Hero Stories: Written in Blood

Aakhen's idiot citylord wants us to send him some of our troops!?

That's right. He asking for our help as an ally to subdue General Furious's coup.

A coup... Strange, he never seemed the type to thirst for power.

What do you intend to do?

There are a few plans in place, but I thought it would be better to gather some of your opinions as well.

What is there to think about? This is the perfect opportunity to put them heavily in our debt.

Imagine the benefits we could squeeze out of this.

The citylord may even allow us to station troops in Aakhen itself.

That sounds an awful lot like sending out an expeditionary force under the guise of military aid.

That's because it is. I know you all have your eyes on the riches buried in those mines of theirs.

I would appreciate it if you did not presume to speak for everyone else.

Of course, taking land from Aakhen would be a great gift to our city's power.

But war would be unavoidable. A war we are absolutely not prepared for, and against a formidable foe at that.

We may as well be throwing our soldier's lives away. As such, I cannot readily agree with this plan of yours.

Anyone else?

I feel that when an opportunity arises to subjugate Aakhen, we cannot afford to miss it.

Have you all forgotten? Aakhen and Perland were both once part of the Kingdom of Perlutia.

And before this city was known as Perland, it was Forem, capital of that great kingdom. Subjugation of Aakhen...

...Would be the first step to reclaiming our past glory, lost by the former royal family of Perlutia.

Are you implying the fall of Perlutia was my family's fault?

*chuckling* I don't recall saying any such thing?

Stop it. I've heard enough opinions. You each have very valid reasons behind your own.

But...reclaiming the past glory of Perlutia... I don't believe we have any mission more important than that.

Over the course of my life, I have spent countless hours thinking about how to achieve exactly that. Now I am certain of the choice I must make.

Two days from now, a Special Forces unit will be deployed to Aakhen to ascertain the size and strength of the enemy's forces.

And should it become necessary, they will be ordered to repel them.

This reckless provocation of yours will only aggravate the situation by igniting their hostility.

Perland is the mightiest in all of Cidonia! What do we have to be afraid of!?

Are you so scared of Furious?

Have any of you sitting here ever fought against him? That man is no pushover.

You won't be able to do anything with a force of that size. You may as well be signing those soldier's death certificates yourself!

She's right. The situation is too delicate for such rash decisions.

I understand how you feel, but an opportunity like this may never present itself to us again.

I have no intention of allowing it to go to waste.

Then there is nothing left to say.

If you'll excuse me.

...

The citylord already made his decision long before he came to us. That meeting was little more than a formality.

He succeeded not only at getting what he wanted but also at putting me in my place.

Hey, Lilias, is the meeting already over?

There was nothing of importance to discuss. A waste of time.

Hmm, is that so? Surprising. Well, I suppose I should get ready to go back then.

It's only a matter of time until we're in all-out war with Aakhen. Fear and chaos is the only thing that awaits Perland.

Lilias Perlutia, stay calm. You are from a chosen bloodline much nobler than theirs.

You cannot stand idly by and watch your city fall to ruin.

Do you agree with sending an expeditionary force to Aakhen, Violet?

That man is the leader of our city. No matter how much of a genius I am, I have no right to question his decisions.

He certainly knows much better than us.

I'm sure that's not how you truly feel. Be honest with me.

...Can we go somewhere a little more private to talk about this? I think we have a lot to lose and very little to gain.

The strength of Furious's army is well known across the continent.

It would be foolish to face them head-on. Unless a miracle happens...

The expeditionary force will be entirely wiped out.

But what can you do about it?

Our leader's orders are absolute. What choice is there but to wait and see?

We both know that's not the kind of person she is, though...

Oh, we've already reached the crossroad. Well, I'll be seeing you later then.

Next time, invite me to something a little more interesting. Like a party full of beautiful women.

Bye!

Is your investigation proceeding well?

Yes, ma'am. We have almost all the relevant materials as well as multiple people who will give us the testimony we need.

And the items you wanted me to collect... It was expensive, but we've nearly reached the goal.

But do you really need so much? It's far more than before.

We need to be well-prepared in order to gain the upper hand in the deal.

And the girl, where is she?

Last we heard, she was along the border trying to find a way back into Aakhen.

More significantly, she is being accompanied by a recent recruit of the Perland Raiders.

A Perland Raider, hmm? Maybe everything will work out after all.

I want you to select the fastest soldiers you have and send them to search every road that leads to Aakhen.

Yes, ma'am.

There's no time to waste, we won't be the only people looking for her.

