It was fortunate that Count Rowe surrendered so
[cdb]swiftly. We did not sustain many losses.
I have my own opinion on the count's views, but I
[cdb]must admit that he took the needs of his people into
[cdb]careful consideration.
No... I ought not speak these words, having pressed
[cdb]him to surrender. Forget I said anything.
If Cornelia is truly the one who took him...
That would spell trouble for us indeed.
We can trust Duke Ifan.
Though she is aged, she is deeply loyal to the royal
[cdb]family, and importantly, she instructed Gustave in
[cdb]tactics.
Express surprise.
Express relief.
No kidding, she taught Gustave? She sounds
[cdb]incredible!
No kidding, she taught Gustave? She sounds
[cdb]incredible!
Yes. His Majesty has often sought her counsel on
[cdb]governance and strategy.
It's definitely reassuring to have someone like that in
[cdb]the royal capital with Gustave.
It's definitely reassuring to have someone like that in
[cdb]the royal capital with Gustave.
Indeed. Both the soldiers and the citizens of the royal
[cdb]capital will be satisfied with the arrangement.
Anything could still occur, though. We must be
[cdb]prepared for the unexpected.
Tch. There's so much that fool neglected to tell us.
It really pisses me off.
Per usual, I have absolutely no idea what's rattling
[cdb]around inside his skull.
If he thinks he's the only one who will lose face
[cdb]over this, he's a greater fool than I gave him
[cdb]credit for.
Who knew royalty could be so annoying.
His Majesty's told me before that everyone has
[cdb]something they can't accept.
I guess for Lonato, it was the church and Lady Rhea.
But he never said anything to me about
[cdb]resenting them.
On the contrary, he enrolled me in the Officers
Academy, which is run by the church. And I became a
Kingdom knight because of it.
I'll have to think more on the subject myself. It's my
[cdb]responsibility... I took his life, after all.
When His Majesty came to me saying he wanted to
[cdb]give Miklan a role in the army, I just about keeled
[cdb]over from surprise.
My brother put me through a lot when we were kids.
Even after we'd grown up, if I'm being honest.
But the Kingdom needs him right now, both militarily
[cdb]and politically.
Ask what he means.
Express worry for Sylvain.
What do you mean they "need" him?
What do you mean they "need" him?
He's proof that someone without a Crest can rise up
[cdb]in the world. And he shows that even a scoundrel
[cdb]with a checkered past can atone for their misdeeds.
That's the role His Majesty wants him to fulfill.
In other words, he serves as a necessary symbol.
Are you sure you're OK fighting alongside him?
If he's really done that much to you, I mean.
Are you sure you're OK fighting alongside him?
If he's really done that much to you, I mean.
They're keeping an eye on him. And besides, I'm not
[cdb]the same defenseless kid I was all those years ago.
I can handle myself.
I actually think my brother could be useful to us.
My father taught him everything he knows, after all.
Dorothea was one of the Black Eagles. I spoke with
[cdb]her on numerous occasions when we were at the
Officers Academy.
She certainly had strong feelings about things.
Even so, I cannot help but wonder if there wasn't
[cdb]some way we could've avoided taking her life...
I am so very reluctant to fight any of our old friends
[cdb]from the academy.
It's all well and good if we can convince them to
[cdb]join us...
But in the end, we're still making them bend to our
[cdb]will. They might not want it at all.
We're essentially forcing them to choose between
[cdb]death or betraying their friends and family.
It feels cruel.
I heard the Alliance is having a real tough time in this
[cdb]war, too.
The Great Bridge of Myrddin fell, and Count
Gloucester swore his allegiance to the Empire.
We're doing fine enough for now, ourselves, but
[cdb]there's no telling what might happen in the future.
Tell her to focus.
Laugh it off.
Hey, we've gotta focus. The Empire could pivot
[cdb]at any moment and pour all their efforts into the
[cdb]western front.
