>>5287645You’re unable to fall asleep. It could be because you’re alone in your room for the first time. You reckon it’s close to midnight, and Dorothea is still away, with no return in sight. The Holy Ritual must certainly be extensive. Your feelings on leaving Garreg Mach are another matter keeping you awake. You’ve experienced so much happiness, so much strife and so much turmoil, all condensed into a single year. You’ll be graduating in a few days, but what of your friends that won’t be? As you lay in bed, you stare at the one item that you did not pack away yet. A sheathed dagger, lying on a desk a bit away from you. Kronya’s dagger, made of the same Agarthium you had encountered back at Rusalka. Kronya was responsible for the deaths of Martha and Xavier. Senseless, horrible, and prolonged deaths that would deprive you of two dear friends that trusted you with their lives. As you stare at the dagger, you can’t help but think about what you’ve uncovered so far. Thinking back on Hubert’s words, you’ve done your best to distract yourself these last few weeks. However, despite all the friendship and camaraderie you’ve enjoyed, your mind can’t help but wander to the same dark thought.
There’s a greater than likely chance that the same group Kronya and Solon belonged to, are in league with the Empire.
The specifics elude you, but if your adoptive father is correct, and Agarthium is a resource that only the Empire has access to, it would stand to reason where these villains are acquiring it. Laying out the facts in front of you, there’s evidence that this mysterious group of enemies Kronya and Solon belong to are capable of shapeshifting. A feat you’ve never gotten an inkling of being possible in any magic tome you’ve read. Rather than the Empire being complicit in the crimes of this group, it could also stand to reason that they’ve merely been infiltrated and co-opted. You’re not quite sure which is worse, but you do have a sudden sensation to throw up just thinking about it.
Alena had shown herself to be opposed to the same group Kronya and Solon belonged to. She also attempted to assassinate your adoptive father. Was she trying to kill the Count to halt the flow of Agarthium? Or was there another reason?
You feel bile rise to your throat. Perhaps your mind is simply working against you. Hubert said to place your faith in Lady Edelgard, and she hasn’t given you many reasons to doubt her. Edelgard has been nothing but a stellar and true leader. She’s always placed the needs of the Black Eagles first, and she’s proven herself a valuable friend. She’s even insinuated that she wants you at her side once she takes the throne. A prospect that remains incredibly enticing.
A knock on your door interrupts your thoughts. Dorothea must be back. And she’s evidently forgotten her key. You walk over and open the door, but instead of seeing your roommate, there’s another figure in front of you.
