Scenario:Katzelia - Verdict
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Verdict
Several days after the incident inside the sphere, Katzelia gathers the crew.
Katzelia: I have something to tell all of you.
Haaselia: Is something the matter, Katze?
Katzelia: I plan to make my return to Galgenia.
Vyrn: Finally, huh?
Lyria: Your battle is far from over, isn't it?
Katzelia: Yes. I must dethrone my brother, Schlangehr Rela Gangnus.
Katzelia: Then, I must become the emperor of Galgenia myself.
Haaselia: ...!
The crew grow nervous upon hearing Katzelia's plans.
Vyrn: That Schlangehr guy's the one who framed you, right? What're you plannin' to do with him?
Lyria: It's only right that you tell him you didn't do anything bad!
Vyrn: But if it was that simple, things probably wouldn't be this complicated...
Katzelia: Informing him of my innocence will most certainly not be enough. Situations like this call for something more. In a word, a pretext.
Katzelia: Put simply, I need to give people a reason to see my actions as just.
Katzelia: So I cannot simply kill the current emperor. If I did so, it would merely be murder. The lords of the council would not stand for it.
Vyrn: You mean you gotta gather evidence and prove your innocence?
Katzelia: Too much time has already passed. It would be physically impossible to prove my own innocence now.
Katzelia: It has been decided that I was the one who poisoned the orchestra members—it won't be easy to overturn that decision.
Katzelia: Even if I were able to bring his crime to light, I still doubt there would be many willing to stand on my side.
Lyria: But why? It was such a terrible event...
Katzelia: To the lazy, it is far easier to maintain the current peace than to face the crimes of the past.
Katzelia: Very few want to stir trouble—even fewer among those well in their years. That is how the truth is covered.
Vyrn: That's awful...
Haaselia: That's how it is, unfortunately. The center of any state tends to take a conservative approach, after all.
Lyria: Then what will you do?
Katzelia: I'm going to face all of them head-on. There's no need for me to return to my country in such secrecy.
Katzelia: I will personally meet with the people of Galgenia and persuade them to join my side. That way I'll be one step ahead, and the council won't dare to make me an enemy.
Vyrn: Right. That doesn't sound like a bad idea!
Katzelia: I hate to trouble you, (Captain), but could I ask you to drop me off at Galgenia?
When they finally arrive at Galgenia, Katzelia disembarks by himself at the port.
Soldier: Katzelia Alois Gangnus! Who would've thought you'd show yourself so openly like this. Put both of your hands up and surrender yourself!
Katzelia: Listen carefully to me. You are swearing loyalty to the wrong person.
Soldier: You dare speak ill of His Majesty the emperor? I'll take that as a sign of resistance! Guards, capture the man!
The guards present at the scene simultaneously charge at Katzelia. The Evoker is surprised, but manages to dodge the multiple attacks. However...
Katzelia: Rrgh... So many magic users. I didn't think they'd unleash tamed monsters as well...
Judgement: Katze, we must counter their attacks in order to survive.
Katzelia: No true emperor would hurt his subjects! Do you intend to make me into my brother Schlangehr?
But that very sentiment backfires, and a single soldier's sword finally manages to pierce through Katzelia's body.
Katzelia: Guh...
Katzelia: I can't believe... this is the end...
The End
You must withdraw from this quest.
Make your choice once more for a different future.
Katzelia: I will save our sister.
Haaselia: Our sister!
Vyrn: Sister?
Katzelia: The fourth imperial heir of Galgenia... Luvera Eva Gangnus.
Haaselia: She is the daughter of the second empress consort, and the only one out of us siblings who is skilled in magic.
Lyria: Your older sister... Where is she now?
Katzelia: I hear she has been accused of killing the second imperial heir with a dagger, and has since been imprisoned in a pitiful dungeon.
Katzelia: I'm sure she was also framed, as was I. Even if Luvera had indeed killed our sibling, she would've used magic and not a simple dagger.
Katzelia: In order to leave some form of evidence, someone working for my brother had used a dagger to carry out the murder, then left the weapon in my sister's room.
Katzelia: Saving my sister who has been falsely accused and imprisoned will be strictly an act of justice.
Haaselia: A commendable idea, Katze. That should provide sufficient justification to dethrone the emperor.
Katzelia: Yes. We'll wait for the right time to strike. Still...
Katzelia: ...
Haaselia: What is the matter, Katze?
Katzelia: Ah, it's nothing...
I was just thinking how lovely you are as always, Haase.
I was just thinking how lovely you are as always, Haase.
Haaselia: Oh, Katze...
Schlangehr: ...
Schlangehr Rela Gangnus anxiously looks around, surrounded by his guards.
Schlangehr: I take it our defense is flawless?
Imperial Guard: Yes, sir! We have raised the security level of the castle grounds, port, and town areas, as well as the outskirts.
The emperor is right to be concerned after receiving a letter from his younger brother Katzelia, who had escaped from the country.
The letter received contains one sentence: "I will be seeing you soon." This is enough to make Schlangehr feel restless.
Schlangehr: I felt Katze's confidence through his words in the letter... Could he be plotting something? He does have that strange primal beast, after all...
Imperial Guard: Rest assured, Your Majesty. We won't let even a single rat through.
