Lady of Deceit

Ugh, I thought I told you to forget about that.

There's something I don't want you to see.

So...you know about it. Yes, it's a portrait. Of you. I painted it myself.

It's, uh...quite disgraceful. I did a terrible job with it, and it looks nothing like you.

I'm happy that you appreciate my efforts, but...please don't touch that door.

I'm happy that you appreciate my efforts, but...please don't touch that door.

This was a trying month, but we did manage to hold Garreg Mach—if only just.

Honestly, I did not expect such strident supporters of the archbishop as Seteth and Flayn to flee.

But with this victory, we have all but cornered the Church of Seiros and its knights.

The goddess above shall give away to the darkness that has long dwelled below...

This was a trying month, but we did manage to hold Garreg Mach—if only just.

The power of Seteth and Flayn was certainly a sight to behold. The archbishop's supporters were strong.

But with this victory, we have all but cornered the Church of Seiros and its knights.

The goddess above shall give away to the darkness that has long dwelled below...

This was a trying month, but we did manage to hold Garreg Mach—if only just.

The power of Seteth and Flayn was certainly a sight to behold. The archbishop's supporters were strong.

But with this victory, we have all but cornered the Church of Seiros and its knights.

The goddess above shall give away to the darkness that has long dwelled below...

Dimitri, the King of Faerghus. He despises Edelgard and everything she stands for.

I am of the opinion that a man seized by such strong feelings is not fit to be king. It is a sad situation, really.

At any rate, I find it hard to imagine that Dimitri could defeat Edelgard.

There are stories of Heroes' Relics a thousand years ago of which we have no real evidence today.

So many, in fact, that I'm led to wonder if those Relics are nothing more than legends...

Especially since we know of Relics like those passed down in the families of the 10 Fódlan Elites.

All right! Off to the Kingdom's capital we go!

What's the matter? Should I not be excited?

I can't help it. Everyone's gotta have something to look forward to!

I've got a dream, you know. I don't know if it'll come true, but it's nice to hope.

Remember when I went to Brigid, with Petra? I drew a picture of some of the flowers I saw there.

Next time, I wanna go even farther. Maybe Dagda. Maybe even past that.

I wanna fill a whole book with drawings of the biggest plants I see! And the carnivorous ones especially! Oh, I hope I get the chance...

I've got a dream, you know. Not that I think it'll actually come true, but it's nice to hope.

I'd like to get out of Fódlan and travel across the sea. Maybe to Dagda. Maybe even past that.

I want to see all the wild jungles out there, the huge flowers, and—oh—the carnivorous plants!

I know it's not realistic, and I know it's probably impossible, but that's what I'd like.

I heard that Randolph died in battle guarding Garreg Mach.

We knew each other for, wow, more than five years... My chest feels tight.

Think about it. There's no end in sight to the fighting. I might be next. Any of us could be.

I have excitement in my heart for secret tactics! I enjoy attacks that are surprising.

Surprise attacks are safe with friends. Fewer injuries.

That is a wonderful thing. I have no liking for the thought of losing anyone.

Since I allied with you and the emperor, my resolve has never wavered.

I abandoned my country. I am prepared to kill my father, and kill a man I once called my friend.

Resolute as I am, my sword feels...heavy.

In Faerghus, there's an amazing knight of House Rowe they call the Gray Lion.

I heard about him from Lonato, who was an acquaintance of his.

Apparently he's getting old, but with each year that passes, he only hones his skills even more.

Some people are so in awe of King Dimitri, they call him the Tempest King.

After he wins, there won't be anything left. He'll be a storm, leaving nothing behind.

He hates the Empire so much he's willing to do anything to bring it down.

We'll be fighting Dimitri and his troops soon. We all oughta train a little harder if we want to stay alive.

Well... That was certainly frightening.

Having to fight against the Church of Seiros was unnerving.

To push back against something I've hinged so much of my life upon... I was terrified.

But now we must fight Lady Rhea, and I won't back down!

I used to live in the Kingdom capital with my parents.

I know we've got no choice but to fight the Kingdom, but I really don't want Fhirdiad to become a battlefield...

Lots of my old friends still live in the city, and many people there were kind to me.

If fighting breaks out there, all of those people might get caught up in it...

I never thought this day would come—that I'd fight my homeland.

My betrothed was a knight who served the king. He died bravely to protect the future of our country.

Now I'm betraying the place he fought to protect. I'm betraying him. But I must do this.

Professor. I believe in the path you have chosen for us.

It seems we will soon set foot in Fhirdiad.

I used to live there, you know. Though that was before my time in the Officers Academy.

Trouble within the Kingdom forced me to return to Alliance lands. There was much I had yet to learn.

Hyah! Next up is the Kingdom's capital! We're coming for you!

What's wrong? Was that too much?

Maybe it was too dramatic...or I didn't yell it loud enough!

Soon we'll assault Fhirdiad, the Kingdom's capital! This'll be one for the history books.

Our enemy won't hold anything back. I'm quivering with excitement at the very thought of it!

In any case, let's do our best! We're coming for you, Fhirdiad! And so on, heh.

I've been informed of the surprise attack.

That information could be devastating, were the enemy to find out. It moves me to know I've been trusted with it.

Edelgard and those within the army... They really do trust me.

Initially, I had my own motives for joining the Black Eagle Strike Force.

But now, all I want is to support Edelgard.

Even though we're denying the doctrine and fighting the knights, I keep praying to the goddess...

