0. Hubert, if you would.
1. Of course, Your Majesty. Let me apprise you all as to [cdb]what is going on.
2. As you know, our talons have been sunk in our little Alliance problem for some time now.
3. But now we must deal with the Kingdom, which has [cdb]sent an army to claim the heads of Count Rowe and [cdb]any others who came over to our side.
4. However, Rowe is seated at Arianrhod, the Fortress City—a citadel as hard to crack as Fort Merceus.
5. Ah, Arianrhod. The Silver Maiden.
6. Seems sorta weird to call a big, hulking place like [cdb]that a "maiden."
7. That's because she's as hard to get near as the purest [cdb]of maidens. If you're still confused, that's your own [cdb]problem.
8. Yeah, I still don't get it.
9. Our reports indicate that despite the strength of the Kingdom's army, they are still struggling to take the Fortress City.
10. But, given enough time, they will—unless we send [cdb]reinforcements.
11. Therefore, we must direct our attention to the Kingdom once more.
12. Will this constant bouncing between the Kingdom [cdb]and Alliance not take its toll on our soldiers?
13. Who said we were taking our entire force?
14. We will depart for Garreg Mach with elite troops, [cdb]then collect fresh units before proceeding west.
15. Simultaneously, I plan to have Duke Gerth summon [cdb]the western lords' soldiers and march toward the Fortress City.
16. We will join up at that point and strike at the Kingdom's main force together. What say you [cdb]to that?
17. I would say it is the ideal strategy—at least on paper.
18. OK, let's keep our optimism in check here. I mean, [cdb]speaking from personal experience, nothing ever [cdb]turns out the way you want it to.
19. Should we be having concern? If the plan is good, [cdb]we will find success.
20. And the Alliance? They may attempt another one of [cdb]their schemes while we're distracted.
21. They will not. Her Majesty is taking a measured [cdb]approach to resolving matters with Leicester.
22. Count Bergliez is worn as thin as they are. We will [cdb]have him set up camp at the Great Bridge and [cdb]continue negotiations from there.
23. To our advantage, Gloucester's new count, Lorenz, [cdb]has decided to join the Empire.
24. To our advantage, Gloucester has passed leadership [cdb]to his son, who is willing to submit to Imperial rule.
25. Additionally, the daughters of Houses Ordelia and Edmund have been given leave to fight by our side.
26. Additionally, the daughter of House Ordelia has been [cdb]given leave to fight by our side.
27. Additionally, the daughter of House Edmund has [cdb]been given leave to fight by our side.
28. Besides, from what I hear, the roundtable is too busy [cdb]chewing itself apart to start any more trouble.
29. That leaves only the Knights of Seiros to contend [cdb]with. The Minister of Religious Affairs will handle [cdb]them.
30. My father? But he's not capable of facing the knights.
31. I let the Ashen Demon outmaneuver me in the [cdb]last battle...
32. I let the Ashen Demon outmaneuver me in the [cdb]last battle...
33. But that won't happen again.
34. That won't happen again.