Deciding the Future/Story

Deciding the Future - Opening

Elincia	The stress that must come with being under constant threat of invasion is almost more than I can fathom. Lucia, Geoffrey... I would like to aid the Order of Heroes in their important work protecting Askr.
Of course. As always, your wishes are our commands, Your Majesty. You need only give the word.		Lucia
Geoffrey	No matter the world, Lucia and I are devoted to seeing your every order be made reality.
Thank you both. It is heartening to have the two of you here by my side. You are like family to me. Ah! Princess Sharena! As you may have overheard, we three will spare no effort aiding you in your cause.		Elincia
Sharena	That's wonderful news. Thank you! I'm sure we'll need your support sooner rather than later.
It is truly humbling to be in the presence of such unflinching devotion—it touches my heart! I fear I could not adequately express my joy at your joining us in words... It would simply take too many!		Ash
Sharena	I seem to remember there being another Hero who was summoned along with you? He had a funny little mustache, if I recall...
Ah, you mean Bastian. He hasn't been back since setting off to take care of something this morning.		Lucia
Geoffrey	He mentioned wanting to take in all the sights and sounds that Askr and the Order of Heroes have to offer. He may be on the...unique side, but he, too, is a loyal retainer to Queen Elincia. He will surely lend his aid.
I have heard only praise about all those who accompanied you here, so I look forward to meeting him.		Ash
Bastian	I have returned once more! My thanks for granting leave to wander as I will, Your Majesty.
Welcome back, Bastian. I would hear it from the man himself: What sights did you witness out in Askr?		Elincia
Bastian	This land is one of bounty, truth be told. The kingdom's people place full faith in the Order of Heroes. Though it is a land of many differing ways of life and ways of thought, all those here work in harmony. The sights I have witnessed are like visions from a future Crimea, a dream here made real.
That is high praise! This is surely not just any kingdom we've found ourselves in...		Geoffrey
Bastian	I could expound upon its many qualities for hours and hours—I need but word from Queen Elincia.
While I understand the good Count Fayre may have all the time in the world, she, unfortunately, does not.		Lucia
Bastian	Alas! A shame indeed... If you desire a shortened tale, I shall present my view abridged! To speak in simple terms: Askr's kingdom stands deserving our most fierce allegiance. I fully endorse Her Majesty's choice to lend our aid to Askr.
That puts my heart at ease. Let us then devote our full effort toward assisting the Order of Heroes.		Elincia
Bastian	Ah, first, my queen, I would offer a humble read of the Order's tactics... In truth, if they maintain the present path they tread, defeat will surely come for them in the days ahead...

Deciding the Future - C

Lucia	The Order will be defeated? Are you certain of this?
Yes, explain yourself, Bastian. Their barracks are full of an impressive array of Heroes from other worlds. Need I remind you that among their number is the ever-reliable Ike—AND his band of Greil Mercenaries? I have even heard that they enjoy the support of beings who rival the gods themselves!		Geoffrey
Bastian	And that is why I have arrived at such a position as I have. Listen well, dear Geoffrey... We know the Order welcomes in stronger allies with quite some frequency, Heroes all. Yet what progress is made abating their long state of distress? To state it brief, none at all, it seems.
Then, you believe the specter of war that looms over Askr is inescapable?		Elincia
Bastian	Heroes come to Askr by way of their gates, brought by the summoner, one and all. If some ill fate befell the summoner, Askr soon would suffer, their well of might run dry.
Then the solution is obvious. We four need only ensure that no harm comes to 【Summoner】.		Geoffrey
Bastian	The logic is sound, my queen. Yet...another issue does beg our attention. We have of course already found one fatal flaw in the Order’s path, but there is one more to think on still. In truth, it may be this that will demand more of Askr’s strength to overcome than the first...
Out with it already, Bastian!		Lucia
Bastian	Each Hero who now serves Askr is little more than the Order’s aid. All hail from home far away; none call this world their first, true home. As we have a duty to our homeland Crimea, so, too, do they hold their lands and folk above all else. Believing Heroes here will put their their lives at risk for Askr as they might their comrades is a risk... We have, in our time, seem firsthand how one’s devotion to a cause must be complete lest victory be at risk.
I see... I will need to think on this.		Elincia
Bastian	The Order is balanced on the edge of a blade. In the end, my worry may be over nothing. But if not, what then?

