Granblue Story Archives

Gilbert plans to execute Pholia in order to reestablish the Torhid Kingdom, one of the steps that will lead to him controlling all the skies. Pholia wants to know the True King's intentions but gets nowhere. She then realizes that she is not alone in her jail cell.

Gilbert

Come on in, Lady Pholia.

Gilbert

This room wasn't meant for a sovereign, but I find it to be just fitting for you as you are now.

Pholia

...

Pholia had given herself up to bring a swift end to the full-scale war.

And now she finds herself in the prison under the royal palace on Reiche Island.

Pholia

Humph... It's not too bad a room if I overlook how cramped and dark it is.

Pholia's sarcasm falls on deaf ears as she steps into her cell.

Gilbert

You're not going to resist? I'm certain you have the strength to.

Gilbert

I've heard from the True King himself about your supernatural powers.

Pholia

Humph...

Pholia shifts her eyes and retorts.

Pholia

Do you take pleasure in being resisted? How distasteful.

Pholia

But if you can get me warmed up, I wouldn't mind a round with you...

She hikes up her clothing to reveal some wounds underneath.

Pholia

Except as you can see... I've already done some fighting. I don't have the strength left to play with you.

Pholia

Besides...

Pholia stares daggers at Gilbert in an attempt to ridicule him.

Pholia

I may not look it, but I like my playthings nice and tidy. I wouldn't touch a disgusting turd like you with a ten-foot pole.

Gilbert

Mwahaha... That so?

Gilbert

You call me dirty, but you're on a whole nother level.

Gilbert

How many people did you slaughter during the collapse of Torhid?

Gilbert

If you're willing to tell... Boy, would I love to know.

Pholia does not hide her disgust at Gilbert's sneer.

Pholia

Ugh, could you be any more repulsive?

Gilbert keeps up his revolting, cavalier attitude as Pholia takes on a more serious tone.

Pholia

How much do you know? And what is it that you want?

Gilbert

I know everything. And I desire everything.

Pholia

The total and utter domination of Nalhegrande, I take it...

Gilbert

That would suffice for the moment.

Gilbert

I suppose I'll start with your execution as an example to all and to correct the course of history.

Gilbert

Then I'll revive Torhid Kingdom for everlasting peace in the Nalhegrande Skydom.

Pholia

This is all a gift from the True King, isn't it?

Gilbert

Yes, I won't deny it. But I'll take my peace any way I can.

Gilbert

Whether they choose to live as cattle or die a valiant death is their choice alone.

Pholia

Humph... Your treachery knows no bounds.

Pholia

You know, the people of this island don't deserve you pigeonholing their fates into mere life or death. Freedom should be theirs.

Pholia

If you happen to see the True King—my father... Will you relay a message to him?

Pholia

Tell him that Nalhegrande is not his playground.

Gilbert

You've grown quite attached to Nalhegrande, haven't you?

Gilbert

Where's your loyalty to your birthland of Oarlyegrande?

Pholia

I may not be able to choose my place of birth, but I most certainly do have a say in choosing the land I call home.

Gilbert

I take it you have no intention of returning to Istavion then?

Pholia

As if you'd let me go.

Pholia

Or did you plan on striking a deal with my father so that I come out of this owing you a favor?

Gilbert

There's nothing I hate more than wasted effort. Money, position, power, lives—I intend to make full use of it all.

Pholia

Humph... You cheapskate.

Pholia turns away from Gilbert in disgust before continuing.

Pholia

If earning my gratitude is in your books, then I have a favor to ask...

Gilbert

Ask away.

Pholia

What is it that's so special about Nalhegrande?

Pholia

I've never understood the True King's fixation with this skydom.

Pholia

Unsatisfied with ruling indirectly, he set in motion the destruction of Torhid Kingdom as if to set an example.

Pholia

And now he's using you to effectively colonize the entire skydom.

Pholia

What could possibly drive him to go so far?

Gilbert

Just so you know, this isn't my first time participating in such an operation.

Pholia

Huh? That means you...

Gilbert

Yes... I was involved with the dissolution of Torhid as well.

