Harle

I longed for knighthood, knowing it would deliver me from the bottom rung of society I was born into.

Minister: Harle, I hereby appoint you chief of the Capital Guard.
Harle: ...I humbly and gratefully accept.
Harle: (Pitiful that this is the highest station a commoner could ever hope to reach.)
Harle: (There's no future for a country that values social standing above all. I must enact my plan.)
 ???: Congratulations on your promotion.
Phares: But I must say, I question my father's logic in appointing you as such.
Phares: A knight of your skill is far more suited to a position within the Royal Guard.
Harle: Why, Prince Phares. I am honored that you would think so. Truly, you give me too much credit.
Phares: I only speak the truth. In fact, it is for that reason I have come to you today.
Phares: Harle, I would like you to serve as my personal guard.
Phares: Given your other recent appointment, it may be quite the endeavor to take both positions at once—this I recognize.
Harle: I am most humbled by your words. If I may ask, what moved you to approach a man of my lowly caliber?
Phares: Because I believe only you can live up to my expectations. Do you accept my offer?
Harle: ......
Harle: (It sounds too good to be true, but this is undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity.)
Harle: (I may not know what His Highness's true intentions are, but I will use him in kind.)
Harle: I would be a fool to turn down such a privilege. I am yours to command, sir.

Harle: After you, Your Highness.
Phares: Thank you for your hard work, and for seeing me home to my research lab. I feel more at ease here than in the castle.
Harle: I would never have guessed that this place housed a laboratory.
Phares: Leif said the same thing.
Harle: Did he, now?
Phares: Indeed. In the past, I would occasionally ask him to go on errands for me. The man is dependable to a fault, really.
Phares: His family has served mine for generations, so we go back quite a ways.
Phares: Incidentally, I'd been meaning to ask... What were you doing before you joined the Officers Academy?
Harle: I was a meager servant for a nobleman.
Phares: Interesting. What made you aspire to knighthood?
Harle: My master at the time was the picture of magnanimity. He would make any number of arrangements to see a young man's future brighten.
Phares: You certainly lucked out, didn't you? Still, I must caution you against lying.
Harle: I beg your pardon? I do not recall spinning any falsehoods, Your Highness.
Phares: A few years ago, a nobleman was exiled after committing an unspeakable crime.
Harle: It sounds like a most terrible incident. And yet I fail to see what it has to do with present conversation, sir.
Phares: Funny you should ask. It happened around the same time you attained knighthood.
Phares: Surely a man of your intellect is aware that if servant were to, say, report his master's crimes to the crown, he would be duly rewarded.
Harle: And you believe I would do such a thing? You jest. Why, that would be uncivilized.
Phares: Ah. My apologies, then. However, an interesting story does spring to mind. Perhaps you've heard it.
Phares: Not long ago, a messenger arrived from Grams for a...secret rendezvous, we'll say.
Phares: And who was their contact? My sources described him as a knight clad in black. Why, that sounds just like you.
Harle: Heavens! What a misunderstanding this is. I did indeed meet with the messenger in question, but I was simply showing him around the capital. I AM chief of its guard.
Phares: Oh, is that all? Here I was certain you were sharing intelligence.
Harle: ......
Phares: You wish to create a world where all human beings stand shoulder to shoulder as equals.
Phares: But such a thing is impossible in a kingdom with a class system. Therefore...
Phares: It would only be natural for you to devise a plan to destroy this kingdom and build one that suits your ideals upon its ashes.
Harle: You certainly live up to your reputation as an esteemed researcher, my liege. That is quite the theory you have crafted.
Harle: But I'm afraid a theory is all it is. My loyalty lies with the Kingdom of Alberia.
Phares: I see. Forgive me—I've always been prone to overthinking. Terrible habit.
Phares: Now, I must concentrate on my research, so please stand by outside for me.
Harle: Your wish is my command.

Harle: (How much does that man know?! And if he already pieced all that together, then why did he take me on as his personal guard?)
Harle: Heh. I think I shall do a little bit of research of my own, Prince Phares.

