Scenario:Florence - A Power for Peace

A Power for Peace

On Halloween day, (Captain) and company pay a visit to Dalmore, where they are invited to try a haunted labyrinth by a festively dressed Florence. The crew manages to reach the goal, though Lyria is startled by the ghosts in the maze. Florence apologizes for not having warned the crew in advance. Suddenly, they hear a scream and find Archduke Hyland exiting the labyrinth.

---

(Captain) and the crew receive a letter from Florence and visit Dalmore's castle town on Halloween day.

Vyrn: Ooh, the town's all decorated now! Feels completely different from how it usually is!

Lyria: With the pumpkin lamps lining the streets, it's like we've stepped into a storybook!

Vyrn: Florence did say she worked really hard preparin' for today. I hope we can find her!

Florence's Voice: (Captain). Lyria. Vyrn. Thank you for coming.

Florence: Welcome to Dalmore's Halloween!

Lyria: Wow! Your costume is so cute, Florence!

Florence: I'm relieved to hear that you think so. It's a costume one of my fellow sorceresses made for me from scratch.

Florence: Although, I am worried the cute aspect of the costume doesn't suit me too well...

Lyria: That's not true at all! The pumpkin mask and the sparkly dress fit you perfectly!

Florence: Is that so? Then I shall wear it with pride, so as not to put my subordinate's efforts to waste.

Florence: Speaking of which, is Gawain not with you?

Vyrn: He was with us until we entered the castle town...

Vyrn: But he went off just as we were about to walk through the entrance. Said somethin' about going outside to take care of monsters.

Lyria: We tried to go with him, but he insisted that he'll be fine on his own. He was gone before we could say anything else...

Lyria: I think he doesn't want to cause a scene with his arrival. He's probably waiting outside until there's less people.

Florence: That's awfully considerate of him... I'll be sure to thank him when he comes in later.

Just then, a cry sounds from somewhere behind the houses nearby.

Lyria: Eep! Wh-what was that?

Florence: A haunted labyrinth. We combined the concept of a haunted house with a giant labyrinth for part of the town.

Florence: Those who find themselves completely lost can touch a crystal ball set up at certain locations. It will tell them the way to the goal.

Florence: If you'd like, please give the maze a try!

Vyrn: Whoooa! Hear that, (Captain)? Sounds pretty cool, huh!

Florence: Hehe. I have plenty more stories I'd love to tell all of you, but I should head back to the labyrinth.

Florence: Please enjoy tonight to your heart's content, everyone!

1. We will!

Choose: We will!

Florence gives a graceful bow before using her magic to teleport herself away.

Vyrn: Well, since we're already here, we should go check out this haunted labyrinth! What do you wanna do though, Lyria?

Lyria: I... kind of want to see the labyrinth for myself too!

Vyrn: Wha! Are you sure? Ya know there's gonna be ghosts, right?

Lyria: Gh-ghosts are scary, but the labyrinth's something Florence put a lot of effort into making, so I want to see it.

Lyria: Besides, I have a feeling I'll be okay, since Florence is the one who made the ghosts!

Vyrn: Hm, that's true. It shouldn't be too much scarier than the usual haunted house, since they want the general public to enjoy themselves.

Vyrn: You're gonna be okay though? You heard that scream earlier, didn'tcha?

Lyria: Nngh... I'll do my best! I want to try the labyrinth!

1. Here, we can hold hands.

Choose: Here, we can hold hands.

Lyria: Thank you, (Captain)! Hehe. I feel much better!

And so, the crew decides to head for the haunted labyrinth in town.

Pale Ghost: ...

Lyria: Eep!

Dark Ghost: ...!

Lyria: Eeek!

Lyria: Hngh... I don't like this... All these ghosts are coming to scare us...

Vyrn: That's kinda the point of a haunted attraction...

Vyrn: This is amazing though. The castle town's covered in spider webs, and there're even balls of fire floatin' around.

Vyrn: The door of that house over there just keeps openin' and closin' by itself. Is this all done by magic?

Intrigued, Vyrn flies closer to the swinging door of the house at the side of the road.

Patchwork Dog: Grrr!

Vyrn: Ack!

Vyrn: Wh-what the heck's with that thing? It's different from the other ghosts!

Lyria: Oh, Vyrn! Please come back!

Cackling Ghost: Keh keh keh...

Lyria: Eeek!

Vyrn: H-hey, Lyria! That way's a dead end—

Lyria's Voice: Noooo!

Vyrn: I told her... Come on, let's go after her, (Captain)!

Florence: Hehe.

