Epic Seven story · Hero Stories
Hero Stories: The Meaning of Justice
Prior to Ras's awakening, Ezera enters political turmoil with clashes over faith and ambition, deepening Charles's concern further and further every day.
4 scenes, 541 lines
1. 1. Silver Wing Village
147 linesTirel Castle, Late Night in Audience Chamber
As I already told you during the Conclave meeting, I would never accept that plan, Priest Noard.
Alright, then... What do you want to do?
If you won't accept it, then why don't you come up with a better plan, Your Majesty.
You weren't going to tell us that the problem will all be solved once the Heir of the Covenant wakes up, were you?
...Are you saying that you doubt the Goddess's revelation? High Priest.
Oh, right, the revelation.
Having us believe promises that had not been kept twenty years ago will now be kept.
That the Heir of the Covenant, who failed to awaken when we needed him most, will magically awaken now whenever we need him.
You doubt it only because you didn't receive the revelation yourself.
It was because the Blue Cross believed the revelation that they created the concept of the Saint.
Haha... I merely used the revelation as a means to persuade those fools in the Blue Cross.
I see how it is... I'm surprised. I wonder why you wouldn't trust her revelation, High Priest. Even though you're the one with the highest authority in the Church of the Goddess.
I'll tell you why...because I'm not stupid enough to fall for such a joke.
How could you say that... You're the High Priest of the Church of the Goddess. It's fortunate that there's only two of us here. If anyone ever heard that, they would have been shocked.
And are you denying the miracles of the Goddess?
Hmm... These miracles...they were achieved by Human hands, by the right man in the right place and time.
For example, what I did twenty years ago to protect the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera, risking everything I had.
...I appreciate that, Priest Noard.
But even that cannot change my mind. I refuse to sacrifice my people for this horrible plan of yours. Not for more enhanced mages.
It's not a horrible plan, Your Majesty.
It's more like a sacred sacrifice for a miracle, I would say. Please do not devalue their noble deaths.
Why have you kept it a secret if that's something you're so proud of?
Why did you hide the fact that those mages who devoted themselves and shed blood that day died in agony due to the effects of the enhancement?
You even hid it from me and lied that they returned to their homes!
Why did you do that? You said it was a sacred sacrifice!
Do you really not get it? You haven't grown up after all.
Even though you led us to victory, you were nothing more than an ordinary sister! The succession wasn't proper!
We used the power of the Church to enthrone you despite the opposition from the nobles! Do you really think I should have let them know this truth that would undermine our authority?
I took care of not only those who opposed but also everyone else who served them... Just for your accession to the throne, Your Majesty!
It was you who talked me into the throne. You said it was what was best for Ezera.
I've done my best for Ezera's peace and prosperity regardless of your goals and plans.
...Alright, so you'll keep being stubborn, is that what you're saying?
We're running out of time. The Archdemon could wake up at any time and we are not at all prepared.
We must organize an elite unit as soon as possible. A strong unit like the squad of enhanced mages we had before.
The Holy Order of the Blue Cross and the Rose Apostles must also have their own armed forces. If we're to call up and arm all of the youth in Ezera, we can't keep wasting time like this.
I will not accept it.
They already have tough lives even without this plan. I can't make their lives even harder.
The Heir of the Covenant will save us all. I believe in the Goddess and her revelation.
...
So you're just going to ignore the Conclave like this, Your Majesty?
Even the former king wasn't as stubborn as you...
My answer remains the same and will remain unchanged.
It's late now. Why don't you return to your place, Priest Noard.
As you will, my queen.
But please remember who made you queen.
It must have been part of the Goddess's plan.
Nothing lasts forever, Your Majesty. Keep that in mind, because...who knows, someone might dethrone you for the sake of peace in Ezera.
Oh...is that so?
It's already been almost twenty years since I became queen. Do you really think that everything is still the same?
You may manage to move the Holy Order of the Blue Cross and the Rose Apostles, but it'll be harder to persuade the Orders of the Sword and the Shield.
You...may be right.
But, maybe the right man in the right place and time will make it possible, coincidentally... That's what I, the High Priest, call a miracle.
I see. Take care, then, Priest Noard.
Hmph!
