The Diamant Campaign for CYL10 Day 3: Cast Supports
Strong of body, strong of heart!
I've decided to save the bond supports for when I also cover Brodia in general, since this one is so long as it is haha.
I’m sorry this post is late compared to the past two, not only is it longer than the others, but uhhh… real life circumstances considering the state I live in has made me pretty upset, which has impacted my mood and productivity. Fellow Minnesotans, trust me, we're strong. And we will perservere and make it out of this to a brighter day ahead of us, I know it.
Nevertheless, writing about Diamant is a great mood booster, so better late than never! So many great supports Diamant gets, so here we go!
Framme: Starting off with a bang, Diamant’s support with Framme is incredibly poignant and relevant both within the game’s narrative, and to the real world. Framme’s scatterbrained nature while performing her steward duties is sometimes played for laughs, but in this support it brings up important questions and perspectives from a person not inundated in a culture like Brodia’s. While Diamant initially approaches her struggles with studying with a general lesson that learning is valuable no matter if things are uncomfortable, in B rank Framme hits him hard by questioning if his desire to bring peace to the world is really true.
This young lady has the stones to straight up ask a crown prince if he’s able to back up his words, and she has good reason to be cautious considering she flat out tells Diamant that she found out he left out the bad parts of Brodia’s history when explaining it to her last time. And he confirms that it was subconscious because of guilt and shame. Even though he means well, part of his development is learning not to shy away from the crimes and tragedy that his kingdom is responsible for, something we see in this support that he’s not quite ready to do yet. And that’s where B rank ends, with no overt promise. You have to complete the chain to see the results, and at that point, in Framme’s position, would you be able to continue that kind of conversation, not knowing if you were being lied to?
Luckily we do get resolution, with Framme coming to the conclusion that both history and the events in the present shouldn’t scare her into being inactive, into quitting. And she already proved as much when questioning Diamant in the first place! Diamant himself affirms her by telling her it’s great that, even if she doesn’t have ideas on how to help the world in the moment, what matters is choosing to act at all. He promises the same, to leave a bright mark on the world.
Kagetsu: This is a simple, but fun one! Cultural exchange is more than just trading one object for another, or sharing practices of your land with a foreigner.
More than that, it’s feelings, bonds and connections. To understand someone, you have to make active steps to be humanly compassionate and forthright. For Kagetsu, part of his exchange with Diamant relies upon being fair and honorable in a fight, despite Diamant initially wanting to forgo that for any kind of opportunity for a scrap. He may be wise, but Diamant still loves a good brawl, even if he’s dead tired.
But what shines through is Kagetsu’s line in A rank, where he says “Custom, ideology, philosophy… There are many differences in other cultures I do not yet grapes. But there are many similarities as well-such as our views with regard to swords. I believe, as you do, that crossing swords can teach us more of one another than mere words. That is why I wander in search of strong and interesting opponents.” For Kagetsu, being unabashedly himself is how he connects with people, not putting on airs or giving empty platitudes just to make someone happy. He genuinely is that gregarious, loving and joyful. And that serves as a way for him to connect with so many different individuals, something Diamant may not be initially familiar with. But that’s okay! You find camaraderie through both differences as well as similarities, so long as the biggest factor-respect-is made. They may be different people from differing cultures, but Diamant and Kagetsus are respectful and open-minded, leading to a great friendship!
Amber: Amber is such a real one in this support, because I too think Diamant is the greatest. (Though in the JP version, Amber says he loves Diamant, which could be the platonic form of love, but y’know… still same for me).
This support shows how accepting and kind Diamant is, where even though Amber didn’t win the tournament to become his retainer, he was still recruited anyway. Amber says “I was sobbing in a corner when you walked over and asked me to be your second retainer. You were smiling down at me so gently… That was when it hit me. This man… has the soul of an alpaca.”
And that’s DAMN high praise from the Alpaca Hero himself! And Amber is forthright with why he feels the way he does, saying Diamant is kind, puts him at ease, and worthy of protection. And he’s light and fluffy! Which is true! His hair is so precious and his smile, so shiny! In all seriousness, it says a lot about a man and prince when his retainers are so open about why they appreciate their lord. Speaking of which…
Jade: Resident deadpan funny-gal, while Jade is the stoic and stalwart knight to Amber’s chaotic and clumsy horseman, she is no less forthcoming about how she appreciates being in Diamant’s service.
