Garreg Mach has fallen to the Empire, Your Majesty.
I did not expect it would last long. Is Lady Rhea safe?
Yes. She escaped and is on her way here with a
[cdb]small force.
I see.
This won't be like granting asylum to your standard
[cdb]refugee. If we take the archbishop in, it will be
[cdb]tantamount to declaring war on the very Empire.
Is that a risk you're willing to accept, Your Majesty?
It is. We have already thoroughly discussed the matter
[cdb]with the Kingdom's lords.
Even if I refrain from deciding publicly one way or
[cdb]the other, the Empire will still insist that we hand
Lady Rhea over.
The Kingdom's people and government are too frail
[cdb]to stand without the holy church's support.
I agree with her ultimate goal, but such a situation
[cdb]calls for gradual reform over time. The emperor's
[cdb]desire to tear it up rapidly will not do.
Then it is a good thing we've prepared for such
[cdb]contingencies. I will start by sending a party to
Ailell to welcome our new guests.
Thank you. I would go myself if I could, but I'm
[cdb]needed here to prepare for the war.
For now, send messengers to Counts Galatea and
Charon imploring them to muster troops for
[cdb]our defense.
Oh, and send for House Fraldarius as well—let's make
[cdb]sure our new duke earns his title.
Grave news, Your Majesty!
Hmm? What is it now?
Count Rowe has declared fealty to the Empire and is
[cdb]marshaling his troops as we speak!
Also, one of his bannermen, Lord Lonato, is moving
[cdb]to hunt down and slay the archbishop.
We have long held our suspicions about House
Rowe, but I never expected their actions to
[cdb]plunge us into war.
And after all the discussions we've had to prevent
[cdb]exactly this. He must believe his reason is just.
Very well, then. Our plans have changed.
I will go and meet with Lady Rhea personally,
[cdb]and House Fraldarius will serve as my guard.
Inform Galatea and Charon they are to gather their
[cdb]troops in Erebus and Geraint lands.
Lord Lonato was once a faithful servant to the crown.
Will you now see him executed?
I have no mercy for traitors, no matter their pasts.
On the contrary, I have an obligation to protect the
Kingdom from his kind.
We've struggled long to attain this peace. I will not
[cdb]permit the Empire to crush it beneath their foot now.