Have you heard? Apparently Aakhen's citylord has asked us for help suppressing the coup.

So we're going to be sending an expeditionary force.

Really!? Nobody told me about that. Why should we help him, though?

If you ask me...I think the higher ups are trying to use this opportunity to take some of Aakhen's land for our own.

Oh, I think you could be right! But how did you hear about this?

I have a friend working under one of the nobles. Thanks to that, I sometimes get to hear a few secrets.

I see... So that's why we're been asked to beef up security along mountain passes like this?

Hmph, at times like this you need to be out on the battlefield doing your part, not stuck halfway up a mountain!

Hmm, I dunno, maybe being up here is better.

What do you mean?

The guy behind the coup is...Furious.

Huh!? Furious!?

I know, right, I was shocked too.

Father...!

Wait, do you hear that? Sounds like a young girl...

You sure? I don't hear anything...

No, no, it came from over here...

Haha, it's just a bird. You're losing your touch, friend.

Anyway, we've been standing around long enough. There are still a lot more places we need to check.

Weird, it definitely sounded like a voice.

...

Cerise, you can come out now.

Sorry, Pavel. I almost got you in big trouble.

There's no need to apologize. This is just another day in the life of a Perland Raider.

But a coup? I must have misheard. My father would never do something like that...

What's happening in Aakhen?

We don't have enough information yet. Trying to work out what's happening will only make us more confused.

But one thing is obvious. The people coming after me got their orders from a noble...

...Or the citylord.

Maybe. But for now you should just focus on getting back to Aakhen safely.

Hmm, you're right. Come on, we need to be out of here before it gets dark.

No, we need to give up on this path. There will only be more guards the closer we get to the border.

But...didn't you say this was the only way left?

There's another path nobody knows about, but it will be full of monsters.

I wanted to avoid it if possible, but it seems we don't have that luxury anymore.

It's okay, I know how to protect myself. You don't have to worry about me.

So this is where Furious's daughter has been hiding.

Who are you?

There's no need to be afraid. You can put your weapon down.

Aren't you...Lilias? Member of the old royal family of Perlutia...

So she recognizes me. That makes this a lot easier.

If you have something to say...do it from over there.

I'm sure I remember telling you to lower your weapon. Are you defying me?

There's no reason for a member of the Perlutia family to be out here.

Unless...you're here to capture Cerise.

An impressive deduction. Unfortunately, it's not entirely correct.

Because the reason I'm here could change at any moment.

Is that true? Tell me again!

Uh, w-well...

You're all that's left.

Please, mercy... Spare my life...

Fine, I will let you return to Perland with a message from me. Tell them Furious of Aakhen...

...will extract fair compensation from our deal, whatever it takes.

...Go get your wounds treated.

Y-Yes, sir.

Our greed...has ignited a bonfire.

There's no use wallowing in regrets. All we can do now is prepare for war.

What is there to prepare? They're little more than a city of cavemen digging around in the dirt.

Our army is equipped with the latest military technology. They are no match for us.

How can you say that when our entire expeditionary force was just wiped out!? You treat war too lightly.

How much longer are you going to quiver in fear of Furious? Do you think our army so weak?

Of course not. Our army is strongest in all of Cidonia.

But underestimating your opponent in war only leads to losing more of your own soldiers than necessary.

We need to buy time to prepare more thoroughly.

Lilias is right. I never imagined things would escalate like this. I take full responsibility.

What do you think about their claim that we stole their food?

Absurd! We paid them fairly, it's not our fault if they immediately went and lost it all.

If we send them the food again, they'll keep using this same method to coerce us later.

Furious's daughter is studying here in Perland, how about we hold her hostage for negotiation?

She already disappeared a few days ago. For all we know, she may already be back in Aakhen.

Hmm...

If war is coming, we will need someone to lead our forces.

...Lilias. Not only are you undoubtedly talented, you are also the only one here with experience in fighting this man.

I will entrust this war to you. Show those impertinent Aakhenites the might of Perland.

Is it really okay for me to take that role...?

Citylord... I would be the first to agree with you on Lilias's ability, but I'm not sure she is the right choice here.

I have to agree. This is a golden opportunity to show Aakhen our strength.

We need a commander who can lift the low spirits of our soldiers and calm the turmoil of our people.

There is only one person in Perland capable of doing that.

What do you have to report?

Until recently, the public was uneasy about news of upcoming war with Aakhen.

The main reason for this likely being anxiety over the shattering of such a long-lasting peace.

But recently this has changed.

