We already know what Jeralt's Mercenaries are
[cdb]capable of. We may have superior numbers, but they
[cdb]could still claim victory over us.
That said, Hevring territory is a key strategic
[cdb]location. We cannot simply bypass it.
We spoke earlier with Rodrigue and the others about
[cdb]prioritizing the defeat of the Imperial commander...
Therefore, I propose we leave the base in Rodrigue's
[cdb]care, and strike at the heart of the Imperial forces
[cdb]ourselves. What are your thoughts?
Agree with his plan.
Disagree with his plan.
It sounds solid enough. Though I doubt it'll be a walk
[cdb]in the park.
It sounds solid enough. Though I doubt it'll be a walk
[cdb]in the park.
True... Jeralt's Mercenaries will likely see to that.
It's not gonna work. I'm all for a head-on attack,
[cdb]but do you think they'll let us just waltz in and take
[cdb]out their commander?
It's not gonna work. I'm all for a head-on attack,
[cdb]but do you think they'll let us just waltz in and take
[cdb]out their commander?
Jeralt's Mercenaries could turn our raid into a retreat
[cdb]if we're not careful.
Jeralt's Mercenaries could turn our raid into a retreat
[cdb]if we're not careful.
I'm not certain there is a better option, but it would
[cdb]be prudent to give it more consideration.
Fortunately, we have battle-hardened veterans like
Seteth and Rodrigue on our side.
Fortunately, we have battle-hardened veterans like
Rodrigue on our side.
I need not come to a conclusion on my own.
I'll solicit more opinions before making my decision.
Hey, Dedue...just out of curiosity, what's that in
[cdb]your hand?
It is the pen His Majesty broke during the war
[cdb]council.
Heh, yeah, things got pretty heated with everyone
[cdb]talking over each other.
It must've been hard on His Majesty as well,
[cdb]considering how easily and often he breaks pens.
Indeed. He was terribly despondent when he saw it
[cdb]break this time.
Suggest he get a new one.
Come up with a solution.
Can't you just get him a new pen whenever one
[cdb]breaks?
Can't you just get him a new pen whenever one
[cdb]breaks?
I suppose. Though that wouldn't please His Majesty...
Maybe we can figure out a way to keep him from
[cdb]accidentally breaking them.
Maybe we can figure out a way to keep him from
[cdb]accidentally breaking them.
Like, what if we gave the pen a name? He's less likely
[cdb]to break something he's attached to.
Like, what if we gave the pen a name? He's less likely
[cdb]to break something he's attached to.
Haha! That might actually work. I'll have to run it by
His Majesty next time.
His strength really comes in handy on the battlefield.
I actually used to be jealous of it.
But now I understand the burden it brings. I'm sure
[cdb]there are people who are afraid of him too.
Yes. Unfortunately, more than a few consider him to
[cdb]be some kind of monster.
The majority of the Duscur people have returned to
[cdb]our homeland.
Though some have stayed to fight alongside us in the
Kingdom army.
I am forever grateful for their service.
The relationship between Duscur and Faerghus has
[cdb]truly come a long way in recent years.
I will be overseeing our main base's defense, per our
[cdb]discussion with His Majesty.
Which means I won't be able to accompany all of you.
Do try to not slow His Majesty down, Felix.
Please. Me, slow him down?
I'll be the one dragging him to the enemy's door.
Haha! I'm certain His Majesty would find that most
[cdb]reassuring. I look forward to seeing what you will
[cdb]accomplish, Felix.
Hmph. You're the one who needs to keep his ego in
[cdb]check. Try not to embarrass yourself, old man.
I don't get it. Why do Jeralt's Mercenaries keep siding
[cdb]with the Empire when they're losing?
At this rate, the only things the Imperial army can
[cdb]offer them are losing battles and table scraps, right?
Maybe they owe the Empire.
Maybe they want to avoid the Kingdom.
No idea.
