Edelgard moved from Manuela's desk to her usual spot as the others left. Exact positions were requested and assigned a few days after the initial meeting.
She looked at the work she still had to do, sighed, then turned towards Hubert. He came purely to know who would go where—he usually lingered after meetings until someone needed Edelgard for something he preferred to do himself.
"The soldiers from Enbarr still haven't crossed the Great Bridge?"
"No, despite having plenty of time." He frowned—it was closer to a scowl, really. "They last reported to be having troubles in Hrym territory, as well as a few sightings of certain mages."
"Thales is trying to slow us down, then?"
"It's a possibility. As of yet, it's nothing more than minor aggression and provocation. I've already asked Jeritza to return to avoid or lessen any later issues, in the event his stand-in can't handle it."
She would have protested, if she wasn't already prepared to ask for it to be done.
"Thank you for handling it quickly, but please let me know beforehand," Edelgard said.
Hubert didn't look entirely apologetic nor willing to agree, but nonetheless nodded. She carried on with the main point after a moment, glancing at the map of Fódlan that stayed on Manuela's desk after war councils.
"Still, Hrym territory is an odd place to hinder them," Edelgard mused. "There's been a stand-in while Jeritza fights here, yes, but Aegir lands are similar—and closer to Enbarr. They could've stopped them before we heard news of them coming."
"Perhaps they can replace any killed mages more easily near Hrym," Hubert said. The look he cast her wasn't exactly cautious, but it advised caution. "Or they could be looking for an over-analysis. They're little more than distractions at the moment; although nothing should be dismissed, for now they're not a direct threat."
Edelgard didn't like how there wasn't much she could do aside from keep it in mind. The first step had to be ending the war she already started—if she could fight against those who slither in the dark while doing so, even better, but she had to be smart with her choices. She didn't want to rush things and make a mistake she couldn't rectify.
After a moment, she sat down with her work and began looking through it. She noticed Hubert was prepared to let her be for now when someone came to the door.
"Urgent news from Arianrhod!"
…
"I didn't intend on calling you all here again until everyone was ready to head out," Edelgard said, "But there has been a change in plans."
A few of the Black Eagles and the mercenaries were gathered back in the classroom, only a few hours after they left. Judging from their expressions, they expected to hear something tragic. The quick request to come likely didn't help.
"Initially, you were going to head in different directions and claim the remaining Kingdom territories," Edelgard summarized. "Word was just received, however, that Kingdom forces have started to attack Arianrhod."
"Much like Count Rowe's attempt to take the fort, for now the opposition is rather light," Hubert continued, scowling as he spoke. "Carrying out the attacks is none other than members and knights of houses Fraldarius and Gautier, along with some surviving knights from Galatea."
There was a brief silence, then Monica frowned. "Are there any mages?"
Not everyone knew about those who slither in the dark—their intentions, or even their existence at present—so Edelgard understood it as her discreet way of asking after it. Byleth gave a small frown when she heard it as well.
"Mages are in the area, but not actively attacking," Edelgard explained. "As far as we can tell, the Kingdom's forces moved on their own and without any outside provocation. There's been some trouble with the soldiers coming from Enbarr, but the two events seem unrelated."
"Is my father still in Arianrhod?" Caspar asked, only slightly concerned.
"He is," Edelgard confirmed, "But they're in a better position than when they were trapped in the Alliance. The Kingdom seems more interested in drawing more soldiers out than pulling off a successful siege; so far, it's closer to a threat than active attack. That can change, however, so I've chosen to adjust the plans accordingly."
She paused for a moment for any comments, then continued. "Everyone here, along with some soldiers, will go to Arianrhod to drive away the Kingdom forces; a smaller group will meet with the soldiers coming from Enbarr, and help them get to Garreg Mach. After Arianrhod is secure, we'll switch to the original plan and you'll all head out as decided. Anything to add?"
They all shook their heads or stayed silent.
"One final thing," she said. "As I said, mages—like those in the capital with Cornelia—were seen in the area. If they join the fight, you are allowed and encouraged to cut them down. Unlike the Kingdom soldiers, there are no qualifications on which lives you should spare and which lives you can end."
There were some murmurs, more firm from the people who had experiences with the group—Monica looked fairly determined, as did Byleth to a lesser extent.
"That's everything," Edelgard concluded. "I'll give the official order shortly—we leave in the morning. Our allies are not in true or grave danger at present, but it would be best to handle the situation quickly."
The group gave final nods, then all separated to prepare.
(A/N: I've finally done it. Every (playable) Black Eagle has spoken a line of dialogue. It only took me 76 chapter and about 83,000 words XD. I would apologize, but ya'll are lucky they're mentioned at all to be honest. The story is very Edelgard-focused, and since my policy for the supports and such has been "unlocked steadily throughout the story like they would be in the game, with the exception of Monica and Byleth," there hasn't been much of a reason for some of them to talk.)