1. So, we're finally going back to the capital. Feels like [cdb]it's been ages.
  2. So we're finally going back to the capital. Feels like [cdb]it's been ages.
  3. Couldn't come at a better time, either. My bones [cdb]could use the rest after all the battles we've been [cdb]through.
  4. Couldn't come at a better time, either. My bones [cdb]could use the rest after all the battles we've been [cdb]through.
  5. I wholeheartedly agree.
  6. The respite will help us prepare to face the Ashen Demon.
  7. Uh, yeah. About that.
  8. Uh, yeah. About that.
  9. I've been giving it some thought...and I don't think [cdb]we need to obsess over that anymore.
  10. I've been giving it some thought...and I don't think [cdb]we need to obsess over that anymore.
  11. But what about Captain Berling and your old allies? The ones who were brutally slaughtered, remember?
  12. You said avenging them was your dream.
  13. And think about how much hardship the Ashen Demon has put you through since you joined the Empire!
  14. Don't get me wrong—I'd still love to prove I'm the [cdb]better fighter.
  15. Don't get me wrong—I'd still love to prove I'm the [cdb]better fighter.
  16. But imagine if we got someone like that on our side. We'd be unstoppable.
  17. But imagine if we got someone like that on our side. We'd be unstoppable.
  18. It's time for me to put my wants aside and put an end [cdb]to this war—for my friends.
  19. It's time for me to put my wants aside and put an end [cdb]to this war—for my friends.
  20. Unless you think that's a mistake?
  21. Unless you think that's a mistake?
  22. ...
  23. The Ashen Demon's mercenaries have fought for both [cdb]the Kingdom and the Alliance.
  24. The Ashen Demon's mercenaries have fought for both [cdb]the Kingdom and the Alliance.
  25. They don't have a cause, and they don't care who [cdb]comes out on top in the end—it's all about who can [cdb]toss them the most coin.
  26. They don't have a cause, and they don't care who [cdb]comes out on top in the end—it's all about who can [cdb]toss them the most coin.
  27. And now that the dust has settled a bit, we've got a [cdb]chance to lure them over ourselves.
  28. And now that the dust has settled a bit, we've got [cdb]a chance to lure them over ourselves.
  29. And here I thought you were intelligent. Think about it.
  30. Their allegiances have changed, yes, but no matter [cdb]their client, they've always been fighting the Empire. Why would they join us now?
  31. For that matter, what makes you think our soldiers [cdb]would want to fight alongside a person who's [cdb]murdered hundreds of their comrades?
  32. Hold firm to your opinion.
  33. Consider Arval's words.
  34. As if nobody's ever flipped sides before. Come on.
  35. As if nobody's ever flipped sides before. Come on.
  36. We've got plenty of ex-Kingdom and Alliance troops [cdb]with us now, and they've made it just fine.
  37. We've got plenty of ex-Kingdom and Alliance troops [cdb]with us now, and they've made it just fine.
  38. Yes, but unlike the Ashen Demon, they're not [cdb]single-handedly responsible for so much killing.
  39. Well... Yeah, all right. Fair point.
  40. Well... Yeah, all right. Fair point.
  41. I'm glad you understand.
  42. Hey, Arval.
  43. Hey, Arval.
  44. Yes?
  45. Why's it so important to you that the Demon dies?
  46. Why's it so important to you that the Demon dies?
  47. Because I care about you, of course! I mean...I think [cdb]that's the reason.
  48. Arval. Out with it.
  49. Arval. Out with it.
  50. I suppose it just feels like our destiny. Like it's [cdb]something we're meant to do.