Harle: Now, if I were looking for information of any importance, it would be right...here.
Harle: There's got to be something useful... Hm... What do we have here—an old research paper?
Harle: The Progenitor... Demons... So he's not your everyday research scientist after all. And there's another book shoved into the back of the shelf...
Harle: A child's handwriting, no doubt. It seems to be a journal he kept as a child.
Harle: "Day 13, Month of the Lovely Dragon: It appears this will be my final entry."
Harle: "My disease continues to plague me. I suffer from a kind of sensory paralysis. I lack all strength. My pulse slows. My hands are ice. My mind is in disarray."
Harle: Odd. There's no record of the Prince's condition progressing this far in the royal archives.
Harle: "Day 14, Month of the Lovely Dragon: I am alive! New strength courses through my body."
Harle: He recovered in a single day? Wait... No. If that previous paper is to be believed...
Harle: The Progenitor... Reincarnation... Vessels... An undying body... It can't be!
 ???: Now this won't do. You should know better than to barge into someone's private study.
Harle: ?!
Phares: I did not peg you as the scholarly type.
Harle: Prince Phares... No, perhaps I should call you by the name of the entity living within you.
Phares: I haven't the faintest idea what you mean. More importantly, I have somebody I'd like you to meet. Say hello.
 ???: A pleasure to meet you at last. From now on, I will be known as Harle.
Harle: Who the hell are you?!
Phares: Did you not hear? His name is Harle. Oh, but there is no need to fret.
Phares: Ever since you became my guard, he has been lurking in the shadows, peering at your memories.
Phares: I am certain he will be the perfect replacement for you.
Harle: Now I understand. THIS was why you wanted me at arm's length.
Phares: Those twisted little ideas festering inside you suited him quite well.
Phares: We couldn't have asked for a better person's life to usurp.
Harle: Well, what an honor that is.
Phares: Now. You're a smart man. I'm sure you know what must happen next.
Phares: There cannot be two Harles in this world.
Harle: !
 ???: One moment. If you're just going to kill him, why don't you let me play with him instead?
 ???: I've seen into this man's memories. He is QUITE the idealist.
 ???: Wouldn't it be exciting to see him crushed by the weight of his own foolish notions?
Phares: I've no particular interest in such a thing, but by all means, do as you see fit.
Harle: What do you think you're—
 ???: No more struggling. It's time we said goodbye.
Harle: A tear in space?! Nngh... I'm... I'm getting sucked in! AGH!
 ???: Farewell, old Harle. Have yourself a fun little sojourn in another world.

Harle: Ngh... Where is this? Am I...still alive?
Harle: What a desolate place... Where in the world did they dump me?
Harle: That volcano... Am I in Valkaheim?

Leonidas: Heed me, my subjects! The Kingdom of Alberia has at last been unified under the eldest of its royals, Leonidas!
Crowd: Hail our unity! Hail King Leonidas!
Harle: (Prince Leonidas did what? Nonsense. I've never heard anything about this.)
Leonidas: Listen well as we elucidate the new status quo. Prime Minister, if you would?
Harle: ("Prime Minister"? Wait... Is that—?!)

Leonidas: Listen well as we elucidate the new status quo. Prime Minister, if you would?
Harle: ("Prime Minister"? Wait... Is that—?!)
Otherworld Harle: Thank you, my liege.
Harle: (Is that...me?)

Harle: (Events unlike any I've known have transpired here, and a man with my face saunters about... I understand now. This must be another world.)
Harle: (After being here for a few days, I've ascertained three things.)
Harle: (One: there was a war between humans and dragons, and the humans won.)
Harle: (Two: Alberia is currently ruled by Prince Leonidas and this world's version of me.)
Harle: (And three: everyone in this world is treated equally without regard to class.)
Harle: It's a cruel irony that my ideals would come true in a world devastated by war.
Harle: But unfortunately for my impostor, this is not enough to break me. I WILL return to my world and make him pay for this.
Harle: Yet I suppose that's easier said than done. Without any dragons in this world, is there anyone left to ferry me back to mine?
Valkaheim Soldier: Oh, there you are, Prime Minister!
Harle: Hm?
Valkaheim Soldier: His Highness sends word that your meeting has been rescheduled.
Harle: (This could be my chance... Those in power have access to limitless intel. Infiltrating the castle would be a major step forward.)
Harle: (And if I go there, I should be able to meet HIM as well...)
Harle: Yes, of course. We mustn't delay, then.

