To War

...

I'll have that girl's head. Just you wait...

The Empire is moving quickly. Edelgard must have been preparing for this for a while now.

If you really think about it, she must have been planning for this even before you got the Sword of the Creator...

Of course she was always a step ahead of us. We were blinded by the ball and the Battle of the Eagle and Lion, and everything else...

I refuse to go down like this, though. So let's do something about it. What do you say? It's you and me, Teach. We've got this.

Half of the Empire's six great noble families have declared their support for Edelgard.

Of the other three, Lord Vestra was assassinated. Hubert, his son, will succeed him.

Bernadetta's father, Count Varley, is under house arrest. His wife is now supporting Edelgard.

And my father...he was stripped of his role as prime minister. As a result, House Aegir has lost all of its power, all of its lands. We have lost everything.

I... I... What do I do?

The most important nobles in the Empire are known for taking power from the previous emperor, my father included.

I didn't think it possible that the Imperial princess could ascend the throne so easily.

However, it seems that both my father and Caspar's are supporting Edelgard...

Having both the Minister of Domestic Affairs and Minister of Military Affairs on your side gives you total control over the Empire's military and finances.

They must have been making preparations for quite some time without anyone noticing...

I don't normally have a problem jumping into a fight, but it feels strange going up against my father.

We aren't especially close, but he's not an opponent I'd want to face.

I'd almost rather fight a monster!

I hope he's not part of the group coming to attack Garreg Mach...

What does war with Edelgard mean for us, Professor? And why does she even want that?

That's how it always goes, I guess. You never realize something can't be undone until you've done it.

Edelgard became emperor and raised an army, huh? Who knew the kid had it in her?

I mean, yeah, of course, I knew she'd be emperor eventually, but...

The more I think about it, the more surprised I am. I wonder who's gonna win...

Edelgard became emperor and raised an army, huh? Who knew the kid had it in her?

I mean, yeah, of course, I knew she'd be emperor eventually, but...

The more I think about it, the more surprised I am. I wonder who's gonna win...

I have had the arrival of a letter from Edelgard. She is asking...that I join her side.

She is making the decision...no, she is deciding if Brigid is a friend or an enemy of the Empire.

But my choice is not to be friends. My choice is to fight with you.

Brigid is not a friend of the Empire. We will not be following again. We will be ready to fight with you instead.

I am owing big debts to Duke Gerth of the Empire. He is the Minister of Affairs that are Foreign.

He is a friend of Edelgard. He is to her side. What should I be doing?

I am owing big debts to Duke Gerth of the Empire. He is the Minister of Affairs that are Foreign.

He is a friend of Edelgard. He is to her side. What should I be doing?

His Highness calls for the head of Edelgard. For me, that is cause enough to fight.

And if Edelgard was responsible in any way for the Tragedy of Duscur, that is something I cannot ignore.

If that is the case, then she is my enemy.

His Highness calls for the head of Edelgard. For me, that is cause enough to fight.

And if Edelgard was responsible in any way for the Tragedy of Duscur, that is something I cannot ignore.

If that is the case, then she is my enemy.

His Highness calls for the head of Edelgard. For me, that is cause enough to fight.

You saw it too, didn't you? The boar's true nature.

He's hidden his desire for revenge pretty well. But now it's stirred up.

Well, regardless.

That girl's starting an all-out war, isn't she?

But an enemy is an enemy, no matter who they are. Don't let compassion for her get in your way.

That girl's starting an all-out war, isn't she?

But an enemy is an enemy, no matter who they are. Don't let compassion for her get in your way.

Once the Imperial army reaches the monastery, we'll have no choice but to fight...

What's going to happen to us?

Things must be pretty crazy in Faerghus about now. My father must be beside himself.

I don't get it. Why did Edelgard make enemies with the nobles?

I hope this all gets sorted out quickly and safely. I'm worried about my father.

Things must be pretty crazy in Faerghus about now. My father must be beside himself.

I don't get it. Why did Edelgard make enemies with the nobles?

I guess we have no choice but to fight, have we? Oh, but why would Edelgard do something like this?