Yes, following the announcement that the citylord himself will be personally leading the force against Aakhen, the majority have become confident of success.

They are also optimistic we will be able to use this opportunity to profit heavily off of Aakhen later.

As expected, the people's trust in our citylord is strong. I'm glad we've been able to calm them somewhat.

Please continue to pay close attention to public sentiment, and make preparations to march at any moment.

Yes, ma'am. I will report back when preparations are complete.

Not making any enemies, knowing when to step back and create a more favorable situation... These are what make a successful citylord.

But as much as doing those things will help you remain in power...

They certainly don't help reclaim the former glory of the Kingdom of Perlutia.

A tied horse forgets how to run, and a rusted sword can no longer cut.

At this rate, Perland will find itself taking the same slow path toward decline as Aakhen. In order to avoid that...

We need a new leader. One who is strong and unshakable. One who can forge a new way forward.

Only one kind of person is capable of that...

A chosen one with a royal bloodline.

Preparations have been completed as requested. We are ready to join the battlefield whenever necessary.

Thank you for your hard work.

Oh wow. Judging by the flags, it looks like not only our northern but also our southern forces are taking part.

I thought only the noble families of the council would be providing their armies, but there are nobles from all over Perland.

They're certain we're going to win, so they want to be able to say they took part later when the profits of war are distributed.

Still, I didn't expect so many soldiers. Aakhen has hardly even half our numbers.

But why did you volunteer to be rear support?

If you want to go hunting, you need bait.

What are you trying to say?

How do you think this war will end?

The Aakhen Army is strong, but our numbers are simply far too great for them to overcome.

Normally, yes. But numbers are not important in this battle.

You have a different idea on how this will end...

Our army is led by the citylord. No man in all of Perland commands more respect and trust.

He's clearly a capable politician and leader...

But I'm not sure he possesses the necessary traits to adequately lead a force as large as this.

I heard he accomplished a lot last time we fought against Aakhen.

True, but that was decades ago. Not to mention...

The army he fought against did not have Furious at its helm.

You think very highly of this Furious, don't you?

I've met him only once on the battlefield, but that was enough.

Normal people like these have no hope of handling a man like him.

*trumpeting*

Not long left now.

You asked me earlier why I chose to take up rear support. The answer will become clear soon enough.

This war will take place on open terrain, but it won't take long for the victor to be decided.

And then...that's when the real war begins.

Don't come any closer, you Aakhen demons!

Arghhh!

Your nobles have all run away, and now you lack even guards to protect you.

There's nothing left to interrupt us, Citylord.

How have you done this? Our numbers were overwhelming... What kind of demon are you?

You're trying to find reasons for your defeat in all the wrong places. I'm beginning to doubt your qualification to command an army.

The Aakhen Army is strong, but the Perland Army is so much stronger still.

So why do you think you have been crushed so easily, despite your overwhelming advantage in number and technology?

Just come out and say it already.

It's the incompetence of your nobles, blinded by their own vanity and sense of superiority over Aakhen. We didn't kill your soldiers here, you did.

...

Such a shame. If I'd known Perland were so weak, I'd have made my decision earlier.

Ack...! Enough talk! I...We...haven't lost yet!

Ha, you really thought I'd fall to such a weak attack?

Arghh!

I won't kill you just yet, I still have too many things I want to ask you. Did you receive the message I sent you?

About the food lost in Dead Man's Pass? Are you really going to invade Perland over such an absurd demand?

Absurd? Noble Aakhen soldiers died for that food. Food we never even received.

Our people went hungry. Unrest consumed the city.

I spent a long time wondering why. How two cities with such amicable trade dealings could end up like this.

But seeing you, I think I've realized. You look to be the exact kind of man who would give such shameful orders.

Th-This is all a misunderstanding! I never gave an order like that!

General, we have a problem! Another unit suddenly appeared from nowhere, our formation is collapsing!

...I remember that flag.

Why is she only appearing now? Why wasn't she in the battle from the start...?

Soldiers of the house of Perlutia! The enemy has grown comfortable in their victory, this is our chance to strike!

Save the nobles they have imprisoned. Save the citylord. Save your fellow soldiers!

It's time to show them why the world should fear the name Perlutia!

Chaaaarge!

*cheering*

What are you all doing here? You're still injured.

We held an emergency meeting, and there's something we'd like to tell you.

Whatever it is, it can wait for another time. I'm exhausted, and I have a lot of things to do.

It will only take a moment. It is...about Perland.

Fine, I'll listen.

