0. It's me, Count Gloucester. Lysithea von Ordelia.
1. Ah, yes. Please come in.
2. Thank you.
3. Count Gloucester, I have come here in my father's [cdb]stead, and must return to the front lines soon.
4. But I wish to formally apologize for any trouble [cdb]caused by the recent events in Ordelia.
5. Oh? But my domain was left largely unharmed.
6. In fact, if anyone is apologizing here, it should be me.
7. I knew full well what was happening in Ordelia, [cdb]yet was only able to dispatch a small force to aid you.
8. It is only natural that a house should prioritize the [cdb]safety of its own domain.
9. And besides, House Gloucester is tasked with [cdb]protecting the crucial Great Bridge of Myrddin.
10. Your understanding is appreciated, but for me, I fear [cdb]this also has a personal component.
11. It is true that I could not abandon the Great Bridge, [cdb]yet your father has been my compatriot for many [cdb]years, and I view him as a true brother-in-arms.
12. Had something happened to him, I would never have [cdb]been able to forgive myself.
13. I had no idea you held my father in such high regard.
14. I have always felt I owed him far more than I was ever [cdb]able to give.
15. And what do you owe him, exactly?
16. My lord, you have a messenger from the Federation army.
17. Send them through.
18. At once, sir.
19. Sorry to barge in like this.
20. Sorry to barge in like this.
21. What do you want?
22. Oh, hey, Lysithea. Didn't know you were here, [cdb]but it actually saves me some time.
23. Oh, hey, Lysithea. Didn't know you were here, [cdb]but it actually saves me some time.
24. You are the mercenary captain who reports directly [cdb]to His Majesty, yes? Has something happened?
25. A town south of here has been overrun by bandits. Down in Ordelia territory.
26. A town south of here has been overrun by bandits. Down in Ordelia territory.
27. What?!
28. And here I had hoped all those rogues had been [cdb]suppressed.
29. It's just a ragtag group of anyone who managed to [cdb]avoid extermination at the hands of the Federation. Looks like they all came together for one last hurrah.
30. It's just a ragtag group of anyone who managed to [cdb]avoid extermination at the hands of the Federation. Looks like they all came together for one last hurrah.
31. Since the town isn't too far away, I was asked to come [cdb]here and see if you could spare any troops.
32. Since the town isn't too far away, I was asked to come [cdb]here and see if you could spare any troops.
33. I will send all I can, but I fear it will be a scant force.
34. But surely the Federation will send reinforcements [cdb]as well?
35. Well, that's the thing—everyone's sorta got their [cdb]hands full preparing for the next battle.
36. Well, that's the thing—everyone's sorta got their [cdb]hands full preparing for the next battle.
37. Honestly, they could barely spare me as a messenger.
38. Honestly, they could barely spare me as a messenger.
39. I didn't realize Claude could be so cruel.
40. Hey, it's the truth—this is just bad timing. All the [cdb]big names are scattered off in one place or another.
41. Hey, it's the truth—this is just bad timing. All the [cdb]big names are scattered off in one place or another.
42. I mean, take you. You're all the way out here apart [cdb]from the main force, right?
43. I mean, take you. You're all the way out here apart [cdb]from the main force, right?
44. Still your tongue! I'll have you know I'm here on very [cdb]important business!
45. This bickering can wait. We need to mobilize what [cdb]units we have at once.
46. We? Wait, you're coming?
47. We? Wait, you're coming?
48. Am I unwelcome?
49. Play it cool.
50. Claim that you're worried.
51. Hey, the more the merrier. Welcome aboard.
52. Hey, the more the merrier. Welcome aboard.
53. I am glad to hear it, for any force would be lucky to [cdb]have the great Erwin Fritz Gloucester on their side!
54. Of course you're welcome! I'm just a bit worried, [cdb]is all. I mean, sure, these guys are the dregs of the [cdb]bandit world, but they're still dangerous.
55. Of course you're welcome! I'm just a bit worried, [cdb]is all. I mean, sure, these guys are the dregs of the [cdb]bandit world, but they're still dangerous.
56. You insult me. This is Erwin Fritz Gloucester who [cdb]stands before you, not some sheltered figurehead!
57. My military prowess may not be as renowned as some, [cdb]but I have bestrode many a battlefield in my day.
58. Sadly, I could not lend much aid during the recent [cdb]disturbances in Ordelia, but this is my chance to [cdb]rectify that error.
59. In that case, we should be off.
60. I sure hope he knows what he's doing...
61. I sure hope he knows what he's doing...