I'm sure we'll be all right though, Professor. The goddess will keep us safe.

I've known His Highness since I was a child, but I've never seen that side of him before.

He seemed like a completely different person than the one I know...

To think that the Flame Emperor was Edelgard all along...

Flayn's abduction, Jeralt's murder, the turmoil in Remire Village...

Whether or not she was the mastermind behind what happened, it at least seems like she was involved.

And yet she was able to remain so composed while she was enrolled at the Officers Academy...

To think that the Flame Emperor was Edelgard all along...

Flayn's abduction, Jeralt's murder, the turmoil in Remire Village...

Whether or not she was the mastermind behind what happened, it at least seems like she was involved.

And yet she was able to remain so composed while she was enrolled at the Officers Academy...

The Empire's aggression cannot stand. But if we are going to attack them now, we must be honest with ourselves about our chances of success.

It goes without saying that I will fight the Imperial army with everything I have, for as long as I am able.

But House Gloucester's territory is adjacent to Imperial lands. Let us proceed with caution.

I hear the Alliance's territory will be in danger if we don't get rid of these Empire guys!

If the Alliance is in danger, that means my sister's in danger too! There's no way I'm gonna allow that.

It doesn't matter how many guys they throw at us, I'll beat 'em all. These muscles aren't just for show!

But first, I gotta get some food.

You know, Professor, I'm glad that I came to the Officers Academy. I feel accepted here.

I've learned so much. Honestly, I'm surprised at how much I've grown.

So, I will not let the academy be destroyed. It's important to me, and I will protect it!

We're gonna win this, Professor!

So Edelgard, the one who calls herself the Flame Emperor, was connected to those strange beings.

The Imperial army might be using even more terrifying methods than we know.

You had better be cautious, Professor. Any amount of carelessness might prove to be our undoing.

Can we really defeat someone who is willing to turn their back on the world just to uphold their own beliefs?

I've spent my whole life running in fear, and now...I...

Professor, I guess it's easy for me to say this now. I'm so glad I'm from the Alliance.

I had no idea Edelgard was so scary!

And Dimitri seems totally different than before...

I wouldn't bend a knee to either of them.

Well, if we're forced to protect this place, our future's going to be dark no matter what.

You'll battle Edelgard, right? Good luck!

Me? Oh, I'm going to run away. I have zero interest in dying here, thank you very much.

At times like this, I just feel so anxious, you know?

But you'll watch out for me out there. Right, Professor?

You'll battle Edelgard, right? Good luck!

Me? Oh, I'm going to run away. I have zero interest in dying here, thank you very much.

You'll battle Edelgard, right? Good luck!

Me? Oh, I'm going to run away. I have zero interest in dying here, thank you very much.

What is Edelgard even trying to achieve?

She wants to destroy the church so badly that she'll take on anyone who doesn't fall in line? I don't get it.

I just can't believe she'd start a war over it. Not to mention using such nasty tactics to get her way.

Could Captain Jeralt's death have also been a part of her plan?

Don't you go and die on me, Professor. Captain Jeralt would never forgive you.

We must protect Garreg Mach.

Defiling the Holy Tomb was a sacrilege. I will not allow such a thing to happen again.

The archbishop has already given you a new responsibility. I want you to rise to that honor.

We must protect Garreg Mach.

Defiling the Holy Tomb was a sacrilege. I will not allow such a thing to happen again.

If the war continues beyond this incursion, if it goes beyond driving back the Imperial army...

I will do whatever is necessary to protect Flayn.

Professor... War is breaking out again, is it not?

I never wanted another war...

All we can do is steel ourselves for the fight ahead.

Professor... War is breaking out again, is it not?

I never wanted another war...

I want to escape all of this. Run away, along with my dear brother...

I never wanted another war...

The Holy Tomb held many Crest Stones.

This is the first time I've heard of Crest Stones being hidden away in such a place...

But more importantly, I'm interested to know the Empire's aim. Why would their army desire Crest Stones? There is power there, yes. And yet...

I must think on this. The Crest Stones lie at the heart of the events surrounding Conand Tower and the chapel as well...

