Part 110: A Very Lee Family Reunion (sans mother Mahzer)

Entry 102 Part 1: A Very Lee Family Reunion (sans mother Mahzer)

Our campaign in this world has finally reached Eternia, where we learned of an evil plot to undermine the Duchy.



But first, let's go find more members of the Duchy to beat up.



Remember this place? I do. Endless paintings, scrawls upon the posts, political games spanning millennia...



I'm here for the side quest marker, not the painting. Where are you hiding it? You want to fight for it? Fine!



Lo and behold, once you agree to battle, you get a new scene.

It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Archduke DeRosso.

Apparently we passed by Victor while we were charging to the top floor. Holly's probably far behind, too; at this rate she probably won't arrive until long after we leave.



Victor gives his title to DeRosso here despite both of them being on the Council of Six. It'd be funny if most of the Council of Six members assumed it was just a cool sounding organization name Braev came up with instead of, you know, referring to the number of people in it.

Ahh, the child prodigy. I believe we've met once before, though you may not recall it.

So, what brings the brilliant young scholar whose findings saw Eternia become a land of life everlasting here?

What a sentence. Also, DeRosso really will take any opportunity to exposit.



It's all too easy to imagine this as an underhanded snipe from the Bravely Default writers towards the Bravely Default artists.

Just what is it you want, Mr. Court?

I...

The life I have dedicated my own to saving will soon be snuffed out. I have tried the latest in medical technology, pioneered by my father and my own research. A forbidden art concealed by the Orthodoxy.

In their quest to save Victoria, Victor and his father tried the latest techniques and some of the oldest: the forbidden art is alchemical genesis, learned from an 'ancient book' confiscated by the Orthodoxy.



This newer medical technique had the side effect of creating the greatest medical facility in the world, where Edea's mother, Mahzer, is being treated.

And yet... And yet...!

I even exhumed the vampire's crypt buried deep beneath the head temple.

Did you, now?

More than feel disappointed, I had to laugh at the crass handiwork I found within. The remains were a motley mix of bones so jumbled I couldn't begin to say which beasts they were taken from.

At the time, I dismissed the stories for a farce at the end of a senseless struggle for political power. But the paintings I saw while on the way up here have convinced me anew.

It would've been nice to get some buildup to DeRosso before we met him. Edea at least, maybe Agnès, should've grown up hearing about the legendary vampire, lord of darkness or whatever he called himself, who took on the Orthodoxy only to be barely beaten back by the forces of light.



As is, we never learn DeRosso's reputation until after we've chatted with him a bit, which takes away some of the awe.

...And if I were? What then, good doctor?

I would humbly ask for a sample of that immortal body.

Would you graft tissue grown from my flesh into her? Or perhaps create a new life altogether? I find you as frightening as you are pitiable.

......

I am not unwilling to offer you a part of me to further your work. But I would first have you show me the true depths of your despair.



Wait, this wasn't part of the deal.



Guess the party's just openly regarded as killing machines constantly ready to fight now.

Not that they're wrong.



The party is forced to strike at their kneecaps, but wins nevertheless.



No need, I can see it from here and -- oh look, it's the same as the past three times.



HE'S NOT THE ONLY ONE

...But so be it. Here is what you sought. I doubt there has ever been a man who sought the secret of life so doggedly while so dogged by despair.

Consider this my gift to a man ever on the edge of hopelessness, whiling away his years in fruitless study.



DeRosso, you nerd, the Orthodoxy's fallen. Just get out of the house more. Borrow an airship from Braev and go see the world.

I am eternally grateful, my lord.

The nature of my immortality is...for lack of a better word, occult.

I know not what secrets your modern medicine can tease from this lock of hair, but you are welcome to try.

......

Ah... One further thing. Should my gift prove the seed for some new life...

I would ask you name the child Lilia.

Lilia, my lord?

Lilia DeRosso... It was my mother's name.

......

May your work prove fruitful, Victor.

The Lilia plot does come up again, but not in this game. So far as Bravely Default is concerned, this plot ends here.



No.

The party heads off to cheerier places, like Gravemark Village.



How's it going guys? More graves? Okay.



All that's left for sidequests is Central Command.



We're saving the best for last.

