The Imperial throne room was a large, sprawling hall with a polished floor decorated with a gray-blue diamond pattern. The throne itself was set upon a wide platform with a crimson carpet on the stairs leading up to it.

Sat upon the crimson and gold throne was Emperor Arundel. To a bystander, he appeared the very image of a regal monarch, save for a deep frown on his face. Arundel was irritated and his temper was starting to boil over, though he maintained his composure, keeping it in check.

The source of his irritation was the only other person in the room. Adrian Aquila, the second Flame Emperor, was standing before the throne. The plain black and red robes of the Flame Emperor covered most of his body. Only his short, dark blue hair and his smug face were allowed to be free.

His confident expression remained, even as he spoke with the Emperor of the Adrestian Empire.

"So, he's supposed to be here?" Adrian asked, rhetorically. He lazily checked all around the room. "I don't see him. He's late, it seems."

"The Death Knight will arrive. He has returned to Enbarr. He will not disobey."

"He's not exactly the most stalwart, you know. Who's to say he isn't staving off his responsibilities as much as he can?"

Arundel glared at Adrian. "He knows the consequences of disobedience. As do you."

"Heh. Too true, my Emperor. Too true. However, you don't know everything, nor do you act like you do. There's always going to be something you aren't aware of."

"Perhaps. But the Death Knight is certainly aware of my power. As are you, of course. He is aware of what will become of him should he not do what I tell him."

"Sure, my Emperor…it's exactly as you say."

Arundel quietly groaned to himself as Adrian continued staring at him with his typical expression of complacency. The two men remained within the throne room, quietly waiting for the arrival of the third.

In time, the doors were shoved open. The Death Knight wandered inside, scythe sheathed and without his horse.

"Well, well," Adrian said as he observed the room's third occupant walk towards the red carpet. "You're late."

The Death Knight didn't reply. Instead, he kept walking, soon traversing up the stairs and stopping in front of the throne. The Death Knight and the second Flame Emperor stood rather close to one another.

"As always, you're not one to talk. It's strange, though. Normally, that would make you quite the dull person. But you're just so inherently interesting, Death Knight. I feel as if I'm reading a complex novel by simply looking at you."

"Silence, Flame Emperor," the Death Knight replied. "I care not for your comments."

"Oh, I know you don't care. But you should know: I don't care that you don't care. Understood, friend?"

"I shall rip your tongue from your mouth."

Adrian reacted with mock offense. "Ooh, how aggressive of you. No matter what you say, you won't ever try it. Not with our glorious Emperor watching over us, hmm?"

The second Flame Emperor flickered his gaze over to Arundel, who was frowning at the sight of the argument unfolding before his very eyes.

"Enough. I will not have you two at each others' throats. Not while you are in my throne room. Now, be quiet, the both of you. There is something I wish to discuss. But first," Arundel looked over to the Death Knight, "give me your report on the battle that occurred at Fort Merceus."

"I heard about that one. You utterly failed, didn't you?" Adrian scoffed, also turning to the Death Knight.

The masked commander glared at Adrian from behind his demonic, black mask before returning to facing Arundel.

"Their numbers were vast. They infiltrated our ranks and allowed the rest of their allies to assault the fortress. The two generals under my command betrayed us. And then, Fort Merceus was destroyed."

"I see. How many of the Resistance were killed by the destruction of the fortress city?"

"None. They escaped before it occurred."

Arundel's eyes widened.

"What?!" He exclaimed. His fists clenched, the strain on his arms tightening. He lowered his head, casting it towards the floor. "How is that possible? They should not have been aware of my plan…is this the work of the Fell Star?"

"Emperor? You're mumbling to yourself again. You don't wish to spill out any secrets, do you?" Adrian grinned.

"Hmph." Arundel raised his head. "No matter. There are far more opportunities ahead that will allow us to eliminate them all."

"Confidence…you're sure of your plans, then? You feel as if you can get rid of every last one of them?"

Arundel scowled at Adrian. "Damnation is within their reach. No matter what happens, they will all die."

"Noted." Adrian nodded, his grin remaining. "With that in mind, what's next, my Emperor? What do you think their next move is?"

The Emperor paused, stopping to think and consider all the information he had at hand. He soon answered, addressing nobody in particular.

"They will be coming for Enbarr."

