Scenario:Maria Theresa - And So the Jester Dances
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And So the Jester Dances
The crew commit themselves to protecting Marianna and helping with the ball preparations, but get caught in a sudden explosion at the cathedral. The seriousness of the event spurs Maria Theresa to join their investigation, and together they find a broken lamp that, when paired with Lyria's hunch, cracks the case wide open.
Maria Theresa: I could hardly believe my eyes! I never imagined that you would come to visit me here.
Lyria: Hehe! Our surprise entrance worked!
Theresa, Justice, Marianna... It's been too long!
Vyrn: We were taking care of a job in the area and thought we'd drop in to see how things are going, but...
Vyrn: Seems like you're in a real spot! Guess we showed up at the right time.
Maria Theresa: Absolutely! The truth is...
Maria Theresa gives her new guests a quick rundown of the situation.
Vyrn: So... we just gotta find out what's behind all the spooky stuff at the church?
Maria Theresa: Yes. I want to keep Marianna safe, as well.
Maria Theresa: I hope that all this worry is for nothing, but if there is even the slightest chance there could be an attempt on her life...
Lyria: Understood! Leave it to us! We won't let anyone hurt Marianna!
Vyrn: Don't you worry about the prep for the ball, either! We're gonna help out while we guard the place!
Maria Theresa: Are you sure? Thank you so much! That will be a tremendous help!
Maria Theresa: But... are you sure that you can handle it?
Maria Theresa: If I remember right, you have trouble when it comes to scary situations, Lyria.
Lyria: Uh... W-well, if friends like you two are in trouble, I can deal with a few ghosts!
Lyria: Besides, (Captain) and Vyrn will be with me the whole way. Things will be fine!
Maria Theresa: I see... Just be careful not to push yourself too hard.
Maria Theresa: We still have no idea what's behind this. Please be careful, everyone.
With that, (Captain) and the others begin their investigation of the strange phenomena while guarding Marianna.
A few days later, the group is helping Marianna prepare for the ball at the cathedral on the outskirts of Loma.
Vyrn: Got anything ya need help with, Lyria?
Lyria: I'm okay! Once I get this lamp to a real shine, I'll be done cleaning!
Vyrn: Sounds good. Y'know, everything in this place sure looks expensive.
Vyrn: Even that lamp. It's got some amazing gems on it...
Vyrn's gaze is transfixed on the intricate carvings on the lamp along with several embedded jewels.
Lyria: I heard from Marianna that everything here was given to the church by nobles.
Vyrn: Oh, yeah? If Lady Assessment were here, she could probably spot the most valuable treasure in the whole lot.
Lyria: Hey, Vyrn... Did you hear something just now?
Vyrn: Nope... Maybe you imagined it?
Lyria & Vyrn: Eep!
Yipes!
Yipes!
Lyria and Vyrn leap in shock, clinging to each other as they stare in the direction of the noise.
After waiting for some time without hearing any more strange sounds, they each let out a sigh of relief.
Lyria: Ngh... What's causing all these strange things?
Vyrn: They've been happening more frequently since we came to help. Some people are even feeling sick...
Vyrn: We've looked all over the place but can't find a clue...
Vyrn: Now what was that?
At the sound of a sudden explosion, the group rushes to the scene.
Lyria: Oh no! There's smoke coming from the storehouse!
Vyrn: Didn't Marianna say she was going to get supplies?
Another small explosion erupts, causing even more black smoke to billow. (Captain) rushes to the storehouse.
Meanwhile, at the palace...
Kaunitz: Now then, we shall handle this matter as planned.
Maria Theresa: Yes, please do. As for the church's request for additional support—
Imperial Guard: Pardon me, Your Majesty! We've just received reports of an explosion at the cathedral!
Maria Theresa: An explosion?
Kaunitz: Has anyone been hurt?
Imperial Guard: We're still confirming details at this point, but it seems some members of the church were injured on the scene and taken to get help.
Imperial Guard: There's word that Lady Marianna and the skyfarers were also present...
Maria Theresa: ...!
Kaunitz: You should head for the infirmary right away, Lady Theresa...
Maria Theresa: But...
Kaunitz: I know well that your sister Marianna and your skyfarer friends are irreplaceable.
Kaunitz: You can leave things to me.
Maria Theresa hesitates briefly upon hearing Kaunitz's words before she gives him a deep nod.
Maria Theresa: (Captain)! Marianna!
Upon hearing Maria Theresa's voice echo through the room, everyone turns to look at her.
