Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XXIV: Escalation, Part III

An Introductory Note:

This is the fourth of most likely six chapters that I have decided to add since editing this story. This entire chapter was written entirely from scratch and I regret having added so much to the story. What started as an edit is now a time-consuming addition so I apologize for the lack of updates. Just know that I do intend to properly finish this story, no matter what happens. 

Song for this chapter:

37. Choosing Hope - City of Light by Nobuo Uematsu

Pictured:

The National Parliament Building in the Eternity Ward of Insomnia, the Kingdom of Lucis's capital city. It is where the House of Representatives meets for sessions and other business. While Lucis technically has a bicameral legislature (the Royal Council being the upper house), most power is delegated to the House of Representatives. However, the Council still holds considerable sway in Lucian politics and significant power as you will see in this chapter.

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Fenestala Manor (Tenebraeish: Maenar Fenestala) has served the Fleurets for thousands of years and it continues to serve as the Tenebraean royal family's residence and administrative headquarters. Located a few kilometers to the south of the Tenebraean Capital District's center at a height of about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), it functions as a bridge connecting several areas within the Capital District.

And today, it will be the site of a most important confrontation.

"Any idea on how we're going to enter, Your Royal Highness?" Cor asks Ravus, the entire group staking out on a mountain just a few hundred meters from the Manor.

"If we wish to maintain peace, I suggest we simply enter through the front gates. They are expecting me," he replies, tired of hiding and "pretending to be a soldier" as he called it.

The Marshal counters, "They may be expecting you but not us. How are you going to explain bringing around sixty other people with you?"

"If I may, Marshal, I do believe I have a solution," Ignis interrupts, sensing the tension growing between the two. They had argued earlier in the day about the plan and it seems it is not going to stop any time soon.

"Proceed," he says, waving his hand dismissively.

"If we split into different groups, we could all gain access to the Manor without utilizing any subterfuge. We would only have to disguise ourselves as staff of the Manor or as nobles wishing to see the prince," he explains before turning to Domani, "I must credit you for telling me this idea, Mister Lorenzia."

The latter shakes his head, "What we did in Altissia was a small and combined effort. I would not have been able to do it alone—the governor general, the lieutenant governor, the grand duchess, and my friends Mister Amicus and Miss Vitra also deserve credit."

"That is true. We have even more people involved here which could be more difficult to coordinate. I do think we can still execute it, however. It is still my firm belief that a direct military assault would be inadvisable," he counsels, facing Prince Ravus, Marshal Leonis, and Prince Regent Noctis. The mission's organizers had briefly floated around the idea of an armed attack earlier in the day but had ultimately decided against it.

The prince and Marshal both nod, agreeing for what is probably the first time today. Ignis turns around to the rest of the group, "Very well. Let's get arranged then."

"Uh... I have a suggestion," Nathan pipes up, earning everyone's attention. He clears his throat to quell his nervousness, "Your Royal Highness, I don't suppose you have another outfit similar to the one you're currently wearing?" the governor general asks, turning to Prince Ravus.