Granblue Story Archives

In Albion Castle a girl vows to help Major General Furias so that they may both reach their goals.

The crew are on their way to Albion Citadel.

Meanwhile in Albion Castle, two people are having a secret discussion.

Furias

Good grief... I can't fathom why you won't just let it go!

Furias

But you have your reasons, I suppose. Would you mind telling me why? Don't be shy!

The girl sitting before Furias gives a wry smile in response and nothing more.

Furias

Fine. It's probably stupid anyway.

Furias

But since we both want the same thing, I see no reason not to team up with you.

Furias

Just don't make me regret this, okay?

Furias is grinning ear to ear.

The girl staring back at him keeps a gentle smile on her face.

With a curious offer from the empire to settle things peacefully, the crew travels to Albion. On their approach to the island, monsters suddenly attack the Grandcypher.

Rackam

I can see something on the horizon. Is that... Albion?

Lyria

Oh my gosh! It's like a big, flying castle!

Katalina

That's right. Albion is a floating fortress city.

Katalina

The castle in the center and the city outskirts that surround it all float as one.

Vyrn

And the imperial general is waiting for us there...

Humph! They want to make amends, huh? Sounds like a crock to me. A clever lady isn't fooled so easily!

Rosetta

But why Albion? A floating fortress of stone and paved paths... I'd feel more comfortable with my feet on some soil.

Eugen

Albion... Albion, eh?
Feel like I've heard the name somewhere before.

Eugen

Katalina, what else would you say makes Albion stick out?

Katalina

Stick out? Well, it's a unique city to begin with, but if I had to say, it's definitely the—

Monster

Groooar!

Rackam

Uh-oh! I don't think we're gonna get to Albion unless we get rid of this guy!

Rackam

Come on, Gran! Let's give it what for!

Vira, an old friend of Katalina's, offers to guide Gran and the crew to the town. After getting a brief warning that the city is teeming with monsters, they all set off down the path.

Having kicked some serious monster tail, Gran and the crew touch down in Albion Citadel.

Rackam

Whew. The anchor's set now. So, Gran, let's grab a bite to eat before our chat with the general.

???

If you're looking for a restaurant, perhaps I can give you a few recommendations?

Vyrn

Hm? Who are you? A local or something?

Katalina

Vira...

Vira

It's been quite some time, my dearest Katalina. I hope you've been faring well?

Katalina

W-well, yes... And I'm glad to see you've hardly changed.

Lyria

"Dearest Katalina?" Oh my gosh... Are you two sisters?

Vira

Not quite, I'm sad to say...

Vyrn

If you had a buddy in Albion, you could've told us, Knightalina!

Katalina

Y-you're right. Sorry...

Vira

Not to worry. I'll explain everything on the walk into the city.

Vira

Just remember to keep your eyes open. No one is safe from a monster attack here.

Vyrn

Is it me or did she slip an eerie warning in there just now?

Katalina

Albion's always been like that. This may be a city, Gran, but you have to stay on your toes.

Gran and the crew learn that Vira and Katalina attended the Albion Military Academy together. Vira brags about Katalina and her shining reputation, but is interrupted when monsters begin to attack.

Vyrn

Ah, I gotcha! So Katalina was ahead of you at the academy!

Vira

That's right! Her skills were unsurpassed... as was her beauty.

Katalina

S-stop it, Vira... You're embarrassing me.

Eugen

Ah, now I remember! Albion's got one of the best military academies in the skydom!

Vira

Indeed. The graduates go on to perform great deeds all over the world. And Katalina is no exception.

Vira

The monsters in town are a constant reminder for us to never neglect our training.

Lyria

So this is the place you studied and trained, Katalina?

Rackam

Hey, what're we standing around for? The monsters are heading right for us! Get ready, guys!

Gran and the crew are shocked to learn that Vira is the Lord of Albion and that the citadel has an odd tradition of choosing their lord.

A town full of monsters, huh? Talk about scary...

Vyrn

You said it... Let's hurry up and ask the empire what this offer of theirs is all about.

Rackam

That's what we're here for after all. But where are we supposed to find them anyway?

Vira

Major General Furias awaits you in the state room of Albion Castle.

Vyrn

Wow, you sure know what's up! You work in the castle or something?

Vira

Well... I suppose you could say that. The lord's office is in the castle, after all.

Wait a sec... Are you the Lord of Albion?

Vira

I am indeed. For about six years now...

