The Master Tactician

I wish we could settle all of this before the fighting begins. Don't you?

I wish it dearly. But few others feel that way.

They fight in a bloody battle, take countless lives, and then finally come to understand defeat.

They refuse to admit when they're beaten, and they keep it up until they've been utterly defeated.

Of course, I understand that sacrifice is inevitable...

But if they're going to surrender after being defeated anyway, why raise a weapon in the first place?

So, we've somehow managed to take the Great Bridge of Myrddin.

That means House Gloucester should now be ready to join the fold more formally.

We've blown a major hole in Claude's plan to preserve the Alliance.

We should press on to Derdriu before he has the opportunity to adjust his strategy.

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?

I never do get used to the sight of blood. It always makes me feel as if I might faint.

I suppose I've told you that though, yes? I've no idea how you cope with it.

I hope this war ends soon. I dislike being lightheaded because other people are bleeding everywhere.

It's all a great deal of bother, but I will do my part of course.

I never do get used to the sight of blood. It always makes me feel as if I might faint.

Have I never told you that? Huh. Oh well.

I hope this war ends soon. I dislike being lightheaded because other people are bleeding everywhere.

It's all a great deal of bother, but I will do my part of course.

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

I want a nickname too!

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

I'll come up with a plan that'll beat 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.

Oh well. He's just another enemy now, isn't he? What, am I not supposed to say that?!

I'm happy when we win battles, and I'm always relieved when our friends make it back safe.

On the other hand, it's hard to watch the enemy die. Even worse when it's someone you know.

Perhaps it would have been better if I'd just stayed with the opera...

Now you just have to lead us to victory so everyone else can let go of their regrets too.

Since the past, I have learned much of the language of Fódlan.

But speaking the Fódlan language still gives me difficulty.

I can understand, read, and write with nearly perfection now. But understanding and speaking are...fruits of a different color.

I hear Claude's earned himself a rather colorful nickname.

He does whatever it takes to win. I like that. It will be especially satisfying to defeat him.

I can't wait to see what his next move is.

Food has gotten scarce since the war started. Lately the prices have really been going up.

Normally that would mean reducing our own take, but we just can't afford to do that.

If we lose this war, we lose everything.

Still, the townspeople are the ones who will suffer from this the most.

The longer this goes on, the more people will starve.

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.

Flowers are so resilient, aren't they?

Despite the war going on outside the monastery, here they are, blooming beautifully.

I hope we get to see more kinds of flowers when the weather warms up...

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!

Let's go for a leisurely visit someday, promise? You know...after the war is over.

Judith of Daphnel. You were a force to be reckoned with. You will not be forgotten.

In another life, I might have fought by her side.

Now that we've seized the Great Bridge of Myrddin, House Gloucester is comfortable aligning itself with the Empire.

The path to Riegan lands lies straight before us. Our clash with Claude draws nearer by the moment.

I know Claude better than anyone. He is a schemer. No doubt he has some trap for us in mind.

Let us be vigilant, Professor.

We're gonna go up against Claude next? 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 don't mind so much that we gotta fight him, I just hope he doesn't get killed...

I thought I was ready for this, but it's not easy to fight against my old schoolmates...

I was in the Golden Deer House, so I have a lot of memories with them.

Then again, precisely because they're old friends, I wouldn't leave this to someone else.

I have to assume responsibility.

Without the support of the pro-Imperialist lords, the Alliance is greatly weakened.

Even so, I don't feel great about all this. We're gonna be fighting Claude...

Even with you here, this battle will be very challenging.

The tide of war is clearly favoring us, but Claude refuses to surrender.

I wonder why that could be...

I suppose even the very powerful can be irrational at times...

I'm from Alliance lands, but I'm only a commoner. The idea of fighting Alliance nobles isn't exactly losing me any sleep.

Fighting old friends though? That's something else.

Ugh. I'd better clear my head.

Captain Jeralt used to say a mercenary has to be thoughtless. Guess I finally get what he meant.

Professor, I think you should be made aware of a certain group working with the Imperial army.

They are the same lot that invented a technique to turn monsters into war assets.

It's quite obvious their trick draws on the power of the Crest Stones, but...

There is something more to it than that. Some secret I have yet to decipher.

I suppose I need to better understand what kind of people they are. Who are they? What do they want?

For her part, Miss Edelgard is cooperating, yet does not hide her hostility towards them.

I suspect we should prepare in case the day should come when we must combat these strange people.

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! He leads the western front against the Kingdom.

Once I knew he was at Garreg Mach, I stormed right up to him, told him who I was, and what he did...

And he offered me an apology. I'm talking about a sincere, heartfelt, solemn apology. What a letdown.

What's going on with that guy, anyway? Who is he under that mask?

Oh, hello there, Professor. Did you need something from me?