Lyria: Theresa! What are you doing here?
Maria Theresa: I heard about the explosion over at the cathedral and how the two of you were caught up in it before being brought here...
Vyrn: News sure travels fast. Don't worry, though! Just look—they're both fine!
As Maria Theresa turns to look, she sees Marianna and (Captain) waving to her. Both have already received treatment.
Marianna: Sorry to make you worry. As you can see, (Captain) and I only had minor scratches.
Maria Theresa: Thank goodness...
Maria Theresa: But I can hardly believe that there was an explosion... What caused it?
Marianna: I don't really know. One moment, the lamp flared up and there was a loud boom...
Vyrn: When we ran over to the storehouse, it was covered in black smoke.
Vyrn: Luckily, there wasn't a fire. We were helping everyone evacuate when—
Marianna: There was another loud boom. Something exploded right next to me.
Marianna: (Captain) was there to shield me...
Maria Theresa: I see...
Maria Theresa: (Captain), I want to thank you for protecting my sister... For protecting Marianna.
Choose: I just acted on instinct.
Maria Theresa: Hehe, how very like you, (Captain). As a friend, I was truly worried about you...
Maria Theresa: But really, it's a great relief that no one seems to be severely injured. Thank you so much.
Choose: Sorry she still got hurt at all.
Marianna: Don't say that! It's thanks to you jumping in that I only received a small injury.
Maria Theresa: She's right, (Captain). You have more than done your duty!
Maria Theresa: I'm very glad to see you without any major injuries too...
Continue 1
Lyria: I still think it's strange... Why would a lamp suddenly explode?
Vyrn: It certainly made a huge boom, but there was no fire despite all that black smoke.
Vyrn: Is this one of those strange phenomena you were talking about?
Maria Theresa: Perhaps... This time, though, it seems like it was clearly meant to harm someone.
Maria Theresa mutters softly and lets out a heavy sigh before nodding and turning to the group.
Maria Theresa: I shall go to the scene myself and see if I can find any problem with the lamp.
Lyria: What? Alone? That's too dangerous!
Maria Theresa: The longer we wait, the lower our chances will be that we'll find any clues. I need to act quickly.
Maria Theresa: Just leave this to me. You should all rest up.
As Maria Theresa turns to leave, (Captain) insists on accompanying her, stopping her in her tracks.
Maria Theresa: What? Y-you can't! You still have that injury...
Maria Theresa: You say that, but...
Vyrn: Don't worry! If the captain gets too reckless, Lyria and I will put a stop to it!
Choose: I can't just let you go alone.
Lyria: That's right! There's every chance that you could be caught up in one of these strange phenomena yourself, Theresa...
Vyrn: Don't worry! If (Captain) gets too reckless, Lyria and I will put a stop to it!
Continue 2
Maria Theresa: All right... Let's work together to find the cause.
With that, the group departs to investigate why an explosion occurred in the storehouse.
Maria Theresa: You were right, Vyrn... Items are scattered everywhere, but I see no sign that this was the site of an explosion.
Indeed, there is damage to the doors, windows, and parts of the wall, but no evidence of a fire having broken out.
Maria Theresa: Now, as for the lamp in question... Ah, here it is.
Maria Theresa speaks as she fixes her eyes on the remains of the lamp, buried under a broken set of shelves.
Maria Theresa: (Hm? I recall this pattern, but from where?)
Lyria: Wait... This lamp...
Maria Theresa: What is it, Lyria? Does this lamp seem familiar?
Lyria: Well, it's just that I cleaned a lamp just like this at the cathedral, but this one is missing a jewel.
Maria Theresa: A jewel, you say?
Upon closer inspection, it seems one of the gems along the side of the lamp is missing. It doesn't seem like an accident.
Vyrn: Come to think of it, that lamp had the same pattern on it. Maybe the jewel here broke in the explosion?
Lyria: Hmm... It still feels a little off... None of the other gems are even scratched...
Maria Theresa: The gems, the pattern... and the strange phenomena...
Maria Theresa: Ah! I remember now! Good work, Lyria!
Lyria: Huh? D-Does that mean you solved the mystery?
Maria Theresa: I can't say for sure just yet, but if my feeling is right, then perhaps...
Maria Theresa turns once more to gaze intensely at the soot-covered lamp.
And So the Jester Dances: Scene 2
Looking through the palace's records, the crew finds a document that lists the lamp as a birthday present to Maria Theresa and Marianna from an allied country. However, the gift was returned after it was found to contain a curse that threatened their lives. With this new piece of evidence in hand, Maria Theresa asks the crew for their help in bringing the incident to a close.
