link Dimitri volume_up
It's good to see you safely back, Rodrigue. I understand matters have begun to settle down in the west.
link Rodrigue volume_up
They have. It took more than a few lengthy inquiries, but I believe we've finally excised the foul seed of discord from our soil.
link Rodrigue volume_up
And the changes at the top of Houses Gideon, Mateus, and Elidure should ensure it never takes root again.
link Ashe volume_up
So they're keeping their territories, then? I would've expected us to remove them completely after what they did.
link Dedue volume_up
Such is easier said than done. Our prior situation with House Kleiman took time as well.
link Rodrigue volume_up
Yes. Replacing the head of a territory always brings dissenters crawling out of the woodwork to oppose it—be they nobles or commoners.
link Felix volume_up
At least now we won't have to worry about our land descending into chaos behind us.
link Felix volume_up
We can't just keep repeating the same mistakes. I must say, though, I'm surprised this all went as smoothly as it did.
link Rodrigue volume_up
I did use to be the eminent Duke Fraldarius, remember? I have just a bit of experience with these things.
link Felix volume_up
Hmph. In any case, we must turn our gaze eastward. How's the Alliance holding up?
link Dimitri volume_up
According to Gustave's report, Claude is holding out for the perfect opportunity to advance his army.
link Dimitri volume_up
Naturally, they don't favor their chances in a head-on clash with the famed Count Bergliez.
link Dimitri volume_up
So for the time being they intend to feign a deadlock, and slowly dwindle away the enemy forces.
link Rodrigue volume_up
It seems the decision to reclaim the monastery was a shrewd one, then. It's our best path forward.
link Shez volume_up
I know we're slated to advance on Hevring territory, but shouldn't we hold off till the Alliance can come help us, too?
link Shez volume_up
I know we're slated to advance on Hevring territory, but shouldn't we hold off till the Alliance can come help us, too?
link Dimitri volume_up
No. On the contrary, if we can show our individual might warrants attention, the Empire will have no choice but to dispatch more troops west.
link Dimitri volume_up
Which should in turn ease the burden on the Alliance and their army. Claude and I agreed to as much.
link Felix volume_up
The real question is whether we can even trust him. It's impossible to tell, if you ask me.
link Annette volume_up
If anything, he might be trying to wear us down. Soften us up so he can beat the stuffing out of us later.
link Ingrid volume_up
I doubt he would do something like that. At least, not in the midst of pursuing the same goal.
link Ingrid volume_up
But you're right—Claude's tricky to pin down. You can never really tell what he's plotting.
link Mercedes volume_up
I don't believe we can be too cautious here. We should consider every possible angle.
link Dimitri volume_up
Agreed. But if the Alliance does try anything, Gustave and the Knights of Seiros should be more than enough to thwart their plans.
link Dimitri volume_up
Now, though, we march on. Ready your units.
link Rodrigue volume_up
So we finally take aim at the Empire in earnest.
link Dimitri volume_up
Yes. We must finish this swiftly, for the sake of all those caught in the middle.
link Rodrigue volume_up
Hm. If you don't mind me asking, Your Majesty— do you have it within you to topple the emperor?
link Rodrigue volume_up
I speak not of military prowess, nor the strength of our army. No, I speak of your emotions.
link Shez volume_up
He's got a point. I mean, she's your stepsister. Anyone would hesitate to cut down their own family.
link Shez volume_up
He's got a point. I mean, she's your stepsister. Anyone would hesitate to cut down their own family.
link Dimitri volume_up
She is an old friend as well—though I doubt she has any recollection of it now.
link Dimitri volume_up
Rodrigue... Do you truly think my hand will waver? I, who cleaved my own uncle's head from his shoulders?
link Rodrigue volume_up
...
link Dimitri volume_up
Now, seeing as the Empire was involved in the Tragedy of Duscur, there is still much I must ask of her.
link Dimitri volume_up
In a way, she and I are no different. Starting wars of our own volition, sending countless innocent lives to the feet of the goddess.
link Dimitri volume_up
However noble one's reasoning may be, a deed like that cannot go unpunished.
link Dimitri volume_up
And if she refuses to yield, then as a king—and one seeking revenge, at that...I will take her life.
link Rodrigue volume_up
I'm pleased to hear it.
link Rodrigue volume_up
Ah, that reminds me. I meant to give you this earlier.
link Dimitri volume_up
A letter?
link Rodrigue volume_up
One from Lady Patricia. I uncovered it during our inquiry of Viscount Elidure.
link Dimitri volume_up
From my stepmother...
link Rodrigue volume_up
I hope you'll forgive the intrusion, but I have already examined its contents. The letter contains no new information of note.
link Rodrigue volume_up
That said, I expect you'll find the subject matter quite disturbing indeed, Your Majesty.
link Dimitri volume_up
I see. I will read it later, then.