"The capital? Makes sense to me. After all, there's nothing left standing in their way. Fort Merceus was the only thing preventing them from charging straight here. Now that it's gone, thanks to our wonderful friend here…" Adrian gave the Death Knight a sidelong glance. "I suppose they would come for us."

"Indeed. We must ready our defenses and prepare for their attack. They must not be permitted to take the city." Arundel glared at both the Death Knight as well as the Flame Emperor II. "Both of you will take command of the battle in the city streets. Use any means necessary to ensure your victory."

"Of course, my Emperor." Adrian bowed. "I'll be sure to make you proud. Those worms in the Resistance will fall - one way or another."

The Death Knight looked over to Adrian. "Do not underestimate them. Their numbers are vast, and their strength is immense."

"I'm not underestimating anyone, friend. It's simply a fact. They will die. Every last one of them. Don't you agree?"

No response was given from the Death Knight. Adrian merely shrugged and turned his attention back to Arundel.

"Regardless, my Emperor, we'll start preparing everything shortly. Is there anything else you wish to say? The sooner we start, the better."

"No. That is all."

"Understood. Have fun on your own, my Emperor."

Arundel groaned to himself for one final time, as the Flame Emperor and the Death Knight departed from the throne room together. The stone doors slammed shut, causing a loud sound to ring across the largely empty room.

He was alone. Not a single other soul was present. Arundel's expression changed slightly, becoming slightly more venomous. The facade was cracking.

Just in time for a certain someone's arrival. A gray-skinned mage teleported into the throne room, right in front of the throne itself.

"Myson."

"Master Thales," Myson replied, giving his master a bow. "I have heard your call. Is there something you would like me to do?"

"Flee this place. Return to Shambhala."

Myson raised his brows. "Shambhala, our home…? Would I not be more suited to assist with matters here, in the Imperial capital?"

"I already have plans for the Resistance's arrival. You know of them. However, I must be prepared for every possibility."

"Every possibility? Does that mean…?"

Myson gasped.

"You think you could lose, Master? But that's impossible!"

"I am not infallible. Everyone has their limits and their weaknesses. I am not so conceited as to think that I am the exception." Arundel stared straight into Myson's soul through his eyes. "Should I fall here, I will need you to bring down Agartha's wrath upon those who wronged us so long ago."

"I…Master, you-"

"I do not expect to lose, Myson. But it may very well happen. And if that were the case, you would have to be the one to ensure the future of our kind."

"Master…"

Myson's countenance wavered. His brows twitched, but the Agarthan mage quickly composed himself before any further emotion could be shown.

He nodded.

"I accept, I will return to Shambhala."

"Good. If I succeed over the likes of the Resistance, I will return to you. What I have left behind in Shambhala…they would not be required if I were to attain victory here in Enbarr. Have faith, Myson. The hand of Agartha shall smite all those who dare oppose it."

"Y-yes, Master Thales. I wish you the best of luck." Myson bowed. "Goodbye."

In a flash of purple mana, Myson disappeared from the throne room. Arundel was alone again, this time left to his thoughts for a considerable amount of time.

The disguised Agarthan leaned back in his regal seat. A smile appeared on his face.

"Princess…we shall meet again soon."

Garreg Mach Monastery was full of activity. Following the battle at Fort Merceus, the warriors of the Resistance returned to their place of operations. Everyone returned to their usual pastimes, which meant that the training ground was seeing considerable use - among other things.

One of these other things was the quiet, passionate discussions between two Crest researchers. Hanneman was in his office, but he was not alone. Linhardt was with him. The two talked and theorized with one another, looking over the huge piles and masses of paper that were thrown onto the professor's desk. It all looked rather messy, as if the two lacked much of a care for organization in this situation.

They were much more focused on the conversation at hand.

"You believe that would suffice…?" Hanneman wondered as he massaged his chin. "Hmm, I hadn't considered that before. How interesting."

"I know. It took me a while to come to that conclusion, as well." Linhardt frowned. "Unfortunately for the both of us, it doesn't help with anything. But it might help with that other project I was working on…"

"Other project? Of what kind?"

"It's nothing important. Just a small idea I had during my stay at Fort Merceus. I was there for quite some time, you know. There wasn't much to do aside from read, nap, and pursue smaller projects."