Outside the labyrinth, Florence chuckles as she stands with the other sorcerers, concealed by magic.

Sorceress: Is something funny, Lady Florence?

Florence: Curiosity spooked the dragon. I improvised a ghost to give him a fright.

Sorceress: Ahaha. You certainly look like you're having a lot of fun!

Sorceress: The blue-haired girl seems pretty scared already. Should we leave out the grand finale?

Florence: Let's see... How about a cute little ghost?

Sorceress: Ah, so... we're going to go ahead with it?

Florence: Yes. It is a haunted attraction...

Florence: It always has to finish with the visitor successfully being evicted from the place by ghosts after a treacherous chase, wouldn't you agree?

Lyria: I'm... I'm so tired... Where is the exit?

Vyrn: Sorry, I didn't think it'd be this intense either...

Vyrn: Hm? Is that one of the crystal balls Florence mentioned earlier? That'll tell us the way out of here!

Vyrn: Okay, so we follow the path on the right, and that should take us to the goal. Nice!

Lyria: Phew... I'm glad. Let's hurry and get out of—

Crying Ghost: Sniffle, sniffle...

Lyria: Huh?

Crying Ghost: Waaah!

Lyria & Vyrn: Eeek!
Ack!

1. Run!

Choose: Run!

At (Captain)'s cry, the three run as fast as they can in the direction of where the exit is supposed to be.

Behind them, the wailing continues as the ghost swoops after them.

Finally, they see the arch where the goal was said to be by the crystal ball and pass through it.

Vyrn: Wha! The ghost disappeared...

Florence: We've devised it so the magic spell breaks once you pass through the arch.

Florence: Congratulations on reaching the goal. How did you find the labyrinth?

Lyria: It was so scary! Your ghosts... They weren't cute at all...

Florence: Hm? Cute?

(Captain) explains how Lyria had decided to come with them to the labyrinth because she thought Florence's ghosts wouldn't be as frightening.

Florence: Oh my, so that's how it was.

Florence: Actually, the labyrinth was made for those who like spooky things. We have a different area for people who don't do so well with the supernatural.

Florence: My apologies. I should have paid more attention.

Vyrn: Nah, we didn't tell you about it beforehand. Don't worry about it, Florence!

Vyrn: Besides—I, for one, had a lotta fun!

Florence: Is that so? I'm glad. What about you, (Captain)?

1. It was fun!
2. It was scary...

Choose: It was fun!

Florence: Hehe. I'm relieved to hear that you also like the thrill of being scared, (Captain).

Florence: If you're interested, we do have something even scarier prepared. Just say the word and I'll take you there.

Florence: I'm certain it will be a chilling experience like never before that will change your life...

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: It was scary...

Florence: Oh? Hehe. How cute—I thought it would've taken more to scare a seasoned adventurer like you.

Florence: In that case, allow me to take you to a more playful area to lighten the mood. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Continue 1

???: Auuugh!

Florence: Huh? That voice...

Suddenly, a hooded man rushes out from the labyrinth, screaming.

The man sinks to the floor and throws back his hood. Florence gasps in surprise.

Florence: Your Highness!

Lyria: Oh, wow! The king is here as well?

Archduke Hyland: Pant... Pant... Whew...

Archduke Hyland: Aah... That was terrifying...

At the unexpected sight of the king drenched in sweat, Florence's brows knit together in concern.

A Power for Peace: Scene 2

Archduke Hyland explains that he wanted to experience the haunted labyrinth for himself, as he was the one who suggested organizing the Halloween festivities. Grateful for the archduke's consideration, Florence takes him to a less frightening area of town where many children are gathered. The archduke takes the treats Florence has prepared and hands them out to the children.

---

Archduke Hyland: Glug, glug...

Archduke Hyland: Whew... Thank you, Florence. I've calmed down now.

After finishing the glass of water from Florence, Archduke Hyland smiles.

Lyria: Um... Is the king... not very good with spooky things either?

Sorceress: Yes, it's a rather well-known fact. The king himself thinks it to be a secret though, so please keep it that way!

Florence: I did not expect you to be here, Your Highness... If I had known, I would have instructed our sorcerers to adjust their magic.

Archduke Hyland: It's fine. Having them adjust it just for me would destroy the meaning of coming here to observe.

Florence: You partook in the labyrinth in order to keep tabs on the event, Your Highness?

Archduke Hyland: Yes. The Halloween festivities were my idea, after all.

Archduke Hyland: Many of our sorcerers came together to complete this haunted labyrinth, so I wanted to experience it for myself.

