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To Each His Ideal/Story
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To Each His Ideal - Opening
One day, Percival receives a letter from Aglovale asking him to return to Wales for their father's death anniversary. Gawain is surprised by the fact that Lamorak has not gone to visit his father's grave for years. Unbeknownst to them, Lamorak is in Wales near the castle when he happens to see a woman collapse onto the ground.
Percival: ...
One day, on the deck of the Grandcypher, Percival quietly reads a letter that has just been delivered.
Vyrn: Hey, Sir Burnsalot! Who's that letter from?
Percival: It's from Aglovale. He is writing to ask me to return home for the anniversary of Father's passing.
Lyria: Your father... You did mention he passed away before...
Percival: No need for condolences. It has already been three years since.
Percival: He had been suffering from an incurable disease. At the time, I received the news from Aglovale and returned home from my travels immediately.
Percival: My father went peacefully, as if drifting into restful slumber.
Lyria: I see...
Vyrn: So I guess you'll be headin' back to Wales, huh?
Percival: Yes. After all, as you have also told me, a mysterious group we refer to as the "cabal" has been operating underground in a number of places.
Percival: Aglovale must be incredibly occupied with the current alliance between Feendrache, Wales, and Dalmore.
Percival: I should take this opportunity to go back and have a talk with my brother.
Choose: Off to Wales we go!
Percival: Heh, you're saying you will sail back to my country with me? That is a quick decision on your part. What of your jobs?
Lyria: We don't have any urgent requests lined up at the moment. Besides, as your vassals, it's only natural that we follow wherever you go!
Vyrn: I hope we get to eat somethin' good there!
Percival: I'm sure my brother will do his utmost to welcome all of you.
Gawain: What's that? We're going to Wales?
Percival: Gawain... The hero of Dalmore.
Yes, I just received a letter from my older brother.
Yes, I just received a letter from my older brother.
Gawain: Your brother... Aglovale, right? What's your other brother doing?
Percival: Lamorak is in the middle of his travels as part of his magic training. I have not seen him in years.
Gawain: Years? Didn't he attend your father's funeral?
Percival: No. His location was unknown at the time, so the letter was unable to reach him.
Gawain: Are you serious? Sure he messes around and stuff, but he's the type of guy who values family over anything else.
Gawain: You don't think it's strange that he wouldn't go to visit his own father's grave?
Percival: ("Messes around"? Bold of him to speak of my brother in such a way.)
Percival: I thought it strange as well. However, there is no doubt that Aglovale had indeed attempted to contact him about the situation.
Lyria: Lamorak is the same age as you, isn't he, Gawain? We heard that the two of you were good friends.
Gawain: We are the same age, but I don't remember being particularly good friends with him.
Gawain: Ten years ago we learned magic together from my mother, Morgause. That's it.
Gawain: I've heard plenty about you brothers though. More than enough.
Vyrn: Heheh. Guess everyone in Sir Burnsalot's family just loves talkin' about family!
Percival: Nothing to make a fuss of.
Percival: However, I am slightly worried about Lamorak as his brother. I will ask Aglovale about him once I return.
Gawain: Sounds good. I'm sure Florence wants to know as well.
Lyria: Speaking of which, are you sure you don't want to visit Dalmore too, Gawain? It's close to Wales, isn't it?
Gawain: I don't have anything particular I need to do back home, so I'll stay on the ship. Anyway, let me know if you need anything.
Vyrn: All right, it's off to Wales! Let's get goin', (Captain)!
The Grandcypher soars through blue skies toward Percival's homeland of Wales.
Several days pass. Behind Wales Castle is the small figure of a man standing near the entrance of the forest, gazing at the castle.
Lamorak: It's been three years already since Father passed away...
Lamorak: I heard in town that Percy's about to come home. Though, we won't be able to visit Father's grave together this year either...
Regret tinges Lamorak's words as he releases a bouquet of white flowers into the sky.
The flowers soar upwards until a magic gust of wind carries them into the castle grounds, gently placing them in front of a magnificent grave.
Lamorak: Well then. It's about time I found someone to help me with my plans...
???: ...
As Lamorak thinks to himself, his gaze wanders and falls on a woman standing in the distance, eyes empty.
Lamorak: Oh no!
Lamorak: Hey, are you all right? Are you feeling sick?
???: Lady... sabel... I've... miracle... lma...
Lamorak: (Is this mark on the back of her neck... part of a contract? Well this is a surprise. Could she be Father's...)
Lamorak: Oh. She fell asleep...
Lamorak: Hmm. I can't just leave her here... but I can't carry her in this form either.
Looking around to make sure no one is in the area, Lamorak ducks into the shade of the woods.
Lamorak: There we go.
Lamorak: Excuse me, miss.
Lamorak lifts the woman up and slowly carries her into the forest, away from prying eyes.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 1: Homeland - Episode 1
Aglovale speaks to Tor about his memories of the piano and his family, thinking back to the time when his mother Herzeloyde taught him a melody meant only for his ears. He tells of how his mother's death had driven his father to dabble in the forbidden arts before he passed away, unable to fulfill his endeavors.
A man in an impressive suit of armor stands in the middle of the lavishly decorated yet quiet banquet hall of Wales Castle.
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale, the current head of the House of Wales, gazes at a piano in front of him, polished so thoroughly he can see his own reflection on its surface.
Tor: My lord, I have prepared the documents you requested. They have been delivered to your room.
Aglovale: Very well. I will look over them later.
Tor: Understood.
Tor: Excuse my imprudence... Was there something you are dissatisfied with about the piano tuning from yesterday?
Aglovale: Not at all. I was simply reminiscing a little about the past.
Aglovale: Though this piano is now used by performers we invite to the castle, it used to be most frequently played by my mother.
Aglovale lowers himself onto the left side of the piano bench.
Aglovale: I would position myself here, while my mother sat beside me.
Tor: Ah, a duet.
I was not aware that you possessed a talent for piano, Lord Aglovale.
I was not aware that you possessed a talent for piano, Lord Aglovale.
Aglovale: Hardly a talent. I merely repeated the same phrase with one hand. My mother accompanied that with her own performance.
Tor: If I may have the honor, please tell me more.
Aglovale: Let's see... It was about twenty years ago.
Castle Guard 1: Hey, have you heard? It seems Lord Aglovale's finally won a match against the captain.
Castle Guard 2: What! You mean the captain of the knights? His skills are nothing to scoff at! And Lord Aglovale is still quite young.
Castle Guard 1: I've also heard that his scores are perfect in almost all his subjects in the classroom. Guess some are just born with more than one gift.
Castle Guard 2: Can't say I'm not jealous. But with someone as capable as him as the next ruler, Wales will be safe from harm.
Young Aglovale: ...
Herzeloyde: Aglovale? Why are you standing in a corner of the hallway?
Young Aglovale: Mother! It's nothing.
Herzeloyde notices the two gossiping soldiers in the distance. Grasping the situation, she bends down to meet Aglovale's gaze.
Herzeloyde: How are you feeling? You were up quite late studying last night. Are you tired?
Young Aglovale: No. As Father says, "It is the duty of those who are capable to work hard."
Young Aglovale: I am the oldest of my brothers. I must always be a role model for the two of them.
Herzeloyde: What a wonderful child you are, Aglovale.
Herzeloyde reaches out to pat her son on the head.
Young Aglovale: I'm not exactly a child anymore, Mother...
Herzeloyde: No... you are not.
Herzeloyde: Classes are finished for today, aren't they? Would you like to take an extra lesson with me as the teacher?
Young Aglovale: A lesson with you?
Herzeloyde: Hehe. Come on.
Aglovale follows his mother to the banquet hall, where the two of them sit on the bench in front of the piano. Herzeloyde claps her hands together excitedly.
Herzeloyde: All right! It's time for a music lesson with Herzeloyde!
Young Aglovale: Mother, I have never touched an instrument in my life...
Herzeloyde: There's a first for everything! Now, put your hands on the keyboard like so.
Herzeloyde: Place your thumb on the C key here, and your pinky on the G key. Your middle finger can go right here on the E. Now, try playing C-G-E-G.
Young Aglovale: Like this?
Timidly, Aglovale presses the keys on the piano as instructed.
Herzeloyde: Very good! Next, we'll try...
Herzeloyde teaches her son several simple melodies, which Aglovale practices over and over again.
Young Aglovale: Is this correct?
Herzeloyde: Yes! You learn fast, as always. Now, try repeating the phrase!
As Aglovale continues to play, Herzeloyde accompanies his simple tune with a lively and grand melody.
Young Aglovale: (Amazing... Mother is playing in perfect harmony with my tune...)
Young Lamorak: Hey! Aggy's playing the piano!
Young Percival: Impressive. I didn't know Aglovale could play the piano too!
Young Aglovale: Lamorak! Percival!
Herzeloyde: Oh my! It appears some adorable guests have arrived.
Young Lamorak: That's so nice... Let me play too, Mom!
Young Percival: I'd like to learn as well, Aglovale!
Young Aglovale: Very well. It's not all that difficult—
Herzeloyde: Aglovale.
Herzeloyde puts out a hand to stop Aglovale and leans over to whisper in his ear.
Herzeloyde: The melody I taught you just now is a secret between you and me, Aglovale.
Young Aglovale: Why is that?
Herzeloyde: Because I'd like it to be so. Will you keep it a secret, please?
Young Aglovale: Oh... Very well then.
Herzeloyde smiles at Aglovale before turning to her two younger sons.
Herzeloyde: I promise I'll teach the two of you next time as well. Will you watch quietly for today?
Young Lamorak: Fine... Promise you'll teach us?
Young Percival: Promise!
Herzeloyde: Yes. Thank you, both of you.
Ready, Aglovale?
Ready, Aglovale?
Young Aglovale: Yes.
Herzeloyde and Aglovale focus their attention back on the piano and begin to play once more.
The sun beams filtering through the window gently shine on Herzeloyde and her family as they surround the piano smilingly, enveloped in warmth and happiness.
Their eyes are bright and hopeful, as if nothing in the skies could ever bring misfortune upon them.
???: What are you doing, Aglovale?
Young Aglovale: Father! I-I'm...
Herzeloyde: We're having a music lesson, Gahmuret. I've been teaching Aglovale piano.
Gahmuret: That will not be necessary for the next ruler of Wales. Aglovale, do you understand your own duties?
Herzeloyde: Don't you think the ruler of Wales should be well versed in music as well?
Herzeloyde: You invite performers to our castle parties, do you not, Gahmuret?
Herzeloyde: It would be a disgrace if the head of the House of Wales was unable to select those with exceptional talent in music.
Gahmuret: Hm. But...
Young Lamorak: I agree with Mother. And so does Percival!
Don't you?
Don't you?
Young Percival: Yes. I am of the same opinion.
Herzeloyde: Besides, I am the one who invited Aglovale to partake in the lesson. Allow me to teach him at least one piece.
Gahmuret: Very well... If that is what you wish, Herzeloyde.
The Brothers: ...!
Herzeloyde: Thank you very much. If you'd like, please stay and enjoy the music.
Gahmuret: Then I shall.
Aglovale: That day, the five of us spent time around the piano together.
Aglovale: As the oldest, I had assumed it to be my duty to pass on everything I had to my brothers.
Aglovale: I thought that was why Mother taught the "secret" only to myself. I was overjoyed.
Aglovale: Mother always treated all three of us the same. She was an exceptional parent.
Tor: Your mother was a wonderful person, my lord.
Aglovale: Yes.
Tor: Haha, but I am surprised. I have been told that Lord Gahmuret was rather severe.
Aglovale: Yes, the all-powerful king of light, Gahmuret, is known as such by most. However, he possessed a soft spot for my mother.
Aglovale: He smiled often in front of her.
Tor: I see.
Aglovale: However, when my mother passed away several months after... Father changed drastically.
Aglovale slowly gets up from the piano bench.
Aglovale: Unable to accept Mother's death, Father hid behind closed doors and devoted himself to researching the forbidden arts of resurrecting the dead.
Aglovale: And three years ago, he breathed his last without completing his endeavor.
Aglovale: Despair lurks in the shadows of fleeting happiness. Never had I imagined when I was young that something like this would come to pass.
Tor: I...
Apologies, my lord. I am at a loss for words.
Apologies, my lord. I am at a loss for words.
Aglovale: Heh. It seems I've spoken too much.
Aglovale: Percival should be arriving soon. Come.
The two exit the banquet hall, leaving the piano behind to stand in lonely silence.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 1: Homeland - Episode 2
Arriving in Wales, Percival takes (Captain) and company to his parents' grave. When Aglovale tells Percival that he would like his assistance in governing the kingdom for a while, Percival stays quiet, pondering over the fact that this would mean putting an end to his travels.
Not long after, (Captain), Percival, and company arrive at Wales Castle.
After exchanging their greetings, the crew follows Aglovale to the House of Wales grave located behind the castle.
Lyria: Will it really be all right for us to visit your family grave too?
Percival: Yes. I have always wanted to introduce all of you to Mother and Father.
Percival: However, let me warn you that my father can be quite stern.
Lyria: Okay. Ooh, I'm getting a little nervous...
Aglovale: After overcoming an assembly where the authorities of three countries were present, there is hardly something to be nervous about. You certainly are an amusing crew.
Aglovale: We've arrived.
Aglovale: Hm?
Aglovale notices a bouquet of white flowers in front of his parents' grave.
Percival: Did we have a visitor?
Aglovale: Yes... A noble who was on good terms with Father when he was alive.
Aglovale: (It appears they've come again this year. Who could this mysterious person be?)
Percival lays down the flowers he has brought with him next to the white bouquet, closing his eyes in prayer.
Percival: Mother. Father. I have returned. As you can see, your son is well as always.
Gran is the Main Character
Percival: Please allow me to introduce my vassals with whom I am traveling. Standing next to me is (Captain)...
Djeeta is the Main Character
Percival: Please allow me to introduce my vassals with whom I am traveling. Standing next to me is (Captain)...
Lyria: I'm Lyria.
Vyrn: And I'm Vyrn. Just so you know, I ain't no lizard!
Percival: Heh. They are a boisterous group, but reliable companions nonetheless.
Percival: I hope that you can watch over them as well, Mother. Father.
(Captain) and company follow Percival's lead and offer up their prayers in silence.
After the grave visit, Aglovale returns to the throne room with the others in tow. He turns to face Percival.
Aglovale: Percival, I have something to talk to you about.
As it is related to everyone here, I would also like all of you to stay and listen.
As it is related to everyone here, I would also like all of you to stay and listen.
Percival: Something to talk with me about?
Aglovale: I assume you've heard of the matter concerning the cabal. I am currently pressed on handling this issue...
Aglovale: In addition to dispatching investigators and scouts, establishing shared surveillance systems with other influential nobles, overseeing our national defense, among a mountain of other things.
Aglovale: Tor is also doing his best to deal with the various matters, but we simply do not have enough hands.
Percival: In other words, you would like me to return to Wales to assist you. Is that correct?
Aglovale: Indeed.
Aglovale: I understand you are still in the middle of your journey to learn what it means to build the ideal country.
Aglovale: But this country has always been governed by those belonging to the House of Wales. We cannot leave its rule to our retainers or other nobles.
Aglovale: Our people would not object to you, Percival. Will you assist me in governing this country until matters with the cabal have been resolved?
Vyrn: Wait, would that mean...
Lyria: Will this be the end of your travels, Percival?
Percival: ...
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 1: Homeland - Episode 3
Percival makes the decision to leave the crew temporarily in order to help Aglovale govern Wales. When Percival asks why Lamorak has not been consulted on matters of the kingdom, Aglovale confesses that he has not been able to contact their middle brother, and that Tor is currently looking into Lamorak's whereabouts.
The possibility of Percival putting an end to his journey and returning to Wales catches the crew off guard.
(Captain) and company are unable to hide their surprise.
Choose: What are you going to do?
Percival: My travels have always been in pursuit of building the ideal country that I envision.
Percival: But having taken you lot on as my vassals, I believe it to be my duty to see your journey to its end.
Choose: Are you forsaking Wales?
Percival: Of course not. The fact that I was able to travel in the first place was because Aglovale protected this country in our stead.
Percival: My brother has let me do what I pleased up until now. For him to ask me to return like this means that the struggle is significant.
Percival: As family, I would like to do my best to support my brother.
Choose: Good. I'd have scolded you otherwise.
Percival: Heh, quite the nerve. But it is because you are this way that you have my trust, (Captain).
Percival: It pains me that I will not be there to support you for a while, but I promise I will return.
Choose: We'll miss you...
Percival: Heh. I didn't think you would say something like that.
Percival: I don't remember allowing anyone this faint of heart to be my vassal.
Percival: It is because you have my complete confidence that I know you will be fine even if I am not there to assist for a while. So put your trust in me as well, and push on.
Percival: Rest assured that I will return to the crew as soon as matters are resolved here. I promise.
Choose: Okay. Promise!
Choose: Okay. Promise!
Percival nods before turning back to his brother.
Aglovale: Have you talked it over?
Percival: Yes. I will remain in Wales starting today.
Aglovale: I am relieved to hear those words. Then I will delegate a part of the land for you to govern.
Aglovale: To start, I am thinking of assigning the east district to you. What do you say?
Percival: The east district... The region along the river, on the opposite side of the city.
Vyrn: Was it the kinda barren town where the banks were low and the river overflowed?
Percival: That's right.
Aglovale: A country without conflict where even the powerless can live in peace—if that is still the ideal you pursue...
Aglovale: Then managing the east district may prove helpful in your journey to finding the way to your ideal. Will you accept the task?
Percival: I will.
Vyrn: Heheh, you're actually startin' to sound like a king!
Lyria: Do your best, Percival!
Percival: Heh. I swear I will not bring shame to any of you.
(Captain) nods encouragingly at Percival, confident he will accomplish anything he sets out to do.
Percival: Speaking of which, have you talked to Lamorak about this matter?
Aglovale: Lamorak?
Percival: Yes. I understand Lamorak has never been too involved with governing Wales...
Percival: But I'm certain he will be willing to assist when you need him.
Aglovale: ...
Percival: Aglovale?
Aglovale: Do not speak of this to anyone.
Aglovale: In truth, since I took up the role as head of the House of Wales, I have not been able to contact Lamorak at all.
Percival: Since you became head of the family... So three years ago?
Aglovale: Yes. But you know Lamorak—most likely, he is simply traveling to different places as he likes.
