The Golden Deer's Plea

It was over 20 years ago... There was an illness raging across Fhirdiad.

While people were dying left and right...it was Cornelia who saved the Kingdom from that dreadful illness.

People praised Cornelia as a saint for ending the epidemic.

But there came a day when she completely changed. Her behavior, mannerisms, likes, dislikes...everything.

Despite all that, Father still appointed her to a high post. After all, she had saved the Kingdom from ruin by that disease...

But above all, my stepmother trusted her. That's why what that woman said is... Never mind.

I have been wondering something...

If I had not been your student, where would I be right now? Who would I be?

Do you ever think about that sort of thing, Professor?

Traveling to the Empire, to the Kingdom, and then off to Alliance territory...

Everyone certainly is busy. Perhaps it's not a bad thing now that I think about it.

Didn't they used to call Claude the "Master Tactician"?

I want a nickname too!

Maybe I'll get one if I can rescue him at Derdriu...

I'll come up with a plan that's even better than his and earn a nickname for sure!

Claude... Claude... Which one was he again? Oh! Right. Yeah, of course I remember him.

It's just... I can't picture his face. Don't remember what he looks like. I'm not sure if I ever knew.

Dimitri is going to Claude's aid. How great is that?

It's like we've gone back to how things were five years ago. It's so nice.

Just imagine if Edie was there too?

I suppose you can't ever really go back to the way things were in the past...

I am being told you can see the sea from Derdriu. Not just see...that it is right there in front of you.

In Brigid, the sea has great closeness. I would be looking at it every day.

But in Garreg Mach, we cannot look at the sea. So I am feeling...drawn to Derdriu.

Lord Rodrigue Fraldarius has passed on.

Margrave Gautier has assumed his position, and is now gathering the lords of the eastern territories.

House Gautier is equal in prestige to House Fraldarius. Sylvain is a Gautier.

These lords are reorganizing the Faerghus army, and eradicating any remaining factions that claim allegiance to the Empire.

Of course, His Highness is being kept apprised with regular reports.

But it falls to me to monitor him, and ensure he does not try to take on too much.

I would ask you to do the same. If you take your eyes off that man, even for a moment, he is liable to do something rash.

Lord Rodrigue Fraldarius has passed on.

Margrave Gautier has assumed his position, and is now gathering the lords of the eastern territories.

These lords are reorganizing the Faerghus army, and eradicating any remaining factions that claim allegiance to the Empire.

Of course, His Highness is being kept apprised with regular reports.

But it falls to me to monitor him, and ensure he does not try to take on too much.

I would ask you to do the same. If you take your eyes off that man, even for a moment, he is liable to do something rash.

My uncle gave me some of my father's belongings. Weapons, books...

But there was something else that my old man really wanted to pass down.

He wanted me to inherit his mission—ensuring that Dimitri ascends the throne.

Or so I believe.

The very same night we liberated the capital, a messenger arrived from Derdriu.

Claude must have predicted that we'd retake it.

Claude's a hard person to read.

It's obvious not much escapes his eye though. Kind of unsettling, honestly.

Derdriu, the Aquatic Capital... I've heard it's a magnificent city, you know.

If we're going, I wish it wasn't to wage war. It'd be more fun to visit with a cute girl on my arm.

I went to visit my adoptive father at his home in the capital.

He used to grovel at Cornelia's feet when the city was under her control.

But after it was liberated, he started courting the Kingdom instead.

No matter what becomes of the world, it'll always be plagued by people like him.

Derdriu, huh? I've always wanted to go there.

In Faerghus, most of the towns are pretty much glorified fortresses.

So to hear about a place called the Aquatic capital... it just sounds so elegant!

When the war's over, I hope I can visit with everyone there!

So, House Riegan has regained its influence in the Alliance and is gathering forces.

Claude always was somewhat inscrutable.

It's strange somehow to hear talk of his brilliance as the leader of the Alliance.

It seems Dimitri has become downright charitable.