First of all, we would like to express our most heartfelt thanks. If it weren't for you...

Our army would have become overcome with despair and wiped out. We, too, would be...dead.

Yes, yes, you're welcome. I was only doing what was necessary.

While my wounds were being treated, I got to thinking... From the start, you were stressing the dangers of this war.

It's beginning to feel like this conversation might take longer than "a moment."

Okay, then I'll get straight to the point. None of us here can hope to stand against Furious.

Without even our citylord, there is only one person who can.

It is you, Lilias Perlutia. Please take up command our forces.

*chuckling* Our army is halved in number, morale is at rock bottom, and the chain of command has collapsed entirely in the absence of any officers.

Commander, huh...? It sounds to me like you're trying to find someone on which to pass the buck.

Do you need a sacrificial lamb so badly?

It's not like that. We regret our foolishness, and we want desperately to fix our mistake.

If we had taken heed of your warnings, so many soldiers need not have lost their lives...

Nor would we have suffered the humiliation of our citylord being captured.

...

Only someone with royal blood can save Perland from a crisis such as this.

...Fine. But I must have full military authority. Any objections?

None at all. Thank you for accepting, I know it must have been a tough choice to make.

The current situation is poor. And the time to turn it around is running out.

You will be notified when the battle plan is determined. For now, you may each return to your tents.

Yes, ma'am.

For now, we have no choice but to retreat to the border fortress. Though of course, Furious will do his best to make sure we aren't given the time to do so.

But when an opportunity doesn't present itself, that's when you need to make your own.

Is it time to reveal the ace up my sleeve?

...

Judging by the amount of guards stationed here, this should be the tent we're looking for.

But is there really no other way we can do this?

It's too late to get cold feet.

I just can't understand, no matter how much I think about this.

Why would you sneak into the enemy camp to see their commander the night before a big battle?

If you want a ceasefire or peace talks, doesn't it make more sense to send a letter asking for a formal meeting instead?

Normally, yes.

But this time, this is the only solution.

But why? Wait, please tell me you aren't planning to...

Don't be ridiculous, Violet. Anyway, we need to draw away the guards' attention.

And that's where I come in. *sighing* You're going to keep your promise, right?

Don't worry, you will get your secret party with all the beauties of Perland. I'll hand you the invitation myself.

Ahem, well, it's not like that's the only reason I agreed to help, but okay. Anyway, I won't be able to buy you much time, so don't take too long.

Over here! There's still a Perland Raider left!

Good, some of them are leaving. I just need to slip through the gaps...

Wait... What did they mean by "still a Perland Raider left?"

There's no need, I'm already right here.

Ugh...!

Lilias Perlutia. I hear you've taken the place of your poor citylord.

And to what do I owe the honor of your company on this fine night?

I'm here only to end this war, Furious Klaut.

Ending this war... Hmm, by slitting my throat as I sleep, I imagine?

A shameful and cowardly act, as befits your city's character.

There has been a misunderstanding. I'm here only to talk.

Do you people always bring an escort of Perland Raiders along with you when you only want to talk?

S-Sorry, Lilias...

What's were you doing here? Nobody knew about this except for Violet...

He was worried about your safety, so he asked us to help.

Violet, you fool...

Soldiers! Capture every one of these Perland vultures who have broken into our camp...

...And bring them to me!

Furious, I mean it! I'm not here to fight you!

Quiet! I will listen to your excuses at the gallows.

Ugh, seems like Lilias is in trouble. I should deal with these guys quickly and go help her.

He can take on this many of our soldiers all on his own... Impressive.

But even he must have a limit.

...

Why are you lowering your shield?

I see even you aren't crazed enough to attack an unarmed enemy.

You're not going to surrender, are you? What is your goal here?

I told you, I'm here to talk and end the war.

And I told you I won't be tricked by Perland's silver tongues any longer.

I think you should wait until you see this to make that decision.

...Why do you have this?

Ha, interested now, aren't you? It would be best for us to talk back in your tent.

Nothing good will come of all these people hearing.

Lieutenant, keep a close eye on the enemy until I come back out.

And have the guards around my tent take a short break.

What's going on here?

That thing Lilias took out... It was a piece of blue jewelry.

It didn't look like anything special, so why did he react so strongly?

I should stay hidden and keep watching closely. If I step out now, it will only make things worse.

...

Lilias! Are you okay?

You hid well, Violet. Of course I'm safe. No thanks to you inviting the Perland Raiders along.

Ha...haha... It was meant to be a little extra safety measure...