...
Tirel Castle, Hallway to the Blue Cross
I can't just sit idly by like this.
Sir Vildred seems to have decided to stay in his domain. The nobles have already started plotting.
On top of all that, what is she going to do if the Archdemon comes back...
Believe in the Heir of the Covenant? Ha, what if he never wakes?
And even if he does, what can he actually do for us?
Queen Diene is too emotional! She's not qualified for her position.
She used to be quite good at doing as she was told, but now she's getting arrogant. Seems like she has already forgotten who made her queen.
I guess I have no choice... It's time for me to act for the sake of those blinded fools.
I'll have to retake control of Ezera.
That's for the best!
CHARACTER STORY The Meaning of Justice
Tirel Castle, Order of the Sword
Were you looking for me, Sir Charles?
Oh, yes, Lady Iseria.
Well I heard this from Priest Noard, and apparently some kind of suspicious movement was detected near the village of Silver Wing.
Suspicious movement? Are they...armed?
That's what I heard.
Since they might be the rebels, we must act quickly. Let's ambush them and find out what they are plotting.
I'll head there first. Lady Iseria, please call up the elite soldiers of the Order of the Sword.
Yes, sir.
Ezera, Silver Wing Village
They also just seem like bunch of thieves to me as well. They are barely armed or trained.
Was the High Priest wrong about this one?
...Yes, it is.
You're right, Sir Charles... I think the situation has been getting worse recently.
Has it?
As you commanded before, some knights disguised as farmers went to nearby villages to get an idea of public sentiment...
I guess it wasn't that positive.
...It wasn't, Sir Charles.
Especially due to the increasing number of monsters and villagers who were attacked.
On top of that, they've been feeling more and more anxious about the Chaos Gates, and when there's no guards or knights around them, everyone says that...
...This is all because of Queen Diene?
Yes...also, more and more people are saying that things were better back under the former king...
With the nobles walking around saying such things, it's inevitably going to have an effect on the common people. They already had many complaints about the queen.
But, as you ordered, I told them not to imprison or punish those people.
Good job, Lady Iseria. If we did, they wouldn't feel safe sharing their honest opinions in the future.
I'm more worried about the future.
What's going to happen to Ezera...
...
Ezera, A Suspicious Building in Silver Wing
There, I see Sir Charles leading the Order of the Sword, High Priest.
Indeed! They are renowned for their bravery!
I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly due to the number of mercenaries trying to block your path... It seems your sword never rusts.
I need an explanation, Priest Noard.
What is going on? The suspicious group we thought to be rebels turned out to be mere mercenaries. And now you're here in front of the mansion supposedly occupied by the rebels.
Haha... There's no need to rush, Sir Charles. Don't worry, I'll tell you everything.
There are too many eyes and ears in the castle.
I thought this would be the only way that we could have a conversation in secret.
Oh, Lady Katenka, will you wait for us here?
Yes, High Priest.
Sir Charles, please come in. I want to talk to you privately.
Yes, Sir Charles.
Please wait here for me.
Of course, I will do as ordered.
Inside the Suspicious Building
...I did not hear anything today!
I know how much you worry about Ezera, Priest Noard, but please, do not cross the line.
*sighing* ...Sir Charles, calm down and let me finish.
It's time for us to face the reality with a cool head. Queen Diene has changed. She is no longer the same person we used to know.
Her strong will and wise judgment as a Saint that encouraged the soldiers during the war... It seems to have faded away as the years have passed.
The queen now sits on her hands waiting for the Heir of the Covenant to wake up. It's as if she lost the faith and courage she used to have twenty years ago.
Watch what you say, High Priest. What happened to your loyalty?
What you just said is an insult to the queen!
Insult it is...
Diene is a queen, not a Goddess, yes? You might serve the crown, but I serve the Goddess.
The Sacred Kingdom of Ezera was founded by the Goddess's blessings. It was built to praise her.
Both the former king and Queen Diene are mere beings who rule the country for the sake of the Goddess!
You have been enjoying enormous power while serving the Goddess. Everyone in Tirel Castle knows that.
Let me tell you something, High Priest. Don't be greedy. I'm sure the Conclave agrees with me.
