Ruby Pop Irotis of the Blue Liberation Front has snatched Gran from the True King's castle. To contain such an unprecedented occurrence, Alliah and the White Knight begin a covert mission to retrieve the king. The White Knight heads to Duat's prison tower, known for its ties to the Blue Liberation Front. Loki and Mikaboshi sneak onto the White Knight's vessel.
Alliah
Come, my partner. The king's chamber has been made. Follow me.
Irotis
Sob...
Alliah
...!
Who's there!
Irotis
After all this time...
Irotis
We finally meet...
Alliah
Gran!
For reasons unknown to Alliah, Ruby Pop Irotis appeared in the throne room and snatched Gran away.
Alliah tortures herself with a single question: what is the Blue Liberation Front trying to accomplish?
Alliah
What's the status of your search party?
White Knight
I have assembled my team. No armaments, as you commanded.
White Knight
We now set out for Duat. I leave the castle in your capable hands.
Alliah
Very well. But a final word before you go... News mustn't spread about this operation. Please operate with the highest discretion.
Alliah
I've already told our associates in Duat that you'll be visiting for an inspection. Any pretext beyond this, I'll leave to your discretion.
Alliah
But be warned. That woman with the scarlet eyes—Ruby Pop Irotis—could very well be involved.
White Knight
Right. I'll report as soon as I can.
White Knight
(The king was snatched from the castle right under our watch.)
White Knight
(By the leader of the BLF no less, who went so far as to appear before one of the Seven Luminaries...)
White Knight
(What in the skies could they be plotting?)
Alliah
Ngh! No matter what I do, it comes up short! My own inadequacy makes me sick!
Vyrn
Hey, you all right? Are ya sure there's nothin' else me and the others can help with?
Alliah
You've already lent us the Grandcypher and Rackam's expert helmsmanship. That's more than enough.
Alliah
Besides, the Blue Liberation Front may be aiming for more than Gran's capture. The safest place for you now is by my side.
Alliah
No more mistakes... I will not have another of your crew taken from under my nose!
Rackam
We'll arrive in Duat soon enough. You sure I can't come with? I feel bad just dropping you off.
White Knight
It is my duty to keep up public appearances. Should the BLF realize I'm on the move, it may provoke them into action.
Rackam
Oh yeah? Then why ask to take the Grandcypher? It's not exactly the most subtle entrance.
White Knight
Perhaps Alliah wanted to clip your crew's wings? At the very least, this keeps them inside the castle.
Rackam
Dark description... But, if it brings Gran back safely, I'm down for any plan.
White Knight
Agreed. Just leave the rest to me.
Rackam
Hold up. There's still one thing eating at me. If they could strike the True King directly, why did they wait until now?
White Knight
If only we knew. Whatever they're planning, I will stop them.
White Knight
(When Irotis grabbed Gran, she acted as if she already knew the king...)
White Knight
(Whatever happens next, the Blue Liberation Front is making important moves. Moves that could spark rebellion across all of Istavion.)
Loki
Well, if it isn't a pair of sleuths getting to the heart of a mystery.
Rackam
Ah! When did you lot sneak aboard?
Mikaboshi
...
Loki
The prison on Duat Island has a teleportation system, right? I'd like to see it with my own two eyes.
Loki
A field trip to see if Duat's prison is really connected to the Blue Liberation Front's hidey-hole sounds fun. Don't you think?
Rackam
You're seriously gonna let 'em tag along, White Knight?
White Knight
Sigh... I couldn't keep them away if I wanted to. Just keep a low profile.
Loki
Of course. You're the protagonists of this story; we'll be your silent audience.
White Knight
Good. See that you are.
Loki
Hehe... I can't wait to see what's in there.
Loki
Are you excited, Mikaboshi?
Mikaboshi
...
Duat's prison tower pierces the cloud cover in the distance. The group of tenuous allies stare at the spire as it looms ever closer.
157: Unsteady Kingdom 
