At the start of the next moon, You rise to your feet and begin preparing for the day ahead. Seraphine speaks to You as per usual.
Seraphine: I hope that Raina has settled in alright… I don't want her to feel tense or miserable while she's here, especially considering that she doesn't have any other place to go back to anymore…
You say that You will do your best to go and speak with her whenever You have the chance.
Seraphine: Yes, that sounds like a good idea… For now, we should go and see what the others have to say about the plan for the moon. They've got to have something for us to do.
You nod and make your way to the cardinals' room. As expected, your allies are gathered there, and the air is tense with anxiety.
Cordelia: We should probably buckle down and do what we can to prepare for the worst. At this point, I feel like it's our only option.
Roy: As much as I hate to say it, I agree. I want to do more in the name of helping the Kingdom and the Alliance, but…
Nesreen: We won't be able to help anyone if we're dead, and right now, we can't risk having that happen.
You ask what is going on.
Niko: The Empire's army is still growing stronger. We probably can't risk leaving the monastery for any missions this moon.
Jill: There's a chance that they're trying to strike at the rebellion forces that are still growing in the south, but we can't take the chance that they do something else and come our way.
Reese: No matter what, we're going to need to be on guard for when they arrive. If they set their sights on the Kingdom or Alliance…
Adrian: The war is going to get a lot harder for us, and we're barely finding our footing now as it is. It would be…
Herwig: It might be for the best for us to buckle down as much as we can this moon and see what we can accomplish without getting into too much trouble.
Aisa: I suppose that the choice has already been made for us… Alright. We will do everything in our power to prepare for a potential attack on the monastery from the Empire.
Cordelia: Doesn't this feel nostalgic? Five years ago, we were in the same situation… But we didn't realize that this was what was happening until it was too late.
Roy: They surprised us five years ago, but they won't have the advantage this time. We know what to expect, and we'll do everything in our power to take that triumph and run with it.
Niko: I hope that we're ready to face the Empire forces if they do decide to shift their attention in our direction… It's not going to be easy to fend them off.
Nesreen: You're right… We know that they might be coming for us though, and that means that we can defend ourselves, but…
Herwig: That might not count for much if their forces are too strong. The Empire takes up half the continent, doesn't it?
Reese: Damn it… We'll have to do what we can to keep the town safe too. The people have only just started feeling secure again now that we're back here.
Jill: I suppose that we should go on and get to work in doing our best to defend this place then. We've got a lot to do.
Adrian: I wish that we weren't in this situation again… I was hoping that this would never come to pass a second time, but…
Aisa: We will do everything in our power to succeed. Please… Do all that you can in order to stay safe, everyone. This battle will not be easily won should the Empire turn their attention towards us.
You watch as many of your allies start to leave the cardinals' room, but You pause before turning to Aisa. You ask if she believes that the leader of Malice will be turning her attention towards the monastery.
Aisa: It would not surprise me if she had something to do with this… She no doubt intends to bring the monastery and the people within to its knees whenever the chance appears before her.
You hesitate before asking if there is anything she is willing to share with You.
Aisa: …Time does much to wear on a soul, and when you have lived for eternities… You lose the footing that most others stand on. I pray that she does not attack yet, but…
You ask if she is ready to talk about the truth behind the leader of Malice.
Aisa: No… But I suspect that there will be no time for me to change my mind.
You nod, knowing that she is right.
Aisa: I can only hope for the best for everyone… May the goddess look fondly upon us all…
You leave the cardinals' room soon afterwards, making your way back to your room. Seraphine speaks to You when You arrive.
Seraphine: I suppose that we're finally on the verge of hearing what's really going on behind this war… At least what's going on from Aisa's perspective. I suppose that we'll have to hear her out when she's ready to talk… Or when she's not ready to talk.
You say that You want to do everything in your power to defend the town from any potential attacks from the Empire in the meantime.
Seraphine: I knew you would say that… It's a shame that we're in this position to begin with, but I suppose that we don't have much of a choice in the matter. So be it. The Empire made its choice, and the path was set five years ago… Even if we wish it wasn't so.
You nod and say that You will not let Argades' intentions stop You from defending those who have been unable to defend themselves up to this point.
Seraphine: This world is lucky to have you… And I have no doubt that they'll see it soon enough.
You start to move towards the Officers Academy to begin your rounds of the monastery. You start in the courtyard, finding Reese and Raina engaged in conversation.
Reese: How are you settling in? Are you feeling alright?
Raina: It's certainly going to take me a while to get used to it fully, but… I think I'm feeling better than I did before.
Reese: I… I'm sorry for springing all of this on you.
Raina: No… I was going to have to find out the truth eventually, and that's not your fault. I'm… I'm glad that we've been able to talk about all of this though.
