Claude has been causing me no end of trouble.
He truly is a cunning adversary.
Come to think of it, that particular quality stretches
[cdb]back to his student days.
He appears suddenly and with an easy smile that
[cdb]reveals nothing, yet the entire time he is scheming
[cdb]to outwit you.
Tell me, what's your impression of the man?
Say it's positive.
Say it's negative.
He seems like a nice, easy-going sort of fellow—
[cdb]especially for a noble.
He seems like a nice, easy-going sort of fellow—
[cdb]especially for a noble.
A positive evaluation indeed. But perhaps not all
[cdb]that surprising.
I dunno. There's something...elusive about him.
Guy doesn't really strike me as a noble.
I dunno. There's something...elusive about him.
Guy doesn't really strike me as a noble.
I'm surprised to hear you hand out such a harsh
[cdb]evaluation. I'll have to be more vigilant around you,
[cdb]lest I find myself in your bad books.
Honestly, my greatest concern right now is the
[cdb]situation on the Kingdom side of matters.
Especially as my reports claim Count Rowe gives no
[cdb]indication of further betrayal.
Also, General Randolph appears to be doing well.
The man has ambition to spare, and is beloved by his
[cdb]subordinates. He rather reminds me of yourself.
Lorenz, I am simply overjoyed that you have decided
[cdb]to fight on the side of the Empire!
Still your joy, Ferdinand. A defeated man makes no
[cdb]decisions—he simply does as he is told.
Even so, you were clever enough to read the winds of
[cdb]war and stop fighting before it was too late.
To fight in vain is to bring suffering upon one's
[cdb]people. That is a thought neither I nor my father
[cdb]could ever stomach.
Compliment Lorenz.
Comfort him instead.
No need for the false humility. Not many people
[cdb]could make the call you did.
No need for the false humility. Not many people
[cdb]could make the call you did.
Exactly! And now, we two will henceforth show the
[cdb]world the true spirit of the nobility!
Delightful words. I will return the favor of my life by
[cdb]fighting alongside you all.
Don't be hard on yourself. That win was pure luck
[cdb]on our part.
Don't be hard on yourself. That win was pure luck
[cdb]on our part.
I have no need of your pity! But that being said,
I will accept your solicitude.
And I will return the favor of my life by fighting
[cdb]alongside you all.
Furthermore, though I may look hale and hearty,
I have sustained a most grievous injury.
Sadly, I will be unable to take up arms at your side.
I pray you can forgive me.
Though we may not have you standing with us,
Lorenz, your resolve will ever be in our hearts.
This is the way of war, and it is folly to suggest there
[cdb]is no sadness with it.
Nonetheless, we must move forward and focus on
[cdb]ending hostilities as quickly as possible.
I recently received an unusual letter from my father
[cdb]regarding the Minister of Military Affairs.
He says this is an opportunity to have the man in my
[cdb]debt, and entreats me do my utmost to rescue him.
I find the whole thing quite odd. They dislike each
[cdb]other as much as ever, yet still maintain a deep
[cdb]concern for one another.
Suggest that maybe they made up.
Claim they were only pretending to dislike each other.
Maybe they patched things up? Wartime makes for
[cdb]strange bedfellows and all that.
Maybe they patched things up? Wartime makes for
[cdb]strange bedfellows and all that.
If they could patch things up just like that, why have
[cdb]they been at loggerheads for more than five years?
They seem like a rather cunning pair—maybe their
[cdb]whole "not getting along" thing was just for show.
They seem like a rather cunning pair—maybe their
[cdb]whole "not getting along" thing was just for show.
I can't fathom what purpose deceiving so many
[cdb]people would have. Why go to the trouble?
Well, it's nothing to me. If they wish to play politics,
[cdb]they can have their fun.
I've gotta get stronger—but I also need to start using
[cdb]my head more!
War isn't just about two sides smashing into each
[cdb]other—much as I'd like it to be. You've also got
[cdb]sieges, rescues, logistics, defense, and so much more.
Express admiration for his growth.