Otherworld Harle: That's the last of today's plans sorted.
Otherworld Harle: It's odd, though. Some of the soldiers were saying the strangest things.
Otherworld Harle: How I'd abruptly disappear from one room only to appear in another just as suddenly. How is that even possible?
 ???: Oh, it's possible, given that I was the subject of their confusion.
Harle: It is good to meet you, Harle of this world.
Otherworld Harle: Curious. No mirror stands before me, and yet... Who or what are you?
Harle: I am no reflection. I am you— Harle from another world.
Otherworld Harle: Fascinating. I've heard of this concept— how there exists countless other worlds, and within them, other possibilities.
Otherworld Harle: And you're saying you have come from one such divergence?
Harle: Brilliant deduction. I would have expected nothing less of myself.
Otherworld Harle: Do you really expect me to believe such a ridiculous notion?
Harle: That is up to you. If you don't, feel free to call your soldiers here.
Otherworld Harle: ......
Harle: (He's thinking about it. I knew he wouldn't make a snap judgment like that.)
Harle: (It seems that even in other worlds, a person's true nature never changes.)
Harle: (If he really IS me, he's likely weighing the benefits of using me now. He wouldn't even think of killing me right away.)
Otherworld Harle: Very well. I'll hear you out. Why have you come here?
Harle: I'll get straight to the point. Will you work together with me?
Otherworld Harle: In what fashion?
Harle: I would serve as your shadow.
Harle: Naturally, you would benefit from the arrangement as well.
Harle: After all... It would help you in your quest to create a world without social classes.
Otherworld Harle: Oh? And why might you think that is my ultimate goal?
Harle: The fact that you serve King Leonidas is proof.
Harle: After a few days of studying Valkaheim, I have learned that even here, His Masjesty prefers a meritocracy.
Harle: To enact reform, it would be useful to have someone at the top with a similar ideology to your own. And so, you chose His Majesty.
Harle: However, even if the upper echelons laud meritocracy, there are still those who would be against the change you seek.
Harle: Would it not be convenient to have a confidant who will eliminate any who would impede you?
Otherworld Harle: You're quite straightforward in offering to get your hands dirty in my stead.
Harle: That was my intent.
Otherworld Harle: I see. But permit me to make one little correction to your assessment.
Otherworld Harle: I do not pursue reform. No, I seek something far greater.
Otherworld Harle: Namely a revolution.
Harle: What do you mean?
Otherworld Harle: Thanks to King Leonidas, we have freed ourselves from the yoke of the dragons and built a land of meritocracy... But it's still not enough.
Otherworld Harle: There remains a king. Thus, the confines of class still bind us.
Otherworld Harle: I want to create a land of democracy.
Otherworld Harle: And in order to do that, the very notion of royalty must be made a thing of the past. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?
Harle: It's to be a bloodbath, then.
Otherworld Harle: Indeed. So if you desire to be my shadow, it means you'll also be the umbrella sheltering me when that blood spills.
Otherworld Harle: Is whatever you wish to gain out of our deal worth that risk?
Harle: Being able to work hand in hand with you is a boon in and of itself.
Harle: I was cast into this world in a freak accident. Having a trustworthy confidant of my own would put my heart at ease.
Otherworld Harle: Black though it may be... Very well. If you've already taken that into consideration, then I think you've made yourself worthy of my trust.
Otherworld Harle: I accept "my" offer.
Harle: I am quite pleased to have earned "my" own trust.
Harle: Let us keep this arrangement a secret. No one else can know there are two of us.
Otherworld Harle: Agreed. We will need every advantage to prepare for a revolution, after all.

Harle: (That's one step closer.)
Harle: (Now that I've secured an "ally" of sorts, all that's left is find a way back home...)
Harle: (That fool will pay for what he did to me. The stage for my revenge is set.)