Hey, we've gotta focus. The Empire could pivot
[cdb]at any moment and pour all their efforts into the
[cdb]western front.
Right. I guess all we can do for now is try and kick
[cdb]our training into high gear.
Hah, it'll all work out in the end. We've been doing
[cdb]great so far.
Hah, it'll all work out in the end. We've been doing
[cdb]great so far.
I guess you're right, but... I wonder...
Anyway, let's make sure we're as ready as we can
[cdb]be for the next fight!
As you're aware, Sylvain and I have known each other
[cdb]since we were very young.
As you're aware, Sylvain and I had known each other
[cdb]since we were very young.
Back in the day, he would occasionally show up with
[cdb]bruises and other injuries on his face and body.
Whenever I would ask him about it, he'd just say that
[cdb]he got hit during training or something. But I knew
[cdb]what was really going on...
I logically understand why His Majesty gave Miklan
[cdb]an appointment. And more importantly,
Sylvain agreed to it.
But I... I don't think I can accept it quite so easily.
But even if Sylvain is gone now...I don't think I can
[cdb]accept it quite so easily.
Perhaps people can change. But they can never wash
[cdb]away their past sins.
I am keenly aware of this myself.
The Empire is taking on our army in the west,
[cdb]and simultaneously battling with the Alliance to
[cdb]the east.
They also have renowned generals like Count
Bergliez and Marquis Vestra in their command.
Speaking of the current marquis, I believe you and he
[cdb]were in the same cohort at the Officers Academy.
Say you remember him.
Say you don't remember him.
Vestra? Oh yeah, I remember. He was in the Black
Eagles. Hubert, right?
Vestra? Oh yeah, I remember. He was in the Black
Eagles. Hubert, right?
Correct. Much like the Kingdom, the Empire appears
[cdb]to be in the midst of passing the torch to the next
[cdb]generation.
Vestra? Hmm, nope, don't remember. I didn't really
[cdb]interact much with people from the other houses.
Vestra? Hmm, nope, don't remember. I didn't really
[cdb]interact much with people from the other houses.
Well, that's understandable. His name is Hubert,
[cdb]if I'm not mistaken.
We must use the Empire's current easterly focus to
[cdb]create an advantage for ourselves.
Sending troops into former Arundel territory is one
[cdb]aspect of that plan. We must quickly dispatch the
[cdb]enemy troops targeting Arianrhod.
I didn't want to fight at all. But I did so for Edie.
But now I've surrendered to keep myself alive.
What other choice did I have?
I'm not sure I can bring myself to fight for Faerghus.
Not with my whole heart anyway, but if I have to,
I'll do it to hasten the end of this war.
Cheer her up.
Chide her.
You don't have to force yourself, Dorothea. I can talk
[cdb]to Dimitri for you if you feel like you can't fight for
[cdb]the Kingdom.
You don't have to force yourself, Dorothea. I can talk
[cdb]to Dimitri for you if you feel like you can't fight for
[cdb]the Kingdom.
Thank you, but I'm fine. I have to take responsibility
[cdb]for my decisions.
Just stay focused on what's ahead, Dorothea.
Everyone's got their own reasons for fighting.
Just stay focused on what's ahead, Dorothea.
Everyone's got their own reasons for fighting.
Some do it for money, some do it for fame.
You should figure out the reasons that make sense
[cdb]to you.
Some do it for money, some do it for fame.
You should figure out the reasons that make sense
[cdb]to you.
Hehe, right. I'll do that and try to focus on what's
[cdb]ahead, instead of languishing in the past.
I am a songstress. No matter the stage, I swear I will
[cdb]play my role to the hilt. And I will be glorious.
I never was having hesitation to fight the Empire.
But then to be crossing blades with classmates is
[cdb]chilling my heart.
We had no choice but to be taking Dorothea's life.
It is so cruel.
Tell her it had to be done.
Nod.