Diamant makes it clear right in C rank that he was extremely happy to have found Jade during chapter 9, saying he feared losing a trusted retainer and was worried sick. Just as Jade worries for her prince, he worries for her as well, a mutual respect and care ideal for their kind of relationship.
And that extends past official retainer duties, considering when Jade is struggling with writer’s block thanks to the war and lack of inspiration. Because he understands his retainer and his friend so well, Diamant knows just what to do to bring her spark back, and that’s to write his own draft. He knows that he isn’t as funny as her nor is he as talented a writer (though as Jade puts it, he has the capability), but he knows just enough to give a pep back in her step to let her artistic voice come back in full swing. He even volunteers to take over her shift twice in this support chain so she could have some rest, what a mensch! Not to mention he laughs the most in this support, and just like the Ally Notebook says, his laugh is big and wonderful to hear.
Saphir: This is a heavy one. Saphir herself is one of the more underrated members of Engage’s cast, who carries a lot of resentment and bitterness, that bubbles under her rugged exterior and threatens to boil over.
Diamant, being the prince of Brodia, of course holds a woman and soldier of Saphir’s caliber in high esteem, especially since she was in Morion’s employ. And in Brodian tradition, what better way to bond than to have a friendly duel. But to his surprise, Saphir rejects his request, and says the duel can’t go on until she gets past her hatred. The resentment towards Elusia that has sat in her soul for decades.
Even if a proper duel doesn’t go on, Diamant still wants to test her skills, most likely as part of his duty. Saphir agrees, and after she wins, she relays her story to her prince, describing how her parents and friends were killed by Elusia’s troops. “There was nothing I could do. I was powerless. That feeling haunts me to this day. It makes me want to scream and tear my heart out.” Diamant, of course, relates because at this point in the story, Morion is gone, as a result of things that were mostly out of his control. Saphir says that kind of pain is something that only strength and training can free her from it. Diamant concludes B rank by saying that he also has a part in why she’s suffering, that royals may declare wars, but citizens and soldiers are the ones who suffer.
And in A rank, Saphir divulges that, even though she thinks strength will help her (a fair thing to assume given that it’s what Brodia’s culture revolves around), she starts feeling that she’ll become someone who only exists to hurt people. Diamant reassures her by saying “Wars leave scars that last forever. They hurt everyone involved, on all sides of any conflict. I often feel lost, just like you… but I always come back to two things. One-I can’t run away. Two-I don’t fight to win. I fight to end the fighting. As soldiers, that’s all we can do.” And isn’t that just such a prime Fire Emblem line? And when Saphir tells him that she doesn’t think she can do it, Diamant says that she’ll have to anyway, because that’s how they change the world where conflict abounds.
Nel: Nel is a wise and critical judge of character. She’s often very insightful, having survived a world of ruin, and is prone to watching over others to assess how they act in the main Elyos. Diamant is no exception, especially since he’s a prince of a very powerful kingdom that was part of the inciting conflict.
They bond over their shared position, being scions of royalty; royalty who engage in practices incomprehensible to their own children. They both want to be different from their fathers, who lived by rules and creeds that they don’t want to follow. Nel, being the investigator she is, takes it upon herself to prove her own assumptions, going so far as to travel to Brodia and see what the populace thinks of their coming king. Though she relays positive opinions, Diamant does not accept them, because he tells her that she should judge on her own merits and observations whether he’s worthy.
She makes good on his request, and tells him in A rank that she believes he’ll make a fine king. Diamant is perceptive, and very honest! Opinions and feelings on rulers should not be made just by accepting what the people around you believe. You should see with your own eyes, and view their actions to see if they’re being honest and truthful. He’s also observant himself, seeing that Nel cherishes life, even to the most delicate of flowers. This is yet another trait that Nel has learned of his, further heightening her opinion of him, and ensuring a bond between great friends.
Veyle: In Veyle’s mission for atonement, it’s only natural that one of her supports is with Diamant, considering all that her dark half did regarding his father. Even after Diamant reassures her, telling her she wasn’t herself, she still feels a responsibility to make things right, something Diamant says he understands.