Harle: (I've learned quite a bit about my place of exile, but I've yet to find a way home.)
Otherworld Harle: That man doesn't understand a THING!
Harle: My, my. What's gotten you so worked up?
Otherworld Harle: Oh. You. *sigh* I'm simply fed up with King Leonidas's naïveté.
Harle: That's certainly not a word I'd use to describe His Majesty. "Strict" or "unrelenting," maybe. What happened?
Otherworld Harle: You know about how this world is facing desertification, yes?
Harle: I do. It would seem the grave consequence of eradicating those dragons is happening quicker than expected. We can't keep up.
Harle: I hear that even the old capital, Sol Alberia, has been swallowed by sand.
Harle: ('Twas disorder they sowed, and now they reap.)
Otherworld Harle: We're migrating those who lost their homes to safer places—like Valkaheim.
Otherworld Harle: The problem is, we're running low on resources. We simply can't afford to waste them on the weak.
Otherworld Harle: Thus, I suggested we should instead trim the fat. Get rid of those devoid of use. I've even drafted a plan for it here.
Harle: "On Saving the Nation." Hm... I can certainly see the efficiency in it all. What did King Leonidas have to say?
Otherworld Harle: That we will not change course. And he wouldn't hear anything to the contrary.

Leonidas: A country cannot grow if we prune the buds of talent before they even develop.
Leonidas: The weak will die out whether we have a hand in their culling or not. Yet we must also wait for those who would one day become stronger.

Otherworld Harle: The grace he would grant is nothing but a waste of precious time and resources.
Harle: A rather hasty judgment, don't you think?
Otherworld Harle: Not at all. I've had plenty of time to mull it over. No matter how long we wait, we'll never find a leader more exceptional or talented than myself.
Harle: ......
Otherworld Harle: The time is ripe. We need to enact our plan to assassinate the king. I will rule in his stead.
Harle: You really wish to take on such a bothersome role?
Otherworld Harle: If a ruler outlives his use, I have no choice but to seize his power for myself. The hour for revolution is nigh.
Otherworld Harle: Heh... I can only imagine the look on his face when his authority is stripped away by a man who crawled up the ranks from base servitude!
Harle: Someone is here. I'll hide.
Cassandra: Hm. I could have sworn I heard someone else in here.
Otherworld Harle: Your ears play tricks, fair madam. Now, your report, if you will.

Cassandra: With that, I must take my leave. Should you find anything amiss, do contact me.
Otherworld Harle: I will. Your help is always appreciated.
Harle: Who was that?
Otherworld Harle: That was Cassandra, the court sorceress. Was she not in your world?
Harle: I know her name, but I have never met her personally.
Otherworld Harle: She was retired, but the former king's will decreed that she support King Leonidas.
Otherworld Harle: I have asked her to do some research into other worlds. In particular, to see if it's possible to voluntarily open a gate into one of them.
Harle: ...! Why are you asking that?
Otherworld Harle: To trim the fat, remember? It'd be too much trouble to kill the weak, so I thought we could instead round them up and dump them into another world.
Harle: ...I suppose we could.

Cassandra: That was quicker than I expected. Did you forget something?
Harle: It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Cassandra. I have come seeking your wisdom. My name is Harle.
Cassandra: Is this some sort of jest? We JUST saw each other earlier today.
Harle: You did in fact meet with the Harle of this world. However, this would be your first time meeting me.
Cassandra: Explain yourself.

Cassandra: I see... So essentially, you're a foreign body that was shoved into this world by someone else.
Harle: Do you believe me?
Cassandra: For the time being. Now, what is it you want from me?
Harle: It's quite a simple request. I would like to work together to find a way back to the world whence I came.
Cassandra: Sorry, but no. Your situation is pitiable, but I've far too much on my plate as well.
Harle: I'd not dream of assuming otherwise. Indeed, no matter how much you do believe me, I've spun quite the yarn.
Harle: You wouldn't have time to focus on something so far-fetched. I certainly understand that. However...
Harle: What if I were to offer myself as a test subject?
Cassandra: What do you mean?
Harle: From what I can tell, you have an impressive collection of books on communing with the dead and bringing them back to life in here.
Harle: I'd wager you have your own reasons for agreeing to perform the other Harle's research.
Harle: And what better research subject than a man from another world? Tempting, no?
Cassandra: ...You certainly are observant.