"I see, I see…" Hanneman slightly nodded in contemplation. "I suppose this means you haven't made much progress either."

"Nothing significant, I'm afraid. And it seems like you've already come to mostly the same conclusions as I have. Dead ends are rather frustrating."

Hanneman sighed. "Indeed. I feel as if I am about to make a considerable breakthrough, but every time I reach out for the truth, it slips away from me. I am forced to dig deeper, just so that I may have a chance of reaching out once more."

"Ugh, it's so much work. I feel inclined to fall asleep right now."

"If you must do so, then please leave. This office is not the most comfortable place for rest."

"Speaking from experience, I assume?"

Hanneman nodded. Linhardt returned the favor with his own nod, the two sharing in their understanding of one another.

Just then, the door was knocked. A familiar voice came from the other side.

"It's me. Again," Lysithea called from the hallway outside.

"Ah, please do come in, young Lysithea. We've been waiting for you. The door is open, as usual," Hanneman replied.

Seconds later, Lysithea lightly pushed the door open and carefully closed it behind her as she walked in. Her eyes immediately shot over to the desk that was covered with open books and somewhat crumpled papers.

"I see you two have been busy," she commented. "You haven't been neglecting sleep, have you?"

"Of course not. Sleep is rather important for everyone. I would know. I've already had more than ten naps today." Linhardt yawned. "I may have my eleventh soon."

"Uh-huh. Anyway, have you two made any progress yet? I know it's only been a few days since we got back here, but judging from the state of Professor Hanneman's desk, I imagine you two have been working nonstop."

"Indeed we have!" Hanneman smiled. "That is to say, we have indeed been working relentlessly to find a solution to your problem. However, combining our research has not been an easy task. We're still trying to make sense of each other's notes."

Linhardt yawned again and scratched the side of his head. "It's all very fascinating, but it can also be rather dull. We've yet to make any meaningful breakthroughs. Though…"

His brows furrowed as he turned his head to face Lysithea.

"There is…something. Something we've found that you should know." Linhardt's voice gained a serious tone.

"That sounds awfully intense. What is it?" Lysithea's eyebrows straightened, her upper eyelids raising slightly. Her voice lowered, slowly becoming full of uncertainty.

Linhardt said nothing, not until the rest of his body was pointed in Lysithea's direction.

"It's about the removal procedure itself. While we don't know any specifics of how it's performed, there is a particular aspect about it that Hanneman and I agree is likely," Linhardt continued. "I'm just going to outright say it. It's going to hurt. A lot."

Lysithea frowned. "So what? The pain of bearing two Crests is already unbearable on so many levels. I can handle a procedure such as this."

"Even if it'll be as painful as the experiments that gave you those Crests in the first place?"

"Linhardt." Lysithea folded her arms, staring determinedly into the green-haired man's eyes. "I've already lived through that pain once. I can do it again. Don't underestimate me. If removing my Crests can help me live a longer life, then I'll suffer through anything to make that happen."

"Very well. To me, it's unfortunate that you would wish to remove your Crests, considering how much of a fascinating point of study you are. However, if it's truly causing you such pain, then I'll help you remove them. It'll be good to help someone I care about, I think."

Lysithea's mouth widened. "Wait, what?! You…care about me?"

"Indeed." Linhardt's eyes narrowed when he noticed Lysithea's expression. "What? I didn't say anything wrong, did I?"

Lysithea was without words. Her mouth and eyes hung open, her face generally suspended in surprise.

But then she was able to gradually form a smile.

"No…you didn't. Sorry. I'll leave. I got what I came here for, anyway."

"Alright then. I'll be sure to let you know if we come across anything you may find useful."

"Thanks. I-" She caught herself when her eyes briefly flickered over to Hanneman. Lysithea coughed as a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. "G-goodbye…"

Without any additional words shared between them, Lysithea proceeded to depart from Hanneman's office, leaving the elderly professor and Linhardt to get back to their in-depth Crestology discussion. She stared down at the floor as she walked away, intending to hide her face from the scrutinization of the world.

That blush of hers struggled to disappear.

Those within the training ground were using it to its fullest extent. Unloading rapid barrages upon helpless straw dummies, firing arrows into wooden targets, and/or releasing spells of controlled magnitudes. There were quite a few people within the grounds, making use of the facilities available to them.

