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Chapter 6: Hateful Marquess
There's not much to say about any of this. It's the plot of FE7 in someone else's words.
- - -
: This is Araphen. After Ostia, it's the second-biggest city in Lycia.
: The second biggest? It really is busy. It reminds me of Tahra's former glory. By the way, where's Kent?
: He said he was going ahead to the castle, but... Ah, here he comes now.
: They've prepared supplies for us. The marquess has agreed to aid us on our journey to Caelin.
: He's helping us?
: Yes. Araphen and Caelin have enjoyed a sturdy friendship for many years. Once I informed the marquess of our plight, he agreed to lend us his strength.
: Mmhm! Things are looking up indeed.
: if we could pick up some soldiers, the road to Caelin would be that much safer. I'm truly sorry for the hardships you've suffered so far.
: What's to apologise for? You two do a remarkable job with your skills.
Your skills at running into a corner in every battle. Yes.
: Even me?
: Of course, even you Sain.
: Hm! That's what I thought.
: Enough talk for now. We must head for the castle.
Doesn't look like it, but okay...
: What did you say? What's happening?
Villager: Smoke! From the castle!
: Huh? I don't see smoke. You must be imagining things.
See? Sain agrees with me.
Villager: Well, pretend there is! It's not our fault this game can't show smoke from maps! Hey! What are those men doing?
That smashing, shattering sound you just heard was the fourth wall, by the way.
: You! You're Linoan, aren't you?
: Ah! What are you--?
: No questions! Prepare yourself!
: Ahh!
The cavalry arrives! Somewhat literally!
: Nnghh... another vision?
Rider: Are you alright?
: What's going--?
: Are you all right?
: I'm alright. This man saved me.
: May I ask your name?
: Thank you, Sir Tempest. But why did you help me?
: Assassins attacking innocents disgust me. They have no honor as warriors. I must ask you to leave at once. A blaze has started in the castle, and it's spreading. You must hurry, or those assassins will strike again.
: You're from the castle? What's happening? How severe is this fire? Is everyone safe?
: It would seem that the marquess has been accosted. The man who attacked you was likely one of the maurauders. I have a duty to protect the marquess at all costs.
: Very well then... we'll help you.
: Milady?
: You want to help? Why?
: These brigands are after me. If they're attacking the castle, it's likely because of me. So I must help if I can...
: It sounds like you're involved somehow... Very well. Let's go.
: You'll accept our aid?
: ?.
And Kent leaves the scene in a huff. Ha.
: May I ask for your name?
: I am Lady Linoan of Tahra. Many thanks for aiding us, Sir Tempest.
Linoan's ?I am Lady Linoan of Tahra? line is starting repeat so often, it's getting a Denning-esque feel to it.
- - -
Elsewhere;
Alright, let's see who our new thief--
Oh god dammit. BENCHED. ALREADY.
: Your home offers a good view of the battle outside. Look, I'll pay you for the privilege. Please.
Woman: Like a vulture waiting for the spoils, eh? Terrible! Pay up! I'll be hiding below, so don't bother me!
: I wouldn't dream of it. Now then, which side has the most to offer...?
- - -
: Maybe the secret passageway...
: Secret passageway?
: It's an underground tunnel leading straight to the throne room. There are triggers in the baracks that will open the tunnel.
: So, we head through the barracks to the throne room... and rescue the marquess. Once that's done, can you drive the enemy from the castle?
: Mmm... if we can release those triggers, my men and I can take care of the rest. There are three triggers, though. All three need to be released, or the entrance won't open.
: But the doors to the barracks are locked.
: And the enemy's within. If we don't get inside and finish them, we're stuck.
: So opening those doors is the first objective.
: I think we should probably ask around for more help. It wouldn't hurt now, right? That house above me should be a good start.
Naw, let's check out Tempest.
Tempest comes at a massive level 10, beating out even Linoan's current level of 8. I imagine this is to mitigate his returning point in the next story somewhat.