Harle: What happened? The way I lost touch with you so suddenly, I'd thought you'd died.
Cassandra: My apologies. There was something I needed to test.
Harle: And? Did it bear fruit?
Cassandra: You understand what a chain of causality is, right?
Harle: It's the force that tethers a person to their world, no? So that even if you manage to travel through time, you'll quickly be pulled back to where you came from.
Cassandra: Correct. And a different time is the same thing as a different world. Normally, it would be impossible for someone to exist in another world for as long as you have.
Cassandra: Not that one would expect otherwise. For two of the same person cannot exist in the same world.
Cassandra: Worlds themselves are quite delicate, you see. They'll try to correct paradoxes and remove any sorts of foreign bodies.
Harle: And yet, I have been able to remain here for some time now.
Cassandra: That's right. According to my research, the only way that's possible is to either use the Dawnshard or to be severed from the chain of causality.
Harle: And yet, as I told you, I have nothing of the sort in my possession.
Cassandra: Which leaves us with only one option.
Cassandra: Though even if that's the case, there should be a limit to how long you're able to stay in another world.
Cassandra: I wasn't getting anywhere without looking into that. So I performed a little experiment.
Harle: And that was?
Cassandra: To see if your chain of causality really had been severed.
Cassandra: Those affected by this phenomenon cannot remain in people's memories.
Cassandra: After a few months without contact, no trace of you would remain in the mind of another.
Cassandra: Thus did I purposely keep some distance from you. However, no matter how long I was away, I could still remember you.
Harle: So does that mean...my chain of causality WASN'T severed?
Cassandra: It's the only theory that holds water. It also helps me understand why you've been able to stay here for so long.
Cassandra: It means that your chain of causality is yet bound to your original world.
Harle: Is that even possible?
Cassandra: I wish I knew for certain. Do you know of anyone who could wield influence over such a thing?
Harle: ...Yes, now that I think about it.
Cassandra: Well, then I hate to say it, but you're going to have to do something about them, or else you're stuck here forever.
Harle: ...No. There is another way.
Cassandra: There is?
Harle: If I can't interfere with my chain of causality myself, then perhaps I should simply have myself removed from this world.
Cassandra: You can't mean—!
Harle: Unfortunately, this is where our collaborative efforts come to an end.
Cassandra: Hold it! While that method may indeed force the world to right itself...
Cassandra: If something goes awry, not only will you be unable to return whence you came, but you might simply cease to exist! Are you sure about this?
Harle: ...Our partnership has been fruitful indeed, my lady. I pray that your wish shall one day come true.

Harle: Now, let us begin. The climax of this story is upon us.

Harle: I had to act, or nothing would change. I would use anyone or anything I needed to achieve my goals.
Harle: That's how I've lived my life, ever since I was a child...

Otherworld Harle: You've devised a strategy to kill King Leonidas?
Harle: I have indeed. You and I are the only ones who know of our...twofold nature. We are going to use that.
Harle: First, we will switch places. You will stand by at the northern border in order to create an alibi for yourself.
Harle: Meanwhile, I will kill the King and make myself scarce. After that, all you have to do is choose a culprit and become everyone's hero.
Harle: With such a glorious exploit under your belt, carrying out your revolution will be child's play. ...Well?
Otherworld Harle: Hm. Devious. I like it.

