Scenario:Bridgette and Cordelia - Traces of Corruption
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Traces of Corruption
Cordelia joins the Lumiel Blitz, a military drill geared toward new recruits, as part of a praetor mission. Bridgette participates as well, but she expresses disappointment in herself upon sensing that she may not be up to the task. Seeing this, a rookie knight approaches her with the idea of joining another order where her efforts are more likely to be noticed.
It is the middle of the night. Cordelia has been discreetly called to the Holy Kingdom of Lumiel's assembly hall.
Speaking to her is the shrewd archpraetor, Sevastien.
Cordelia: You're asking me to take on the Lumiel Blitz?
Sevastien: Indeed, I am. The next one draws near.
The Lumiel Blitz happens twice a year.
It is the largest-scale military drill in the kingdom.
Cordelia: But I thought the Lumiel Blitz was geared toward new recruits?
Sevastien: While that is very much true, even seasoned knights can benefit from a review of the basics.
Sevastien: Which is why I always make sure to have plenty of veterans participate in the challenge each time.
Cordelia: I'm aware of that. But why choose me of all people...
Sevastien: Hm, I do realize praetors are never welcomed with open arms—no matter the occasion. As such, you may find the drill to be a bit of a challenge.
Cordelia: Just one thing: will this be a praetor mission?
Sevastien: But of course. Otherwise I wouldn't call for you specifically.
Cordelia peers into Sevastien's eyes but is unable to gauge his true intent.
His congenial expression is often but a facade, for he is the leader of the praetors, who work in the shadows for the good of Lumiel.
Cordelia: (This is Sevastien we're talking about here. I'm sure he has his reasons.)
Cordelia: Very well. I swear upon my sword, body, and soul to pursue all that is just...
Cordelia: Given these circumstances, (Captain), would you allow me some time away from the crew?
Vyrn: Erm... Is this Lumiel Blitz the thing that Miss Bowl Cut was talking about?
Bridgette: That's right! I'll use this opportunity to brush up on the basics and really get a jump start on my training.
Bridgette: Can you imagine my surprise when I found out dear Cordelia would be joining too?
Cordelia: Haha. With all the effort you put in, I have to stay in shape to make sure you don't edge me out.
Bridgette: Then let's do this together! We'll train day and night until our strength gives out!
Vyrn: So whaddya say, (Captain)? They seem really pumped up about this.
Lyria: I think you two will be able to handle it!
Cordelia: I appreciate the kind words. Thank you.
Choose: I look forward to seeing your progress.
Vyrn: It'll be all the better for the crew when you guys come back way stronger!
Bridgette: You can count on us! We'll be sure to return as new and improved versions of ourselves!
Continue 1
Lyria: Please be careful, you two.
Bridgette: Thank you! I'll be off then!
Cordelia: Haha, as will I.
Cordelia and Bridgette make for the Holy Kingdom of Lumiel.
The pair take part in the Lumiel Blitz immediately upon their return.
The drill trains a wide variety of skills, ranging from basic core exercises to more practical activities such as weapon sparring.
The intense regimen pushes newcomers and veterans alike to their limits.
Many opt out after the first exercise alone: long-distance running in heavy plate armor.
Cordelia: Phew... This training never gets any easier...
Cordelia slows down to catch her breath, and takes a look back.
Bridgette: Pant... Wheeze...
Bridgette is struggling some distance behind, her steps unsteady.
Bridgette: Bwegh!
She trips and falls.
Bridgette: So much sand in my mouth... What a pitiful display... Peh...
Bridgette: Ngh... But I can't give up here...
Cordelia: Bridgette! Don't overdo it!
Bridgette: I'm... not... I... Huff... I'll be okay...
Cordelia waits for Bridgette to catch up, and then adjusts her running speed to match the Harvin's.
Cordelia: You look like you could pass out any moment. Your face is all pale...
Bridgette: You, on the other hand, look perfectly fine. If you can do it, then so can I...
Cordelia: With such a big emphasis on physical stamina for this first exercise, you're naturally at a disadvantage...
Bridgette: Never mind that. I just have to try harder.
Bridgette: If I put in twice as much effort... I'll become twice as strong...
Bridgette: I want to catch up to you, dearest Cordelia!
Cordelia: Bridgette...
Cordelia: (She used to give up so easily in our days as squires. She's certainly changed...)
Cordelia: Okay, Bridgette. If you're that determined, then I'm going to give the Lumiel Blitz my all. I hope you don't mind if I run ahead.
Bridgette: Of course not. I just need another minute to rest up, then I'll catch up to you in a flash.
Cordelia: Wait, who's that?
Rookie Knight 1: ...
A knight running alongside his peers is watching the pair from a little way off.
But he quickly turns away when Cordelia casts a glance in his direction.
Cordelia: Hm, I wonder if it's me or Bridgette he's interested in...
Sword sparring is the next exercise.
Holy Knight 1: Wide open!
Holy Knight 2: Rgh... Why, you...
Since they are coming into this immediately after the intense run, the rookies are having an especially difficult time swinging their swords.
Cordelia and Bridgette, too, face off with their weapons.
Bridgette: All right... Here I go, dear Cordelia!
Cordelia: Ready whenever you are!
