Kirsty

Svenitlan Soldier 1: The enemy mages aren't letting up! We can only hold them off for so long!
Svenitlan Soldier 2: GAAAAAH! I-I NEED A MEDIC!
Kirsty: PULL YOURSELVES TOGETHER!
Svenitlan Soldiers: C-commander?!
Kirsty: Those mages' mana will run dry before long, and they will be forced to make way for the forces coming up behind them.
Kirsty: Our spies are already at work slowing that rear unit's arrival. So as soon as the mages are out of mana, we strike.
Svenitlan Soldier 1: B-but what if we can't hold out that long?
Kirsty: You can either die here, soldier, or live to see your fiancée again.
Svenitlan Soldier 1: I... I swore I would give her this ring! I have to survive!
Kirsty: Then believe in my plan. We WILL win this battle.
Svenitlan Soldier 1: Yes, Commander!
Svenitlan Soldier 3: Their attacks are letting up!
Kirsty: All right—ALL UNITS, ADVANCE!
Mage Commander: Rrgh... We've lost the advantage. RETREAAAT! Join up with the rear unit!
Kirsty: Not so fast!
Mage Commander: Urk!
Kirsty: You can't beat us at close range. This battle is ours!
Svenitlan Soldiers: Raaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Mage Commander: No... They've completely stolen the momentum!
Kirsty: You could never match the might of Svenitla.
Kirsty: And we will make you rue the folly that made you try!

Government Official: His Majesty is most pleased with your performance, Commander. It will no doubt bring prosperity to the nation.
Kirsty: Mm.
Government Official: The losses we suffered are negligible when one considers what was gained.
Government Official: You have proven yourself most capable indeed—unlike your peers.
Kirsty: I am merely performing my duty, sir.
Government Official: Heh. And modest as well. We trust you greatly, Commander. Few could achieve what you have with such sparse resources.
Government Official: War exists to bolster the economy. A soldier's job is to maximize profits with the minimum investment.
Kirsty: ...Forgive me, sir, but if that will be all, I have other business to attend to.
Government Official: A feast is soon to begin in honor of your victory. Surely your business can wait until later?
Kirsty: I am afraid it's a most pressing engagement.
Government Official: Do you mean to suggest you have somewhere more important to be than at a feast with HIS MAJESTY?
Kirsty: Yes, sir. Very much so.
Government Official: ...She takes after him, all right.

Kirsty: He wanted very badly to give you this himself.
Woman: No... H-he promised we'd be married when he returned! He... He promised... *sob*
Kirsty: As his commanding officer, I accept full responsibility. I am truly sorry.
Woman: Tell me... What did he die for?
Kirsty: I...
Woman: What did he give his life for?! Tell me!
Joachim: Your fiancé brought salvation to this country.
Woman: Wh-who are you?
Joachim: I'm the commander's adjutant. Allow me to speak on her behalf.
Joachim: The war we just fought secured our nation new land and natural resources. These will in turn make our home all the more prosperous.
Joachim: Many of our people are still mired in poverty, but your beloved's sacrifice will help lift them out.
Woman: Is that...really true?
Kirsty: Yes. Please believe us.

Kirsty: Your tongue is as silver as ever, Joachim.
Joachim: When it needs to be, yes. And when the alternative is a truth as ugly as the one we face, a little silver goes a long way.
Joachim: Our sacrifices mean nothing, in the end. The rich simply get richer.
Joachim: We risk our lives time after time, fighting against all odds for a farcical cause. It's getting tiring.
Kirsty: Enough, Joachim. As soldiers, our place is on the battlefield. Anything that follows is not our concern. Now, why are you here?
Joachim: Ah, right. We've got new orders in from HQ.
Joachim: They want us to visit the Dyrenell Empire as emissaries, with the hope of forming a military alliance.
Joachim: And here's the kicker: to keep costs to a minimum, they're sending just the two of us. Alone.
Kirsty: That's the empire to the south with designs to expand, yes?
Joachim: Right. And I don't know if you've heard, but they're pretty much the most evil force around these days.
Kirsty: Be that as it may, we have our orders. Begin departure preparations at once. I will be along shortly.
Joachim: What will you be doing in the meantime?
Kirsty: I want to linger here awhile. Alone.

