Edwin
| “ | My physique, my vitality, my disposition, my youth...I need only level it all, and everything...Everything will be as it was! | ” |
| —Graf Edwin |
Graf Edwin is an NPC in Arknights. He is a minor antagonist in Prelude Suite: Cadenza Virtuosa.
Background[edit]
A once renowned Leithanian hero, Graf Edwin is a devoted supporter of the Twin Empresses, claiming to have been their most outstanding beneficiary. He rose to prominence after answering their call to arms and leading the people of Eidaum to revolt against the Witch King during the Septemberaufstand of 1077. However, Edwin fell from grace due to his ego, selfishness, and fanaticism for the Empresses. Edwin clings desperately to his past glory, seeking to regain his former status. He is also noted for his harsh treatment towards the Infected, using them as mere servants or laborers. Once they are taken into his service, they are never seen again.
Story[edit]
Prelude Suite: Cadenza Virtuosa[edit]
In 1092, when Arturia visited Leithanien to mourn at her teacher's grave, Edwin arrived with the town's Gendarmerie Corps, rounding up both Arturia and the Infected who had been playing music in the town square. His intention was to use them as expendable scouts to help him cross the river and investigate the ruins of the Witch King’s Spire in a lake near Eidaum, as a lingering melody had been heard from the site. Due to her teacher’s past loyalty to the Witch King, Edwin forced Arturia to accompany him, believing she could aid in eliminating this lingering evil. However, his ultimate goal was far more personal as he sought a way to reverse his aging and reclaim his former youth and glory, hoping to win back the favor of Twin Empresses, Lieselotte and Hildegard.
After three days of travel, Edwin finally reached the Spire ruins, and ordered his guards to send the Infected first as a means to test the river’s crossing but Arturia volunteered instead. When he failed to hear any of Arturia's melodies, he became desperate, leading him to gather everyone and force a direct approach to the ruins. Upon arrival, his guards were attacked by a mysterious black fog, caused by one of the Witch King's Arts Units still active in the ruins. Surrounded, Edwin attacked the fog, and in the blink of an eye, he found himself in front of the Empresses' Voice, who recognized his efforts and led him to the Twin Empresses, who once again granted him their favor. As soon as he reached for this dream, it shattered, revealing that it was an illusion.
Contrary to what Edwin initially thought, this illusion wasn't caused by Arturia's Arts, but rather the resonance of the Witch King’s lingering melodies with his deepest desires. Driven mad by the illusion, he unknowingly slaughtered his own guards. Arturia scolded him for his selfishness, pointing out how his hunger for past glory had made him into the very thing he once fought against. Enraged, Edwin unleashed his Arts to attack Arturia, but his efforts proved futile against her. In the aftermath, as the Empresses' Voice arrived to the scene, Edwin stood devastated, knowing that he turned into what he swore to destroy.[1]
References[edit]
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