Hmph, you're one to talk? Sir Charles. We all know that you want to control the entire Conclave, not just the Order of the Sword.
And the same for me, Sir Charles.
Just keep in mind that the Conclave doesn't belong to the queen.
The Conclave exists to observe the leader and whether they rule according to the Goddess's will.
I am well aware of that. You don't have to remind me, High Priest!
...Are you going back to the castle?
I don't see anything we can do here.
I will see you later when the Conclave next meets, High Priest.
Sir Charles... Please do not forget what you swore to the Goddess when you first joined the Order of the Sword.
Your body and soul belongs to the Goddess and Ezera...
Not Queen Diene.
2. 4. Hijacked Airship
131 linesTirel Castle, Late Night in Audience Chamber
I've heard that you haven't appointed the leaders for the Holy Order of the Blue Cross and the Rose Apostles.
How long are you going to leave those positions empty?
Is that why you called this old man late at night? Your Majesty.
You needn't worry about that...
Because the appointment has just been made..
I, the High Priest of the Church of the Goddess, will assume both roles!
Hahaha...
So what I've heard was true, after all.
I never thought you would go to such extremes.
Extremes...? It was perfectly legitimate.
Most of the sisters of the Blue Cross and the knights of the Rose Apostles all agreed, and the official announcement will be made during the general meeting of the Conclave tomorrow.
So are you trying to deny the fact that the Conclave is an independent organization here?
How foolish you are...
My decision still remains.
As long as I have the loyalty of the Orders of the Sword and the Shield, you will not do as you wish, Priest Noard.
They will forever remain on my side.
Haha...
Forever? Do you really think that'll last forever?
Do you really think that knights of the Goddess will do nothing but watch even as you protect that Homunculus from Taranor?
When a Wraith is shamelessly wandering around the center of the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera?
She has nothing to do with this!
I swear, Noard, if you ever target Mercedes, I will never forgive you.
Oh dear... What do you take me for?
I won't do anything. That cursed Homunculus will destroy you with her own hands in the end, Your Majesty.
You'll see. Hahaha...
Mmm...
Tirel Castle, Hallway to the Rose Apostles
Hmph, when did Queen Diene become so cunning.
...
She's right, though. The fact that both orders are loyal to the queen can be a dangerous factor.
Although Crozet from the Order of the Shield...is not really a problem since he's dull and so far away...
Sir Charles and the Order of the Sword can actually be a threat.
If I can't persuade them...then I'll have to take care of them another way.
Lady Katenka?
Yes, High Priest.
Call up the knights of the Rose Apostles and arm both soldiers and priests.
Prepare to move when I send word.
Yes, sir.
But, High Priest...are you willing to risk fighting the other Orders?
It would mean knights of the Conclave fighting against one another...
Everything! Everything is possible, Lady Katenka.
Anything can happen.
What's there to be afraid of? If this is what the Goddess requires us to do for Ezera.
A Few Days Later...
Airship above Ezera
Okay, Lady Alexa. They will try to take off soon.
We ought to subdue them before they can gain altitude. Keep in mind that the airship should not be damaged if possible.
Yes, Lady Iseria!
Hmm... Don't worry too much about it. Your safety is my priority.
Sir Charles!
Sir Charles?! How are you here...
Seems like they're taking off. Let's move.
Yes, sir.
Lady Alexa! Lead the soldiers and distract the enemies on the deck.
Meanwhile, Commander Charles and I will attack the bridge.
Okay!
Hijacked Airship
They're wearing the uniforms of Tirel guards. Maybe that's why they were able to hijack the airship so easily.
I think these might not be ordinary thieves...
That's why I came here myself.
They are not just any thieves trying to hijack an airship to sell. They must be using it as a means to achieve another goal.
You mean...they needed an airship so that they could look down from the sky?
You are right, Lady Iseria.
One of the soldiers involved in the plotting was caught and he confessed after Lady Katenka's interrogation.
They needed an airship to quickly find the Heir of the Covenant.
Even though they managed to find out when we'll move Ras to a different location, they did not know the exact details.
They've always tried to assassinate the Heir of the Covenant.
I see...
The leader of the hijackers must be on the bridge. Let's go!
