0. We'll soon arrive at Baron Mateus's lands.
1. Once we claim them, all of western Faerghus— [cdb]roughly one third of the Kingdom's territory— [cdb]will be under the rule of the Empire.
2. House Mateus was demoted from a viscountcy to a [cdb]baronage for their part in some sort of revolt.
3. The current Baron Mateus, whose father was the [cdb]previous lord, is hardly the most loyal subject of [cdb]the crown.
4. Removing him from the picture should be a [cdb]simple matter.
5. However, the Kingdom has sent the baron help in the [cdb]form of the former Duke Fraldarius, who they call the Shield of Faerghus.
6. So long as he holds authority here, we won't be able [cdb]to break their soldiers' solidarity.
7. Rodrigue is Felix's father, right? That's unfortunate.
8. Don't get me wrong—I'll fight whoever I need to. It just feels like we're pitted against familiar faces [cdb]every time we turn around.
9. And that isn't all—our reports indicate the enemy has [cdb]hired Jeralt's Mercenaries.
10. We know from personal experience how formidable [cdb]those foes can be.
11. The Ashen Demon again.
12. The Ashen Demon again.
13. Say, that reminds me—what are you planning to do [cdb]about that, exactly?
14. Announce you'll stop the Ashen Demon.
15. Look for an indirect solution.
16. We can't keep letting one mercenary mess with our [cdb]whole army.
17. We can't keep letting one mercenary mess with our [cdb]whole army.
18. So just watch. I'm gonna take that monster out [cdb]once and for all...or at least slow them down, [cdb]if nothing else.
19. So just watch. I'm gonna take that monster out [cdb]once and for all...or at least slow them down, [cdb]if nothing else.
20. That hesitance doesn't suit you, not anymore. You're far stronger than the last time your paths [cdb]crossed.
21. Just say the words, and I'll give you all the power I [cdb]can muster. We will prevail.
22. We should probably just steer clear of them entirely. There's no point throwing our lives away against an [cdb]opponent we can't beat.
23. We should probably just steer clear of them entirely. There's no point throwing our lives away against an [cdb]opponent we can't beat.
24. All we've gotta do is take out Baron Mateus or this Shield of Faerghus, and those mercenaries'll scatter [cdb]to the wind.
25. All we've gotta do is take out Baron Mateus or this Shield of Faerghus, and those mercenaries'll scatter [cdb]to the wind.
26. Oh, come now. You're strong enough to defeat the Ashen Demon if you want—I know you are!
27. But if this is how you'd like to handle it, I'll still be in [cdb]your corner helping you every step of the way.
28. I possess skill at leading surprise attacks. And Bernadetta would be making a good decoy.
29. If we are all working together, we will reach our goal [cdb]with much ease.
30. I get a say in this whole "decoy" plan, right?
31. I was only saying a fact, not asking you to be doing it. Please accept my apologies.
32. Oh...OK.
33. I hope you plan to leave some of the enemy for me. You are all so skilled, I often feel like the fifth wheel [cdb]on a well-crafted carriage.
34. Don't downplay your talents, Ferdinand! You give us [cdb]courage every time we step on the field.
35. I'm lucky to be surrounded by so many gifted leaders.
36. With all of you at my side, there is no limit to what [cdb]the Empire might achieve in the years to come.
37. Victory to the Empire! Yay!
38. Come on, Arval! Seriously?
39. C'mon, Arval! Seriously?
40. You can't drag me off to sleep like this when the [cdb]battle's about to start!
41. You can't drag me off to sleep like this when the [cdb]battle's about to start!
42. Sorry, but we need to talk.
43. Do you remember the warning I once gave you?
44. Well, I've been struck by a similar premonition now. Something feels wrong. Very wrong.
45. Last time this happened, the Ashen Demon showed [cdb]up and nearly sent me to an early grave.
46. Last time this happened, the Ashen Demon showed [cdb]up and nearly sent me to an early grave.
47. You think the same thing's gonna happen today?
48. You think the same thing's gonna happen today?
49. Hard to say for sure.
50. But the feeling's worse this time around. Stronger.
51. So if I had to guess, I'd say they're on the cusp of [cdb]something terrible. An act far more dangerous than [cdb]we previously imagined.
52. Well, whatever's happening, I'm just gonna have to [cdb]stop it.
53. Well, whatever's happening, I'm just gonna have to [cdb]stop it.
54. So long as you don't put yourself in any unnecessary [cdb]danger, yes.
55. Remember, your death would cut both of our [cdb]destinies far too short.