Rackam

Hold on there! Six years ago? You must've been a kid!

Vira

Albion is a meritocracy. You'll find students of all ages sharing the same classes at the academy.

Vira

Oh, and they follow a rather odd tradition to decide the next lord. Isn't that right, Katalina?

Katalina

That's right...

Vira

Now, right this way. I'll show you to the state room.

Vira

There are monsters along the way, of course, so do watch your step.

Gran and the crew see a noticeable change in Katalina since arriving on Albion, but she is reluctant to tell why.

Katalina

...

Lyria

Hey, Katalina. Are you okay? You seem a little tense...

Rackam

What is it? Did all that school talk trudge up some bad memories or something?

Katalina

No... I loved school. I loved this town. It's just...

Rosetta

Perhaps it's seeing your little friend that's bothering you?

Katalina

Rosetta! How did you—

Rosetta

I didn't. I know nothing. But anyone with eyes can see it quite clearly.

Rosetta

And as much as I love a pretty face, I'm having trouble bringing myself to like her...

Vyrn

Wow, Rosetta! You're less shallow than I thought!

Rosetta

You know... in some parts of the world, dried lizard is considered quite the delicacy.

Vyrn

Yikes!

(Glad to know Rosetta and I are on the same page!)

Rosetta

Anyway, there's something about her I can't quite put my finger on. So stay sharp around these monsters and around her.

Furias offers a truce, saying the price of fighting the crew is too high for the empire to pay. Gran and the crew aren't sure what to make of the offer, so Vira suggests they sleep on it.

Vira leads Gran and the crew into the state room of Albion Castle.

Furias awaits them, flanked by more than a few soldiers.

Furias

I've given up, I say! I've thrown in the towel!

Furias

You're so much stronger than we expected, and it just doesn't pay to keep up the fight.

Katalina

To keep up the fight?

Furias

Exactly! Don't forget that little Miss Top Secret over there still has a few secrets we don't know.

Furias

Getting her back and figuring her out will cost us more than she's worth.

Furias

We'd do better to spend our resources elsewhere which would profit the empire as a whole.

Furias is in high spirits as he leaps to his feet.

Furias

So there you have it! You're all free as a bird!

Furias

Take your little airship and fly wherever you please.

Furias

So long! Let's have a nice, hot cup of tea next time we meet.

Gran and the crew are quickly escorted out of the room without so much as a chance to speak.

Vyrn

Hold on a sec... I still don't understand what happened back there.

Rackam

We gave him all that trouble and now he's backing down?

Vira

Just think it over. I'll show you to your rooms and you can sleep on it. How does that sound?

Vira

Besides, I just happen to know where you can find some vacant rooms!

Vyrn

Sounds great! What do you say, Gran? We deserve a nice break!

Rackam

I'll say! Show us the way, Vira!

Gran and the crew have trouble trusting the offer from the empire. Katalina seems worried, but Vira assures her that she's in good hands.

Katalina

Is this it? Is it really all over now?

Rosetta

You don't trust the mini major will keep his word? Not that your instincts are wrong...

Eugen

They're our enemies no matter how you slice it. Trust is out of the question.

Katalina

I can't help be feel that something's off about this. Like this isn't the end...

Vira

Don't be silly, Katalina!

Katalina

Vira...

Vira

I've heard tales of all your travels that eventually led you here.

Vira

You poor thing... Surely you're exhausted from fighting day after day.

Vira

But there's nothing at all for you to worry about here. Just let me take care of everything!

Eugen

Ha-ha! I bet you were the teacher's pet 'cause you're so helpful!

Vira

Thank you.

Monster

Groooar!

Vira

Your rooms are right ahead, but we have a few monsters to take care of.

Vira

Just a little longer until you can rest easy, Gran!

Gran and the crew find Sierokarte managing the guest rooms in Albion Castle. After a good night's rest, they awake to find Katalina gone and a farewell letter in her place.

Sierokarte

Welcome, welcome to the Albion branch of the Knickknack Shack!

Rackam

What're you doing here! I could've sworn this was a bedroom!

Sierokarte

Remember! I am both everywhere and nowhere!

Vira

We're having her manage the vacancies. She's quite the reliable one.

Sierokarte

I've heard all about your troubles! You guys make sure to take it nice and easy here, okay?

Gran and the crew spend a quiet night in Albion Castle.

But the next morning, they find Katalina gone with only a short farewell letter left behind.