And came a woman grown. You look nothing like the child I sent off to Caldisla.

Father...

You've flown far since leaving my side, guided by beliefs that are entirely your own. Proud is the father who sees his daughter grow so. And yet... No, the time for such words is past.

Despite leading a revolution in his youth, this version of Braev's now fallen into the 'Don't let politics get in way of family' camp.



Wait do you mean
Which
He's right there--



Nevermind. Another Alternis comes out from behind a chair and bows.

Lord Marshal.

You insist on defending me despite my wishes. Are you my son or a thorn in my side?

Your Lordship... You...you would call me your son?

......

You've need to ask, after all these years? Help the boy, Edea.

That's right, after all these years...

Edea's undoubtedly speaking to both Alternis and Ringabel here. You could still argue the whole 'didn't recognize him with the mask off' joke...



But it's become more obvious with each world that this is a Superman vs. Clark Kent scenario. There are several clips, especially from Christopher Reeve's depiction, showing how greatly posture, demeanor, voice can change how a person is perceived (here's one sample). Similarly, Ringabel is on the opposite end of personality from Alternis, being the goofy fop to Alternis's stoic perfect soldier.

Now, let us begin. My sacred sword, Alternis's blade of darkness... The contrast between black and white compliments each other too well, my dear daughter!!



Anyway, this time we're fighting Braev and Alternis in the name of...aesthetic?



Our version didn't eat his vitamins.



Early in the fight, a certain swordsman comes in tardy, presumably so he could skip the pre-battle speech.

You seem to be enjoying yourselves.

Master!?

Nobutsuna. It's been too long.

Is this a serious battle? Is Braev angry at us about the whole crystal thing or what?



Oh. I guess this is just normal for the Lee family. It does fit with the backstory for Braev and Kamiizumi dueling over Mahzer.

...Might I join in the fun, Braev?

Heh heh, as you like. You're family as much as any other.

You honor me.

Well, Edea? May I?

Yes, please, Master!



Not for long!



Getting a bunch of legendary swords like this is probably nothing new for Edea.

It seems safe to assume Christmas (or Luxendarc's equivalent) with the Lee family regularly involves beating people up for expensive presents.



I'm your and mother's daughter... Alternis's family, and Master Kamiizumi's disciple. A sister disciple to Einheria and comrade of the wind vestal.

I've learned so much from so many people. Their lessons have brought me so far.

We've disagreed at times. Even fought. But all those conflicting views are a part of me. They make me who I am. That's why--

No, you need say no more. Walk upon your own path, child. Do that, and you shall... You'll find the way.

I will, Father. I promise.

Lady Vestal, Tiz, and Ringabel, my son from another world. I place my daughter and the fate of our world in your hands.

You can count on us.

Good to have confirmation that Braev does recognize Ringabel and also knows about the multiverse.



Kamiizumi doesn't care for post-battle speeches either, so he snuck out early.



Alternis catches up to him just before he wanders out into a preferable blizzard.

Swordmaster! Where are you going?

The way of the sword runs far and deep, as do the journeys on which it takes me.

Please, wait! I have a favor to ask of you. Will you hear it?

A favor? From you?

Seeing your fearsome skill firsthand has shown me just how much I've yet to learn. Should an assassin of your caliber ever strike at the Lord Marshal, I would be powerless...

I desire the strength to defend His Lordship from any who would bring him harm.



Quick, man, think up an excuse so you can leave.

Uh...

You're stronger than you think. A man defending what he holds dear is far more formidable than one who seeks to take it.

You already have the strength you seek. If I came upon Braev with a sword drawn, it would be a fierce fight with you at his side.

Master...



Unless it's to take from the Wind Vestal or the Shieldbearer soldiers or their orphans, but you know, greater good and all that? Maybe?

If you'll excuse me... Farewell!

Kamiizumi exits before Alternis can think up more excuses.



Much needed vacation time, here we come!

Thank you, swordmaster. You words will be forever etched in my mind!

And we're done with Eternians. Got all of 'em. Yep.


Next: One last fight worth counting and the end of Chapter 7.

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Event Viewer
Sub-Scenario:
Council of Six, Old and New
Lilia DeRosso
Between Black and White
Much Learned from Many
A Sword for What You Hold Dear