It doesn't look like you're wounded or anything. You just looking for...someone to talk to?

Whether it's physical pain or worries of the heart, you can come to me for anything, Professor.

Do you ever regret taking the path you did?

Whatever path you choose going forward, I'll follow you without question.

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

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

Then there's Rhea and King Dimitri... I'd stay on their good sides, for different reasons.

Lately, the Kingdom and the Knights of Seiros haven't made any significant moves.

I don't suppose they're going to stand by and watch while we attack Derdriu though.

That's why I've doubled our guard and instructed them to be extra vigilant.

I will keep Garreg Mach safe! It is my duty and responsibility.

Big brother always gets so fired up... Better keep an eye on him.

Oh, sorry! I was just talking to myself.

I hear you're heading out to Derdriu. Good luck with the battle!

Five years ago, during the attack on this place, you allowed me to join your side.

Since then I've risen through the ranks, and now I'm a general leading my own army.

In this invasion of the Alliance, I've been entrusted with maintaining the supply lines and keeping the Goneril territories under control.

That's why I won't be accompanying you to Derdriu.

Please look after Lady Edelgard.

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!

To tell you the truth, I used to be a Knight of Seiros. But at some point, I just couldn't follow the archbishop anymore.

I ran away in secret...and decided to join the Imperial army.

To tell you the truth, I used to be a Knight of Seiros. But at some point, I just couldn't follow the archbishop anymore.

I ran away in secret...and decided to join the Imperial army.

When I found Alois here, it made me feel much better. It meant I'd made the right decision.

Ever since that day you disappeared, the archbishop has been completely different.

She started laughing as if she was possessed and spouting complete gibberish...

To tell you the truth, I used to be a Knight of Seiros. But at some point, I just couldn't follow the archbishop anymore.

I ran away in secret...and decided to join the Imperial army.

Ever since that day you disappeared, the archbishop has been completely different.

She started laughing as if she was possessed and spouting complete gibberish...

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!

I figured I'd have a look at how the Kingdom is holding up while I was on the road, so I took a trip up north despite the cold.

But the borders were closed on every road. I wasn't even able to get into the Kingdom.

Every crossing point was guarded by grim-looking, armed soldiers. It was all very imposing.

The Gloucester and Ordelia houses have territory in the southern regions of the Alliance.

Everyone knows they support the Empire, so they won't get in the way of our armies.

The Alliance troops were nothing to turn a nose up at. They were pretty strong and brave too.

Our next target of attack is Derdriu, the Alliance base. Better stay sharp, even if we do have superior numbers.

Five years ago, most of the people involved with the church in the Empire moved to the Eastern Church in Alliance territory.

I've been hearing rumors that the majority of those have now gone to the Kingdom Capital, Fhirdiad.

The Eastern Church has no military force of its own, so they must be sensing that the Alliance is weak and fleeing.

In order to defeat a formidable foe, you must first learn who they are. How much do you know about the Alliance?

The Leicester Alliance unites the feudal lords of that region.

It holds regular roundtable conferences, where they vote on their policies.

However, only the Five Great Lords are permitted to vote...

Duke Goneril, Count Gloucester, Count Ordelia, Margrave Edmund, and their leader, Duke Riegan.

Their titles were originally granted to them by the royal family of Faerghus.

About 300 years ago, the Alliance was still part of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, you see.

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!

Ugh! What more could Hubert possibly want from me?

All grousing aside, it's not the end of the world. If it helps us win, I'll do whatever it takes.

I wouldn't have signed up for this if I wasn't getting something out of it.

So, Goneril's troops have entered Derdriu... Hmm...

Oh. Hey, pal. Didn't see you there. Guess I was lost in thought.

I caught wind that Duke Goneril sent Hilda to Derdriu.

She's the sister of my buddy, Holst. I can't let her die. I won't! Gah, this is a terrible situation...

Ahaha! The Great Bridge of Myrddin is ours.

The Alliance may be composed of powerful nobles, but their power is directionless and thus wasted.

Though the Empire was no better before Lady Edelgard ascended the throne.

Indeed, my own house fell due in part to its inability to wield power properly...

You know, I've always wanted to see the world. That's why I left my village.

And here I am, traveling to all these interesting new places...to kill people. Not what I had in mind.

Maybe I'll find some time to admire the scenery. Though people might get mad I'm not taking this silly war seriously...

Oops, that was close. Almost sighed.

What is it?

I was told not to, however, so I will hold off. Until the war ends.

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...

Hello, Professor. I doubt you recognize me, but I work for Lord Hubert.

He has stationed me here to ensure that the church does not attempt to make use of this place.

Thus, I'm blending in with the residents here. Strictly confidentially, of course.

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.

I hurt my leg in the last battle. Had to take shelter down here—nowhere else to go.

Be careful up there. All sides are bringing their strongest people to this fight.

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.