Scenario:The Art of Mercy - Chapter 5: Elegy for the Valorous - Episode 1
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The Art of Mercy - Chapter 5: Elegy for the Valorous - Episode 1
At Tatar, Altair asks Leonis about his connection with Luhua. Leonis proceeds to tell the crew about his past and reveals that he and Luhua were once brothers. With this new information on the enemy, Altair predicts that Luhua will prioritize himself and betray Zilantos sooner or later.
At the Tatar military base, (Captain) and the others gather in the command center to decide on their next plan of action.
Shura: It seems witnessing Luhua's power firsthand had a large impact on our troops.
The soldiers stationed at the base have been in comparatively low spirits for the past several days.
Some are reminded once again of their utter defeat in Zaha, trauma rendering them unable to take up their swords.
Altair: To win a battle, you must know your enemy and yourselves...
Altair: Your Majesty. May I inquire about this connection between you and Luhua?
Altair shifts the attention to Leonis, who is seated directly in front of him.
Leonis: I can only tell you what he is like as a person.
Leonis: We were once brothers, though not by blood.
Leonis: It all started when my father—the king of Erdeni— took him in.
It happened twenty years ago.
There were rumors of a young orphan near the border between Erdeni and Sui who made a living as a thief.
That orphan was Luhua.
Canopus, the previous king of Erdeni, took great interest in him and accepted Luhua into his family as his adopted son.
Leonis: However, there were many who did not like the idea of an orphan being adopted into the royal family.
Leonis: My father received harsh criticism for his decision, but still, he continued to treat Luhua with affection.
Canopus made sure Luhua was educated and well fed. He did his best so that Luhua would be acknowledged and respected by others.
Leonis: My father was a great man... He wished for a world where people aren't bound by their pedigree or social status.
Leonis: Taking in Luhua also served as an example for his people.
Leonis: My father told me to take care of Erdeni together with Luhua once I became king.
However, this never came to be. Ten years ago, Zilantos became caught in a cold war and made a preemptive attack on Erdeni in their desperation.
Despite this, King Canopus conducted peace negotiations with Zilantos and managed to reach an agreement with them.
Leonis: It was then that my father was suddenly murdered... and by none other than Luhua himself.
Leonis: He betrayed us for Zilantos and brought the head of my father, who had raised him like his own son, to the enemy...
Leonis: After inheriting the throne, I demanded Luhua be brought to me immediately. I had intended to put him on trial for the assassination of the king.
However, Zilantos refused to hand over Luhua and began their attacks on Erdeni again, triggering a full-scale war between the two countries.
Luhua proved himself to be a shameless criminal by taking the life of the very man who saved him.
That is who the country of Erdeni understood the man named Luhua to be.
Altair: I see...
Altair: Perhaps it is his past rather than his exceptional strength we should be focusing on.
Leonis: What do you mean by that?
Altair: It seems to me that Luhua is a man who prioritizes self-interest over debt or obligation.
Altair: This means it is likely that Zilantos does not have full control over Luhua either.
Leonis: Are you saying that Luhua might betray Zilantos, just like he did Erdeni?
Altair: There is a possiblity. He is simply too strong...
Altair: Zilantos would be helpless against his power if Luhua were to betray them.
Altair: Although it is merely a possiblity... it would be wise to keep the threat of his existence in mind.
Having grasped Luhua's situation, Altair goes back to devising their next plan for recapturing Zaha.
Altair: As outsiders belonging to neither country, we will handle Luhua.
Altair: It would be best to leave his case with people like us who neither hate nor fear him and can remain unbiased.
Altair: Do we have your consent, Your Majesty?
Persuaded by Altair's words, Leonis solemnly nods.
Leonis: If I were to be completely honest, I would prefer to deal with Luhua myself.
Leonis: However, I am the king. I will go with whatever option will allow my country to prevail.
Leonis: We'll follow your plan, Altair.
Altair: I am relieved to see you remember your responsibilities as the king of Erdeni, Your Majesty.
Altair's barb about the earlier battle earns a wry look from the king.
Leonis: Good heavens... You're as sarcastic as ever, aren't you!
Leonis: Well, it was my fault that I even thought to fight Luhua back there...
Leonis turns to (Captain) and the crew and bows his head.
Leonis: Please accept my apologies, (Captain). The truth is that I did not entirely believe you had the strength necessary.
Leonis: That's why I was reluctant to leave things to you.
He pauses for a moment and raises his head to gaze at (Captain), a sincere look in his eyes.
Leonis: But your capability as captain of your crew was made clear to me in the last battle.
Leonis: I apologize for any offense I may have caused. Will you lend Erdeni your power once again?
Choose: Of course. It's our job!
Leonis: Hahaha! Ah yes, I did make an official request to your crew, didn't I? Then we'll need to treat it like a job.
Leonis: In that case, I will make sure you are thoroughly rewarded once your mission is complete.
Leonis: I certainly do. And I swear I will pay back this debt.
Leonis: However, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until after this war is over, if that's all right with you.
Continue 1
Leonis and (Captain) shake on it, acknowledging one another as equals on the battlefield.
They turn back to the desk to continue their preparations for the upcoming battle.