Curse Directive/Script

Part 1: Shadowy Wings

Pre-Battle

Ash: To avoid any misunderstanding and to address the matter as quickly and directly as possible..
Sharena: …Yes?
Ash: The foe we just encountered was a servant of Embla that goes by the name Elm. We ought to follow him. In all likelihood, he is in the midst of pursuing some terrible scheme on the part of Embla. …If I am mistaken about any of that, I do sincerely apologize, of course. But I do not believe that is the case.
Anna: Then our next objective is clear.
Sharena: After him!

(scene change to the map screen)

Ash: I request you all do your best to stay on your guard. These soldiers seem to be under Embla’s command. Were I to venture a guess, I would say that Embla’s retainer, Elm, whom we saw before… He’s in command. Furthermore, it is also likely—
Anna: Got it. Pacifying opponents without killing them is a specialty of ours. Let’s go, everyone!

Part 2: Pursuer of Truth

Pre-Battle

Miriel: The universe contains so many fascinating things I have yet to see…

Part 3: Radiant Hero

Pre-Battle

Priam: The road to strength… For you, I guess, that means seeking stronger Heroes, doesn’t it?

Post-Battle

???: Everything is proceeding as planned.
???: Yes. Already a majority of the great houses have sided with us. Everyone is willing to do their part if it means removing Princess Veronica from power. If you, as imperial marquess, have the force of the vassal houses in such regions behind you…
???: Then the empire will follow the direction of my choosing.
???: Yes. And so, consider your request granted.
???: I am honored. Now, there is one matter left to discuss. The emperor…
???: Put your mind at ease. The emperor is no friend to Veronica. After all, the two share no blood between them. When Veronica faces accusation, she will become a political liability and a threat the emperor’s control… With Veronica more popular with the people, the emperor will likely not shy away from removing the threat. We can use the opportunity to have Veronica put into exile… Perhaps even execution will be an option.
???: Excellent. Then…allow me to propose a toast then. To our success! … And Veronica’s demise.

Part 4: East-Khan and West-Khan

Pre-Battle

Flavia: I’ll cut that dastard Walhart down myself! I swear it before the gods!

Post-Battle

Sharena: Wh-where did he go? Tracking a foe who can fly is no easy task!
Alfonse: The last I saw of him, he was moving across the sky in that direction, so we should move that way as well.
Anna: …Wait a minute, you two! This is our border with Embla in front of us. And if scouting reports are accurate…
Sharena: What do they say?
Anna: That fortress up ahead… It’s held by a specialized group of Emblian troops—not much else is known. We only know that they function
independently of the Emblian army. To put it simply, you could call them Embla’s Order of Heroes.
Sharena: Embla has an Order of Heroes?! In that case, we should be able to get along, right? Since we have so much in common, I mean.
Anna: I’m not so sure… Outside of Embla, they’ve earned themselves another name: the Curse Directive. This is the heart of Embla’s research into the dark arts.
Sharena: The Curse Directive? That does make them sound much scarier…
Anna: According to the information I have, fear is appropriate. They use assassination, abduction, torture, treachery…even the spread of false information to their own people. They operate in every shadowy corner in Embla, and do so without any obstacle from the empire. If we get any closer than this, there is a real danger we will be forced to engage them.
Alfonse: You're right. If we cross into Embla's territory without clear cause, it may sour our cooperative relationship...
Sharena: …H-Hey! Look over there! Coming out of the forest near the fortress! Bat wings! That must be our target!
Anna: Hang on—is someone being attacked? …Is that Princess Veronica?!
Sharena: She’s in trouble! We have to help her…now!