Schlangehr: What was that!
Imperial Guard: The wind, sire. It's quite gusty outside—the weather may get rough tonight.
Schlangehr: A-are you sure it's the wind?
Imperial Guard: Yes. It seems the gusts are picking up already.
Schlangehr: It's like we're in the middle of a storm!
Imperial Guard: I have to say, a sudden squall like this is rather rare...
The winds grow stronger and stronger, rattling the enormous window behind the throne.
Schlangehr: Eeek!
The window shatters into a thousand pieces. Schlangehr sees a figure beyond the dancing glass shards in the air.
When the glass finally falls to the floor around them, the figure gracefully makes a landing.
Katzelia: Pardon my intrusion from up above.
Katzelia: It has been a long while, Your Majesty. It is I, Katzelia.
Schlangehr: K-Katze... How d-did you get...
Katzelia: It seems you were quite thorough with your placement of guards—I saw them all around town. There were even several ships in the sky.
Katzelia: But it seems a single person was able to fall past without being detected.
Schlangehr: Fall past?
Katzelia: I disembarked from an even higher place, you see. Then it was just waiting for my feet to reach ground.
Katzelia: It was something I came up with after free-falling from the sky a while ago.
Katzelia: I do have to be attentive of the weather, and I'd chosen the date accordingly.
Schlangehr: There's n-no way you can fall from the sky like that and not be dead!
Katzelia: Conveniently enough, I have a bit of control over the wind, you see. I can at least soften my own landing.
Suddenly, a large shadow appears beside Katzelia.
Judgement: ...
Schlangehr: Eek! A primal beast!
Imperial Guard: This is as far as you go, Katzelia!
A single soldier charges straight at Katzelia, who merely turns to look behind him and gives a swish of his baton.
Katzelia: Sing!
Judgement: ...
Imperial Guard: Gwah!
Judgement unleashes a wind that picks up the soldier as if he were a feather. The man is thrown against the wall before losing consciousness.
Schlangehr: Wh-what're the rest of you doing? Get him! Kill him!
Imperial Guards: ...
The other soldiers make no attempt to move—but not only because they are afraid of the primal beast.
Katzelia: Unfortunately, Your Majesty, it seems your words have failed to reach them.
Schlangehr: What?
Katzelia: Sound is something that vibrates and moves through the air. It is highly dependent on things like temperature and wind.
Katzelia: Currently, the two of us are surrounded by a layer of wind—a barrier that cuts off any sound, if you will.
Schlangehr: ...?
Katzelia: In simpler terms, sound is something that bends under certain conditions.
Katzelia: Right now, your soldiers are watching their emperor move his mouth like a fish, yet failing to make a single sound. It's no wonder that they're rather puzzled by your strange behavior.
Katzelia: If you don't raise your voice, I'm afraid your orders won't get through to them.
Judgement: May I neglect the soldiers in the vicinity, Katze?
Katzelia: Hm...
Choose: Scatter the nearby soldiers.
Katzelia: First, let's have the soldiers make their exit. Demon Cat, blow them out of this room.
Katzelia turns his back on the emperor and points his baton at the guards.
Katzelia: I don't want them gravely injured. Show some restraint.
Judgement: I know.
Schlangehr: Heh!
Katzelia: Gragh!
Katzelia topples over onto the ground, a large knife sticking out of his back.
Schlangehr: Yes... I did it!
Schlangehr: Look! The emperor himself has slain the rebel! This is the end of Katzelia!
Katzelia breathes his last, and the Galgenia Empire remains within the grip of the current emperor.
The End
You must withdraw from this quest.
Make your choice once more for a different future.
Choose: Continue questioning the emperor.
Katzelia: My matter lies with the emperor. As long as the guards don't make a move, let them be.
Katzelia puts the tip of his baton at Schlangehr's throat.
Katzelia: Now, Your Majesty... Your life is in my hands. Do you understand what that means?
Schlangehr: You want to h-hurt me? I dare you! They'd make it so you could never step foot in Galgenia again!
Katzelia: Hahaha! Surely you jest!
Katzelia: You've already done that for me yourself, have you not?
Schlangehr: ...
Katzelia: Even so, I have returned, as you can see—and with new power.
Katzelia: I will give you a choice. You may choose to confess to your crimes, or say goodbye to these skies forever.
Katzelia: Either way, you will be removed from the position of Galgenia's emperor.
Schlangehr: ...!
Katzelia's baton moves from Schlangehr's throat to between his eyebrows. The emperor's eyes follow the tip of the baton.
His expression shifts to that of someone utterly defeated.
Schlangehr: I confess... to my crimes...
It is clear from the man's feeble voice and disheartened demeanor that he has truly given up.
Katzelia: Very well. I will now proceed to apprehend you, and have you undergo trial and judgment under the law for your crimes.
When Katzelia lowers his baton, the wind surrounding them stills.
Steward: Lord Katzelia!
Katzelia: Perfect timing. We must go immediately.
Steward: I have awaited your return! Everything has gone according to plan, I presume?
Katzelia: Of course. This man has admitted to being a false emperor himself.
Schlangehr: Rrg...
Steward: Where are you off to, my lord?
Katzelia: To where my sister is—time is of the essence. We leave now.
