After Judith's death, her soldiers look to me for guidance. Which, let me tell you, is fucking terrifying. I've never even had to take care of my own pet before, and now these people are expecting me to command them through battles when I have limited combat experience? But then again, I suppose we're all new to this large-scale war. From what the history books say, this type of conflict hasn't ravaged Fódlan in a thousand years.
The first matter is to get Omar's wing healed. Thankfully, Judith has enough white mages that one of them can spare a healing spell for my poor wyvern, and he's back to his spunky self in no time. I then fly up with him to scout the Empire's next movements after crossing the Great Bridge of Myrddin. The direction the army marches in tells me that Edelgard is headed for Daphnel territory. Retreating there will only lead to another battle where we have even worse odds than last time. The other close territory is Gloucester, but Lorenz warned me that his father was going to flip sides if the Empire broke through our border.
The Alliance territories close to the Airmid River are all but captured at this point. No use in trying to prevent the inevitable. We could fall back to the next line of defense, but if we spread ourselves too thin it will be easy for Byleth to outmaneuver us. Our only real chance is to garrison all our troops in a fortified city.
Derdriu. That's our only option. A part of me wonders if it's hasty to abandon so much Alliance territory after one battle, but I know deep down that Byleth won't even be slowed down by more skirmishes on an even playing field. Using our walls and archers to our advantage gives us the best chance at driving them back.
I lay out this plan to Judith's soldiers. They don't look happy, but they also don't question me. I tell them that anyone who wants to leave can return to their families, and after exchanging glances with each other they all decide to stay. No point in going home only to live under Imperial rule for the rest of their lives.
I'm itching to fly ahead and tell the Alliance Lords the news, but I decide to stay with the soldiers for the entire march back. They've devoted their lives to fighting alongside me, and the least I can do is stay by their side after a brutal defeat.
Plus, it lets me check up on how various legions of soldiers are doing. A few took especially hard hits, but the majority of them came out of the battle relatively unscathed. Judith's maneuvering and willingness to call a retreat saved hundreds of lives, and many of them talk about their admiration from her. And I agree. It's not every day that you see a noble sacrificing themselves for their people like she did.
Edelgard made a mistake by killing Judith. Now the Alliance's best-trained soldiers all have their bows pointed at her. I imagine them swarming Edelgard and piling onto her, stabbing and slashing past her death until their weapons are covered in red.
It's a brutal thought, but it keeps me going forward. Still, I can't allow my impulses to dictate my strategy and tactics. I do my best to think up a plan besides shutting the gates of Derdriu on the march back.
When I come up with nothing initially, I check up on my former classmates. Both Ignatz and Leonie are together and uninjured, though they could have been on death's door and have been saved by a white mage for all I know. Ignatz asks about Raphael, but from the tone of his voice I can tell that he suspects the answer. I explain how Hubert targeted Raphael specifically to goad me into attacking and Leonie sucks in a breath of air.
"I bet it was his idea to have Edelgard work with Captain Jeralt's killers," she says. "Hell, he might even be one of them. Guess I have another name to add to the list."
"We only get one more chance, so let's make this count," I say.
"I don't think it's hopeless to stand our ground. We could take multiple fights and slow them down as they approach."
"They'll all end up like this one. Besides, I have other ways of slowing them down."
Leonie raises an eyebrow at me, waiting for several seconds until it's clear I'm not going to elaborate.
"Well, I do remember how you led us at the Battle of Eagle and Lion," she says. "It was thanks to your guidance that we got any takedowns at all. I know that we're on the losing side of this war. We all do. But it hurts too much to give most of our lands and people over."
"I might be able to force Edelgard to march straight to Derdriu without slaughtering and pillaging villages like yours."
"I'm counting on you," she says. "So I guess Ignatz and I should stay with you in Derdriu? I'll get a clear shot at Edelgard or Byleth next time like my life depends on it." She cocks her head. "I guess my life does depend on it, huh?"
"And there's something I should probably tell both of you about them," I say. "Byleth… can rewind time when battles go poorly for them."
Leonie blinks at me. "If I didn't know you so well, I'd assume you were joking."
