linkGustavevolume_up
Your Majesty, I am glad to see that you are safe.
linkDimitrivolume_up
I am fine, Gustave. My apologies for worrying you. What is your report on the situation in the west?
linkGustavevolume_up
For the moment, we are holding the line against the Empire's offensive.
linkGustavevolume_up
The news that Your Majesty has arrived at the Silver Maiden will do wonders for the soldiers' morale.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Unfortunately, the same can be said for our enemy. The emperor pursued me here and should be joining her forces at the front.
linkDimitrivolume_up
But no matter how high the enemy's morale, they will not find Arianrhod an easy prize to take.
linkGustavevolume_up
In that case, perhaps our concern should lie with Lady Rhea and the Knights of Seiros.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Ah, yes. The Kingdom army parted with them to deal with the Imperial forces here in the west.
linkDimitrivolume_up
I have heard nothing of their fate since. Were they able to reach Camulus safely?
linkGustavevolume_up
No, Your Majesty... They have stopped in the northern region of the Tailtean Plains to prepare for battle.
linkDimitrivolume_up
They intend to meet the Federation army there?
linkGustavevolume_up
It is likely they determined that with the Kingdom army unable to leave the western front, they would not be able to withstand a siege at Camulus.
linkDimitrivolume_up
They have assessed the situation correctly, then. The Kingdom army cannot spare enough troops to break a siege at this moment.
linkGustavevolume_up
But if Camulus is taken, Fhirdiad itself may well fall to the forces of Leicester.
linkDimitrivolume_up
To prepare for that contingency, I have ordered our citizens in the capital and the surrounding area to evacuate to Gautier territory.
linkDimitrivolume_up
But does Claude truly wish to destroy Faerghus? Somehow, I doubt it.
link???volume_up
Your Majesty, a message from Duke Fraldarius. The Imperial army seems to be taking more aggressive action.
link???volume_up
He would like you to brief the commanders on the current state of the war.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Understood. I will be there shortly.
linkGustavevolume_up
But Your Majesty... What of the Central Church?
linkDimitrivolume_up
Gustave, we will do what must be done to safeguard our people, no matter how great the cost.
linkDimitrivolume_up
Were we to bow down to the Empire and accept the Southern Church, Faerghus would fall to ruin. A great many of our people would die.
linkDimitrivolume_up
However, the Federation has shown us a way to avoid such a terrible fate.
linkGustavevolume_up
Then there is truly no other way?
linkDimitrivolume_up
We are deeply indebted to the Central Church, yet it is a debt that I cannot repay. I will gladly accept whatever punishment I must.
linkDimitrivolume_up
If it means saving even one more of my people's lives, then as the king of Faerghus, no sacrifice is too great. Forgive me, Gustave.
linkGustavevolume_up
Your Majesty... If this is the path you have chosen, then I will walk it with you until the very end.