A few days have passed since the explosion at the cathedral. (Captain) and the others pore over books in the palace.
Lyria: I found it! This is it, right, Theresa?
Lyria points to a page from a ledger listing various tributes offered to the palace, including donors and dates.
Justice: The date this was received was... the date you and Lady Marianna were born, Lady Theresa.
Maria Theresa: And the donor was... Ah, from that country. Lamps were very popular souvenirs there, if I recall.
Looking first to the sketch in the ledger, Maria Theresa then turns to the object sitting on the table.
It's the lamp that Lyria had polished to a shine at the cathedral.
Maria Theresa: As I thought... This is identical to the lamp from the cathedral.
Vyrn: Hold on... Does that mean the country that sent you this lamp is up to no good or something?
Vyrn: This could lead to big trouble involving whatever country that is...
Justice: No, that would be impossible. The country in question no longer exists.
Vyrn: Doesn't exist? How's that?
Maria Theresa: This lamp has a kind of magical charm on it.
Lyria: A charm?
Maria Theresa: Earlier, Justice mentioned that this was presented on the day my sister and I were born, yes?
Maria Theresa: However, the charm engraved here is not at all used for celebration...
Maria Theresa: This lamp was etched with a charm intended to kill the both of us.
Maria Theresa: Each and every gemstone was filled with misfortune. Once all of them were broken... that's when it would invite death...
Vyrn: Charms are supposed to be lucky! How messed up do you have to be to send something like that as a gift?
Justice: The former emperor was enraged and immediately returned the lamp before severing all ties with the country.
Justice: Not long after, a series of misfortunes plagued the nation until they were erased from history.
Lyria: Wow... Could that actually be because of the lamp's curse?
Maria Theresa: It sounds like poetic justice to me. Rumors say that the country was using cursed objects to get their way for ages.
Maria Theresa: There's a saying that goes, "One who curses another digs two graves." We may never know the real truth.
Letting out a deep sigh, Maria Theresa lightly taps the lamp on the table.
Lyria: So, then... Who would donate such an ominous thing to the church?
Maria Theresa: Hmm... The way I see it, there are two possibilities.
Maria Theresa: One is that it came from one of the old nobles who still stand firmly against the idea of a female ruler.
Vyrn: Those nobles again?
Vyrn: I thought you already exiled Count Eugene and the others who stole the throne.
Maria Theresa: We did, and while Count Eugene may have been the leader of the opposition, many more nobles hold his same beliefs.
Vyrn: Really? I guess things don't get easier just because you got the throne back, huh?
Maria Theresa: Politics can be like that. I appreciate your concern, though.
Maria Theresa: Now, as for the other option... I feel some suspicion towards the progressive faction of nobles, as well.
Lyria: The progressive faction? Who are they?
Justice: They are the nobles who approve of Lady Theresa's ascension to the throne.
Justice: Of the nobility you know, Margrave Kaunitz would be among their group.
Lyria: Oh... You mean to say your supporters, Theresa?
Lyria: I don't really understand why those people would want to cause you any trouble, though...
Maria Theresa: ...
Lyria: ...?
Theresa?
Theresa?
Maria Theresa: Hm? Well, perhaps...
Maria Theresa: It is as you say, there may not be much of a reason for them to donate a cursed lamp...
Maria Theresa: But, even among those who support the idea of a female ruler, not everyone supports me in that role.
Lyria: Oh... This is getting difficult to follow...
Maria Theresa: Yes... It can be very difficult to understand what everyone is thinking.
Maria Theresa closes her eyes with a brief sigh as she sinks into thought.
Maria Theresa: At first, I believed they only wanted to put an end to the celebratory ball...
Maria Theresa: Now that we have this lamp, I fear their goals are not quite that simple.
Maria Theresa: It may be that... they plan to assassinate Marianna or me.
Vyrn: Are you serious?
Vyrn: Oh, wait, right... This lamp's curse was originally gonna take your lives...
Lyria: But why would anyone do such a thing?
Maria Theresa: If something like an assassination were to occur on the holy night of all nights, the people would consider it deeply troubling, no?
Maria Theresa: This year saw the unveiling of the false empress, and this is my first holy night after taking back the throne for myself.
Maria Theresa: In addition, people learned of the truth behind Marianna, once hidden away like some taboo.
Maria Theresa: After so many events threatening the status quo in Loma, how would people react to such an ill omen on the holy night?
