A Servant's Resolve: 1-4 Better Prospects

*Alexander finally convinces Alfred to join the army. At the registration, Alfred meets his savior, who asks him about his motive.*

### Dialogue Choices

Why are you joining my army?

* **For the glory**
* **For the money**

## Transcript

Expand for script.

* The expedition to the New World and the war there that Alexander describes doesn't interest me.
* But...
* Why does the Marquis de Lafayette want to send troops so far away?
* The nobles in the Palace revel in debauchery without a care for the world.
* A life we can only dream of.
* Yet he wants to abandon it all for war... Is he bored?
* Have the nobles not caused enough suffering?
* I have seen nobles burn over a thousand candles for one meal.
* I've watched them fight over mirrors.
* I thought I'd seen everything...
* But the Marquis has baffled me...

* **Alexander:** Trust me, Alfred. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

* **Alfred:** I have no interest in throwing my life away on a fool's errand.

* **Alexander:** You will be properly compensated! Think about how much you'll get paid!

* **Alfred:** Paid?

* **Alexander:** Haven't you heard? The Marquis pays his soldiers very well!

* **Alexander:** Join his army, and you'll receive a juicy salary every month!

* Alexander knows me well. This little detail is enough to perk my interest.
* **Alfred:** That sounds too good to be true.

* **Alexander:** It does, but it is true!

* **Alexander:** Think about it, Alfred. How much are you paid now? How much more can you earn?

* **Alfred:** You're right... I'll easily earn a year's worth of money in just a month...

* **Alexander:** So... I'll take that as a yes?

* **Alfred:** The terms are tempting, but you must give me more time to consider...

* He assumes I'll take up the offer, doesn't he?
* **Alfred:** (What kind of person is the Marquis de Lafayette?)

* **Alfred:** (Why would he give up his comfortable life and travel across the world to fight a war?)

* **Alfred:** (What a strange man. But he sounds more interesting than anyone else in the Palace.)

* However, I'm aware of the risks. A soldier could lose their life before they have a chance to spend the money.
* My current life is stable. But...
* **Alfred:** I've decided, Alexander.

* **Alexander:** Shall we go register together?

* **Alfred:** We can go together, but you must register before I do. I want to know if the deal is as good as you say it is.

* **Alexander:** ;I figured you'd say that. Come, I'll show you the way.

* I pay for the drinks and leave with Alexander.
* **Alexander:** This way. Hurry.

* **Alfred:** Yeah, yeah...

* **Alexander:** Looks like we came at a good time. There's no queue.

* **Alfred:** Is that really a good thing? It means no one is...

* I couldn't finish my sentence... A familiar figure approaches...
* **Alfred:** (The Marquis de Lafayette...)

* **Lafayette:** I recognize you. You are a servant in the Palace of Versailles, aren't you?

* **Alfred:** Huh? The Marquis remembers me?

* **Alexander:** The Marquis? You know the Marquis de Lafayette?

* **Lafayette:** Are you here to register?

* I nervously nod. My heart throbs excitedly.
* **Lafayette:** Follow me. We need to talk before you register.

* With that, the Marquis turns and walks away.
* **Alexander:** What are you waiting for? The Marquis has asked for you! Go!

* **Alfred:** (The Marquis wishes to speak to me in private?! I can't...)

* **Alfred:** S-sir? I didn't think you would remember me.

* **Lafayette:** Relax. I just want to talk...

* **Alfred:** W-with someone like me? I... Erm... Yes, please go ahead...

* Facing a high ranking noble alone has tied my tongue.
* **Lafayette:** Regarding that incident... how did you resolve it in the end?

* **Alfred:** Oh. I heeded your suggestion and paid for the mirror.

* His brows are furrowed, and his expression intense. Did I upset him?
* **Lafayette:** Is that so? Very well. I have something else to ask.

* **Alfred:** Yes?

* **Lafayette:** Did the Comtesse treat you poorly after I left?

* **Alfred:** (How unexpected. To think the Marquis would be concerned about something like that.)

* I explain what happened after and the Marquis' expression slowly relaxes.
* **Lafayette:** Alright. Now for the most important question.

* **Lafayette:** Why are you joining my army?

For the glory

* **Alfred:** ...For the glory! I don't want to be a lowly peasant forever!

* **Lafayette:** Is that so?

* **Alfred:** Yes! I want to be treated with respect! I've had enough of being treated like dirt!

* I am not being entirely truthful, but I don't want to mention my desire for wealth.
* Talking about money in front of someone as respectable as the Marquis feels shameless.
* **Lafayette:** You can achieve the same recognition by working hard in the Palace. It would just take a few years.

* **Alfred:** It will take longer than that...

* **Lafayette:** There is nothing glorious about fighting a war. And you have a proper job.

* **Alfred:** (I'm not convincing the Marquis.)

* **Lafayette:** War is not a game. I hope everyone who signs up has the right motivations.

* **Alfred:** Alright. I'm sorry. I'll tell you the truth.

For the money

* **Alfred:** What else could a lowly peasant like me look forward to but money?

* **Lafayette:** Money? This is a war! People will die!

* **Alfred:** I know. But everything is rapidly increasing in price. If I don't make more money soon, I won't be able to afford even bread!

* **Alfred:** (I have no choice but to bet my life on this opportunity!)

* **Lafayette:** It's that bad? Hmm... But if you work hard in the Palace and secure a promotion...

* **Lafayette:** Your pay will increase, your efforts will be recognized, and you'll even have a chance to be exempted from taxes!

* **Alfred:** Only if I get promoted in time. I might starve to death before then.

* **Lafayette:** Is that so? Then you intend to dedicate your life to this battle?

* **Alfred:** I'm a lowly peasant. Lack of money is a death sentence.

* **Alfred:** You nobles may find it difficult to understand, but we peasants will gladly give our lives for a chance at a better future.

* **Alfred:** New world? A war? I couldn't care less. I only want to put food on the table.

* **Lafayette:** I see... Thank you for you honesty. It was enlightening.

* **Alfred:** So... Can I sign up?

* **Lafayette:** Of course! Though I must say, you have a unique way of resigning from a job.

* **Lafayette:** Truly, an interesting servant.

* Did he just smile at me? I stare dazedly at his handsome face, unable to avert my eyes.
* **Lafayette:** !Welcome to the team, Alfred.