But what did you say to Furious? He doesn't look happy.

I tried to see if even iron has a heart. We should know the result of my little experiment soon.

Huh?

Let's get back. The final battle will be beginning soon.

Are the siege preparations complete?

Yes, sir, we have organized the battle formation as you instructed. But...are you really planning to fight like this?

What makes you ask that?

In my humble opinion, it seems extremely dangerous.

Though the formation allows us to focus our firepower, it also makes us incredibly vulnerable to enemy attacks.

You have doubts about my judgment?

N-No, sir, not at all! I'm simply curious...why you made such a judgment.

This is not a battle we can afford to lose...or win.

What...exactly does that mean, sir?

I know it must be hard to understand now, but trust me. All of this is for the sake of Aakhen.

Of course, sir. Until the day I die.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP THUMP THUMP!

...! That drumbeat signals the beginning of an attack. That means...

The enemy is trying to catch us off guard with a preemptive strike.

Just a few days ago, we lost countless of our comrades in the greatest military defeat of our history.

The fate of our citylord, the central pillar holding the weight of Perland upon his shoulders, remains unknown.

Those responsible desire nothing more than to trample all over our precious land, our peaceful way of life.

And so I ask you... Will we surrender our hard-earned wealth, honor, and peace to the enemy...

Or will we fight without fear until the bitter end, laying down our lives to protect our city?

...

I won't lie to you, our situation is bleak. But...

As long as Perland has you brave few fighting for us, there flickers a distant flame of hope. I refuse to let that flame be extinguished.

Soldiers of Perland, join hands with me, Lilias Perlutia...

And together we shall turn that flame into a roaring fire to blind our enemies!

*cheering*

All troops, advance! In the name of all those who were lost...

Let us show Aakhen the true power of Perland!

Phew, we're finally out of the forest. I can see the sky again.

But I didn't meet a single Perland soldier, was she really not trying to trick us?

BANG BANG BANG

What's that sound? Wait, look on top of that valley, there's a battle!

Those flags belong to the Aakhen Army...

They're fighting against Perland! And the flag on the front line, that's...

The flag of the royal family of Perlutia.

Lilias and my father are fighting each other?

Follow the path on this map. It will take a while, but eventually you'll arrive safely back in Aakhen.

Thankful as I am for your offer, I'm afraid I have to turn it down.

And why would that be?

My father always tells me, "Never trust anyone who offers kindness without reason."

Not an entirely terrible lesson to teach, only a fool trusts easily. Then I suppose I need to give you a reason...

What's this?

The Perlutia family insignia. It means...

It means I stake my family's honor on my word. I think this should be more than enough reason to trust me.

Why are you so desperate to help me?

I can't tell you much, only that you're my little piece of insurance for the future.

And if I still refuse...?

Then I will be forced to be far less friendly. But I would really prefer things not come to that.

She already has us surrounded, there are too many for us to fight through.

She's trying to force me into accepting, but I'm not in a position where I can refuse her anyway.

I only have one choice...

Fine. Thank you for your kindness.

Marvelous. All I need from you is that nice piece of blue jewelry you have on your clothes there.

Why...? It's nothing special.

To you, maybe. But to me, it is incredibly important.

...

But why would the Aakhen Army make camp there? Father would never make such a rookie mistake!

That piece of jewelry Lilias took with her was a present from him...

So does that mean this whole situation is all...because of me?

Don't beat yourself up, Cerise. You made the best choice you could at the time.

But...

"Wallow not in regrets of the past, but remain prepared for the future." It's a popular motto among the Perland Raiders.

If there's anyone who will understand the true meaning of that, I know it's you.

You're right, there's no use regretting things that have already happened. Thank you, Pavel. I'm indebted to you as ever.

Just a little farther and we'll be at the Aakhen border. If we hurry, we'll be there in no time.

Right. The only thing I can do now is get back to Aakhen as quickly as possible.

There's nothing for you to worry about. You know as well as I do that your father is no pushover.

Lead our troops to search the western side of the camp, we must find our citylord!

Yes, ma'am!

...

So this is where they were keeping you, Citylord.

Lilias...? I knew you'd come for me.

Of course. It isn't time for you to die yet.

What is that supposed to mean?

Exactly as it sounds. Someone who has left such a stain on the honor of our noble Perland must pay the appropriate price.

We have to make sure the public finds out who you really are first.

Are you threatening me!?

There's no need to explain it to you here, everything will be back where it belongs once you wake back up.

No, Lilias, you ca, Ack...!