Reese: Me too… I've missed you.
Raina: I think I have too.
You also find Cassia in the area, watching the two siblings fondly.
Cassia: I remember hearing about Raina during my time as an academy student. Professor Schweighen mentioned her from time to time, and he always got such a sad look in his eyes when he thought of her… I'm glad that they're back together again now. They've both earned it.
In the Golden Deer classroom, You find Lev.
Lev: I wonder what we're going to do next… Everyone seems so afraid of an attack from the Empire that we don't have any concrete ideas for a mission yet, so we'll simply have to wait and see where that takes us, I suppose… I'm really hoping all of this paranoia is for nothing though.
You move to the training hall next, finding Piers inside.
Piers: We've certainly gathered a peculiar band of people here, haven't we? I'm glad that we've been able to look out for those who need it even in times of war, but… I hope that doesn't turn out to be a mistake as long as the Empire is breathing down our necks…
You also speak with Miriam there.
Miriam: Captain Torryn has been running herself ragged trying to keep everything in its proper place in case the monastery is attacked. If the Empire does turn its attention in our direction, we're going to need all of this though. A month isn't long enough for us to prepare, but hopefully it'll do at least something to help us…
You leave the training hall, and on your way to the lower floor of dorms, You see Aquillus.
Aquillus: I don't know if you heard, but the fighters down in the Empire are apparently making more progress in liberating the lands under Argades' rule… My parents fell recently because of the rebellion. If only I knew who was behind all of this… I would thank them for that in a heartbeat.
When you reach the lower floor of dorms, You see Nora.
Nora: Luciana, the general who came to our aid last moon, was a student here at the Officers Academy the year before all of us arrived. She was at the top of her class it seems, and that meant that she was easily able to rise to the ranks as a fighter under Magnolia when the war began. I'm glad we could see her again. Her help was certainly appreciated.
You also find Falon a bit farther down the row.
Falon: As it turns out, us pushing through to Schweighen territory and claiming it for Magnolia has made things in the Kingdom much easier to handle. That's what my mother told me in her recent letter, at the very least. It seems things are looking up for us after all.
You rise to the second floor of dorms, seeing Zelhira in the hallway.
Zelhira: The rebellion in Adrestia is still making great progress with all that's happening. Even with the Empire gathering its forces, they're fighting with everything they have… I heard that they plan to take out BAzler as soon as they get the chance to as well. Imagine how perfect that would be…
You return downstairs and enter the greenhouse, finding Cedric inside.
Cedric: I can't help but wonder what Argades' gambit is in the long term… He originally wanted the throne of the Empire, but if he intends on making this a full takeover of Fódlan, then he's going to be marching on the Kingdom and Alliance with time… I pray that's not the case, but I feel like I already know what he's going to try and do as long as the rest of us are still making progress in taking back the other countries.
Just outside the greenhouse, You see Jill.
Jill: Janae has been feeling better as of a few days ago. She's not spending all her time in the infirmary anymore, and she seems to be moving past her exhaustion at long last. I'm glad for it. She shouldn't have to be locked to her bed forever because of what happened five years ago.
Near the fishing dock, You cross paths with Erika and Herwig who are engaged in conversation.
Herwig: Are you sure that you should be up and moving around like this? I don't want you to push yourself too hard.
Erika: You don't need to worry about me, Herwig. I'm feeling much better now than I was previously, and I can't stay in the infirmary forever.
Herwig: I suppose not, but… I'm worried about you after all that's happened. I can't help it.
Erika: You don't need to worry. It's alright. But… I appreciate the concern.
Herwig: What else are brothers for?
You also see Nesreen in the area.
Nesreen: Lady Aisa has been more paranoid as of late… I think she knows what's coming when it comes to the attack from the Empire. It's the leader of Malice consolidating forces to come and face us head-on… At least we'll finally be able to learn more about her if she does that. Goddess knows that Lady Aisa hasn't been willing to share anything about her unless she absolutely has to…
You head towards the dining hall next, seeing Florence there.
Florence: I'm hoping that all of this fuss about the Empire attacking turns out to be for nothing. It's probably just wishful thinking, but we need to get out there and do as much as we can to help others, and we can't do that if we're locked up here. If Argades is going to attack, I just want to get it over with… At least then we'll be able to start recuperating sooner, right?
You also find Kyle in the dining hall.
Kyle: I'm hoping that Raithius will be able to meet up with us soon. I know that he already said that he would help us out, but… I guess I'm getting a bit anxious with how worked up everybody else is. We need help, and we need it sooner rather than later. Everybody knows it.
Last but not least, You find Wolfgang there.
Wolfgang: According to my friend in the Alliance, Raithius says that there are about two moons left before he'll be able to claim full dominion over Leicester again. He's always been pretty good about sticking to timelines like this thanks to Novalee, so I trust his judgement. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing him again, to say the least.