"No room for jokes where the professor's concerned," I say. "I've perceived it before. The jumping back in time. And they've admitted to me that they can do it. That's the power the goddess granted them."
"So we can't rely on getting lucky is what you're saying. We have to corner them from the start or they'll leap back in time and account for our strategy."
"I'm glad that you're not discouraged."
"Listen," Leonie says. "Logically, we're fucked from the start. That will only make it sweeter when we pull out the victory. And when I do, Captain Jeralt can finally rest in peace."
"Remember that after the Empire, we still need to kill the man responsible for having Kronya kill Jeralt. I'm guessing that Thales is hiding out in the Kingdom somewhere, conspiring with Cornelia."
"Just another target so far as I'm concerned. For now, let's focus on keeping our own lands safe, okay?"
"Roger that."
Leonie gives me a strange look, and I begin to think that the phrase isn't commonly used in Fódlan. Which makes sense, seeing as it's typically used when talking over radio or other distance signaling. After our conversation, she focuses her attention on her horse and rides off to check on some of the other soldiers. I'm left alone with Ignatz, who I realize hasn't said a word since asking about Raphael. He's staring at the ground.
"You doing okay?" I say.
Stupid question. Of course he's not.
"It should have been me," Ignatz says.
Ah, the guilt. Poor guy. I pause and take a moment to think of any way to make Ignatz feel better. In these moments, it's so easy to shrug off any argument someone makes about it not being your fault.
"His parents should still be alive," Ignatz says, "And he should be too. How am I going to face Maya? I promised to protect him."
"I don't have answers, Ignatz. But I do know that you're not alone in feeling the way that you do. This guilt, this pain, this suffering… that's the reason why we need to make sure this struggle ends soon, one way or another. For everyone's sake."
He nods, his eyes still fixated on the dirt.
"Sometimes, the feelings get worse when they fester and ferment inside of your mind," I say. "I can't be around all the time to talk, but I'm sure there are other soldiers in the army who can relate to the guilt of losing a close friend in battle."
A smirk comes to his lips. "You were supposed to tell me it wasn't my fault so I could argue back."
"If it's helpful, I can do that. Because I do think that you're not at fault here."
"I wish we won," Ignatz says. "Then his death would have meant something. If I could tell Maya that her brother died like a hero making sure the Imperials couldn't ravage our lands, it would seem less hopeless."
I of course also wish we drove Byleth and Edelgard back, but Raphael's dead either way. And…
"He did die protecting the other soldiers in his company," I say. "Most of the others were able to escape because of him."
I see Ignatz's slouch recede. It's barely noticeable, but it happens the instant I say that Raphael died protecting others. I guess we're all desperate for that bit of hope and heroism to hang onto.
"That sounds like him," Ignatz says. "I bet he was happy with the choices he made."
"Right. All you can do now is protect Maya and the rest of the Alliance."
"I… think I can do that. Thanks, Claude. I can't believe you actually made me feel better."
"Hey, that comes from you. I can't take credit for you processing grief."
A smile comes to Ignatz's face. It doesn't cover up the worry in his eyes, but he's trying. I wish Byleth and Edelgard could see this right now. They've devoted their lives to beating us down and taking everything we have, but we'll never stop fighting to protect our homes and loved ones.
"Let's get 'em next time, okay?" I say. "We'll have one more chance at Derdriu."
"More people are going to get dragged into this battle, aren't they?" Ignatz says.
"That's the reality we face. After this is over, let's never let this happen again."
"Never again…" he looks up at the sky. "That's something to strive for."
Down but not out. Despite the overwhelming odds against us and godlike powers on the opposite side, there's still a light at the end of the tunnel. Byleth can't crush our hope. Not when it's the only thing we have left.
#
When I return to Derdriu, I play my initial gambit. Even before meeting with the lords at the round table, I scribble down a message.
Your Majesty,
Congrats on your victory at the Great Bridge of Myrddin. I am sure tales of the soldiers you massacred will be passed down for generations. Because you killed Judith instead of taking her hostage, you have no leverage over the rest of their army, who are helping me defend Derdriu. Do you ever question if your bloodlust is a mistake? But if you did, you wouldn't be on this path in the first place. I see you for who you are, Your Majesty, and because of that I cannot allow you to rule over my people and quash the last of the light in their lives.
