View source for The Almighty Will of Baron

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2012/09/30
|Location=Baron{{!}}Baron Castle
|Synopsis=In a world newly forged, where do a mighty kingdom's borders lie? Wherever the strength and resolution of those who lead and defend see fit to place them.
|Cast of Characters=Baigan
}}
A tall window set into the study's stone wall has been opened wide, its parted panes framing a figure adorned in red and white, the gold fringes of his epaulets swaying slightly in the breeze. From here he can see the whole of Castle Baron's courtyard, and hear the marching of the dark knights and dragoons, like the steady beat of the drums of war. An airship emblazoned with a ruby wing soars high overheard, and a nascent smirk plays about the corners of his thin lips.

For is this not the moment he has long awaited, though knowing not he waited?

Now Baron's fate depends upon him.

The door behind him opens and a senior guardsman, armor awkwardly clanking, shuffles in. The sound of his salute, gauntleted fist against breastplate, is as familiar as the formations below. "Captain."

Arms folding behind his back, lips now betraying nothing, Baigan turns.

"Report."

"The airspace around the castle and town is secure, but now that we are surrounded by water on all sides, the navy is overtaxed. Beyond our territory lies what is called the Dias Plains, and beyond that--" The soldier briefly hesitates. "Mysidia."

"Mysidia?" Baigan's brow, long since lined with worries, furrows further. "We are connected directly by land?"

"Indeed, sir." The guardsman moves forward at a respectful pace, laying out a recently drawn map upon the room's broad table, depicting a continent. "Airship reconnaissance has given us this. Commander Golbez has retreated to the Crystal Room to study the Water Crystal futher and discern what has occurred to our world. His Majesty directs you to secure our borders and ensure the Crystal remains ours. He, um, didn't offer any specific instructions, except... to do whatever is necessary."

Baigan, violet eyes severe, is poring over the document, but pauses at the last comment, and visibly suppresses the same slight smirk from before. "I see." A pale, spindly finger taps lightly on the center of the continent. "It appears these Dias Plains are a chokepoint for this new continent as a whole. If we secure and hold them, we would be protected from all land assault. We may devote our resources to building our naval forces in the meantime." He looks up. "What potential resistance do the scouts report?"

"Er, little, Captain. Some villages and hamlets, and scattered monsters. Those dark creatures as well... though the Commander seems to have those rather under control, doesn't he, Captain...?"

"That is none of your concern," Baigan snaps, causing the guardsman to straighten to attention. But the captain, though stern, does not seem angered. "Hmm... so the kingdoms of this land appear to lack our air power? Heh... heh heh. You are dismissed." The soldier blinks, startled at the abruptness of the statement, and only then do Baigan's eyes flare. "Dismissed!"

Once the man scurries away, there is a moment of silence before Baigan snorts, convulses, and then begins laughing, progressively more wildly, reaching up to wipe a tear from an unblinking eye as he turns back toward the window. "Fools, all of them," he sneers aloud. "A man such as I knows how best to protect a kingdom. Yes..." Unable to contain himself, lips now a rictus grin, his arms begin to tremble violently. "At last, with his Majesty's power and favor, I shall demonstrate that it is I who embody the glory of Baron, I who am best able to bear the burden of its flag."

"Indeed," echoes a voice, "it is not power you craved, but responsibility, is it not? The recognition that comes with a place in the order of things. Thus are you ever the loyal servant... even when strength is thrust upon you."

"Who's there!?" Baigan whirls, eyes now wild, hands rippling beneath his gloves.

"Don't worry, Boss. We know your heart. We're with you all the way!"

"Boss...?" Glancing around, the captain's nostrils flare. "Who are you? What do you want!?" Only then does he see his own hands quivering, contorting impossibly, and gaze down at them in shock. Yet as soon as he notices, the spasms still, and he is left in silence, staring shaken at himself. A long minute passes before his shoulders slump, and Baigan reaches up to cradle his face in his hand, dampening his glove with his brow's sweat.

"Strange voices," he mumbles. "No matter. No one must know. I remain able... to fulfill my duties. This..."

The steady march of armored boots.

"...this is for Baron...!"