We all take to the battlefield knowing full well what
[cdb]could happen. That's just kinda how this goes.
We all take to the battlefield knowing full well what
[cdb]could happen. That's just kinda how this goes.
Yes, I am understanding that, because we are having
[cdb]no choice but to fight.
It's obvious to me because I used to be a mercenary.
But from a normal person's perspective, I can see how
[cdb]you'd feel that way.
It's obvious to me because I used to be a mercenary.
But from a normal person's perspective, I can see how
[cdb]you'd feel that way.
I am wondering if monarchs rule similarly. I am
[cdb]sensing the same coldness from Dimitri.
I never was having hesitation to fight the Empire.
But then to be crossing blades with classmates is
[cdb]chilling my heart.
I am in relief we did not have to be hurting Dorothea.
I was having to decide whether to be taking her life.
I am having much joy that we can be fighting
[cdb]alongside each other again.
But I could be losing that at any moment. It is the
[cdb]hard truth of war.
I can only continue fighting. For myself, and for
Brigid.
Too much stuff is happening and all of it is annoying.
That Cornelia lady or whoever? She's up to no good,
I'm telling you. I wonder if she's...that lady...
Ask her to explain.
Nod in agreement.
That lady? Do you know something about her?
That lady? Do you know something about her?
Nah, I just feel like...I might've met her a long
[cdb]time ago.
Yeah, it's troubling that a former court mage might be
[cdb]committing such evil deeds.
Yeah, it's troubling that a former court mage might be
[cdb]committing such evil deeds.
A former court mage, huh? Hmm, yeah, maybe so...
Ugh, what a pain.
I have just informed Lady Rhea of the battle's
[cdb]progress. She has directed me to continue obeying the
[cdb]king's orders.
And so, I shall be acting alongside all of you for the
[cdb]time being. Of course, you may count me among your
[cdb]military forces as well.
By the by, do you know anything about the leader of
Jeralt's Mercenaries?
Tell him what you know.
Say you don't know much.
He's a veteran mercenary called the Blade Breaker.
He's got a head for tactics and valor to spare.
He's a veteran mercenary called the Blade Breaker.
He's got a head for tactics and valor to spare.
Hmm, indeed. That man once led the Knights of
Seiros.
I've got some business with that group of mercs,
[cdb]but I don't know much about their leader.
I've got some business with that group of mercs,
[cdb]but I don't know much about their leader.
Hmm, I see. Their leader is a man called Jeralt,
[cdb]and he once led the Knights of Seiros.
It is lamentable that a man of his caliber should now
[cdb]be an enemy of the church.
Many of the church people in Camulus are advanced
[cdb]in age, so there is little lively discussion to be had.
On the other hand, there are many young folk in the
Kingdom army, and they are quite spirited. It makes
[cdb]for a rather comfortable atmosphere.
Although it would be even better if we did not have
[cdb]to go into battle at all.
In truth, I would have enrolled in the Officers
Academy if this war had never broken out.
Jeralt's Mercenaries, huh?
A while back, a guy called Jeralt served as captain of
[cdb]the Knights of the Seiros...
But I never would've guessed he'd leave the knights
[cdb]and end up a wandering mercenary.
The guy quit more than twenty years ago,
[cdb]but apparently he's still just as tough as he was then.
Impressive stuff, if you ask me.
They say those who inherit Crests from their
[cdb]ancestors tend to live long lives, and I guess he'd be
[cdb]your case in point.
Tch... What do you want?
I don't care if you dislike me, but if you try anything
[cdb]funny, I'll cut your throat myself.
I'm protecting Arianrhod for the time being.
That's what the one holding my leash ordered me to
[cdb]do, at any rate.
Things are looking rough, which means it's time for
[cdb]me to do some business.
But don't worry! I'm not some war profiteer who
[cdb]prioritizes money over what's right.
Oh, can you say hi to the king for me?