Hijacked Airship, Near the Bridge
Look who we have here!
You filthy pigs, how dare you serve the usurper, blinded by power!
Wait, Lady Iseria. Keep him alive if possible. We'll have to interrogate him so that we can get some information.
Oh... Understood.
Although I've been born into a fallen noble family and done all kinds of dirty work, I at least have honor and pride... Unlike you!
Come at me! I'm ready to sacrifice my life for justice!
Hijacked Airship, Near the Bridge
Ack... H-How did I lose...
Why did you plot all this? For whom?
Hahaha! For whom? For no one!
You might work for the vicious fake queen, but we only work for Ezera.
Of course! Thought we didn't know what's going on?
We all know about the fake queen's plot...and that she kept the Archdemon alive twenty years ago...on purpose!
What did you just say?
She's trying to sacrifice the Heir of the Covenant to revive the Archdemon when the time comes!
That useless brat who never woke up when the Archdemon appeared, and probably never will.
Heir of the Covenant? Ha, how funny. We'll destroy the cursed seed that you've prepared to unseal the Archdemon!
Then the Archdemon will never be able to return!
No!
And with a Homunculus from Taranor always at the queen's side, the rumor spread even faster.
There are numerous rumors... That the queen is into dark magic... That she sacrificed her child for the vicious Goddess and hid it from us...
Also as you've just heard...that she made sure the Nocturnes failed to kill the Archdemon so that she could revive him later...
Do they really believe such nonsense...
I'm afraid to say, but they do, sir.
Have they all forgotten everything...?
The glorious moment when the heroes of Ezera fought the Archdemon and won...
How foolish of them. Was Noard right after all...
We are all fools, Sir Charles.
So we never accept the truth.
Neither do the people. How long do you think they'll remember the glorious victory of the Archdemon War?
If I don't prepare the same as I did twenty years ago, then we'll be faced with horrible destruction.
If you truly wish to protect Queen Diene, help her become the High Priestess of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross so that she may have a peaceful life.
You must know she already has many political enemies. If she insists on maintaining her throne, her life will be anything but.
So just think about it, Sir Charles.
Ezera does not need a king or queen anymore.
If you join me in creating an Ezera led by the Conclave, I'll allow Diene and Aither to live the rest of their lives in comfort in a beautiful monastery.
Commander?
My apologies. I was distracted.
Take him to Lady Katenka in Tirel Castle.
I don't think there is any need to talk to him further.
Yes, sir.
...But Sir Charles, shouldn't we do something about Ras? The information that has been leaked... This could be dangerous.
Hmm...don't worry about that. That information is fake.
I see.
3. 7. Forest of the Forgotten Ascetic
90 linesTirel Castle, Sir Charles's Room
That's all I wanted to say.
Since it seems I've taken up too much of your precious time already, Sir Charles, I will excuse myself now.
...Priest Enott.
Can I ask you why you've told me such a thing?
Would you believe me if I said it was because I admired you as a hero of the Archdemon War and for helping Queen Diene become queen?
Of course I wouldn't.
Hahaha... You're good, Sir Charles.
Well, let's say it's for my own sake, then. I think I've lost favor with the High Priest.
From what I've seen... There's a chance for the Rose Apostles to be dismissed and then I'll lose my position...
It feels like soon there will be nothing left but a stubborn and greedy person's ambition.
Yes, Sir Charles!
Hmm...
Strange.
I couldn't take my eyes off it while Priest Enott was talking to me. As if it were calling out for me...
The silver gauntlet hanging on my wall is a family treasure that we have kept ever since the first member of our family became a knight.
For important missions I wore it on my right arm to stay calm. Sir Kit Sharon named it Justice for All.
Meaning that I should pursue justice that will be shared by all who follow the Goddess and the kingdom, rather than just for the sake of myself and my family.
Twenty years ago when I pledged my oath to Queen Diene on her coronation day...I asked a question to myself and to the gauntlet... Is this really justice for all?
My queen, who called for this world to be protected so that even those wandering souls may return and live together in happiness.
I, Charles Sharon of the Order of the Sword, pledge my life to worship and protect you.