After ensuring all of the guards are properly tied up, Katzelia throws Schlangehr into a prison cell.
He then hurries toward the dungeon where his sister is being held captive.
Katzelia: Make haste. There is no time to delay.
Steward: As you wish! Why the hurry though, my lord?
Katzelia: Schlangehr may have admitted to his own crimes, but that does not mean others have recognized him as a criminal. At this point in time, I am still seen as the rebel.
Katzelia: Once I have released my sister and validated my pretext, then my actions will be pardoned. Hopefully that can serve as a stepping stone for my ascension to the throne.
Steward: Understood!
Katzelia: Is my sister safe?
Steward: Yes. However, as I mentioned in my letters, I have not yet been able to see her.
Katzelia had been exchanging letters with the steward using a secret code, which allowed him to gain information on the ongoings of the empire.
Katzelia: I'm worried...
Katzelia: Who knew there was a room like this inside this cave...
Steward: A more comfortable space was made, as it was a member of the royal family being imprisoned, albeit a criminal—innocently accused of such, of course.
Katzelia: I'm relieved to see that the environment is not as dire as I had expected.
???: Who is it?
???: Huh? Katze!
A figure can be seen further into the room—Luvera Eva Gangnus, older sister of Katzelia and Haaselia.
Katzelia: It has been too long, Luvera! I, Katzelia Alois Gangnus, have returned to Galgenia!
Luvera: You're... alive? But I heard you were dead...
Katzelia: I'm very much alive, as you can see.
Luvera: Well, what a surprise! I'm glad you're alive. So, hm, what's going on?
Katzelia briefly explains to Luvera about what has happened up until this point.
Luvera: Uh-huh. I guess we should hurry then, right? This seems like the most dangerous phase...
Steward: ...!
Luvera: If Schlangehr's faction gets wind of this now, we're not keeping our heads, are we?
Katzelia: You saved me an explanation. Yes, if we're found too soon, our plan will be for naught.
Luvera: So we'll want to get moving with my big reveal, then? Going out and claiming my innocence far and wide. Ideally with evidence and witnesses.
Katzelia: May I ask your thoughts?
Luvera: I'm sure there's plenty of evidence. Schlangehr became emperor just like he wanted, didn't he?
Luvera: Mr. Absolute Ruler isn't going to go around disposing of measly evidence like poisons or weapons or lackeys.
Katzelia: Yes, I am of the same opinion. However, since even gathering such evidence requires a pretext...
Luvera: You came to break me out first, to leverage my claim of innocence in justifying your own, mm-hm?
Katzelia: I regret having to use you, dear sister, for something like this...
Luvera: I don't mind at all. You know I'm not the type to get mad over something like this.
Luvera: Though I will say... Schlangehr turned out to be a real fool. The throne would've been his anyway.
Katzelia: You are most right. I suppose greed brings one's foolishness to the fore like little else.
Steward: (Lord Katzelia and Lady Luvera both have such outstanding character. Surely they will bring glory to the empire...)
Luvera: Speaking of changes, I see you've changed a lot yourself, Katze.
Katzelia: I decided to let down my hair, though my previous hairstyle proved rather convenient when swinging my baton on stage.
Katzelia: After navigating through some unusual experiences, I decided to give myself a fresh start.
Luvera: That's not exactly what I meant, but that too. We've gone through a lot, you and I.
Giving Katzelia a look of gratitude, Luvera slowly walks out of the prison cell.
Luvera: Well then, I suppose it's time for me to rise to the throne and become the new emperor.
Steward: Huh?
Katzelia: ...!
Steward: Lady Luvera, did you just say...
Luvera: I call for an immediate council session to proceed with the succession. You've done well, my dear Katze!
Continue 1
Continue 2
Verdict: Scene 2
Katzelia is about to give up on becoming emperor when he sees Haaselia attempting to take her own life. (Captain) saves Haaselia just in time. Haaselia tells Katzelia and the others about her revenge and her true feelings. She tells her brother that he must become emperor, setting off a ripple in his heart.
Upon obtaining her freedom, Luvera immediately gathers as many lords in the empire as she can and states her innocence.
Katzelia provides several pieces of evidence that point to Schlangehr as the true criminal.
The most convincing evidence is a poison identical to the one used to kill the members in Katzelia's orchestra.
The man had kept the poison in his room of all places, hiding it in a drawer.
Luvera: Schlangehr's officially behind bars, awaiting judgment.
Katzelia: Our people are still unaware of the situation. We must work wisely...
Luvera: It's not an easy thing to accept—that the emperor was the true murderer, caught by his siblings who had been seen as the criminals up until now.
Luvera: Still, I'm so glad you and Haase are doing well. Who would've thought you'd be with a skyfaring crew?
Katzelia: A group that roams from island to island is the perfect place to hide oneself, after all.
Luvera: It's a relief to know that the two of you will continue to support me after I become emperor.
Katzelia: ...
Vyrn: You can't be emperor?
Once things have settled down after his brother's arrest, Katzelia invites (Captain) and company to Galgenia and explains the recent events.
Lyria: But your plan was successful, right?
Katzelia: I succeeded in dethroning Schlangehr—he is no longer emperor. Mine and Haase's honor have also been restored.