Part 5: Curse Director

Pre-Battle

Elm: You are so, SO weak. Ugh… How disappointing. you don’t even make a good toy.
Veronica: Was it you who closed our people in darkness?
Elm: Oh, that? …Does it matter?
Veronica: Return them…to their proper state…
Elm: Haha! No… No, I don’t think I will… They are an offering to my most magnificent master!
Veronica: An…offering?!
Elm: See? You get it! All you mortals die so quickly anyways. Losing a few lonely individuals shouldn’t bother anyone. Serving to nourish my lady will at least give their worthless lives some meaning as they end!
Veronica: …I will…destroy you for this!
Alfonse: Princess Veronica!
Elm: Hmph. One nuisance would be too simple, wouldn’t it.

(scene change to the map screen)

Elm: Askran fools… When my lady’s time arrives, none of you will live to fight much longer. But if you’re in such a rush to die, I am willing to oblige!

Post-Battle

Elm: …Ergh! My Lady… If I was at my full power… this wouldn’t have—
Veronica: He disappeared. Did he…die?
Ash: In one sense, yes, but in another, no. He has entered a state that is difficult to put into straightforward language… As he is Embla’s retainer, however, we must stay apart and continue to be aware of our surroundings, so we—
Anna: Scouts report an Emblian force has been sent out from the fortress, and they’re headed in this direction!
Alfonse: We have to retreat before it’s too late.
Sharena: I-it’s already too late! I can see the dust cloud kicked up by their horses. We won’t make it!
Alfonse: Gah… They’re even faster than I’d anticipated… It seems like we’re short on options.
Veronica: Wait. That’s… Letizia? Is that you? …Sissy!

(scene change off of the map screen)

Letizia: Veronica? And…company? I never expected we’d have our next reunion here of all places. How many years has it been now? You’ve certainly grown since last time I saw you!
Veronica: It has been a long time. I am happy to see you looking well, Sissy.
Letizia: And I you! Still think of me as your Sissy, do you? Some things never do change, I suppose.
Alfonse: …Princess Veronica? Who is—
Letizia: Ah! I am Letizia. Ninth in Embla’s line of succession. I lead Embla’s Order of Heroes.
Anna: So, this is the Directive’s leader…
Letizia: You must be Prince Alfonse—which would make you Princess Sharena, unless I’m mistaken…
Alfonse: …
Veronica: Ah! Right. Although Askr is our sworn enemy, at the momen—
Letizia: You needn’t worry, Veronica. As always, I am at your service without question. I have no intention of fighting any allies of yours, temporary as they may be. They are free to go. I presume you had not intended to encroach on Embla’s borders… Is that correct?
Sharena: Yes! We had no intention of trespassing. Thank you so much for understanding, Letizia!
Letizia: Indeed. There is one other matter I will warn you about as well. At this moment, there is a routine border patrol passing between here and Askr. I believe they plan to perform combat drills in the area… I recommend you head toward the mountain pass to the south. That route will allow you safe passage. Here. This map will help you find your way. With that, I’ll be off. Veronica, we’ll speak again soon.
Veronica: Yes, soon.
Anna: So that’s Director Letizia… Is that the right title? Either way, we’re lucky she’s a reasonable person.
Veronica: Sissy’s always been kind. When I was younger, whenever I felt alone, she was always there to play with me…and comfort me. But we haven’t been able to see one another for some time now.
Sharena: What kept you apart?
Veronica: …Her family was…falsely accused of plotting against the empire. They were tripped of their lands and I…saw less of them as a result.
Anna: The structure of Embla’s line of succession is a complicated affair… Endless power struggles between kinsman, as I understand it. I recall rumors of treason in Embla some years ago… Another branch used them to seize the throne.
Veronica: …You are referring to my late father. He is who took the throne.
Sharena: What?! If that’s the case, then… I would think that might have something to do with why you haven’t seen her.
Veronica: Normally I would agree… But she writes me often. She has always said that whatever the situation between our parents, it will not come between us. She often says she still thinks of me as a little sister.
Sharena: She sounds so nice!
Veronica: Yes… She is my Sissy…

(scene change to Letizia)

Letizia: …How nostalgic. How long has it been since you last called me Sissy, I wonder. It’s always so good to see you, my dear little Veronica.