But I believe he is operating under a serious misapprehension.

It may appear as if Claude is appealing to Dimitri for aid, but that is not what is happening here.

Claude has asked for reinforcements from here because he knows that I am here.

Simply put, he is not throwing himself on Dimitri's mercy. He is throwing himself on mine.

I suppose there is nothing else for it, is there? We cannot turn our backs on those in need. Let us grant him the aid he requires.

We're gonna go help Claude? I haven't seen him in forever. Wonder how he's been...

I chose this side because I believe in you, Professor. But it's not like I got anything against Claude.

I got no clue what'll happen to the Alliance, but I sure hope Claude doesn't die...

So, war finally comes to the Alliance territories.

I don't mean that there's never been fighting on Alliance soil, of course.

There have been countless skirmishes between neighboring lords, as well as conflicts with Almyra.

But this is an invasion by an army of the Empire. It's a whole different animal.

I don't want to see my family get dragged into this... I hope we can drive back the Empire.

The pro-Imperialist lords who've let the Empire in have their hands tied.

Houses Ordelia and Gloucester are exposed and likely caught off guard.

That must mean that Claude's allies are...

Whatever the situation, Claude's military strength is lacking, and what's more, they suffered casualties at Gronder Field.

I don't know how long the Alliance forces will be able to hold out against the Empire. We've got to move quickly or we may be too late.

I'm glad Dimitri and Claude don't have to fight one another...

I am the daughter of an Alliance lord though, so I suppose that goes without saying.

Having to fight with your former classmates is just so terribly sad...

We took Fhirdiad back, but I never found the time to go shopping there!

When the war's over and the city is revitalized, I'd like to visit again.

Will you come with me, Professor?

Claude! He's in big trouble. I bet my family is too.

We have to help them, Professor! I know we can't lose with you on our side!

Guess this doesn't end with liberating the Kingdom capital. Derdriu is next.

That prince really works his people hard, doesn't he? Or should I be calling him a king now?

Whatever the title is, he'll always be Dimitri to me.

I thought there was a chance that Cornelia had captured Lady Rhea, but it seems that is not the case.

Our next foe, Lord Arundel, was once a pious adherent to the Seiros creed.

His contributions to the church stopped quite abruptly some time ago. I think it is likely the man knows something.

You plan to aid Claude, do you not? I think that is absolutely marvelous.

Being opposing forces at the battle of Gronder was ill fated.

It hurt to side against him. I am happy that things have taken a brighter turn now.

Cornelia Arnim... That's a familiar name, yes. She once studied in the Empire.

My understanding is, shortly after I left the Empire, she did as well.

Unlike myself, Cornelia traveled to the Kingdom.

Apparently she halted a plague, and was rewarded with a quite powerful appointment.

That such an outstanding researcher should fall to such depravity... Sickening, Professor. And quite sad.

Remember the Death Knight who stabbed me five years ago? Of course you do. How could you forget?

Well, it turns out he's a general in the Imperial army, claiming victories on dozens of battlefields.

But it looks like he's not at Derdriu. Like every man in my life, he's run away from me...

And he better run! One day, I'm gonna find that guy and pay him back for what he did to me!

With the capital recaptured, I desire to call him "Your Majesty" rather than "Your Highness."

He would refuse my desire, rightfully pointing out that he has not, as yet, been crowned.

However, the day this war has ended, and the church has placed the crown upon his head...

Then, he will truly be our king, and I will call him "Your Majesty" at last.

I must go hear the reports from our spies. There is something worrying me and—No. It can wait.

I shall tell you more when our information is more concrete.

I was getting excited for our big Empire showdown! I spent so much time mentally preparing.

Then we shifted focus to Derdriu. I hadn't been expecting that.

But, as a knight who's sworn to serve the goddess, I cannot turn a blind ear to those who seek my aid.

We're still searching for Lady Rhea. No news on that, I'm afraid.

Lord Arundel, the emperor's uncle, is the regent of the Empire.