Gilbert

It wouldn't be too much of a stretch for you to consider me a comrade.

Pholia

Humph... In your dreams.

Gilbert

As for the answer to your question...

Gilbert

Everything shall move according to the True King's wishes... We merely carry out his will.

Pholia

Heh... Don't get ahead of yourself, little guppy.

Gilbert

...

Pholia

You obviously haven't been told anything.

Pholia

I shouldn't even have bothered asking a two-bit scoundrel like yourself.

Gilbert

You'd best not get carried away now...

Gilbert

Your execution awaits. I only have to lop off your head in front of the masses.

Gilbert

Meaning that as long as you're alive, I couldn't care less what state you're in when the time comes.

Pholia

Hahah... Can we do away with that scowl? Or was the truth too much for you to take in?

Gilbert

...!

An unfettered rage overtakes Gilbert as he raises a fist toward Pholia.

???

Stop!

Gilbert

...!
You...

Gilbert shifts his attention toward the young Draph man chained to the wall.

Hal

No excuse is ever good enough for inflicting harm upon a girl.

His interest in Pholia now waned, Gilbert walks over to Hal.

Gilbert

A king—even if only a figurehead—needn't be so kind to lowly subjects.

Hal

Refraining from violence against women is common decency, regardless of your standing.

Gilbert

Oh? Perhaps I should focus my attention on you instead...

Hal

...

Gilbert

Then again, a king with wounds all over would do little for the dignity of the kingdom. Let's call it quits for today.

Gilbert leaves the two behind in their prison cell.

Pholia shows a hint of concern as to the identity of the person sharing her cell.

Pholia

(This man... Could he possibly be Torhid's...)

With Gilbert gone, Hal breathes a sigh of relief.

Little do they know of the great destiny that lies before them.

Hal is to be installed as a figurehead of the newly revived Torhid Kingdom, but the boy refuses to go along with this plan. That is why he now finds himself in jail with Pholia until the time comes for his public appearance.

A most unexpected encounter unfolds in the prison cells of Rhem Kingdom.

With Gilbert gone, Hal is able to speak to Pholia in a relaxed tone.

Hal

Hey, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?

Pholia

Ah. I'm mostly fine, thanks to you.

Hal

Look at all those cuts and bruises on you! You need treatment right away!

Hal

We need a first aid kit! But there's nothing like that around here...

Pholia

There's no need to be alarmed. I may look to be in great pain, but...

Pholia

These injuries are from some time ago. Treatment isn't necessary.

Hal

Oh, is that right?

Pholia

Mm-hm. Besides, anyone brought to prison generally has an injury here or there...

Pholia pauses briefly to take a closer look at Hal.

Pholia

Or maybe not. A blessing in disguise perhaps...

Pholia continues to observe Hal.

Hal, very much relieved, keeps the conversation going.

Hal

Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet, have I?

Hal

I'm Hal... Which is short for Halvarda.

Hal

I carry the blood of the Torhid royal family. Though I'm very much on the bottom of the totem pole.

Pholia cocks her head in surprise at the grinning Hal.

Pholia

How are you so elated from simply making a self-introduction?

Hal

Huh? Ah...

Hal

Hehe... I must seem so weird.

Hal

It's such a weight off my shoulders to not have to conceal my full name or my roots.

Pholia

I heard everyone in the royal family, save the Scarlet Knight, lost their lives in the turmoil...

Pholia

Yet here you are before me... I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like.

Hal

Well, it's true I had my freedoms restricted, but it wasn't that bad at all.

Hal

I was but a toddler when the war happened, so I don't actually remember any of it.

Hal

Everyone around me was so kind.

Hal

Besides... When I was first brought over here...

Hal

...

In the dining hall of the royal palace on Reich Island, an uneasy Hal sits in front of a table adorned with various dishes.

Others sit around him at the table.

Orchid

Nom, nom...

Drang

You know, Orchid... Watching you eat really whets my appetite!

Drang

Sturm, you really ought to cut down on some of that meat! Everyone knows a balanced diet is the key to a fair complexion!

Sturm

Shut up. Can't you stuff your mouth with food, not words?