Aglovale: However, the fact that he has not sent a single letter back does concern me.
Aglovale: Tor's appointment was also secretly for the purpose of investigating Lamorak's whereabouts. His ability to access information networks compares to none.
Aglovale: But even with Tor's skills, we have been unable to grasp any clues regarding Lamorak.
Percival: I was unaware that this was the situation...
Aglovale: Without conclusive evidence, we cannot cause uneasiness among the people. I apologize for having kept this from you as well.
Percival: No, you were only doing what was best.
Percival: But... this is concerning.
Aglovale: Yes.
Aglovale: (The mysterious bouquets that are left in front of the grave every year... I do not think them to be of any threat, but...)
Aglovale and Percival ponder in silence, their thoughts on the whereabouts of their brother whom they have not seen for years.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 1: Homeland - Episode 4
Lamorak carries the unconscious woman into the forest. He learns that the woman's name is Gareth, and that she was someone who had snuck into Feendrache under orders from the House of Wales. Upon hearing about her grudge against Feendrache, Lamorak decides to take her to the cabal's base.
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Lamorak puts the unconscious woman down on a patch of grass.
Lamorak: Well, I guess I've carried her far enough. There shouldn't be anyone here.
???: Ngh...
???: Ah! Who are you?
Lamorak: Whoa! You're awake!
Lamorak: Wait, are you sure you should get up that fast? Don't you feel dizzy?
???: Oh, you're... Lamorak of the House of Wales.
Lamorak: Oh... Um, yeah, I am.
Gareth: Are you here on Aglovale's behalf? To finish the sneaky Gareth off for her betrayal?
Gareth: Heh, well, whatever. I was planning to die anyway. Boil me, bake me—do what you want.
Lamorak: Wha? On Aggy's behalf? Betrayal?
Gareth: Stop pretending like you don't know.
Gareth: The House of Wales sent me over to Feendrache so that they could take possession of it.
Lamorak: (Just as I thought... I had a feeling when I saw the mark on her neck, but I don't want this conversation to drag out for too long.)
Lamorak: Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about!
Gareth: No... idea?
Lamorak: Anyway, what made you collapse like that? Don't tell me you haven't eaten for days or something?
Lamorak: If you're hungry, let me go pick some strawberries for you! There happens to be a place nearby with a ton of them—
Gareth: ...
Like opening the gate of a dam, tears begin to pour from Gareth's eyes and she doubles over on the ground.
Lamorak: What's wrong? Does it hurt somewhere?
Gareth: Lady Isabella... It's because I was useless that you...
Gareth: Feendrache... I'll never forgive them... Feendrache!
Lamorak: Okay? Feendrache, huh...
Lamorak: (In any case, I can't just leave her here...)
Lamorak: Hey, do you have anywhere to go? If not, you want to come to the workshop?
Lamorak: If you've got something against Feendrache, there just might be someone there you'll get along with.
Gareth: Someone I'll get along with?
Lamorak: Let's get moving! Though, what you're wearing now probably won't do... Here, put this on!
Lamorak pulls out a cloak from his belongings and gently drapes it over Gareth's shoulders.
Gareth: Hey! What do you think you're—
Lamorak: Don't worry about it! Come on!
Lamorak takes the hesitant Gareth by the hand and pulls her along, running between the beams of sunlight filtering through the treetops.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 2: Cabal - Episode 1
Lamorak takes Gareth to Merlin's magic workshop, where she meets two members of the cabal—Aleis and Rowley. Aleis insists that Rowley is her son, while Rowley attempts to run from Aleis the moment he sees her. Lamorak asks Aleis to find something for Gareth to wear. After Gareth changes into a clean and more suitable outfit, Lamorak leads her out of the workshop once more.
Lamorak: Here we are! We've arrived at Merlin's magic workshop!
Gareth: Ugh... Where are we?
Lamorak: I just told you. Merlin's magic workshop!
Gareth: That doesn't tell me anything! Who the heck is this "Merlin" anyway...
Gareth: Wait. You mean the magician Merlin?
Lamorak: Heheh, that's right. This place's where the magician Merlin is.
Lamorak grins fearlessly at Gareth, who turns to survey the old building.
???: Quite the noisy bunch, aren't you? Can't you turn it down just a little when returning home?
Lamorak: Hey, Aleis!
Let me introduce you. Gareth, this is Aleis.
Let me introduce you. Gareth, this is Aleis.
Lamorak: She looks after the magic workshop's inventory and helps out with Merlin's research. Oh, and she's a hard-core shut-in!
Aleis: You call that an introduction?
Lamorak: Well, it's true that you hardly ever leave the workshop. You're gonna rot in here if you don't come out from time to time.
Aleis: No way, I don't like the outside. The sunlight is too strong—it's bad for the skin.
Aleis: Anyway, who's that with you?
Lamorak: Oh, just someone I took under my wing along the way.
Lamorak replies cheerfully before leaning in to whisper in Aleis's ear.
Lamorak: It seems this girl has quite the grudge against Feendrache. She's also probably a distant relative of ours.
Aleis: A relative? How do you know?
Lamorak: You know how the old tales go. Royalty make the descendants of their cadet family do the country's dirty work for them in the shadows.
Lamorak: I'll gather more evidence later, but looking at the mark at the nape of her neck, chances are that's what's going on here.
Aleis: Okay... So you're planning to use her in your investigation of the holy sword and the reason for its manifestation.
Lamorak: Something like that. Better having something than nothing, right?
Aleis: I suppose so. That could be useful.
Gareth: Hey. What're you two whispering about?
Lamorak: Oh, um... We were just talking about what kind of clothes would match you!
Gareth: Clothes?
Lamorak: Yeah. After all, you can't go walking around town in that getup.
Isn't there something you can lend her, Aleis?
Isn't there something you can lend her, Aleis?
Aleis: Very well. I guess it can't be helped.
Aleis: Hm?
Rowley: Whoa!
Just then, Aleis notices a young man walking by and breaks out into a grin.
Aleis: Rowley! Did you choose those clothes all by yourself? How wonderful!
Rowley: ...!
Gareth: Who's that?
Aleis: He's my son. I'm very sorry—he's at that age where he's not too good with people.
Gareth: Your... son?
Aleis: Cute, right? His eyes are exactly like mine.
Lamorak: Aleis... Can't you hurry it up just a bit?
Aleis: Oh, fine. Come on in.
Aleis: I brought over a few things that I think might suit you. Which of these do you prefer?
Gareth: I've lived as a man for years. I don't know anything about female clothing.
Aleis: What? You haven't thought about this before at all?
Aleis: Oh dear. I can't believe I'll have to be the first one to show you.
Gareth: ...
Aleis: Hehe. Oh, don't be like that. I'm only joking.
Aleis: How about this white one? Try changing into this over there.
Gareth takes the ivory garb and opens the curtains to a changing space.
Lamorak's Voice: Oh yeah! Aleis, I brought back the magic core you told me to get.
Aleis's Voice: We're in the middle of changing here.
Oh, that's a pretty good one you have there.
Oh, that's a pretty good one you have there.
Lamorak's Voice: A merchant just starting off his business didn't know the value of it and sold it to me for cheap. There were some defects in the lot too, so it was hard picking this one out.
Gareth: ...
Gareth: I'm done.
Aleis: Oh my, that certainly looks good on you. Now we just need to tidy up that hair...
Aleis nimbly ties up Gareth's unruly hair and stands her in front of a mirror.
Gareth: ...!
Lamorak: Wow, I hardly recognized you! You look great!
Aleis: But of course. Anything I choose just can't go wrong.
In any case, what are you planning to do next?
In any case, what are you planning to do next?
Lamorak: I'll be going out to investigate together with Gareth. Thanks for the help, Aleis!
Lamorak: All right, let's get going then! I'd like you to help me with my plan!
Gareth: H-hey, wait! Stop pulling me!
Lamorak tugs Gareth along, making his way out the door in high spirits.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 2: Cabal - Episode 2
Percival is in his room, lost in thought, when a mysterious lady suddenly enters through his window, telling him that her master is calling for him. The Lord of Flames follows the lady out to the courtyard, where a disguised Lamorak appears in front of him.
The night of the crew's arrival to Wales Castle, Percival sits in his own room deep in thought.
Percival: (Never did I imagine myself to return home in this way...)
Percival: (I have been but an observer for the most part in terms of governing the country. But perhaps I can discover new ideals through the experience of governing myself.)
Percival: (The east district is an area I had always wanted to work on.)
Percival: (I must fulfill my role here and bring the ideals I envision to reality... for the sake of my vassals as well.)
Percival: ...
Percival: (But where could Lamorak have gone to? I can only hope that he is safe...)
Woman in White: ...
Percival: ...!
Who goes there!
Who goes there!
The window to his room opens without warning, and a woman steps in, emitting a mysterious light as a breeze ruffles her white garment.
Woman in White: The master calls on you. Follow me.
Percival: Master? Who are you? State your name!
Woman in White: ...
Percival: What! Did she jump off?
The woman disappears, as if sucked away into a vortex. Percival rushes to the window and looks out.
Percival: (No one's there... This room is located quite high up. How did she manage to climb up here?)
Percival: (I should go take a look.)
Percival: (This should be the room directly under mine...)
Woman in White: This way, Lord Percival.
Percival: So there you are.
Percival: Tell me, who are you? And who is the person you call "master"?
Woman in White: ...
The woman smiles softly and begins to walk toward the forest behind the castle, as if inviting Percival to follow her.
Percival: Is she the spirit of a monster? Though it doesn't appear that way to me...
Percival: I should report back to Aglovale.
Lamorak: Ah... I was afraid he might say that.
Lamorak steps out from the shade of the trees from where he had been observing, an uneasy expression on his face.
Lamorak: I didn't want to do this, but looks like I have no choice.
Percival: Hm? Is someone there?
Lamorak: Haha.
Percival: What...
Percival turns and widens his eyes in surprise at the Harvin man standing behind him, undetected until this point.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 2: Cabal - Episode 3
Hiding his true identity, Lamorak talks to Percival, who suspects the Harvin man in front of him to be Lusor from the cabal. Pretending to chase after the mysterious lady, Lamorak dives into the forest, prompting Percival to follow after him. The lady—Gareth in disguise—and Lamorak act according to plan and manage to push Percival into a large pit located deep in the forest. Lamorak suffers a scratch on his cheek during the process.
Lamorak: Why, hello! Lovely evening, wouldn't you say? The Lord of Flames... Percival!
Percival: An intruder!
Lamorak: Whoa, whoa! Wait a second! That's not very nice of you to suddenly draw your sword like that!
Percival: I believe I have enough reason to do so upon seeing a suspicious intruder roaming the castle gardens in the dead of night.
Lamorak: Wha! I'm in the castle gardens?
Lamorak: Oh dear, I had no idea! Does that make me an illegal trespasser?
Percival: Yes.
Lamorak: So that's why you're pointing your sword at me!
Lamorak: Oh no, I'm so sorry! Please accept my apologies!
Percival: (What is with this man? I can't tell if he's scheming something or just careless...)
Percival: (Wait. A Harvin with a goatee dressed as a traveler... Could he be the leader of the cabal, Lusor?)
Percival: What is your name, intruder?
Lamorak: Huh? My name? Why would you wanna know something like that?
Percival: Is it not customary to ask for one's name? Or do you mean to tell me that you cannot reveal it for certain reasons?
Lamorak: Hmm... Well, I guess I could tell you...
Woman in White: ...
Lamorak shifts his gaze to the entrance of the forest to find the woman from earlier standing silently.
Lamorak: Hey, there's the fairy! Wait for me!
Percival: Wait!
Lamorak slips past Percival and starts to run toward the woman.
Percival: (A suspicious man indeed.)
Percival: (Did he call the mysterious woman a fairy? I can't allow them to get away—I need to find out more about them.)
Percival runs after the nimble Harvin into the forest.
Gareth: ...
Lamorak: I didn't think I'd get to meet a real fairy! Where're you going? Are you going to lead us to a beautiful lake or something?
Percival: Hey. What is this "fairy" you keep talking about?
Lamorak: A fairy is a fairy! Do you know the tale about the fairies of Feendrache, Percival?
Percival: The fairies of Feendrache?
Lamorak: Yep! They reside in a place called Camlann and lend their power to the knights who protect Feendrache.
Lamorak: The holy sword Excalibur that appeared before is so powerful, it can purge an entire flock of dragons!
Lamorak: And I hear the captain of the White Dragons, Lancelot, received a special weapon from the fairies too!
Percival: Lancelot?
Lamorak: That's right! I got so excited when I heard the story!
Lamorak: I started looking around to see if Wales had any sort of tale like that too.
Lamorak: That's when I got some intel about a demoncat that lives in these woods! And now here I am, looking into it myself.
Percival: Hm. And you believe that woman to be one of the spirits you seek?
Lamorak: Well, she has that aura around her! Kinda sublime and mystical, you know?
Gareth: ...
Lamorak: She wandered off the road! Come on, we need to catch up before we lose sight of her, Percy!
Percival: Percy?
Lamorak: (Oops!)
Percival: Why did you call me that?
Lamorak: Um, you see...
Percival: ...
Lamorak: Ahaha...
Percival: ...
Lamorak: Sigh...
Lamorak: I mean, we've known each other for a while now, so I thought I could call you Percy!
Percival: (His overly familiar demeanor reminds me of a certain someone...)
Percival: (He's just like that mongrel. The calling people by nicknames without their permission especially.)
Lamorak: (Phew, looks like I'm still safe for now!)
Percival: (This won't do. I'm being dragged along at this man's pace. I need to find out who he is.)
Percival: My name aside, it's time you told me yours—
Lamorak: If we keep talking like this, we're going to lose the fairy! Come on, Percy!
Percival: Hey! Who said you could go off on your own? And don't call me by that nickname!
Lamorak: Huh? She's gone!
They follow the woman's trail until they reach a large, bottomless pit surrounded by mysterious-looking stone pillars.
Percival: I didn't know there was a place like this in the woods.
Lamorak: That's strange... Did the fairy go down this pit?
Percival: Wait. Don't lean over the hole like that or you'll—
Lamorak: Waaah!
Lamorak tumbles into the hole. A thick tree root sticking out from the wall of the pit scratches him on the cheek.
Lamorak: Ouch!
Percival: What did I tell you!
Percival dashes to the edge of the pit to find the man dangling, barely hanging on to a part protruding from the wall as he looks up desperately.
Lamorak: Help me, Percy! I'm going to fall!
Percival: Stop calling me that! I'll pull you up now.
Percival: What!
Zombie: Grrr...
Percival: W-whoa!
Lamorak: Sorry, Percy.
The zombie that suddenly appears from behind pushes Percival into the pit. Lamorak watches as his brother hurtles toward the bottom, an impish smile on his face.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 2: Cabal - Episode 4
With her mission of luring Percival to the pit complete, Gareth tries to leave, intending to end her own life. Lamorak stops her and explains the motives of those in the cabal as well as the death of his mother, telling Gareth that he wants her to continue living. Convinced to stay for the time being, Gareth reveals her real name to Lamorak—Dindrane.
Lamorak: All righty...
Lamorak: Whew! I'm glad I decided to bring one along with me after all.
Lamorak looks at the undead creature he is controlling with necromancy and breathes a sigh of relief.
Lamorak: I guess this is where we say goodbye. Take care on your way home!
Zombie: Grrr...
Lamorak: Oh, Miss Fairy! You can come out now. Nice work!
Gareth: Don't call me that. It's over.
Lamorak: That was a fantastic performance! You've got some talent in acting!
Gareth: Hah, don't be ridiculous. I'm not weird enough to enjoy every moment of acting like an innocent no-brain like you.
Lamorak: You're right—I did enjoy that a lot! Maybe I should try being an actor then!
Gareth: Hmph.
Lamorak: Where're you going?
Gareth: I lured that man into the pit as you instructed. You should have no further use for me.
Lamorak: Are you planning to die?
Gareth: None of your business.
Lamorak: Aww, don't say that. Besides, if you don't return those clothes, Aleis is going to be mad...
Gareth: So what?
If you have something you want to say, just say it.
If you have something you want to say, just say it.
Lamorak: Okay, I'll say it then. Would you be up for taking revenge on Feendrache?
Gareth: Revenge on Feendrache?
Gareth: Ah, I see. The House of Wales is still trying to take Feendrache for their own.
Lamorak: No, no! That's not what I meant. I want you to help me in making Merlin's wish come true!
Gareth: Merlin's wish?
Lamorak: He's had it quite rough. He lost both the country and the king he'd served all at once, fourteen years ago.
Lamorak: All this time he's been waiting for the right opportunity to take revenge on Feendrache, whom he believes to be responsible.
Lamorak: I don't know what happened with you, but if you've got a grudge against Feendrache, you might be interested in what we're doing too.
Gareth: What happened... with me...
Gareth: Lady Isabella, I apologize for the wait. I have brought the alma with me.
Isabella: ...
Gareth: Lady Isabella?
Lady Isabella!
Lady Isabella!
Gareth: ...!
Lamorak: What is now being called the "cabal" is a gathering of those filled with sadness from not being able to have what they want most.
Lamorak: For Merlin, it's his homeland and king. For Aleis, it's her real son. For Rowley, it's a parent who can accept him for who he is.
Gareth: Aleis's real son?
Lamorak: Didn't you think Aleis and Rowley to be strange back there? Well, I suppose they are connected by blood, strictly speaking.
Lamorak: Rowley is a homunculus created in the likeness of her deceased son. They're not true mother and son.
Lamorak: But Aleis believes Rowley to be her son, resurrected. And of course Rowley would hate that.
Gareth: I had no idea that was what's going on between the two...
Lamorak: To Rowley, his parent is Merlin, who had created him and brought him into existence. But Merlin hardly thinks of himself as a parent.
Lamorak: They don't really mesh with each other. It's hard watching them like that.
Gareth: Do you have something you weren't able to obtain?
Lamorak: Oho? Could you be interested in little old me now?
Gareth: No. I'm just asking whether you have something like that or not.
Lamorak: Right.
For me... it would be my mother.
For me... it would be my mother.
Gareth: Your mother?
Lamorak: She was the best mom! Even when I had a fight with Aggy...
Young Lamorak: Sigh...
Herzeloyde: Lamorak! You aren't scared sitting at a window sill so high up?
Young Lamorak: I'm fine. I've always wanted to become a bird someday and fly high into the sky anyway.