Florence: We are truly honored by your presence. Still...

Sorceress: Whew, we dodged a bullet, Lady Florence. It's good we ended up changing what we had originally planned.

Archduke Hyland: Hm? Originally planned?

Sorceress: Actually, at first, Lady Florence had suggested having the patchwork zombie dog be the ghost guarding the goal!

Vyrn: You mean the one that hid behind the swinging door? If I ever got chased by that, even I'd get nightmares...

Florence: It was simply a suggestion! Please don't inflict any more terror than we already have on His Highness!

Sorceress: Oh! I'm sorry, Lady Florence!

Archduke Hyland: Haha. It seems you enjoyed yourself while preparing for the festivities, Florence.

Florence: Yes... It has been a most pleasant experience.

Florence: As one of the event planners, I really would like visitors to enjoy it to their hearts' content.

Florence: There is one more area the sorcerers have prepared that I would like to show you, Your Highness.
Please feel free to join us if you'd like, everyone.

They all follow Florence to another part of the town, where they are greeted with sounds of delightful laughter.

Shiny Toy: ...!

Lyria: Wow!

Pink-Colored Toy: ...!

Lyria: Ahaha! This is amazing!

Archduke Hyland: Oho. A rather adorable parade we have here.

An entourage of toys walks down the street, bringing a smile to Lyria and the archduke.

Vyrn: It's definitely somethin' even people who don't like spooky things can enjoy! Was this your idea too, Florence?

Florence: Yes. I do like cute things as much as I like spooky things.

Florence: I infused my magic with some handmade toys and made it so they would march and sing together.

Lyria: What a wonderful idea! It's great how Dalmore is able to use magic in this way!

Archduke Hyland: We may be powerless compared to our neighboring countries in terms of battle...

Archduke Hyland: But in regards to magic, we are confident that we can match that of Feendrache and Wales.

Florence: Thanks to the power of the leylines, we are blessed with an excellent environment for our research facilities.

Child in Costume 1: Trick or treat!

A child dressed in a costume runs toward the crew and asks them for a treat.

Archduke Hyland: Hm? Oh dear, I'm afraid I have not been able to prepare anything to give...

Florence: Oh my, what a cute little ghost. Would you like some candy?

Florence crouches down to meet the child's gaze and takes out some candy from her basket, holding it out.

Child in Costume 1: Yay! Thank you so much!

Archduke Hyland: I expected no less from you. Prepared for everything as always.

Florence: Many little ones often gather in this area, you see.

Florence: Ah, what do we have here? Did our little ghost friend go and spread the word to her fellow ghoulies? Here come more tiny visitors.

Florence notices several children in costume following the little girl from earlier as she guides them toward the crew.

Archduke Hyland: May I borrow the basket of candy from you, Florence?

Florence: I wouldn't dare wish to trouble you, Your Highness...

Archduke Hyland: I would like to do it. For the purpose of observing how Halloween is being carried out in Dalmore.

Florence: As you wish... But the power of children is not to be underestimated, Your Highness. Please do be careful.

Children in Costume: Trick or treat!
Trick or treat!

Archduke Hyland: Haha, have you come looking for something sweet? Let me see. In the basket we have...

Archduke Hyland: Cookies, candies, chocolate... What would you like, children?

Child in Costume 2: Anything! Come on, gimme!

Annoyed by the archduke's lack of urgency, the children grow impatient and begin reaching for the basket.

Archduke Hyland: Now, now! If you all grab at once, I won't be able to give any of these treats out to anyone.

Florence: Your Highness! Are you all right?

Archduke Hyland: No need for concern. Leave it to me.

Archduke Hyland continues to move at his own pace, handing out treats to the children one by one with a content expression on his face.

Vyrn: For someone who gets spooked easily I wasn't so sure at first, but seems like he makes a pretty good king after all!

Florence: Yes. He is not the type of king who rules his people with an iron fist.

Florence: His Highness is a kind person who devotes himself wholeheartedly to caring for his people. A king worthy to be served.

(Captain) and company watch the archduke as he continues greeting the children patiently until, finally, the evening grows late and the little ones return home.

After that, Gawain comes to join the crew in the town. To Florence's utter astonishment, her brother eagerly enters the haunted labyrinth, a sight she never thought she'd see.

A Power for Peace: Scene 3

Several days after Halloween, Florence is commended by the archduke for a job well done. When Archduke Hyland asks the sorceress what she would like to do after Dalmore attains true peace, Florence replies that she would like to conduct magic research. Hearing the archduke reflect on how he had failed to consider Gawain's feelings before, Florence is touched by this change and vows within herself to continue using her power for Dalmore from here on out.

