The Blade Who Walked Alone
CH: 01
[Inside the grand hall of the Radiant Vanguard’s fortress. A fire crackles. Rain outside. Kaien returns from a solo scouting mission.]
Kaien Drayke (MC)
(quietly) …I’m back.
Veyra Althis
Kaien! You’re late again.
Veyra Althis
Did you run off to “brood” in the mountains or something?
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I was tracking that bandit group we heard about.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
They’re moving faster than expected.
Elira Nythe
(smirks) Still playing hero by yourself, huh?
Nyelle Cross
(softly) Elira, don’t start…
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
(grinning) Now now, let’s not be too hard on him.
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
After all, Kaien always insists on doing things “his way.”
Kaien Drayke (MC)
(tense) At least I bring back results.
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
Kaien, please…
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
We’re not trying to argue.
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
We’re just… tired. We’ve all been on edge lately.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I know.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I just don’t like wasting time.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
The people out there need us.
Veyra Althis
And what if people in here need you too?
Kaien Drayke (MC)
…What’s that supposed to mean?
[Awkward silence. Rain intensifies outside.]
Nyelle Cross
Forget it. Let’s talk strategy.
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
Actually… there’s something I’ve been meaning to bring up.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
What now?
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
Your actions lately… they’ve been suspicious.
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
Disappearing alone. Secret talks with outsiders. No explanations.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
You’re seriously accusing me?
Elira Nythe
He’s right. It’s not just once, Kaien.
Elira Nythe
It’s been happening more.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I’m doing reconnaissance!
Kaien Drayke (MC)
Do you think I’m betraying the Vanguard?
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
Kaien… I want to believe you.
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
I do. But the others…
Kaien Drayke (MC)
So that’s it.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
After everything, you’re doubting me too?
Veyra Althis
It’s not doubt, Kaien.
Veyra Althis
It’s reality. We’ve all seen the signs.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
No. You’ve seen what Ardyn wants you to see.
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
Watch your tone.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
Or what? You’ll exile me too, Hero?
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
Kaien, please…
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I trusted you. All of you. I bled for this team.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
And you’d rather believe a performance than my truth?
Nyelle Cross
(whispering) I didn’t say anything… I’m sorry…
Kaien Drayke (MC)
No. You said nothing when it mattered most.
[Kaien turns, rain visible behind him through the window.]
Kaien Drayke (MC)
If this is what the Radiant Vanguard stands for now… I want no part in it.
Ardyn Velhart (ex. Hero)
Then leave.
Kaien Drayke (MC)
I already have.
[Kaien walks out. Door slams. Silence.]
Serenya Vale (ex. finance)
(quietly) …Kaien.
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