Kirsty: If we can secure an alliance with Dyrenell, it should reduce the burden on our own military. That should mean fewer deaths.
Kirsty: It's an enticing proposition, but I can't help feeling some trepidation about journeying south.
Kirsty: I had hoped to never see his face again...

Joachim: Whoa! Never seen a bird like that up north.
Kirsty: We are not here for birdwatching, Joachim.
Joachim: What's the harm in taking in the sights? Call it "recon." This place is full of things we'd never see back home.
Kirsty: True. The land grows greener the further south we travel.
Kirsty: If our homeland enjoyed this same bounty of nature, we would have no need for war.
Joachim: Whoa there, Commander, no need to wax philosophical. Just kick back and enjoy the birds' song, all right?
Joachim: ...Hold on. That's no bird.
Kirsty: Joachim! Get down!
Joachim: Where did that log come from?!
Kirsty: We just walked into a trap—and a familiar one at that. It couldn't be...
 ???: I must admit, I did not expect to see you here.
Kirsty: Victor?!
Victor: It has been some time, Kirsty. Or should I address you as Commander now?
Kirsty: I would prefer you didn't address me at all, FORMER Commander.
Victor: I see. I take it you're irritated I chose to ignore my return orders?
Kirsty: No, that came as no surprise. You were never one for rules.
Kirsty: But disobeying a direct order is a violation of military law. I should have your head for that alone.
Joachim: Easy, Commander. No need for that.
Kirsty: He tried to kill us just moments ago, Joachim!
Joachim: Come on, I bet he was just trying to scare us. Right, Victor?
Victor: I'm afraid I had every intention to kill. I caught word that envoys to the empire would be passing through here, so I set a trap.
Victor: If our war hawk of a homeland and the barbaric Dyrenell Empire were to join forces, the continent would be riddled with death and destruction.
Kirsty: Don't let personal vendettas cloud your judgment, Victor. I know about your history with them.
Victor: I expected no less. But do you truly believe an alliance would be in anyone's best interests?
Kirsty: Our nation is still weak. With the support of the Empire, expanding our reach would be much simpler.
Kirsty: It would mean longer lives for our comrades.
Victor: Your words are naught but petty idealism.
Kirsty: Don't speak like you know what's best for our country. While you idled here, our comrades were dying for our nation!
Victor: "For our nation"? You know as well as I that those wars are in the interest of the wealthy minority.
Victor: Our homeland has been rotten since our former king's passing.
Kirsty: So that's why abandoned Svenitla, is it? And now you impede this alliance to spite the king who demoted you.
Victor: No. I simply found something I cared about here.
Victor: And any who threaten that will face the whole of my wrath—even my former comrades.
Kirsty: A soldier's duty is to their nation, not their emotions.
Kirsty: That's why I...
Joachim: Don't let him get to you, Commander.
Kirsty: ...Victor. As a former comrade, let me give you a warning.
Kirsty: If you impede us again, we will show no mercy.
Victor: Why wait? Show me how your training has progressed.
Joachim: Easy, you two! Put away your weapons!
Kirsty: Stay out of this, Joachim. He won't back down. He's been that way since he was my instructor.
Victor: I may be unchanged, but the same cannot be said of you. You follow orders without pause, despite knowing how corrupt our nation's leaders are.
Victor: I had thought ten years enough for you to see clearly again, but it appears I was mistaken.
Kirsty: I-I...
Victor: And I taught you better than to leave yourself open! HAH!
Kirsty: Blast!
Joachim: Urgh!
Kirsty: Joachim!
Joachim: Heh... Just made it. Are you hurt?
Kirsty: No... I'm all right.
Victor: Saved by your subordinate, eh? You may lack in moral fortitude, but you seem to at least be worthy of admiration.
Joachim: Give the insults a rest, Victor.
Joachim: If you don't, I might have to kill you myself.
Victor: Hah! Stow your fears, boy. I have no interest in pursuing this further. You are free to journey on.
Victor: If my words alone can unsettle her, she is no threat to me.
Kirsty: ......
Victor: I have told you time and time again that an army represents power, not justice. One can only find justice within their own heart.
Victor: So long as you ignore your own emotions, you will never achieve anything.
Kirsty: Victor, wait!
Kirsty: Even after you were demoted, you still obeyed any orders you were given.
Kirsty: What did you find in the south to change you like this? What happened?
Victor: ...I just met some interesting people. That's all.
Kirsty: ...Right...