Even long before then, the gauntlet gleamed as if in answer to my pledge, on the day when I joined the Order of the Sword.
I will devote my body and soul to the Goddess and Ezera. I will not allow myself to be overtaken by emotion.
Tirel Castle, Hallway to the Rose Apostles
How did it go? Did he say something? Looks like it worked out well, seeing your bright face.
Don't get your hopes up. Do you really think that old fox would have shown his heart so easily?
Anyway, since the die is cast... Let's wait and see what happens.
Hmm... I wish we didn't have to wait for so long.
I'm sure fate will choose the most righteous path in the end, anyway.
There are not many people out there, since it's late. I'll go first. You should come later.
...
Ezera, Forest of the Forgotten Ascetic
So what you're saying is that those nobles who are plotting rebellion are in this forest?
I have been informed that they will have a secret meeting here.
...I didn't hear of it. Was it by Priest Noard this time, again?
Ezera, Deep in the Forest of the Forgotten Ascetic
Like you said, Lady Iseria, there are more and more monsters.
It's no use patrolling the kingdom daily. It only dies out for a short while and then... Ah, where are they even coming from.
...Sir Charles.
Yes?
If the seal breaks and the Archdemon ever returns... I don't know what to do as the vice commander of the Order of the Sword.
To be honest with you... I still don't trust in the Heir of the Covenant.
Lady Iseria.
Should I trust someone who's not being trustworthy? Commander.
I pledged my sword to the Goddess, not the Heir of the Covenant. Do you think I'm not qualified for the Order of the Sword?
Oh, no, I'm not saying that...
Of course you are more than qualified, Lady Iseria.
We never test ourselves with a groundless belief.
We never trusted a groundless myth. The Church of the Goddess never taught us to have blind faith.
Remember, Sir Charles.
"Our effort, the faith of everyone, and the noble sacrifice of the Nocturnes. These all were factors in the victory against the Archdemon."
This is what you said on the coronation day of Queen Diene.
Then let me ask you something.
Tell me, what's the difference between the nobles' faith in the former king and the people's faith in the Covenant?
We're the knights who protect the Goddess and Ezera in real life.
You are a great member of the Order of the Sword. Do not ever doubt yourself like that.
...Thank you, Commander.
Ezera, A Small Cabin in the Forest of the Forgotten Ascetic
There's a cabin at the end of the path. If we don't want them to see us coming we should approach through the trees.
Lady Iseria.
Yes.
I'll go by myself from here.
What?
You'll stay here with the backup to make sure that no one approaches the cabin.
But...Commander!
I've seen many monsters and bandits on the way here, but not a single one suspected of being a rebel or a noble plotting rebellion.
Would you please tell me what's going on, sir?
...Hmm.
I want to ask you something first.
Who are you loyal to? Please answer me with all honesty.
Yes, that's what I thought.
Lady Iseria, as you already know, I made the same pledge.
So what I'm trying to do now is something that suits the oath I made. So please, trust me and wait for me here until I come back.
Understood, Sir Charles.
Everyone, stay alert! If the commander doesn't come back within an hour, we'll break into the cabin.
Huh? I saw something in the woods...
Was it...
...Angelica?
...
She's gone...
And there's just an old, white cloth stuck between the branches... Did I imagine that?
4. 10. Rose Apostles Hall
173 linesTirel Castle, Priest Noard's Room
We shouldn't delay this any longer! It should have been taken care of long ago!
If we're to protect Ezera from the threats of the Archdemon, we must concentrate our power. There's no time to waste listening to immature and indecisive opinions!
Today I will disband the Order of the Sword! The knights will be reorganized into escorts directly under a reformed Conclave.
But... I'm not sure if Sir Charles will accept it peacefully.
Well then I guess we'll have to make it the only option he has!
Lady Katenka. Arm all the priests, knights, and soldiers of the Rose Apostles.
Even Sir Corvus?
Yes... Maybe it's better this way. I can test the friendship between him and Charles, and his faith to the Goddess.
I'm also thinking about gathering all the soldiers of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross.
Everyone, stand by the central interrogation room of the Rose Apostles! And if Charles and Iseria show up, do as you've been told.
You mean...disarm them and throw them in jail?
