The plot / writing feels like it was put together by a 13 year old, or maybe an AI. it's almost interesting, and almost makes sense, but doesn't. Things just sort of "happen", and they don't really make sense and aren't really explained. Character motivations are unclear. Also, the gameplay is shit.
The world they created is super compelling, which seems to always be the case with Final Fantasy games. I just wish they could make an actually good game to go with their top tier world building and art direction.
I just got to that part in-game. After talking about how Clive failed to awaken the Phoenix, Anabella says "How the nobles laughed- -thag Elwin's firstborn was surely the son of a concubine and my own not long for this world!"
Then she points at Clive and lame ts that he wasn't the Phoenix so she's the real mom
Ah okay so I was confused, my bad.