When I think about those who have fallen in battle... I...I have no choice but to pray.

The goddess of the church may be a fallacy, but I'm sure she still exists in some form.

I'm weak. I would be nothing without her.

Don't you think this plan to use the entire army for a surprise attack is a bit—I don't know—cowardly?

Sorry, the word just kind of slipped out. Maybe don't tell Edelgard or Hubert I said that.

No matter the target or strategy, I'll do my job.

There's a school of sorcery in Fhirdiad, which is staffed by the top minds of magical research.

The study of Crests and sorcery should not be separate.

I've often thought I should pay them a visit someday.

I never imagined I might end up invading the place with an army though. Not how I imagined it at all.

How have we come to this? Fighting the archbishop and her knights...

I'd never imagined... I hate this. So much.

Professor, I tried. I gave treatment to everyone I could, but...but lives were still lost.

The infirmary is as much a morgue right now as it is a place of care and healing...

It's hard to feel cheery when you've just gone to battle against old friends.

Mraaaugh! No! I will not let myself be gloomy!

I'm sure it must be even harder for you, to fight against your students.

When times are tough, just remember, you can always rely on your pal Alois!

Last month's fight with the Knights of Seiros was a disaster.

Sometimes it's easier to get by without any personal attachment or religious beliefs.

My brother fought proudly to the end and died an honorable death.

He said something to me before the battle. That he was entrusting his dream to me...

I'm gonna see this battle through to the end. I'm gonna fight for my brother!

Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!

Between Garreg Mach and Fhirdiad stretch the plains of Tailtean.

That's the site of the ancient battle where Nemesis, the King of Liberation, fought the prophet Seiros.

If our forces end up fighting our enemies there...

It'll be a clash passed down through the ages!

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.

Next we'll be headed to the Kingdom capital of Fhirdiad to begin the invasion, right?

I wonder if we can defeat the Tempest King... We have to!

Driving back the Knights of Seiros is a big deal for the Imperial army.

Defeating the Alliance was hugely exciting, but this victory will probably just add to your reputation.

Now if you could only sway the loyalties of the Kingdom's lords... Is it even possible?

I dedicated my life to serving the church. However...

Now, all that comes from the church is talk of spilling blood.

Now that we've even lost Seteth, the possibility of the church returning to its former power is slim.

Today I came to beg the goddess to grant me leave to quit my position. From tomorrow, I live by my own values.

Destroying Seteth is a big achievement, but as long as the archbishop remains in good health, we must remain vigilant.

One day they'll probably try to surprise attack us again. We have to attack them first!

The old general who serves the Rowe family in Arianrhod is known for being a curmudgeon.

Even if we invited him to join our side, he probably just wouldn't respond.

That was an unexpectedly fierce battle. The Knights of Seiros were tough opponents.

If the archbishop had been there, we would have been in trouble. If it hadn't been for the efforts of the main force... Who even knows.

You must know about the Western Church in the Kingdom, and the Eastern Church in the Alliance.

But you probably don't know about the Southern Church. It used to exist a long time ago, in Enbarr.

About 120 years ago, they had a massive insurrection.

The bishop of the Southern Church who participated was exiled by the furious emperor.

After that, the Empire reconciled with the Central Church, but relations continued to be strained.

That history has probably laid the groundwork for the current antagonism among the Empire's citizens.

Randolph has fallen. He was a good person... It's a shame.

When someone close to you dies, you really feel the horrors of war. Please watch out for yourself.

The church smiles warmly on all who pay reverence, but defy them, and... Well, that's another story.

The way the Knights of Seiros fight is cold-blooded and ruthless. Coming from me, you get the implications.

So, Arianrhod next, huh? I've got some fond memories of that place.

So about this surprise attack. It's all over if the details leak, yeah? I know my shoulders are broad, but you sure you wanna lay a secret like that on 'em?

I'm no war hero. In fact, I'm a wanted man. If I were you, I wouldn't trust me with something that important...

Fhirdiad at last... The very city where I struggled through school and mastered the art of spellcraft!

So many memories are bound up there, and now it is to become a battlefield... I am a bit overwhelmed.

To fool the enemy, one must first deceive one's allies. The walls have ears, you know.

The Bert said that we'll be facing someone I know in our next battle.

The lady who captured me after I ran away from my village. I wonder if she remembers me...

Honestly, I don't wanna go anywhere near her. But if I have to, it won't be much different than any other fight.

That's how it goes, right? If we wanna end this war, we have to keep charging forward, no matter who's on the other side.

The Knights of Seiros... They certainly know how to inflict pain. However.

The demon within me will be satiated only by fighting you.

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. Listen up. I've got something to report.

As you know, I'm the anointed alpha of Abyss. But this lady's been standing watch for a while. She can probably hear us talking even now...

Yes, I can. I'm here by order of Lord Hubert. That is all I'm at liberty to reveal at present.

Wow. Impressive. You've really got a knack for this, lady. Ever think of making this a full-time gig? I could use the company... I mean, the backup.

My mission concludes at the end of the month. Deepest apologies.

My friend and I were messing around the other day, and an Imperial general stopped to talk to us.

"If you've got that much energy," he said, "you should fight for the Imperial army!"

Honestly, maybe we should think about it...

What a pain. What an absolute pain...

What a pain. What an absolute pain...

Concerned, are you? That's nice. A little too nice.

Here's a word of warning—if anyone here asks you for a favor, it's probably just a scam.

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.