Katzelia: But now that Luvera is free again, she is next in line to succeed the throne. It is only natural that she becomes emperor...
Vyrn: What're you talkin' about? You're the one who freed her!
Vyrn: You freed her so that you could become emperor... Now you're sayin' she's the one who's gonna be emperor? What was the point of doin' all that then?
Lyria: Hold on, Vyrn! It's still a good thing that Katze's sister is free now...
Katzelia: I had considered this possibility, but there was nothing I could do about it. I only had one path to take.
Katzelia: I was hoping my sister would refuse the throne, but it seems I was too optimistic.
Katzelia: Perhaps I could have maneuvered the plan in a way where my sister would not be able to ascend to the throne.
Katzelia: But my pride would not allow me to do anything of the sort... That would only make me the same as Schlangehr.
Vyrn: But you're doin' it for the peace of this empire... You worked so hard this time.
Lyria: Is there nothing else you can do that will help you become emperor?
Vyrn: Good point! There's gotta be other ways, right? We'll help ya!
Katzelia: I do appreciate it. However...
Katzelia: There is nothing to be done. The traditions of imperial succession must be followed.
Katzelia: My sister Luvera is a good person. And if she wants to take the throne, then her wish becomes the highest priority.
Katzelia: There is no reason to defy the order of succession at the council session...
Lyria: That can't be...
Seeing the crew's gloomy expressions, Katzelia stands up.
Katzelia: Heh... Don't look so down. I was able to carry out half of my objective, after all. Not everything always goes according to plan.
The crew stays silent, unsure of what to say. Katzelia's gaze wanders to the window.
Katzelia: Haase?
Lyria: Huh? What's the matter?
Katzelia: Why is Haase over there? What is she doing?
Katzelia squints at the small figure, who is walking down a corridor in the tower across.
Vyrn: You're right, it's Braidy Girl! You've sure got a good eye...
Katzelia: She's walking rather unsteadily. Something isn't right...
When (Captain) suggests that they go take a look, Katzelia nods.
Katzelia: Haase!
Katzelia and company run down the hall, but somehow, Haaselia fails to notice their approach.
Haaselia suddenly steps onto the ledge of a window in the corridor.
Katzelia: Haase!
Katzelia cries out when he sees Haaselia disappear out the window. (Captain) immediately leaps after her.
The captain barely makes it in time, grabbing Haaselia by her arm.
Katzelia: Haase... What did you...
When they see Haaselia covered from head to toe in blood, the crew are at a lost for words.
Haaselia: I suppose I could tell all of you, now that everything is over.
Haaselia had sought revenge for her friends, carrying out a secret mission where she found herself amidst a deadly struggle.
In the end, Haaselia managed to kill her uncle the earl—who had been controlling Schlangehr from the shadows—as well as his accomplices.
Katzelia and the others take in a sharp breath when they hear how the fierce battle unfolded.
Katzelia: Haase. Why did you not talk to me about any of this?
Katzelia: I could have been able to find a solution without you throwing yourself in danger like that. Then you wouldn't have to get hurt—
Katzelia's words are cut short when Haaselia abruptly slaps him across the face.
Katzelia: Haase?
Haaselia: You really don't know anything about me, Brother. I'll use this opportunity to tell you once and for all.
Haaselia: I've always... always hated you!
Katzelia: ...!
Haaselia: Despite your talent for politics, all you spend your time on is music. Not to mention, you treat me like a child...
Haaselia: If you think your overprotection is a form of kindness, then you're wrong!
Haaselia: If I had talked to you about this, how do you think you would have responded?
Haaselia: If it was just a lecture on how meaningless revenge would be, I'd be able to bear it. But knowing you, Brother...
Haaselia: You would take measures to distance me from danger and solve the problem all by yourself—regardless of my wishes.
Haaselia: Those kinds of things don't make me happy at all! I'm not someone who exists only to be protected!
Haaselia: I hate all of that about you, Brother! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you! I hate you so much!
Katzelia: ...
Katzelia: Is that how you truly feel, Haase?
Haaselia: Yes. Those are my genuine feelings, without a shred of falsehood.
Katzelia: I see. So you're finally telling me how you feel.
Haaselia: Finally? Why're you talking like you already knew...
Katzelia: Who do you think I am? I'm your brother—and I love my sister. I can at least sense my own beloved sister's feelings.
Katzelia: But love is something you give, and not something to wish for in return. That's why I never stopped giving my love to you.
Katzelia: But my love was what almost drove you to your death.
Katzelia: A man who cannot even understand the heart of his own sister is not fit to serve as emperor. It is beyond my capability...
Haaselia: Not fit... to be emperor? What's the matter with you all of a sudden... It's not like you to be so faint of heart.
Katzelia: Heh. You think of me too highly, Haase.
Katzelia: Well... Will you listen to what I have to say, as a fellow imperial heir?
Katzelia: I'd like to tell you about my experiences up until now, and the large wall I find myself facing even now.
From there, Katzelia relates the story of how Luvera is now set to become the next successor of the throne.
Haaselia: Luvera's going to become emperor? What are you going to do, Brother?
Katzelia: Nothing. This is the conclusion our journey together has brought.