And, of course, the Crest Stones somehow transformed those traitors and their captives into Demonic Beasts...

Could that possibly be their aim?!

The Empire's army may well plan to use Crest Stones to create Demonic Beasts!

The mastermind behind the attacks on the monastery was Edelgard? Wow.

Doesn't make much sense though, does it? There would need to be all sorts of territories and groups tangled up in this sort of mess...

Eh, I'm gonna stop. I don't really have the head for this political stuff.

Mostly I'm worried about my old opera company. I wonder what's happening in the capital right now. I hope they're safe...

There are always small power struggles, still... It has been hundreds of years since all of Fódlan was consumed by war.

I didn't actually think it would come to this...

I feel as though I'm not in my rightful place. I cannot protect the things I should...

Professor. If I survive this war, I wish to return to my homeland... To the land of my king.

To think Edelgard was somehow connected to the captain's murderer!

Well, perhaps it's pointless to get upset about the past. My duty now is to prepare for battle.

We're depending on your strength, Professor. Crush our enemies!

Captain, I hope you're watching! We will protect Garreg Mach!

Ugh. If I could go back to last month and throttle my carefree self!

Now it turns out Edelgard is the Flame Emperor, and the new Adrestian emperor!

And she's striking out against the monastery, with the full force of the Imperial army behind her.

We gotta beat her at her own game! For our sake as well as Lady Rhea's...

We're falling behind. I don't know that we can keep up with the new emperor.

To think that she was able to raise an army of that size right under our noses...

However hard we fight, I give us a 50 percent chance of winning.

The enemy has too many advantages. We must make careful preparations.

It's my job to protect Lady Rhea.

I've gotta do it. And I gotta do it as best I can. And if that means I gotta die for her, then I will.

Ugh, how could Edelgard treat Lady Rhea like she's the bad guy? She's never been anything but nice to everybody!

I just don't get it at all...

How are you, Professor? Any new changes to report?

With the Imperial army drawing near, it is most vexing that we cannot relax and converse as we once did...

Thankfully, you have the divine protection of the goddess on your side. Please try to listen carefully for her voice...

Greetings, Professor! Something to report! Unexpected, isn't it?

Apparently, this is the first time Garreg Mach has been invaded in its whole 995-year history!

It's my job to protect this gate, so even if enemies come in droves, I will never let them through!

I hope we both survive... Let's battle with all our might and pray we win this thing!

Things we can't obtain here are likely obtainable by way of the underground.

Are you unfamiliar with Garreg Mach's underground? The place is an absolute paradise for those who can't stay above ground.

Those Abyssian idiots. All they ever do is cause trouble.

We'd best purge the entire underbelly of Garreg Mach.

Professor! What actually happened last month? I can't keep up at all.

Edelgard is the emperor? And she's declared war against the church? So now we're at war?! WHAT is going on?

I really don't understand any of this... What should I do?

How dare they threaten the goddess! Such a vile act cannot be forgiven!

There is no need to worry, I promise you that. Divine punishment will surely fall upon them.

In the days of yore, the goddess would grow angry with such insolent fools and roast them in Ailell...

I cannot believe our negligence allowed the Empire to invade.

Edelgard probably gathered her soldiers in Garreg Mach, intending to do this from the start.

Soldiers disguised as merchants and pilgrims to avoid suspicion...infiltrating the entire area little by little.

They couldn't be better prepared. We'll have a tough time winning this one, I'm afraid.

I thought we'd all be really busy with assignments and getting ready for graduation. But now...

Now that things have turned out like this, I guess there's nothing to do but fight...

Those who serve the church must cast aside all selfish desires and devote themselves fully to their beliefs.

But is it right to wield piety as a weapon? I...have never considered such things before.

The church... I... I have always done what I thought best to save the people of Fódlan...

So this is how it's turned out. I figured as much, but I didn't anticipate it would happen so soon.

If Garreg Mach becomes a battlefield, Abyss will have no choice but to get involved.

Everyone here will have no alternative. They've got nowhere else to go.

Whoever you are, it doesn't matter much to me. But I do advise getting out of here before you get tangled up in trouble.

