Chapter 4: The Verge of History

## Scene 1

*The ship has finally made it to land, reaching a quiet port town in the southeast of Valm. While Captain Jeremiah and his crew unload their supply shipment, Valerie and the others get their feet back on solid ground.*

Mina: Gods! Finally, some solid ground!

Valerie: You can say that again…

Asch: Why does it feel so weird…?

Bernadotte: That may be because you’re so used to standing on a ship.

Asch: Gods, is this permanent!?

Bernadotte: Relax, it will pass. I would recommend walking around to get used to solid ground again. In fact, I see no harm in exploring the town if you wish. I’ll see to securing some provisions for the road ahead in the meantime.

Phira: Maybe we can split into groups?

Valerie: I like that idea. I’ll go with Bernie and help shop for supplies.

Noel: Great, I’ll go with Asch so we can go… uhh… sightseeing together.

Asch: It’s not just plain ol’ sightseeing! It’s ADVANCED...uhh, scouring the grounds under the watchful eyes of the gods above!

Mina: Right… I’ll go with you to make sure you behave…

Noel: Relax, it’s me!

Mina: That’s why I’m coming with you.

Eurys: Count me in! I know my way around the port so I’ll be your guide!

Phira: Uhhh… I’ll stick with Val and Bernadotte then…

Valerie: Sounds good!

Bernadotte: Very well. Let’s meet in front of the tavern over there in an hour.

## Scene 2 - Battle Preamble

Valerie: This market’s huge! You can find anything here!

Bernadotte: Well, not everything. I haven’t seen a blacksmith around here.

Phira: Maybe it’s deeper into town?

Bernadotte: Mhm, you may be onto something.

Valerie: Hey, there’s a enormous fruit stand over there! Maybe we can score a deal on oranges!?

Phira: Heh heh… There’s other fruit than just oranges, you know.

Valerie: Yeah, but not as tasty!

Bernadotte: Milady, you really should look where you’re going.

Valerie: Don’t worry, I know where I’m-

*Valerie collides with a young scholar. Causing the two of them to fall over and for him to drop his large pile of books and tomes.*

Phira: Val, are you okay!?

Valerie: Y-Yeah… I’m fine… Sorry about that…

Caduceus: It’s fine… it was my fault.

Valerie: No, no! It was totally my fault. L-Let me help you with those.

*Valerie helps Caduceus pick up his books.*

Valerie: I’m Valerie by the way… and you are…?

Caduceus: Caduceus. Thank you for your help, Valerie.

Valerie: Don’t mention it… what were you doing with all of these books anyway?

Caduceus: I just bought these and I planned on reading them.

Valerie: Right… I forgot…

Caduceus: You forgot that books are for reading?

Valerie: N-No! I’m just… really bad at small talk...

Caduceus: It’s not exactly my forte either.

Valerie: Heheheh…

*Suddenly, a bell starts ringing, with civilians fleeing in response.*

Phira: W-What’s going on!?

Villager: It's them again! Run!!

Old Villager: Cursed bandits!

Village Maiden: Get inside! Now!

Bernadotte: It appears to be a raid.

Valerie: What? Seriously!? Can’t we catch a break!?

Bernadotte: Afraid not. Draw your sword, we need to find the others quickly.

Valerie: Alright…! Caduceus, you should head inside, we’ll handle this!

Caduceus: Actually, I was hoping to help. The people here have nobody to fend for them and they’re good people!

Bernadotte: Can you fight?

Caduceus: Yes, I am fairly proficient with magic and a sword.

Valerie: We’re happy to get all the help we can get.

Caduceus: Thank you, I’ll do my best!

## Map Dialogue

### Map Start

Kardias: Heh heh heh…! Grab all you can, boys! We’re feasting like kings tonight!

Bandit: You got it, boss!

Thief: It’ll be my pleasure…

Valerie: Not so fast, you dastards!

Kardias: Huh…? Who are you?

Valerie: I am Valeria Antiessa Rudal, the sole heir of Rudal Keiron Walhart and your queen!

Kardias: Bah hah hah hah! That’s a load of horse droppings! There’s no kings or queens around these parts, little lady!