Haaselia: Our flight from pursuit, our lives hidden in the slums, our days in the crew as skyfarers... brought us to this?
Katzelia: I know it's not what you want to hear, and I'm sorry. I even had you serve as my food taster...
Haaselia: It was to ensure that you become emperor.
Katzelia: No. If you had died by poison, Haase, I would have partaken in the same thing and died with you.
Haaselia: ...!
Katzelia: Without you here in Galgenia, there is no meaning to becoming emperor, nor to live.
Haaselia: Don't be ridiculous!
Katzelia: ...!
Haaselia: I had an inkling, and that's exactly why I said I hate you so much! Why was I even tasting for poison then?
Haaselia: I risked my life for it, you know. You need to have the same level of resolution as I did!
Katzelia: Haase...
Haaselia: We've been on the run for so long. You want to reduce all of that to nothing because of one measly norm? Was my brother that much of a coward all along?
Haaselia: You will become emperor! No matter what, you hear? You are the person who can be this country's ruler, Brother!
Haaselia: You must ascend to the throne! I risked my life because I knew that this empire will be in good hands—your hands!
Katzelia: ...
The desperate words from his beloved sister ripples across Katzelia's heart.
Katzelia: Thank you for listening to my foolish story, Haase, despite what you are going through.
Haaselia: I don't mind. Looking at your gloomy face would be much more distressing.
Katzelia: Let's talk someday—just the two of us. Haase... I wish with all my heart that you will stay alive until then.
Haaselia: I guess I'm left with no choice then. I have a lot of things I'd like to talk about, so I suppose I'll keep living for now.
Leaving Haaselia's medical treatment and safety in (Captain)'s hands, Katzelia immediately heads for another room in the castle.
Verdict: Scene 3
When Katzelia asks Luvera to give the throne to him, his sister tells him to prove his worth by delivering judgment on Schlangehr in a confidential trial. Katzelia proceeds to build a gallows and thinks about what kind of sentence would be best for the future of Galgenia. Finally the day of the trial arrives, and Katzelia reads out the verdict.
Luvera: Katze? What are you doing here at this hour?
Katzelia: Luvera, I'll get straight to the point. I'd like to ask you to yield the throne to me.
Luvera: Oh my. Have you taken up being a weather vane?
Katzelia: Dodging my pursuers, I came back to this country and overthrew our brother the evil emperor.
Katzelia: I released you from your prison, Luvera, and brought Schlangehr's treachery to the attention of the council lords.
Katzelia: Through this, I've come to realize that the one most suitable to become emperor is none other than myself.
Luvera: Yes, you did splendidly. The heroic story of Katzelia will be passed down though many generations, I'll bet.
Luvera: I still have to say no, though.
Katzelia: Why is that?
Luvera: I can hardly give away the throne of Galgenia for free, now can I?
Katzelia: ...
Luvera: So if you think it should be yours, prove to me and the council you're up to it.
Katzelia: Prove?
Luvera: The lords are tearing their hair out on what to do with Schlangehr.
Luvera: I don't blame them―the first imperial heir killed his own parents and siblings and ascended the throne. It's a rift waiting to happen.
Luvera: We were discussing it earlier, and most likely, the trial will be kept confidential.
Katzelia: A confidential trial... A trial without jurors or lawyers, only to be seen by a select few and with no record left behind...
Katzelia: Though I believe everything should come to light, if it is for the well-being of the state, then I suppose there is no other way...
Luvera: Right, so I want you to be his judge. Besides, who knows how much influence Schlangehr might have on the official court?
Katzelia: Me?
Luvera: What better way to prove yourself than by delivering a brilliant judgment on Schlangehr?
Luvera: Our brother is a heinous criminal who murdered many, pinned the crime on you and Haase, and locked me up—all for his own greed.
Luvera: Show me and the lords in court how you'd deal with that criminal imperial heir...
Katzelia: And you'll yield the throne to me, is what I should presume?
Luvera: I'm not making any promises. Show me something convincing.
Katzelia: ...
As you wish.
As you wish.
Scheduling the trial for a date thirty days away, Katzelia gets to work studying precedent trials and preparing for any possible sentences he can conceive.
Katzelia: Set up a gallows in front of the castle within thirty days.
Steward: Will you be hanging Schlangehr, my lord? But... is the trial not a secret?
Katzelia: The trial will be held in secret, but I was never told that the punishment, too, needs to be kept undercover.
Katzelia: I believe trials should be made known to the public. In this case, I'd like the people to at least be able to witness the punishment.
Steward: Will Lady Luvera not be opposed to this idea? I imagine she would...
Katzelia: The trial has been left entirely in my hands. You've no need to worry.
Katzelia: Besides, there is the possibility that Schlangehr will be sentenced to another form of punishment. I am merely preparing as much as I can in advance.
Now take your leave. I'm quite occupied.
Now take your leave. I'm quite occupied.
Steward: Please call for me if you need anything, my lord.
Katzelia locks himself up in the archives of the castle for days, looking through previous trials.
Judgement: Katze, are you not tired?
Katzelia: What a laudable thing to say for a demon cat who hasn't shown itself for so long.
Judgement: You have yet to fulfill your objective. Might there be anything I can assist with?