Vyrn: I guess... they'd start to believe that everything might be connected.
Maria Theresa: I believe that may very well be the end goal in all this.
Maria Theresa: The people are still anxious. If their suspicion and fear is stoked any further, it would throw the country into chaos.
Maria Theresa: Even a failed attempt would become overblown in the tales spread by the public.
Vyrn: Yeah, that's true...
Justice: Lady Theresa...
Maria Theresa: Yes, Justice?
Justice: What do you intend to do now?
Maria Theresa: ...
Maria Theresa falls silent for a moment in consideration of Justice's question. She lets out a sharp exhale as she comes to a decision.
Maria Theresa: While I'm not exactly thrilled about it, I believe I have a plan.
Vyrn: You do?
Maria Theresa: Yes. It does involve a bit of risk, but it's likely the surest and fastest method to get the answers we seek.
Maria Theresa: (Captain). I ask for your aid... for the sake of Loma and to protect Marianna.
Maria Theresa bows her head low. (Captain) answers with a nod of conviction and an emphatic strike of the chest.
And So the Jester Dances: Scene 3
After discovering the target to be Marianna, Maria Theresa offers herself up as bait and apprehends an assassin sent to eliminate her. With the immediate danger taken care of, (Captain) returns to the palace and witnesses something Maria Theresa meant to keep secret. Justice explains the empress's desire to keep that side of herself hidden, compelling (Captain) to act as if nothing happened.
There hasn't been a single report of strange events plaguing the people since the explosion.
Preparations for the ball have fortunately been completed in time for the holy night ball, thanks to help from (Captain)'s crew.
Now, in the midnight hours one day before the holy night...
Marianna: ...
A lone nun offers her prayers in an utterly silent church.
Marianna: Hm? What is that sweet scent?
Marianna: Nnh...
She lets out a small groan before collapsing on the spot. She doesn't move a muscle.
???: ...
From the darkness, a man with a hood pulled low appears and silently approaches the fallen nun.
Once he stands before the nun, he withdraws a dagger and raises it to strike, but upon lifting his blade...
???: Gah!
Justice: By my sword of justice, judgment shall be rendered upon the wicked.
???: What? How did you...
Marianna: How very disappointing... You lack the vision to see the truth.
The nun rises as she speaks, and the brilliant moonlight shines upon her face from the window.
Assassin: You have a primal beast? No, it can't be!
Maria Theresa: Just as I thought. You, or rather your employer, were after Marianna.
Maria Theresa: Whatever the reason may be, raising a blade against the empress is a crime punishable by death.
Maria Theresa: Of course, you accepted the job knowing what the consequences would be, did you not?
Assassin: Tch!
With the nun's identity revealed, the man withdraws something from a pouch and throws it, enveloping the area in smoke.
Just as he turns to dash towards the door and make his escape...
(Captain): ...!
Assassin: What?
(Captain) rushes out from the shadows, tackling the man and stopping him in his tracks.
At the same time, royal guards move in from all sides to restrain the man in a flash.
Maria Theresa: Now, then... I have a veritable mountain of questions I should like to ask, but I assume you don't plan to share your secrets easily...
Pausing her speech for just a moment, a smile begins to spread from cheek to cheek as Maria Theresa looks at the man.
Maria Theresa: You needn't worry, though. I have prepared a delightful garden that I believe will compel you to talk.
Maria Theresa: The crimson dahlias are just perfect right now. We can enjoy a nice chat while admiring the beautiful blooms, hm?
Assassin: ...!
Maria Theresa: Take him to the northern garden.
Imperial Guard: Right away!
Maria Theresa heaves a heavy sigh as she watches the guards carry the man off, and then turns to (Captain).
Maria Theresa: Are you all right, (Captain)? Were you hurt?
(Captain) seems unharmed, confirmed with a shake of the head. The captain then asks...
Choose: What's going to happen to him?
Maria Theresa: I need to find out who hired him and what their plan is...
Maria Theresa: Along with a number of other things before I send him to the appropriate place to receive judgment.
Choose: Why bring him to a garden?
Maria Theresa: There are still so many things I need to ask him about...
Maria Theresa: I decided it would be best to bring him somewhere he might be more inclined to talk.
Continue 1
Maria Theresa: As I said earlier, any attempt on the life of the empress is a crime with grave consequences, no matter the circumstance.
Maria Theresa: Once I have the information, he will receive the punishment he deserves. That is the law of the empire.
