Monica returned near the end of the month, and rather quickly chose to make up for lost time—Edelgard had asked her to go to the western Kingdom nobles shortly after they took Myrddin, about two months. Monica gave her report and immediately asked if she could help Edelgard with any of her work.

With two helpers, Edelgard managed to get a little more free time; although only half of any given task was given directly to them, Monica and Hubert both did a majority of things that didn't require her attention.

She spent a part of her spare time trying to look more into Thales's people. She had a name for them now—those who slither in the dark. It seemed fitting, considering their silence. Thales was among those who encouraged this war, yet he barely gave any input and precious few of his mages spoke for him; they only came to fight, and even then they rarely died unless she went out of her way to make sure they did.

They were finalizing some plans by the time the Verdant Rain Moon actually came. Edelgard went to the classroom just to find all but a few papers already done for her; she looked over the completed work and finished the rest, then opted to wander. It was still early in the morning—she went to the training area, once again finding Byleth there.

Edelgard stood by to simply watch after a while, noticing the ease with which Byleth used the Sword of the Creator. Complete nonchalance, as if it wasn't a Hero's Relic—as if it was anything normal. Edelgard wondered if Rhea regretted giving it to her; to a lesser extent, she could still recognize a faint mix of fear, both for and of the mercenary, except the fear of was more recognizable.

Byleth lowered the sword, pausing for a moment. She glanced at Edelgard to say something, then hesitated and frowned a bit.

"You look a little worried," Byleth noted.

"Most people wouldn't notice," Edelgard replied, both somewhat impressed and surprised. "I didn't fully notice. I suppose I'm just…thinking about my uncle—or the man who claims to be my uncle, at any rate. Seeing you use the Sword of the Creator just…reminded me of some things."

Byleth cast her a curious look, and once again she realized that she spoke without thinking first.

Edelgard considered elaborating; she wouldn't have to explain it all right away, but she could clarify what she meant. She hesitated, however, and in that moment someone else came into the training area.

"Lady Edelgard," Monica said, urgent but still polite. She didn't quite acknowledge Byleth, but Edelgard couldn't recall a time since the academy where they spoke. Monica offered a bow to Edelgard. "There's some news from House Rowe."

Edelgard nodded, and Monica carried on.

"It seems that they've moved on towards Arianrhod sometime after I left," Monica explained. "A messenger came asking for reinforcements."

"Did they give a reason for moving before I gave them the order?" Edelgard asked. She did her best to hold back a sigh; she could plan out as much as she'd like, but some just wouldn't listen to orders. Perhaps she should have expected it.

"They didn't explain much," Monica said, "But I do believe the Central Church may have been provoking them, as well as the Western Church urging them forward. They only stayed put while I was negotiating as to not disobey someone representing the emperor."

They couldn't leave Count Rowe on his own—the man could defect just as easily as Phlegathon and Gloucester did, without the latter's good intentions—and they had enough decided. It wasn't preferable, but she could manage.

"Have someone let Count Bergliez know," Edelgard decided after a moment. "We'll head out from here and proceed as we originally thought. If Count Bergliez moves quickly enough, we can still pull off the three-way assault; if not, we can at least make decent progress, if not capture Arianrhod."

Monica nodded, offered a bow, then left. Edelgard gave Byleth a look that she knew must seem a bit regretful.

"I need to handle this," she said. "As for earlier…one day, I'll tell you. I don't doubt that." She paused for a moment, then asked, "Can you tell the mercenaries about the situation? If you happen to be ready before my group is, you can head out earlier and I'll meet up with you."

"Right. I'll clean up here and tell Jeralt."

Edelgard cast her a thankful smile, then left to give out her own orders. A little sooner than expected, but at least they weren't wholly unprepared. She could still control it.

She almost had to thank Thales; his failure to cooperate actually helped her react to these setbacks.