Deciding the Future - B

Elincia	Hmm...
Here are the reports you requested, Your Majesty.		Lucia
Elincia	...
...Princess? Ah, I mean, my queen... Is something troubling you?		Lucia
Elincia	Forgive me, Lucia. My mind had begun to wander...
Ah... Think nothing of it. If anyone’s behavior needs to be excused, it is mine, surely. Old habits are difficult to break, but you are my queen now, and I must address you as such. Was it Count Fayre’s words that disturbed you? Bastian may have spoken...more that he ought to.		Lucia
Elincia	I would be lying if I said I have not been preoccupied with his words since he spoke... The future of Crimea depends on my safe return. I cannot in good conscience put my life at risk here. And yet, Askr is facing the same crisis here and now, before our very eyes...
Indeed. It would be inhumane to turn a blind eye to the suffering the people face, wherever they are. Bastian’s overindulgence aside, I suggest we redouble our focus on the situation we’re in.		Lucia
Ash	Ah! Hello, Queen Elincia, Lady Lucia. How are you two fairing on this lovely day? I do hope you are both well! And how are you adjusting to your stay here in Askr? Please, if there is any way I can help you, do ask...
Thank you for your consideration, Ash. We have been treated only with kindness since we arrived.		Elincia
Lucia	As the days pass, it has become more and more apparent just how much we Heroes are relied upon. Her Majesty and I were just in the middle of discussing how we might best contribute.
I have to admit, I am delighted to hear that! It brings me such joy to have Heroes work so hard for Askr. This is surely what Father—or, rather, what Lord Askr would have hoped from our visitors from other worlds. Your dedication gives the people hope—hope that tomorrow will be a better and brighter day than today.		Ash
Elincia	Ah, yes, I had heard you are the retainer to the Divine Dragon who founded this kingdom. To be so close to such a divine figure, you must be someone of a lofty stature yourself.
Oh, no, I’m afraid I do not see myself like that... “Divinity” is far too much for someone like me, truly. I am merely a servant—one sincerely devoted to this kingdom, to which every other world is connected.		Ash
Lucia	Every other world... Hmm... Ash, may I ask you a question?
Of course! I will happily provide any answers I am able to! It would be my pleasure to share anything I can. Though, if it is a question about why I get drowsy after eating, I’m afraid to say I do not have that answer...		Ash
Lucia	Actually, my question is whether it’s possible for the forces that threaten Askr to enter those other worlds.
Hm... Well... Askr has always kept its gates open for anyone and everyone, without exception. Though, it is possible to imagine a scenario in which malevolent forces were to use the gates...		Ash
Elincia	So, you‘re saying that, if these forces were to be left unchecked, the threat could spread even to Tellius?
Yes... Lord Askr’s intention when opening connections between worlds arose from his exuberant optimism. We must hope his vision for this land is not taken advantage of by those seeking unsavory ends...		Ash

Deciding the Future - A

Bastian	So, Askr’s fate is linked to ours and to Crimea’s... This is what you have concluded then, Your Majesty?
If what Ash said is true, the foes Askr faces do not threaten Askr alone... Should the Order fail or fall, their enemies will be free to threaten other worlds beyond this one.		Elincia
Lucia	So ensuring Askr’s success also keeps the people of Crimea safe by extension. The final outcome of the conflict here, if not in Askr’s favor, could expose our people to great suffering. We must not allow that to happen.
Aha... Intriguing indeed! This news reveals facets of the Order I had not yet considered myself. The missing piece explaining why the Heroes fight so stalwartly for Askr has now come to light!		Bastian
Geoffrey	My vow is to ensure Her Majesty’s chosen path lies clear before her. That is how I can show my devotion.
As you have said, Bastian, the threats to Askr grow by the day. I believe that, if the Heroes can work together, we can overcome any obstacle that confronts us. And by aiding Askr, we aid Crimea. That is reason enough to lend all our strength to their cause.		Elincia
Bastian	Bravo! I believe I stand corrected, Your Majesty... You’ve become a queen now, strong and wise! My doubts dispelled, I feel we ought to raise a cheer to our sure victory!
If Crimea is the treasure, then Askr is the vault. As leader of the Royal Knights of Crimea, I will guard both. It is a great duty that rests upon our shoulders, but my lance is ever at the ready. I will not fail here!		Geoffrey
Lucia	We are not alone in this. I have no doubt many Heroes share similar hopes for their kingdoms.
Once again, I must ask each of you to lend me your strength. Let us join together to ensure that no more blood of the just is spilled within our beloved homeland. We not only protect Askr, but all the nigh-uncountable worlds to which it is connected.		Elincia

Scenario
Emblems, Heroes ←		Deciding the Future		Her Shining Future →
Lucia	Elincia		Bastian		Geoffrey

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