Katzelia: I appreciate the sentiment. I admit, I am so busy I would even ask a cat to lend me a hand—alas, however, I have no need of paws.
Judgement: ...
Several days later.
Vyrn: Hey! How's everything goin'?
Katzelia: (Captain)... You're here. I apologize for not having been there to welcome your arrival. What is the matter?
Lyria: Mr. Steward called us over!
Judgement: I spoke to the steward. I thought it would be best for you to establish contact with others, so I asked him to call for the crew.
Katzelia: The poor man isn't so young anymore, I hope you didn't go giving him a heart attack...
Lyria: We heard that you were looking for... precedent trials?
Katzelia: Yes, I'm looking for records of trials from the past. I'm hoping to use them as references and evidence for my brother's trial.
Vyrn: We'll help too! We heard from Gramps that you might get to be emperor!
Katzelia: Your offer is appreciated, but let me warn you, it is more difficult than it seems. You needn't go out of your way to...
Lyria: We haven't been able to assist with much, so we want to help!
Katzelia: I believe I've received your assistance quite a few times already...
Vyrn: Heck, all we did was use our ship to drop you off at the castle. You did everythin' else yourself.
Katzelia: (I meant all the days I spent in the crew before that too, but... no matter.)
Katzelia: Heh... Once again, I can't even be surprised.
Katzelia: Then I shall take you up on the offer. I'd like you to look for a few specific books, and bookmark particular pages for me.
Lyria: Okay! We'll do our best!
The crew work together to look for records of past trials, delivering what they can find to Katzelia.
Katzelia: (How heavy of a sentence should I give, and what reasons do I have to give it? I need to make these clear...)
Vyrn: It looked like you were buildin' something outside the castle. What is that?
Katzelia: A gallows.
Vyrn: Wha! Gallows?
Katzelia: Ah, come to think of it... It should be just about finished. I've been in here for so long that I don't have any idea what is happening outside.
Lyria: Is it for... the trial?
Katzelia: If you're starting to feel uncomfortable with this, you don't have to help me. It's not a burden for you to carry.
Vyrn: Have you decided on the sentence already?
Katzelia: No, not yet. This is simply a part of my preparations, as I would like to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of.
Vyrn: Now that we think about it, you're sentencin' your own brother, right? Must be hard on ya...
Katzelia: Not particularly. I'm far past that stage already—an extreme sentence for Schlangehr is unavoidable.
Vyrn: ...
Finally, (Captain) breaks the silence. The captain tells Katzelia that the crew is ready to help him nevertheless.
Katzelia: (Captain)... Are you sure? This is my country's problem, after all. There is no reason for you to involve yourself to this point.
Lyria: We came here to help you, Katze. And we'll continue to do just that.
Vyrn: We know just how hard you've been workin' for the sake of this place. You're gonna help make it an even better country from here on, aren'tcha?
Katzelia: An even better country...
Lyria: Once you become emperor, I hope that everyone here can live happily and in peace.
Katzelia: In peace...
Lyria: That's what we talked about before deciding to come here.
And so the crew gets back to work, combing through the numerous volumes.
Katzelia: (That's right... The trial may be confidential, but the judgment will be an example for the future of this empire.)
Katzelia: (Schlangehr's heinous crimes... and the rise of a new emperor... What exactly constitutes as proper judgment?)
On the day of the trial, council lords, Luvera, Haaselia, and the crew gather in the courtroom.
Luvera: So you're the crew I've heard so much about. I'm happy to finally meet you.
Vyrn: Are you...
Luvera: Allow me to introduce myself. All smiles, all magic, all-powerful!—the one and only Luvera Eva Gangnus!
Lyria: Um, I'm all smile-ful! The one and only... Lyria!
Vyrn: You don't hafta follow her act...
Lyria: Oh, I felt like I should for some reason... Hehe.
Luvera: What a lovely introduction! Thank you for looking after my brother and sister.
Haaselia: I'm relieved to see that you've been freed, Luvera.
Luvera: I'm glad that you're back too, Haase. Until recently, I'd assumed you were no longer alive, just like Katze.
(Captain) and company seat themselves in the public gallery. Soon, Schlangehr is brought into the courtroom, and Katzelia finally enters to sit in the judge's seat.
Katzelia: Would the defendant take the stand.
Schlangehr: ...
Schlangehr gingerly makes his way to the stand and steps onto it.
Katzelia: Are you Schlangehr Rela Gangnus, the first imperial heir of the Galgenia Empire?
Schlangehr: Yes.
Vyrn: Hey, where'd Luvera go?
Haaselia: Over there.
The crew follows Haaselia's gaze and looks up to see Luvera, seated at a place even higher than the judge.
Vyrn: It kinda looks like she's the real judge.
Haaselia: In a way, she is. That's where the emperor and the royal family sit when someone is being tried for a political offense.
Haaselia: In the case of my sister, she may already be assuming the position of emperor.
Lyria: Does that mean that Katze won't be able to become the next emperor?
Haaselia: His odds are certainly nearing zero. It all depends on Luvera...
Luvera: (Just how will Katze deliver judgment on Schlangehr?)
Steward: (Lord Katzelia...)
Katzelia: Defendant, do you admit to the murder of the previous emperor, in addition to fellow imperial heirs and citizens of Galgenia?