Herzeloyde: Oh my, sounds wonderful! That would be fun, wouldn't it?
Herzeloyde: In that case, I'll be a perch. Come on, little birdie Lamorak! I've got a nice resting place for you.
Young Lamorak: Ooh, that looks like the perfect place to rest my wings! Flitter, flitter!
Lamorak climbs down from the high window he had been sitting at and runs over to Herzeloyde, hopping onto her knee.
Herzeloyde: What's the matter? Did you have a fight with Aglovale?
Young Lamorak: Aggy keeps telling me that I won't be a child forever, and that I should read some books on tactics and stuff.
Young Lamorak: He's so stubborn and boring. I hate it.
Herzeloyde: Ah, yes. You and Aglovale have completely different things you like and ways of thinking.
Young Lamorak: Are Aggy and me really blood-related, Mom?
Herzeloyde: Of course you are! Both of you are my precious children whom I painstakingly birthed from my own womb.
Herzeloyde: But just because you're connected by blood, it doesn't mean that you have to be the same necessarily. You're both individual people.
Herzeloyde: Aglovale should do what he wants, and you should do what you want, Lamorak. That's what I think.
Young Lamorak: Okay. Then, um...
Herzeloyde: Hm?
Young Lamorak: I, um... Well...
Young Lamorak: Would it be all right if I didn't become a big kahuna like Aggy?
Young Lamorak: I want to be free, traveling far and wide and doing whatever I like. Would you be mad if I did that?
Herzeloyde: Of course not. If that's what you want, Lamorak, then I will support you.
Young Lamorak: Oh, okay. Hehe, thanks, Mom! I love you!
Lamorak: I was the odd one in my family, often doing things that weren't seen as appropriate.
Lamorak: But my mother accepted me for being me. There was no one I loved more than her.
Gareth: Herzeloyde? I heard that she'd passed away in the year our neighboring country broke out in civil war...
Lamorak: That's right. She was terribly hurt by villagers who had degraded themselves to banditry.
Lamorak closes the distance between him and Gareth and puts a hand on her shoulder, looking at her with imploring eyes.
Lamorak: Hey... Don't go.
Lamorak: I don't want anyone else to die. I don't want to be sad anymore. I've had enough.
Lamorak: You can do whatever you want; it doesn't matter what. Just say that you'll continue living. Please.
Gareth: Ergh... Why should I have to hear that from you, huh?
Lamorak: Do I need a reason to want to save you? I'm doing this because I want to. What's wrong with that?
Lamorak's hand tightens on Gareth's shoulder as he draws her into an embrace.
Lamorak: Live... okay?
Gareth: ...!
Lamorak: Live. Please.
Gareth: ...
Gareth: Fine... But only until we've taken revenge on Feendrache.
Lamorak: Okay. Thanks.
Lamorak releases Gareth, dropping to a crouch. He begins to trace the ground with his finger and draws a magic circle.
Lamorak: By the way, Gareth isn't your real name, is it? What should I call you?
Gareth: How did you know that?
Lamorak: Well, it doesn't suit you at all. Won't you tell me your real name?
Gareth: It's... Dindrane.
Lamorak: Oh, wow. That's a beautiful name! Then I'll call you Din from now on.
Dindrane: ...
Lamorak: Come on, Din.
Dindrane: Right...
Dindrane: (He's supposed to be from the House of Wales, but strangely enough... I don't mind being around him.)
Dindrane follows closely behind Lamorak, using the plants growing along the walls of the pit to descend into the darkness.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 3: Trial - Episode 1
At the bottom of the pit, Percival is confronted by a silver beast. Though it has met the Wales brothers before when they were young, Percival has no recollection of the encounter as the memory has been sealed with the beast's magical power. The silver beast reveals itself to be Cath Palug, a guardian who has a pact with the House of Wales, and it challenges Percival to a trial.
Percival: Rgh...
Percival: Where am I?
Percival wakes up in the darkness and immediately surveys his surroundings.
He tilts his head back to look at the hole in the distant ceiling, beyond which he can make out parts of a familiar forest.
Percival: That's right. I fell into a pit... which means this must be the bottom of it.
Percival: That man... and the woman in white. What happened to them?
???: Oho. I was wondering who had dared come to disturb me... The third son, is it?
Percival: Who goes there! How did I not sense your presence?
Silver Beast: Bold of you to come into my territory and greet me in such a way.
Silver Beast: I should be the one asking who you are—I already know though. Percival from the House of Wales.
Percival: You know me?
Silver Beast: The question is, how do you not know me?
Percival: ...?
Silver Beast: Heh... Hahaha!
Percival: What is so funny?
Silver Beast: Nothing. Just that I had almost forgotten myself.
Silver Beast: My encounter with you three brothers once was an unexpected one. That was why I sealed your memories of it.
Silver Beast: The others may remember it as a fleeting dream, but you were quite young at the time. Seems it has completely disappeared from the shores of your memory.
Percival: ...
Silver Beast: But no matter. Regardless, it has always been my intention to have a talk with one from the House of Wales.
The silver beast slowly gets up, its eyes narrow and the corners of its mouth curling into a cunning smile.
Cath Palug: My name is Cath Palug. I am the one who protects Wales and grants trials to those contending to be king.
Cath Palug: When the Otherworld gate opened, the salvation this country had been granted was broken. And now, Wales faces a new threat.
Cath Palug: Answer my question! You who reigns as lord over the blazing flames, Percival!
Percival: ...
Percival: (It seems I've gotten caught up in something strange. This must be the demoncat the man spoke of earlier.)
Percival: (I doubt it will let me leave easily. In that case, I will overcome whatever trial it presents me with and then go after the man.)
Feeling the intensity of the air around him, Percival fixes his gaze on the outlandish yet awe-inducing opponent in front of him.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 3: Trial - Episode 2
While Percival is facing Cath Palug in the pit, Tor visits Aglovale at his office to report on Percival's disappearance. Aglovale goes out to the castle courtyard and searches the area with (Captain) and company. Noticing footprints on the ground, the crew and Aglovale follow them into the forest.
Meanwhile, Aglovale is in his office, running his pen over papers in a practiced fashion.
Tor's Voice: Pardon the interruption. There is a matter I would like to report on.
Aglovale: Hm. Come in.
Tor's Voice: Excuse me.
Tor: My apologies. It may not necessarily be the most urgent of matters...
Aglovale: Speak.
Tor: When I paid a visit to Lord Percival's room earlier, your brother was nowhere to be seen.
Tor: It appears he has gone outside. He had informed the gatekeeper he would return immediately—however, I am told that it has been approximately an hour's time since.
Aglovale: Hm... That is unusual of Percival indeed.
Aglovale: (Tor must have had a bad feeling about it. His intuition is usually correct—it would be unwise to disregard it.)
Tor: What would you like to do, my lord?
Aglovale: Excellent timing—I have just finished up with my work. I shall go with you.
Aglovale and Tor exit the castle to find (Captain) and company searching the area, having already been notified of Percival's sudden disappearance.
Aglovale walks around the grounds until he reaches the area directly below Percival's room.
Aglovale: ...
Lyria: Have you found something, Aglovale?
Aglovale: There are remnants of some magic here.
Vyrn: Did Sir Burnsalot use magic?
Aglovale: No... If this was Percival's magic, it would have left chars and a burnt smell.
Aglovale: It must have been an intruder. Could it be related to Percival's disappearance?
Choose: Look here!
Holding up a lantern with one hand, (Captain) points to something on the ground.
Vyrn: Footprints, huh? You think they're Sir Burnsalot's?
Lyria: They lead into the forest! Let's follow them, (Captain)!
Aglovale: Wait. The woods are dark at this hour; you will be lost on your own without proper knowledge of the area.
Aglovale: I will go to search. All of you stay here at the castle.
Vyrn: Wait a second. You're gonna go on your own? You know this place like the back of your hand or somethin'?
Aglovale: These woods have been my playground since I was a boy. It is unlikely that I will become lost.
Lyria: But we're worried too!
Choose: Take us with you!
Aglovale: Heh. Stubborn, are we? I suppose you would not be suitable for the role of Percival's vassal if you did not have such obstinacy.
Aglovale: If you promise not to stray from my side, I shall allow you to come with me.
Lyria: Oh, thank you, Aglovale!
Following Percival's footprints left on the ground, the crew steps into the dark forest in the dead of night.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 3: Trial - Episode 3
When presented with the question of what kind of country he envisions, Percival tells Cath Palug that he wants to build an ideal kingdom together with the help of his vassals. The silver beast asks Percival what he would do if his friends end up someday betraying him. Meanwhile, Aglovale treads through the forest, somewhat reminded of a distant memory. When he discovers the large pit, a barrier prevents everyone but himself from approaching the area. Aglovale thinks of a way to break the barrier.
Lamorak: Whew, we're finally at the bottom.
Lamorak: And just as I thought, Din—you passed through the demoncat's barrier no problem.
Dindrane: What do you mean?
Lamorak: Mm... Never mind.
Lamorak: (I guess I should look into Arthur's roots after all.)
Sifting through his thoughts, Lamorak peers over at the center of the pit, where Percival and Cath Palug are fixated on each other.
Lamorak: Looks like the trial's begun already. I thought the demoncat would say it had to be Aggy, but miraculously that doesn't seem to be the case.
Lamorak: Let's watch them for now.
Percival: What is your question?
Cath Palug: The same question I asked your older brother once. How do you wish to build your country?
Percival: I wish to build up a country where the lives of all citizens are equal. A peaceful place where even the weak can live securely.
Percival: I understand that this will not be an easy task. By attempting to save everyone at once, I could end up endangering others.
Percival: That is why I have vassals whom I can trust will help me reach my ideal. We swore to work together to make it a reality.
Cath Palug: Oho. A naive plan is merely comprised of empty dreams and fleeting pleasure; I had thought to shatter them, but it appears that will not be necessary.
Cath Palug: It is as you say. What cannot be attained by oneself can be manifested with the help of others.
Cath Palug: However, what will you do if your friends betray your trust?
Percival: Betray my trust?
Cath Palug: It is not entirely impossible.
Cath Palug: Through his involvement with the Otherworld, your brother pushed Wales and the neighboring countries to the brink of destruction.
Cath Palug: Did it not cross your mind even once that you could not trust him—your family—any longer?
Percival: ...
Lyria: It doesn't seem like Percival's anywhere...
Vyrn: The footprints are still going though. Why did he come all the way out here?
Aglovale: I don't go this deep into the forest that often myself. He must have been pursuing something.
Young Lamorak: Come on! If you don't hurry, I'm gonna pick all the strawberries for myself!
Young Aglovale: Lamorak, wait! Why're you going so fast by yourself?
Aglovale: (What was that memory just now?)
Young Percival: Aglovale... Is it really okay for us to go this far into the forest?
Young Aglovale: Once we catch Lamorak, we'll return to the castle. Make sure you do not leave my side, Percival.
Aglovale: (Have I come here with my brothers before?)
Aglovale tries to draw out the faint memory, but it escapes him, remaining in a strange haze deep within his mind.
Lyria: Ooh... We've lost the footprints. What should we do?
Vyrn: There sure are a lotta rocks around here... Don't think we'll find any more footprints.
Aglovale: ...
Choose: Is something the matter?
Aglovale: No, I'm fine... Have the footprints disappeared?
Lyria: Yes... This is the farthest they go.
Lyria holds the lantern close to the ground, shining light on the area.
Aglovale: This place...
Young Lamorak: I found a secret paaath!
I am the bringer of justice, Strawberry Man! Onward!
I am the bringer of justice, Strawberry Man! Onward!
Aglovale: This way.
Without another word, Aglovale turns and begins to walk off the path.
Vyrn: Hey, where're ya goin'? Aglovale!
Lyria: Let's follow him, (Captain)!
Young Percival: Aglovale! Lamorak's fallen into this pit!
Young Aglovale: Take my hand, Lamorak! I'll pull you up!
Young Lamorak: Watch out, Aggy! It's going to crumble!
The Brothers: Waaah!
Aglovale: (I know this pit...)
He follows the trail to find a large bottomless pit, surrounded by stone pillars.
Aglovale: Hm?
Aglovale notices the remains of an erased magic circle next to the pit.
Aglovale: (It hasn't been long since magic was used here. Perhaps I can still bring it back...)
When Aglovale extends his hands over the magic circle, crystals fall onto it like snow. Pulled by the remnants of magic, they gather to form a circular pattern.
The crystals float up and hover in the air. Careful not to destroy their shape, Aglovale seals the circle in a sheet of ice.
Aglovale: (A part of it is missing. If I can restore all of the magic, I may be able to analyze the spell used...)
Lyria: Aglovale! Aglovale!
Aglovale: What's the matter?
Lyria: Um, how... did you get inside there?
(Captain) and company stand outside the stone pillars. Confused, they gesture at a translucent wall that bars them from entering the area.
Perplexed, Aglovale reaches out to touch the wall. However, his arm goes straight through the barrier without any resistance.
Vyrn: What's going on here?
Aglovale: A barrier through which only I am able to pass... Percival must have been able to as well.
Aglovale: It's the demoncat of Wales...
Vyrn: Demoncat? What's that?
Aglovale: I will explain later. I should be able to do something about this barrier.
Aglovale: All of you, stand back.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 3: Trial - Episode 4
At Cath Palug's question, Percival replies that he understands the risk—regardless, he believes his friends will return and that they will be able to join hands once more to fulfill the ideal he envisions. Lamorak watches this exchange between his brother and the silver beast from afar, unsure of what to think. Cath Palug gives a trial to Percival, telling him to prove that he has the strength to bring his ideal to reality.
Cath Palug: ...
Percival stands before the demoncat, firmly rooted in his belief that ideals which cannot be achieved alone can be attained with the support of others.
He frowns at Cath Palug's sudden question: What if his friends betray his trust?
Lamorak: That's a pretty mean question.
Dindrane: The Otherworld... Gahmuret gave me a part of the power as well.
Dindrane: (I ended up giving that power to Lady Isabella, but right after, she...)
Lamorak: I could understand Father's wish to resurrect Mom from the dead...
Lamorak: But I was surprised that Aggy tried to go down the same path. I thought he would surely be able to resist it.
Dindrane: You mean even Aglovale gave in to his desire to see your mother?
Lamorak: Haha. Shocking, right?
Lamorak: You really surprised me then, Aggy.
Percival: Betrayed by my trusted friends... That would be a big problem.
Percival: It is true that no matter how honorable a lord may be, his reputation can easily be ruined with the betrayal of his retainers. I would be no exception.
Cath Palug: So you understand. Despite this, how do you intend to bring your ideals to reality?
Percival: Heh. You've answered the question yourself.
Cath Palug: Oh?
Percival: I knew my brother had dabbled in studying the forbidden arts. Even so, all I thought about was how to save him.
Percival: I believed that he would come back to stand on the right path. That is why it did not occur to me in the slightest to abandon him.
Percival: And sure enough, my brother now walks the path he is meant for once again. He is working hard to build the strong and prosperous country that he envisions.
Cath Palug: You believed in him even when he betrayed your trust? Is that not simply foolishness?
Percival: One who blindly believes in his own fantasies is indeed a fool. I, however, am different.
Percival: I look at the person, and what they have in their heart. If the righteous soul I once believed in still breathes within them, then I believe there is reason yet to give them my trust.
Percival: Condemning someone for their wrongdoings is simple. But one must never eradicate the way back to the right path and give up on the possibility of redemption.
Lamorak: Percy...
Cath Palug: Gahaha! The naivety in your ideals is as plain as day.
Cath Palug: You are no different than your young self, when you offered up all of your precious strawberries and told me to let your brothers go.
Percival: Once I put my trust in someone, I will always believe them until the end.
Percival: No matter what happens, I will never extinguish my flames. Even if those around me stray from their paths, I know they will come back with my flame as their guide.
Percival: And when they are ready to walk together with me once more, we will join hands and pave a way to the future!
Percival: That is my belief. It is with this belief that I will bring the ideal I envision to fruition!
Lamorak: Percy's always so cool.
Lamorak: (Percy... Do you believe that even I will be able to return to the path I strayed from?)
Lamorak: (Will you come and bring me back, just like how you did with Aggy?)
Dindrane: (Lamorak's acting a bit strange...)
Cath Palug: Hm. Very well.
Spreading the wings on its back, Cath Palug lowers its head as if targeting prey.
Cath Palug: If you truly believe that you can bring back those who have gone astray and work together with them to achieve your ideal...
Cath Palug: Then show me you are capable of doing so, not with your words but with your strength!
Percival: It will be my pleasure!
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 4: Distrust - Episode 1
Percival receives a scarlet sword as proof of overcoming the trial from Cath Palug. When Aglovale and company arrive at the scene, Lamorak scrambles to leave the pit with Dindrane. Despite knowing all three Wales brothers are gathered at the same location, Cath Palug withholds this knowledge. The beast then challenges Aglovale to a trial of protecting the kingdom with the help of his brothers, granting the Lord of Frost a light capable of dispelling falsities.
Percival: Haaah!
Percival: It's over.
Percival uses all of his strength to subdue Cath Palug.
With a fiery blade at its throat, Cath Palug sinks to its knees and sneers at Percival.
Cath Palug: Gahaha! Your flames are truly beautiful—as if they could entirely smolder the hearts of the wicked.
Percival: Are you satisfied? If so, I will take my leave.
Percival: But before that, answer me this: what was the purpose of the trial?
Cath Palug: You've come this far without knowing the intent of the trial? I suppose I shall take this opportunity to explain it to you.
Cath Palug: You see, long ago, I made a pact with your ancestor...
Cath Palug: I have been ordered to share the knowledge and power I possess should Wales ever fall victim to danger.
Percival: You formed a pact with my ancestor?
Cath Palug: Indeed, and quite troublesome it was. To think a mortal would dare intrude and use me for his own benefit.
Cath Palug licks its paw and begins to groom itself, wiping the dirt off of its face.
Cath Palug: But in granting you my power, you will have the strength to protect Wales, which in turn will protect my home here.
Cath Palug: In the end, the one being used is not I, but rather, all of you.
Percival: And what kind of power have you granted us?
Cath Palug: Hm. A wielder of flames... In that case, I shall bestow this upon you.
When Cath Palug crouches low, a bright sphere of light appears on top of its head.
The light moves until it is in front of Percival before bursting apart like a bubble, revealing a sword of fiery scarlet.
Cath Palug: This is a special sword that will enhance your flames. Without proper control, its fire will consume even its wielder—however, that should not be a problem for you.
