>>5781615Wasting no time, you make your way to the audience hall, located within the main cathedral of Garreg Mach. Much of the main church had been converted to serve as the military base of the Knights of Seiros, and access was barred to all but the select few that had business in its halls. That being said, no one barred your path or gave you so much as a sideways glance upon entering. Perhaps they gave you no hassle out of gratitude for your assistance during the battle. Or maybe Leopold’s approval was enough for them to accept you. Either way, you enter the audience hall, and are met with only approving glances from the veteran knights seated there.
“There you are.” Leopold says upon your arrival. “You’re the last one. We can begin now.”
Taking a seat next to your mentor, you’re able to get a good look at the scout who’d just recently arrived. The first thing you noticed was that his armor was in surprisingly good condition. For someone who’d just taken part in sieging one of the most impregnable fortresses in all Fodlan, you expected worse. Upon hearing Leopold’s call to begin, the soldier bows, and addresses the room of Knights.
“Thank you, my lord. I bring word from Seneschal Seteth and Lady Byleth. Fort Merceus has fallen-“
Before the soldier can finish his report, the room erupts into the sort of cheering that threatens to deafen you. Men and women jump out of their seats, embracing each other as they revel in the news of Byleth’s victory over the Empire.
“I knew she could do it!” One knight yells.
“Down with the Empress!”
“For the Goddess!”
The room has quickly descended into a sort of jovial chaos. You’re tempted to join in yourself as a flood of relief washes over you. You took a huge gamble that Byleth would somehow emerge victorious over Fort Merceus, a base that was said to be impossible to assault. You grin from ear to ear, until you notice something that unsettles you ever so slightly.
The scout in the room looks remarkably uncomfortable.
“Order!” Leopold shouts. At once, the reveling knights cease their celebration and merriment, and slink back into their seats. “Continue! You say the Fort has fallen? Are the soldiers stationed there right now?”
The soldier slinks back awkwardly. Clearing his throat, he continues. “Fort Merceus is…gone. It’s been…destroyed. Wiped off the map.”
“What nonsense are you blathering boy?!” One of the Knights in the room shouts.
“We captured the fort…” The scout continues. “An elite group lead by Lady Byleth infiltrated Fort Merceus, disguised as imperial soldiers. The defenders were scant, as the Empire had lost much of its manpower at Gronder Field. Lady Byleth defeated the Death Knight, and the doors to the fort had swung open. Only then…” He chokes on his words.