Yet more prolonged battles will be disastrous for all sides. You will win the skirmishes, I have no doubt, but imagine how your army will fare with wyvern raids nipping at your heels with each step you advance into the Alliance. In order to prevent this unnecessary loss of life, I have a proposal. You will not attack or pillage a single village in the Alliance. You will proceed straight to Derdriu and fight the Alliance head on. In exchange, we will not try to stand in your way until you reach Derdriu, and we will not launch raids on your supply lines. I know that you do not care about our lives, but I hope that you are thinking about your own. This agreement will minimize casualties on all sides.
Give it a thought, Emperor Edelgard. And take a moment to consider how many families you've already torn apart.
-Claude von Riegan
Okay, maybe I went too far with the jabs, but I know that Byleth at least is a practical thinker. This agreement is beneficial for them if they are confident in their ability to take Derdriu head-on because it will allow them to essentially be at full strength to march into the Kingdom afterwards and fight Cornelia. That is, if they're planning to challenge Those Who Slither in the Dark at all. Edelgard did work with them, and eliminating them can't be her first priority if she's insistent on conquering us instead of teaming up.
I get a messenger to deliver the letter as quickly as possible. Edelgard's not the type to kill mail carriers, right? I hope that Byleth will see the utility in having reliable means of communication and parley.
From there, I wash up and use the time to mentally prepare myself for the Alliance round table. I already know that it's going to be a shitshow.
The good news is that I don't have time to panic. After I wash off the dirt and grime, I walk into the round table room in the middle of yet another discussion. Silence falls as I walk over and take my seat. I try to act with the same poise that I always do, both for the benefit of my allies and to send a message to the lords thinking about flipping.
"Duke Riegan." Lady Ordelia is the first one to speak. "Is it true that we have lost the Great Bridge of Myrddin?"
"It is," I say. "Judith fought valiantly, but it appears that the Empire's strength is not to be underestimated. My plan is for the next battle to take place at Derdriu."
Three concerned looks and Count Gloucester fiddling with a fake rose on his outfit with an accompanying smirk on his face.
"I knew this was going to happen," Count Gloucester says. "There is no point in resisting the Empire. I have already sent a message to Emperor Edelgard declaring fealty."
Holst stands up. "Then what are you doing here? Go out and serve your master like the dog you are, Gloucester."
"Please, remain seated," I say. "Count Gloucester, it sounds like you are forfeiting your house's position at the Alliance round table."
"Oh, not at all. The deal I worked out with the Empire maintains the round table and promotes me to the leader of the Alliance, actually. So while you play your little games here, I will be at the legitimate round table over in Gloucester territory."
"Then go ahead and leave," I say. "And tell Edelgard not to pillage any of our lands or she's going to regret it. I've sent her a letter detailing terms."
Count Gloucester stands up and struts over to the exit of the room. After opening the door, he turns back to face us.
"So are you coming, Lady Ordelia?" he says.
I see her stiffen. All eyes go onto her, and the fact that she doesn't immediately deny what Count Gloucester is insinuating makes me think that he's right.
"What is the meaning of this?" Margrave Edmund says.
"I can't afford to stand against the Empire," Lady Ordelia says. "Believe me when I say that I agonized over this decision. I suffered through Imperial occupation once and it took all of my children but one away from me. But this time is different. Say what you will about Emperor Edelgard, but she is too strong of a leader to allow more blood experiments to take place beneath her nose."
I think I'm the only one here who has the full context for what happened to the Ordelia family, but everyone at the round table knows that something took place. The rest of us are silent as Lady Ordelia walks over to the exit with Lord Gloucester.
"I hope that you defeat the Empire." Lady Ordelia averts her gaze. "I truly do. But I have to plan for the worst-case scenario. If Edelgard invades my lands now, thieves will take the chaos as an opportunity to loot and pillage from my people. As you all love saying when you want to argue against me, I can barely control my own lands."
"Are you going to allow this, Claude?" Holst says. "We should arrest them."