Kirsty: ......
Joachim: Look, Commander. The owner of this village gave us some fresh fruit.
Kirsty: I see. Place it there, then.
Joachim: Something on your mind? Victor, perhaps?
Kirsty: What a preposterous idea. Why should I give any thought to a traitor?
Joachim: I know you've always looked up to him.
Kirsty: When, exactly, did I say that?
Joachim: You didn't, but it's not hard to tell.
Joachim: The two of you are polar opposites. If he believes something is right, he'll see it done—even it means punching a government official and getting demoted.
Kirsty: *sigh* He needs to learn to act like he's in the military. A soldier...
Joachim: ...Must always execute orders without question. I've heard that from you a thousand times.
Joachim: But I don't think you believe it as strongly as you used to.
Kirsty: ......
Joachim: You should be more honest with yourself.
Kirsty: A soldier acting for themselves can only lead to tragedy.
Kirsty: The incident ten years ago is proof enough of that.

Mikhail: We've been ordered to retreat?! But that makes no sense!
Kirsty: HQ has decided to give up on suppressing the insurgents for now.
Vadim: But there are still civilians in the town! What will become of them?!
Kirsty: Until HQ officially declares their intent to abandon this land, they will have value as hostages. Our foes will keep them alive for the time being.
Mikhail: How can you talk about them like...like pieces on a BOARD?! Are you really okay with this?!
Kirsty: NO! I'm not! But we are not equipped to fight a war of attrition.
Kirsty: We should retreat before we come under attack, and reorganize from a distance before striking again. That is the most logical course.
Mikhail: It might be logical, but do you think it's RIGHT?
Girl: Mister Soldier, you have to help us!
Vadim: What is it? Are you all right?
Girl: S-some scary people took my mommy and daddy... You gotta help them! Please!
Kirsty: We...
Girl: Please! Don't let those people hurt them!
Vadim: ...Sorry, Kirsty. I'm gonna have to disregard those orders.
Mikhail: So am I. I'd never forgive myself if I turned my back on a crying kid.
Kirsty: Please, don't do this! You'll be branded criminals!
Mikhail: If that's the cost of doing what's right, then so be it.
Vadim: "One can only find justice within their own heart." That's what Victor always says, and he's right!
Kirsty: I agree with you, I do. But now is not the time for this!
Vadim: Go ahead and lead the other soldiers out of here to regroup.
Mikhail: Then, when we wander along after, you can give us a proper scolding.
Kirsty: But...
Mikhail: Show us the way, kiddo!
Vadim: See you on the other side, Kirsty!

Government Official: Your comrades were fools. Their inability to follow orders cost this nation greatly, never mind their own lives.
Government Official: Entertaining individual whims can only lead to ruin. Remember that well.
Kirsty: ...Yes, sir.

Kirsty: ...I must have dozed off. It's been some time since I had that dream.
Kirsty: Joachim? Where are you?
 ???: EEEEEK!
Kirsty: That came from outside!

