0. Another clear victory for the Empire in battle. You can surely guess who stole the show, yet again.
1. Our mercenary friend? Always a force upon the [cdb]battlefield, that one.
2. Their approach on the battlefield is exceptional, yet [cdb]their curious power has also proved quite the boon.
3. It is deeply fascinating, isn't it?
4. Something beyond the principles of magic, and yet [cdb]different from the power of Crests.
5. I might go so far as to say it veers close to the realm of [cdb]dark magic, but I fear that's beyond my expertise.
6. I am possessed of some small knowledge, yet still fail [cdb]to understand the nature of that power.
7. Then at present we can do nothing but throw our [cdb]hands to the sky. And with that, I must be off.
8. Oh? I thought you would be more curious about our [cdb]mercenary ally.
9. Would you truly raise the white flag merely because [cdb]the matter lies outside your usual ken?
10. What are you playing at, Hubert?
11. If you want me to investigate a specimen, go ahead. Hook it and reel it in.
12. Aha, but you are the better angler of the two of us.
13. Furthermore, my method of "hooking" would... complicate our relationship with so valued an ally.
14. An inducement from your lips would ensure things [cdb]proceed more smoothly.
15. Well, this is becoming a hassle. Can't you push [cdb]yourself to learn some new "hooking" strategies?
16. Like, I don't know, one befitting the elegance of a [cdb]true nobleman. Involving fancy tea, perhaps.
17. A positively hair-raising notion! Please do not speak [cdb]it aloud again.
18. Then maybe get in their face and pick a fight with [cdb]them? You two could end up becoming fast friends!
19. So you wish me to shout myself hoarse and swing my [cdb]fists about like a common ruffian? I shall pretend I [cdb]did not hear that suggestion.
20. No? Then the only option left is aggressive [cdb]persuasion, driven home at the point of an axe, [cdb]let's say.
21. Then maybe aggressive persuasion, driven home at [cdb]the point of an axe, let's say. Surely that would win [cdb]them over.
22. Linhardt, who in the world are you talking about [cdb]right now?
23. I should think there is no one quite so barbarous in [cdb]our own army.
24. Hm? Oh, I didn't have anyone in particular in mind.
25. I was just brainstorming new methods to ensnare our [cdb]illustrious mercenary friend. Why, did they remind [cdb]you of acquaintances of ours?
26. In any event, let us leave this sleeping dog [cdb]where it lies.
27. I do not dislike conversing with you, but we seem [cdb]to procure results of little benefit when we do.
28. And with that, I have matters to attend to and must [cdb]be off. Farewell.
29. Until next time, Hubert.
30. So when can I expect you to have reeled in our [cdb]mercenary friend?
31. So when can I expect you to have reeled in our [cdb]mercenary friend?
32. I suspect we'd make headway on the research if we [cdb]engaged in it together.
33. I'm afraid I've not the time to play along with your [cdb]capricious whims, Linhardt.
34. I will, of course, be cheering you on with some [cdb]enthusiasm from the shadows, as you hook the [cdb]subject yourself.