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