Caspar was one of them. He was striking a dummy with a fierce and fast flurry of fists, pummeling the straw being's chest with the Training Gauntlets he'd borrowed. He wasn't dealing much damage, but it was an effective means of testing various gauntlet-based fighting techniques. Caspar kept with the flow of his attacks, not letting up, while also taking the opportunity to land his blows in as many places as he could.

After performing a powerful lunging punch, Caspar took a step back and admired his handiwork. The straw dummy was riddled with holes. Many pieces of straw had fallen onto the ground as a result of his training, littering the area around the dummy. Caspar grinned.

"Not bad. I think I'm doing pretty well!" He said to himself. "Sure feels good to be back in a place I like…"

"Your training is having much improving, Caspar."

"GAH!"

Caspar jumped back in a surge of sudden surprise. He turned around, trying to find out whoever it was that just spoke to him.

He deflated when he saw her.

"O-oh, it's just you, Petra…" Caspar nervously laughed. "Ha, I was worried about nothing, I g-guess."

"I have apologies. I was not meaning to scare you. I saw your training and I wanted to be giving you a…compliment." Petra bowed. "Please be forgiving me."

"Whoa, hey, that's no problem. Totally my fault that I wasn't paying attention. Don't worry."

Petra smiled. "Thank you, Caspar. I am glad that you are with us. It makes me happy to see you alive."

"R-really? Are you sure about that?"

"Huh?" Petra's brows furrowed. "Of course…why would I not have certainty?"

Caspar frowned. "But I thought…" He sighed, briefly looking down at the stump where Petra's right arm used to be. "I guess you really don't hate me, then."

"Why would I be hating you?"

"Don't you remember that conversation we had five years ago? About…" Caspar gulped. "Our parents."

Petra grew silent. She glanced at her arm momentarily before refocusing on Caspar's face.

"I remember," she said.

"Oh. Well, I, uh…I've been meaning to tell you this for a long time, Petra, but I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what my father did. If he didn't kill your father, I'm sure you'd be happier right about now. Maybe, um…" Caspar's gaze briefly returned to Petra's stump. "Wait, how'd that even happen? You had two arms when we last met."

"It is…" Petra sighed. "Not important." She shook her head, retaining her neutral expression while staring at Caspar. "I did have realizing because of it, though."

"You realized something? What's that?"

Petra continued staring at Caspar, saying nothing in response to his question. She was in some manner of internal conflict, as evidenced by the small twitches and jitters on her forehead, roughly where her eyebrows were.

Despite her self-contained war, any semblance of a frown or scowl upon Petra's face disappeared. She faintly smiled through the pain.

"Hate only brings hurt. Because of this, it is not good to hate. It hurts you inside. You must be learning to understand and to forgive. That is why I forgive you, Caspar."

"You…forgive me? Does that mean you hated me all along?"

Petra nodded. Her smile faded. "I was once wishing to kill you and take revenge for the death of my father. But I have seen the price of revenge. How it changes you, how it makes you not the person you were before. I have seen it, and it is terrifying. I do not want it to happen to me or to anyone else. I do not wish to be losing anyone. I do not wish to be losing you."

Caspar had no reply. He struggled to come up with anything to say in response, thus he continued staring wordlessly at her until something came to mind.

"I…I didn't think it was that serious. You've seen a lot of stuff, huh? I don't envy you. I think I was pretty lucky, because I didn't get to see any of that. For all my time in the Adrestian military, I've either been at home or at Fort Merceus. I was with Linhardt for the longest time and we didn't get to do much, if anything, despite the fact we were both generals in the army. But you…"

Caspar looked at her, and she looked back.

"You were in Enbarr, in service of the Emperor. I'm sure he was in direct command of you. I only heard a little about what happened over there thanks to all the merchants that came in and brought news of the capital. Including Anna, who managed to get Dorothea's messages to Linhardt and me. Anyway, um, the point is that I've heard it was kinda messed up over there. Innocent people dragged into the dungeons, civilians killed for no real reason…I don't know how you made it through all that."

"It was for my country, for Brigid…" Petra cast her head towards the floor. "The Emperor said he would destroy Brigid if I betrayed him. But now I have betrayed him. I do not have knowing of the fate of my home."