Maybe they owe a debt to the Empire. Some mercs
[cdb]out there value duty and loyalty over coin.
Maybe they owe a debt to the Empire. Some mercs
[cdb]out there value duty and loyalty over coin.
I don't know much about Jeralt's merry band, but do
[cdb]you really think that's how they are? Seems odd
[cdb]to me.
Maybe they wanna steer clear of the Kingdom for
[cdb]some reason.
Maybe they wanna steer clear of the Kingdom for
[cdb]some reason.
Hmm... Actually, didn't their captain used to head
[cdb]the Knights of Seiros back in the day?
So it could have less to do with the Kingdom or
Alliance, and more to do with avoiding the church.
Who knows? Doesn't matter what the enemy's
[cdb]motivations are anyway.
Who knows? Doesn't matter what the enemy's
[cdb]motivations are anyway.
Hey, if we play our cards right, we might not even
[cdb]have to fight them.
The best-case scenario in my book is turning our
[cdb]enemies into allies.
Considering all the battles we have ahead of us,
I'd like to avoid whatever unnecessary casualties
[cdb]we can.
I am so relieved we didn't have to take
Constance's life!
She's a dear friend of mine, from back when I lived in
[cdb]the Empire.
It pains me that we're forcing her to betray them.
But I also get so much joy out of fighting alongside
[cdb]her. It's selfish of me, I know.
Constance... She left us no choice, right?
She was a dear friend of mine, from back when I lived
[cdb]in the Empire...
Every time I see an old friend on the battlefield...
I desperately have to convince myself that fighting
[cdb]them is the only way to bring peace back to Fódlan.
Constance...
She was a dear friend of mine, from back when I lived
[cdb]in the Empire.
Right when I thought we'd be together again, we had
[cdb]to say goodbye... I can't believe it.
I just wish we could have had more time to talk.
There have been so many people fleeing the Empire
[cdb]lately.
Of course, I want to help those in need, and it's good
[cdb]if some of them end up joining our army...
But I'm worried we wouldn't notice if one of them
[cdb]happened to be a spy.
That's true.
It'll be fine.
Good point. I should probably take a look around for
[cdb]anyone suspicious, at the very least.
Good point. I should probably take a look around for
[cdb]anyone suspicious, at the very least.
I'll keep my eyes peeled too. I'm sure it'll be fine,
[cdb]but it can't hurt to be careful.
Well, it's not like we vet every person that joins up
[cdb]anyway. So it's probably OK, right?
Well, it's not like we vet every person that joins up
[cdb]anyway. So it's probably OK, right?
Hmm... But maybe we've just been lucky so far.
I'll take a look around for anyone suspicious, just in
[cdb]case. A little caution goes a long way.
After all, we can't afford to lose this battle. There's no
[cdb]room for error.
The land in this region is so fertile, and the climate
[cdb]differs greatly from the Kingdom's.
It's hard to describe my feelings looking at this
[cdb]landscape after all I've seen in Galatea.
I can also understand why the people of Sreng
[cdb]are trying to seize our lands in Faerghus.
But I mustn't let envy cloud my vision. Instead I'll
[cdb]focus on what I can do for my home.
His Majesty has asked for my counsel regarding
[cdb]strategic matters more often as of late.
He is already an excellent leader, especially for one so
[cdb]young. I am happy to advise him, whether he needs it
[cdb]or not.
Ask how he knows so much.
Tell him he's still young too.
Dimitri seems to really trust you. How do you know
[cdb]so much about tactics, anyway?
Dimitri seems to really trust you. How do you know
[cdb]so much about tactics, anyway?
When you have studied the records of the saints as
[cdb]much as I have, it is only natural to glean some of
[cdb]their tactical knowledge.
His Majesty's young, huh? You don't exactly appear
[cdb]long in the tooth either, you know.
His Majesty's young, huh? You don't exactly appear
[cdb]long in the tooth either, you know.
It is true the years have been kind to me, though I
[cdb]have studied the records of the saints for quite
[cdb]some time.