Count Rowe from Arianrhod originally didn't have
[cdb]any children.
Apparently, he took notice of some talented young
[cdb]lad who was a distant relative and adopted him.
But the boy caused problems at the Officers Academy
[cdb]and was summarily cut off. I wonder if this means
House Rowe's lineage has come to an end...
I am Yvette, head of House Belinus. I have heard
[cdb]quite a bit about you.
Actually, my own house was in charge of Count
Rowe's escort.
However, we were attacked by a group of strangers,
[cdb]though I know not if they were affiliated with anyone.
I've come to report the details to His Majesty.
I've only just inherited my title, too. I cannot believe
I made such a blunder so soon after.
I can't say it's any wonder that people find
Commander Miklan suspect. He's got a checkered
[cdb]past, you know.
In the unlikely event he does anything untoward,
His Majesty has ordered us to promptly detain and
[cdb]execute him.
My unit has numerous elite soldiers, you see,
[cdb]including those with Crests like myself.
I can't imagine we'd have any issue taking him,
[cdb]should it come to that. Ah, but I don't think there's
[cdb]any reason to worry.
We'll be on Empire-controlled lands from this point
[cdb]forward, as we head into former Arundel territory.
Apparently, the former Lord Arundel was intimately
[cdb]involved in the Tragedy of Duscur.
I don't want the Empire to eliminate him. I want
[cdb]them to get to the truth of the matter.
I will never be satisfied until they do. I'm from
Duscur, you see, and I lost my brother.
My parents were murdered by bandits when I was a
[cdb]child. They attacked out of nowhere, and my
[cdb]mother...she...
That's why I cannot stand that bandit Miklan being
[cdb]here, and as a general, no less.
It doesn't matter if he's skilled, or if he's from a noble
[cdb]house. To give such an appointment to a guy
[cdb]like that...
Jeralt's Mercenaries were real tough when we fought
[cdb]them at Magdred.
The Imperial army hired them, right? We'll probably
[cdb]be fighting them again soon.
Really not looking forward to any of this. I'm not
[cdb]ready to die yet.
We are proceeding with the investigation into Count
Rowe's escort unit.
As His Majesty intimated, we've found Cornelia and
[cdb]the western nobles to be potential suspects.
We lack conclusive proof at present, however.
Count Rowe's actual whereabouts also remain
[cdb]unknown.
We would soon find out if we attacked the west,
[cdb]but we cannot act without sufficient evidence.
Commander, I heard that Count Rowe was
[cdb]kidnapped during his escort.
We have no idea why he was taken...
I know it's unlikely, but I'm terribly worried about
[cdb]our caravan getting attacked. Please hurry and
[cdb]apprehend the culprits!
Greetings, Commander! Nothing to report!
So we're gonna hit Empire territory next, huh? I hear
[cdb]they've got some tough mercenaries with them.
Promise you'll come back safe and sound,
OK? I'm wishing each and every one of you the
[cdb]greatest success in battle!
Hey, [HERO_MF]. Have you heard?
There's a tactical research facility up and running
[cdb]now. I guess the boar arranged it.
Mastering swordsmanship isn't enough to win wars.
Go and take a look at the new facility when you can.
Here we research the latest and greatest tactics
[cdb]ever to grace the field of battle.
If our findings pique your interest, I would be
[cdb]delighted to assist you. How about it?
We're rethinking our strategy. Please wait until we're
[cdb]ready to begin the attack.
Tactics are essential to any victory. I should keep
[cdb]them in mind as I prepare.
Tactics are essential to any victory. I should keep
[cdb]them in mind as I prepare.
Circumstances dictate how people act. As such,
I believe things are about to get much more difficult
[cdb]for you.
Though perhaps that will be a welcome change for
[cdb]someone of your caliber.
You will undoubtedly face the Ashen Demon again.
I do hope you'll emerge victorious this time.
hopes.fedatamine.com