---

Several days after Halloween, Florence visits Archduke Hyland in the throne room again.

Archduke Hyland: Halloween was quite the endeavor, but I believe it proved to be an excellent opportunity for those both within and outside of Dalmore to experience the level of magic capability we possess.

Archduke Hyland: I would like to offer you a reward for having made this event possible, Florence.

Florence: I appreciate the sentiment, Your Highness—that is more than enough. The success can be attributed to all of our talented sorcerers.

Florence: I believe recognition should also go toward our knights, who stayed vigilant throughout the festivities in case of monster attacks.

Florence: Especially Glane, who has only just taken on the role of commander. I'm certain he was busy enough already.

Archduke Hyland: Ah, the man who replaced Pete. Though I have not yet had the chance to speak to Glane, I will arrange for something to acknowledge the knights' competence.

Florence: That would be much appreciated.

Florence: This Halloween season has been a stimulating experience for our sorcerers as well.

Florence: It was a first for them, as well as for myself, to use powerful magic for something other than battle.

Archduke Hyland: I would presume so. The sorcerers of Dalmore originally existed to provide support to our knights...

Archduke Hyland: Thanks to the efforts of your mother, Morgause, we were able to establish a solid defense system for Dalmore, though its history is short compared to that of our knights.

Archduke Hyland: That is because Dalmore's magic was never developed for battle in the first place.

Florence: It is as you say, though my knowledge extends to only what my mother had told me.

Florence: According to her, magic meant for making life easier in a harsh natural environment is one thing. Altering it for military use is another.

Archduke Hyland: Yes, that is what I have heard from my predecessor as well.

Archduke Hyland: If our land's sorcerers possessed great offensive power like the House of Wales, I doubt we would have become the small and frail country we are now.

Archduke Hyland: On the other hand, if that had been the case, then Dalmore's zeitgeist would not have become what it is today.

Florence: Yes. I believe the Dalmore we have now is beautiful.

Florence: There may be many hardships, but I am proud to have been born in this land. That is how I truly feel.

Archduke Hyland: I am of the same opinion. However, Florence...

Archduke Hyland: If Dalmore were to attain true peace someday, what, then, would you use your power for?

Florence: If Dalmore attains true peace?

The archduke nods.

Archduke Hyland: Though it was largely thanks to Gawain, Dalmore was finally able to establish an alliance with two other nations.

Archduke Hyland: If a miracle like this can happen, then perhaps the day Dalmore no longer has to fear warfare will come.

Archduke Hyland: When that time arrives, you will not need to involve yourself with battle anymore, Florence. So what would you want to do instead?

Florence: Right. It's still a far-off dream, but...

Florence: If Dalmore ever attains true peace, I would like to devote myself to magic research.

Florence: I feel it is my responsibility to bring happiness to many people with this power I possess, just like how we have this Halloween.

Archduke Hyland: Haha, yes. I thought the same.

Florence: If I may ask... What brought about this question?

Archduke Hyland: Hm... It may not be my place to say this, but I wanted to provide some kind of compensation to all of you.

In the previous battle against the hybrids, Gawain denounced the duplicity of being branded a hero when the tragic sacrifice made by his heroic father had been all but forgotten by the kingdom.

These words had spurred Archduke Hyland to reflect on his careless actions up until then.

Archduke Hyland: I framed Gawain as a haughty tyrant without recognizing the conflict he had to undergo. I did not have it in me to consider his feelings.

Archduke Hyland: A country is nothing without its people. And the people are the ones defending this country.

Archduke Hyland: Blindly saying that everything is for the country and its people and disregarding the circumstances of those protecting our land is putting the cart before the horse.

Archduke Hyland: I must do more to make up for my shortcomings, and I would like to start by ensuring I never scorn the opinions of you and Gawain again.

Florence: Your Highness... So that's what has been on your mind.

The archduke closes his eyes in regret before straightening up.

Archduke Hyland: Please at least allow me to apologize for what happened to your parents and to Gawain.

Archduke Hyland: Looking back, I have made so many mistakes in the past. I hardly have the right to make this request...

Archduke Hyland: Still, Florence—I would like to make Dalmore into a place where anyone can live in happiness. Will you lend me your support for a little longer?

Florence: Yes... Of course, Your Highness.

Florence: I will do my best to turn this power I use for battle into one that can be used for peace.

A warm feeling blossoms within Florence's heart.

Her eyes light up, filled with the hope and dreams of a peace that she—along with her mother, father, and brother—has always wished for.