Saint Cichol, in particular, was known as a tactical
[cdb]genius and played a key role in many historic
[cdb]victories.
He also penned a book on military strategy.
I recommend reading it, should the opportunity arise.
It may be imprudent at a time like this, but since
[cdb]we have traveled this far west...
I would very much like to visit the coast to the north
[cdb]of here.
Are you familiar with the Rhodos Coast? It is just
[cdb]north of Lake Teutates.
Say you've heard of it.
Say you haven't heard of it.
I've heard of it, but that's quite a ways from here.
Going there now is outta the question.
I've heard of it, but that's quite a ways from here.
Going there now is outta the question.
I don't think I've heard of it, but our next objective is
[cdb]to the south. There's no time for a trip up north.
I don't think I've heard of it, but our next objective is
[cdb]to the south. There's no time for a trip up north.
Well! You certainly do not mince words. It is a place
[cdb]very near and dear to my heart, you know.
But you are right, it is rather far. Perhaps I will visit
[cdb]once the war has ended.
You know, it's been a while since I've seen
Lady Rhea.
We exchange letters regularly, but I still worry
[cdb]about her.
This business with the Western Church has probably
[cdb]piled even more on her plate. I hope she's not
[cdb]taking on more than she can handle.
I went visiting to where my father died.
But, of course, there was nothing to be seen.
Almost no one in Fódlan remembers... This is good in
[cdb]its own way, I think.
Question her.
Agree with her.
Why is that good? You don't want them to
[cdb]remember?
Why is that good? You don't want them to
[cdb]remember?
I do not. My father was an enemy of Fódlan. I am
[cdb]having certainty of this. If we think of our future
[cdb]friendship...
People forget the bad, and then it can be fading away.
Do you not think so?
Good in its own way, huh? You might just be right.
Good in its own way, huh? You might just be right.
Yes. There is sadness, but everyone is overcoming it.
To think I would be reunited with my dearest Hapi—
[cdb]and here, of all places. It must be a miracle granted
[cdb]by the goddess herself.
Hey, I worked my tail off to get here. You did too,
[cdb]didn't you, Coco?
So, first you make Coco betray the Empire, and now
[cdb]she's gotta fight for the Kingdom? Is that what's
[cdb]going on?
Confirm that's what's happening.
Dodge the question.
Yeah. It is what it is, but we definitely appreciate
[cdb]your help.
Yeah. It is what it is, but we definitely appreciate
[cdb]your help.
Refusal was never an option to begin with. But in any
[cdb]case, I will do my utmost to support you.
Uh, maybe let's not promise that, Coco?
You'll change your tune as soon as it gets cloudy.
I don't really know 'cause it's not my call. But she's
[cdb]here, so...probably.
I don't really know 'cause it's not my call. But she's
[cdb]here, so...probably.
That's not nearly as reassuring as you think it is.
And here I thought you had our backs.
We are like a pathetic little boat that has been tossed
[cdb]into the stormy tides of war.
I thought if I was going against the Empire,
I wouldn't have to worry about who I was fighting...
That I'd have to kill an old friend never even crossed
[cdb]my mind.
Sympathize with her.
Claim this is the hard truth of war.
Your friend? I'm so sorry, that's...awful. I don't know
[cdb]what to say.
Your friend? I'm so sorry, that's...awful. I don't know
[cdb]what to say.
You don't have to say anything. This is war, after all.
It's terrible, but that's what happens in war.
That's why we need to end it.
It's terrible, but that's what happens in war.
That's why we need to end it.
I know. You're one tough cookie, aren't you?
We'd finally found each other after all that time...
and now she's gone.
Hm? Oh, I'm talking about Coco.
The circumstances don't matter. I've taken plenty of
[cdb]lives myself, so I guess I have no room to complain.
The fact that I alone survived must mean the goddess
[cdb]has yet more trials for me.
Is there no way to escape this ceaseless torment?