Caspar's eyes widened. "What?! He said that? That's…insane! I can't believe I ever served in his army. Damn!" He scowled. "I wanna give that guy a piece of my mind! Let's go to Enbarr right now! Come on!"

"Caspar, you…why are you so, uh, angry?"

"Because I can't stand it when people like that threaten my friends! I'll give him what's coming to him! Let me at him!"

"I'm…your friend? But I was thinking you were not wanting to be with me. After all, your father killed my father. I thought you were feeling much sadness about that."

"I-" Caspar's intense scowl quickly faded. He blinked. "I…I don't know. I am still sad about it, but there are more important things to worry about, you know? When I hear about all these terrible things happening, I feel like worrying about our fathers is…kind of stupid."

Petra smiled.

"I am feeling the same way. I am not thinking it is, um, stupid, as you say, but I am agreeing that it is not significant. Not anymore. I wish to be moving past it, past everything I have been seeing, with you…with my friends."

Caspar grinned.

"Heh. I'd like that, Petra. I'd love to head into the future with you."

The two of them stared at one another, their expressions of pure happiness inhibiting their suppressed sorrow. Caspar and Petra both ignored the world around them, even as grunts from those that were training near them filled the air.

It caused them to ignore another person's arrival.

"Um…"

A deep, familiar male's voice came from behind them. Petra turned around and Caspar looked behind her.

"Is everything okay?" Lucas asked. "You guys seemed kinda upset. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Oh, Professor, hey! Haven't had a chance to talk to you yet. We haven't seen each other in five years! Looks like you finally woke up, huh?" Caspar replied with a smile.

"Uh, yeah, I did. I didn't mean to fall asleep for so long, but I guess that just kinda happened. What about you? Has everything been good with you?"

"I'd say so. The military didn't use me for a whole lot, so I didn't get involved with their attacks and sieges and stuff like that. On one hand, I wish I got the opportunity to knock some heads together. But on the other hand…" He glanced at Petra. "I'm glad I didn't."

Lucas' countenance tightened, his demeanor becoming serious. "So you weren't taken in by Arundel's propaganda…good." He sighed in relief.

"Propa...ganduh?" Petra tilted her head in confusion.

"Prop-uh-gan-da," Lucas replied. He waved it off. "Don't worry about it, Petra. It's not important. Anyway, have you guys seen Edelgard anywhere? It's time for a war council. She kinda needs to be there."

"Edelgard? I am believing I was seeing her in the corner, training with Ferdinand." Petra pointed to the far corner of the training grounds. Her face perked up. "Oh! They are still here."

"Huh? Didn't even know they were here at all. Wait, they're training together? That's kinda weird." Caspar looked in the general direction Petra had been pointing in.

"Those two sure have been with each other a lot…" Lucas commented. He shrugged. "Oh well. It's not good to speculate on things like this. Being teased isn't particularly fun. Thanks for the help, Petra."

"You are welcome, Professor."

Lucas smiled at the Brigidian princess before leaving. He left them to their business, whatever it was they wished to do, as he wandered diagonally through the middle of the training grounds.

In the very corner, he found Edelgard and Ferdinand sparring with one another. She was wearing heavy, leather training armor while he was wearing a lighter version of the same.

Edelgard's Training Axe collided with Ferdinand's Training Lance. She used her might to force the spear to her right, winning the short-lived power struggle that occurred between them. Edelgard then released her axe from the struggle and quickly swung upwards, cutting a deep slash and creating a mark upon Ferdinand's armor.

"I win. Again," she said with a smirk. "Is that all you have?"

"No! I still have more within me…this can't be my limit!"

"Then we'll keep going until you have nothing left. Your fighting sense has been dulled from your time in the dungeon, but I can see that your innate ability and strength have not disappeared. We will simply have to resurface it. To do so, we must train until it happens. We mustn't stop for anything…"

"Edelgard?" Lucas called out once he got closer.

"O-oh!" Edelgard jumped in place, stopping what she was doing and turning around to greet the cause of her surprise. "Oh. My teacher, you startled me."

"Sorry, didn't mean to do that. You're okay, right? I didn't cause any problems here…?" He looked between Edelgard and Ferdinand, checking the scene.

"No, it's fine. Thank you for your concern. Is there something you need?"