Cath Palug: May you always keep the noble flame in your heart alight, Percival, Lord of Flames.
Percival: A splendid blade. I shall receive it with gratitude.
Lamorak: The proof of conquest has successfully been received, just as I'd anticipated.
Lamorak: Well then, it's time for me to report back to Merlin on my investigation—
Cath Palug: Hm?
A noise like breaking glass suddenly sounds from overhead, beyond the opening of the pit.
???: Eeek!
Aglovale: ...
Soon, (Captain), Lyria, Vyrn, and Aglovale descend toward the bottom of the pit.
Lamorak: Ack, Aggy? It'll be bad if he sees us. We gotta run!
Dindrane: Huh? Okay...
Percival: Aglovale! Vassals!
Lyria: Percival!
Aglovale: I thought this was where you would be.
Aglovale: (And the creature over there must be the demoncat Cath Palug. The dream I have from time to time is true after all.)
Cath Palug: You've caught me by surprise. I did not think you would break my barrier and bring outsiders in with you.
Cath Palug: You know this is a sacred place. Could this be a form of rebellion, Aglovale, Lord of Frost?
Aglovale: Forgive my imprudence. However, these outsiders I have brought with me are Percival's most trusted vassals.
Cath Palug: I see. So these are the ones he is working together with to realize his ideals.
Aglovale: It is my turn to ask. Why did you call Percival and not myself? I should be the one to undergo the king's trial.
Cath Palug: I called no one. Your brother fell down here himself.
Aglovale: Fell down? What happened?
Percival: I noticed a mysterious woman walking around the castle grounds and followed her here.
Percival: A Harvin man was with her as well.
Aglovale: And where are the two of them now?
Percival: I do not know. After I fell into this pit, I was unconscious for a period of time.
Cath Palug: Hm, let me see...
Cath Palug closes its eyes and focuses, as if getting a sense of its surroundings.
Cath Palug: Two figures are leaving the cave. It appears there were others bold enough to trespass into my home.
Cath Palug: One is a woman with a mark on her neck. The other is a Harvin man...
Cath Palug: Wait! This man's presence...
Cath Palug: Heh heh... Hahaha! Who would have thought!
Without warning, the silver beast opens its mouth wide and laughs delightedly.
It prowls excitedly toward Aglovale and leans in close.
Cath Palug: I've changed my mind, Lord of Frost. I shall have you undergo the king's trial as well.
Aglovale: What is it that you want to know?
Cath Palug: I only want to know one thing: whether the three of you can work together to protect the country.
Percival: The three... of us?
Aglovale: ...
Cath Palug: Heh heh... But I suppose it would be unfair for you as it is. I shall grant you this.
Aglovale: What!
A blue light shoots out from Cath Palug's chest and abruptly envelops Aglovale.
Percival: Aglovale!
Aglovale: What is the meaning of this?
When the blue light finally fades, Aglovale finds a strange magic circle has been engraved into each of his gauntlets.
Cath Palug: The light from your gauntlets will now shine on those untrue and dissipate any falsities surrounding them.
Cath Palug: I am looking forward to seeing what you can do, Lord of Frost.
Cath Palug lets out another booming laugh before disappearing into the shadows of the pit.
Percival: What was that... The demoncat certainly acts on its whim.
Aglovale: ...
Vyrn: Hey, Sir Burnsalot. Just who were you chasin' earlier? What kinda people were they?
Percival: The woman was far from me, so I couldn't catch a glimpse of her face.
Percival: The Harvin man had a goatee and looked to be a traveler. He acted quite friendly with me from the very start.
Vyrn: Wait... A Harvin traveler with a goatee who acts real friendly? Doesn't that sound like...
Lyria: Could it be Lusor?
Percival: I had the same suspicion! But why would he approach me?
Aglovale: It appears we will need to investigate this matter.
Vyrn: Right. Anyway, boy are we glad you're safe, Sir Burnsalot!
With many mysteries unsolved, (Captain) and company escape from the pit and return to Wales Castle in the meantime.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 4: Distrust - Episode 2
Back at the cabal, Lamorak reports to Merlin on Percival's receiving of the sword and its requirements. Aleis attempts to question Lamorak on his loyalty, but Lamorak's serious answers are enough to satisfy Merlin. Unhappy, Aleis leaves the room.
Lamorak: And that's how we successfully had the demoncat manifest the proof of conquest.
Lamorak: As expected, the requirements for its manifestation were lineage, place, and the conviction to overcome the trial, and for the country to have been in recent danger.
Lamorak: It seems there are exceptions in terms of lineage, but in general, there are four requirements to count.
Lamorak: The experiment to incubate the Otherworld Key may have failed, but it has fulfilled the requirements for Wales to suffer the threat of destruction.
Merlin: I see... Very well.
Having returned to the magic workshop, Lamorak reports on his findings in Wales matter-of-factly.
Merlin listens without expression, his gaze focused on the magic tool he is putting together in front of him.
Lamorak: This may be slightly out of line for me, but...
Lamorak: Looking at how Lancelot came to receive the protection of the fairies as well, I believe the most important factor is conviction that is worthy of the proof of conquest.
Lamorak: I understand the feeling of not wanting to delve into the details of your troubled past...
Lamorak: But perhaps the only way to bring about the manifestation of the scabbard is for the prince of the fallen country to reveal the truth himself.
Merlin: I don't want to hear anything about Ywain from you.
Lamorak: Quite right... Forgive me.
Dindrane: (So that's Merlin... He's pretty gloomy and quiet.)
Aleis: I didn't think you'd actually test whether the proof of conquest would appear in Wales.
Aleis: Not to mention, using your own brother. Just what are you thinking?
Lamorak: Ah, so you were listening. What's wrong with using my brother?
Aleis: If you had used yourself to test it, you would've gotten the proof yourself. But you just let Wales take it like that.
Lamorak: Weren't you listening just now? It can't be me—I have no desire in spending any effort toward my homeland.
Lamorak: The demoncat would never let me take the test, even on a whim.
Aleis: Is that true though? For all we know, you could be lying to us so that you can foil our plans.
Aleis: The attack on Dalmore that ended up in failure could have been intentional as well. After all, Dalmore's a special place where you spent your youth, is it not?
Lamorak: Oho? Are you doubting me?
Aleis: Oh, of course not. You're a precious member of our team.
Aleis: It is simply a possibility that I can't help but think about, since you never show us any sincerity or skill that would gain our trust.
Lamorak: You're pretty greedy, aren't you, Aleis? Are you the type to get anxious if things aren't spelled out clearly for you?
Aleis: It is hard to convey feelings without words, after all.
Lamorak: Ah, so I've been told in the past. Then I shall put it into words for you as you wish.
Lamorak: I was thinking, there is a benefit to not bringing Dalmore to ruin.
Lamorak: If Dalmore had fallen then, without a doubt, it would have become a part of Feendrache, which it has an established alliance with.
Lamorak: If that were to come to pass, the advanced magic that Dalmore prides itself in would have become Feendrache's.
Aleis: So you're saying the alliance is better than merging? Wouldn't preventing the two countries from allying with each other be the best?
Lamorak: I mean, we've done a variety of experiments here and there, haven't we?
Lamorak: The three countries are not foolish enough to have a fallout while fighting the same opponent.
Aleis: Then why don't you reveal yourself and spur a fallout that way?
Aleis: The biggest weakness of the Lord of Frost, Aglovale, is his family. That's what you told us yourself.
Lamorak: You want me to persuade my brother and bring him here? I believe you're underestimating him a little too much.
Lamorak: It should be pretty clear why I've been taking measures to avoid any contact with him.
Aleis: All I hear are excuses. Sounds to me like you're just scared to confront your own brother.
Merlin: If you're going to fight, get out. You're getting in the way of my work.
Lamorak: Ah... My apologies for the disruption.
Merlin: What either of you is thinking makes no difference to me.
Merlin: Feendrache... It is a country that takes fallen lands and claims them as its own.
Merlin: It would've been meaningless if we destroyed Dalmore for the manifestation of the proof of conquest and allowed Feendrache to grow even stronger.
Merlin: As Lamorak says, it may have been better if we had begun our investigations in Wales where the information is laid out for us.
Aleis: ...!
Lamorak: Well, I'll be. Rare of you to offer words of praise.
Merlin: But get in my way, and I'll have you out of here in the blink of an eye.
Lamorak: I know, Merlin.
Aleis: Heh. Good at kissing up to people as usual.
Lamorak: Haha. Well, I did improvise a bit.
Dindrane: Improvise? Were you lying?
Lamorak: Oh, were you here the whole time?
Surprise flashes across Lamorak's face, but soon disappears into a smile.
Lamorak: What do you think? Did it sound like a lie or the truth to you?
Dindrane: I thought you worked for Merlin.
Lamorak: I am though? Wait, is it not obvious enough?
Lamorak: Aww, really? I mean, if I were to ever betray Merlin, I would start by blowing up this workshop first.
Dindrane: ...
Lamorak: Haha. you're so honest, Din. Cute, just like Percy!
Sensing that Merlin is about to return with his vials, Lamorak abruptly leaves the room.
Dindrane: (What is with him... He's so arrogant.)
Lamorak: Hey... Don't go.
Lamorak: I don't want anyone else to die. I don't want to be sad anymore. I've had enough.
Lamorak: You can do whatever you want; it doesn't matter what. Just say that you'll continue living. Please.
Dindrane: (Was that a lie too?)
Dindrane: Heh, I should've known better than to expect any more from someone from the House of Wales.
Scoffing at herself, Dindrane makes her way out the door.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 4: Distrust - Episode 3
Upon receiving news of Lusor making his appearance, Gawain arrives at Wales Castle. After greeting Gawain, Aglovale and Percival leave for the east district that Percival is set to govern in his brother's place. (Captain) and company are about to start their own investigations into the cabal when they are stopped by Tor, who asks them to help him with an errand at the town market. In town, Tor receives a note from a merchant.
Wales Castle is greeted by yet another unexpected visitor.
Gawain: So this is the infamous Wales Castle... Quite different from Archduke Hyland's tastes.
Tor: Welcome to Wales, my lord. We hope you enjoy your stay here.
Gawain: I'm not here to enjoy my time, per se. I hear Lusor's appeared.
Vyrn: We were pretty sure you'd come if we sent you a letter, but boy was that fast!
Gawain: He took Dalmore and its people for fools. I'm going to catch him this time for sure.
Aglovale: Your support is much appreciated, Gawain.
Gawain: Aglovale. Percival. This is my first time seeing the two of you together.
Gawain: Strange to think that Lamorak goes between the two of you...
Aglovale: Is that so? We were told often that we look alike.
Aglovale: I hear Lamorak has visited your home many times in the past. Thank you for looking after him.
Gawain: He didn't just visit—he got himself injured and stayed over at our place.
Gawain: It was just a few scratches that could've easily healed on their own, but he used that as an excuse to come over and have my mother heal him.
Percival: Yes, Lamorak is quite skilled in getting his way. I'm sure he was greatly interested in your house.
Gawain: I have no idea. I mean, if he came from a place like this, there's no way our small home could've impressed him.
Aglovale: I have a feeling that is exactly what he liked.
Gawain: Ah... That's right. He did say something about my small bed being fun. Even sneaked into my room without permission.
Vyrn: You guys sure were good friends!
Gawain: We were not good friends! I didn't even say he could come in!
Percival: He must have enjoyed it quite a lot. He never ran around our castle like that...
Aglovale: He is an esteemed son of the House of Wales in our country. He must have held back from doing so here.
Aglovale: Speaking of which, Gawain, what do you know of the man named Lusor? I have heard much of him, but I would like to know your opinion as well.
Gawain: Everything about the guy—from his behavior to his words—is revolting. He acted all friendly with me even on our first encounter.
Gawain: I don't mean this in a bad way, but he'd probably get along with Lamorak.
Aglovale: Lamorak, hm...
Percival: Aglovale?
Aglovale: Tell me more later. In the meantime, Percival and I have matters to attend to in the east district.
Aglovale: Take care of things here while we are away, Tor. I will leave the recruitment of new technicians to your judgment.
Tor: Understood. Best wishes on your journey, my lords.
Percival: What are these "technicians" you speak of, Aglovale?
Aglovale: I shall tell you on the way.
Tor bows respectfully as Aglovale and Percival make their way out the door.
Lyria: Are they going to the east district to talk about Percival's governing duties?
Tor: Yes. As Lord Percival will be taking over Lord Aglovale's responsibilities, they will need appropriate preparation.
Vyrn: So it's happenin', huh? I'm lookin' forward to seeing what kinda country he'll make it!
Lyria: He's not making a country just yet, Vyrn.
Vyrn: I know... but just "town" sounds kinda underwhelming, ya know?
Vyrn: Anyway, do you think Aglovale's lookin' into the cabal already? Doesn't seem that way to me...
Lyria: I know the castle guards have searched the courtyard, but I haven't heard anything else yet...
Tor: Unfortunately, Lord Aglovale has his hands full with transferring his responsibilities to Lord Percival.
Tor: However, we have instructed the guards to be more vigilant. Security should not prove to be an issue.
Gawain: With Lusor's sudden appearance, he's had to neglect other things... I guess that happens to even the best of leaders.
Gawain: But that shouldn't stop us from doing something in the meantime. Come on, (Captain)—let's start investigating first.
Tor: Before you begin your investigations, I have a favor to ask of all of you.
Gawain: What is it? Does it have something to do with the cabal?
Tor: Not at all.
There is something we ordered from the town market, you see, but it appears to be quite heavy.
There is something we ordered from the town market, you see, but it appears to be quite heavy.
Gawain: Are you telling us to transport cargo for you?
Tor: Yes. I have heard that you are exceptionally strong, Sir Gawain.
Gawain: Are you kidding? Why can't you just ask your own soldiers to do it?
Choose: Wait a minute.
(Captain) leans over and whispers to Gawain that Tor may have some circumstances that require their assistance.
Gawain: Circumstances? You mean something he can't say out in the open?
Gawain: All right... Fine, we'll do it.
Tor: Your help is much appreciated. Let us be on our way then.
Merchant: Oho! I see a big shot in Wales is here!
Tor: I can assure you I am not worthy to be called such. I merely serve under Lord Aglovale.
Merchant: Always a modest one, aren't you, Torry?
The crew arrives at the marketplace, where Tor is immediately greeted with a large smile and a pat on the back from a merchant.
Lyria: "Torry"? That's such a cute name! Do the two of you know each other?
Tor: Yes. Allow me to introduce him.
Tor: This man is a member of the merchants' guild. He is the one who taught me the fundamentals of business.
Merchant: Well, as you can see, the pupil's already overtaken the teacher.
Merchant: Torry's got guts. Not a drop of sweat from him no matter how great the challenge.
Merchant: Also really good at finding loopholes even I don't see and reeling in the profit.
Tor: Please. It was merely luck.
Merchant: Luck? Nah. When Torry was just starting out, he went to a noble's place by himself and managed to get a large contract out of it.
Tor: I attribute that to the courage I had in my youth... You flatter me...
Vyrn: Haha! I've never seen Tor this flustered before.
Merchant: Your youth? You're still young, Torry.
Merchant: Anyway, why don't we wrap up the chitchat here and start talking about business.
Tor: Very well. We are here to retrieve our order.
With the help of (Captain) and company, a number of wooden boxes are swiftly transferred to a wagon.
Tor: That should be all. If I may have the receipt to sign.
Merchant: Right. Here.
Tor immediately notices a twice-folded piece of paper slipped in between the notepad.
Tor: ...!
Thank you.
Thank you.
Tor: A Harvin man... Not to mention, this description of him...
Merchant: Bull's-eye.
The merchant goes to stand next to Tor and puts an arm around the young knight, whispering into his ear in a low voice.
Merchant: Hey, you sure you're not dabbling in some strange business?
Tor: As I have explained previously, Lord Aglovale is currently working on a project for flood control which requires specific magic tools.
Merchant: Ah, look at you. All grown up and hiding things from your teacher.
Merchant: Be careful though, you hear?
Tor: There is no need for concern. We can simply distance ourselves from any approaching threat.
Seeing the determination on Tor's face, the merchant lets go of the knight and waves his hands merrily.
Merchant: Haha, thank you for your patronage. Happy to work with you, big shot.
Tor: Again, I would prefer that you do not call me so. I am looking forward to working with you again.
Having successfully filled the cart with wooden boxes, the crew leave the marketplace and continue on their way.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 4: Distrust - Episode 4
On their way back from the market, Tor explains to the crew that he had taken them into town to avoid Lusor's eavesdropping magic, which he suspects to be present at the castle. He fills the others in on the three countries' investigations regarding the cabal, and reveals that they may have located the cabal's base with the help of the merchant. (Captain) and company are impressed by Tor's efficiency.
Vyrn: Now that we've got the cargo, are we gonna head back to Wales Castle?
Tor: No. As you have already suspected, there is a reason I brought you along with me.
Tor: (This is a little-trodden path, and I don't see anyone in the area. Perhaps it would be all right if I spoke about it here...)
Gawain: If you need some extra affirmation, no one's following us.
Tor: What?
Gawain: You were worried about our surroundings. But you were looking in all the wrong directions.
Gawain: I couldn't stand it so I surveyed the area myself.
Tor: So you realized...
Gawain: I noticed this during the investigations in Dalmore too. You're pretty uptight in some areas, but not at all for these kinds of things.
Tor: My apologies... Your assistance is much appreciated.
Tor straightens up and turns back to (Captain) and the others.
Tor: Actually, I have been instructed by Lord Aglovale to inform all of you of the investigations we have been making regarding the cabal.
Tor: As it is very likely that Lusor has been using magic to eavesdrop on us, there is a strict order to not speak of this within the castle.
Gawain: I see. It's as (Captain) had suspected.
Vyrn: So that's what's been happenin'. I guess we'd just get in the way if we started pokin' around ourselves.
Tor: I apologize for not having been able to explain clearly up until now.
Tor: Now, regarding our investigations on the cabal, we have just received some new intel.
Tor: We may have been able to trace the location of the cabal's base.
Lyria: Oh! How did you find out?
Tor: We have been searching for the location ever since the alliance between the three countries was formed.
Tor: Extrapolating from what information we do have, there is an extremely high possibility that the cabal has been using the leylines.
Tor: After the attack on Dalmore, we have been observing the leylines with the cooperation of all three countries.
