Blood of the Eagle and Lion

I can finally kill her... Finally... I can avenge them...

We captured the Great Bridge of Myrddin, but the fight has only just begun.

Enbarr, the Imperial Capital, lies far to the south, beyond Gronder Field.

And waiting for us on the way there is the entire Imperial army, with twice as many troops as us.

We had better brace ourselves.

I seem to lack the skills required to grieve for the dead.

If someone has passed, even someone dear to me, I could stand about and wail or get on with my life.

While I'm at it, that whole idea that we must speak well of the dead? I don't understand that either.

If I didn't like them when they were alive, then why pretend to do so when they are no longer here?

After we cross the Great Bridge of Myrddin, we'll be in my father's territory.

We actually crossed it five years ago for the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Remember?

Ugh! This is terrifying! What am I gonna do? I gotta get a grip...

So the campaign continues, does it? Well, allow me, as a professional recluse with ten years of experience, to volunteer for, um...staying behind.

Oh, who am I kidding? The fighting won't stop until we've defeated Edelgard, will it?

Or until we lose, I guess. But there's not much use in thinking about that.

The Great Bridge of Myrddin was considerably better fortified than it was five years ago...

The bridge was full of soldiers...and they all died.

And Ferdie was there. We killed Ferdie, Professor, he used to be our friend. Do you remember those days?

The Great Bridge of Myrddin was considerably better fortified than it was five years ago...

The bridge was full of soldiers...and they all died.

Nobles who are changing allegiance, again and again. I do not have understanding for that.

How can you trust if treason comes with ease? How can you be calling yourself a noble?

I do not have understanding of the reasoning...

You have my sincerest gratitude.

Circumstances, and my wounds, have prevented me from being by His Highness's side these five years.

I am grateful that you have found him for me. I am once again in your debt.

As powerful as our knights are, we're outnumbered. By a long shot. This won't be easy.

It's crazy to attempt this. I guess I'm crazy to go along with it.

If we defeat the Imperial army at Gronder Field, what will our next objective be?

I guess we won't have much choice but to try to take Fort Merceus, on the far side of Gronder Field.

It's probably too soon for us to be thinking about that, isn't it?

The battle just ahead of us is far from certain.

Say we do manage to take down Edelgard here... What do you think His Highness will do next?

As long as there's a plan, I won't complain. I just, you know, wanna know there is a plan.

I suppose we should focus on the battle right in front of us instead of what happens later.

So, we're finally going to set foot in the Empire... I'm starting to get a little nervous.

We already fought Ferdinand at the Great Bridge of Myrddin, but...

I guess there's a good chance we'll be fighting more old friends from here on out.

So, we're finally going to set foot in the Empire... I'm starting to get a little nervous.

I guess there's a good chance we'll be fighting more old friends from here on out.

The thought of fighting people who were once our friends...it makes my heart heavy.

If it was gonna come to this, maybe I should have avoided making friends with people from the Empire and the Alliance to begin with...

It did often seem strange to me at the academy that we were studying with all these people from all over the world.

But I feel like I've finally started to understand the real reason behind it.

The more you get to know people from other places, the harder you'll try to avoid fighting wars with them...

Yet another grand battle awaits. Many will lose their lives.

Even considering those we are up against—friends from a time now past—I won't hold back.

So, Claude and my father have made peace. That is to be expected.

They both prioritize their own interests above all else. So long as those interests are in alignment, they will continue to cooperate.

And based on that reasoning, one might infer that the Alliance should be also willing to work with the Kingdom's military.

I highly doubt Claude would refuse to assist us, if we were to ask.

I gotta say, it's tough to keep the fighting spirit alive when you recognize your enemies on the battlefield.

Just because we're fighting someone doesn't mean we gotta hate 'em!

That's probably the worst thing about war. Win or lose, I still get a bad taste in my mouth.

Thanks to our victory, I've been able to study the Great Bridge of Myrddin at my leisure.

And you know what? It's an astounding structure. So much history there.

Imagine how much time and effort it must have taken to build something that big. Over water, no less!

I hope that someday it will be opened up to the people of Fódlan—a historical site, rather than a military checkpoint.

I'm glad you're the one giving orders on the battlefield, Professor. I don't think we should trust Dimitri with that task...

Although it's thanks to his obsession that we're wasting no time, taking the shortest route to defeating the Empire.

I just can't see a bright future for this army, fighting as we are under the banner of a prince possessed.

Even if we do succeed in defeating the Empire, I wonder what will become of Fódlan.

I apologize. Whenever I'm with you, I speak more openly than I should. Please keep this between us.

The situation in the Alliance has changed so much, but I haven't heard a word from my adoptive father...

Do you think he's forgotten about me?

I'd actually be happier if he really did forget about me. Everything would be so much easier...

I heard the next battle might take us to Gronder Field. Is that right?

Reminds me of the Battle of the Eagle and Lion. But of course, that was a very different time.

When it was over, all three class heads complimented each other on their bravery.

And then we had a party. But we can never go back to that, can we?

I heard Edelgard is going to be leading her forces personally in the next battle.

Seems pretty reckless to charge right into this one. I'm not sure I like our chances. What do you think?

Anyway, we've come this far. Let's just keep putting one foot in front of the other and see how far we get.

Each time we press forward, our search for Rhea broadens to a wider area.

I certainly hope we will find at least some clue, but I do suspect I already know where she is.

If I am right, and she is in the Imperial capital, then we cannot save her until we topple the Empire.

The Battle of the Eagle and Lion. Has it truly been five years since then?

Can you recall whether it was before or after I joined your class, Professor?

It was shortly after I joined your class—I remember it like it was yesterday.