If we crush them at Derdriu, maybe we'll capture him and wring some clues out of him.

Claude, eh? He always was sharp among his peers.

Never let himself get caught up in conventions. He wasn't typical in Fódlan.

I'd like to save him if we can.

Ugh, even if we do enter Alliance territory, we're not gonna find Lady Rhea there.

I wish we could leave Claude be and go attack the Empire.

I suppose if we can't beat the Empire forces here, then we can't get into the Empire lands, can we?

I guess that just means it's hard work time, huh, Professor?

Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!

Derdriu is known as the Aquatic capital...

It's a beautiful town with streets that seem to float on the water and an impressive harbor.

In times of peace, it would be a wonderful place for a holiday... Anyway! Best of luck in the next battle!

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.

If you travel east from the Alliance and cross Fódlan's Throat, you enter the land of Almyra.

House Goneril's territory touches the eastern border of the Alliance. They also have Lord Holst, the most valiant warrior in the Alliance.

Tasked with keeping watch over the Almyrans' movements, he rarely leaves Goneril territory.

We can't actually join you on the battlefield, but rest assured that we're there in spirit.

We're doing everything we can to support the army, so give it your all out there!

It'll take a little while yet for the capital to be restored to its former glory.

But it's not dead yet. Doesn't matter how many times you put the people of Fhirdiad down, they'll get right back up again.

Just you watch. Before long, things will be back to how they were.

I heard that Derdriu is under attack. I hope Judith is all right...

She may be the Hero of Daphnel, but facing the might of the Empire?

I wish there was something more I could do. But I can only pray and hope.

Using the Great Bridge of Myrddin as a base, we'll spread out and cover as much ground as possible in our search for Her Grace.

Judging by the information we've gathered, the most suspicious location is definitely the Imperial capital.

The Hrym territory, whose leader is a mere puppet, and the Aegir territory, whose leader was deposed and disappeared...

The Empire has a lot of places with suspicious happenings. It's certainly worth investigating.

But it won't do to take too much time in relieving the Alliance army. Please, hurry.

The Alliance leader is too demanding, and the prince is too soft-hearted. Don't you think?

They spilled much of each other's blood at Gronder. I lost a lot of friends to the Alliance...

Sorry... I shouldn't complain. I know this is tactically sound.

Everyone seems on board with it, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have any misgivings.

A hungry hero is no better than a well-fed soldier. Do you know that saying? No? That's because I just made it up.

If you're hungry, you're never going to be at full strength. Keep your belly full and stay strong!

So the king who came back from hell defeated the tyrant and liberated the people.

It's like something out of a poetic saga. At least those in need will see it as such.

It isn't like the poor need some lofty heir basking in glory.

What they need is someone who can ease their woes, keep them fed. Things like that.

How they view such a king all depends on his ability to provide for them.

All things considered, I imagine Dimitri will do a fine job at it.

It's happened. The Alliance is now little more than a battlefield. I guess that was inevitable...

So far, Albrecht territory has remained unscathed. But that won't last forever.

We're short on time, but we have to go in prepared. If we lose this, we lose everything. The stakes are too damn high.

I was most relieved to hear that no one at the school of sorcery was harmed.

They are capable people who bear Fódlan's future on their shoulders. We can afford to lose none of them.

The Alliance is next on our agenda, yes? Ahaha! Watch carefully for my dazzling spellcraft!

People have always fought, I guess. Bandits and nobles clashing over territory. Things like that.

So before the war, when folks talked about how peaceful everything was, I thought, "What continent are you living on?"

I get it now. A few isolated skirmishes here and there are nothing compared to a full-blown war.

The one truly peaceful place I've known was the village where I grew up.

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.

I hear Derdriu is our next objective. Small world. That's actually where I grew up. It's a great place.

The army runs you ragged. Marches you from place to place, prodding you to fight.

They promised me three meals a day... They'd have to give a lot more than that to get me to sign on.

I'd rather starve down here than deal with that.

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.