"We didn't break any laws," Gloucester says. "We're all free to choose which other states we ally ourselves with. If you arrest everyone who surrenders to the Empire, you'll have uprisings on your hands."
And more importantly, it will throw their lands into chaos. Which is good if my only goal is to stop Edelgard, but I can't do that to the people I've sworn to protect.
"But you're not surrendering to them," Margrave Edmund says. "You're conspiring with them to gain political power."
Gloucester shrugs. "Semantics."
"If I did try to arrest you, Count Gloucester," I say, "What's stopping me?"
"I'm so glad you asked, Duke Riegan. It turns out I have an army waiting outside the borders of the city and they'll attack if anything happens to me. Do you think your forces can handle back-to-back fights against me and the Adrestian Empire?"
"You snake." Holst slams a fist on the table. "I spend my life defending the Alliance from Almyra and you use an invasion from the other border of the Empire as an excuse to make a political move? Where is your honor?"
"Honor didn't get any of our houses to where we are today. I'm simply making the best move for myself. Lady Ordelia is no different."
"Do not compare us," Lady Ordelia says. "My desperation is not the same as your malice."
"Bold words to be speaking against the next leader of the Leicester Alliance. But I suppose I can let them slide for now. I will be interested to hear how many of you survive Emperor Edelgard's conquest."
Holst grumbles and tenses like a leopard about to pounce on Gloucester.
"Let him go," I say.
"See, at least one of you has a functioning brain. Farewell, and don't think that I'll forget your words today when you answer to me, Holst."
Count Gloucester walks out of the room, spraying his hair with some sort of perfume-style substance on the way. Lady Ordelia gives us an apologetic smile and follows after him. Once they leave the room, I call for some paper and begin drafting another letter.
"In the middle of a meeting, Duke Riegan?" Margrave Edmund says. "I knew you were negligent, but this-"
"Oh, indulge me in my pettiness this time. I'm writing a letter directly to Hubert."
"The Vestra child?" Margrave Edmund frowns. "About what?"
"Oh, listing out our dear friend Count Gloucester's long list of plots, schemes, and assassinations. Hubert will not want another ambitious schemer in power to interfere with his plans."
"But all decisions must be made through Edelgard," Holst says. "Why not write to her directly?"
"I'm not certain you're right about that. A lot of powerful people in the Empire have disappeared, too many for me to think that Edelgard handled each one on her own. I'm hoping Hubert assassinates Gloucester on his own."
"Devious," Holst says. "That sort of plotting never made sense to me."
"This way we're not hurting any of his innocent people. But more importantly, we need to figure out how to defend Derdriu when Edelgard marches in."
"This city doesn't have the solid defenses of Fódlan's Locket," Holst says. "Edelgard probably won't even need a siege to break us."
"It's not like a siege would help her much anyway since she lacks the ability to deal with our fliers bringing in supplies. Our air force is our biggest advantage."
"Speaking of which," Margrave Edmund says, "Where do your legions of wyvern riders come from, Claude? The previous Duke Riegan never had access to anything of the sort."
I exchange a glance with Holst. Both of us know about the military support Nader has been providing me.
"He never needed to use them, did he?" I say. "It's a Riegan family secret."
"If you say so."
"Once we're confident that Edelgard is marching towards Derdriu, our first step should be to evacuate the civilians," Holst says. "Unless we think that Edelgard will go after them."
"She shouldn't." I hope. "Agreed. You know what? Why don't I put you in charge of this whole defense, Holst? You know how to hold a fortress better than anyone in Fódlan."
He scratches his head. "A city's quite a bit different than a fortress, you know."
"We're trying to keep them behind walls. It's the same general principle. Listen, it's not about being perfect. But you're better for the job than I am. All of the Riegan and Daphnel troops are at your command, Holst."
He bows his head. "Thank you for this opportunity, Claude."
"And I am fairly worthless here," Margrave Edmund says, "Seeing as how I have already handed over my funds. I will not be providing troops for the effort."
Likely because he wants to be on the record of not having directly fought against the Empire if they win, but his money was key in allowing us to support a larger army so I don't challenge him on that point.
"Great, so I'll leave the city defense planning to you. In the meantime, I'm going to try and secure us some additional military support. Catch you later."