While this support isn’t necessarily too complex, its beauty still shines through in how Diamant loves to interact with his citizens, and his ingenuity when things go awry. Veyle suggests and plans a banquet, but when it’s all spicy food, she starts to panic. But Diamant, never one to shy away from a challenge, goes to make it into a contest! Something he can participate in and be active with among his people, instead of lording over them in stuffy propriety. Friendly contests can connect people, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to thinking of new ideas to make things work out when faced with uncertainty.
Timerra: Another fun cultural exchange! Being in polar opposite sides of the continent, it’s little wonder that things between Brodia and Solm are so different. Where Diamant wants to go train, Timerra wants to go sing among the people. They have contrasting ideas because of the lands they hail from, and while Diamant is skeptical, Timerra, being the open and bubbly friend she is, says that their individual ways of life aren’t mutually exclusive.
She proves it in B rank, where she gets Diamant to sing with her to connect and be among the people; to be vulnerable. He stresses afterwards, saying it was much more difficult than how he usually trains. He’s in awe that Timerra does that all the time, something he considers to be very challenging, yet refreshing. Though it’s not his cup of tea, he still respects it.
This resolves in A rank, where Timerra gives back the cultural exchange in training with Diamant, showing that while she’s not as battle focused as he is, she can keep up when she needs to. Again, while she still prefers her own way, what matters is respect! They become friends by trying things and being respectful, connecting over sharing cultures and understanding!
Alfred: Another important support, a discussion between two crown princes on their nations’ relationships. Alfred being an early bird and Diamant being a night owl is a humorous way to start, as well as Alfred’s attempts at being more… “princely” than he usually is.
While they bond through exercise and duels, they express gratitude over being able to share time with one another. They may have a peace pact, but still, it took a continent wide threat for them to meaningfully interact. Without becoming allies, they may never have had the chance to become acquaintances, much less friends.
And in normal Alfred support fashion, things recontexualize once the A rank comes around. These two may bond, but they’re still crown princes with kingdoms they’re responsible for. The pact may exist for now, but Diamant says that as the future king, he must tell Alfred that things may not always last, that there may come a time that he’ll have to choose between upholding the pact and the good of his people; the will of his citizens must come first. But Alfred reassures him that he doesn’t have to worry about that, because he’s seen for himself how nice Brodians are. That they wouldn’t want a war over nothing. Alfred may not be a typical prince, but he has a good head on his shoulders, and is incredibly perceptive of the good will people have, resulting in trust. Trust that Diamant respects as a quality for a leader to have, and concludes the chain by saying that he hopes their growing friendship continues.
Ivy: Supports between former enemies are almost always of great quality in this series, and this one is no exception. While initiating with Ivy unknowingly showing a shameful part of her personality, being afraid of ghosts, it segues into being uncomfortable that Diamant of all people being the one to witness it. And that’s fair! Their kingdoms are at odds, and being a victim of expansionism is not an easy pill to swallow.
And that sentiment continues in B rank, where Ivy openly ponders to Diamant how her people would have fared without the suffering and bloodshed that Brodia took part in. But while Diamant is quick to apologize, Ivy is just as quick to compliment him on helping her because of who he is as a person, in accordance with his values. Values that he wants to share with his kingdom as a whole, so that they don’t feel as if they have to continue to wage war to feel comfortable. And Diamant promises to change Brodia in that way.
And in A rank? Well, both Diamant and Ivy are both remarkably intelligent and ingenious, as something as simple as taking ore to craft it into jewelry sparks a whole new prospect (haha pun) for the future relationship between Brodia and Elusia. And even without paired endings, this ending preeeeetty much comes true in each of their respective individual endings! The open-mindedness of these two great people inspires a slew of changes that shift the dynamic between hostile nations, into a blooming and steadfast partnership.
Citrinne: Ah, Citrinne, another of Engage’s unspoken gems in my eyes. Willing to do anything for her country, be it buying out things with her riches to improve the morale of even one ally, to outright threatening an assassin with no fear. With her family though? She’s understandably sensitive and melancholy!