Kirsty: Joachim, report! What's going on?!
Joachim: Some imperial soldiers came to town, and, well...
Female Villager: Oh, honey! Are you all right?!
Patrol Commander: Hmph. Let that be a lesson to the rest of you! We won't tolerate any lip. Now pay up!
Kirsty: Are they collecting taxes...?
Joachim: In a way. The people claim they've paid their dues already, but the soldiers aren't satisfied.
Kirsty: They're no better than bandits... Is this really how the Empire operates?
Patrol Commander: Ho there! Haven't seen you two around these parts before.
Innkeeper: They're just passing travelers. They've been here one night, and they'll be on their way soon.
Patrol Commander: A one-night residency makes them liable for taxes! Now, hurry up and hand over your valuables!
Joachim: You must be joking—
Kirsty: Do as he asks, Joachim.
Joachim: What? Shouldn't we at least try to explain why we're here?
Kirsty: These soldiers are just grunts. They wouldn't understand our mission even if we explained it.
Kirsty: And starting trouble here will not aid our negotiations.
Joachim: ...As you wish. Here, sir. It's not much, but it's what we have.
Patrol Commander: Bah. Useless. How did you fare?
Imperial Soldier: Not much better. I think we've squeezed all we can from this town.
Patrol Commander: I see. In that case...you there! You're coming with us.
Village Youth: Wh-what? Why?
Patrol Commander: Our unit is short on manpower. You'll make an excellent pack mule!
Elderly Villager: But sir, w-we need him to work the fields here.
Patrol Commander: Well, isn't that a pity?
Elderly Villager: Aaaah!
Joachim: Whoa there pal, take it easy!
Patrol Commander: You'd best hold your tongue before I cut it from your mouth.
Kirsty: Please forgive my subordinate.
Patrol Commander: Hmph. Keep your dog in line.
Kirsty: (These soldiers are disgusting and completely unchecked. But for the sake of our mission, I have to let them go...)
Victor: I have told you time and time again that an army represents power, not justice. One can only find justice within their own heart.
Kirsty: (Get out of my head! I know the choice I'm making is just!)
Village Youth: Let go of me! LET GO!
Patrol Commander: Get a move on! I said—ow!
Village Boy: LET MY BROTHER GO, YOU MONSTERS!
Patrol Commander: Monsters, eh? You dare insult the proud soldiers of the Dyrenell Empire?!
Patrol Commander: If you apologize right now, we might forgive you. ...Or we might not.
Village Boy: N-never! You ARE monsters! Big stinky dumb meanie MONSTERS!
Village Boy: You lie to yourselves and say bad things are okay!
Kirsty: ...!
Patrol Commander: All righty then. If you won't apologize, I guess there's only one thing for it! HAH!
Patrol Commander: What do you think you're doing?!
Kirsty: I'm not sure, honestly.
Kirsty: But I can't let this continue. I am no coward.
Patrol Commander: You'll see the noose for this, mark my words!
Joachim: No chance!
Joachim: Ahhh... That's better. I was just about ready to burst.
Kirsty: Heh. I know the feeling.
Patrol Commander: Kill them! KILL THEM WHERE THEY STAND!
Joachim: I think we've upset him. What shall we do?
Kirsty: I fear we're left with only one choice.
Kirsty: We fight back! With me, Joachim!
Joachim: Yes, ma'am! Stay back, everyone! Leave these jokers to us!
Village Youth: R-right!
Joachim: We'll make you wish death had come sooner!
Kirsty: Raaaaah!

Imperial Commander: They must be here somewhere! Find them, and show them the might of the Empire!

Kirsty: They're almost in position... Now!
Joachim: Right!

Imperial Commander: Are those... Logs?!
Imperial Soldiers: AAAAAH!
Kirsty: They're disoriented! Now's our chance!

Joachim: Whew... We managed to drive them back.
Joachim: But we've been hiding in this forest for five days now. I'm starting to get sick of eating fruits and berries.
Kirsty: Stop complaining. Evading them would be trivial, but if we do that...
Joachim: They'll turn their anger on the people of Hertz for defying them in the first place.
Kirsty: Yes. Eventually, they will realize their continued pursuit here is only wasting resources.
Kirsty: We need to hold out until then, and keep drawing them into this forest in the meantime. Now, prepare the next round of traps.
Joachim: Yes, ma'am! Right away, ma'am!
Kirsty: What's got you so cheery? You didn't eat anything strange, did you?
Joachim: Heh. I just still can't believe you cast our mission aside to help those villagers.
Kirsty: Yes... That may prove shortsighted. However...
Joachim: Wait, do you smell something burning?
Kirsty: They couldn't have...!

