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I apologize for bringing this to you on such short notice, Archbishop.
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Not at all, Edelgard.
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But might I ask what prompted this sudden desire to return to Enbarr?
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We believe one of Tomas's collaborators may have infiltrated the capital.
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My word!
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Tomas tended the library at Garreg Mach for decades with nary a blemish on his record.
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And then, without warning, he drops his disguise and reveals himself to be a vile sorcerer of terrible ability.
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Someone at the capital also fits that pattern—a man we know all too well.
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And who might that be?
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My uncle and regent of the Empire, Volkhard von Arundel.
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His Lordship briefly defected from the Empire before reappearing several years later.
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But he returned a changed man and began seizing power almost immediately.
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Witnesses claim he wields dark magic in secret, and is able to change his appearance at will.
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That does sound suspicious...if these witnesses can be believed.
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I would ask that you do believe them, as the information comes from my own House Vestra.
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I see. And when you return to the capital, how do you propose to deal with this uncle of yours?
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Lord Arundel has the support of a number of influential nobles, including the prime minister, Duke Aegir.
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And while we have allies of our own, it's likely they'll require some convincing.
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To that end, we wish to bring our friends here at the academy—their daughters and sons—with us under the supervision of Professor Jeritza.
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We hoped you would consider deploying the Knights of Seiros so the Imperial army doesn't get any strange ideas.
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You wish to march on the Empire with the church's knights at your back?
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Your support would give credence to our claims.
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Additionally, the knights would keep the populace in check upon our arrival, thereby preventing the city from descending into utter chaos.
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The more I hear of this, the more credible the threat sounds.
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It's clear you have thought carefully and planned well.
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We intend to seize the palace with our own forces, and will do our utmost to contain the conflict there.
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But we still need your help. Please.
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I have two conditions.
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The first: When you capture Lord Arundel, he is to be turned over to the knights at once.
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The second: Our knights are not to engage in battle directly.
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I would have it no other way.
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Step lightly, Edelgard. Should these claims about Lord Arundel prove false, we will take action accordingly.
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Make no mistake as to who will be held accountable.
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Understood. But please know we have nothing to gain from deceiving the church.
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Very well. I will summon the knights and let you instruct them as to your plan.
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May the goddess watch over you all.