Determination

link Matthias volume_up
Which leaves the lords Elidure, Mateus, and Kleiman.

link Matthias volume_up
We believe they—as well as many powerful western lords—were accomplices in the assassination of the late king.

link Matthias volume_up
Along with the grand duke, they seem to have received large sums of money and supplies from the Imperial nobility.

link Matthias volume_up
Thinking this to be recompense for the assassination in Duscur, we investigated the link further.

link Matthias volume_up
In 1171, the mage Cornelia arranged for a certain powerful Imperial family to come to the Kingdom.

link Dimitri volume_up
That's the year when my step-uncle, Lord Arundel, brought Edelgard here in exile.

link Matthias volume_up
Correct. We think Lord Arundel and his followers were behind the matter. They have deep ties to the Imperial household.

link Dimitri volume_up
As I suspected... You are a clever man, Margrave Gautier. Well done.

link Matthias volume_up
Thank you, Your Highness.

link Rodrigue volume_up
If we continue wringing information out of them at this pace, we'll soon have a clear picture of what transpired.

link Dimitri volume_up
My uncle's attendants must also confess to the slaughter in Duscur.

link Dimitri volume_up
But now that things have come this far, we can't expect the western lords to stay silent.

link Dimitri volume_up
We need a way to keep them far from power.

link Matthias volume_up
Oh, there are always ways—provided you're willing to keep all your options open.

link Dimitri volume_up
Yes, I suppose so... Let us speak more of this later.

link Dimitri volume_up
For now, spread word of what you have found to every palace and pub in the land. That should help keep the lords in check.

link Gustave volume_up
Is that wise, Your Highness?

link Gustave volume_up
If we announce that Rufus was involved in the Tragedy of Duscur...

link Dedue
...

link Dimitri volume_up
I will not feed my people half-truths. They deserve to know.

link Matthias volume_up
I've always admired that candor, Your Highness, yet such news is sure to create a degree of unrest in the Kingdom.

link Dimitri volume_up
So you suggest we bury the truth? Should it somehow come to light, the people's faith in me will be forever shaken.

link Dimitri volume_up
If the Kingdom is ever to part ways with our bloody past, this is the path we must walk.

link Gustave volume_up
Fine words, though I doubt they'll appease the people of Duscur.

link Gustave volume_up
Nor the rest of Faerghus, many of whom will not be so quick to forgive.

link Rodrigue volume_up
Ha! We thought you might say as much—which is why His Highness and I have devised a solution.

link Rodrigue volume_up
I will resign the title of duke and pass it to my heir.

link Matthias volume_up
Spare me, Rodrigue! One person with wild ideas is already one too many.

link Rodrigue volume_up
It's not wild at all, Matthias! Someone must bear responsibility for what happened in Duscur.

link Rodrigue volume_up
People will naturally seek to point the finger at His Highness, and we need him unsullied if he is to lead.

link Rodrigue volume_up
Someone has to get down in the mud and bear the slings and arrows for him. Who better for such a task than me?

link Dimitri volume_up
Rodrigue will abandon his title and work with Dedue to restore harmony between our people.

link Dimitri volume_up
I'm not asking him to take his life. Rather, he offered to spend it to set things to rights.

link Gustave volume_up
In that case, we've only to deal with the issue of the throne. I believe we should move forward with your coronation straight away.

link Dimitri volume_up
I agree. My time at the Officers Academy was a valuable experience, but I belong here now.

link Dimitri volume_up
Obviously Felix won't be able to return either. Have him come to me later so I can deliver the news and an apology.

link Rodrigue volume_up
I've already had a word and told him what must be done. You've no need to apologize.

link Dimitri volume_up
Yes, I have. As for you, Gustave, you'll also be staying here in the Kingdom.

link Gustave volume_up
But I abandoned my homeland! There can be no place for me in Faerghus—

link Dimitri volume_up
I will make a place for you. I need your help. Lady Rhea will understand.

link Gustave volume_up
It... It would be my great honor, Your Highness.

link Dimitri volume_up
Send word to the church and the lords. Count Galatea will be in charge of contacting the south.

link Dimitri volume_up
Now there's another topic I'd like to discuss. I wish to reorganize my army. Since I have you all assembled, I'd like to hear your suggestions.

link Dimitri volume_up
Never mind that. There's a favor I've been meaning to ask of you.

link Dimitri volume_up
It won't happen right away, but I'm considering the formation of a new private army.

link Dimitri volume_up
I need someone to captain them, and I was hoping it might be you.

link Dimitri volume_up
I fear my uncle may have rubbed off on too many of my knights.

link Dimitri volume_up
I'm not saying they're all bad, but it's clear as day that bribery ran rampant.

link Dimitri volume_up
To rectify the matter, I'm looking into a complete reorganization of the army.

link Dimitri volume_up
These next several years will be an age of civil war, and I want to be surrounded with the best—and most loyal—soldiers I can find.

link Dimitri volume_up
Because this will be an army of commoners, not knights and nobles.

link Dimitri volume_up
A mercenary like you is far more likely to earn their trust than some stuffy noble who's never known a day of hardship.

link Dimitri volume_up
Please allow me to be clear—this is not an order. If you'd rather return to the academy, you're free to do so.