Suikoden VII

Chapter Two: Part Five

Note: This chapter is shorter, but I'm able to update earlier due to this.

—

Chapter Two: Part Five

"They are allowing us to disembark but to not leave the city," Dios reported. They stood in Sasarai's cabin suite on the Harmonian ship. "They are further only giving us three-day visas to stay in Zelant."

Sasarai folded his arms over his chest. "So we have three days visas, but are not allowed to leave the city?"

"Yes, Bishop. The crew has heard gossip from the docks and it appears that this Kingdom is in a state of turmoil."

"'Turmoil'?"

"They have recently declared war on a rival nation; the Bianca Alliance." Dios glanced at Pilika. "Ah—what is their primary export?"

"Oil," Pilika responded. She was standing at the window.

"That doesn't entirely explain the restrictions they have placed on our visas," Sasarai said.

"Well, this is also the nation that Albert Silverberg fled to after the Second Fire Bringer War," Dios said bluntly. "King Franz DID give him a high government position. They are most likely stonewalling us to protect him."

Sasarai scoffed and shook his head. "What would I gain going after Albert Silverberg? Harmonia may be the richest country in the world but declaring war on Zelant just to get to Albert would be a waste of time and resources!"

I want to find him. I just want to see him. Why must this be so difficult?!

He knew that he was right about the power he sensed. The True Wind Rune. Power he hadn't sensed in a long, long time. Power that had belonged to...his brother.

I thought he was dead, but the True Wind Rune...that power was incredible. It came from this direction so that means...that means he's here in Zelant, isn't he?

"There is more still, Bishop," Pilika said, turning away from the window entirely. "The fight we witnessed this afternoon between Zelantan soldiers and the "ruffians"? Apparently it comprised of royals. Three of King Franz's legitimate heirs who have been labeled enemies of the state."

Sasarai's brow rose and he unfolded his arms. "Is this the same group that you witnessed Viktor, Pilika?"

Pilika nodded, her expression somber. "He served Lord Riou as one of his closest comrades. I remember his face clearly, Bishop."

"But Blue Thunder Flik wasn't with him?" Dios asked.

"I didn't see him, no."

"So Viktor is helping three rebellious Zelantan royals?" Dios's brow knitted in confusion. "Why would he do that?"

Sasarai rose him his seat, his expression grim. "This means one thing."

"One thing, Bishop?" Pilika asked.

Sasarai locked his jaw. "If Viktor is here in Zelant...then he is here, too."

He. Not Sasarai's brother, but someone equally important. Someone the entire country of Harmonia wanted dead.

—

The next morning...

"The decision has been made, but as a courtesy to Their Highnesses I am letting you know now," Albert announced.

Kion, Vahan, and Philomena stared back at him in silence. They stood in the otherwise empty Onyx Chamber. Kion looked stoic, Philomena was pale-faced, and Vahan's eyes were wide. Their assists stood behind them, also frozen in shock. It was Vahan who broke the silence. "I don't get it," he said tersely. "If capturing Astraea is the priority, then why was this decided?"