Drang

Aw, gimme a break! Chow time is the perfect occasion for a powwow!

Drang

You know what they say: a dining table's just the thing for family gatherings! So why not let loose and—

Drang

Yeeowch!

Drang

Sturm! Must you resort to violence every time I have something to say?

Sturm

Shut up already. I'm surprised you're able to stay as annoyingly upbeat as ever, given everything that's going on.

Golden Knight

...

Seated with Sturm, Drang, Orchid, and the Golden Knight, Hal perceives his current situation to be a quandary.

Hal

(What is all this...)

Hal tugs on Drang's shoulder and whispers into his ear.

Drang

What's up? Something bothering you?

Hal

Um... You're Drang, right? We met on Silverwind Stretch.

Hal

How is it that you're able to go around freely with the Golden Knight?

Drang

Well, I know we might not look it, but we're actually adults too, you know. We all ended up working together on a job.

Drang

Besides, I'm finding my curiosity piqued by everything that's happening in the Nalhegrande Skydom.

Hal

In Nalhegrande?

An expression of confusion clouds his face as another plate of food is placed on the table.

Golden Knight

Rest assured there's no poison.
You're not going to eat?

Hal

Erm, well...

The Golden Knight had discovered Hal accompanying Gran and company at the Silverwind Stretch.

Ever since then, Hal has agreed to come with the Golden Knight in exchange for leaving the people there unharmed.

Hal

...

And now at Reiche Island, Hal cannot help being puzzled at the treatment he's been receiving.

Golden Knight

Eat up. I need you to stay in good health.

Hal

Um... What's going to become of me here?

The Golden Knight stops pushing plates in Hal's direction and speaks in a grave tone.

Golden Knight

You are to become king. Or should I say, a figurehead of a king.

Hal

King?

Golden Knight

Torhid has always been the kingdom to sit upon the Scarlet Throne in the skies of Nalhegrande.

Golden Knight

And to justify that reign, someone of the Torhid bloodline needs to rule as a symbol of peace.

Golden Knight

Making you the perfect candidate to be the first king of the new Torhid Kingdom.

Hal

The new Torhid Kingdom? Is that what you're going to...

The Golden Knight simply flashes a smile as Hal reels in shock from all that's been revealed.

Golden Knight

I really have to thank you for surviving the mad chaos that ensued.

Golden Knight

Now we won't have to resort to giving that treacherous man any more authority.

Golden Knight

I'm sure the True King will be most pleased.

Hal

Will the Nalhegrande Skydom belong to the True King?

Golden Knight

Everything in the skies has always belonged to Istavion, or rather, the True King.

Golden Knight

It's a fact as clear as day if you trace the annals of history and take into account the Seven Luminary Knights presiding over each skydom.

Hal

...

Although the Golden Knight makes it clear where her loyalties lie, Hal furrows his brows in response.

Hal

I've... seen so much ever since being brought out here from the Silverwind Stretch.

Hal

The blue skies, the green wilds, the flowers, the wind... They're all so much more wonderful than I imagined them to be from books.

Hal

Which is why I find it so difficult to accept that there is one true ruler for it all.

Hal

Our skies aren't so insignificant as to fall under the control of any single person.

Golden Knight

Are you suggesting that the True King's supremacy would be unjust?

Hal

It's the only conclusion that comes to mind when I see the blissfully endless expanse above... and the grass swaying to the beat of the wind in harmony and freedom.

Agitation overtakes the Golden Knight's expression.

Golden Knight

Looks like you need to be taught your place.

She signals to a few Istavion soldiers, who then go up behind Hal.

Golden Knight

Take the time to cool down and rethink your ideals.

Hal

...

Drang

Hey, is it cool if I go with him?

Sturm

...?

Drang

I'm just itching to explore more of the castle. I could use the exercise after all that chow anyway!

Golden Knight

Don't even think of freeing him. I'd know right away.

Drang

Oh, relax. To do that, I'd need a way to get him off the island, not just out of the castle—you think I can just wave a magic wand around?

Golden Knight

I'm glad we have an understanding.

Hal arrives at a prison cell, escorted by Drang and a few soldiers.