I hop out of my seat and make my way towards the door. Neither of the remaining Alliance lords asks me anything else, so I leave. I go to one of the lower floors to look for a messenger who can deliver my letter to Hubert, and I see Lysithea and her mother talking in a hallway. From the way that their eyes are narrowed at each other, I'm guessing it's not exactly a heartfelt family moment.
"Ah, Claude," Lysithea says. "Can you help explain to my mother why I need to stay in Derdriu?"
"Please, Lysithea," Lady Ordelia says. "There's no need for you to get caught up in this war. You can be safe and happy at home with me and your father."
"Do you want to stay here?" I ask Lysithea.
"I don't have a lot of time left," Lysithea says. "Mother, I can't let the Empire take everything from us again. I understand that you can't make a move without them coming for you, but I'm free to do as I please."
"And why do you want to risk your life out on a battlefield? I thought you'd learn what war is like after what you told me about the battle at Garreg Mach."
"Thinking about that has made me more determined to stop the Empire's rampage, not less. I thought I could use my skills and powers to earn money and support you in the political sphere, mother. But now I see that I can use this power to make sure nobody has to go through this again."
"Claude." Lady Ordelia turns to me. "Please try to talk my daughter out of this. There's no reason for her to toss her life into the upcoming stampede like this."
"You've seen me fight, Claude," Lysithea says. "You know I can make a difference."
"As the leader of House Riegan, I can see where your mother is coming from," I say. "You're rather important to be fighting in battle directly. But as your friend, I say you should chase your goals. And if you want to bring and end to this war, your help will be appreciated."
"How can you do this?" Lady Ordelia says. "I thought you were distraught after you lost Edmund's daughter after knowing her for a year. What makes Lysithea's life worth less?"
"I carry her death with me every day," I say. "As I will with Raphael's."
Lysithea gasps. "You don't mean…"
"Guess I should be happy that Judith made me listen to all of his stories that night we were out drinking. They feel different now."
"But that's not enough for you to make sure the rest of your friends are safe," Lady Ordelia says.
"My friends get to make their own choices. If we can come together, we might be able to kill Edelgard and stop her from bringing desolation to the people we care about. For me, that's worth fighting for. Ignatz and Leonie feel the same way. I'm not going to stop Lysithea if she agrees."
"So this is how you fight back," Lady Ordelia says. To Lysithea, "If fighting gives your life meaning, then I have no room to argue. But I cannot change the reality of my own situation."
"I know you can't provide military support. Go home and rest for a while. You and father deserve it."
Lysithea's mother pulls her into a hug. "I'm going to miss you. Stay safe out there, okay?"
Lysithea squirms at first, but reciprocates the embrace. I let my gaze wander so I don't make them feel awkward by staring. After a full minute, Lady Ordelia releases Lysithea and continues on her way out of the capitol building.
"Thanks," Lysithea says.
"I didn't do anything. The determination came from you, and I appreciate your help. But what I said before still stands. Surrender early on if you think you're in danger, and help Edelgard hunt down Thales if you do."
"I appreciate how much you value my life. If the situation looks hopeless, I won't squander my chance to live and ensure that the blood experiments can never happen again."
I'm satisfied with that, and I need to get on with my business. I wrap up the conversation with Lysithea and instruct her to talk with Holst about her role in the upcoming battle. I don't know how much he's worked with powerful mages in the past since the Goneril family isn't known for magic, but mages are essential support for most armies so I can count on him not to be clueless.
After that, I send my letter off to Hubert and then I'm off travelling again. I can tell that Omar is tired when he takes to the skies, but this flight is going to be a short one. I try to tell him that, and I like to imagine that he understands by the way he keeps up his pace even when his wings are shaky.
Time to finish up my preparations.
#
I knock on the door to the seemingly abandoned manor overgrown with weeds. This used to be where the Riegan family lived before Derdriu started to bustle with trade and we moved closer. But I guess my ancestors in this world were too stuck-up to give it to poor people because it's still off-limits to the public.
I hear shuffling from inside, and the door opens to reveal Nader. He welcomes me in and has me sit down on one of the ornate but now musty couches in the manor. I didn't exactly expect him to renovate the place, but it looks like it's in an even worse condition than when he arrived. Not that it matters all that much to me.
