>>6179723Now that was of particular interest to you. The Battle of Gronder FIeld was considered the bloodiest battle fought during the Fodlan Unification War. It was a three way slugfest between the major powers of the time. It was also where your father, Rex d’Rusalka, had met his end at the hands of your aunt. Your family never spoke much of the battle, so you were forced to rely on dubious historical accounts to get a picture for what actually transpired. Suffice to say, one thing they all agreed on was that Gronder had been a charnel house.
>“You fought at Gronder? What was that like?”Cuthbert stares into the flames before him, lost in thought reminiscing a battle that occurred over 20 years ago.
“Maybe some other time.” He responds.
>“Fine. Then another topic. What’s gotten into Elric? Wasn’t he supposed to be a pacifist? Every time I get a look at him he’s swinging that stupid sword around.”“You’ve noticed too, have you? Frankly, I’m not so sure myself. When I asked him about it, he simply replied that he needed to get stronger. The boy killed someone for the first time only a few days ago. That’s something like that should have absolutely rocked him to his core. But he’s brushed it off the way you would having to take a piss. Something’s changed within him, that’s for sure.”
>“Do you think it’s the sword? Is it perhaps cursed?”The look Cuthbert gives you is one of pure confusion.
“Cursed? The hell are you talking about? Has this place gotten to your head? No, I don’t think the sword is ‘cursed.’ More likely, I think you’re exerting your influence on the boy. A bad influence, if I’m being honest.”
>“You’re blaming me?!”“Elric doesn’t exactly have a lot of positive role models to look up to. And I think a part of him has always resented his helplessness. I think being around you is causing him to want to emulate you and grow stronger.”
>“And how is that a bad thing?”“Well he never had to train to kill people two weeks ago.”
Perhaps a fair point.
“Look, do me a favor.” Cuthbert sighs. “I don’t know how many battles like that last one I have left in me. If something happens to me, please don’t leave Elric at the nearest whorehouse. Take care of him, and make sure he remains safe.”
>A): I’ll look after Elric should something happen to you.>B): That’s a big ask. I can’t promise anything.>C): Write-in 