You head towards the marketplace, and You see Adrian wandering through the stalls.
Adrian: It's a shame that we weren't able to stick around with Luciana for a bit longer. The two of us were students in the same year at the Officers Academy. Most of our class went their separate ways, so it's nice to see her again. I hope she's part of the group that comes to meet with us again when Magnolia is finally ready to form a full alliance with the church.
You see Sofia in the market as well.
Sofia: My brother is apparently staying with Raithius now… With House Ruden out of the way, Conrad is sticking around with Raithius until the end of the war. He's become a valuable member of the team back in Derdriu, it seems. Who would have thought? Not me, that's for sure.
You head for the stables from there, and You find Hegias near the horses.
Hegias: We haven't seen any traces of Evenor in months… I have to wonder if she's hiding in the Empire given the circumstances of Argades probably being closely allied with her. If that's the case, then she could be here at the end of the moon… Though I really hope that's not the case.
You make for the entrance hall from there, seeing Tuncay soon after your arrival.
Tuncay: It might be a bit of wishful thinking, but I'm hoping that those rebel forces will take the opportunity presented by the Empire attacking to come and join up with us. We could use the help, and I'm sure they could too. Why not make things easier for everybody? They should consider it at least.
You also see Aestlyn in the area.
Aestlyn: Luciana's a kind woman. She took up the mantle of being a retainer for Magnolia soon after the war began, and she does her job well. Unfortunately, I doubt we'll be able to see her again until after everything has been dealt with in Faerghus… I hope that goes as smoothly as possible.
Next, You cross paths with Karim.
Karim: I'm sure I'm not the only one who's heard about this, but a few people have thought they say Bazler slinking around the Empire. It seems like he's still kicking… I hope he's put out of the picture as soon as possible. The less we have to deal with him, the better off all of us will be. Maybe we can count on that rebellion to take care of him… The goddess only knows somebody needs to get rid of him.
Finally, You encounter Rodain.
Rodain: We've been doing everything we can to try and help the people in the town to stay as safe as possible. There's a lot to do in order to keep them safe, but we have to at least try. We can't just sit back and watch them be trampled on if the Empire really does attack… Nobody could ever live with guilt like that.
Your next destination is the reception hall. The first person You speak with there is Wynne.
Wynne: It's a shame that we're under so much pressure all the time. It seems like we can never catch much of a break these days. I know that's kind of how war goes, but… Really? A potential attack from the Empire? Can't we even have a few minutes to relax every once in a while?
You also find Yuliya in the reception hall.
Yuliya: To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not entirely looking forward to working together with the queen… It could be helpful, yes, but… My thoughts on Faerghus as a whole are complex, and I don't think I want to get caught up in it if I can help it. She seems to be doing her job well, but… It's a complicated situation. That's all there is to it.
Next, You cross paths with Tsubasa.
Tsubasa: Because everyone has been buckling down to get ready for this next invasion, Abyss has been receiving even fewer supplies. It's par for the course since we're always the last people others think about, but… It certainly makes my job of looking after the people there a lot harder. I'm doing what I can, but it's hard.
You head to the knights' hall from there, and You find Ansel looking over the graves on the way.
Ansel: I wonder if we'll all still be here in a month's time… The Empire certainly destroyed us effortlessly last time that there was an invasion with the monastery as the target. Perhaps this will be our last chance to enjoy the monastery and we don't even know it. How twisted would that be?
In the knights' hall itself, You find Kaeta.
Kaeta: I've been trying to do as much as I can to help Captain Torryn through all of this. I can tell that she's stressed, and if there's anything I can do to pitch in, I want to at least try. I hope that we're able to figure out a way to mount a defense sooner rather than later… She's been pushing herself way too hard, and everyone knows it.
You also find Cordelia there.
Cordelia: If you ask me, there's no way that the Empire isn't marching in our direction. If they were trying to capture the rebels, they wouldn't need such a large force. The revolution is being led by a small and secretive group. The fact that they're stockpiling so much tells me that their target is the monastery… And we'll just have to be ready for that.
Inside the cathedral, You cross paths with Illona.
Illona: I want to do nothing but hide up here and wait for the attack to run its course, but I know that's not going to be possible. All of us are afraid of the battle to come, but we can't back down now. We've come this far, and we can't surrender… Even if it leads to disaster.
You speak with Callisto next.
Callisto: I have to wonder who's leading this big attack towards the monastery honestly. Last time, Argades was the one behind it, but he's too busy running the Empire right now, so that's not going to happen… Maybe Lady Aisa knows. She's been keeping a lot of secrets from everybody these days, especially those outside her inner circle… It's honestly really freaking me out.
You encounter Adeline from there.