"Hey, kiddo," Nader says. "One of my wyvern riders told me about your battle. I could have helped out, you know."
"It's all right," I say. "I don't know how well your forces would mix with Judith's."
"Yeah, she asked me to watch over her lands as well, but I'm not sure if it's possible for me to defend them at this point. Remaining undefeated requires picking your battles wisely."
"So that's how you do it. You just run away from any fight you could lose."
He gives me an affectionate punch to the shoulder and I grin.
"If you were anyone else, that would have been to the teeth," he says. He's joking. I think. "So what can I do for you, kiddo?"
"Well, I didn't have you help defend the Great Bridge of Myrddin because I want you to defend Derdriu instead. With any luck, Edelgard will march right up to our doorstep and it will be a good chance to take her out."
"I haven't gotten a chance to take a swing at Imperials before," Nader says. "This should be fun."
"Oh, I'm also leaving Holst in charge of defending the city, so he'll have more details than I will. Feel free to talk with him whenever. It looks like we won't be having any more round table meetings since two of the lords defected, so he should have some time to discuss logistics with you."
"Ah, that kid has a good axe arm and a better liver. Are you ever going to face me in a drinking contest, kiddo?"
"There's no point in playing out a scenario with only one outcome. Please save your drinking with Holst for after the battle, all right?"
"No promises, kiddo. Sometimes my throat gets dry and water doesn't cut it."
I should have expected this. Hopefully getting Nader involved isn't a mistake.
"More importantly, I also want you to work with Holst to bring the Almyran navy in, okay? Assuming my dad will give you permission. And we don't have a ton of time for this, so I'm counting on you to keep communications going smoothly."
"Got it. You can count on me, kiddo."
Somehow, I'm less confident about this than before he said that.
"And I should be around, so let me know if you have any questions. I've told you this before, but watch out with the mercenary wielding the Sword of the Creator. They're the most dangerous person I've met."
"More than Holst? They must me something." Nader scratches his chin through his beard. "I'll look forward to facing them on the field of battle."
Not the response I was hoping for, but trying to convince literally anyone how deadly Byleth is proves to be a Herculean task. I can always tag along and help Nader swarm them with wyvern riders. Not even they could stand up to that kind of onslaught, right?
"I'm glad you're finally putting my forces to use, kiddo. We've been itching for a fight ever since we landed here in Fódlan."
I want to remind him that this is serious business, but Nader's been in more fights than I have. Even though I'm right, he won't take me seriously.
Still, I'm glad to have his support. With enough allies and forces scrapped together, we might stand a chance at stopping Edelgard's warpath.
#
My last key target is Hilda. It's surprisingly hard to find her even when I keep in close touch with Holst and the rest of our class. But eventually, I'm able to track her down while shopping for perfumes down in the merchant district of Derdriu.
"Oh hey, Claude. You wouldn't believe all the different options they have here. Ooh, lavender? I have to go with this one."
"Are you going to be done soon, or am I going to feel like an asshole when I talk your ear off while you do your shopping?"
"Uh, can't you leave a lady in peace while she's attending serious business? I thought you had to play war with my brother."
"Which is why I need to talk with you."
A sigh. "So you didn't forget." To the vendor, "I'll be right back, okay? These bottles are so cute. You'll have to tell me where you got that floral design."
Hilda follows me off to a space in between merchant stalls. Even with the war coming close to Derdriu's gates, this part of town is still bustling. I wonder if Ignatz's parents are here.
"All right, Claude? What horrible payback do you have for me manipulating you into being our representative in the dancing contest?"
"I had forgotten about that, actually. And I'm asking you because I think you're the most capable person for the job."
"Nuh-uh. If you make me fight, I'll throw down my weapons and surrender when Edelgard and Byleth so much as look at me funny."
I grin. "Perfect."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm looking for someone to hold the last line of defense. It's mostly there to ward off any stray Imperial soldier who tries to sneak past enemy lines and assassinate the leader. Because if the main Imperial forces do reach the back line of our forces, we're already fucked."
"This is beyond devious, Claude. It's straight up cruel to manipulate me like this."