Tor: And finally, our efforts bore fruit as of several days ago.
Florence: Working off of the information we received from Feendrache, I've marked the leylines where suspicious behavior has been occurring.
Florence: However, leylines are constantly active, making it difficult to pinpoint their locations even if we have them marked on a map.
Aglovale: You mentioned that caves and places suitable for hiding in the surrounding areas have been scoured thoroughly during investigations?
Tor: Yes. That is what is written in the report from Lady Florence.
Florence: I can't believe we still have yet to find any hints, despite all three countries putting in so much effort toward these investigations...
Tor: ...
Aglovale: Have you thought of something, Tor?
Tor: I have been contemplating—would it not be possible for their base to be located somewhere far from the leylines?
Florence: It would be quite difficult. Tools like magic cores can only be produced with the power of leylines...
Tor: But the power of leylines themselves can be drawn upon from afar?
Aglovale: You mean how I incubated the Otherworld Key. It is not impossible, but the magic circle required for such is not easy to hide.
Florence: It is as Lord Aglovale says. If there was a magic circle, it would have already been found by our investigation units.
Tor: If it was possible to hide oneself with magic in Dalmore, then perhaps it may be possible to hide a magic circle.
Florence: Ah! Now that you mention it...
Aglovale: It would be rather inefficient. In my case, as long as I was close to a leyline, there was no need to draw power from each place.
Tor: Yes, that is true...
As Tor ponders to himself, Florence connects the marks on the map by tracing them with her finger.
Florence: I don't believe it. But... is it truly possible?
Tor: Is something the matter?
Florence: This may sound ridiculous to you...
Florence: The locations of the leylines... If you connect each of the points with a straight line, it becomes a spell.
Florence: A spell of concealment that can hide one's presence...
Aglovale: You mean to say they have been using the leylines' trajectory to draw a magic circle that conceals their base and the focal point of the leylines?
Florence: Logically, it is possible. Rather, you can even call it a divine masterpiece made possible only with the most precise logic...
Florence: After all, the slightest shift in the trajectory would cause the magic circle to break, rendering their spell useless.
Aglovale: The cabal is comprised of those proficient in magic. It just may be possible for them to create such a divine masterpiece.
Aglovale: This seems to be a plausible theory...
Tor: It may be worth examining. Lady Florence, was that all that matches the requirements of a concealment spell?
Florence: No, most likely there is more than that. I will uncover them now. If I may have your support, Lord Aglovale!
Tor: We have managed to narrow it down to these four points...
Tor: If our theory is indeed correct, even if we send investigation units to look into them one by one, the enemy will quickly realize our plan.
Tor: That is why I am making independent investigations through the merchants in town.
Lyria: Oh wow, we had no idea...
Vyrn: That's Florence for ya. You're pretty good yourself, Tor! How'd ya manage to find that out?
Tor: I merely asked my teacher for a favor.
Tor: As we are about to begin working on flood control, I asked for magic core components to be restocked—and for faulty items to be "accidentally" mixed into the boxes with the good items.
Tor: As those boxes would no longer be of use, I had everything in them sold off cheap by new merchants.
Tor: My targets were craftsmen familiar with magic tools in each area. I am certain they have the eye to discern the good from the bad and buy only those.
Tor: While these magic cores are being sold, we can gather information about craftsmen from across the country, which will prove useful for when we decide on the appointment of roles in flood control.
Tor: And most of all, we were able to find a particular friendly Harvin gentleman with a goatee.
Gawain: No wonder you're Aglovale's right-hand man—quite the trick you pulled off there.
Lyria: Th-that's amazing... I didn't know merchants could do that.
Tor: As I am not well versed in the art of swordsmanship, I'm afraid this is the only way I can contribute.
Vyrn: Wait a second—that's nothin' to be ashamed about! You should be proud of what ya did!
Tor: I appreciate your kind words.
Allow me to further explain on our way back.
Allow me to further explain on our way back.
(Captain) and company head back to Wales Castle as Tor fills them in on the ongoing investigations revolving around the cabal.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 5: Family - Episode 1
Aglovale remembers that back when he was young, he once visited the archives to find Lamorak, who had been looking into magic that would allow him to stay as a child forever. Gahmuret had come in to tell the two brothers about the demoncat of Wales, who once formed a pact with an ancestor of the House of Wales. Now, the demoncat dwells within a barrier that only those from the House of Wales can pass through. Gahmuret had told his sons that in times of need, they must overcome the demoncat's trial and protect the kingdom.
Young Lamorak: Hmm... Nope, nothing here...
One distant day, deep in the archives of Wales Castle, Lamorak sits looking dejected.
Young Aglovale: Lamorak? Isn't that book banned? You're not supposed to be reading it.
Young Lamorak: Oh, Aggy... I was just looking up something.
Young Aglovale: I doubt simply looking up something would require reading any of the books on this shelf. What are you trying to do?
Young Lamorak: Nothing. I was just thinking about when I'll grow up to be an adult and started feeling a bit sad.
Young Aglovale: So you were looking for magic that will allow you to stay as a child forever? How nonsensical.
Young Lamorak: What, you don't want to stay a kid forever? Not even a little, Aggy?
Young Aglovale: I... am no longer a child. If you have time to think about such preposterous things, use that time to study battle tactics.
Young Aglovale: You are approaching the age where you will need to know of such things, after all.
Young Lamorak: What the heck! If you like the idea of being an adult so much, then you can go and be an adult yourself!
Lamorak falls back onto the floor of the archive and gazes up at the bookshelf towering above him.
Young Lamorak: If only I were born a Harvin, then I could stay little even after I become an adult.
Young Aglovale: ...
Gahmuret: Lamorak. What do you think you're doing lying on the ground like that?
Young Lamorak: Oh... I'm sorry, Father. I was just feeling tired...
Gahmuret: If you're going to lie down, go to your bed.
Have you found the book, Aglovale?
Have you found the book, Aglovale?
Young Aglovale: Yes, Father. Here it is.
Aglovale shows Gahmuret the book he had taken off the shelf earlier.
On the cover of the book is a drawing of a silver-haired beast with horns and wings. Lamorak's face lights up when he sees it.
Young Lamorak: Oooh! I know this scary-looking creature! Remember, Aggy?
Young Aglovale: Whatever are you talking about?
Young Lamorak: What? We saw it when we sneaked out to pick strawberries! Percy was there too, remember?
Young Aglovale: I don't know what you are speaking of. Are you sure you aren't confusing reality with dreams?
Young Lamorak: Huh? Don't tell me you don't remember... You even carried me on your back!
Young Lamorak: (Come to think of it, that weird spell that got cast on me... It felt gross. Does that have something to do with it?)
Gahmuret: Are you finished, Lamorak?
Young Lamorak: Oh... Yes, Father.
Gahmuret: Hm. This is a story passed down from one head of the House of Wales to another. But since you're already here, Lamorak, you should stay for it as well.
Gahmuret walks over to a desk and places the book on it. The two brothers peek at the pages as their father opens the heavy volume.
In the book are more drawings of the silver beast on the cover, with more detailed descriptions written.
Gahmuret: This is a demoncat who has lived in the forest of Wales since long ago. Its name is Cath Palug.
Gahmuret: Back then, the forest was an area that people were not allowed to live in, as it was the territory of Cath Palug and the monsters that it ruled over.
Gahmuret: Eventually, a clan skilled in both the arts of swordsmanship and magic defeated Cath Palug and took control of the land.
Young Lamorak: This "clan"... Were they our ancestors?
Gahmuret: Correct. Our ancestors cleared a part of the forest and built a city—what we now know as Wales.
Gahmuret: However, as the forest was originally Cath Palug's residence, it would be improper to chase it out for the clan's own purposes.
Gahmuret: That is how Cath Palug entered into a contract with our ancestors—that if Wales was ever in danger, the beast would lend its power to us. And in return, it may continue living in the forest.
Gahmuret: They formed a powerful blood pact. That is why the beast will never meddle with those who live in Wales.
Young Aglovale: A blood pact... What is that exactly?
Gahmuret: To put it simply, it is something that allows those from the House of Wales to prevail over the demoncat's magic.
Gahmuret: For instance, all those belonging to the House of Wales will be able to pass through the barrier that conceals the demoncat's lair.
Young Aglovale: Does that mean Lamorak, Percival, and I will be able to pass through the barrier?
Young Lamorak: Whoooa! This is so exciting. It's almost like a fairy tale!
Gahmuret: Remember, however, that Cath Palug is a creature that rules over monsters. It is not amicable to mortals, and its temper is uneven.
Gahmuret: You must never enter its lair without being called upon.
Young Lamorak: Called upon?
Young Aglovale: You mean, unless Wales falls into grave danger?
Gahmuret: That's right. Cath Palug and its monsters possess great knowledge and magic. Only when they grant us this power will they call on us.
Gahmuret: Once the beast has determined whether you are worthy of borrowing its power and you have passed its test, you will receive a proof of conquest.
Gahmuret looks at his two sons before continuing.
Gahmuret: Of course, it is our best hope to never let Wales fall into such danger.
Gahmuret: However, if ever Wales finds itself in such gravity, you must face the trial the beast presents with utmost caution.
Gahmuret: That is the duty of those born into the House of Wales. Do you understand?
Young Aglovale: Yes, Father. When the time comes, I will pass the trial without fail.
Young Lamorak: Yes. I don't want our home to be gone, after all.
Gahmuret continues imparting his knowledge of the country's legends to his sons until the sun begins to set outside.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 5: Family - Episode 2
In the carriage heading to the east district, Aglovale thinks to himself, convinced that Lamorak was also present at Cath Palug's lair. Percival looks quietly over at his brother with concern. The two brothers talk about Lamorak and their feelings regarding the matter. Percival tells Aglovale solemnly that he will govern according to this own beliefs.
Aglovale: (It's as I had suspected... The only ones who can pass through this barrier are those in which the blood of our ancestors runs.)
Inside a carriage heading toward the east district, Aglovale closes the book he was reading and lets out a small sigh.
On the cover of the book is an illustration of Cath Palug, just like the book from his memories.
Aglovale: (Lamorak... Were you also there when we were conversing with the demoncat earlier?)
Aglovale: (Did you break the barrier and let Lusor and his comrades in? Why are you lending your help to the cabal?)
Aglovale: (You and Lusor possess similar qualities... Just what kind of connection do the two of you have?)
Percival: Aglovale. Aglovale!
Aglovale: Hm?
Aglovale snaps back to the present when he hears Percival calling his name.
Aglovale: What is the matter?
Percival: Well... I noticed you've been thinking about something since before we departed. Is something wrong?
Aglovale: The cabal is not the only issue at hand. You will understand once you begin your governing duties.
Percival: Very well. But...
Aglovale: ...
Noticing Percival's gaze falling on the book in his hands, Aglovale pulls the book close as if to hide it.
Aglovale: Have you finished reading the investigation report from our allied countries? If you have, I shall put them away.
Percival: Yes...
Aglovale takes the stack of papers from Percival and stashes them away in their luggage together with the book.
Percival: ...
Aglovale: As I explained earlier, that is all the information we have for now. Tor will relay any further findings when they come in.
Percival: Understood. I see you trust Tor very much.
Aglovale: He is worthy of my trust. He has talent that would be wasted as an average merchant.
Aglovale: It was a gamble to leave investigating Lamorak's whereabouts to him, but so far he does not seem to have leaked any information.
Percival: Are you still suspicious of him?
Aglovale: No... Tor is trustworthy. He often mentions his family—he seems to enjoy talking about them.
Aglovale: He was saying how he would like to hear about our family from you and Lamorak as well if the opportunity presents itself.
Percival: Since we spent much of our time together, I doubt any stories of our family would be much different than what he's already heard.
Aglovale: That may not be entirely true. Even within the same experience, there are things that appear distinct from a different perspective.
Aglovale: For example, Lamorak is my younger brother, but he is an older brother to you. Our impression of him from that is already different.
Aglovale: I have never expected Lamorak to behave like an older brother. But you may have.
Percival: That is true... To me, both you and Lamorak are older brothers I can depend on.
Percival: You are the flawless brother who can fulfill anyone's expectations—I looked up to that very much.
Percival: On the other hand, Lamorak is the cheerful brother who liked to enjoy himself freely, and that often put a smile on my face as well.
Aglovale: Lamorak wanted to make you laugh. He tried his best to entertain you whenever you were there.
Aglovale: I also appreciated his free personality, but succumbed to my responsibility of being an older brother and was too strict with him.
Aglovale: Thinking back, I regret what I did. I should have respected his wishes more.
Percival: Some things can't be helped. After all, you've had to shoulder the heavy expectation of someday becoming the head of our family since a young age.
Aglovale: I did not see it as an expectation. I decided to become the head of Wales myself.
Aglovale: Father was content with any one of us brothers taking over. I have merely taken up the role because I decided so for myself.
Percival: I have never heard you talk about this before. Why did you decide to take over for the House of Wales?
Aglovale: Of course, I wanted to be a spectacular ruler like Father...
Aglovale: I wanted Lamorak to be able to do what he wanted. If I became the head, then he would not have to be bound by this country.
Percival: I see. You are truly the respectable person I have always thought you to be. An ideal older brother.
Aglovale: (An ideal older brother... There was a time when I wanted to be that.)
Aglovale: (I wanted to be stronger and smarter than anyone. I wanted to grow up to be an adult who possessed both my father's dignity and my mother's affection.)
Percival: Earlier, you said you were too strict with Lamorak...
Percival: But I'm certain that he still saw your intentions and is grateful for them.
Percival: Your ways of thinking and values may be different, but Lamorak often said how amazing he thought you were.
Aglovale: I was not aware of that.
Percival: Hm. It seems he never told you himself.
Aglovale: Lamorak did have a shy side to him.
Aglovale: (But his way of thinking may have changed since. His letters stopped coming right after my involvement with the research on the Otherworld.)
Percival: Ever since I was young, I had you as my strong and impressive older brother, and Lamorak as my lively and entertaining older brother to look up to.
Percival: I am truly fortunate to have the both of you as my brothers. I would gladly boast of it to all the skies.
Aglovale: Heh, naturally. You're speaking of Lamorak and myself, after all.
Aglovale: ("Strong," you mentioned... Percival, I would say you are the strongest among us, both in terms of the sword and the heart.)
Aglovale: (Most people give in to the way that is the easiest for them when faced with the harsh reality. But you continue to fight for your ideals.)
Aglovale: (I was once the same. I envisioned the most lofty ideals that seemed ever so simple in my mind...)
Aglovale: (I wanted to maintain a heart that was taintless. But in the end, that path was too bright for me.)
Percival: Once I begin my governing duties, I will be closer to understanding what you must go through from day to day.
Percival: The responsibility may be heavy, but I must find it in myself to look forward to shouldering it.
Aglovale: Remember that you won't be able to accomplish anything if you worry too much about not being good enough. Trust in yourself as you are now.
Percival: Thank you.
The brothers sit in peaceful silence as the carriage slowly carries them onward down the quiet road.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 5: Family - Episode 3
Lamorak explains to Dindrane how Merlin's research on the underworld is for the purpose of bringing back a certain king. The two hide when Aleis and Rowley appear, quarreling. After Rowley leaves, Aleis begins to talk to herself as if she is hallucinating before exiting the room. When Dindrane points out to Lamorak his reluctance to use healing magic, Lamorak denies it, making a point by healing the scratch on his cheek.
Lamorak: Whew. Thanks, Din! Definitely wouldn't have been able to carry that on my own.
Dindrane: Right... So, where are we?
Putting down the supplies she helped to carry, Dindrane looks around the room and frowns at the rows of culture tanks.
Lamorak: It's Merlin's research lab. This is the alchemy room.
Dindrane: Alchemy?
Lamorak: Yep. To put it simply, he's researching how to create mortal bodies and how to make dragon specimens using all the different breeds out there.
Lamorak: I'm helping out with the research involving dragons, but only Merlin himself is handling the bodies.
Dindrane cautiously steps closer to one of the culture tanks to peer inside it.
Dindrane: Wha!
Dindrane can't help but gasp at shapes resembling young boys and girls floating in the tanks, their bodies lacking any sign of life.
Lamorak: Haha. Pretty grotesque, right?
Dindrane: Are they alive?
Lamorak: Their hearts are beating. But some organs are missing and their bodies are incompatible with the souls, so these are the failed specimens.
Lamorak: They could still be used for other experiments though—that's why they're being preserved like this in the meantime so they don't rot.
Dindrane: Why is Merlin doing this?
Lamorak: What Merlin wishes for is the revival of the king of Hibergreif, Uriens.
Lamorak: That's his reason for trying whatever he can think of—alchemy, necromancy, blood from a true dragon, the Otherworld...
Lamorak: Well, actually, there is one possibility that I'd like to look into... the underworld.
Dindrane: Underworld?
Lamorak: It's another dimension that's different from the Otherworld. There's a rumor that all the souls of the dead go there.
Lamorak: It's said that you can call the soul you seek by opening the door to the underworld... but such necromancers are rare.
Lamorak: It's magic that requires a large price—just like the charm you have, Din. That's why it's an avenue I haven't really pursued yet.
Dindrane: You know how this charm was given to me?
Lamorak: You made a contract with a minion of the demoncat, right? Like what the House of Wales made the relatives of their cadet branch do long ago.
Lamorak turns to Dindrane with a sad look in his eyes and reaches out toward the mark on her neck.
Lamorak: The more you use your power, the bigger that mark grows, and eventually it's going to kill you, isn't it?
Lamorak: You're a cutie, so you shouldn't use that charm anymore.
Dindrane: ...!
Dindrane scowls and swats away Lamorak's hand.
Lamorak: Aww.
Rowley's Voice: You're so annoying! Stop following me!
Aleis: Wait right there! Listen to your mother for once!
Dindrane: What's going on?
Lamorak: Here we go again... Get caught up in it and there's going to be trouble. Come on, let's hide.
Lamorak and Dindrane duck behind some things just as Aleis and Rowley come into the lab.
Rowley: I told you I don't need it! How many times do I have to tell you?
Aleis: That won't do. You're a homunculus, so you need to feed on your mother's blood.
Rowley: I'm already getting genetic factors from Merlin! I don't need yours!
Aleis: Oh yes you do. It has to be the genetic factors from your parent. Your body will break down eventually if you only rely on other people's.
Rowley: I've told you before—the only parent I have is Merlin!
Rowley: I'm not your son! Your son is dead! Stop dreaming and start facing reality!