Harle: (It should be about time now...)
Harle: (My scheme to kill the king was a bald- faced lie. Now that he's waiting at the checkpoint as planned, I'll strike him down from behind!)
Harle: It went right through him?!
 ???: Surround him!
Harle: What?!
Otherworld Harle: Heh. Why so surprised?
Harle: I don't recall advising you to stage an ambush as part of our plan.
Otherworld Harle: Which plan was that, now? The one to kill King Leonidas?
Otherworld Harle: Or the one to kill me?
Harle: ......
Otherworld Harle: I did a bit of research into the concept of other worlds myself.
Otherworld Harle: If I were to die, then the existence of any "Harle" would become impossible within this world. Now, what would happen after that?
Otherworld Harle: The realm would try to right itself, thereby removing you from it.
Otherworld Harle: And you hoped to use that phenomenon as a means of returning to your world. Does that about sum it up?
Harle: Brilliant work. I thought for certain my lie would be sufficient, but I suppose there's no fooling myself.
Otherworld Harle: You are me, after all. It's only natural that I'd know exactly what you're thinking.
Otherworld Harle: What a shame. I really thought we had a beautiful partnership.
Otherworld Harle: Kill him.
Soldiers: Right away!
Harle: Hahaha... HAHAHAHAHA!
Soldier 1: Huh?!
Otherworld Harle: Faced with death, you lose your wits, I see.
Harle: I am of sound mind, I assure you. I simply find your soldiers' loyalty to you most amusing. They ought to choose their leader more carefully.
Soldier 1: What?
Harle: Oh, you there. I'm about to die, so I'd like to give this to you.
Soldier 1: Some kind of document? ...Wh-what IS this?!
Soldier 1: "On Saving the Nation..." You want to eliminate anyone too weak to be of use?
Otherworld Harle: Why do you have that?!
Harle: Oh, do be sure you read until the end. Whose signature is on there?
Soldier 1: Harle... It can't be. You didn't write this, did you, Prime Minister?
Harle: He did. It would seem that the great and talented Harle of this world drafted this plan in hopes of saving Valkaheim.
Harle: He said there was no use wasting time and resources on the weak—no point in giving them even a passing chance.
Otherworld Harle: Hmph! What do I care if you show this to my soldiers here?
Otherworld Harle: If you're interested in the specifics of my plan, I will tell you all about it later. Right now, you have a would-be assassin to kill!
Soldiers: ......
Otherworld Harle: What are you waiting for?! KILL HIM!
Soldier 1: We aren't going to listen to someone who would stoop to such barbarism.
Otherworld Harle: Excuse me?! "BARBARISM"? In a world brought to ruin, we have no choice BUT to elevate the exceptional!
Otherworld Harle: Ever hear of the food chain? You're all benefiting from it! So why does this bother you?!
Soldier 1: But that doesn't mean that the strong should rob the weak of the right to live!
Otherworld Harle: Still your wicked tongue! This is desertion—treason!
Soldier 2: And so the pot admonishes the kettle. I understand now why you were at odds with King Leonidas. Farewell.
Harle: Well, well. How the tables have turned.
Otherworld Harle: You little... Why did you have that with you?!
Harle: You are me, after all. It's only natural that I'd know exactly what you're thinking.
Harle: I thought you might try to lure me into a trap, so I brought it as a bit of insurance.
Otherworld Harle: YOU...!
Harle: What lukewarm swordplay. Have you forgotten how to fight now that you're prime minister?
Otherworld Harle: Ggh!
Harle: Come, now. You're WIDE open!
Otherworld Harle: (We're one and the same. How can the gulf between us be so wide?!)
Otherworld Harle: (But even HE can't defend himself against a sneak attack!)
Otherworld Harle: Who's wide open NOW? HAH!
Harle: What did I just say? I know EXACTLY what you're thinking.
Harle: I know that I would try to go after my opponent's weak point. If you don't try to fight fairly, I'll know exactly what you're doing.
Harle: Like SO!
Otherworld Harle: GRAAAGH! Nngh... Wait. Let's make a deal...
Harle: ......
Otherworld Harle: *cough* *wheeze* When I become ruler, I'll share the position with you...
Otherworld Harle: Not as my shadow, but as an equal. Our ideals are the same, aren't they? I'm offering you the deal of a lifetime...
Harle: Don't make me laugh. We are nowhere near the same.
Harle: You became drunk with power. You forgot what your ideals were. It makes me sick to think you believe we're cut from the same cloth.
Otherworld Harle: What...?
Harle: My dream is to create a world where everyone will be treated as equals, regardless of the circumstances of their birth or their social standing.
Otherworld Harle: Exactly! That's why I—
Harle: You've forgotten that. Otherwise, you would never have thought to "trim the fat." It's the exact kind of classism we swore to eliminate.
Harle: There are fools and weaklings in this world, to be sure. Though they may seem worthless at a glance, you can use them.
Harle: Have you forgotten that our path to knighthood was paved on the back of our nitwit master?
Otherworld Harle: !
Harle: The real reason you're willing to cast away the weak without a thought is because you're afraid that someone exceptional will rise up in the ranks.
Harle: You were afraid they might usurp your position...the same way you did.
Otherworld Harle: That's not—
Harle: How funny it is that you fear your own methodology. And yet, you rested on your laurels, not even bothering to practice your swordsmanship... How very sad for you.
Harle: You're no different from the weaklings you sought to eliminate.
Otherworld Harle: No, please! Don't do it!
Harle: And like I said, even the weak have their uses—yours will be as my stepping stone.
Otherworld Harle: NOOOOO!