"Your job will be easy. You'll lead a battalion, same as when we were at Garreg Mach. You'll stand by Holst while he gives out the orders and smash any rogue assassins or pegasus knights that try to go for a stealth kill. And if Edelgard and Byleth show up and you're surrounded, you surrender. Easy as that."
Hilda's eyes narrow. "You make it sound simple, but anything could go wrong."
"Come on, Hilda. It will be the safest place in Derdriu. Your chances of survival are higher this way than if you were hiding out in a random building."
She'd be even safer if she were evacuated with the civilians, but no need to remind her of that.
A sigh. "All right. I guess if my brother died and I wasn't there I'd feel a little bit bad. But you're going to owe me big for this, okay?"
"Sure, sure. Thanks for helping. Glad I can count on you to be the voice of cowardice when we truly need it."
She scowls. "Now I'm reconsidering."
"Sorry, Hilda. Got stuff to attend to. Chat with you later."
I dart off back towards the capitol building before she can change her mind. I do feel a bit bad for dragging her into this, but she should be safe. Judith's noble blood and ransom prospects weren't enough to protect her, but Hilda's smart enough to surrender or retreat when the situation demands it.
So many plans, so little time. Now I can finally follow through with my promises.
#
Finding out how to ensure the safety of Ignatz's parents and Raphael's sister is surprisingly easy. I ask some House Riegan staff about it and they essentially take care of the entire problem for me. They'll be taken into private protection by the Riegan household, which basically means there's no way for them to get hurt unless Edelgard specifically targets them.
A few days after sending my offer to Edelgard, I get a letter back.
Claude,
Your words sting, but I've heard worse. I do agree to march straight to Deridru. If you pull a scheme that betrays my trust, I cannot be held responsible for what happens to other territories. I will not target civilians on purpose in retaliation, but if you cut supply lines we will need to take food from Alliance storehouses. Consider that when you plan your next moves.
I gave Judith a chance to surrender when she and her battalion were surrounded. If you find yourself in her situation, bend the knee and make this easier for both of us. Byleth is rather fond of you, so I want to keep you alive for their sake if nothing else.
And I do apologize for what I must do. I expected you to side with the church, and it never occurred to me that you would take this Alliance of yours and turn it into something all its own. But Fódlan must be unified so that the church cannot keep playing us against each other. I hope to look upon a new dawn when people are judged for who they are instead of who they were born as, and I hope you live to see that sunrise with me.
-Emperor Edelgard von Hresvelg
After reading the last statement about being judged for who people are instead of birth status, I think that they know about me being nonbinary and are trying to win my sympathy. But the next second, it sinks in that she's talking about crests. I suppose it all does come from the same place. The people in power want to be able to define who people are. But Edelgard became a part of that problem the moment she raised her axe against the rest of Fódlan.
And the same day that I get Edelgard's letter, a Daphnel spy tells me they have something to report. They explain that a mysterious force of soldiers passed through Daphnel and Gloucester territory, marching faster than is healthy for an army. They did their best to be discreet, but the Daphnel spies were able to detect them without much trouble. It only makes sense to assume that Gloucester's agents did the same and reported the presence of this army to the Empire.
And the kicker comes in when they say that the mysterious army is raising the banner of the house of Blaiddyd. Right now, the spy's guess is that they are charging into the Empire to avenge Dimitri.
And yes, that's the logical conclusion to come to, but I wonder if there's more. Considering that Byleth was alive all this time, isn't it possible that Dimitri is still out there somewhere?
Crimson Flower chapters have so much to them that there's always a ton of background work that needs to get done, which we see here for Hilda/Lysithea/Nader. I wanted to give Holst more of a role in this story since he never appears on-screen in 3H and there's another reason why it's convenient for me to have him be in charge of city defense. One aspect of Verdant Wind/Silver Snow that interested me is how Judith has an impressive intelligence network due to her seeing that Rhea was taken to Enbarr, and then after her forces join with yours she... doesn't use it a ton.
And it's probably not too hard to tell what's coming next if you've played Verdant Wind. We'll see how it turns out for Claude and the others.
I hope you all have a great day! :)