Aleis: But you're alive! Aren't you, Wi—
Rowley: I'm telling you, I'm Rowley!
Rowley grabs the vial of Aleis's blood from her hand and smashes it on the floor.
Aleis: I'm sorry, I meant to say Rowley. I was wrong. Please don't be angry with your mother.
Rowley: You're nothing but a shut-in who's even more useless than Lamorak.
Rowley: Get lost! You're such an eyesore!
As Rowley stomps away without even a glance back, Aleis falls to her knees.
Aleis: Wiley... Hngh... Why...
Aleis: What? Have you come to laugh at me?
Dindrane: Is she talking to us?
Lamorak: Shh.
Staring emptily in front of her, Aleis rises to her feet and violently scratches at her head without warning until her hair is in a mess.
Aleis: Shut up... Shut up, shut up, shut up! It's not like I wanted it to be like this either!
Aleis: Do you even know how miserable I am? My husband left me, and everyone in town threw stones at me, telling me I was disgusting!
Aleis: All I have left now is my son... That's all that's left for someone like me who has no value or place to belong to!
Aleis: Huh? What did you say?
Aleis: Hehe... Hehehe... Oh yes, Lamorak... That is an excellent idea indeed.
Aleis leaves the room, a delirious smile plastered on her face. Once she is gone, Lamorak and Dindrane step out from their hiding place.
Lamorak: Whew, wild as ever today. She's always like that when she's alone.
Dindrane: Is Aleis going crazy?
Lamorak: Well, enough to be hallucinating. The deeper you love someone, the more you're driven to insanity when you lose that person.
Lamorak: It's nothing surprising. Anyone can fall into insanity.
Dindrane: Is that how it works?
Lamorak: Rowley is someone who was born from an experiment to test whether it's possible to bring back the soul of someone who was once alive.
Lamorak: The hair color did end up quite similar, and his facial features were slightly tailored to look like the fourth son of a certain viscount.
Lamorak: But the soul ended up being something completely different. No matter what you do, those who have died cannot be resurrected.
Lamorak: I think even Merlin realized this when he saw how Rowley turned out. So these days, he's been focusing more on the fallen country's prince.
Lamorak sweeps up the pieces of the broken vial and uses a cloth to wipe the blood from the floor before tossing it into the wastebasket.
Dindrane: What I'm curious about is... why can't you just leave these crazy people alone?
Lamorak: Haha, curious, huh? About me?
Dindrane: Just answer the question.
Lamorak: All right, all right. It's simple.
Lamorak jumps onto the workbench as if it were a stage and puts a hand to his chest, a lonely look in his eyes.
Lamorak: I went crazy too, when my mom died.
Young Lamorak: It's no good... I can't stop the bleeding.
Young Lamorak: My magic's just not good enough.
Young Lamorak: Someone help us... Anyone...
Lamorak: No matter how much I shouted, no one came to help... The wound wouldn't close, and the blood kept gushing. No matter how hard I pressed, the life just kept spilling out.
Lamorak: If only I was better at magic back then. If only I was good at healing, I would've been able to save my mom.
Lamorak: My mom died because of me... because I didn't have any talent or skill!
Lamorak: I did something irreversible. Nothing matters anymore! Not the future, not any sort of ideal—nothing!
Dindrane: ...
Lamorak: Haha... Well, just kidding.
Lamorak lets out a lighthearted laugh, as if what he said had all been a joke. He hops off the workbench.
Lamorak: Pretty sure that if I ever become an actor, I'd play a pretty good tragic hero! How'd you like my acting? Think I've got the chops?
Dindrane: What? So all of that was just a lie? Is tricking people that entertaining for you?
Lamorak: Who said it was a lie? Maybe I really am hurting inside, you never know.
Dindrane: Oh yeah? Then what's with the scar on your cheek, huh? Next you're going to tell me you're leaving it there 'cause you don't like using healing magic or something.
Lamorak: ...!
Dindrane: Wait...
Lamorak: Haha, oh, Din! Were you that worried about me? You're actually pretty soft inside!
Lamorak: I'm ignoring the scar just because. If it bothers you, I guess I could fix it.
He puts a finger to his scar, shooting a smile at Dindrane.
Lamorak: ...
Lamorak: There, all healed up! How does it look? You wanna try touching it?
Dindrane: Stop putting your face so close to me.
I'm leaving.
I'm leaving.
Lamorak: Hey, wait! At least help me with putting the stuff we brought on the shelf! Please?
Lamorak circles around Dindrane to stand in front of her, begging her to stay.
Aleis: (Oho. Never would I have thought.)
Aleis stands in a shadowy corner of the room, watching the two. Gloating, she turns and leaves without a sound.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 5: Family - Episode 4
After returning to Wales Castle, Aglovale is shaken by a discovery he makes in Lamorak's room. Tor reports to Aglovale that the cabal's base has been located. Aglovale takes Percival, Gawain, (Captain), and company with him and heads to the specified location. They encounter Lusor on the way, which activates the light given to Aglovale by Cath Palug. The light breaks the spell hiding the cabal's base.
Aglovale: ...!
My hand slipped...
My hand slipped...
Aglovale picks up the broken shards of ice on the ground and slowly rises to his feet.
Aglovale: (Impossible... But, according to this note...)
Tor: Pardon the interruption, my lord. A rather loud noise came to my attention... Is something wrong?
Aglovale: No, nothing. My hand simply slipped.
Aglovale puts the notebook back on the shelf with his other hand.
Tor: Very well then. Is there a reason you are in Lord Lamorak's room?
Aglovale: I was just looking up something. He is more versed in rare magic, after all.
Tor: (He came straight to this room after returning from his trip to the east district... What could he be looking up?)
Aglovale: You were looking for me, were you not? Did something happen while I was away?
Tor: Yes. Actually, the "craftsman" you were looking for has been found, my lord. I came to report on the matter.
Aglovale: Excellent work. We will require more information on the man.
Tor: Understood. Then I will gather the necessary members for—
Aglovale: No need. Percival, (Captain), and the others will accompany me on the investigation.
Tor: You mean to participate in the investigation yourself, my lord? But it is a simple task!
Aglovale: This matter must be kept secret, shared only to a select few. Notify Percival and the others at once. I shall return to my room.
Tor: What was that about?
Tor takes the notebook Aglovale had just put away from the shelf and begins to flip through its pages.
Tor: (So many magic circles drawn by Lord Lamorak...)
Tor: Wait...
Tor notices an ice shard Aglovale had failed to pick up and bends down to take it.
Tor: This shape... Is it a part of a magic circle?
Tor: Ah...
As Tor is examining it, the ice shard crumbles into white dust that is soon blown away, disappearing into thin air.
After making some quick preparations, Aglovale, (Captain), and company head to the forest Tor had specified.
The road is rugged, making it hard for the crew to proceed. In the end, they are forced to set up camp for the night a small ways away from their destination.
Aglovale: We should check to see if we are infringing on any monsters' territory.
Aglovale: All of you stay and rest here. I will survey the area.
Percival: Wait, Aglovale. Allow me to accompany you.
Aglovale: Hm... Very well.
Percival: (Tor seemed to have noticed as well that my brother has been acting strange. I shouldn't leave him alone.)
And with that, Aglovale and Percival walk down the dark forest path, guided only by the faint moonlight from above.
Lamorak: Sigh... Aleis wasn't exactly being considerate when she told me to go get some evening primrose 'cause it ran out.
Lamorak: And Din always ends up following me around, even though the point was for her to get along with Merlin.
Aglovale: I don't sense the presence of any monsters...
Aglovale: Hm?
Suddenly, a nearby shrub shakes and a small person walks out from it. Aglovale widens his eyes when he sees who it is.
Aglovale: You!
Lamorak: (Wha! Why're they here?)
Percival: Lusor! It appears we were right about the location of their base!
Lamorak: (I don't believe it! How'd they find out?)
Lamorak: (I've gotta get out of here!)
Percival: ...!
Aglovale, your gauntlets!
Aglovale, your gauntlets!
Aglovale: The magic circles...They're glowing!
Cath Palug: The light from your gauntlets will now shine on those untrue and dissipate any falsities surrounding them.
Aglovale: (Is that what it is doing now?)
The blue light effusing from his gauntlet brightens up the surrounding forest, as if pointing the way to Lamorak.
Lamorak: Ugh... My eyes!
Percival: Look at the surroundings!
The moment the magic circle hidden in the shrubs is disintegrated by the light, the surroundings begin to ripple, like the surface of water when a stone is cast into it.
Percival: The forest... It's disappearing!
Eventually the illusion clears and the forest around them vanishes, revealing an old mansion.
Percival: The large forest had merely been a spell... Who knew it was hiding this building all along?
Aglovale: That man just now... Lusor.
Standing next to Percival, Aglovale slowly shakes his head in disbelief.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 6: Reunion - Episode 1
With the cabal's location revealed, Merlin prepares to abandon the base. Lamorak puts up a barrier to make time for Merlin to escape, but suffers a heavy injury when Aleis betrays him, revealing that she has been involved in the forbidden arts in order to resurrect her dead son. Craving recognition from Rowley, Aleis sets Lamorak up as a traitor before leaving the scene.
Merlin: Hm? Has the concealment spell been broken?
Lamorak: Ack! That was close...
Lamorak: Huh? Wait, I'm back to my true form... But how?
Merlin: What happened?
Lamorak: I bumped into Aglovale and Percival.
Lamorak: Aglovale let out a blue light unlike any I've seen before, and it broke the workshop's concealment spell.
Merlin: A light that nullifies any sort of magic? I find it hard to believe anyone to be possessing that sort of power.
Lamorak: Could it be... Cath Palug? Did Aggy undergo its trial too?
Merlin: Looks like we won't be able to see this to the end. Or perhaps this is part of your plan to entrap me?
Lamorak: I would never!
Merlin: Either way, it doesn't matter.
Aleis: Is something wrong?
Merlin: We've been found. We'll have to abandon this place.
Merlin: Too bad. I liked it here.
Merlin uses his magic to store all of his experimentation tools and books in his bag.
Rowley: Ah, looks like they managed to rip your mask off.
Lamorak: And you seem strangely happy about that, Rowley.
Lamorak: (This is bad... I can't use my transformation magic. In any case, first I need to clear Merlin's doubts about me.)
Lamorak: I will put up a barrier to stop them. All of you escape first—I'll catch up later.
Aleis: A barrier, huh...
Dindrane: ...?
An unsettling smile spreads across Aleis's face as she watches Lamorak run out of the workshop.
Just outside of the workshop, (Captain) and the others find Aglovale and Percival.
Gawain: What should we do? Think we should go in?
Aglovale: There is nothing we can do now but to wait and see. If this is indeed their base, we don't know what they have prepared.
Aglovale: If a large army comes, we will need to retreat immediately and send for help from our allied countries. That would be best.
Percival: (As expected of my brother. Though it seems he has a few things on his mind, he has yet to lose his judgment.)
Vyrn: Wha! This glowing thing...
All of a sudden, a glowing barrier appears, separating (Captain) and company from the workshop.
Lyria: It's the same as the one we saw at Camlann! It must be Lusor!
Aglovale: (Lusor... At the very least, we have to capture that man.)
Gawain: What, no counterattack? Are they planning to run and leave their base behind?
Aglovale: The cabal may be comprised of a much smaller number of people than we had imagined.
Aglovale surveys the barrier towering over them before making a firm nod.
Aglovale: Judging from the scale of this barrier, the caster of the spell must be close. Examine the area and capture him alive.
Aglovale: As he is a material witness, get what information you can out of him. After we've grasped their next destination, we will work with our allied nations for a joined attack.
Aglovale: Even with our best people, it would be foolish of us to chase the enemy too far without knowing their intentions.
Vyrn: Got it! We'll search the area on the right!
Lamorak: For an area of this size, it won't be long until they find me... Hurry and run, everyone...
Lamorak's brows knit together as he channels his magic from his staff to the barrier.
Aleis: In order to maintain a barrier of this size, I hear one must continue pouring their power into it, thus rendering the caster immobile.
Aleis: Seems like it was true.
Lamorak: Aleis! What are you doing here?
Aleis: You had a fatal weakness hidden within close proximity. Is that true as well?
Aleis: For example, what will happen to you if I do this?
Lamorak: Just what are you talking about—
Lamorak: Huh...
Suddenly, the clothing around Lamorak's stomach rips open. A warm and dark substance starts spilling out from the tear.
Lamorak: ...!
What... did you do?
What... did you do?
Aleis: ...
Lamorak: ...!
That... power!
That... power!
From within the dark of the night, the bloodcurdling shape of a skeleton rises.
It rattles and lets out a sinister cackle as it holds a blade in its hand, red liquid dripping from it.
Aleis: Did you really think I was a mere shut-in? Well, I actually had a reason for not going out.
Lamorak: You opened the door to the underworld? You were... a necromancer?
Aleis: I must admit, it was a foolish choice. Because I called out this thing, now the sun hates me.
Skeleton: ...
Aleis: What? You're sorry?
Aleis: Then release me already, you filthy hunk of bones!
Lamorak: Wait. If you were calling for your son when you opened the door, then this must be your real—
Aleis: Silence!
Lamorak: Urk!
Aleis: Speaking of which, you've been rolling around like that for a while—how unsightly. So it's true that you can't do healing magic.
Lamorak: ...!
Aleis: Hehe, serves you right... Oh, you look so miserable and wretched right now...
Leaving Lamorak curled up on the ground, Aleis turns her back on him and spreads her arms wide, bathing in the moonlight.
Aleis: Wiley! Your mother has won over Lamorak!
Aleis: The silly jester you hate so much—the one who betrayed us all by breaking our barrier—is breathing his last! Finally, I will be useful to Merlin!
Aleis: Then you'll recognize me as your mother, won't you, Rowley? We can finally be a loving mother and son again.
Aleis: Hehe... Hehehe. Hahaha!
Aleis's high-pitched laughter rings out into the night as she slowly walks away, disappearing into the darkness.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 6: Reunion - Episode 2
Dindrane finds the bleeding Lamorak, who admits that healing magic is not his strength before losing consciousness. Dindrane promises to return before running off once more. Meanwhile, Aglovale and company find themselves under attack by an army of invisible skeletons. When Aglovale skillfully defeats the skeletons, Aleis summons the supposed souls of his parents from the underworld.
Lamorak: The bleeding's... bad...
Lamorak: Ugh... It won't... stop!
Dindrane: ...!
Lamorak!
Lamorak!
Just then, Dindrane spots Lamorak on the ground and immediately runs over to him.
Lamorak: Din... What are you doing here?
Dindrane: Aleis was acting suspicious, so I followed her.
Lamorak: Ah... I see. Ergh!
Dindrane: Your healing magic... Is this your best?
Lamorak: Haha... Unbelievable, right?
Lamorak: I can do any kind of other magic, no matter how difficult it is. But I just can't do healing magic well...
Lamorak: It's like a curse... I can't do it, even though I just don't want anyone to die anymore...
Dindrane: Don't tell me the thing you really wanted all along was...
Lamorak: Ha... Hahaha...
Lamorak's laugh is weak. He lifts the hand he was using to stop the bleeding and gently pushes Dindrane away.
Lamorak: Go, Din... If you stay here, they'll think you're a traitor too.
Dindrane: You said you didn't want anyone else to die, right?
Lamorak: Hey... Don't go.
Lamorak: I don't want anyone else to die. I don't want to be sad anymore. I've had enough.
Lamorak: You can do whatever you want; it doesn't matter what. Just say that you'll continue living. Please.
Dindrane: So back then... you were being serious. You... wanted me to live?
Lamorak: What? You thought I was lying? What a... shocker...
Dindrane: Lamorak!
Dindrane: Lady Isabella, I apologize for the wait. I have brought the alma with me.
Isabella: ...
Dindrane: Lady Isabella?
Lady Isabella!
Lady Isabella!
Dindrane: (No... I don't want to be left behind again!)
Dindrane: I'll be right back! You better not die before then!
Vyrn: Wha! The barrier disappeared!
Aglovale: Is this a trap?
Stop for a moment and check the area.
Stop for a moment and check the area.
The next moment, (Captain) feels an intense chill, as if being enveloped in ice.
Choose: Watch out!
(Captain) leaps in front of Lyria, sword in hand. Sure enough, the captain's blade is soon met with a powerful blow.
A shape suddenly manifests in front of the crew, its form solidifying into that of a skeleton.
Lyria: Eeeep! Where did it come from?
The skeleton rattles its jaw in something like a cackle before retreating into the darkness once more.
Vyrn: Gah! Th-there's something near me too!
Strange Noise: Rattle, rattle...
Strange Noise: Clunk, clunk...
Lyria: A-are we being surrounded by ghosts?
Aglovale: Everyone gather in one spot! Don't wander off, else you lose your life!
At Aglovale's call, (Captain) and the others come together to face the invisible enemies around them.
Skeletons: Rattle...
Percival: Seems like they appear when you touch them—but we won't be able to tell how many there are with simply that.
Gawain: Hah! Then we just gotta knock them all down until they stop coming!
Gawain: Come on! Let's show those guys at the cabal that this won't be nearly enough to take us down!
Gawain: Haaah!
Percival: Come, (Captain)!
Percival: Hraaah!
Choose: Haaah!
Enemies belonging to the shapeless army fall one by one from the crew's attacks.
Aglovale: While your courage is admirable, if the purpose of these fiends is merely to delay us, then we must not lose time here.
Aglovale: Assuming my suspicions are correct, the enemy will appear endlessly... We will need to stop the spellcaster!
Aglovale: Locate the source. We know the fiends reveal themselves if we come in contact with them. In that case...
Percival: ...!
This cold air!
This cold air!
Aglovale: Percival, hold back your magic for now.
Aglovale: (Captain). Gawain. If you do not wish to become an ice statue, take care not to come too close to the front.
Gawain: What are you going to do?
Aglovale glances back at Gawain before focusing on the shapeless army in front. He begins to concentrate his magic.
Aglovale: Succumb to a world of ice and snow.
Aglovale's chant summons a blizzard, turning the nearby area into a snowscape in a single moment. The skeletons appear one after another, hit by the snow.
Eventually, the crew notices a black rift from which the skeletons continue to pour out. Aglovale raises his sword.
Aglovale: There it is!
At the swing of his sword, blades of ice appear and fly through the air, piercing the dark rift.
