0. Thank you for coming, everyone. Seteth, we are [cdb]grateful you could join us.
1. I would be remiss to ignore something that so clearly [cdb]concerns the church. We are here to discuss the latest [cdb]developments in Leicester, correct?
2. Indeed. I think it's safe to say that Claude's [cdb]reinvention of the region and collaboration with [cdb]the Empire came as a complete shock to us all.
3. Thus far, we have been able to dedicate our forces [cdb]solely to the battle with the Empire in the west, but [cdb]now we must dispatch troops to the east as well.
4. The Federation's military force is hardly significant. We shouldn't have to divert much attention from the [cdb]western front.
5. I would not be so optimistic. Not after what [cdb]happened in Ailell. If you recall, the Knights [cdb]of Seiros were completely wiped out.
6. Yes, it was a terrible loss. We didn't even have time [cdb]to send reinforcements. It still pains me to think on [cdb]what became of Catherine.
7. We heard her unit encountered the Imperial army, [cdb]but the complete lack of survivors strikes me as [cdb]suspicious.
8. I see. You believe the Federation may have had [cdb]a hand in the matter.
9. Precisely. Furthermore, the territories of Burgundy, Siward, and Albany previously wished to defect to [cdb]our side, but have since reversed their positions.
10. Perhaps their sudden change of heart can be [cdb]attributed to this incident as well.
11. If only we'd been able to welcome those houses to the Kingdom, we would have a slightly stronger position [cdb]in the east.
12. The church initially acted as an intermediary with [cdb]those houses, but I fear it would be too risky to [cdb]continue now. I am sorry.
13. Considering their iffy loyalty, they wouldn't have [cdb]been reliable anyway. If we'd taken them in, we'd just [cdb]be regretting it now.
14. That may be true, but it is yet another card we are no [cdb]longer able to play. Our options now are severely [cdb]limited.
15. All we can do is hold the western front and watch the Federation like a hawk to see what their next move [cdb]will be.
16. I know we are not privy to the details of the pact [cdb]between the Empire and the Federation.
17. But would it be safe to assume that the followers [cdb]of Seiros in Leicester have abandoned the Central Church in favor of the Southern Church?
18. They've certainly severed ties with the Central Church, but it seems they have elevated the Eastern Church instead.
19. Hm... And the Empire allowed that?
20. They must've figured the war was turning against [cdb]them and made that concession to secure Leicester's [cdb]cooperation.
21. Hm... The Eastern Church...
22. How is Faerghus to survive when we're beset by [cdb]enemies to the east, west, and even north?
23. I think it is time we devote ourselves to finding an [cdb]answer to that question.