Triangle Strategy-Beyond Utility

The Battle for Aesfrost

I thought of a few more ideas and would like to thank Anon and Citrus for their commentary so far.

Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created by Square Enix

Serenoa, Roland, Frederica, Milo, Caeden, Avlora, Hughette and Cordelia went to the town square to see how the people, there are faring. Several were going about their business, some eying Avlora, warily. 

Several other people were at the goddess statue in town which had been put there after Hyzante took control over the continent, discussing whether to tear it down since word has spread through Serenoa and Clement that the goddess's teachings were falsehoods.

"Oh, Consul Serenoa" one man greeted him"I was the Sculptor who accepted the commission to make the goddess statue, and we're all feeling mixed on what we should do with it."

"It was really pretty" a little girl chimed in"But, it feels wrong to keep something that apparently represents a lie..."

"And who the heck is she, again!?" A woman looked at Avlora with fear and apprehension.

"She's scary" the little girl added.

Serenoa stepped forward to speak"I cannot deny that Avlora was among the aggressors who invaded Glenbrook last year, but she seeks to atone for her actions. 

As for that statue, I am sorry to say that it is to be removed, Hyzante's teachings truly were nothing but lies. I embraced them because giving the salt crystals to Hyzante was the best way to ensure the prosperity of the majority of Norzelia, or so Roland and I had believed."

"We all thought so when Hyzante brought its teachings to us" the same woman spoke again"And while I can't forgive Avlora since she was among my husband's killers, I suppose I can give her the benefit of the doubt."

"Your husband was a member of the Kingsguard, then, I assume. Hughette and I share the same thoughts about Avlora, but she is guest for now and is a part of the newly formed army of Glenbrook for our rebellion against the Heirophant" Roland stated.

The people still had doubts, but decided to take Roland's word for it.

"As for myself" Serenoa added"I would like to formally apologize, for while it seemed like a good idea to allow Hyzante control over the continent and distribute salt to the majority of the people, it came at the expense of those who still suffer unjustly at the hands of Hyzante. I was wrong."

"Serenoa and I were both wrong, the peace we lived in was a false one" Roland chimed in"My grudge against Aesfrost ultimately prevented any chance we had of ending the salt monopoly."

The people, present talked among themselves for a bit before a middle-aged man addressed them"Well, its not like either of you gave us any trouble apart from being complicit in allowing Hyzante to spread its phony teachings. 

My name is Steven, by the way. You and Lord Serenoa had ruled us with such compassion that some of us couldn't hold it against you for long. Besides, if what you said is true, its really the Hierophant's fault, but don't tell anyone I said that."

"I won't" Serenoa assured him"And while I am here, I would like to announce that I am to become King of Glenbrook and make reparations for Roland's and my mistake."

The people in the vicinity had mixed feelings, but their Consul's sincerity and kindness could not be ignored. The Sculptor smiled"Shall I have the statue torn down, then? Maybe we can replace it with the old symbol of Glenbrook."

Serenoa nodded"Yes, perhaps there can even be a plaque added near the new symbol explaining why the goddess statue in the square had to be removed, it may serve as a lesson in honesty and integrity for future generations."