link Arval volume_up
When we fought the Empire at the Great Bridge, it looked like they had a number of mercenary groups working for them.
link Arval volume_up
And yet, I didn't see any sign of Jeralt's company among them.
link Shez volume_up
It's not like that was the only battlefield, and there's no shortage of mercenary companies.
link Shez volume_up
It's not like that was the only battlefield, and there's no shortage of mercenary companies.
link Arval volume_up
That's true. And you don't have any inkling of when the Empire is going to launch their attack on Derdriu?
link Shez volume_up
No clue. They could strike tomorrow for all I know.
link Shez volume_up
No clue. They could strike tomorrow for all I know.
link Arval volume_up
Then I imagine there's no time to waste in formulating a plan and fortifying the city's defenses.
link Shez volume_up
Yep. If we lose the initiative, the battle's practically over.
link Shez volume_up
Yep. If we lose the initiative, the battle's practically over.
link Arval volume_up
If that's the case, then why are all of you just idling the days away?
link Shez volume_up
The army can't act until Claude returns from those meetings. It's like no one can even sneeze around here without it turning into an endless debate.
link Shez volume_up
The army can't act until Claude returns from those meetings. It's like no one can even sneeze around here without it turning into an endless debate.
link Shez volume_up
A king or emperor can make things happen with a wave of their hand, but I guess it's not so simple when you're leading an alliance.
link Shez volume_up
A king or emperor can make things happen with a wave of their hand, but I guess it's not so simple when you're leading an alliance.
link Arval volume_up
Ruling by consensus may work in peacetime, but it seems to have a distinct disadvantage during a war.
link Leonie volume_up
Hey, Claude's calling for us. Sounds like the roundtable's finally over.
link Hilda volume_up
There you are! The roundtable just ended, so Claude wants to see us now.
link Raphael volume_up
We better get going! If we don't hurry, all the food'll be gone!
link Leonie volume_up
It's not a banquet, you know. It's a war council. But yeah, we should move.
link Hilda volume_up
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm pretty sure we're heading to a war council, not a banquet.
link Shez volume_up
I'll be right there.
link Shez volume_up
I'll be right there.
link Claude volume_up
Let's start with introductions, shall we? Allow me to present the head of House Daphnel, the honorable—
link Judith volume_up
The name's Judith. I'm joining the war council at the invitation of our supreme leader here.
link Lorenz volume_up
It is a pleasure to see you once more, Lady Judith. I am heartened to know that we will be fighting at your side.
link Judith volume_up
You're Gloucester's kid, right? You've grown into quite a handsome boy over the last few years.
link Hilda volume_up
I'm sure all the men here seem like little boys to someone like Judith.
link Judith volume_up
Ah, Duke Goneril's daughter. You've grown quite lovely yourself. You'll be outshining me in no time.
link Hilda volume_up
Are you kidding? I've got a long way to go before I can compete with you!
link Claude volume_up
I don't really know what you two are talking about, but I think I'm ready for it to be over. Let's start the briefing.
link Judith volume_up
So you want us to hamper the Imperial army's advance in order to delay their arrival at Derdriu.
link Claude volume_up
That's right. And we'll use every bit of time we gain to tighten up our defenses around the capital in preparation.
link Lysithea volume_up
Then we have to avoid losing too many of our allies before the battle in Derdriu.
link Lorenz volume_up
Then we cannot afford to suffer many casualties prior to the battle for Derdriu.
link Claude volume_up
Exactly. Hold them off as best you can, but the second you're in any real danger, I want you to fall back.
link Arval volume_up
It's easy enough to order retreat after retreat, but I don't see how that's supposed to win the day.
link Shez volume_up
Do you really think we can win this way?
link Shez volume_up
Do you really think we can win like this?
link Claude volume_up
I wish I could tell you that victory is all but certain, but honestly, it could go either way.
link Shez volume_up
Can you be more specific? How exactly are we gonna slow down the Imperial army?
link Shez volume_up
Can you be more specific? How exactly are we gonna slow down the Imperial army?
link Claude volume_up
We'll use our terrain advantage to impede their progress and keep them off balance. A small force should be more than enough to handle that.
link Claude volume_up
Ultimately, our goal is just to buy time until the defenses are ready.
link Claude volume_up
And if we can just stop them from taking Derdriu...
link Hilda volume_up
Claude, I have to ask... Are you keeping some kind of incredible, top-secret plan from us?
link Claude volume_up
Sure, I may have something up my sleeve. But it won't amount to anything if we fail to protect Derdriu, I can promise you that.
link Ignatz volume_up
But if we succeed, then this plan of yours will get us out of our predicament? If that's the case...
link Marianne volume_up
Yes. Then there is still hope.
link Judith volume_up
You kids are all so young. Don't do anything rash and get yourselves killed, all right?
link Claude volume_up
All right, let's reclaim all that time we wasted on the roundtable conferences! Watch each other's backs out there. I know we can do this.