"Um, I need you. There's a war council about to happen and I figured I'd fetch you since you weren't there. Are you ready to go?"

Edelgard gazed at Ferdinand, who proceeded to nod. She returned to Lucas. "I'm ready. Let us depart, my teacher."

"Oh, good. Let's go, then. See you later, Ferdinand."

"Y-you too, Professor…" Ferdinand nervously waved. "Will you return when the council has concluded, Edelgard?"

"Most likely. You don't need to worry, Ferdinand. Work on your form while I am gone."

"Understood. I'll be waiting for you."

Ferdinand nodded, getting into position and readying himself for some further personal training. Edelgard let him be, following Lucas out of the training grounds.

The middle floor of the central building was their destination.

As the Resistance's top commanders, generals, and its trusted seer made their way to the meeting, there was someone who sat on their own. Within the courtyard beside one of the doors that led to the dining hall, Dorothea was seated upon a bench. It was up against a hedge and was somewhat secluded from the main stone path that led through the area.

Such seclusion was sufficient for Dorothea. It gave her time to breathe, to be on her own, and to be lost in her thoughts for as long as she needed to be.

The former songstress looked up to the cloudy sky above. Small openings within the blanket of gray gave way to the calm blue the clouds were covering. Dorothea sighed and leaned back on the bench.

"It's about to rain soon, isn't it?" She thought. "I wouldn't be surprised if it did."

Her brows corrugated into a frown.

"Makes sense, at least. It's like the world itself is weeping for all those that have passed. Even it knows the weight of all the lives that were lost. That's more than I can say for some people out there."

The look in her eyes changed slightly, gaining melancholy.

"But can I say that for myself? Do I truly understand the weight of everything, or am I just fooling myself? Am I playing around in an area I don't understand, dealing with things far beyond my level? Am I…?"

She slightly shook her head.

"No, I can't be. Everyone else is either a noble that's prepared to handle all these serious things, or someone that's had a rough upbringing and was able to claw their way out of their situation by their own hands. Meanwhile, here I am, just…"

Dorothea looked down at her trembling hands. She smirked.

"Heh, I'm so pathetic. Can't even keep my composure. How have I ever managed to get any dates?"

She paused briefly.

"Now that's something I haven't thought about in a long time. I haven't had a date since five years ago. In that time, I've only grown. And I'll continue to grow until I get so old that nobody would ever wanna take me out. Is that my fate? Am I destined…to die alone?"

Dorothea shivered. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself, hoping for any semblance of warmth.

"Goddess…I shouldn't be doing this here. It's only gonna make things worse. I should just go to my room, and-"

She breathed in and out.

"Yeah. I-I'll…I'll go. I need to get away from everything and everyone."

Dorothea gradually rose from her seat and started to walk away, heading towards the room that was given to her during her time at the Officers Academy. As she departed from the courtyard, her mind continued to wander.

"Huh. I think I'm beginning to understand Bern a little more now. Spending time on your own…that's what I need to do right now."

Her body tensed up as she walked.

"But it's not what I deserve, isn't it…?"

Dorothea's thoughts lingered for a while longer, even as she approached her former dormitory room.

The war council was slowly coming together. Its participants were gradually entering the room and taking their seats. Seteth sat at the largest chair, silent, as the seats surrounding the meeting table filled up with the Resistance's commanders and generals.

Once everyone had arrived, Seteth addressed them all.

"Greetings. I am happy to announce that our first battle as a combined military was a success. We were able to eliminate the single greatest obstacle that was obstructing our path to the Imperial capital. We even recruited two familiar allies. It was quite a success, I must say. Thank you all for your valiant efforts."

"I'm not sure we can call it a complete success," said Catherine. "After all, the whole damn city got annihilated. Imagine all the lives that were lost…"

"It could be worse. If we didn't know those javelins would appear, we would likely have had some casualties of our own," Shamir replied. "Not to make light of all those who died."

"Without us, there'd be nobody to fight the Empire. We should be glad we got out of there alive." Jeralt folded his arms.

"Indeed." Seteth nodded. "Lucas' prediction may very well have saved some of our lives."

Several glances were shot in Lucas' direction. He tried his best to ignore them all, yet he still began to sweat.