Harle: Is this who I would become in the event that my ideals are realized?
Harle: Oh... It's already started. Now, the question is whether I will disappear or return to my world. We're about to see.
Harle: I'll use anyone or anything I need to achieve my goals.
Harle: Even my own life! Even the very laws of nature! I will use it all!

Harle: Wait. This is...
Harle: Well, well! It seems I finally made it back to this side.
Harle: Now all that's left is to enjoy my revenge on him for banishing me to another world.
Harle: He'll surely realize I've returned by now, given all of his meddling with the chain of causality.

???: This feeling... It would seem I've lost my grip on causality.
 ???: Well, well. Impressive for him to resist succumbing to despair after coming face- to-face with the untimely end of his own ideals.
 ???: But his timing couldn't be more perfect. Now he can attend our grand revel. What a raucous affair it promises to be.

Harle: ......
Harle: I never thought I'd say the same things they said to me...

Leif: The battle is won.
Harle: No... I can still fight!
Leif: Of course you can. We can't be knocking someone out of commission during a mere mock battle.
Harle: So, what? You're saying you held back, then? Goodness me, things must be so SIMPLE for a model student.
Leif: You're the one who MADE it simple for me, Harle.
Harle: Excuse me?
Leif: You need to learn how to fight fairly rather than just using sneak attacks.
Leif: If you keep this up, it will come back to bite you in the future. Quit now while you still can.
Harle: Grrr... The NERVE of him...
Cecile: That's just Leif's way of giving you advice.
Cecile: If you're always fixated on ambushing your foe, you're restricting yourself to only one strategy.
Cecile: And if your opponent has done their homework, they'll be able to read you like a book every single time.
Cecile: What Leif is trying to impress is that you should learn how to attack from the front and vary your tactics.
Harle: Then why doesn't he just say that instead of talking around it in riddles?
Cecile: Would you have listened to him if he did?
Harle: ......
Cecile: If you can master a variety of fighting styles, you'll hold your own against us and then some.
Cecile: After all, toying with your opponents is your specialty.
Harle: Heh... I suppose you're right. I'll strive to be that kind of knight, then.
Harle: It'll help me claw my way up as well.

Harle: The reason I managed to defeat my other self was because I was a knight instead of a prime minister.
Harle: What irony that I, who cast aside the knightly code and betrayed my country, would one day be saved by the sword I swore on.
Harle: My rise to that position was only meant to be a method of making my ideals a reality.
Harle: And yet the one who accomplished just that wound up becoming quite the worthless wretch.
Harle: (To say nothing of his world's inevitable demise...)

???: Wouldn't it be exciting to see him crushed by the weight of his own foolish notions?

Harle: He wanted me to believe that my ideals are worthless, did he?
Harle: Hahaha... HAHAHAHA!
Harle: If I am to be corrupted by the realization of those ambitions, then all I have to do is create a future where that does not come to pass!
Harle: I will succeed with FAR greater panache than he ever did.
Harle: I must thank him for oh-so-kindly showing me what the face of failure looks like.
Harle: The wings of the Black Raven will never be clipped. Let my tale of revenge...begin!