As Hal quietly seats himself, Drang whispers into his ear.

Drang

If you're starting to regret what you said back there, I can try to smooth things over.

Hal

...!

Startled by Drang's offer, Hal gently shakes his head.

Hal

Nuh-uh, I have no regrets. I spoke from the heart.

Hal

Besides, I'm tired of living a life where I must hide everything.

Drang

Hehe... You might actually be a lot more mature than you look.

Drang steps out of the cell and locks the door.

Hal

...

Hal remains in the poorly-lit room, his eyes fixed on the wall as if in deep contemplation.

Hal thinks back fondly on the time he spent with the crew, musing that his own desires have caused grief to many others. Pholia expresses similar regrets but encourages him to push on.

Pholia

Oh? Sounds like you've been through quite a lot.

Pholia goes quiet, trying to make sense of everything that Hal has just described.

Hal breaks the silence upon a simple realization.

Hal

Um, would you mind telling me your name?

Pholia

Ah, right. I haven't properly introduced myself yet, have I.

Pholia

I am Pholia, sovereign of Idelva Kingdom.

Hal

Idelva? Ah, yes, I've heard it's one of the larger kingdoms in Nalhegrande.

Hal

Weren't they in opposition with the Rhem Kingdom—

Pholia

That reminds me... I still have yet to thank you.

Pholia

You have my gratitude, Hal. Your youthfulness belies your strength of character.

Pholia

Your intestinal fortitude—the backbone to stop Gilbert when you did—is truly remarkable.

Hal

It was nothing really... I've always been told by the grown-ups around me to respect women.

Hal

Also I couldn't bear to see harm come to someone so close to me in age...

Pholia

It must have been tough finding others in your age group at the Silverwind Stretch.

Hal

I was the only child there...

Pholia unexpectedly raises a cheerful voice.

Pholia

You deserve the highest praise for your efforts in saving me.

Pholia

Is there anything your heart desires, Hal?

Pholia

I promise to grant you whatever that may be—in due time, of course.

Hal

What a funny thing to say, Pholia.

Hal

I appreciate the sentiment.

Hal

But, well...

Hal appears to have reservations about the offer.

Hal

I have a bit of a story to tell if you're willing to hear me out...

Pholia

Why, that would most certainly keep the boredom at bay.

Hal perks up at Pholia's response.

Hal

From as far back as I can remember, I was raised in the confines of the icy world of Silverwind Stretch.

Hal

To me, all the different colors said to make up the world existed only in fiction. All I could see around me was a stark white.

Hal

One day I ran into a group of skyfarers who crash-landed on the Silverwind Stretch.

Hal

Travelers are an extremely rare sight at the remote village I lived in.

Hal

I helped them get around and ended up learning so much just talking to them.

Hal

While those skyfarers may not have enjoyed being stranded, I'll never forget the good times spent with them.

Hal reminisces fondly on precious memories, yet with a tinge of consternation in his eyes.

Hal

But I was too lax, even if only for a brief moment. That's when the Golden Knight found me.

Hal

I've been captive ever since then.

Hal

It's all my fault really.

Hal

But...

Hal bites his lip in shame.

Hal

The village that took care of me was practically taken hostage as well.

Hal

Even though they did nothing wrong...

Hal

My only wish was to take a peek outside of our enclosed world...

Hal

Was it so brazen a wish as to warrant the punishment of so many?

Pholia

...

Pholia casts her eyes downward upon hearing Hal's profound remorse.

Her hand naturally latches onto Hal's.

Pholia

I, too, have brought misfortune upon others for similar follies.

Pholia

What came about could only be described as utter despair.

Pholia

It got me thinking... Was I was so wrong to crave life's most simplest pleasures?

Hal

...

Awestruck from hearing of Pholia's past, Hal is at a loss for words.

Pholia makes a sudden grab for Hal's horns.

Hal

Aah! Wh-what are you doing?

Pholia

Hm, how stiff they are. Do they never become an inconvenience?

Hal

Erm, not really...

Pholia

I have no horns, but I am proud of my ears. Here, touch them. See how fluffy they are.