All of a sudden, the skeletons cease their movements in unison, as if a string has been cut. They dissipate into a black fog.
Lyria: Amazing... Aglovale defeated all of those skeletons by himself.
Vyrn: That was some crazy magic... I guess that's Sir Burnsalot's big bro for ya.
Gawain: I can finally see the resemblance between you and Lamorak, Aglovale.
Percival: Impressive work, Aglovale.
Aglovale: It is still too soon to relax. Here comes the spellcaster.
The rift disappears to reveal a woman hiding behind it.
Aleis: Tch... What an irritating family.
Aglovale: That skeleton... So you are a necromancer.
Aleis: Oh, looks like you do know a few things. Was that written in your father's documents?
Aglovale: (So she's part of the people responsible for imparting knowledge of the Otherworld to my father...)
Percival: It appears you possess great magic power. But mere shapeless enemies are no match for us.
Aleis: Silence. The essence of necromancy is more than this.
When Aleis raises her arms, another chasm appears in the air from which an eerie, dark mist gushes out.
Aleis: This is the door that connects our world to the underworld... Something that will allow me to call on any soul of the dead.
Aleis: Come on out, Gahmuret. Herzeloyde. Say hello to your precious sons in the transient world!
Aleis pulls something out from the rift. Two figures entwined with skeletons manifest in front of the crew.
Herzeloyde: ...!
Aglovale!
Aglovale!
Gahmuret: Percival!
Augh, wretched ghouls... Unhand me at once!
Augh, wretched ghouls... Unhand me at once!
Aglovale & Percival: ...!
Aleis: Hehehe. Hahaha! What delightful expressions on the both of you!
Percival: You vile... You think this kind of deception will be able to distract us—
Aglovale: Wait, Percival!
Percival: Aglovale! Why do you stop me?
Aglovale: Were you not listening? What she is performing is necromancy.
Aglovale: We cannot say for certain that they are... not real.
Percival: Impossible...
Aleis: Ahaha! That's right! You certainly live up to your name as the oldest of the brothers.
Aglovale and Percival exchange soulful looks, their eyes sharing the same color.
Seeing the turmoil clouding his brother's eyes, Percival clenches his fists, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 6: Reunion - Episode 3
Though Aglovale and Percival waver at the sight of their parents, Aglovale thinks back to the memory of his mother and what she had taught him on the piano, which helps him realize that the recovered souls are but imitations. Aglovale tells Aleis that he is aware of Lusor's true identity and asks for his brother's whereabouts, but Aleis envelops the crew in a black fog before making her escape. Trapped within the darkness, the crew fights against a towering creature born of the underworld.
Aleis: You should thank me. After all, I just performed the miracle you've always dreamed of.
Percival: This is nonsense! You can't call back the souls you wish to see that easily!
Aleis: That may be what you think, but your brother seems to think differently.
Aglovale: ...
Percival: Aglovale!
Aglovale: No need to shout. I'm... I'm thinking of what we should...
Percival: (His eyes are wavering... I've never seen my brother this shaken before.)
Aleis: Ahahaha, what a wretched sight! The Lord of Frost, the strongest in all of Wales, can do nothing but quiver like a child!
Aleis: You've always wanted to see her, haven't you? Your mother, whom you would've called back even at the price of your own life.
Aleis: Aah... How pitiful. Miserable, pathetic, unsightly... Hehe. Ahaha!
Percival: I will not forgive anyone who laughs at my brother! I'll turn you to ash!
Aleis: Just try it. Go, Herzeloyde!
At Aleis's command, Herzeloyde is pulled by the skeleton to stand in front of Aleis, as if to defend her mistress.
Herzeloyde: Eep! Percival!
Percival: Rgh... You coward!
Aleis: Ahahaha! Then why don't you come and cut us down? If you think this is all a pretense, then you should have no problem doing so!
Herzeloyde: Per... cival...
Percival: Ugh...
Aleis: Come on, come on! Hurry up and do it! Who knows what I might do to your friends otherwise?
When Aleis gestures at the dark rift hovering in the air, skeletons come flying out of it to surround (Captain) and company.
Vyrn: Darn, we're surrounded!
Percival: It's a pretense... Even if she looks the same as our mother... she can't be real!
Aglovale: Lower your sword...
Percival: No... I refuse to retreat.
Aglovale: You don't have any concrete evidence either. I will test whether they are real—stand back, Percival.
Percival: Then allow me to test them as well—
Aglovale: How old were you when Mother passed away?
Percival: ...
Aglovale: Do you understand? I am more suited to judge.
Gawain: You're not wrong, but are you sure you're going to be all right? You're as pale as a ghost yourself.
Percival: Aglovale... I trust you. I know you will be able to tell whether they are truly our parents.
Aglovale: Yes... Trust me. My judgment will not fail.
Gritting his teeth, Aglovale looks at Aleis sharply.
Aglovale: I forbid you to lay a hand on anyone here until I have determined the authenticity of these beings, Necromancer.
Aleis: You think you're in a position to order me around?
Percival: If you do not agree to it, then I will erase the rift from which these skeletons are appearing.
Percival: Without it, you will no longer have a way to fight us. So take it or leave it.
Aleis: Tch... Fine, do what you want!
At a wave of her hand, the skeletons fall back in unison, opening a way for Aglovale.
Herzeloyde: Aglovale!
Released from the skeleton, Herzeloyde runs into Aglovale's arms, burying her face into his chest.
Aglovale: ...!
Herzeloyde: Oh my... You've grown so big. You're so much taller than me now.
Gahmuret: I see you have reached my height. I suppose you've already become the head of Wales by now.
Herzeloyde: Right. You've grown into a fine adult, Aglovale... I'm so proud of you.
An affectionate smile spreads across Herzeloyde's face. Gahmuret moves closer to stand beside his wife, his expression soft.
Aglovale: (Ah... Yes. These are their voices. This is what they've always looked like.)
Aglovale: (How long has it been since I've seen Father's smile? And Mother is as delicate as ever.)
Aglovale: (If only this moment could go on forever... How blissful that would be. I never knew anything could make my heart tremble like this...)
Herzeloyde: What's the matter, Aglovale? Are you sad about something?
Aglovale: No...
Herzeloyde: We finally meet again. It's been so long... Why don't we do something? What do you want to do, Aglovale?
Aglovale: Mother, I...
Herzeloyde: Mhm.
Aglovale: I... want to play the piano... with you once more.
Herzeloyde: The piano? Yes, you were always so good at it.
Herzeloyde: You were so patient when you taught your brothers too. I was so proud of you.
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale: I... love my family.
My father is an honorable man, and my mother compassionate beyond words. I love my younger brothers just as much.
My father is an honorable man, and my mother compassionate beyond words. I love my younger brothers just as much.
Aglovale: Nothing compares to the pride I have in being the son of my mother and father, and the older brother of my siblings.
Aglovale: But I am also someone who is easily deceived by the phantom of my parents—one who is not even aware of how strong my own brother has become or what he is thinking.
Herzeloyde: Aglovale?
Aglovale: Heh... Such a gentle voice. A voice of someone who must have been a mother to another...
Aglovale: Or perhaps it could be attributed to the spellcaster herself. But none of that matters.
Without another word, Aglovale tightens the grip on his sword and strokes its blade, causing the air around it to grow frigid.
Aglovale: However, I have not become so low that I would leave the unpleasant task of slaying one's "parents" to my younger brother.
Aglovale: I do not know whose family you may have been once—but may you rest in peace.
Without a hint of hesitation, Aglovale raises his long blade and cuts down Gahmuret and Herzeloyde.
As the two figures fall, they turn into lifeless skeletons, evaporating into black mist the moment they hit the ground.
Percival: Aglovale...
Aglovale: ...
Herzeloyde: The melody I taught you just now is a secret between you and me, Aglovale.
Young Aglovale: Why is that?
Herzeloyde: Because I'd like it to be so. Will you keep it a secret, please?
Aglovale: (Mother... It is thanks to the secret you gave me to keep back then that I was able to avoid making a grave mistake.)
Aleis: Tch... What're you looking all relieved for?
Aglovale: I was simply thinking how valuable this experience has been. They were indeed quite convincing.
Aglovale: As many knew my parents, I suppose it was not difficult to make something in their likeness.
Aleis: ...!
Aglovale: Heh. Thanks to that, the path I must take has become much clearer.
Aglovale turns his icy blade toward Aleis.
Aglovale: Answer me. Where is Lamorak?
Lyria: Huh?
Aglovale: The leader of the cabal, Lusor—his true identity is none other than Lamorak, am I correct?
Percival: What? What are you saying, Aglovale?
Aleis: Color me surprised. I was sure Lamorak did his best to avoid coming into contact with you directly.
Aglovale: The magic circle we found beside the demoncat's lair and the magic circle in Lamorak's notebook were the same, down to the small peculiarities.
Aglovale: Though the purpose of the spell was unclear, his notes said that it was something to "make one smaller." I had a hunch from that.
Aglovale: The notebook was from six years ago... The year that Lamorak last came home. I assume he had practiced his shape-shifting magic at wherever he chose to train.
Aleis: Oho, so you figured out that much. No wonder Lamorak was always so cautious.
Lyria: No way... Lusor was Percival's brother all along?
Percival: So that's why he called me "Percy"...
Gawain: I don't believe it! Why would he ever launch an attack on Dalmore? Dalmore wasn't just any regular place to him...
Aglovale: I understand what you are saying. However... that is the truth.
Aglovale: Now, answer me. Where is Lamorak?
Aleis: Who knows? He's probably lying around somewhere dreaming about his mother.
Percival: From the way you talk, it's hard to believe you're working together... Did you betray Lamorak?
Aleis: Why don't you go find out for yourself? If you can, that is.
Skeleton: ...!
A small skeleton that had been hovering beside Aleis rises up and begins to rattle its jaw as if summoning something.
The surrounding skeletons suddenly spout out black mist that begins enveloping the crew,
Gawain: Ergh, what in the...
Lyria: Oh no, we can't see anything!
Aleis: Of course not. You're trapped within the darkness of the underworld. You will never be able to escape.
The magic circle under the mansion activates just then, and the entire building is engulfed in flames.
Aleis: Now then, it seems my escape route is ready, so I think I'll take my leave here.
Gawain: That is some weird magic... Thank goodness I broke through a part of the skeletons right away.
Aleis: ...!
How did you manage to get out! A truly irritable bunch...
How did you manage to get out! A truly irritable bunch...
Gawain: You're not getting away!
Percival: I'll leave her to Gawain.
Shadowy Creature: Rrrooogh...
Percival: Ergh!
Percival sets his blade alight. In response, the skeletons merge into a large, grotesque shadow that towers over the crew.
Vyrn: What the heck is that! Where'd it come from?
Percival: Looks like it gathered all the skeletons in the vicinity and molded them into a new form! Disgusting.
Aglovale: Notice the fog is moving around the creature. If we defeat it, that should clear the black mist around us.
Aglovale runs over to Percival, his sword still tight in his grasp.
Aglovale: What's the matter?
Percival: Aglovale... So Lamorak is what has been on your mind all this time.
Aglovale: Under the given circumstances, I had no choice but to be discreet.
Percival: I understand. But Lamorak is also important to me. I wish you had consulted me about the matter as well...
Aglovale: I did not intend to hide it from you... But I felt that if I put it into words, there would be no going back after that point.
Aglovale: Lamorak would become an enemy of Wales... and we would need to confront him as such.
Percival: We don't know that yet!
Aglovale: Don't be naive! Have you forgotten that you, too, are responsible for the governance of Wales now?
Percival: I have not. Still, I would like to hear what Lamorak has to say before coming to any conclusions.
Percival: We are brothers who share the same blood, after all.
Aglovale: ...
Aglovale shifts his eyes to the flickering, scarlet flames enveloping Percival's blade and narrows his eyes.
Aglovale: Truly taintless flames.
Percival: Aglovale?
Aglovale: Do as you wish. You are not the head of the House of Wales. You do not have to be the same as me.
Percival: ...
The Lord of Frost lifts his gaze to survey the horrendous shape in front of them. The creature continues to release black fog from its mouth with every breath.
Aglovale: Now... it is time we put this pitiful being to rest.
Aglovale: Lend me your support, Percival. (Captain).
Percival: Very well. I am ready.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 6: Reunion - Episode 3: Scene 2
Unable to stop his own bleeding, Lamorak realizes he is going to die and reminisces about the time he once spent in Dalmore. The memory stirs him to continue trying with his weak healing magic, thinking back to the reason he decided to join the cabal in the first place—the affinity he felt toward Merlin, who is also working to save his family and friends. Lamorak finally succeeds in stopping the bleeding and proceeds to walk toward where Merlin had escaped to.
Lamorak: ...
Lamorak: ...!
Ah... Right, I got stabbed...
Ah... Right, I got stabbed...
Lamorak: (It's so cold... Feels like I'm freezing over. It's like death is creeping up on me...)
Lamorak: (I wonder if Mom also felt this cold when she breathed her last...)
Lamorak uses his hand to press weakly against the wound, but blood continues to gush out.
Lamorak: (I'm... gonna die. I mean, the blood's not stopping...)
Lamorak: (Percy's probably gonna cry when he finds me dead... And Aggy will save his tears for when he's alone.)
The gradual loss of blood causes Lamorak's vision to blur.
Lamorak: (I don't want this... I don't want to die...)
Lamorak: (In the end, I couldn't save anyone. I guess that was the fate I was born with...)
???: ...
Lamorak: Huh? What... is this?
Morgause: That's not true, Lamorak. Your mother didn't die because of you.
Morgause: It's true that there are lives you can save if you can learn to do healing magic. But that is not the only way to save someone.
Morgause: It may not be in the form you had imagined, but you possess immense talent. You need to believe in yourself.
Lamorak: Morgause...
Young Florence: Sometimes I, too, think to myself—if only I had tried harder to stop my father. My heart clenches every time at the thought.
Young Florence: Still, we have no other choice but to continue looking forward. After all, Father didn't die because he wanted Gawain and myself to be sad.
Young Florence: So don't cry, Lamorak. Besides, Gawain is going to tease you if he sees you like this.
Lamorak: Florence...
Lamorak: (Why am I thinking about this right now? Am I seeing my life flash before my eyes?)
A memory of a time he spent in Dalmore when he was not yet an adult surfaces. Lamorak surrenders to the tender vision.
Young Gawain: I don't care what you're worrying about. I don't want to hear the whole "I don't have talent" crap, especially not from you!
Young Gawain: If facing something head-on doesn't work, then find a workaround! I thought you were good at ignoring common sense and doing things your own way!
Young Gawain: Hurry up and get back on your feet! Doesn't matter if you're covered in mud or wounds. The last person left standing always wins!
Lamorak: The last person left standing... Even if you're covered in mud...
Morgause: You can do it, Lamorak! You're my valued apprentice, after all!
Morgause: You don't have to do things the way everyone else does them. There will be a way that's best for you. Don't give up and keep looking for it.
Lamorak: A way that's best... for me...
The words echo in his ears, bringing the light back into his eyes.
Lamorak: That's right... I chose this path because I knew that normal methods wouldn't work for me...
Lamorak: Ugh...
With a hand still on his wound, Lamorak lifts his upper body and traces a magic circle with his finger.
Lamorak: In this form, the wound... should also be smaller...
Lamorak: Six years ago, Father launched an attack on Dalmore. Surprised by this, I went home and happened to stumble upon Father's research lab, where I met Merlin.
Lamorak: At first, I approached him because I wanted to pay him back for teaching Father about the Otherworld. But when we started spending more time together...
Lamorak: I realized that Merlin was just like Father—someone who can find hope only in living life in an unconventional way.
Lamorak: It really hit home for me, because I was the same.
Lamorak: When I found out that I was hopeless at healing magic, I was so sad. I fell into despair and couldn't think anymore. I cried for days...
Lamorak: It was then that so many different people came to comfort me and offer me the encouragement I needed. That's how I was able to get through it all.
Lamorak: So I couldn't leave Merlin on his own either. I'll lend him my help, if that will let him continue living. But... I don't want that to be the cause of someone else dying either.
Lamorak: Aggy, Percy, Gawain, Florence... All of them are my precious family and friends.
Lamorak: I won't let anyone die. I won't let anything be destroyed. I swore to live on that edge and protect everyone.
Lamorak: That's the ideal I chose to pursue... A selfish, cunning, and free way of walking an unorthodox path!
Lamorak: Heal... Heeeal!
Lamorak musters all of his magic and casts a healing spell on his stomach.
The healing is weak, but he continues to cast spell after spell on the wound, ignoring the despair growing inside of him with each try.
Lamorak: Just... a little more!
Lamorak's vision turns white before focusing again—this repeats over and over, attributed to either the lack of magic or blood left in him.
Still he refuses to give up. The man blinks furiously as he channels all of his magic toward the healing spells, determined to do so until his power runs out.
Then, finally.
Lamorak: Pant... Pant... It... closed up...
Lamorak: I have... to go...
With shaky steps, Lamorak heads for the plains where Merlin and the others are supposed to have escaped to.
A red, glimmering brooch falls out of a tear in Lamorak's pouch and is left behind on the ground, unnoticed.
To Each His Ideal - Chapter 6: Reunion - Episode 4
The crew successfully breaks out of the darkness and goes to look for Lamorak. Aglovale finds his lost brother first and the two talk. Just as the wound on Lamorak's stomach opens again, Dindrane comes back and feeds him her last vial of the miracle elixir known as alma, which completely cures him. Back to his energetic self, the laughing Lamorak keeps the crew busy with spells before summoning a flying hybrid to make his escape with Dindrane. Aglovale and Percival can't help but smile as they see their brother slipping off once more.
Percival: The sky is so bright... I didn't realize the night was already over.
Gawain: Sorry, I couldn't catch her! The moment she met up with the Erune, they all disappeared.
Aglovale: I see. Was Lamorak not there?
Gawain: No, he wasn't. I picked this up though.
When Gawain shows the others the red brooch he found, Aglovale and Percival are unable to hold back a gasp.
Percival: The Wales emblem... It's Lamorak's!
Gawain: I thought it was. I found it over there, along with a huge pool of blood near it.
Aglovale: Did something happen to Lamorak? Let's split up and search for him!
Lamorak: Pant... Pant...
Lamorak: Ugh... My body feels... so heavy...
Lamorak: I need to hurry... and hide somewhere... to recover my magic.
Lamorak: Wha... Ice?
