Remote Byway (Normal)

> The meeting with the Second Archmage was a success. The knights are tired and could use a place to rest, but luck may not have it.
>
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## Summary

Lord of Avillon and Lucilicca La'elaya discuss what caused the sudden pure-blood frenzy in the country, tracing back to a speech made by Laphlaes Selkena.

## Character List

### Major Characters

* Lord of Avillon
* Lucilicca La'elaya (Dark)

### Minor Character

* Charlotte Grace (Earth)
* Mikhail Blake (Dark)
* Mu

### Mentioned Characters

* Laphlaes Selkena (Fire)
* Charles III
* suspicious woman

## Dialogue

**Lucilicca:** Now, where were we?
**(Lord):** You mentioned the elves’ continued existence depends on the outcome to this crisis.
**Lucilicca:** Right. To be honest, it is only recently that the pure-blood issue became so serious.
**(Lord):** I heard it was a statement by the First Archmage that sparked it.
**Lucilicca:** Yes, it was a speech he gave. Ever since then, many things have happened that defy common sense.
**(Lord):** You’ll need to tell me more about that speech. I haven’t heard what it was about, or the background behind it.
**Lucilicca:** I did not hear it through the towers’ communication system, but I do remember what was said, simply because it was shocking.
**Laphlaes Speech:** “As the race with the clearest bloodline to trace back to ancient civilization, we elves have a duty and responsibility to keep that bloodline pure. We do not need intermingling with others to survive. Since when did we need to provide a home for humans and Therians? And for what cause should we sacrifice our dignity and mix our blood with theirs? Reject them. Do not let the blessings you should be sharing with your family and friends go to waste. Do not let your elfhood go to waste.”
**(Lord):** ...
**Lucilicca:** That was more or less the core of his message.
**(Lord):** Sounds like the pretty typical nationalist propaganda. In fact, it doesn’t sound like it would have the power to stir up much trouble.
**Lucilicca:** I agree that the content of the message itself is weak at best. What was shocking about it was the fact that it was the First Archmage saying it.
**(Lord):** Tell me more about the First Archmage.
**Lucilicca:** His name is Laphlaes Selkana, and he was not only the most noble Elder Elf in the land, but he was also a wise leader who led Lumisade for centuries.
**(Lord):** Had he never spoken out of turn, or displayed any sort of disposition for the content of his speech?
**Lucilicca:** Not once. He was the one who taught the people of harmony and unity.
**(Lord):** Then the situation makes even less sense. How could his mind have changed so much in a short period of time...? ...Hmm.
**Lucilicca:** Is there some issue?
**(Lord):** No, but now that I think of it, we saw something similar happen just recently. The former ruler of Rhodon, Charles III. He had been praised before for being wise and just, but at one point suddenly became obsessed with imperialism, to the point where he disregarded his people and was preparing to go to war.
**Lucilicca:** That does sound like a similar sudden change in attitude...
**(Lord):** For now, it looks like we will have to take care of those guards coming our way.
**Lucilicca:** I cannot attack my people, but I beg you, do not critically injure them.
**(Lord):** That person who manipulated Charles III seemed to be a powerful mage… I want to check something in the Chronicles.
[Accessing the Chronicles]
**(Lord):** Mu, are you there?
**Mu:** Awaiting orders, Master.
**(Lord):** Look up and see if there are any records of the suspicious woman entering Lumisade. We may not be able to access record solely pertaining to her, but we should be able to view records about this region.
**Mu:** Orders received. I will inform you of the results once processing is complete.
**(Lord):** Thanks, Mu.
[Closing the Chronicles]
**(Lord):** Guess we’ll have to keep moving forward while waiting for the search to be completed.

**Charlotte:** Hey, er, Second Archmage...
**Lucilicca:** Yes? What is it?
**Charlotte:** Do you, uh, have a brother?
**Lucilicca:** I have not heard from him in quite some time, but I do have a brother named Dimitri.
**Charlotte:** Wow... It’s true, then!
**Lucilicca:** Hm? Is it really so surprising?
**Charlotte:** Oh, no, it’s nothing… I bet you were a great sister.
**Lucilicca:** I’m not sure I was... Now that I think about him, I miss him a little.
**Charlotte:** Hee hee!
**Lucilicca:** You have a great smile, nice and bright. What is your name?
**Charlotte:** Ch-Charlotte! Charlotte Grace!
**Lucilicca:** That’s a pretty name.  For some reason, the more I look at you, the more you seem to look like my brother.
**Charlotte:** I do…?
**Lucilicca:** Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just feel something... familiar.
**Charlotte:** No, I didn’t... You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
**Mikhail:** ...
**(Lord)**: ...
**Mikhail:** She doesn’t seem inclined to tell her.
**(Lord):** It’s her choice. On a different note, those two seem like they’d get along really well.
**Mikhail:** I think the Second Archmage is warmer than she seems.

**Fram:** That takes care of them!
**(Lord):** Good work, knights. No doubt more soldiers will come, though, and bring friends too.
**Lucilicca:** It would seem we’re already being followed. This might make it difficult to... Never mind. We have to get to the tower, no matter what.
**(Lord):** Heh, the rumors that say you’re not politically savvy but are a woman of actions were right.
**Lucilicca:** What? Who told you that?
**(Lord):** Er, that’s not important. What is important is that I believe there is someone behind the sudden changes in the First Archmage.
**Lucilicca:** So you feel it, too? I’m glad I’m not the only one.
**(Lord):** I have an idea of who it is, too.
**Lucilicca:** Who? How can you even reach a conclusion based on only a few clues?
**(Lord):** I have much more information that a few clues. You may have been confined to Lumisade all this time, but I have the entire western continent at my disposal.
**Lucilicca:** I find your boastful attitude rude and impudent, but since you are here to help, I suppose I cannot say that.
**(Lord):** I think you already did... But anyway, we’ve not even made a deal yet.
**Lucilicca:** Our deal will depend on what Avillon can get out of this situation.
**(Lord):** We’re on the same page, then.
**Lucilicca:** I am the leader of a faction, you know. I may have asked for Avillon’s help based on connections made by our ancestors, but I know you are not here because of some emotional attachment to tradition. Allow me to tell you what I can offer. I can give you the plans for some of the most central arcane technology we elves use, together with a unilateral non-aggression pact.
**(Lord):** The arcane technology is tempting. I was impressed by the mass-produced drones and the elvenguard’s weapons. As for the pact, unilateral in which direction?
**Lucilicca:** In the direction that benefits you, of course. Lumisade would agree to never attack Avillon first, for as long as there are elves in the land.
**(Lord):** Hmm...