In Final Fantasy 16, Clive’s mother betrays her husband, which results in Rosaria’s downfall and Clive’s enslavement. Given this infuriating turn of events, you’ll likely want to know what was in it for her. However, the fate of Anabella Rosfield after the events at Phoenix Gate in FF16 isn’t immediately apparent.
What happens to Clive’s mom after her betrayal in Final Fantasy 16?
In Final Fantasy 16, Clive’s mom ends up marrying the Emperor of the Holy Empire of Sanbreque in the years after Phoenix Gate. She becomes Empress, and after Rosaria is annexed, she becomes the vicereine of the now imperial province. Her original intent was for Joshua to be appointed to a high position in the Empire, but his apparent death during the events of the Night of Fire prevented this from happening.
Anabella (now with the surname Lesage) rules Rosaria with an iron fist. Bearers, who were treated with at least a basic level of respect under the Archduke, now face the same contempt and cruelty they receive elsewhere in the Holy Empire. By the time Clive meets Cid, she has formed the Black Shields unit, which is tasked with purging escaped Bearers and those who harbor them.
She has also worsened conditions in Rosaria for non-bearers. All citizens have been expelled from the capital, and she’s raised taxes to the point where most live in poverty. As a result, Clive’s mom is incredibly unpopular and most yearn for the days when Archduke Elwin ruled. She continues to be greedy, selfish, and arrogant, believing herself above almost everyone. Her marriage to the Emperor has only solidified this attitude.
In Final Fantasy 16, Anabella’s increased power and status as Empress don’t bring about any moral transformation. Instead, it simply amplifies her pre-existing negative traits, allowing her to inflict greater harm on the populace. Her position of power further reveals her inherent cruelty and selfishness, making her a formidable adversary. Her exploitative rule, marked by widespread oppression and socio-economic imbalance, only intensifies the resentment of her subjects, adding an extra layer of challenge and motivation for Clive’s pursuit of justice.
