What do they mean IF.

After a few more minutes of this, the Queen arrives and takes the stage. Those in the audience kneel; where the gathered soldiers have crowded together, it's a little tight, but where Blai and his advisors are seated it's more doable. The whole field is filled with cheering and applause.

If kneeling is the done thing he will kneel.

She holds out a hand, and the crowd falls silent.

"Rise, warriors. 

Today is a day of sorrow, and pride. Sorrow, because we weep for our brothers and sisters who perished in Kenabres. Pride, because despite demonic treachery, our heroes repelled the attack and saved the city, and perhaps all of Mendev with it.

But our work is not yet done. The heroes of Kenabres have dealt a tremendous blow to the forces of the Abyss, and with it they have given us an opportunity. An opportunity to liberate Drezen, an opportunity to push back the Abyss, and — I hope — an opportunity to put an end to the threat of the Worldwound once and for all.

I, Queen Galfrey of Mendev, declare this day the first day of the Fifth Mendevian Crusade. And I am honored to introduce the one who will lead the attack on the hordes of the Abyss. The hero of Kenabres, Knight-Commander of the Fifth Crusade — your leader, from now unto victory or death — Select Blai Artigas!"

The crowd breaks out into cheering again!

Bestow Insight. Moment of Greatness.

Guidance.

He has the bloody thing memorized. He is under a stack of buffs more suitable for facing a glabrezu.

He goes up to the podium, and lets the spell carry his voice through his FUCKING speech.

The crowd breaks out into another round of clapping and cheering! 

"Praise Iomedae!"

 "Long live Select Artigas!"

  "Woooo! Fifth Crusade!"

   "That's Lariel! He's returned to save Mendev!"

What no he literally is not?? - he is not going to panic about that visibly in front of everyone. He lets his sword-arm drop and bows to the queen and gets off of the stage.

The Queen has more announcements — here are some of his advisors! here are some logistical details that probably mean more to Mendevians! they'll be setting out tomorrow morning after morning prayers and breakfast! — and then she dismisses the troops for the afternoon.

Wow he's still alive and stuff. Cool.

His companions have started to wade through the crowd to find him. 

"I didn't realize you were such a good speaker, boss!"

"Am I correct in my assumption that you are not actually the angel Lariel? That would have substantial implications for my encyclopedia! I would need to redo my analysis of theological knowledge from scratch."

"I am not actually the angel Lariel. Or a good speaker, I was under a lot of spells to carry that off, I have the Splendor of a portcullis."

"Portcullises, being incapable of speech, would most likely be significantly worse at delivering a speech than you, even if you were not under magical aids."

"Great job! I loved what you did with the sword, I never would have thought of that." Pause. "...I hate to run off so soon, but me and Elan and Jannah want to be sure we can find the ring before dark, so we're heading out now, okay?"

"I expect that to be fine. If you're looking for me later I've been invited to a funeral -" He gives the location. "And I don't know how long it will run."

"See you later!" She jogs off to go meet with her other friends.

"Congratulations again on your appointment, Knight-Commander. I don't suppose you've discovered a newfound passion for rhetoric?"

"No."

"Say, Chief, is that a Clarion Call? I heard you can use it to play your voice like a trumpet!"

"...Just so we're clear, I didn't put him up to that."

"It is a Clarion Call, courtesy of Songbird Sosiel, but I do not anticipate a need for a trumpet in its remaining duration."

"C'mon, it'd be really funny!"