link Dedue volume_up
Garreg Mach has fallen to the Empire, Your Majesty.
link Dimitri volume_up
I did not expect it would last long. Is Lady Rhea safe?
link Dedue volume_up
Yes. She escaped and is on her way here with a small force.
link Dimitri volume_up
I see.
link Rodrigue volume_up
This won't be like granting asylum to your standard refugee. If we take the archbishop in, it will be tantamount to declaring war on the very Empire.
link Rodrigue volume_up
Is that a risk you're willing to accept, Your Majesty?
link Dimitri volume_up
It is. We have already thoroughly discussed the matter with the Kingdom's lords.
link Dimitri volume_up
Even if I refrain from deciding publicly one way or the other, the Empire will still insist that we hand Lady Rhea over.
link Dimitri volume_up
The Kingdom's people and government are too frail to stand without the holy church's support.
link Dimitri volume_up
I agree with her ultimate goal, but such a situation calls for gradual reform over time. The emperor's desire to tear it up rapidly will not do.
link Gustave volume_up
Then it is a good thing we've prepared for such contingencies. I will start by sending a party to Ailell to welcome our new guests.
link Dimitri volume_up
Thank you. I would go myself if I could, but I'm needed here to prepare for the war.
link Dimitri volume_up
For now, send messengers to Counts Galatea and Charon imploring them to muster troops for our defense.
link Dimitri volume_up
Oh, and send for House Fraldarius as well—let's make sure our new duke earns his title.
link Artisan volume_up
Grave news, Your Majesty!
link Rodrigue volume_up
Hmm? What is it now?
link Artisan volume_up
Count Rowe has declared fealty to the Empire and is marshaling his troops as we speak!
link Artisan volume_up
Also, one of his bannermen, Lord Lonato, is moving to hunt down and slay the archbishop.
link Gustave volume_up
We have long held our suspicions about House Rowe, but I never expected their actions to plunge us into war.
link Rodrigue volume_up
And after all the discussions we've had to prevent exactly this. He must believe his reason is just.
link Dimitri volume_up
Very well, then. Our plans have changed.
link Dimitri volume_up
I will go and meet with Lady Rhea personally, and House Fraldarius will serve as my guard.
link Dimitri volume_up
Inform Galatea and Charon they are to gather their troops in Erebus and Geraint lands.
link Gustave volume_up
Lord Lonato was once a faithful servant to the crown. Will you now see him executed?
link Dimitri volume_up
I have no mercy for traitors, no matter their pasts. On the contrary, I have an obligation to protect the Kingdom from his kind.
link Dimitri volume_up
We've struggled long to attain this peace. I will not permit the Empire to crush it beneath their foot now.