Claim you also need some self-reflection.
You've really been using your head lately, Caspar.
I'd better keep up.
You've really been using your head lately, Caspar.
I'd better keep up.
Haha! You make it sound so easy. Guess that's what
[cdb]it's like to have the cool poise of a hardened merc!
Good point. I better sharpen my thinking as well.
Good point. I better sharpen my thinking as well.
Say, why don't we do it together? We'll work our
[cdb]bodies with hours of training and our minds by
[cdb]reviewing battle tactics. Whaddya say?
Sometimes I wonder if this war is merely some grand
[cdb]opera that takes place on the stage of Fódlan.
It's a dramatic portrayal of life and death where
[cdb]everyone's hopes and dreams come crashing into
[cdb]one another.
It's almost like we're part of someone else's script.
Agree with her.
Disagree with her.
That kind of thing is a little above my pay grade,
[cdb]but I know plenty of people who claim every possible
[cdb]outcome is predetermined for us by the goddess.
That kind of thing is a little above my pay grade,
[cdb]but I know plenty of people who claim every possible
[cdb]outcome is predetermined for us by the goddess.
Well, if she's our scriptwriter, I sure hope we're
[cdb]serving as her protagonists.
Yeah, I dunno. I don't think we'd fight as hard if we
[cdb]thought the outcome had already been decided.
Yeah, I dunno. I don't think we'd fight as hard if we
[cdb]thought the outcome had already been decided.
Sure, there's a lot of drama and action going on, but
[cdb]we're the only ones who can determine how this
[cdb]whole thing is going to end.
Sure, there's a lot of drama and action going on, but
[cdb]we're the only ones who can determine how this
[cdb]whole thing is going to end.
Well said. In truth, I think I wanted you to disagree.
Well said. In truth, I think I wanted you to disagree.
I am sensing little unity in the Alliance. What could
[cdb]be the reason?
They are having many lords, but each of them are
[cdb]doing whatever they please.
I am wondering if a region requires a leader such as
[cdb]an emperor or other monarch in order to function.
You know what? I kinda like sieges.
You know what? I kinda like sieges.
I mean, think about it! You get to stay nice and cozy
[cdb]in some castle or whatever? It sounds great!
Oh, but then there's the part where the enemy cuts
[cdb]off your supply lines and tries to starve you out, huh...
Nope! Never mind! Go away, sieges!
Oh, but then there's the part where the enemy cuts
[cdb]off your supply lines and tries to starve you out, huh...
Nope! Never mind! Go away, sieges!
Uh...OK then.
Uh...OK then.
As one would expect from the territory of the house
[cdb]that leads the Alliance, Riegan is well-prepared for
[cdb]any and all possibilities.
They've even shown signs of preparing for an
[cdb]invasion of the Empire.
You think Claude is plotting something else?
Because if so...
Agree that he's up to something.
Tell her she's worrying over nothing.
You thinking Count Gloucester might be doing some
[cdb]behind-the-scenes scheming again?
You thinking Count Gloucester might be doing some
[cdb]behind-the-scenes scheming again?
Exactly! Hanneman and all the others at the
Great Bridge of Myrddin have to stay vigilant.
Didn't Edelgard tell you to stop overthinking things?
Didn't Edelgard tell you to stop overthinking things?
Let's just deal with the problems we know are in front
[cdb]of us and save the "maybe" stuff for another day.
Let's just deal with the problems we know are in front
[cdb]of us and save the "maybe" stuff for another day.
That's...not really what I expected you to say, actually.
But good advice regardless!
La la la la!♪
Oh, dear. So terribly sorry. Just checking the
[cdb]condition of my throat, is all!
Flatter her voice.
Flatter her beauty.
Stare at her unblinking.
You have a beautiful voice, Manuela.
You have a beautiful voice, Manuela.
Well, I'm delighted to hear you say that!
The wonder of your voice is surpassed only by the
[cdb]beauty of your person.
The wonder of your voice is surpassed only by the
[cdb]beauty of your person.
