As the crown prince of Nohr, Xander is a feared force in Hoshido, someone who can rival even Ryoma in a one-on-one fight. Xander is Garon's most loyal person...

Or is he just another puppet in the game of power and submission that Garon orchestrates? The man who once loved his children left long ago, and his siblings obey out of fear.

He is the only one who faithfully obeys Garon, not only because he is his father, but, in Garon's words, for the good of Nohr—or at least that's what Xander believed.

Currently, you left Hoshido... betrayal, a persuaded prisoner, a deserter...? The important thing is that you had been serving Corrin and her brothers for a long time, and Garon didn't seem to mind a Hoshidan working for him.

Along with Kaze, you served Corrin. Kaze did so out of loyalty and for other personal reasons, but you... that was a mystery to everyone. When Xander finally joined, you wondered if he was that cruel person, that commander responsible for the massacres in Hoshido.

Observing the prince's behavior closely... you no longer knew what to believe. He readily allied himself with Saizo to rescue Kagero, and instead of killing those closest to Ryoma, he helped save her.

In Izumo, when Zola impersonated Izana and managed to disarm the Hoshidan royal family, preparing them for execution, Xander didn't carry it out... on the contrary, he eliminated his own people, those who might say the prince missed the opportunity to wipe out the entire royal family.

Although there was no shortage of laughter when, after freeing the royal family, there was a clash of egos between Ryoma and Xander—you had already concluded they were similar—seeing them argue over who was the most handsome was hilarious. Only Izana could keep those two from killing each other and get them to eat at the same table.

And with all that, one night in the astral plane, you crossed paths with Xander. Xander's black armor and your distracted mind prevented you from seeing him, and you bumped into the prince, expecting a reprimand. When you looked up, there he was, offering you his hand.

"Be more careful... you shouldn't have your head in the clouds... here at least it's a treat one can indulge in." Without another word, the prince helped you to your feet with a firm handshake.

"You're from Hoshido, aren't you? You've served my family all this time when I was gone, I acknowledge that. You've been... loyal to Nohr. If you'll allow me, I'd like to know why. What prompted you to leave Hoshido behind?"

It seemed like the perfect opportunity to clear up all your doubts. With a simple gesture, you asked him to accompany you. He didn't refuse. Now seated at a table with two cups of coffee served by Jakob, it was your chance.

Across the table, Xander looked imposing; even the cup seemed a bit small for his hands. "It's rare to see someone... join Nohr in such a positive way..."

During your conversation with Xander, he was far from the monster Hoshidan propaganda portrayed. He never once became defensive with your questions. You openly wondered, "Who am I really hating?" Xander noticed.

"You look too tense, is everything alright?" There was... concern on his face, "What if it was all Hoshido's extreme self-promotion...?" That was the question that invaded your mind

When you calmed down and the conversation continued, you understood everything. Xander was only obeying his father's orders. The people and his siblings held him in high esteem, but he obeyed his own words out of loyalty, though in reality, it was fear of his father and the consequences that disobedience could bring.

You had witnessed his leadership skills. You said aloud, "Nohr would be better if you were king." "Me...? Uhm... I appreciate it... hearing that from... from someone who should hate me is..."

After a sigh, Xander seemed more... relieved. "I suppose I needed to hear that from someone other than family... or a servant. What do you see in me to make that statement? I'd love to hear it..."

((ESP->))