Hal

Um... I don't know about that...

Pholia

Have you ever wondered, Hal, what it means to be normal?

Pholia

Everyone comes from a different background. I'm as much Erune as you are Draph.

Pholia

Try as we might, any attempt at escaping who we are—our very fates—is an exercise in futility.

Pholia

Of course, that is not to say we should abandon all hope.

Pholia

Fulfilling our hopes and dreams is one thing, but you should never run from your calling as I did.

Pholia

Do so, and things quickly get out of hand. A solution is always present as long as you're willing to confront the issue. At least that's what I've come to believe.

Hal

...

Pholia's words of wisdom, despite her appearance, leave Hal speechless.

Pholia

Hm... Perhaps that was a bit too philosophical.

Hal

Um... Are you... older than me by any chance?

Pholia

Hehe, who's to say... That's a question you never want to ask a girl if you know what's best for you.

Pholia gracefully dodges the question.

Hal's expression brightens up ever so slightly.

The Golden Knight receives reports on the movements of the Scarlet Knight from Sturm, Drang, and Orchid, for she is suspicious of his commitment to the True King's intentions. When informed of the crew's presence on Reiche, she moves to intercept.

In a secluded room in the royal palace of Rhem Kingdom is Golden Knight Alliah, looking down at the town in anxiety.

Golden Knight

...

Drang

Everything okay? Lemme guess: you're either waiting for the right time or for an update from recon.

Golden Knight

I've left Anissida in charge of the checkpoints. I have no concerns about her ability to carry out the job.

Golden Knight

Though I must say I'm not too fond of your excessive prying.

Golden Knight

Perhaps that blind curiosity is the source of your investigative prowess.

The Golden Knight turns to Drang, Sturm, and Orchid.

Golden Knight

Can I take everything you've uncovered about Baragona as truth?

Sturm

We have no reason to report falsehoods. And a job is a job for us.

Sturm

But I'll admit we were just as surprised when we learned of it all...

Drang

We still owe you one for looking the other way back at Silverwind Stretch.

Drang

Besides, I've never been the type to smooth-talk my way through a job.

The agents and the Luminary Knight had previously engaged in a clandestine agreement while on Silverwind Stretch.

Which was for the Golden Knight to allow their escape in exchange for a future favor.

Ever since coming to Nalhegrande, Drang and Sturm have followed her orders in looking into the Scarlet Knight's whereabouts.

Golden Knight

So what's written here is fact then...

Her eyes droop down to the investigative report in her hands.

Golden Knight

(This is the truth behind Scarlet Knight Baragona.)

Golden Knight

(But why? And how did those two...)

As the Golden Knight listlessly casts her eyes toward the window once more, Orchid speaks up.

Orchid

Is it Gilbert... that you're worried about?

Orchid

Something about him frightens me. And it's not just the power of the Otherworld.

Orchid

He's likely very dangerous.

The Golden Knight offers an affirmative nod.

Golden Knight

Although we all serve the True King, there are too many questions to be raised about Baragona and Gilbert's actions.

Golden Knight

Even regarding the matter I had you two look into.

Golden Knight

There's no way the True King does not know of this.

Golden Knight

And yet they are given free reign in the matter... Why, I do not know...

Golden Knight

There's more to the collapse of Torhid than we've been let in on.

Golden Knight

But whether it all stems from the crafty machinations of Baragona and Gilbert remains to be seen...

The Golden Knight's voice fades into muttering as if in disbelief.

Golden Knight

I don't want to believe it, but there's something my father, the True King, won't tell me...

Golden Knight

(I guess things are different with my older sister...)

Istavion Soldier

Pardon! I come with tidings!

Golden Knight

You may enter. What is it?

Istavion Soldier

We've received word from those who've fought the resistance!

Istavion Soldier

A select few Idelva soldiers have been spotted among them!

Golden Knight

So they've come.

The Golden Knight heads for the frontlines, her purposeful stride evident in each bold step she takes.

Drang

(Sounds like they're on the move too...)

Left behind in the room, Drang and Sturm silently pray for the well-being of Gran and company.