Well, you certainly know how to compliment a
[cdb]woman! I think my heart just did a backflip.
Er, you're not saying anything. Are you all right?
Do you need medical aid, perhaps?
Or perhaps you were transfixed by my beauty and
[cdb]lovely voice! It happens a lot, I'm afraid.
Some say Count Bergliez is the strongest man in
[cdb]the Empire.
Perhaps he can slay me if we cross blades.
Predict who would win the showdown.
Encourage him to back off.
Now there's a fight I'd pay to see! Can't say who'd
[cdb]come out on top, though—might end up a draw.
Now there's a fight I'd pay to see! Can't say who'd
[cdb]come out on top, though—might end up a draw.
A pathetic outcome.
Uh, our job is to help Count Bergliez, so maybe slow
[cdb]down on all this duel talk.
Uh, our job is to help Count Bergliez, so maybe slow
[cdb]down on all this duel talk.
Only a jest, I assure you.
This has nothing whatsoever to do with me...
But I was incredibly relieved that House Gloucester
[cdb]did not meet with ruin.
Ask her why.
Guess her reason.
Huh. So why are you happy about it?
Huh. So why are you happy about it?
I would hope someone like yourself might be able to
[cdb]at least guess at the reason.
It's just that, long ago, there was once a noble family
[cdb]who suffered the hardship of extinction due to their
[cdb]loss in a war.
This have something to do with your house?
This have something to do with your house?
Please don't shout it aloud for the world to hear!
Though yes, you have seen to the core of me...
Still, I feel certain that my house will see its own
[cdb]revival one day.
I think this might be my first time going into
Alliance territory.
It's fun to discover new things. Like, did you know
[cdb]there might be some trees that only grow here?
Might be?
Ask if she likes trees.
So you don't know for sure?
So you don't know for sure?
Yeah, see, when I was a kid, I was dragged all over the
[cdb]place without ever knowing where I was.
You like trees?
You like trees?
Sure do. Or to be more specific, I like the berries that
[cdb]fall off of them—or anything else that tastes good.
I was relieved when I heard we wouldn't be fighting
[cdb]the Kingdom right away.
I suppose that makes me selfish, huh? I can follow
[cdb]orders if it involves taking Alliance lives, but I hate
[cdb]the idea of hurting people from the Kingdom.
Sympathize with him.
Encourage him.
It's not selfish to dislike the idea of fighting your old
[cdb]allies and friends. No one wants to do that.
It's not selfish to dislike the idea of fighting your old
[cdb]allies and friends. No one wants to do that.
Yeah, I suppose.
Look, you can't let every little thing weigh on you—
[cdb]especially when we're going to be fighting the
Kingdom at some point soon.
Look, you can't let every little thing weigh on you—
[cdb]especially when we're going to be fighting the
Kingdom at some point soon.
Yeah, I suppose you're right...
...
Ask him what's wrong.
Try to cheer him up.
You're a knight of House Gloucester now, right?
So what's with the long face?
You're a knight of House Gloucester now, right?
So what's with the long face?
Oh, just thinking about what the future will bring.
I'll likely have to fight people I know, and it's just sad.
Gotta say, having you House Gloucester types back
[cdb]on our side again is pretty reassuring.
Gotta say, having you House Gloucester types back
[cdb]on our side again is pretty reassuring.
It's an honor to hear that. I look forward to fighting
[cdb]at your side.
Well, look who it is! The big bad sellsword folks just
[cdb]can't stop talking about.
Heard the emperor went and made you a general,
[cdb]yeah? Bet that put some coin in your pocket!
Tell him he's right.
Play it down.
Good thing they're paying me all that money, too.
I'm gonna have to buy a bigger purse to hold it all.
Good thing they're paying me all that money, too.
I'm gonna have to buy a bigger purse to hold it all.
Haha! Glad to hear it! Also, it sounds like this might
[cdb]be a good opportunity for me to get my debts in
[cdb]order...
Funny thing about money—the more you have,
[cdb]the more you seem to find yourself spending.
