Grancrest Senki (Record of Grancrest War)

They're holding a meeting of the Union Lords, so we've been summoned to Jalucia.

Over six months since the Great Hall Tragedy, and now there's finally a meeting?

I'm not exactly thrilled to go, but I suppose there's no choice.

Ever since that incident, everyone has had a keen interest in your next move.

Perhaps it's because you aided Sir Theo in the battle for Savis.

Lord Villar has certainly earned high praise, in my opinion

I don't know about that.

Lord Alexis, who has since become the leader of the Union,

does not wish to engage the Alliance in battle.

By the way,

when was your birthday again?

Amazing. I can't believe you can manipulate multiple targets at once!

Once you get the hang of it, it's quite easy.

Please show me how! I'd love to learn!

W-Well, I suppose I don't mind.

Thank you very much!

Understood.

I'd forgotten that Margaret's 25th birthday was coming up.

If I may say so,

I'm well aware that you're always thinking of our futures, and truly appreciate it.

That said, Lady Margaret would prefer to continue being under contract to you.

That's a welcome thought, if true.

However, it wouldn't do to show only Margaret preferential treatment.

Siluca.

I'd like you to start making preparations for Margaret's birthday banquet right away.

Also, regarding the upcoming Lords' meeting...

I'd like you, Theo and Lassic to accompany me.

You wish to take Sir Theo as well?

Federico Rossini, the Viscount of Systina, will also be attending.

It wouldn't hurt for Theo to meet him.

Thank you for taking it into consideration.

No need to thank me.

I want you there to insist that you were the ones who started that battle.

And that I merely lent you a helping hand.

Of course we will, sir.

I'm counting on you.

Lady Margaret, Happy Birthday!

Congratulations!

Thank you for looking after me.

Will you be returning to your homeland after this?

Yes.

It's all so glamorous.

There will be dancing afterwards, you know.

Are you a skilled dancer, Sir Theo?

Not by a long shot! I've never even seen anyone dancing before.

Meletes?

Lady Margaret...

I'd like to wish you... a happy birthday.

What's with the long face, Siluca?

I had hoped to learn so much more from you, Lady Margaret.

Me, teach you?

But I'm Hellfire Margaret.

I have nothing to teach but basic chemical spells.

But I still have so much to learn.

Siluca...

You might not be a mage under contract to Lord Villar,

but you've caused him trouble, as well as received his favor.

I understand that.

I'm counting on you to take care of Artuk and Lord Villar.

Anyone can see that they're made for each other.

You have a point.

But as outsiders, this is one thing we have no way of fixing.

Right.

Let's dance!

Huh? Are you sure about this?

After seeing that amazing dance, no time like the present!

Sorry!

One... Two... Three...

Try to keep to this rhythm, and move your feet in time.

I see.

Move your body... a little closer to mine.

Are you sure?

That's what you do when you dance.

T-Too close!

R-Right in my face!

It looked a lot easier when I watched it.

Well, it was your first time.

That was quite entertaining.

Your talent lies more in buffoonery than in being a Lord, wouldn't you say?

Even if it's as a buffoon,

to earn any praise from you, Lord Milza, would be a lifelong source of pride for me.

My dislike of you is confirmed.

Come with me.

Didn't think you'd bring a shield.

Feel free to make the first move!

That so?

I thought I'd cross swords with you, but who knew you'd only defend?

I thought this is how I should fight.

This is not how a Lord should fight!

You can only protect yourself behind a shield.

By eliminating your opponents, your allies will survive.

You'll save more allies in the end.

And that is how...

a Lord worthy of his title should fight!

I thank you... for your instruction.

All other Lords are just like you, hence why the era of Chaos drags on.

Only one person can acquire the Emperor's Crest.

So why not determine the victor in battle?

Men like you, who lack ambition and the mettle to protect your allies,

have no right to be Lords.

But I have a path I've sworn to follow.

An untold number of citizens have lost their lives with you at the helm.

And there will be many more in the future.

That might be true.

So you strive for oppression, I see.

Eventually, I will serve as the fangs of the one who becomes emperor.

And my hope is that Lord Villar will turn out to be that man.

I was a nervous wreck the entire time!

You and me both.

Wherever that man goes, a pile of enemy corpses will be in his wake.

But it's possible I could leave a trail of dead allies in mine.

That's what it means to strive for justice.

Though I'd rather not go down such a path.

Sir Theo, you have empathy for others, and the power to fuse their souls into one.

In other words, the path you seek to follow,

was born from a desire you share with those who suffer under the Chaos and oppression.

Meaning it's not just my path to follow.

You'll go down that path with me, won't you?

Of course!

Thank you very much for the splendid party.

If I may speak my mind, I wish I could've served you longer.

It makes me happy to hear you say that.

But as you're a priestess of the order that worships the Sacred Flame,

if I kept you here any longer, I'd get an earful from Dartania's viceroy.