Death is the only escape.
Survivial is the only escape.
What do you even want me to say? That death is the
[cdb]only escape? You're free to think whatever you want.
What do you even want me to say? That death is the
[cdb]only escape? You're free to think whatever you want.
So you are essentially telling me to find my own
[cdb]answer. How cruel.
The only way to get through this is to focus on
[cdb]staying alive. That's what's helped me at least.
The only way to get through this is to focus on
[cdb]staying alive. That's what's helped me at least.
In other words, there is no escape. You see no respite
[cdb]even for yourself.
We fought so many familiar faces in the last battle...
So many old friends.
Professor Manuela, Professor Hanneman, Monnie,
Lin, Connie...
I'm glad some of them listened to reason and
[cdb]joined us.
But there were so many who couldn't be spared.
Perhaps I should've died with them.
Strongly disagree.
Comfort her.
Don't say that. You think your death would've meant
[cdb]fewer casualties?
Don't say that. You think your death would've meant
[cdb]fewer casualties?
Maybe not, but at least I wouldn't have to feel
[cdb]this way.
I get what you're trying to say, but it's up to us to
[cdb]make sure their sacrifices lead to a peaceful future.
I get what you're trying to say, but it's up to us to
[cdb]make sure their sacrifices lead to a peaceful future.
You have to survive so that you can save more lives
[cdb]moving forward.
You have to survive so that you can save more lives
[cdb]moving forward.
I hope you're right. Maybe someday I'll see it that
[cdb]way too.
If I'm not mistaken, we should be getting closer to
[cdb]my home.
Or maybe not. I've been holed up so much, I don't
[cdb]know where we are anymore!
Or maybe not. I've been holed up so much, I don't
[cdb]know where we are anymore!
Tell her we're getting closer.
Lie a little.
No, you're right. Varley territory's just beyond
Hevring, isn't it?
No, you're right. Varley territory's just beyond
Hevring, isn't it?
Wait, what?! No! They're going to brand me a traitor
[cdb]and kill me!
Wait, what?! No! They're going to brand me a traitor
[cdb]and kill me!
Hm, we might be. I'm not really familiar with the
[cdb]southern part of the Empire.
Hm, we might be. I'm not really familiar with the
[cdb]southern part of the Empire.
I hope I'm wrong.
Oh, I just remembered. My father should be at
Garreg Mach anyway.
Oh, I just remembered. My father should be at
Garreg Mach anyway.
Well, I'll be happy as long as I don't have to see him.
Well, I'll be happy as long as I don't have to see him.
A lot of people are getting fired up now that we've
[cdb]pushed the Empire back this far.
They're saying Garreg Mach's as good as ours, but I'm
[cdb]not so sure.
Taking it back will be difficult.
Taking it back will be easy.
Garreg Mach sits on one of the most strategic
[cdb]locations in Fódlan. It's not your average stronghold.
Garreg Mach sits on one of the most strategic
[cdb]locations in Fódlan. It's not your average stronghold.
Yeah, but if that's what the higher-ups in the church
[cdb]are aiming for...
Going up against the Imperial army in its current
[cdb]state should be no sweat, right? There's nothing we
[cdb]can't do.
Going up against the Imperial army in its current
[cdb]state should be no sweat, right? There's nothing we
[cdb]can't do.
Maybe. If it's what the higher-ups in the
[cdb]church want...
Then Rhea will have no choice but to move.
The cardinals and the others are still alive, after all.
Balthus, Constance, Hapi. All the usual suspects
[cdb]are here.
Up until two years ago, I lived with them
[cdb]underground as part of the Ashen Wolves House.
Ask about the Ashen Wolves.
Tease him about it.
The Ashen Wolves? I don't remember that house
[cdb]from the Officers Academy.
The Ashen Wolves? I don't remember that house
[cdb]from the Officers Academy.
It was called a "house," but really it was a home for
[cdb]young ones who had no place left to go in the world.