The age of the impotent hypocrite is over. Now the true queen will reign...

And carry Perland forward into the future.

The citylord is safe! Get into formation and return to the stronghold!

Argh...!

Where do you think you're going, Lilias Perlutia?

Weren't you supposed to be retreating? This goes against the terms of our agreement.

"Lose the battle and retreat." Those terms? I believe I've followed them to the letter.

Look around us. My camp is in flames, my army is routed.

Yours, on the other hand, seems to have already forgotten their previous defeat and become drunk on victory.

So please, point out where I have done wrong by this humiliating agreement of ours that I was forced into for the sake of my daughter's safety.

Humiliating... Have you forgotten the food I promised you in return? The only reason you started this ridiculous war to begin with.

All of which comes from the assets of my own family, on the honor of whose name I staked our little deal.

And yet you still insist on calling this a humiliation? We both receive equal benefit from this arrangement.

You're right. Aakhen gets food, and Perland avoids the horrors of war.

And now you're a war hero, responsible for single-handedly saving your city. Though of course, if I accept your food, I will be treated much the same back in Aakhen.

Then what is your problem? Everyone gets what they wanted.

Why do you stand here with your crossbow trained on me?

Urgh..!

I am one of many vital cogs in the machine that is Aakhen. I cannot allow myself to get carried away with personal emotions.

But you forced me into breaking that principle by using my own flesh and blood.

Principles... Are they more important than honor and glory?

To me, yes.

I thought you would be someone who would listen to reason, but it appears I was wrong.

So be it. But brace yourself. No star in Cidonia shines brighter than me.

The pathetic wisps you've dealt with so far are nothing in comparison.

Argh...! You'll have to try harder than that to defeat me.

The general has been located! Guards, gather!

It seems we won't be able to determine a victor today.

This fight will be meaningless if we drag others into it.

Fortunate for you, Lilias Perlutia.

Soldiers of Aakhen, withdraw!

We'll have to finish this later.

For now, all that's left is...

How is sentiment among the people?

Initially, the majority seemed to be having trouble believing everything, but that has changed as the evidence becomes more widely seen.

And with the constant flow of testimony coming out alongside your appeals, little by little everyone is coming to accept it.

That's understandable. It must be hard to hear that the council nobles and their beloved and trusted citylord were stealing Perland's food and wealth behind their backs.

However, since there are still some remnants of support for the citylord, it will be a while before things settle down.

They're in denial that he'll be in jail for the rest of his life, but that war of greed wounded us deeply.

If they're smart, they'll face reality soon enough.

...

Great work again, please continue providing me with reports.

Yes, ma'am.

From the look on your face, I can tell you have a lot of questions you wish to ask me.

I do, but I'll keep it to one for now.

Why...have you spared me?

I don't understand, are you saying your innocence and integrity is an issue?

Is that really why?

A leader must look at the bigger picture. I have no interest in who you are as a person.

What's important is that Perland, its people, and their council are served by capable people.

You just so happen to meet those conditions. Is that answer good enough for you?

...

Anyway, we should get to work forming a new council. In times as unstable as these...

We can't keep the seat of citylord vacant for too long.

I hear the council voted unanimously to make you citylord.

I'm finally sitting where I belong, though I'd rather it hadn't taken quite so long.

Ha, where you belong... We've finished checking the food you sent us.

And a few hours ago, Cerise arrived safely back in Aakhen. I didn't expect you to actually fulfill your promise.

Of course I did, I made it on the honor of my family name.

Now, I would appreciate it if you hurried on home. The continued presence of the Aakhen Army will only aggravate my people's insecurity.

I have a question for you first. Why did you really give us the food?

You know as well as I do, even with the defeat you suffered, Perland would have won a protracted war.

But instead you rushed to make a deal and end the war quickly.

Why?

You're right, we would have won eventually. But all I wanted was to end the war.

It only started because of the incompetence of the former citylord and his noble lackeys.

My only desire is to lead Perland towards peace.

Not fight meaningless wars.

To that end, I'm more than happy to work with other cities when necessary. I look forward to a fruitful relationship, Furious.

Work together... Ha, you have a way with words. But don't expect me to shake your hand, I still cannot trust you.

I don't know what it is you're plotting, but I'll continue to watch you closely. One day, your mask of hypocrisy will crack.

Right, I should continue to wait quietly for now. I'll have to maintain the status quo a little longer.

But the time will come soon. The day I walk the path set out for me by destiny.

As I always have done...and shall continue to do.