Unless you've been sent here under someone's orders. In which case, I'll happily show you a good time. Heh heh...

Hmmm. You're that mercenary turned professor, aren't you? The one who showed up at the monastery kinda recently.

Yeah, you're the one I've heard so much about. Well, I guess it's fine you're here, then.

You can call me Yuri. You'll want to remember that, if you ever come down here again.

I could smell a war brewing, and sure enough, here we are.

Hmm... If Fódlan falls into chaos, I wonder if my debts will fall away along with it... Heh, just thinking aloud here.

If the Empire wants a fight, let's give 'em one to remember!

Haven't seen your face before. You're clearly not from around here.

Ah, you're that new teacher everyone's been yapping about. And yet...you look younger than me. Weird.

The name's Balthus. Formerly of the Alliance.

It shakes me to my core that the Empire would lash out so violently.

I shall have to reconsider my intended path towards restoring House Nuvelle.

The Imperial princess is beyond reason, I take it? Then I suppose a battle is in the offing.

It shakes me to my core that the Empire would lash out so violently.

I shall have to reconsider my intended path towards restoring House Nuvelle.

Still, I could not in good conscience fight without speaking to her first...

It shakes me to my core that the Empire would lash out so violently.

I shall have to reconsider my intended path towards restoring House Nuvelle.

And who might you be? Not an Abyssian, that much is clear at a glance.

A visitor from above, perhaps? With what purpose?

Oh...but of course. You must be the new teacher specially appointed by Lady Rhea. That is it, yes?

Rumors have been flying underground about you. Well, then! I am Constance von Nuvelle.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Ahaha!

Lots of people in Abyss are already struggling to get by. War will make things even harder for us.

We're sure to run out of food and other supplies, and there will probably be refugees to take care of.

Not to mention what might happen if the Empire takes over and decides to redecorate.

Who are you? Wait, shut up, let me guess.

You're...that new professor, right? You just started teaching up on the surface.

Even here, people have been talking about you. Not that the gossip got everything right.

I heard you were beautiful, but obviously that was an exaggeration.

Hey, Professor. How's it going? Making lots of coin?

I'd love to catch up, but I'm super busy right now. Working. For money. You understand.

Hey, Professor. How's it going? Making lots of coin?

I'd love to catch up, but I'm super busy right now. Working. For money. You understand.

There's unrest everywhere these days. All of my fellow merchants seem to be endangered.

I hope things go back to normal soon. People need more to smile about, aside from my great deals.

Abyss? You're interested in that place, are you?

Ancient sprawling remains deep below Garreg Mach... That's Abyss.

Some folks have made their home there. Obviously they all have their reasons and tales to tell.

But only the most enterprising merchant would venture near it. My advice? Avoid going there yourself.

Hey, you. You're from up top, right? What business do you have here?

Wait a minute... Ah, got it. You're that new professor, aren't you? I suppose that means I have to let you pass.

I guess...welcome to Abyss! This town is full of rough-and-toughs, so watch your back down here.

Hey, you. Listen up. I've got something to report.

Aww, guess who was worried about Abyss and came by to check on me. I mean, on us. Isn't that nice? That's just...so nice.

My pleasure. Surely the church can spare one knight to help you watch over this place.

I'm not crying! I'm just...just don't worry about it, OK?! Move it along!

This might be our last chance to get out of here.

I'm leaving Garreg Mach. You should too.

Protect the students? Have you got a death wish?! All right, all right. Uh, take this...and try not to get killed.

War's actually coming, isn't it? Unbelievable.

Imperial troops in Garreg Mach? It's gonna be wild.

Whatever happens won't affect us down here in Abyss, though... Will it?

Ah, I see. So you are Jeralt's child. You so resemble your mother.

I've been gone from the monastery for some time now because... Well, it matters not.

Might I...ask a favor of you?

Do you mind terribly picking up some fresh flowers to place upon your mother's grave?

I am certain she'd be deeply moved to receive a gift from you.

Thank you so much. This is just the type of flower she once loved so dearly.

I can rest easy now.

I must be off. Take especially good care of yourself, won't you?

Please, look after Jeralt. She'd have wanted that.