linkDimitrivolume_up
Thank you for coming, everyone. Seteth, we are grateful you could join us.
linkSetethvolume_up
I would be remiss to ignore something that so clearly concerns the church. We are here to discuss the latest developments in Leicester, correct?
linkDimitrivolume_up
Indeed. I think it's safe to say that Claude's reinvention of the region and collaboration with the Empire came as a complete shock to us all.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Thus far, we have been able to dedicate our forces solely to the battle with the Empire in the west, but now we must dispatch troops to the east as well.
linkFelixvolume_up
The Federation's military force is hardly significant. We shouldn't have to divert much attention from the western front.
linkMatthiasvolume_up
I would not be so optimistic. Not after what happened in Ailell. If you recall, the Knights of Seiros were completely wiped out.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Yes, it was a terrible loss. We didn't even have time to send reinforcements. It still pains me to think on what became of Catherine.
linkDimitrivolume_up
We heard her unit encountered the Imperial army, but the complete lack of survivors strikes me as suspicious.
linkSetethvolume_up
I see. You believe the Federation may have had a hand in the matter.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Precisely. Furthermore, the territories of Burgundy, Siward, and Albany previously wished to defect to our side, but have since reversed their positions.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Perhaps their sudden change of heart can be attributed to this incident as well.
linkMatthiasvolume_up
If only we'd been able to welcome those houses to the Kingdom, we would have a slightly stronger position in the east.
linkSetethvolume_up
The church initially acted as an intermediary with those houses, but I fear it would be too risky to continue now. I am sorry.
linkFelixvolume_up
Considering their iffy loyalty, they wouldn't have been reliable anyway. If we'd taken them in, we'd just be regretting it now.
linkDimitrivolume_up
That may be true, but it is yet another card we are no longer able to play. Our options now are severely limited.
linkMatthiasvolume_up
All we can do is hold the western front and watch the Federation like a hawk to see what their next move will be.
linkSetethvolume_up
I know we are not privy to the details of the pact between the Empire and the Federation.
linkSetethvolume_up
But would it be safe to assume that the followers of Seiros in Leicester have abandoned the Central Church in favor of the Southern Church?
linkMatthiasvolume_up
They've certainly severed ties with the Central Church, but it seems they have elevated the Eastern Church instead.
linkSetethvolume_up
Hm... And the Empire allowed that?
linkMatthiasvolume_up
They must've figured the war was turning against them and made that concession to secure Leicester's cooperation.