Icy blades shoot out of nowhere and plant themselves in the ground, preventing Lamorak from continuing on his way. Lamorak cautiously turns around.
Aglovale: I know who you are. Spare me the cheap pretense.
Lamorak: ...
Aglovale: ...
Lamorak: It's been a while, Aggy.
Aglovale: So it is you.
Lamorak: Yep...
Aglovale: Hearing the word "Aggy" from that appearance does not sit right. Return to your original form.
Lamorak: Right...
A light envelops his body as it stretches, his hair and eye color growing lighter. Seeing this, Aglovale lets out a sigh.
Aglovale: Lamorak... Tell me... Why?
Lamorak: To fulfill my ideal.
Aglovale: For this "ideal" you would join a group of dubious nature and become our enemy? Is that person deceiving you?
Lamorak: Aggy... You know... I think that it's okay to depend on something to get over your despair.
Lamorak: That's why I couldn't stop Father... and I couldn't stop you.
Lamorak: I'm sorry... I... didn't understand.
Aglovale: What are you saying? The Otherworld was a mistake I committed.
Aglovale: I was not in my right mind... It did not even occur to me that they would not spare Wales either—I was a fool.
Lamorak: No... There was nothing we could do, Aggy.
Lamorak: I had you, Aggy... and Percy had the both of us.
Lamorak: But you were all alone... Father had already succumbed to madness.
Lamorak: You're too kind, Aggy... That's why you couldn't refuse Father's dearest wish...
Gahmuret: Herzeloyde should not have died! I'll use whatever method I can to correct that mistake!
Gahmuret: Aglovale, I know you'll understand what I'm saying! You loved your mother!
Gahmuret: You must continue the research on the Otherworld and bring back Herzeloyde! Please, Aglovale!
Aglovale: I couldn't refuse... because my heart was too weak...
Lamorak: No, Aggy... You're strong.
Lamorak: We were always being protected... by you... We didn't have to... take the burden of going insane...
Lamorak: Sorry... that all I could do was... depend on you...
Aglovale: No... I wonder about that.
Aglovale: If Percival hadn't been there, I would have forfeited my life to the Otherworld and met an unsightly end.
Lamorak: Right... I trusted that Percy... would be able to bring you back... too...
Lamorak suddenly staggers, his knees buckling down to a crouch.
Aglovale: Does it hurt?
Lamorak: Yeah... Though, I managed to close up the wound...
Lamorak: You know, Aggy... I was watching when Percy had his trial. He was... amazing...
Lamorak: He said he'd continue believing in those... who've gone off the path... and that he'll keep his flames alight... so they can return...
Lamorak: He's so cool... I'm just so... proud of him.
Aglovale: Yes. Percival is truly a brother we can be proud of.
Lamorak: If Percy's there... I know everything's going to be just fine. I'll look for his flame... and maybe someday, I, too, can retur—
Lamorak: ...!
Lamorak's expression twists into one of extreme pain as he presses his hand to his stomach. Red, hot liquid spills out between his fingers.
Aglovale: Did your wound open again!
Lamorak: Pant... Pant... Sorry, I don't think... I can make it...
Lyria: No...
Gawain: L-Lamorak...
Percival: Lamorak!
Lamorak: Haha, oh look... Everyone's here...
Aglovale: ...!
Aglovale: Surrender yourself! We can take you back and heal you!
Lamorak: Are you sure? I'm... a traitor...
Aglovale: You are a primary material witness for this incident. We cannot allow you to die before you provide us with the information we seek!
Lamorak: Ahh, I see... Guess that means I'll have to survive... at any cost...
Lamorak: My ideal won't come true anymore... but I guess dying won't... make it come true either...
Lamorak: Fine... I surrender.
Aglovale: All right.
Aglovale: (Captain) and the rest of you will help me with the emergency medical treatment! Percival and Gawain, I need you to bring back a horse!
Percival: Understood! I'll leave Lamorak in your hands!
Lamorak: I might not... make it...
Aglovale: You will make it! I'll make certain of that. Show me your wound.
Aglovale takes a step toward Lamorak.
Vyrn: Gah! What's happenin' here?
Suddenly, (Captain) and company are hit with a rapid succession of spells, forcing them to fall back immediately.
Lamorak: Are those... from the lab?
Dindrane: Empty dolls with no souls! Drive the enemy away!
Dindrane stands in the distance. At her order, the empty dolls that had suddenly appeared lift their arms up in unison to shoot spells at the crew.
Dindrane takes that moment to run to where Lamorak is. She opens a small vial in her hand and holds it to Lamorak's mouth.
Lamorak: Din... Did you use your charm... to...
Dindrane: We'll talk later. Hurry up and drink this.
The moment Lamorak puts his lips to the vial, the searing pain in his stomach disappears, and he finds all of his magic power restored.
Lamorak: What did you just make me drink?
Dindrane: Alma. It's the last vial I had been saving for Lady Isabella.
Dindrane formally drops to a crouch in front of Lamorak and puts a hand to her chest.
Lamorak: What are you...
Dindrane: It's not true that you can't save anyone. You... You saved me, Dindrane—someone who was never even called by her name.
Dindrane: For you, I'll do anything. I'll do anything, so...
Dindrane: Please don't give up on your ideal, Lord Lamorak!
Lamorak: Wha... Huh?
Lamorak: What? Are you... swearing your loyalty to me?
Dindrane: Yes...
Lamorak: Hold up. Hold up, hold up! But why?
Dindrane: There is no other reason other than what I just told you.
Dindrane: Now, order me as you like! Use me as a decoy or a sacrificial pawn, if that is what you wish!
Lamorak: A decoy and a sacrificial pawn are basically the same thing...
Aglovale: Tch... They're endless...
Percival: Aglovale! Allow me to help!
Dindrane: Ergh...
Dindrane: Come on, what're you all lying around for? Hurry up and get them!
Lamorak: (Try as she might, Dindrane's power alone won't be enough to stop Aggy and the others. I guess... it can't be helped.)
Lamorak reaches out to put his hand over Dindrane's, stopping her from sending her magic to the unconscious dolls on the ground.
Lamorak: This is an order from your "master." You aren't allowed to use your charm anymore.
Dindrane: Lord Lamorak! But...
Lamorak: Well, just watch.
Lamorak: Haaah!
Percival: Rrgh... My body, it's...
When Lamorak lifts his staff, both the crew and the dolls find themselves unable to move even a finger.
Lamorak: It's a paralysis spell my master taught me. Works even better than a charm, right?
Dindrane: Amazing...
Lamorak: Didn't you know? I am pretty amazing.
Aglovale: Lamorak... Are you running away?
Lamorak: Sorry, Aggy. Since I'm all better now, I think I'll continue chasing after my own ideal after all!
Gawain: You think you can just say sorry and leave it at that? Damn your sorcery!
Lamorak: Whaaa! Eek, you can actually break spells just by sheer willpower?
Gawain: Gwah!
Lamorak: Oh no, the spell just...
Percival: Please, Lamorak! Come back—it's not too late!
Choose: Don't go!
Lamorak: Don't worry. We'll meet again someday! I'll always be watching over all of you, Percy! (Captain)!
Aglovale: Lamorak!
Lamorak: Ack! It's Aggy! Quick, run before he gets us!
Lamorak takes Dindrane's hand and begins to run, an innocent smile spreading on his face as if they were playing a simple game of tag.
As he runs, he waves his staff. A magic circle appears out of nowhere on the ground in front of him.
Lamorak: Get on, Din!
A single hybrid leaps out from the magic circle, swooping Lamorak and Dindrane onto its back before soaring high into the sky.
Aglovale: You're not getting away!
Lamorak: Whoops. That was a close one!
Aglovale hurls icy blades at the ascending hybrid, but the sharp icicles are easily repelled by Lamorak's magic wind.
Lamorak: Hahaha! That was a lot of fun. It was like we were back in the old days!
Lamorak: I'll see you later, Aggy! Percy! We'll meet again somewhere!
Aglovale: Never have I ever seen anyone in these skies enjoying themselves this much while fighting the enemy...
Percival: Neither have I.
Percival: Nonetheless, I'm glad to see that he's made a full recovery.
Aglovale: Yes. Although, it's unfortunate that we've lost an excellent opportunity to capture a material witness from the cabal.
The two brothers watch as the figure in the sky grows smaller and smaller against the newly risen sun, reluctant smiles lingering on their faces.
To Each His Ideal - Ending - Episode 1
The crew returns to Wales. Percival, Gawain, (Captain), and company agree to continue investigating Lamorak separately before parting ways once more. Back in the forest, Aglovale is grieving the fact that he knows nothing about Lamorak's heart when Tor appears to offer his support. At another location, Lamorak is perplexed by Dindrane's insistence on becoming his disciple, but is grateful for her company nonetheless. Meanwhile, Merlin laments the fact that Lamorak will most likely be leaving him soon.
Young Percival: Sniff... Hngh...
Herzeloyde: What's the matter, Percy? Did you have a scary dream?
Young Percival: Mother... Will my brothers and I move on to living in other places someday?
Herzeloyde: Mm... Yes, someday.
Young Percival: Does that mean everyone in our family's going to be separated from each other?
Young Percival: Isn't there any way the five of us can live together forever?
Herzeloyde: Hmm... Both you and your brothers will eventually become adults. It'll be hard to be together forever when that happens.
Young Percival: Sniff... I... see...
Herzeloyde: But, here's what I think.
Herzeloyde: Even if we are separated, our hearts will always be connected if we continue to treasure one another.
Young Percival: Treasure one another?
Herzeloyde: That's right. Even if we end up far apart, we can think back to the precious memories we have of us together and imagine what the other person is doing.
Herzeloyde: What's important is the bond we share through our love for each other. If we can feel that in our hearts, no matter where we are, we won't be lonely.
Young Percival: Is that... how it works?
Herzeloyde: Yes, it is.
Herzeloyde smiles softly and gently wraps her arms around Percival.
Herzeloyde: Both Aglovale and Lamorak are very hardworking. They have things they know they want to do.
Herzeloyde: That's exactly why they have the tendency to rush headfirst into things on their own.
Herzeloyde: It is in those times that you, Percival, must call out to your brothers and tell them that you are here, waiting for them.
Herzeloyde: The two of them really love you. Your voice will definitely reach them—I know it.
Young Percival: So I just need to call out... and tell them that I'm here.
Herzeloyde: Yep, that's it! Well done. Here's a kiss on the cheek for you!
Herzeloyde strokes Percival's cheek and gives him a kiss before looking out at the sky from the window.
Herzeloyde: You don't have to be someone great. You don't always have to be on the correct path. I just want the three of you to live in harmony together.
Herzeloyde: That is my only wish as your mother. I don't need anything else...
Outside the window, three birds perched on the branch of a tree fly off together into the sky.
Percival: ...
Several days have passed, and Percival stands lost in thought on the deck of the Grandcypher, about to see the crew off on their journey.
Choose: Thinking about something?
Percival: Yes... I was thinking about something my mother spoke to me once.
Gawain: You all really are family, through and through.
Vyrn: Hey, you talk about Florence sometimes too, don'tcha, Gawain?
Gawain: Just sometimes. At least less than Lamorak...
Percival: ...
Gawain: ...
So what're you going to do about Lamorak?
So what're you going to do about Lamorak?
Percival: Aglovale and I plan to work with our allied countries to continue investigations. I just hope we can get our hands on something soon.
Gawain: Finding their new hideout all over again's going to be tough.
Lyria: We'll travel around to the different places Lamorak's been to along the way and help with the search as well.
Vyrn: Yeah. Maybe we can find out what kinda magic he's learned from checking out the places he's stayed at before.
Percival: I see... Sorry to make you do this.
Choose: Of course! We're your vassals!
Percival: Heh. I have high hopes for you.
Gawain: If you find anything about Lamorak, let us know right away. I can't rest until I've given him a good punch myself.
Percival: I cannot agree to the violence, but I, too, want to know what it is that Lamorak seeks. Once I have news, I will let you know.
Percival: Lamorak had a bright expression on his face when he left. I suspect there is something he anticipates, and that he is back with the cabal now.
Percival: I trust Lamorak. I believe that he will someday come back and tell us everything.
Gawain: Right... Somehow I doubt his intentions are purely malicious.
Gawain looks up absent-mindedly at the sky. He reaches out in a stretch, rotating his shoulders as if to refresh himself.
Gawain: Well, what do you say we get going, (Captain)?
Vyrn: Yeah. Take care, Sir Burnsalot!
Lyria: It's sad that we'll be apart for a while, but good luck with building your ideal kingdom, Percival!
Percival: Thank you. Let's all do our best.
Percival gets off from the ship and waves to (Captain) and company as they sail off into the sky.
Cath Palug: I see. And that's how our little wanderer left again.
Aglovale: So you did realize that Lamorak was here. Why did you not tell me?
Cath Palug: Let me ask you first—why do you think I need to tell you everything?
Aglovale: Heh. Regardless of our blood pact, are you not an advocate of us mortals?
Cath Palug: Did I not grant you a light to dispel falsities? I have already fulfilled my duty.
Aglovale: Because of that, all of the information we have managed to get ahold of up until now has come to nothing.
Aglovale turns his back on Cath Palug and begins to walk away.
Cath Palug: Are you giving up on your trial? Your trial of whether or not you can protect this kingdom together with the help of your brothers.
Aglovale: Who knows.
Cath Palug: Are you abandoning the little wanderer?
Aglovale: I do not intend to simply let him do as he pleases. I will bring him back to Wales and have him apologize to every country he has brought difficulties upon.
Cath Palug: Oho, how severe of you. Is he not your precious family?
Aglovale: It is because he is my precious family that we must atone together.
Tor: Pant... Pant...
Aglovale: Tor? What are you doing in a place like this?
Tor: As I have finished with my business, I came to see if I could offer my assistance.
When Aglovale steps out from the stone barrier, he finds Tor standing in wait and out of breath. A monster lies limply at Tor's feet.
Aglovale: You did this?
Tor: Ah... Yes. I have been practicing with my sword as of late.
Aglovale: You need to pierce its vitals. A wounded monster is much more dangerous.
Tor: Yes, my lord.
Tor: My lord... If I may speak.
Aglovale: What is it?
Tor: It's true that I am weak, as you can see, and I am not a strong fighter like you, my lord. I would never be able to fend off any threats to the country on my own.
Tor: However, I can be by your side—to listen, and to tell you the things I notice.
Tor: If you will have me, I hope that I can be a confidant so you do not have to bear everything alone.
Aglovale: I seem to have worried you as well...
Tor: I realize that I am being impertinent. Still...
Aglovale looks around at the forest that he has known since he was a child. Memories of the time spent with his brothers come flooding back to him.
Aglovale: I do not understand what lies in Lamorak's heart. I am sure the other two countries will be questioning me.
Aglovale: However, even the same blood cannot form absolute bonds. I, too, have strayed from my path once... Perhaps that is already a self-evident truth.
Aglovale: Tor... Why did you decide to brave the dangers and come out here? This incident has nothing to do with you.
Tor: By your leave, my lord, I had always been beside you, assisting you with investigations on Lord Lamorak.
Tor: As it turns out, the family you had been seeking all this time now belongs to an organization that aims to bring down our country... It is unbelievable for me and pains my heart as well.
Tor: I wish to alleviate your anguish. I understand that I do not share the same blood—would my involvement cause distress for you, my lord?
Aglovale: You would never cause me distress. You've done well... Tor.
His spirit renewed by Aglovale's words, Tor quickens his pace and runs to catch up with his master.
Lamorak: Siiigh. I never intended to take on any disciples...
Dindrane: I'm very sorry, Lord Lamorak. As this cave is a nest for monsters, I do not think it suitable to serve as a new workshop...
Lamorak: Oh... All right. Thanks.
Lamorak: By the way, you don't have to call me "lord." Just talk to me like you did before.
Dindrane: No, Lord Lamorak. You are someone I have decided to serve, after all.
Lamorak: Din... Has anyone ever told you that you have terrible taste in masters?
Dindrane: ...?
I don't see any problem with you, Lord Lamorak.
I don't see any problem with you, Lord Lamorak.
Lamorak: Were you always like this?
Oh dear. Is she gonna be okay...
Oh dear. Is she gonna be okay...
Lamorak: (Well, but if leaving it like this means she won't die, I guess it's fine.)
Dindrane: Oh...
Lamorak: Are you hungry? Just a second.
Lamorak takes some bread from a bag and rips it in half. He hands one half to Din.
Lamorak: Here, let's share this.
Dindrane: Are you sure, my lord?
Lamorak: Of course! My mom always told me to help those in trouble and to always share your food!
Lamorak: Back then, my brothers and I were always together...
Lamorak: Oh, wait. I guess you wouldn't want to hear about Aggy and Percy.
Dindrane: It's fine. I want to hear your stories as a child.
Lamorak: You do? Okay then...
As they munch on their halves of the bread, the two converse happily as a gentle breeze blows under the blue skies.
Aleis: My apologies, Merlin. I was unable to find King Uriens's soul yet again today...
Merlin: Forget about it, Aleis. I'm sure your skeletons are reaching their limit anyway.
Aleis: No, I can still do it! I must repay you for bringing my son back to me.
Merlin: All right. If you want to do it that much, I won't stop you.
Aleis notices a note lying beside Merlin and frowns.
Aleis: A potential place to set up another magic workshop... You intend to continue corresponding with that traitor?
Merlin: Lamorak is useful in his own way.
Merlin: Besides, you say he's a traitor, but we don't know if that's true or not.
Aleis: Merlin, you don't mean to say that...
Merlin: It's okay. I don't really care which of you is the traitor.
Merlin: Look. The tea leaves have been making the same pattern lately every time I finish drinking my tea.
Aleis picks up the cup beside Merlin. Black leaves sit clumped together at the bottom of the cup, forming a round shape.
Merlin: The shape signifies change and departure.
Merlin: Soon, someone will be leaving me. I wonder who that someone will be.
Aleis: ...
Merlin: The wind has died.
Merlin: I thought we would get along, but I guess not.
His tone expressionless, Merlin casts his shadowy gaze down and closes his eyes.
Supremacy. Heresy. Righteousness.
Three brothers who grew up together now walk the separate ways they chose for themselves.
Three brothers who grew up together now walk the separate ways they chose for themselves.
Those who follow also set their eyes on their masters' ideals, providing company with unwavering conviction in their hearts.
What kind of future awaits these travelers as they walk down their chosen paths?
The End
Characters
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