another time.
Black Knight: Hmph...
Golden Knight: ...
Golden Knight: You said being the Black Knight is proof of your resolve, didn't you?
Black Knight: What about it?
Golden Knight: I do not know what is compelling you to go to such measures... But I see now that your resolve is true.
Golden Knight: However, don't think you can carry the burden of the Black Knight with only resolve.
Golden Knight: That name carries a weight much heavier than you think. You'll do well to remember that.
And with those words, the Golden Knight withdraws to her ship, taking her subordinates with her.
Sovell: L-Lady Apollonia! Are you sure we should let them go just like that?
Black Knight: If we capture them here, it'll only lead to an all-out war.
Black Knight: I'm sure Freesia wants to avoid that as well.
Black Knight: Lieutenant Sovell, I'll leave the rest to you. This unexpected course of events has taken up too much of my time.
Black Knight: One last thing—don't tell anyone what you saw here. Got it?
Sovell: U-understood!
Black Knight: (Given this outcome, it looks like they're turning a blind eye to the Black Knight's position for now.)
Black Knight: (Otherwise they would have taken out everyone here, including the incoming soldiers, and taken me with them.)
Black Knight: (I can't let my guard down. Be it the Luminary Knights or the True King... I won't let anyone get in the way of what I need to do.)
Black Knight: (Just wait, Orchis...)
With the conviction in her heart stronger than ever, the Black Knight heads to the next destination on her journey to save Orchis.
However...
Sovell: ...
Sovell: So you're even capable of driving the Golden Knight away. Well done.
Sovell: Lady Apollonia... or should I say, Black Knight.
Sovell murmurs eerily to himself as he gazes at the retreating Black Knight.