"Either way, Fort Merceus is no longer an obstacle. We now have a clear path to the capital. That will be our next destination. The war with the Adrestian Empire shall soon come to an end," Seteth continued.

The more energetic members of the meeting's participants smiled and raised their fists but lowered them when Seteth coughed, garnering all their attention.

"It is too early to celebrate. We still have yet to take Enbarr. No doubt that it will be the most heavily guarded and fortified city we have, or will ever, attack. Victory may seem within our reach, but in truth, it is still quite far away."

"Seteth's right. Enbarr's not gonna be an easy one to take. That's where the Emperor is, so of course, they're gonna wanna put up all their best defenses. They have to make sure their leader's safe," Claude said, leaning forward in his seat.

"We must not back down. For the future of Fódlan, we must defeat Emperor Arundel, no matter what defenses the Imperial army has prepared." Dimitri stared at Claude with resolution in his eyes.

"Oh, I completely agree. We're not gonna get anywhere without at least trying to take that guy out. But if we wanna be able to pull it off, then we're gonna need a good strategy." Claude grinned. "Fortunately, I've got just that."

Seteth arched his brow. "Please do share, Claude. I am curious to know how you feel we should approach our assault on the Imperial capital."

"Sure, but I don't think I should be the one to share these plans. I don't know too much about Enbarr, so I got some help with this one. Makes sense to ask them to share what we came up with." Claude looked over at the person who provided him with such assistance. "Edelgard, would you like to do the sharing this time?"

The white-haired princess nodded. "Very well, I shall. Do you have the map with you?"

Claude immediately pulled out a large, rolled up piece of paper from somewhere within his robes. "I never leave the room without it. Here you go!" He slid it over to her from across the table.

"Thank you," she said before grabbing the paper.

Once she had it, Edelgard pulled the rolled-up paper closer to her so she could get a better grip. She then untied the knot that held it together and allowed it to unroll itself. The beige paper fell flat upon the table, showing its contents to all those within the room.

It was a shoddy, colorless drawing of a moderately accurate Enbarr. Several markings were strewn across the makeshift map, including a large, bold and black square that covered an area close to where the grandest building appeared to be.

Edelgard pointed to the map with her whole right hand.

"This is a map of Enbarr that Claude and I worked on last night," she said. "We have planned out what may be the most efficient strategy for our assault. It involves us having to split our army into three separate groups, though one of them will need more troops than the rest."

Using a finger, Edelgard pointed more closely to a wide pathway that was close to the edge of the square.

"This will be where the main group focuses their attack. As there is more space within this area, the Imperial army is likely to position more troops here. I can also imagine this is where they may choose to position some of their Demonic Beasts, as it's the only viable place for them," Edelgard continued. "There's a plaza here, which is where the Opera Hall is located, as well as the Church. This would very likely become quite the spread out battle."

"In a situation like that, it'd be easy to get lost in the battle. We gotta stick together, or else they'll pick us all off," Claude added.

Edelgard nodded. "He's right. Those in the main group would need to stay together and ensure they are not surrounded by the enemy."

She moved her finger over to the top right corner of the square, which was separated from the area she was previously pointing at with a deeply shaded, long rectangle.

"A smaller group should approach from here. The river separates this area from the rest of the city, though several bridges lead to where the main battle should be taking place. The purpose of this smaller group should be to eliminate any Imperial forces that would be likely to attempt a pincer formation from here. Once they are finished, they should attempt to assist the third group."

Edelgard once again moved her finger, holding it over to an area of small squares and rectangles beneath the location she had previously focused on.

"The third group will be here. Their purpose is much the same as the second, except they'll be taking care of the enemies down here, rather than up there. As soon as all the enemies on this side of the battlefield are gone, then the second and third groups should meet up and reconvene with the first in the plaza. We will then enact a final push towards the palace. Another squadron of Imperial soldiers may attempt to block our way, but they should not be able to overcome our combined might."

"And that's it, pretty much. We haven't worked out exactly who's gonna be in each group, but we'll come to that eventually. What does everyone think? Any objections?" Claude asked, looking around the table.

Nobody said anything. They all either nodded, murmured in assent, or did both. Claude grinned.

"Alright, good. What about you, Teach?" His gaze landed on Lucas. "Have they got any secret plans they might use?"

"What about those…javelins? Are they likely to appear?" Alois wondered.