While her and Diamant have grown up, they look fondly on their time as kids together, playing princess or playing tag. Now they’re influential figures in the upper echelon of Brodian politics. Citrinne herself is tasked with letting Diamant know how upset the nobles are about his proposals and stances regarding future campaigns. He rejects it, but hates making Citrinne deliver the message. And he was right to feel that way, because when Citrinne talks to him again, she’s stiff and paranoid, as she worries that speaking casually will inspire rumors that’d put Diamant in a bad position, even as the crown prince. Seeing this, how his immediate discomfort greatly inconvenienced his cousin, he goes to immediately rectify it by approaching them himself.
It concludes with Citrinne worrying about if Diamant even knows how a future king should behave, with Diamant flooring her by saying he himself sent a response to the nobles. To be a great king, he needed conviction and authority, being upfront with how he will rule in a way that’ll benefit Brodia without bloodshed. Citrinne accepts this, saying that it’s her job as well to support him, working to bring peace back to their beloved home.
Alcryst: I think to understand Diamant, you should have some understanding of Alcryst as well, and there’s no better way to do that than seeing their supports!
The reason why Alcryst feels inadequate is because he was raised as a younger brother to someone who was praised as being great at everything. And while Morion never once compared his boys like that, it wasn’t the same for the tutors. So Alcryst constantly sees the worst in himself, while Diamant chastises him for speaking about himself that way, saying that enemies will look for any weakness to exploit, including one like that.
But little does Alcryst know, Diamant does have a weakness: magic. He’s not good with it, nor is he good against it. Even just training with mages puts him on edge and makes him exhausted, since he’s outright afraid of it. Much like how Alcryst feels shame in comparison to his brother, Diamant feels shame in still not being able to overcome something he feels a crown prince should handle. Diamant reiterates that no one is flawless, and that it takes work every day to improve, for the sake of Brodia’s people.
They end the chain by engaging in an archery contest, and while Diamant wins in the end, Alcryst is merely one point behind. The older brother may be exemplary, but the younger one is very close behind. Much like older siblings are prone to do (speaking as a younger one myself), Diamant is not keen on letting his baby brother catch up that quickly, and both of them reaffirm their promise to get better each day for each other and for their kingdom. And Alcryst, whispering to himself, says that he intends not just to catch up, but to surpass Diamant, to protect him. The idea of surpassing the person who came before you is fairly common for the Engage royals, like with Diamant with Morion, Ivy with Hyacinth, and even Alfred with his own father. It’s a recurring underrated point that I appreciate, as being someone better than the people who came before you, in order to continue progress is a very admirable position to take!
Alear: Lastly, Diamant’s support with Alear. It’s a straight up discussion on fear and how to cope with it. Alear fears the Corrupted, which is understandable given what they are and their eventual revealed backstory. Diamant… is not known to have fears, until he says having an aversion to hairy caterpillars. A cute quirk, not on the same level as zombie soldiers, but serves as an example for Alear to make his point: you can be strong and inspiring in so many ways, but inevitably you’ll have something that will just shake you to your core, make you appear undignified and unnerved.
Going further, Diamant reveals that it’s more than just a simple bug that puts him on edge, but his own anxieties and perceived flaws. Did he earn the medal from his father based on leadership, or luck? Is he worthy of such a thing? He has self-doubt, despite being praised as a revered and respected prince. Alear straight up tells him “Knowing that you do have a vulnerable side makes me feel a bit closer to you. Vulnerability isn’t always a bad thing.” And he’s spitting! Being vulnerable isn’t cringe! It’s a part of life, it’s human nature!
Seemingly taking cues from Brodia, Alear ends the chain trying to train the weakness and worry out of himself, doubting that he can restore peace to the world while feeling as he is currently. And Diamant echoes Alear’s sentiments, that he feels closer to him now that he’s seen him be vulnerable. It’s deeper than Alear thinks, as Diamant says that he feels safe to discuss his deepest concerns, and that without the moments they have with each other, he could’ve still been clutching his medal and thinking of his father. But he doesn’t need to do that, when he’s surrounded by so many friends and allies willing to back him up and connect with him. Diamant will make a fine king, simply because of who he is.
Strong of body, strong of heart!