Yes! If we interrogate them and find some charges to accuse them of, they'll have to do as we say.
So you're not going to kill them.
I hope not. And there's no need to...
As long as he accepts the offer... I will even give him a small estate to live out his days peacefully.
If he rejects and insists on fighting until the end, then we have no other choice.
...Understood, Priest Noard.
I will make sure we're prepared.
Tirel Castle, Hallway to the Rose Apostles
Are we ready to go?
Lady Alexa is still patrolling with some soldiers. I don't think we have much time to wait for her, so I organized an advance party with the remaining troops.
By the way, what's going on, Commander?
I heard that the Rose Apostles were occupied by the mob...
Apparently, some extremists among the Rose Apostle priests raised a rebellion.
There was a surprise attack at dawn. Lady Katenka and Priest Noard were taken hostage.
Hostage... Why?
They want to kill that Homunculus from Taranor. I heard that they said they'd release the hostages if someone brings Mercedes to them.
But as you might already know, it's not an easy choice for Queen Diene. It'll only undermine the relationship between the two countries if she breaks the promise she made to Sir Krau.
So we'll have to ambush them and rescue those two.
Yes, sir.
Tirel Castle, Rose Apostles' Hall
Something is strange, Sir Charles.
They are wearing the Rose Apostles' uniforms, but I don't recognize any of them. Also, they look more like thugs or mercenaries rather than priests.
It's hard to believe they were able to raise a rebellion with so few people. And they don't seem very alert considering they're keeping hostages.
Hmm, I know what you mean.
Let's keep going. Once we find who's behind all this, we'll discover the truth.
Tirel Castle, Near the Rose Apostles' Interrogation Room
I've been expecting you.
Hahaha... Involved... Is that the kind of man you take me for?
Hmm...there's no need to be. I don't know or care about any of this.
As you might already know, when I came back after repenting, the Rose Apostles had changed a lot.
Most of my old friends were replaced by a bunch of young fools sent in by ambitious nobles.
Although I tried not to think about it. Since the Goddess embraced me, I decided to follow the path of the light.
So I did. I've been cultivating myself and spreading the blessings of the Goddess to everyone while traveling a long, long path in solitude.
Until today! When Lady Katenka told me something I could not understand!
I see.
It was hard to believe. Whatever it really is or whatever you've chosen.
So... I've been waiting for you here so that I could meet you in person.
If your mind and faith haven't changed from when we first made our pledge of chivalry, then I believe in the purity of your heart.
Sir Charles Sharon of Levulin.
I ask for a duel to reveal the truth.
My sword is pure and innocent, hence I accept your duel.
Sir Corvus Pastanor, the holy knight and friar of the Rose Apostles.
Hahahahaha.
Charles, your sword hasn't changed at all. I admit that the pledge you've made still remains.
As witness to this duel, I, Iseria Arisphodel of the Order of the Sword, declare Sir Charles Sharon the victor.
Would you trust me now, Corvus?
Yes, I couldn't feel a single moment of hesitation. Which showed me that whatever path you've chosen, it's based on your sheer will.
That's all I wanted to see.
I should return to the life of an ascetic. I think I shall wander Ritania for a time...
Charles Sharon, may the blessings of the Goddess always be with you.
I don't see any guards... It's really suspicious, Commander!
Don't worry, just follow me.
Tirel Castle, Rose Apostles' Interrogation Room
Nice to see all of you here.
I thought it was strange just how quiet the castle was, as if it were empty.
Lady Katenka...doesn't seem like a hostage at all. And all the Rose Apostle soldiers back there were armed.
We were only following orders.
And whose orders are those?
We have armed members of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross here with us as well. I would like to believe Priest Noard has an explanation for all this?
Why are you surrounding us armed with swords and staffs?
Lady Iseria.
Lower your sword. All I want is to talk with Charles... There is no need for you to be involved.
Lower my sword? What are you saying?
I cannot continue to sit idly by watching our weak, indecisive queen, and you, Sir Charles, who has forgotten your duties and recklessly follows her.
I hate to say this, but please resign for the sake of Ezera.
Lady Iseria.
Yes, Sir Charles.
Do not lower your sword under any circumstances.