Schlangehr: I... do.
Haaselia: (Unforgivable... My uncle may have coaxed him into it, but what a height of foolery...)
After a careful arraignment, the trial proceeds to the presenting of evidence and testimonies from witnesses, which continues for some time.
And finally, the time for the verdict arrives. The tension in the air is at its peak as everyone awaits with bated breath.
Verdict: Scene 4
Katzelia proclaims Schlangehr not guilty, giving clemency in commemoration of the coronation—a sentence he deems suitable, after putting into consideration what effect the execution of a former emperor could have on the empire. Luvera is satisfied with the decision and agrees to pass on the throne to Katzelia. Schlangehr is made to work as a chief of council for the rest of his life, under the watch of his siblings. Katzelia ascends the throne as emperor and continues dedicating himself to bettering the state.
Haaselia: (This is the end...)
Luvera: (This is it.)
Katzelia: The grief of the families of victims who have lost their lives as a result of your conspiracy is unfathomable.
Katzelia: The accountability lies with the defendant, who has admitted to being the main offender in a series of cruel events. I shall now read the verdict.
Katzelia: I declare the defendant...
Schlangehr: ...!
Katzelia: Not guilty!
Schlangehr: ...!
Steward: ...!
...?
...?
Haaselia: ...!
Vyrn: Not guilty? Wait, not guilty?
Lyria: Um... By "not guilty," does he mean...
The courtroom is silent for a few moments before the lords of the council begin to talk among themselves.
Katzelia: Order!
Katzelia knocks on the table with his gavel, but the courtroom remains abuzz.
Vyrn: Wha... Braidy Girl, why's he not guilty?
Haaselia: I have no idea... Our brother is the perpetrator of incredibly heavy crimes. A verdict of not guilty is outrageous...
Steward: But Lord Katzelia has indeed pronounced Lord Schlangehr innocent. What could be the meaning of this?
Those present at the trial are finally brought to silence when flames suddenly erupt around Katzelia.
Katzelia: ...
Vyrn: What the! Is that magic?
Haaselia: Could it be... Luvera?
Luvera looks down from her elevated seat, gazing at Katzelia with disappointment in her eyes.
Luvera: Katze... Care to explain? Going by the rest of the room, I don't think it's just something wrong with my ears.
Luvera: Did you really just pronounce Schlangehr "not guilty"?
Steward: Lady Luvera, please stop!
Luvera: I was locked up by Schlangehr for a very long time. You understand why I'm angry, yes?
Luvera: I do wish the four of us siblings could play jump rope together. What do you think, Schlangehr?
Schlangehr: Jump rope?
Luvera: Yes, with your intestines. Katze will hold one end while Haase and I jump.
Luvera: You'll be on the other end, of course, still connected. You can see how far they'll stretch, one swing at a time.
Schlangehr: Eek...
Luvera: Katze, how is Schlangehr not guilty? I was looking forward to seeing what kind of unique sentence you would give him...
Luvera: But you've disappointed me. Surely no reason would be great enough to clear his abominable crimes.
The fire surrounding Katzelia closes in on him, the flames almost licking his skin. But the judge remains unfazed.
Katzelia: From here on, a new emperor shall ascend the throne, and the ways of our state will change.
Katzelia: As precedent allows, this also means court decrees may be changed or even nullified.
Haaselia: Wait... Could it be?
Katzelia: To the defendant and all who were involved with the crimes in question, clemency shall be granted.
Imperial Heirs: Clemency?
Steward: By clemency, does he mean...
Katzelia: Too many people have lost their lives already. Execution of the former emperor will only strike fear in the people of this country.
Katzelia: Should we cast the families of the criminals to the streets? No—this would only become a larger hindrance for our state administration in the future.
Vyrn: So what's this clemency thing?
Haaselia: It's a special system we have in Galgenia, used in times of national celebration or mourning. It can be used to change court decrees.
Haaselia: Still, usually a criminal of this level would not have their guilt cleared.
As the council lords continue to voice their concerns, a single laugh pierces the air.
Luvera: Hehe... Hehehe...
Luvera: Clemency, is it? I see now. Yes... That works for me.
Steward: Lady Luvera! Are you certain?
Luvera: Thirty days ago, I told Katze I wanted to be convinced.
Luvera: And he's given a convincing reason for the ruling, so I've nothing to say. It is a coronation tradition after all.
Luvera: I'm sure Katze has his fair share of hatred for our brother, yet he chose to fix his eyes on the future of our country. Isn't that what you want in a political decision?
Luvera shifts her gaze to Katzelia.
Luvera: I'll let the council know about my withdrawal from the throne.
Haaselia: Brother!
Katzelia: Court is adjourned!
Confused, the council lords loiter for a while talking among themselves, until the sound of the gavel prompts them to exit the courtroom.
From the snippets of conversation, it is apparent that the lords are satisfied with the sentence, relieved that judgment has prioritized stability of the state.
Schlangehr: Huh? Um... huh? N-not... guilty?
With the defendant pronounced innocent, the prison guards eventually take their leave, and Schlangehr is left alone on the stand.
Luvera: Oh, Schlangehr...
Schlangehr: Eek!
Katzelia: My brother.
