A Stunning Report

link Claude volume_up
To sum up, we've agreed to an armistice with the Empire. From now on, our enemies are the Kingdom and the Church of Seiros.

link Judith volume_up
The church is our enemy now? You say it like you're just moving pieces on a chess board.

link Holst volume_up
To be clear, this is not a repudiation of the teachings of Seiros themselves. All we're aiming for is the dissolution of the Central Church.

link Ignatz volume_up
That would mean killing Lady Rhea. Is that really the right thing to do?

link Marianne volume_up
I didn't speak with them very much, but Seteth and Lady Rhea didn't seem like bad people.

link Judith volume_up
I hate to say it, but it sure sounds like you let the Empire talk you into buying the whole store.

link Claude volume_up
Look, the Empire is obviously trying to use us as a means to their own end.

link Claude volume_up
But do you honestly think I'd agree to a deal that sets them up better than us? I'm using them right back.

link Claude volume_up
The balance of power in Fódlan has already collapsed. If we just sit on the sidelines, our position is only going to get weaker.

link Claude volume_up
By cooperating with the Empire, we can expand our influence and power as much as they do, if not more.

link Claude volume_up
This is the only way we can end the war quickly while maintaining Leicester's independence.

link Lorenz volume_up
And for that purpose, you would throw Faerghus to the wolves, despite holding no animosity towards them?

link Claude volume_up
You and I may not hold any grudges, but if you look to our history, you'll see it was the Kingdom who tossed us to the wolves first.

link Claude volume_up
When our people were fighting for independence from the Empire, Faerghus attacked and conquered Leicester for themselves.

link Claude volume_up
And even after we finally won our freedom in the Crescent Moon War, they've continued to meddle in our affairs. Like causing that rift in House Daphnel.

link Lorenz volume_up
Hm. Yes, well...

link Claude volume_up
Besides, they're harboring the Central Church, and I can't condone that.

link Claude volume_up
I've always been skeptical of that dogma they preach. It's just a way for them to force their own belief system onto everyone else.

link Claude volume_up
Their creed legitimizes Fódlan's system of nobility, which values Crests above all else and leaves no room for people of different backgrounds or faiths.

link Claude volume_up
And if what the Empire says is true, then I couldn't even begin to count the number of crimes the Central Church has committed.

link Lorenz volume_up
Claude! Are you saying that you intend to destroy our current system of nobility? Because that—

link Holst volume_up
The Imperial army has already stationed troops as far north as Ailell?

link Judith volume_up
That's a little too close to Daphnel territory for my liking.

link Holst volume_up
What shall we do, Your Majesty? If we're to honor the pact we just signed, we should go and reinforce the Imperial troops.

link Claude volume_up
Yeah... You're right.

link Lorenz volume_up
Not so fast. We have not finished our conversation. Just what exactly are your intentions for Fódlan, Claude?

link Claude volume_up
Honestly? I want to break this place wide open and tear down every last one of its insular customs.

link Claude volume_up
If we can't do that, then there's no real path forward. Now is the time to steel ourselves and take action.

link Judith volume_up
Are you sure? How exactly are you planning to explain all that to the people in the Federation who adhere to the church's teachings?

link Claude volume_up
Oh, I already have something in mind. In fact, I'll need your help to see it through.

link Judith volume_up
Well, you'll have it. I just hope whatever you've got up your sleeve is actually a good idea.

link Claude volume_up
It is. Judith, Lorenz, I need you to trust me and follow my lead for now, OK?

link Claude volume_up
Now, let's go wipe out those knights near Daphnel territory. Everyone, prepare to move out!