It was a comfortable place for people with special
[cdb]circumstances like us.
And now you're together forever. Aww, it's sweet
[cdb]you're all such good friends.
And now you're together forever. Aww, it's sweet
[cdb]you're all such good friends.
It's not about being good friends. We're just always
[cdb]bound to run into each other. I'm amazed we reunited
[cdb]here of all places, though.
Hey boss! Long time, no see! Though ya prolly don't
[cdb]remember me, huh?
Come now. How could I forget? We lived together
[cdb]in Abyss.
It's been a while. How's your sister doing?
Great! She's workin' for the Kingdom army now,
[cdb]and even has a baby on the way.
You don't say? I'm glad to hear it. I suppose even in
[cdb]these times of war and death, there are still moments
[cdb]of joy.
So I got this old buddy, right? His name's Holst.
The guy can rip demons to shreds in his sleep,
[cdb]and he doesn't even have a Crest. Man's a force of
[cdb]nature.
But Dimitri's pretty strong too, isn't he? I wonder
[cdb]who would win in a fight.
Well, I'll just have to take a crack at him first. If he
[cdb]can't beat me, then Holst will wipe the floor with him
[cdb]for sure.
The Alliance forces have entered Imperial territory,
[cdb]but their wariness of the infamous Count Bergliez has
[cdb]them at a stalemate.
Or at least, that is how it appears. In reality, it is a
[cdb]pretext to draw the attention of the Imperial forces
[cdb]on the eastern front.
It is another one of that blackguard Claude's
[cdb]foolhardy schemes, but it is more than serving its
[cdb]purpose.
At least for the time being, the Imperial army cannot
[cdb]devote any forces to the west. Our victory is all but
[cdb]assured.
I know we're trying to end the war as quick as
[cdb]possible.
But barging into someone else's homeland and
[cdb]trashing the place just doesn't feel right.
Tell him we don't have much choice.
Tell him you feel the same.
There's not much to do about that. This is war.
It's kill or be killed.
There's not much to do about that. This is war.
It's kill or be killed.
Yeah, I hear you. It's easier to feel good about it when
I think about who we're fighting to protect.
Yeah, I hear you. It's easier to feel good about it when
I think about who we're fighting to protect.
That's true. I just can't help but think about how
[cdb]after all this is done, I'm gonna take over the inn and
[cdb]live a carefree life.
I won't have to hurt anybody as an innkeeper.
The western Empire bore almost no trace of the
[cdb]previous war.
But this current conflict has damaged the towns and
[cdb]cities of the area yet again.
They were destroyed and rebuilt, only to be
[cdb]destroyed again.
It seems like such a foolish cycle, but maybe that's the
[cdb]only way humans can move forward.
Hm? Oh, haha... I'm rambling again, aren't I?
...
...
Ask if she's all right.
Stay silent.
You doing OK, Marianne?
You doing OK, Marianne?
Oh, I'm sorry. I was just praying to the goddess.
...
...
Oh, [HERO_MF]. Have you come to pray
[cdb]as well?
Everyone has their own reasons for fighting. It's not
[cdb]even about good or evil most of the time.
So at the very least, I want to pray for those who have
[cdb]lost their lives. May they rest in peace.
Oh, Goddess...
I thought I would be taken prisoner, but instead I'm
[cdb]being treated as a general. What are they thinking?
It will be such a pain if they expect me to persuade
[cdb]the Imperial forces on this coming front.
That's the plan.
That's not the plan.
Well, it's certainly a possibility. We're attacking
Hevring territory next.
Well, it's certainly a possibility. We're attacking
Hevring territory next.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to
[cdb]make yourself useful. Whether that means securing
[cdb]surrender or getting information from them.
I'm sure there'll be plenty of opportunities for you to
[cdb]make yourself useful. Whether that means securing
[cdb]surrender or getting information from them.
I'll not do anything of the sort. So if you plan to
[cdb]torture me, I'd like to know about it sooner rather
[cdb]than later.
