0. We were successful in striking down Kronya at Fort Merceus.
1. However, Lord Arundel—which is to say Thales— [cdb]remains at large, and any schemes Solon may be [cdb]plotting are so much conjecture in the wind.
2. Still, his efforts in Hrym territory effectively [cdb]empowered the late Duke Aegir to stage [cdb]a coup.
3. Whatever the case, he must have a very good reason [cdb]for seeking to prevent the Kingdom's fall.
4. But why would they help the people who are [cdb]harboring the archbishop? It makes no sense.
5. Unless their aim is simply to prevent the war from [cdb]ending by any means possible.
6. We know the Kingdom's court mage, Cornelia, [cdb]is connected to those who slither in the dark.
7. They may have planted other associates in Faerghus [cdb]as well.
8. If they already have the king's court dancing on [cdb]strings, it stands to reason they would focus their [cdb]attention on obstructing the Empire.
9. I agree the theory hangs together—but does that [cdb]mean we should expect more interference?
10. We should, Your Majesty. Though I would at least [cdb]like to think they no longer have anyone left who can [cdb]act brazenly in the open.
11. And need we worry about our mercenary friend?
12. And need we worry about our mercenary friend?
13. I was under the assumption that they had your [cdb]implicit trust.
14. Absolutely—but not enough to purge all of the [cdb]doubt from my heart.
15. I once trusted my uncle, as well as the late Duke Aegir—and he wasn't even replaced [cdb]with a doppelganger.
16. People who come in contact with those who slither in [cdb]the dark are not the same afterward.
17. How am I to trust anyone in a world where such a [cdb]thing can happen?!
18. I do not disagree, Your Majesty.
19. Yes, well, we must remain vigilant until the war is [cdb]over for good and all. Although I wonder if we can [cdb]rest easy even then...
20. We still don't really know much about Solon, Kronya, [cdb]and Thales.
21. We still don't really know much about Solon, Kronya, [cdb]and Thales.
22. I was thinking this would be a chance to learn about [cdb]my power, or who you actually are. But oh well.
23. I was thinking this'd be a chance to learn about my [cdb]power, or who you actually are. But oh well.
24. Oh well? Is that all you have to say for yourself?
25. I mean, I'm still curious. But my attention right now [cdb]is on the battles ahead.
26. I mean, I'm still curious. But my attention right now [cdb]is on the battles ahead.
27. And hey, it's not like knowing the truth would change [cdb]much for you anyway.
28. And hey, it's not like knowing the truth would change [cdb]much for you anyway.
29. Even if I am related to those slithering people [cdb]somehow, it's not like I'd wanna split up with you.
30. Even if I am related to those slithering people [cdb]somehow, it's not like I'd wanna split up with you.
31. Plus I need to focus on getting ready to face the Ashen Demon again.
32. Plus I need to focus on getting ready to face the Ashen Demon again.
33. Now that's what I like to hear! It's incredible to see [cdb]again just how fast you've matured.
34. That's music to my ears. It's incredible to see just how [cdb]fast you've matured.
35. Makes me proud to call you my partner in destiny. Is this what being a parent feels like?
36. Uh, yeah. I guess.
37. Uh, yeah. I guess.
38. Anyway, this war'll be over soon, so let's do what [cdb]we've gotta do to see it through together. I'll be [cdb]counting on you, Arval.
39. Anyway, this war'll be over soon, so let's do what [cdb]we've gotta do to see it through together. I'll be [cdb]counting on you, Arval.
40. And I on you—so promise me you'll do what needs to [cdb]be done.