Adeline: I've heard that a few high-ranking members of the church have sent out requests for aid to the Kingdom and Alliance just in case we get attacked. That's probably our best chance at getting through all of this in one piece… Gods above, the dread is already getting to me, and it's only going to get worse from here.
Finally, You run into William.
William: Bazler's been on the run as of late, you know. He's been lacking in an estate to call his own ever since we attacked it five years ago. I get the impression that not even his allies like him much… I almost hope that somebody decides to turn against him sooner rather than later, you know? It would certainly save us the trouble.
You move towards Abyss from there, descending beneath the monastery before crossing paths with Ernst near the entrance.
Ernst: I think everyone is starting to get even more paranoid now than ever about Eli and Quinn not being here. Abyss doesn't necessarily have any leaders, but the two of them tend to get along well with everyone. I can't help but wonder what they're up to now to begin with… It must be something significant for them to still be gone.
You see Magnus in the library.
Magnus: The monastery was built for the purpose of being as impenetrable and secure as possible generations ago by Saint Seiros. Since then, it seems as if that idea has fallen apart… But we'll do everything we can to maintain our control now. Those dastards aren't going to get the better of us quite yet, not as long as we have something to say about it.
You enter the Wilting Rose Inn and find Grey.
Grey: Argades must have figured out who exactly is staying here. That's likely why he's launching an attack. He wouldn't be doing this unless he thought we were a threat… I feel like I should be honored that he's intimidated by us, but all I really want is to get rid of him so that this won't be a problem anymore… What a thoroughly frustrating man.
You also see Taiyin there.
Taiyin: No matter how much I try to tell myself that we know what we're doing and that we'll be fine, I can't seem to believe it. I haven't been this anxious in a long time… We can't prepare for a siege so quickly. Ugh… Why won't Argades just up and die already?! It would save us all a lot of trouble!
Your next destination is Chrysalis Row, and You find Saias in the boys' dorm room.
Saias: I want to try and keep myself calm even in the face of the upcoming attack, but… I just can't do it. I know that we're going to give the fight everything we have if the Empire does come, but I can't help it. I don't think a person is meant to be under this much stress…
You find Gabriel in the trash room.
Gabriel: Abyss has been short on supplies lately, even more so than usual, so I've decided to see what I can scrounge together here… The simple way of putting it is that it's not much. It's something, but we're going to need more than this. We're going to need a lot more than everything we've been given.
You head back up to the monastery and move towards the second floor. You see Janae standing in the audience chamber on her own.
Janae: I've been feeling better as of late, so I've tried to walk around the monastery… It is rather exhausting though, I'm afraid, so I can't go far yet. The last five years have done a lot to wear on my body even if I was asleep… I can only pray my strength will return in full one day.
Roy can be found in the office just off the audience chamber watching Janae.
Roy: I'm glad that Janae is feeling better. I don't want her to get hurt or anything though, so I've been trying to keep an eye on her when she wanders the monastery… It gives me at least a little something to do aside from prepare for the upcoming attack.
Your next destination is the library, and You see Derric and Niko inside.
Niko: I'm looking forward to hopefully being able to meet with the leaders of this rebellion down in the Empire.
Derric: They've done quite a bit up to this point… Including…
Niko: …They brought it on themselves. I don't care what comes of their deaths.
Derric: We'll have to see what the rebel leaders have to say when we finally do have the chance to speak with them. I'm sure it will be something to behold.
Niko: I'll have to thank them… As twisted as it is to say.
You move towards the third floor last but not least, and You find Aisa looking out over the rest of the monastery.
Aisa: If we are unlucky, this place could once again become a bloody battlefield… All my years of care… I pray that our defense is successful. If not…
You do not hear a follow up from Aisa, and You resolve to leave her alone. With your day of exploration finished, You head back to your room before speaking to Seraphine.
Seraphine: It feels like we're simply waiting for the hammer to drop and destroy us all… I know that it's the only choice that we have, but…
You shake your head and say that You will fight with all that You have when the time comes.
Seraphine: I know… I'm hoping that maybe we'll finally be able to hear more from Aisa about what we're fighting against. We've been fumbling in the dark for so long, and I'm so tired of this… Her lack of honesty is killing us.
You nod your agreement, a small frown on your face.
Seraphine: But we're not going to get anywhere by moping about it. We need to be as ready as we can be for a potential fight at the end of the battle. First though, we need to get some more rest. The goddess only knows we won't stand a chance without it…
You nod once more before laying down for the night. You are uncertain as to what the coming month will bring, but You want to be ready to face it with everything You have. Regardless of the Empire's next move, You must be prepared. The thought haunts your dreams all night long, but when You awaken, You never remember the phantoms that danced through your mind…
keyboard issues suck
-Digital