Valerie: …Mmm, not the reaction I was expecting...

Phira: I’m not sure you should’ve opened with that...

Bernadotte: \*sigh\*

Caduceus: …

Valerie: Cease at once and I shall pardon your crimes! This is your final warning!

Thief: …

Bandit: …

Kardias: Why are you standing around!? Get back to work, you idiots!

Bandit: Aye!

Valerie: Jerks… Alright, fine! We’ll settle this your way!

Caduceus: I applaud your attempts at diplomacy.

Valerie: It was worth trying… Anyways, we gotta protect the villagers!

Phira: Right…!

Bernadotte: To arms!

**Objective: Defeat the Commander**

### Caduceus is Selected

Caduceus: Valerie, if you need it, I am well studied in medicine and can provide medical aid.

Valerie: Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.

### Ally Reinforcements Arrive

Mina: There they are!

Asch: Thank the gods you’re okay!

Phira: Mina! Asch!

Eurys: Seems like the party started without us, huh?

Noel: W-Who’s the hunk…?

Mina: Is this really the time!?

Noel: I-I’m just calling them as I see them!

Bernadotte: Mmm….

Caduceus: Uhhh…

Valerie: Save the introductions for later!

Eurys: Right, let’s stick it to these punks!

### VS Kardias

Kardias: You have some nerve interrupting my operation! I’ll put you in the dirt for this!

***List of replies depending on the unit chosen to engage with him first:***

Valerie: I gave you the option to go home, buddy, but you didn’t take it. Regretting it now, huh?

Asch: **[something]**

Bernadotte: **[something]**

Caduceus: You had the nerve to attack these good and honest people. You should’ve listened to the girl, royalty or not.

Eurys: Bandits like you are scum of the earth! If you’re not going to return what you stole, I’ll beat it out of you!

Mina: **[something]**

Noel: **[something]**

Phira **[something]**

***Upon defeating Kardias:***

Kardias: Punks…! I won’t go down so easily…!

## Scene 3 - Chapter End

Valerie: Alright… second and final chance… Drop everything, go home, and never come back, got it…?

Kardias: You drive a hard bargain… but I’m not buying…

Mage: Boss!

*The Mage attacks Valerie with a wind tome, blasting her away from Kardias. Amidst the confusion, a Thief holds Phira hostage with a knife.*

Phira: Ahh…!

Thief: No sudden moves, missy!

Valerie: Phira!

Kardias: Heh heh… Now, how about a compromise? You let us go and we won’t make an example of your friend…

Valerie: You dastard…!

Kardias: Do we have an agreement…?

Valerie: ...

Kardias: Alright, then…

*The Thief gestures like he’s about to stab Phira.*

Valerie: Wait…!

*The Thief stops.*

Kardias: I take it that’s a yes?

Valerie: You have my word…

Kardias: Good… pleasure doing business, Valeriana or whatever your name was… Take the girl with us!

Noel: Hey, you can’t just-

Kardias: Nuh uh… you have no say here. You gave us your word. Cross us and we’ll gut her.

Noel: Val, are you gonna listen to this punk…?

Valerie: ...We have to…

Kardias: See, she’s got a head on her shoulders. Move out, boys!

Phira: I’m sorry, Val…

Mina: ...

Valerie: No, Phira, I’m sorry. I’ll fix this, I swear!

Kardias: Uh huh… don’t move a muscle until we’re gone. Expect a ransom from us in a couple of days! So long!

*Kardias and his gang leave with Phira.*

Mina: Are you seriously letting them go!? Who knows what those monsters will do to her!

Valerie: Of course not, I’m going after them!

Mina: Good! I was hoping to zap that jerk!

Noel: Count me in! I’m not leaving Phira with those creeps!

Bernadotte: Nikolai and Euphemia trusted me with her safety. I’m responsible for her as much as I am for you.

Asch: I’m coming too!

Eurys: There’s no way I’m leaving her in such awful company. I’ll help in saving her.

Valerie: Great! How about you, Caduceus…?

Caduceus: If I was faster, I might’ve stopped them from taking her. I have to correct this mistake. I’m by your side.

Valerie: It means a lot. Thanks, Caduceus.