Anyway, Matthew.
No.
: Who... are you?
: I'm Matthew, a specialist in acquisitions of all kinds. Would you like to buy my services?
: A thief...?
?We already have one. Pass. Go get turned into a Wyvern Rider.?
: Yep! I'm your man if you want to get those barrack doors open fast.
: What? How did you know about--?
: Bullseye!
: Ah. Mm.
: Don't be mad. Hire me. For you, I'll even lower my normal rate. Substantially.
: Well, it would be a bit faster... Very well. You're hired. But, why did you choose to ally yourself with me?
: Hmm? I was watching the battle from up above. Your group looked like a lot more fun than the dead guy. Pretty simple, really.
: ?.
: It's time to get to work!
: I'm Matthew.
And then the text cuts out. Huh. No prompts or anything. But we know what to do.
Open door, move Tempest, yada yada yada.
Yeah yeah. Let's examine Matt.
Yes, he sure is a thief that I won't be using.
Alright, all you losers get outta here, Sakura has some killing to do. Positioning her in a forest for the bonuses she needs to maybe not get hit.
Everyone else forms up on the edge of the Merc's range and Marcia bothers a townsperson.
Man: You're mercenaries, right? Can't you do something? Huh? You can't get the barracks open? I bet a thief with a set of picks could open any door you need. Hold on. I may have something to help you... here it is! This is it. One Door Key. Door keys can only be used once, but anyone can use them. Here. Now go get those thugs, will you?
Got a Door Key.
End turn.
Sakura's cloak deflects all incoming harm. The mercenary, for his part, is unable to deflect fireballs.
God dammit, Sakura.
: Say, Aranea! Since we came all this way, what say we help ourselves? Huh? What do you mean ?No?? Don't be such a bore! If you want to win, you've got to use every means at your disposal. That's an ironclad rule! Yeah, I know stealing's bad. I'm well aware of that. What? Why are you looking at me like that? We're saving the Marquess, right? Let's just call this an advance on our reward. OK?
I didn't object in the first place. I think you have a guilty conscience. Go get 'em.
Got an Angelic Robe.
I can read, Matthew.
: This is good for those of us on the... less robust side. Like me, for example. Magic items that increase one's abilities vanish after being used. Give them to people that need them most. But don't fret too much about it, or you'll never use them. Simply holding onto a useful item does nobody any good.
Yeah you wish you're getting that robe.
Marcia advances, Linoan in tow to deal with the boss.
The south team moves forward as well. The enemies on their phase do fuck all because they don't move.
Marcia kills a guy, gets another Door Key. Which goes on the floor. Matthew opens the door instead.
God dammit Sakura.
Kid cleans up her mess.
I'll take the Strength, sure.
Next turn Sakura once again fails to one-round a lowly soldier.
Might as well grab this!
The soldier decides life isn't worth living anymore and suicides on Sakura. Okay then.
Kid stands on the next button...
and Marcia stabs an Archer girl.
Bleh. Tanky pegasus?
Suppose we should take a look at this guy before... yeah, definitely one-rounding him with Prism Pillar (remember it deals Effective damage against Knights.) He's been bumped up two levels and gained 3 HP, 2 STR, 1 SKL, 1 SPD, 2 LCK, 2 DEF and 3 RES.
Not that it matters.
: When did you arrive? No matter. I shall deal with you.
Hahaha.
Hahahaha~!
: Forgive... me...
Jesus, Linoan's fast, though. I think that's Speed every level.
: Alright, we'll let Tempest take over from here.
- - -
: You've done well. What a performance!
: Marquess, if you need thanks, it should be directed toward this group.
: Hm? Who are you?
: I'm Lady Linoan of Tahra. I'm pleased you're well.
?I await you on the Dread Isle.?
: Oh... it's you. You're Duke Tahra's-- Leave us, Tempest. I would speak with this girl.
: Very well...
: Do you know the identity of those responsible for this uproar?