When undertaking research, the usual method is to form a hypothesis, then test it with experiments.

Those experiments reveal facts and falsehoods, yet sometimes, they also unveil an exception.

You seem to be that exception when it comes to my Crest research.

Worry not, Professor. Exceptions are what make my work interesting. Why don't the rules apply to you?

I will find out, eventually. I feel it is my destiny as a Crest scholar!

I hear the next battle could be a big one, is that true?

I miss the old days when, if someone got hurt, we'd rush them to the infirmary and make them well...

But on the battlefield, there's not enough time to help. People die. Professor, don't be one of those!

Catherine will surely be able to convince Count Charon.

All that remains is to wait for a response from the Alliance side...

For now, there are preparations to be made for the coming battle.

All that remains is to wait for a response from the Alliance side...

For now, there are preparations to be made for the coming battle.

Catherine has successfully convinced Count Charon. However...

The knights we sent to the Alliance have yet to return.

The knights we sent to the Alliance have yet to return.

Word just reached me that the Empire has stationed soldiers in Fort Merceus.

If they decide to dig in their heels and defend the fort, we'll be in a difficult situation.

I hear it's an impregnable keep, surrounded by high ramparts. Taking it would not be easy.

Hey, Professor. It's been a while... Well, actually not that long.

If you're here about the reinforcements, no need to worry. I've sorted everything out with my father.

If the Alliance agrees to chip in as well, we might have a real chance at victory.

Hey, Professor. It's been a while... Well, actually not that long.

If you're here about the reinforcements, no need to worry. I've sorted everything out with my father.

If the Alliance agrees to chip in as well, we might have a real chance at victory.

Reconnaissance is becoming more of a risk the deeper we move into enemy territory.

If I don't come back, assume I'm dead.

Don't waste your energy worrying about me.

I gotta keep this place clean, and I mean properly clean, every day. Dust it, sweep it, everything.

You never can tell when Lady Rhea might be back.

Hm? Oh, it's you, Professor.

Sorry, I was a little lost in thought there. About all that has happened, and all that is to come...

I'm sure the battles ahead will not be easy, but please take good care of His Highness.

Um...thank you. For bringing me here.

I've been given permission to take part in this next mission too.

I'll finally be able to avenge my brother! I swear... I'll take down that monster!

Greetings, Professor! Nothing to report!

I hear we're sending troops to Gronder Field next. Is that what's what?

That whole area is in the territory of House Bergliez. It's famous as the main granary of Fódlan.

If we could capture it, we probably wouldn't have to worry about food anymore! Bread for all!

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.

I once saw the prince patting the head of an orphan from the monastery.

Does this mean even that cruel man has some empathy in his heart?

Was it just a random whim? Maybe my eyes just tricked me...

I can hardly believe we're crossing the borders of the Empire to battle their army. I never thought I'd see the day.

You'd never guess from the calm looks on everyone's faces, though... I mean, we're probably all gonna die, let's be honest.

His Highness, Lord Rodrigue, you... There's really something wrong with the lot of you, I swear...

Yeah... You know, war really is terrible. People die, food becomes scarce...

Weapons and rations start selling like hotcakes, nobles start begging for loans...

Oh, um, I didn't mean... I didn't mean for that to sound so cold, really.

Anyway, where are we off to this time? I hope it's the Alliance...

Edelgard's presence suggests that Hubert is around too.

He is Minister of the Imperial Household, after all.

He's been around Edelgard since they were children. I suppose he must be pretty happy with his current position.

So, we're finally moving into enemy territory... We can expect the war to get even more intense from here on out.

I'm really feeling the tension now. I have almost no experience with battles of this scale.

Professor... I'll be grateful for your leadership on the battlefield. I know I can trust you!

That Duke Fraldarius is a rather upstanding guy. Getting into his good graces isn't without challenges.

If he were a bit more corrupt, he'd be much more pliable.

I'm not trying to pull anything funny. Just noting that he's a respectable soldier.

I hear he's the sort to have drinks with his men, getting to know them personally.

Just last night, he and Felix had a chat. I'm sure there's a lot to work out between them.

That Duke Fraldarius is a rather upstanding guy. Getting into his good graces isn't without challenges.

If he were a bit more corrupt, he'd be much more pliable.

I'm not trying to pull anything funny. Just noting that he's a respectable soldier.

I hear he's the sort to have drinks with his men, getting to know them personally.

We've seen the face of evil. One of its faces at least. Even the Alliance is involved now...

Hopefully we can avoid dragging Alliance territory through the horrors of war.

I may have cut ties with my family, but I still want them to be safe and all...

Across the bridge is Bergliez territory. It marks the start of our incursion into the Empire.

Worry not. I feel no trepidation as we do this.

Mark how my spellcraft carries us through to Enbarr, heart of the Empire!

We're fighting people we used to know from the Officers Academy.

Guess that's the kind of thing that happens in war, but...still. It's pretty twisted.

It makes me feel so... Oof. Maybe I'll just try not to think about it.

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.

The Great Tree Moon is finally upon us. It's time to celebrate a new year. We only get so many!

Folks up top don't seem to be in the mood to celebrate though. I hate war...

I used to be a rather important person in the church, but...I am in exile for committing a crime.

I embezzled some money. But it wasn't out of greed!

My hometown was pillaged, you see, and the church wasn't putting in enough to rebuild...

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.

Please, you can't tell anyone you saw me here. I'm in hiding from the army.

I couldn't stand the war. The violence. I had to get away... But now that I've deserted, I can't go home.

Justice, ambition—what does any of that matter if you're dead? I just want to live. Is that so wrong?

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.