1. Lady Edelgard, we have received an urgent message [cdb]from Count Rowe. Apparently he has taken up arms [cdb]against the Kingdom.
  2. What is he thinking?
  3. He was supposed to join his troops with ours so we [cdb]could use our combined strength to strong-arm more [cdb]of their neighbors into declaring fealty for us.
  4. What use is a plan if the man won't follow it?
  5. It also seems that Lord Lonato, one of Rowe's castled [cdb]bannermen, has gone so far as to mount a one-man [cdb]crusade against the archbishop.
  6. He has long held deep enmity for Lady Rhea—and [cdb]likely leapt into action at news of Garreg Mach's fall.
  7. We should've suspected he would lack self-control [cdb]when it came to his vengeance.
  8. Naturally, the Kingdom mobilized troops in response, [cdb]and now move to strike Lonato down as we speak.
  9. So where does this put us? Can we get [cdb]reinforcements to him in time?
  10. You want to save the man, Your Majesty? If I may, [cdb]we would march all that way for...what, exactly?
  11. Imagine the consequences of leaving him to die.
  12. We need our vassals to believe the Empire will always [cdb]come to their aid. Always.
  13. Of course, Your Majesty. I will make the [cdb]arrangements straightaway.
  14. The region northeast of Castle Gaspard is shrouded [cdb]in deep fog this time of year.
  15. That likely accounts for why they are currently only [cdb]engaging in minor skirmishes.
  16. Which means we still have time to intervene.
  17. Good. Now make our plans known to the others. I'm counting on you, Hubert.
  18. At once, Your Majesty.
  19. All of this makes me even more concerned about the [cdb]situation in Leicester.
  20. Nothing has impeded Minister Bergliez's march east, [cdb]has it?
  21. It has not. In fact, Count Gloucester has given him [cdb]leave to garrison our troops there.
  22. I hear he has begun turning the screws on House Ordelia and any other lords who have yet to make [cdb]their allegiances clear.
  23. On the other hand, the Alliance's more powerful [cdb]houses have united in their condemnation of Count Gloucester's actions.
  24. The minister may soon face a battle with Houses Riegan and Goneril, if not others.
  25. I can't picture a battle the minister wouldn't win [cdb]most handily...
  26. Still, the Alliance's new leader, Claude, is an [cdb]unknown quantity. We can't risk underestimating [cdb]his skill.
  27. Quite right. One can never be too cautious.