0. Claude. I am well aware that we Leicester nobles will [cdb]be cooperating with the Imperial forces moving [cdb]forward...
1. But House Gloucester has always prided itself on an [cdb]amicable relationship with the Empire. This changes [cdb]little for us.
2. Huh, I guess you're right. Your father did head up [cdb]the pro-Imperialist faction, after all.
3. Yes, until your wicked schemes severed their ties.
4. Do you really have to bring that up again? I thought I apologized for that.
5. I am simply stating the truth. If such words ring out [cdb]as criticism to your ear, perhaps your conscience is [cdb]the problem.
6. But what I mean to say is, my house already had the [cdb]foresight to do this previously. Your actions now are [cdb]mere imitation.
7. I can see your point. Though the logic is a bit forced.
8. It naturally follows that House Riegan does not [cdb]deserve to sit upon the Federation's throne.
9. No, the people yet yearn for their rightful rulers: House Gloucester!
10. I'm pretty sure that's just your ego talking. I don't [cdb]think people really feel that way.
11. Do not misunderstand. I am not opposed to your [cdb]being king. For the moment, at least.
12. But your reign was granted by a roundtable [cdb]conference, not blood. Making you nothing more [cdb]than an appointed monarch.
13. And a temporary one, if I may. House Riegan does [cdb]not hold this position by birthright, and it will not [cdb]stay with you in the future.
14. No. The next to be put forth as king will be... Why, of course it shall be me, Lorenz Hellman Gloucester!
15. Some even propose I ascend the throne immediately [cdb]if you begin to teeter toward ruin.
16. Yeah, you're really letting your ego run wild here.
17. But I have to admit, the idea of a non-hereditary [cdb]monarchy does sound interesting.
18. Doesn't it, though? My capacity for such thoughts is [cdb]proof enough that I am suited to be king.
19. But I can't stand to think about going back to making [cdb]that decision via roundtable. It'd be no different from [cdb]how we used to do things in the Alliance.
20. Oh? Then how will we decide?
21. How about letting the people of Leicester choose?
22. Left to their own devices, they'd probably pick [cdb]whoever they thought would be the best able to [cdb]protect them. Sounds pretty good, huh?
23. A preposterous suggestion. Is this in earnest?
24. Though, hm. Such a method would prove a great [cdb]boon for House Gloucester. The commonfolk in our [cdb]territory have the utmost trust in us, after all.
25. And for once I think that's fact, not ego, talking. You do realize it would be the whole of Leicester [cdb]choosing though, right?
26. Not a problem. Our just rule is known far and wide [cdb]through every mountain and ravine of Fódlan... I think.
27. But let us set that matter aside for now. That is not [cdb]what I came here to tell you.
28. You should know, the role of king within the Federation is as of yet unstable. Proceed with caution, [cdb]lest it all come crashing down around you.
29. You're right. Unlike the Empire to our south and Kingdom to our west, the goddess's guidance didn't [cdb]grace the founding of our Federation.
30. So the role of king is a fragile one, held aloft only [cdb]by the people supporting them. I'll be careful, [cdb]just as you say.
31. And...thank you, Lorenz. I think I might just get [cdb]through this with my wits intact if I have you here [cdb]next to me.
32. Please do not get the wrong idea. I simply do not [cdb]wish to see my beautiful home succumb to the foul [cdb]clutches of despair.
33. Of course, of course. And I hope you keep coming [cdb]to me to voice all your complaints. I'll be counting on [cdb]you, Lorenz.