Haaselia: Schlangehr...
The siblings surround their brother, who recoils in fear.
Katzelia: Schlangehr... You are now a free man, innocent and without blame. Consequently, I have a request for you.
Schlangehr: A request?
Katzelia: It appears that you have an impeccable talent for acting—so much that you were able to pose as a virtuous man while murdering so many.
Luvera: A splendid performance.
Haaselia: Yes, we fell for it completely.
Katzelia: I will give you orders for everything—all I want you to do is continue pretending to be a good person and help the weak.
Schlangehr: A... good person?
Katzelia: From here, I plan to minimize the political role of the emperor, as well as the authority the position holds. The emperor will shift into being only a symbol of the empire, so that no tyranny will befall our country again.
Katzelia: I will then establish a new council, in which you will serve as its first chairperson while parading as a good person.
Schlangehr: H-how long... do I have to do that for?
Luvera: How long? I wonder... Maybe half a year? Or until next year? What do you think, Katze?
Katzelia: That is a good question. How about five years? Or perhaps ten is better. What do you think, Haase?
Haaselia: Until death, of course!
Schlangehr: Death!
Katzelia: There you have it, Schlangehr. After all, as the oldest of our siblings, it's your duty to listen to the youngest.
Katzelia: Spend the rest of your days in Galgenia as a virtuous man.
Luvera: Being a chairperson won't be an easy job, but we'll be there watching over you. You'll have no time to come up with any evil plans.
Luvera: While we're at it, let's leave the gallows where they are in front of the castle. And keep it in working condition, of course.
Haaselia: An excellent idea, dear sister. Then we can put it to use at any time.
Katzelia: The gallows is both a punishment and a vow—a testimony of our resolution as siblings to protect the peace of this empire with our lives.
Schlangehr closes his eyes, envisioning the future given to him by his siblings.
Schlangehr: I-I'll... do it...
Luvera: Hm? What's that? We can't hear you.
Schlangehr: I'll do it!
And with that, Schlangehr spends the rest of his life acting as a virtuous person, never to reveal his true colors to the public.
After his passing, a bronze statue of him is erected. The pedestal under it reads: "In memory of our former emperor, who dedicated his life to the people's democracy."
Katzelia: With the implementation of our new systems, Galgenia has been hard at work.
Vyrn: You sure it's okay for you to be here? You're the emperor!
Katzelia: Hahaha! Yes, I will return soon.
Lyria: The airship you came on is really big...
Sailing behind the crew is an enormous airship several times the size of even the Grandcypher.
Katzelia: It's an airship specifically for the emperor. It's not nearly as fast as the Grandcypher, but it's quite comfortable.
Katzelia: Well, it isn't too much trouble for me to be away from Galgenia. There will be less and less work for the emperor from here on out.
Katzelia: Still, everyone is looking at the gallows at the castle wondering what it's for, so I will have to think of an excuse for it.
Lyria: Our crew talked about it afterward, and we were wondering... Why did you decide to forgive your brother, Katze?
Katzelia: I didn't forgive him.
Katzelia: You see, I was thinking about how to best deliver judgment, when (Captain) suddenly came to mind.
Vyrn: Hm? (Captain)?
Katzelia: (Captain) has welcomed people from many different backgrounds into your crew, finding ways for them to help it prosper.
Katzelia: I wanted to try following that example, knowing it meant leaving the truth in the shadows.
Katzelia: Especially once I realized that the fastest path to our country's stability led not through executing the former emperor, but through letting him live.
Katzelia: But the bereaved families of victims still live with immeasurable grief. We can give them as much compensation as our state can afford, but their sadness will not disappear.
Katzelia: Even so, I took the country into my hands. I'd like to believe that it is through taking in both light and dark that a country can become stronger.
Vyrn: I see... I don't know what the right way is, but I can see where you're comin' from.
Lyria: It must be something you decided after thinking about it for a long time.
Katzelia: In the end, I couldn't hang Schlangehr at the gallows...
Katzelia: And my grudge remains as it was. At its original goal, my journey has been a failure...
Seeing Katzelia sink into conflicting emotions, (Captain) gently puts a hand on his shoulder.
Choose: Yet it succeeded in letting me meet you.
Katzelia: ...!
Katzelia reaches up to lay his hand on (Captain)'s.
Katzelia: I'm glad I was able to meet you and your crew, (Captain). I have no regrets.
Katzelia: With the experiences I've had from being in your crew, I intend to dedicate myself to bringing glory and prosperity to Galgenia.
Katzelia: Thank you, (Captain).
Though Katzelia was unable to complete his original objective, the truth remains that he has protected what needed to be protected.
And it is thanks to his stoutheartedness that the Galgenia Empire can now walk the true path to glory.
Categories:
- Scenario Character: Katzelia
- Scenario Character: Haaselia
- Scenario Character: Vyrn
- Scenario Character: Lyria
- Scenario Character: Soldier
- Scenario Character: Judgement
- Scenario Character: Schlangehr
- Scenario Character: Imperial Guard
- Scenario Character: Imperial Guards
- Scenario Character: Steward
- Scenario Character: ???
- Scenario Character: Luvera
- Character Fate Scenario
- Max Lvl Fate
- Scenario Character: Imperial Heirs