Bridgette: Haaah!
Cordelia effortlessly parries Bridgette's thrust.
Bridgette: I thought this might be too easy for you, but I've only just begun!
Bridgette: Taah! Yaaah!
Cordelia: Hrgh! Ngh!
Bridgette lunges at Cordelia again and again, but every strike is easily evaded.
Bridgette: Huff... Huff... Nothing is working...
Cordelia: You're able to keep up with your swordplay even after such a long sprint... That requires an exceptional amount of stamina.
Bridgette: But I'm still not at your level...
Cordelia: It's best not to push yourself too hard. That's what you, yourself, always used to say.
Bridgette: But... But if I don't push myself, I'll never become stronger!
Cordelia: Bridgette...
Seeing her Harvin companion bite her lip in frustration, Cordelia is at a loss for words.
The bell signaling the end of the sparring session sounds.
Bridgette: Dearest Cordelia... Would it be possible for you to give me a private training session after this?
Bridgette: I really, really want to become stronger. I want to see real improvement, more than ever before...
Cordelia: Hm... Very well then. I see you've made up your mind; I'll do what I can to help.
Training continues, with Bridgette taking intermittent breaks to avoid collapsing from exhaustion.
Bridgette: Groan...
As the sun sets, Bridgette finally falls to her knees.
Cordelia: Bridgette!
Cordelia: Endurance can only take you so far! Why exactly are you in such a hurry to get stronger anyway?
Bridgette: Just watching you today makes me want to work doubly hard...
Bridgette: Your performance has been fantastic ever since you joined the order.
Bridgette: I, on the other hand, have hardly improved since those days, nor am I performing all that well today.
Cordelia: That's not true. Back in the day, it took everything you had just to unsheathe your sword.
Cordelia: You trained hard to finally be able to swing a sword. And now you can swing it up to eleven times in rapid succession. I'd call that a marked improvement.
Bridgette: That just means I'm set up to fail if I ever have to swing my sword twelve times...
Bridgette: In traveling with (Captain)'s crew, I know better than ever now that you really have to pull out all the stops to do good in this world.
Cordelia: Well, knights and skyfarers can work in tandem to make up for each other's weaknesses. That's why—
Bridgette: But I want to become strong enough to fight by your side, dear Cordelia.
Having known her now for years, Cordelia can see well enough how the despondent Bridgette feels.
Cordelia: (I didn't realize she was tormenting herself so much. How should I handle this...)
Cordelia: (There must be a way I can help her remain positive while accepting the reality of the situation...)
Rookie Knight 1: Sorry... Would you happen to be Bridgette?
Bridgette: Yes, that's me... And you are?
Rookie Knight 1: I'm just a new recruit to the order...
Cordelia: (This is the man who was watching us earlier...)
Cordelia: A rookie, I see... What business do you have with Bridgette?
Rookie Knight 1: I just wanted to say I have the utmost respect for Bridgette.
Bridgette: Huh? Me?
Rookie Knight 1: Yes. Truth is, you're the talk of all the new recruits.
Rookie Knight 1: If I may be so bold... Would it be all right if a few of us watched you train for the remainder of the Lumiel Blitz?
Bridgette: Er... Well, I guess I wouldn't mind...
Rookie Knight 1: Hooray! I'll go tell my friends right away!
The elated rookie knight runs off with a spring in his step.
Bridgette: I can't believe that just happened...
Cordelia: Bridgette, how do you plan on handling this?
Bridgette: I'm not really at the level where I can be teaching people.
Bridgette: But to the order, nurturing less experienced knights is an important task in itself.
Bridgette: I'm not certain that I'm up to the job, but if they're looking up to me as a role model, then I'll do my part.
Bridgette: Besides, it makes me so happy just to know that I'm serving as an example to others. I don't think I've ever felt more inspired!
Cordelia: Perhaps it was a wake-up call for them to see you giving everything you have.
Cordelia: (Although his behavior did strike me as a bit odd...)
The knights return to their barracks as the day's exercises come to an end.
The rookie knight from before approaches Bridgette when she is alone.
Rookie Knight 1: Hey there, Bridgette... How did training go for you today?
Bridgette: Well... I'm not exactly happy with my performance.
Rookie Knight 1: Hm, same here...
Rookie Knight 1: Anyhow, there's something I'd like to ask you!
Bridgette: What might that be?
Rookie Knight 1: It's just that if you stay here, I don't think you'll ever be valued for your true worth.
Bridgette: But that's not what I'm—
Rookie Knight 1: Even Cordelia was suggesting that you can't do it. In other words, she doesn't believe in you.
Bridgette: ...!
Bridgette keeps her rejoinder to herself to hear what the rookie knight has to say.
Rookie Knight 1: I have a proposal... Would you consider leaving the country with us?
Bridgette: ...
What are you talking about?
What are you talking about?
Rookie Knight 1: I spoke with the other newcomers. We all figured we'll always be undervalued here—might as well enlist as soldiers in some other nation instead.
Rookie Knight 1: With my connections, we should be able to get our feet in the door. Please, come with us!
Bridgette: Do you seriously... Do you hear what you're saying?
Bridgette does not utter another word.
The rookie knight says he'll be back with the details at a later date, then runs off.