Haha... I see how it is...so you desire bloodshed after all?
Katenka! Arrest them all! Kill them if you must!
...
Katenka? Lady Katenka! Did you not hear me?
...Soldiers of the Rose Apostles, arrest Priest Noard. He is charged with rebellion against Queen Diene and blasphemy against the Goddess.
What?
What are you talking about! Katenka! You...!
Please, show your respect to Lady Katenka at the very least, Priest Noard. As of today she is the leader of the Rose Apostles.
What?
Katenka... You fool... Did you really ditch me just to become leader of the Rose Apostles?
I won't deny it, Priest Noard.
You promised me nothing. You told me nothing. All you did was order me around.
However, Sir Charles actually suggested a number of things. One of which was appointing me as the leader of the Rose Apostles so that I can steer them to the right path.
Did you really fall for those hollow words! People will promise you anything when they are at risk!
But you never even tried, Priest Noard.
Ah! How stupid I was. I expected better of you!
Holy Order of the Blue Cross!
Come forward and escort me! I'll have to get out of here first!
Oh please, come to your senses, High Priest!
Wait, you are... W-What are you doing here?
Give in already and follow Lady Katenka peacefully!
Did you not hear me, priests?! Stop them and protect me!
Leave them alone! They'll follow me from now on.
N-No way...
I am the new leader of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross!
I've tried really hard not to step in, but I couldn't stand by as you misuse the Blue Cross.
Maybe it doesn't matter to you at all, Priest Noard, but the Holy Order of the Blue Cross means everything to me!
That's why I've accepted Sir Charles's suggestion. Everything is the will of the Goddess!
Nonsense!
As of today, traitor Noard is no longer High Priest.
All mention of him will also be eliminated from the records of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross and the Rose Apostles.
And from the history of the Church of the Goddess following the Archdemon War.
Think of it as a final courtesy that you will be remembered only by your most honorable moment.
You will spend the rest of your life in peace in a monastery far from Tirel Castle.
I-I'm... This can't be real! This is absurd...!
Go peacefully.
Ahhh! Let me go! Don't touch me! You fools!
Charles! Do you really think I don't know what you're up to?
Make excuses all you want. But eventually it's all for your own good, to maintain your hold on power!
You may take the traitor with you, Lady Katenka.
Are you denying your solid faith when you withdrew your allegiance to the former king for the sake of Ezera?
Are you saying you'll leave Ezera in the hands of Queen Diene, who follows only hollow prophecies, and that immature child Aither...
Ack!
He should be quieter now.
I will lock him up in a dungeon, interrogate him for a few days, and send him to the monastery you've mentioned.
And don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't talk to anyone about this.
Hmm...
Sir Charles. How could you hide all this from me?
Well...
I just wanted to keep you out of it. I wasn't sure everything would go as planned. If we had failed, we would have been on trial together as traitors.
I see... But...
It wasn't because I don't trust you, Lady Iseria.
But if you had known, would you have agreed?
Let's go back now. It's been a long day.
Yes, sir.
Tirel Castle, Sir Charles's Room
Don't try to figure out this letter's author. What's important is the content itself.
I know where they are.
Follow the trade route and turn right, you'll see a small town. Turn left and you'll find a rocky mountain. On the opposite side...
...There's a small monastery. They're right there.
Mmm...
All that is left now is to send this letter to the right person...
I already know the perfect candidate.
But...
Why...does the gauntlet keep catching my eye...
What is it trying to tell me.
Hmph, you're one to talk? Sir Charles. We all know that you want to control the entire Conclave, not just the Order of the Sword.
I will devote my body and soul to the Goddess and Ezera. I will not allow myself to overtaken by emotion.
Are you denying your solid faith when you withdrew your allegiance to the former king for the sake of Ezera?
Everything I do!
...Is for Ezera.
Only for Ezera...
...
I've made up my mind. The door is open, please come in.
Hehe. Did you apply for special secret mail service?
...I hope your service lives up to its name.
Of course!
After delivering Special Secret Mail, my memories about them are removed entirely!
So don't worry, your secret is safe! I won't remember anything about it!
To?
Kawerik Vian.
CHARACTER STORY The Meaning of Justice END