I dunno what they've got planned, but either way,
[cdb]they clearly value you.
I dunno what they've got planned, but either way,
[cdb]they clearly value you.
In that case, I suppose I should thank whoever holds
[cdb]me in such irritatingly high esteem.
A merchant needs to keep up with the times, but I
[cdb]think what's most important is to have guts.
I've gotta be ready to run through fire for a business
[cdb]opportunity.
Anyhoo, cast your eye on these beauties! I've only got
[cdb]the finest goods for sale!
Fighting mercenaries is one thing, but going against
Sir Alois just feels wrong.
He's so good-natured, and his terrible jokes always
[cdb]make people laugh.
Well, at least a few of the knights got a kick out of
[cdb]them.
Anyway, we all thought he was a swell guy. I can't
[cdb]believe things have turned out this way.
We suffered so much at Magdred and in Arundel
[cdb]territory because of Jeralt's Mercenaries.
My friend even lost their life at the hands of the
Ashen Demon.
We must win for all those who were taken from us!
Defeat is not an option!
Word has it that the Minister of Domestic Affairs,
Count Hevring, is a rather capable fellow.
Perhaps that is why there has been relatively minimal
[cdb]destruction and looting in this area.
Or it could be that the cities in this territory are so
[cdb]developed they can withstand more damage.
Apparently, he's assembling forces in the city of
Mozghuz, but I wonder if we will even need to engage
[cdb]in combat.
I dunno if it's 'cause I've been here a while or what,
[cdb]but the folks in Faerghus and the church have really
[cdb]grown on me.
Every victory, we sing, drink, and have a rollicking
[cdb]good time. Doesn't matter where we're from.
This war won't last forever, but I sure hope the
[cdb]friendships do.
The man charged with defending Hevring territory,
Randolph, is actually related to Count Bergliez.
Not by blood, mind you. He's the previous count's
[cdb]stepson, from his second wife.
He desperately wants to make a name for himself in
[cdb]this war and establish a house of his own.
Of course, who knows whether his new house would
[cdb]even have a future in the current Empire.
Wow... Meetin' the boss again was really somethin'.
What a guy.
We hadn't spoken or seen each other in over two
[cdb]years, and he still remembered me!
I gotta tell the others from Abyss that I bumped
[cdb]into him.
His Majesty's mood is different from last year.
It was almost as if he was too dignified before.
It made him somewhat unapproachable.
I like him better now. He's much more cheerful
[cdb]around camp too.
Jeralt's Mercenaries again... It feels like we've fought
[cdb]them a hundred times since the war started.
We've got the Empire backed into a corner, but I
[cdb]wonder if this'll be the last we see of them.
I don't care if we defeat them or force them to
[cdb]surrender. I just don't want to have to fight them
[cdb]anymore.
Greetings, Commander! Nothing to report!
This encampment is like our home during this
[cdb]expedition.
I'll be sure to keep it safe so that you can fight
[cdb]without any worries!
Pardon me, Commander. Is there truly no way for us
[cdb]to avoid an altercation with Jeralt's Mercenaries?
Mayhap we could keep our distance from them,
[cdb]and focus instead on attacking the Imperial forces.
Though, I suppose we have no information as to their
[cdb]whereabouts.
If only we could deploy some strategy that would
[cdb]allow us to glean their location.
Have you heard about the dance master that lives in
Martyn territory?
They apparently won the White Heron Cup dancing
[cdb]competition.
I had no idea such a contest even existed. I wonder
[cdb]what style of dance they do.
...
Ask what's wrong.
Stare in silence.
What's the matter, Arval? You look real worried.
What's the matter, Arval? You look real worried.
I'm feeling agitated, but I don't know why.
...
...
Yes, what is it? Oh, you needn't be concerned
[cdb]about me.
I was just lost in thought. I can't quite place the
[cdb]reason, but I've been feeling agitated lately...