They only went as far as Thales's magic would take them—fortunately, it gave them a few days' advantage when and if the knights pursued. They paused to give Monica a better explanation—she hadn't been directly told that Edelgard would appear as the Flame Emperor, just that Edelgard herself would be leading the attacking group—and to completely assess the situation, then continued on their way to Enbarr.

Edelgard told Hubert and Monica what they hadn't seen. The other two agreed that Thales likely wanted to make due on the threats; Monica fell into a small rant while Hubert simply assured Edelgard he wouldn't give Thales another opportunity to try again.

However grudgingly in Hubert's case, however, they all acknowledged that they owed Byleth a debt of sorts. Edelgard herself realized it, and the thought filled her with both dread and joy.

She couldn't understand how Byleth knew she was the Flame Emperor, but there had to be a reason Byleth saved her. Perhaps it was as simple as returning the favor—or, more preferably, perhaps she chose to side with Edelgard instead of remaining with Rhea. It didn't make complete sense—Byleth had reason to despise the Flame Emperor for their association with Thales's people—but she knew she wouldn't be able to reason it out.

As soon as they returned to the imperial capital, the plans made for the siege of Garreg Mach were given permission to proceed. Almost immediately, she was announced as the new emperor and declared war on the Central Church, sending out letters to every town and village they could detailing their crimes. The claims were given credibility when noted that Edelgard herself listed them, since she had lived in Garreg Mach this past year and, in the people's eyes, would have been able to see such things in person.

A week passed since the Holy Tomb's raid, and Edelgard was kept to paperwork, only interrupted if Count Bergliez needed her attention or input on a specific strategy. Not many people were with or near her—Monica left to visit her father, while Hubert was helping the preparations more directly—but she knew there were guards outside the door, and she had her dagger. The only communication she received from Thales since she last left Enbarr was in the form of a letter, carried by a dozen or so mages that she was told to use when she attacked the monastery.

Someone knocked on the door, and she murmured something akin to permission while she focused on the papers with her. That changed when Hubert was the one who entered, offering a short bow.

"We're beginning to receive some replies to the letters," he reported. "Although some messengers were killed before arriving, word of mouth brought the news around in their stead. Several lords have already agreed to avoid the Imperial army as they march, so our opposition should be meager at worst."

"That's about what I expected; one month isn't enough time for everyone to make a complete decision, so simply letting the battles play out would be the safer option. Thank you for letting me know, Hubert." She sat aside some of the papers she still had to work on, and looked up at him. "Any word from Monica?"

She promised to tell them if it seemed like her father would side with the church—or, on a brighter note, perhaps provide soldiers or supplies later in the war.

"Nothing yet," Hubert replied. Edelgard started to say something else, but he must have guessed and preemptively responded. "We've received nothing regarding Jeralt's Mercenaries, either. I've been informed that Byleth—and, by extension, the Sword of the Creator—is no longer at Garreg Mach, but Rhea is choosing to hide the exact details. The mercenary company itself is currently working in the Alliance, although I haven't heard whether or not Byleth is among them."

"Jeralt used to be a captain in the knights," Edelgard mused. "If Byleth left the monastery after we did—whether or not Rhea knows that she helped me—then it's possible he's helping her stay out of sight."

"Or, Rhea could have sent Byleth to recruit Jeralt's Mercenaries to fight for the church," Hubert suggested, frowning. "Regardless of how unlikely it seems, it is still a possibility. Her knowing that you were the one behind that mask does not mean that she is on our side."

"She was in a good position to kill me in the Holy Tomb," Edelgard argued lightly. "If she wanted me dead, she had a perfect opportunity. The fact that she didn't take it is enough for me to hold out hope—there are still things I want to ask her."

Hubert sighed. "…You've made up your mind long ago. I don't have the means to change it." He paused for a moment, then bowed again. "With your permission, I will continue checking on the other preparations."

"Yes, you may," she replied. "Please tell me if anything requires my attention."

He nodded, then left. She remained alone to work, finally making progress. Her thoughts and feelings were an odd mix; excitement, fear, dread, and relief, all at once.