Funny thing about money—the more you have,
[cdb]the more you seem to find yourself spending.
Haha! You sound like me! I love it!
Now let's make sure we both get outta this mess in
[cdb]one piece so we can spend that coin, eh?
I thank you for your assistance on the Great Bridge
[cdb]of Myrddin.
I volunteered to take up the vanguard, yet ended up
[cdb]deceived by the enemy's actions and was cut off.
I do hope that troublesome Count Gloucester
[cdb]remains in quiet retirement going forward.
Hello there, friend! What are you looking for today?
Not sure I've got anything stocked in the way of
"tools for breaking a brutal siege," sadly.
Still, I'd be in a real mess if I lost a valued customer
[cdb]like you, so take your time and look around!
I am a knight of House Gloucester. Lord Lorenz
[cdb]ordered me to come here and join your ranks.
The previous count, Erwin, has long desired to stand
[cdb]above the ruling House Riegan.
Though we now serve the Empire, it seems we are
[cdb]fated to share a relationship with their house.
Claude makes much trouble for us. He oversaw the
[cdb]recapture of the bridge, and commanded the siege of
[cdb]the Imperial army as it attacked Leicester.
Though it pains me to do so, I would be a liar if
I did anything but acknowledge his ability.
I imagine the man has earned a nickname of his own
[cdb]by this point. Perhaps the Master Tactician?
I've found myself wondering if Her Majesty couldn't
[cdb]have us advance at greater speed.
And yet we continue our careful, plodding pace,
[cdb]holding both banks of the Airmid as we do.
Perhaps she is more cautious than expected.
Or perhaps... Ah, no. Forget I said anything.
Why aren't we advancing more quickly?!
When I think about how Leopold and our allies are
[cdb]in danger... Ugh, it really makes me mad!
We're going to help them, no matter what!
You the commander I've heard about? The one lifted
[cdb]up from the commonfolk and given authority?
Some folks say you aren't even from the Empire.
Regardless, your being here is good news for me—
[cdb]means a rough-and-tumble lady like myself might
[cdb]actually end up with a promotion someday!
You there! You recognize me, yes? Don't tell me you
[cdb]were trying to slip by without giving proper respects!
It boggles the mind to think a commoner like you
[cdb]would ignore a highborn baron such as myself.
Hmm? You wonder how I pinpointed your baseborn
[cdb]nature? Your aura and stench tell me all I need to
[cdb]know. Hmph!
Heya! I'm from Abyss, the place under Garreg Mach.
Basically, I crawled outta the same hole as Hapi
[cdb]and Constance.
I'm here 'cause the Imperial army's recruitin' bodies.
But the pay's good and the rations are plentiful,
[cdb]so you won't hear me complain!
I was dispatched from the capital as a messenger.
And honestly, the mood here at the front is much
[cdb]better than I expected it to be.
I was pretty worried about the Minister of Military
Affairs being in such a tricky spot, you know?
But now I can return to the capital with my mind at
[cdb]ease. May the tides of battle flow in your favor!
Greetings, Commander! Nothing to report!
Count Bergliez's forces are right in front of us,
[cdb]but our march is going to still take a while longer.
It's driving me up the wall!
Sure wish there was something I could do...
Well, guess I'll just hunker down and keep on keeping
[cdb]on. No enemies are getting in here, I swear it!
She wants to change the world, does she?
How amusing.
And what do you think of this idea of hers?
Say that you agree.
Give an ambivalent response.
I definitely wanna try and make it happen, if we can.
I definitely wanna try and make it happen, if we can.
Is that so? But even if you manage to change things,
[cdb]there's no guarantee such actions will bring about the
[cdb]bright future you desire.
I honestly don't know what I think. I have no idea if
[cdb]it's the right thing to do.
I honestly don't know what I think. I have no idea if
[cdb]it's the right thing to do.
An understandable response. But there may come a
[cdb]time when you have to draw a line in the sand and
[cdb]take an actual stance for yourself.
hopes.fedatamine.com
