1. Ah, Mercedes. Did you go out?
  2. Yes, I went to the town of Camulus to help [cdb]the church.
  3. I see. And how did you find it?
  4. The townspeople seemed fine enough, but the clergy [cdb]were very busy.
  5. As you know, lots of people fled to Faerghus when [cdb]the war started.
  6. And while a number of towns took in refugees, Camulus is particularly busy on that front.
  7. In that case, I should send reinforcements and [cdb]resources from the capital. I will speak with Lady Rhea about this presently.
  8. Thank you, Dimitri. I'm sure the clergy will be [cdb]pleased to hear it.
  9. I'm incredibly grateful to you for coming to the [cdb]church's aid, you know.
  10. Most of those people would've ended up homeless if [cdb]not for your actions.
  11. As I recall, you fled from the Empire yourself at [cdb]a rather young age.
  12. Yes, and it was awful. We had nothing to eat, [cdb]and nowhere to shelter from the wind and rain.
  13. If not for the priest who helped us, I don't know what [cdb]would've happened.
  14. Hmm...
  15. Are you all right, Dimitri? You seem sad.
  16. My apologies, Mercedes, but may I speak plainly?
  17. You don't need my permission to do that, silly! What's troubling you?
  18. I have been wondering for some time if accepting [cdb]the Central Church was the correct decision.
  19. By giving them shelter, I have also given the Empire [cdb]the perfect excuse for invasion.
  20. You took them in because you thought it was the [cdb]right thing to do. Isn't that so?
  21. Yes. The Church of Seiros is deeply entwined with [cdb]the Kingdom's history and politics.
  22. The crown's authority is granted by the church, [cdb]which also takes part in governing our villages.
  23. Were I to sunder that connection, nobles and [cdb]commoners alike would be furious. The Kingdom [cdb]would be split anew, and chaos would reign.
  24. Hm, that is a tough one. It seems like you're going [cdb]to end up with a fight no matter what you do.
  25. Well, at the very least, I know the townspeople are [cdb]grateful—but I also know it's not as simple as all that.
  26. I'm sorry. That probably didn't do much to help [cdb]ease your concerns.
  27. No, I should apologize for making you listen as I prattle on endlessly.
  28. Oh, nonsense! If it helped you in any way, I'm glad to [cdb]do it.
  29. Well, I certainly do feel better. Thank you, Mercedes.
  30. And please know that I am here for you for whatever [cdb]reason, no matter how small.