Maria Theresa looks at the door where the guards left as she lets out a long sigh.
Maria Theresa: With your help, we were able to lure out the assassin...
Maria Theresa: You have played your part. Would you please let Marianna and the others in my chamber know that the matter is resolved?
Maria Theresa: Lyria and Vyrn are likely worried about you. Let them see that you're safe.
Though she speaks gently, Maria Theresa is making it clear that she'll not allow any further intrusion.
Though questions remain, (Captain) knows not to ask more and simply gives a light nod in response.
Following Maria Theresa's direction, (Captain) reunites with Marianna and the others in the palace chamber.
Everyone is pleased to see the matter resolved and retire for the night. The captain is unable to sleep, though...
Instead, (Captain) leaves the chamber and begins to wander about the rest of the palace.
Suddenly, the captain hears the faint sound of someone screaming and rushes towards the noise.
The trail to the screams leads to a small stone tower at the far northern edge of the palace grounds.
(Captain): ...?
Though the captain looks everywhere, there doesn't seem to be a door leading inside.
Noticing a small ventilation grate near the ground, (Captain) crouches down to peer inside.
Within the tower...
Justice: That's far enough.
A sudden touch of cold against the neck prompts the captain to rise and turn. There stands Justice with sword outstretched.
Justice: (Captain)... Did you see inside?
She asks flatly, and (Captain) gives an affirmative nod.
Justice: I see... It would seem that I underestimated your curiosity.
Heaving an exasperated sigh, Justice lowers her gaze to the grate, from which can be heard faint, muffled voices.
Justice: What is being conducted here falls outside of ordinary morality... One could even classify it as evil.
Justice: However, when such an act is done to protect an entire nation, it becomes justice.
Justice: Lady Theresa knows this well, so she had this place constructed with the resolve to carry out justice as befits an empress.
Justice's tone remains flat as she lowers her eyebrows and faces (Captain).
Justice: However... I'm sure she was hoping that you would never discover this place.
Justice: To Lady Theresa, you and your companions are the embodiment of justice. You are unspoiled.
Justice: She feels that she can still exist simply as Maria Theresa, the innocent appraiser, around you.
The moment she takes a break from speaking, another scream echoes out, along with pleas for mercy.
Recognizing one of the voices in the mix, (Captain) looks to the ground.
Justice: (Captain)...
Justice: We did not meet here. Upon returning to the palace earlier, you simply went to sleep without setting foot outside.
Justice: That is to say you saw nothing, and you heard nothing. Am I clear?
This is no mere request. Nor just an order.
This is an absolute decree which permits no dissent. (Captain) can do nothing but nod in response.
And So the Jester Dances: Scene 4
During the ball, Maria Theresa confesses that she had wanted to keep her dealings last night a secret from (Captain) so that they could stay friends. (Captain) declares that she will always be a dear companion and Maria Theresa blushes in response, thanking her stalwart partner with a gentle smile.
The next day, the cathedral is bustling with activity for the celebratory ball on the holy night.
In attendance are citizens and nobles of Loma, along with the skyfarers—invited in gratitude for their service.
Maria Theresa's Voice: I never expected you to be a wallflower at such an event. It hardly seems like you, (Captain).
[[Category:Scenario Character: Maria Theresa's Voice]]
The captain hears a voice and turns to look in the direction it came from.
Maria Theresa: Well... Do you think the dress suits me?
Choose: It's perfect for the holiday season!
Maria Theresa: Hehe. You think so, too? I had it made with seasonal flowers in mind.
Maria Theresa: Oh... Th-thank you. Hearing that so directly is a bit... flustering.
Maria Theresa: I was worried that I might be overdoing it, but...
Maria Theresa: Justice told me that a bold dress like this will be more glamorous at the ball.
Continue 1
Maria Theresa: I know that a lot has happened, but I feel such relief that we were able to hold this event after all.
Maria Theresa: I want to thank you again for all of your support, (Captain).
As Maria Theresa smiles at (Captain), the captain responds with a light nod.
But then, the memory of what occurred at the tower comes back in a flash, and the captain looks away without thinking.
Maria Theresa: You know, (Captain)... This hardly seems the place, but I feel I need to tell you something.
Maria Theresa: The assassin that we managed to catch yesterday... He was hired by a noble in the progressive faction.
Maria Theresa: He was a man who supported us since the era of the previous emperor, just like Margrave Kaunitz...
Maria Theresa: He was, however, intensely afraid of the existence of the so-called inauspicious child.
