Gilbert reports to King Rhem that Gran and the others have taken the Grandcypher. The king is flustered and places all his trust in Gilbert to handle the backlash. Gilbert calls the Scarlet Knight and the Golden Knight for a secret meeting, explaining that they're leaving for Bestia Island, and the plans to seize Nalhegrande are going smoothly.
???
Y-you were attacked by a crew of skyfarers?
Gilbert
Yes... Idelva's battle prowess was far superior to what we estimated.
Gilbert
And in addition to that fact, Acting Officer Rackam betrayed us to fight for them.
Gilbert
I suspect that he won't be returning to our side.
Gilbert
I can offer no excuse for failing despite the tremendous power in our hands.
Gilbert
No matter how severe, I shall accept the penalty you see fit... Your Majesty, King Dolza Rhem.
King Rhem
How to deal with you is the last thing on my mind! The problem is that airship we've lost!
King Rhem
What makes that crew want this particular airship so badly?
King Rhem
Couldn't you have sent them away with a chest of rupies or even another airship?
Gilbert
Of course I tried to negotiate with them. But they seemed extremely attached to it.
King Rhem
What? Blast it all!
The sound of stomping boots angrily reverberates around the luxurious hall.
King Rhem
Now what do we do? That knight comes from the true lineage. He's an heir to the throne...
King Rhem
Should he be displeased by this, I fear the repercussions...
King Rhem
If that side of our lineage made a move, we wouldn't stand a chance out here alone—and what would you expect me to do then!
King Rhem
Oh! Blast it all! I knew something like this would happen. That's why I didn't want to succeed to the throne!
The ruler of Rhem grinds his teeth as he fights an overwhelming sense of irritation, helplessness, and despair.
King Rhem
Ah... If only my big brother Guza were here...
King Rhem
I'm just not fit to be a king. But Guza knew how to unify men and lead them like a true ruler...
King Rhem
But what made you so unhappy, my brother? So unsatisfied that you'd flee in pursuit of freedom...
The sovereign's stoic image is betrayed by the sound of sobs he can't repress.
The royal advisors are pained to see the man in charge of the nation look as hopeless as they feel.
But one advisor steps forward to offer a word of reassurance to his hapless king.
Gilbert
Your Majesty... Please leave this matter to me.
Gilbert
Whatever happens, I won't allow them to do with our nation as they please.
Gilbert
I'll show you that I can resolve every last one of your worries, Your Majesty.
King Rhem
Oh! Yes, yes! I'm counting on you, Gilbert! You're the only one I can rely on!
King Rhem
Once loyal subjects, some of whom long-served the House of Rhem, grew impatient and abandoned me...
King Rhem
But only you... Only you can be trusted to support me in the end. I'm depending on you, Gilbert.
After hearing the sovereign confess his immense faith in the young advisor, Gilbert gives a wide, proud smile.
Gilbert
You can entrust everything to me. I shall lead our nation toward a favorable path. Of this I have no doubt.
Behind Gilbert stand the other advisors who watch the exchange with great admiration and hope.
Gilbert
Sigh...
After his audience with the king, Gilbert stares up at the sky aboard the deck of a certain battleship.
Scarlet Knight
My, my... It's quite a rare sight to see a big shot like you sighing like that.
Gilbert turns toward the voice of the Scarlet Knight.
Gilbert
Not really... Anyone in my position would sigh after saying something they didn't believe in.
Golden Knight
Huh! And just what do you mean by that? If that's some sort of joke, it's hardly funny.
Gilbert grins and turns his gaze toward the other knight.
Gilbert
And yet I highly doubt you'd crack a smile for me even if I were to recite the best joke ever told.
Golden Knight
Of course not. I'm only here to obey you per my orders from the True King.
Golden Knight
What other reason would I have to play nice with the likes of you?
The Golden Knight, sparing no contempt, narrows her gaze at the royal advisor.
Golden Knight
More importantly, we were already on another mission given to us by His Majesty.
Golden Knight
Who do you think you are to just casually call us here like we're your lap dogs?
Gilbert
I called you out of necessity. I've no intention of keeping company with you longer than I have to.
Gilbert
Furthermore, I'm the supreme commander for the battle strategy laid out for Nalhegrande.
Gilbert
As such, the True King has given me all authority in this particular plan. In other words, His Majesty's knights are my knights.
Gilbert
Would you dare still to raise doubt against his volition?
Gilbert's question cuts deep, forcing the two knights to reflect on their own devotion to the True King.
Scarlet Knight
Of course not... Don't be absurd.
Golden Knight
Humph...
Satisfied with their answers, Gilbert continues to speak.
Gilbert
The plan is coming along fine for now.
Gilbert
In fact, the attack on the airship by that crew should push us ahead of schedule and right into the next phase.
Gilbert
As such, there are a few things we have to hurry along.
Gilbert
That's why I've called you here.
Golden Knight
Do not forget that we are knights. We're not here to run little errands for you.
Gilbert
The final destination for this battleship is Bestia Island.
Golden Knight
You mean the plan has already moved this far along?
Gilbert
It looks like the clash on Kluger Island will be the clincher. But preparations must still be made.
Upon hearing Kluger Island, the Scarlet Knight can't help but let a subtle reaction slip.
Scarlet Knight
So Kluger Island's where you crossed paths with that curious crew...
Scarlet Knight
What did you think of them? Of the tiny red dragon, the blue-haired girl, and the brazen offspring of that man?
Gilbert
I had them thoroughly exhibit the full capacity of their strength.
Gilbert
Undoubtedly they will become a force to be reckoned with.
Gilbert
But that doesn't change our strategy. All will be just as His Majesty the True King wills it...
Gilbert places his hand to his heart, making an oath aloud to the king he actually serves.
Gilbert
For the ruler of a brand new world, I will seize all of Nalhegrande Skydom in his name through any means necessary.
With a clear vision born unto his heart, his gaze is unwavering and fiery with purpose.