Lost Sword story · Main story, Part 1
Chapter 43: Proving Ground
4 scenes, 128 lines
1. Near Avalon
31 linesMeanwhile, at Saint Abbey...
Princess, you've returned.
To think you really managed to form the alliance... Perhaps it's time this old man finally rests.
What are you saying, Urien!
This alliance was born from everyone's shared hope for peace.
I'll do everything I can, so we can all return home.
Haha! Forgive me. I've grown old and full of ramblings.
Then... it's finally beginning.
Yes. The final battle awaits.
...So the alliance has truly come to pass.
...At this rate, the war will only become more difficult.
Which is why I wish to offer a proposal.
According to intelligence brought in by the faithful, the Swordbringer is currently in Avalon.
Meanwhile, Princess Elizabeth is attempting to rally the allied forces from Saint Abbey.
With Elizabeth and the Swordbringer separated...
Might this be the perfect time to move our troops?
It could be a trap.
They may have leaked that information deliberately...
To lure us into deploying our forces and strike while our guard is down.
Heh... I don't believe that's the case, Sir Mordred.
After all, Princess Elizabeth still hasn't recovered the Holy Sword.
In fact, that may explain her haste to rally the alliance. It's likely connected.
Which is why I believe this very moment... may be our greatest opportunity.
Indeed. Without the Sword, and without the Swordbringer, the alliance is little more than a disorganized rabble.
Best to crush the sprout before it can grow.
A wise decision, Your Majesty.
......
2. Near Avalon
21 lines
That should be enough for now.
Swordbringer! Trouble!
Elin? What's wrong? Don't tell me the Apostles are back...
It's the Britannia Empire... th-they've just declared war on the Alliance!
...It seems our intel has been leaked.
Damn it...! And we still haven't uncovered the truth about the Holy Sword!
......
Morgana. We need to head back.
Salisbury's troops alone won't be enough to hold off the Imperial Army.
We may not be able to wield the Holy Sword yet, but right now, saving Elizabeth and Bedivere comes first.
Merlin. Even after finding the Sword, we couldn't find any traces of the ancient fairies.
And that magic the Apostles used... I'm sure you recognized it.
..
If I had the time, I'd investigate myself...
But too many people are counting on me right now.
So please, Merlin, look into it for me.
Fine...
3. Fairy Forest
43 linesNews of the Empire's declaration of war quickly spread across the continent.
They're moving far faster than we anticipated...
Feels like they're trying to wipe us out completely.
How long until reinforcements arrive?
They've probably picked up the pace after hearing the news...
But it'll take at least three days.
Three days... that's not exactly short.
Still, by then... Ethan might be back too, right?
If we can just buy some time, we still have a chance!
That's right! If we all work together, we can at least hold them off...
..!
We've hastily established a defensive line, but it's only a matter of time before they break through!
So they'll strike from behind if we mobilize our troops... What a nightmare.
An overwhelming difference in strength, no reinforcements in sight.
Faced with such despair, not a single soul dared speak.
......
And in that heavy silence, Elizabeth understood.
Now was the time for her to step forward.
......
Sir Urien, Gawain, Baylin... please hold the line against the Apostles.
I'll confront the Imperial forces myself.
...Princess!!! What are you saying?!
That is far too reckless!
Ian's right! If anyone should go, it's me!
No. The Empire... the Church... I'm their true target.
If I move toward the Imperial forces, the Apostle will surely follow.
Use that opening to eliminate the followers of Tiamat and regroup with me.
I'll buy us the time we need.
That's exactly why I have to go.
How can someone who lets her soldiers charge to their deaths while staying behind... ever be worthy of leading an alliance?
......
......
......
It was a reckless plan, but after hearing her unwavering resolve, no one dared to object.
Then let me be the one to protect you, Your Highness!
Except for one knight.
The one who had always remained by her side.
4. Pennsylvania
33 linesI wonder how much time has passed.
No matter how many enemies she cut down, the Empire's advance continued.
The air grew heavier with each passing moment, and her hands trembled around her sword's hilt.
(Is this... what Ethan always felt like?)
Elizabeth thought of the man who had never once faltered in the face of overwhelming odds.
At that moment, she understood.
The man who always seemed so fearless...
he, too, had been battling a storm of fear within.
(...)
And so, Elizabeth could not stop swinging her sword.
The devotion and faith he had given her...
It was now her turn to repay them.
Still barking orders while on death's door?
All troops, charge! Bring down Princess Elizabeth!
Charge!!!
Princess!!!
Clang!
You've gotten a lot tougher since the last time I saw you.
Sorry I'm late, Elizabeth.
I tried to get here as fast as I could... but something came up on the way.
Hmph. It's all because Ethan messed up.
Waaah! Ethan! Morgana! You're back!
You did a fine job assisting Elizabeth, Bedivere...
Holding back the Imperial advance on your own... That's no small feat.
Ethan! They're coming again!