Maria Theresa: He believed that if Marianna were to die, I would become a peerless ruler and lead the nation into prosperity.
Maria Theresa: When he learned that the church would be hosting this ball, he planted several cursed items among the donations.
As further evidence, a number of additional cursed objects were discovered among donated gifts to the church.
He had deliberately chosen to use the ball as cover for his actions—he wanted people to believe it was the faction opposing the empress.
Maria Theresa: I also learned of others in the progressive faction with similar extremist ideals. I gave them a scathing reprimand.
Maria Theresa: I believe that, with this settled, Marianna and our mother can finally live in peace.
Maria Theresa: I am so glad to be done with all of that by tonight, the holy night.
Choose: Did you know who the culprit was?
Maria Theresa: I did... Or, rather, I had considered them as one possibility.
Maria Theresa: Until the ordeal with the lamp, I couldn't quite narrow it down.
Maria Theresa: It might have taken me much longer if Lyria hadn't noticed the lamp.
Choose: You had this all figured out?
Maria Theresa: Most certainly not! I did, however, have my suspicions from the start.
Maria Theresa: The plan was far too careless for someone from the opposition.
Maria Theresa: Even hypothetically, no normal noble would dream of making an enemy out of the church, which is supported by the royal family.
Continue 2
Maria Theresa: It seems the country has amassed quite a few problems in the time I was absent.
Maria Theresa: The incident we dealt with is but one of many.
Maria Theresa takes a deep breath and meets (Captain)'s gaze.
Maria Theresa: You were there last night, weren't you? In the northern garden.
The question is delivered calmly enough, but (Captain) still stumbles for the right words to answer.
Maria Theresa: It must be so disillusioning to know I could do something like that.
Maria Theresa: Since returning to the throne, I have a duty to protect this empire and its people.
Maria Theresa: I may be deemed as cruel and heartless, but I will never regret the path I follow nor the choices I make.
Maria Theresa: That said...
Maria Theresa momentarily lowers her face and looks to (Captain) with a troubled smile.
Maria Theresa: I never wanted you to know. Even a necessary evil cannot be considered a righteous act.
Maria Theresa: I had hoped you would always remember me not as an empress, but simply as Maria Theresa.
Maria Theresa: I know that I need to change. I must become the ideal person that everyone, including myself, idolizes—worthy of being empress of Loma.
Maria Theresa: The sins I must bear will likely taint me too much to ever allow me to stand beside you as your friend again.
Maria Theresa: If you can keep remembering those days when we traveled together, though...
Maria Theresa: I will always remain Maria Theresa, the appraiser, when speaking with you, no matter how much I change.
Maria Theresa: As long as you keep that memory of me, I can remain your friend... Or so I tell myself.
Maria Theresa: I do apologize... Here I am, placing all of my selfish ideals on you.
Maria Theresa speaks with a sorrowful smile when she feels (Captain) gently take both of her hands.
Choose: My feelings haven't changed.
Maria Theresa: What?
Choose: You'll always be a dear companion to me.
Maria Theresa: O-oh... I...
(Captain)'s earnest declaration has Maria Theresa blushing slightly as she quickly turns away.
Maria Theresa: This somehow feels as though I'm being courted.
Maria Theresa: However... I thank you.
Maria Theresa: I also think of you as my dearest and truest companion, (Captain).
Maria Theresa: Now and forever... That will always be true, so long as I live.
There is now no trace of sorrow in Maria Theresa's smile, and (Captain) smiles right back.
Suddenly, there is a change in the music from the main hall. People begin to join hands and gather in the central area.
Seeing everyone beginning to dance, (Captain) takes a half-step back and...
(Captain): May I have this dance?
(Captain) bends from the waist and extends one hand. Maria Theresa stands and blinks for a moment.
Maria Theresa: Hehe... Most certainly. Please escort me to the dance floor, (Captain)!
The two of them exchange smiles as they move hand in hand toward the center of the hall.
As Maria Theresa looks down at their clasped hands, she blinks once to disguise the tears welling up in her eyes.
Categories:
- Scenario Character: Maria Theresa
- Scenario Character: Lyria
- Scenario Character: Vyrn
- Scenario Character: Lyria & Vyrn
- Scenario Character: Kaunitz
- Scenario Character: Imperial Guard
- Scenario Character: Marianna
- Character Fate Scenario
- Skill Fate
- Scenario Character: Justice
- Scenario Character: ???
- Scenario Character: Assassin
- Fate Gender Check
- Scenario Character: (Captain)