: I believe it to be the work of Marquess Caelin's brother, Lundgren.
: That's exactly right. Which means my castle has been damaged in their petty inheritance dispute.
: I-I'm sorry...
: When I heard that you were in trouble, I thought to lend my assistance... I find I've changed my mind. I withdraw my offer.
: ...Your name is Kent, is it not? You failed to inform me of one most vital detail!
: What... what do you mean?
: While she may be the daughter of Duke Tahra...
WHAT. I HAVE PINK HAIR, TOO when I forget to dye it and it fades from red. I AM OUTRAGED.
Linoan shares my outrage. By making... exclamation noises, I suppose.
: Don't you feel the marquess of Caelin would be troubled to meet this... odd hair-coloured freak?
: Sain! Hold! My apologies, my lord Marquess.
: Hm... And you! You're not much with that... bright orange hair!
: Marquess Araphen! H-How? Why?
: ...I hear Marquess Caelin is ill and abed. I question whether he will survive to meet this girl. In which case Lundgren, his brother, will claim the title. And I certainly wish to avoid trouble with the coming marquess.
: You scheming...
: Sain!
: How dare you... Kent, Sain, we're leaving at once!
: Milady Linoan! We--
: How dare you speak of people's hair colours like that! As if these people were freaks! And how dare you speak foul of Marquess Caelin as he lies sick! I refuse to accept help from someone with these absurd ideas!
- - -
: He may seem bold, but he's definitely a fool. Isn't that so, Kent?
: I beg your forgiveness.
: Why are you apologising, Kent?
: I've been so concerned with seeing us to Caelin. I failed to take his feelings into account.
: Let it go, Kent. Trouble yourself no more. Marquess Araphen is a troubled fool, as Sain said. You don't need to be disappointed. Hold your head up and be proud.
: Milady Linoan... thank you.
- - -
: If she had but shed a single tear, I would have granted her request. We Lycian nobles will never understand these hair colours.
Why exactly do you want to make girls cry? Creep.
: What?! Oh, Tempest. I didn't see you there.
: A very good friend of mine has blue hair. As she is a member of my tribe, I take offense!
: Tempest! How can you speak to me like that? I have treated you well, have I not? I have paid you well. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have any extra money for your precious Prairie Tribe!
: And still you ramble? Marquess Araphen, you will never understand! My service ends here!
- - -
: He said Marquess Caelin was ill. We must hurry to Caelin!
: As we approach Caelin, Lundgren's obstacles will become more difficult to overcome. However, I've vowed to see you through to the end, milady!
Isn't she the one following you?
: I'm counting on you, Kent.
: I'm with you, too!
: Thank you, Sain.
: Of course. Thank you, Mia, Sakura. And you as well, Aranea.
- - -
: Tempest? What is it? What are you--?
: I overheard the marquess talking to himself. Lady Linoan... Blessed Duchess of Tahra... Please allow me to join your cause. I'll gladly add my strength to yours.
: Really?
: And here... I want you to have this.
: This is... Gold! And quite a decent sum, too.
: I have no need for it. Please, take it.
: Sir Tempest... Thank you.
- - -
Characters Encountered
Tempest
Class: Nomad > Nomad Trooper
Growths;
HP 80%, STR 50%, SKL 45%, SPD 55%, LUK 35%, DEF 30%, RES 25%
It's so hard to find art of this guy. Seriously. He's okay, but he still uses bows until he promotes. If he gets trained at all it'll be when he rejoins, because to be honest, level 10 is perfectly fine for him. For those not in the know, he's from Lunar, but that's basically all I know. Even the wiki is vague.
Matthew
Class: Thief > Assassin
Growths;
HP 75%, STR 40%, SKL 40%, SPD 70%, LUK 50%, DEF 30%, RES 25%
Not new, not getting used. He edges out Kid in some ways but not others. His CON advantage on her of 2 would be enough to tip him into favour if I weren't ignoring all returning characters who are not Lords.