Suikoden VII

Chapter Two: Part Eight

Chapter Two: Part Eight

Richard. The "Blademaster". Quite possibly one of the greatest swordsmen Zelant had ever seen. Hero of the Falenan Civil War and a longtime member of the Lindwurm Mercenary Brigade. He had fought in Commander Wilhelm's direct unit, and when Wilhelm died his subordinate Mueller took command. Richard remained a subordinate in Mueller's unit until the latter himself died, after which Richard had retired. He had been seen as the perfect candidate as Mayor of Honigmilch, and he seemed to do an efficient job of it for the last several years.

And now he was there, facing down Astraea's group with his usual nonchalance. But they all knew to be guarded. Richard had his reputation for a reason.

Richard raised his hands, as though showing he was not a threat. "I came here to train my mind and body," Richard told them. "It's always important to stay sharp."

"You came here to train, Lord Richard?!" Sigrun exclaimed, standing up. "Who's overseeing Honigmilch?!"

Richard laughed softly. "Do you truly think that city will crumble without me there, Your Highness?"

Sigrun visibly Denzel held a guarded stance. "What do you know of what's going on, Lord Richard?"

"Oh, many things, Prince Denzel," Richard said lightly. "But it's none of my business."

The group stared at him blankly. "'None of your business'?" Astraea echoed.

"It doesn't affect me personally, does it?" Richard asked.

"You are aware of our situation, aren't you?" Sigrun asked in a guarded tone.

Richard shrugged. "What about it, Princess Sigrun?"

"We have been branded traitors, Lord Richard," Ferdinand said sternly.

Richard blinked in confusion. "...So?"

"'So'?!" The group echoed incredulously.

"These situations are not new with the Reiser Royal Family," Richard responded. "I remember when your grandfather was King, and—" he shook his head before continuing. "I care more about the impending war with the Bianca Alliance. Whatever is going on between His Majesty and you has nothing to do with me."

Astraea swallowed thickly and stepped forward. "Lord Richard," she said softly. "Do...Do you believe that I committed treason?"

"Did you, Princess Astraea?" Richard asked.

"No!" Astraea burst out.

"Then that's enough for me," Richard said, lowering his hands.

The group stared at him stunned. David coughed and stepped forward. "I have heard about you, Lord Richard," he said. "Not to be rude, but matters in the world seem to matter little to you. I heard that you participated in the final Sacred Games ever held in the Queendom of Falena simply because Sir Mueller suggested it to you."

"That's true," Richard said cheerfully. "I was drugged in my first round though, so I don't know how successful I would have been."

Astraea knew that the Sacred Games of Falena were originally a tournament that selected the husband of a Falenas princess. The final Sacred Games had been held for the Queendom's current monarch, Queen Lymsleia. Had Richard won the Sacred Games then he would have been crowned Prince Consort of Falena.

And he entered the Games on a whim?!

"If you believe my innocence," Astraea asked. "Could you help us?"

"Help you?" Richard tilted his head and his brow rose. "Is that man injured?"

"Seriously so, Lord Richard," Sigrun said, kneeling down beside Viktor once more. "Do you have any healing runes, or Medicines?"