Lucas thought for a moment and shook his head. "No…I don't think so. To both questions. This always ends up being a simple battle, despite how important it is. No secrets, no hidden traps - no nothing. We might have to worry about the battle inside the palace, though."

"Why's that?" Claude raised a brow.

"Because that's when something unexpected tends to happen. In one future…" Lucas fought the urge to glance at Edelgard. "The Emperor uses some kind of dark magic to become extremely powerful. But things are so different now…I'm not sure what'll end up happening, exactly."

"Got it. We need to watch out for the Emperor. As long as we're all together, I'm sure we can stop whatever that guy does. He won't be able to overcome the combined forces of Duke Riegan of the Alliance, the King of Faerghus, the rightful Emperor of Adrestia, and the Church of Seiros - no matter how strong he becomes."

"Hmph, indeed." Dimitri nodded. "We shall not succumb to his power."

"I agree. There may not be any inherent safety in numbers, but there is strength in togetherness. That is what the Resistance embodies: Fódlan's three nations, together as one," said Seteth.

"Absolutely…" Claude leaned back in his seat with a smile.

"The sooner we get this damn war over and done with, the sooner Fódlan can start healing. There's only one battle to go until that can start happening. I don't know about you all, but I'm excited," Judith said, a grin on her face.

Lucas smiled along, appreciating the calming and motivating words of those around him. However, his eyes suddenly widened. He glanced at Edelgard, then Claude, and finally Dimitri, before focusing on Seteth.

"Um, this won't be the final battle…"

"What?" Judith stared at the black-haired man. "How is it not gonna be the final battle? We'll be fighting against the Emperor himself. Sounds pretty 'final' to me."

"But there's still-"

Seteth raised a hand, silencing Lucas. "You are both correct. While there may still be some battles to come in the future, our assault on the Imperial capital will be our last fight with the Adrestian Empire. Edelgard should then be able to succeed to the throne. Once that happens, the Empire will no longer be a threat to Fódlan's peace. We shall concern ourselves with future events when they occur."

Lucas stuttered, failing to say anything coherent. He decided to remain quiet, as did Judith and everyone else.

Seteth took another wide, sweeping glance around the room, his eyes meeting with those of the meeting's participants.

"This battle will also have a secondary purpose," he said. "Lady Rhea, the Archbishop of the Church of Seiros, is hidden somewhere within Enbarr, likely inside of the palace. We must rescue her for her sake, as well as for the church itself."

"That's an absolute must." Catherine scowled at nobody in the room. "I will personally break her out of wherever she's being held, no matter who's guarding her."

"Calm yourself. You can't do that if you charge in, blinded by rage. We'll do it together, partner." Shamir put a hand on Catherine's shoulder. "I've still got a debt to repay."

"The Knights of Seiros can't work properly without the Archbishop! We have to save her!" Alois exclaimed. "No offense, Captain."

Jeralt waved it off. "None taken. I'm not the one doing her work for her." He looked at Seteth. "He is. If anything, he should be offended."

Seteth shook his head. "I am not. However, I do feel an intense desire to save the Archbishop. She is a dear friend of mine. I must save her."

"We'll get her. Don't worry, Seteth." Claude smiled at him.

He returned the favor with one of his own.

"Thank you, Claude. I can only hope the Archbishop is safe…"

Seteth closed his eyes for a moment and breathed a calming sigh. When he reopened his eyes, his expression was stern and resolute.

"I believe that is all. By the end of the month, we shall begin our assault on the Imperial capital, using the plan Edelgard and Claude have devised for us. Emperor Arundel shall be defeated, and Archbishop Rhea shall be saved."

Seteth gave everyone a final glance.

"For the sake of Fódlan, we must succeed. No matter what," he continued. "That is all I have to say. Everyone, you are dismissed. You may leave and prepare for what may become the fiercest battle we have yet to partake in. May the goddess be with you all."

Everyone nodded and proceeded to depart from the meeting room. The next battle was on the horizon, one that would determine the fate of the continent as a whole.

The end of the war was near.

Author's Notes: I said the next one would be out real soon. Here it is! Next chapter's gonna cover the events of the Enbarr battle, so stay tuned for that! Gonna be quite the event, I'll say that much for sure.

Thanks again to Frost for beta reading.

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