Kirsty: They're going to burn this whole forest down with us in it!
Joachim: This is bad... We're surrounded by flames!
Kirsty: We have to be able to break through somewhere!
Joachim: No dice—the flames are too strong! *cough* *cough*
Kirsty: Blast... Is this really the end?
Joachim: Water magic?! Who did that?!
Thaniel: Kirsty and Joachim, right? We've been searching high and low for you.
Kirsty: Who are you? You don't look like imperial soldiers...
Thaniel: We can make introductions later. For now, just know that we're here to help!
Alain: We've secured an escape route. Follow us!
Joachim: What should we do, Commander?
Kirsty: We don't have time to press them on their identity.
Kirsty: We'll just have to trust them. With me, Joachim!

Alain: You'll be safe here. There don't seem to be any imperials around.
Kirsty: Thank you both. We owe you our lives.
Thaniel: If anything, you owe those brothers back in Hertz. They asked us to help the travelers who saved them.
Joachim: That was kind of them indeed—but if the imperial army thinks we got away, that whole village will be in danger.
Alain: Fret not! They have all retreated to the Halidom's lands.
Thaniel: With the soldiers caught up searching for you, we were able to lead the villagers to safety with ease.
Kirsty: The Halidom? Then you must be with the prince Noelle mentioned in her report.
Alain: Indeed we are. Now, we should make a hasty retreat to the Halidom ourselves; this is still imperial territory.
Kirsty: A party of this size would no doubt draw unwelcome attention. We're all wanted by the Empire at this point.
Kirsty: We should part ways here.
Thaniel: Well... If you insist.
Kirsty: Wait! Before you leave, I have one question.
Kirsty: You are enemies of the Empire, yes? Why did you take the risk of entering their territory?
Thaniel: Oh, that's quite simple.
Alain: The Halidom doesn't turn its back on people in danger. That's just how we are!
Kirsty: ...I see. That is admirable indeed.

Joachim: What should we do now, Commander?
Kirsty: I think it's clear that an alliance with the Empire would not be in our country's best interests.
Kirsty: If their army's leaders are as wretched as their soldiers, they would no doubt betray us in time. We should return home to report as much at once.
Joachim: Agreed. A "breakdown in negotiations" sounds about right.
Kirsty: Yes. And when we're inevitably sent back to open talks again, I intend to visit the Halidom on the way.
Joachim: Oh? Why is that?
Kirsty: The king may insist on allying with such an openly evil power, but I won't stand by and watch our home march itself to ruin.
Kirsty: However, this journey has taught me that I still lack the knowledge necessary to fight for what is just.
Kirsty: And if Victor is to be believed, the best place to gain it may be at the Halidom.
Joachim: I see. ...Hm?
 ???: ......
Kirsty: Ah, hello Noelle. Are you here with new orders from HQ?
Noelle: N-no... Actually, I...
Kirsty: It's all right. Just give me the message.
Kirsty: ...What?!
Joachim: What does it say?
Kirsty: It's...an invitation. The sender claims to be recruiting rebels to help cleanse our nation of the corruption that has taken root there.
Joachim: You can't mean...
Kirsty: A revolution, yes. Whoever wrote this says they only sent these invitations to those who "truly love our nation."
Noelle: *nod* I-I gave one to Victor, too.
Joachim: Mm, and how did he respond?
Noelle: He... He pretended not to care. But I think deep down, he really cares a lot!
Joachim: Hmm. Well, either way, the timing is suspicious.
Kirsty: Agreed. It's impossible to tell from this letter alone whether the sender is a well-intentioned patriot or simply hungry for the king's power.
Kirsty: ...But I have every intention of finding out.