>>5760729>>Leif has been an invaluable asset to your efforts and has so far shown himself to be an honorable sort. There was no reason for you to not return the favor and advocate for him and his men. “They’d originally been employed by Cornelia to aid the Dukedom, but I managed to convince them not to. They wish to cultivate a lasting and prosperous relationship with Fodlan, and they know they have a better chance of doing that with the Church of Seiros rather than that usurper or the Empress. I can vouch for their dependability. So far, they’ve kept to their word, and I have no reason to disbelieve the earnestness of their claims.”“I see.” Leopold nods. “If you trust the Sreng, then I do too. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have been able to push the enemy back as easily as we did. Hell, we might not have at all. At this point, I don’t care whether they’re from Sreng or Almyra or wherever. If they’re willing to pick up their weapons and fight alongside us, then they will find themselves welcomed.”
>“Ahh, that reminds me! The Sreng knew that this attack would be happening ahead of time. They were told by Cornelia, who claimed that she had a spy embedded within the Knights of Seiros. I fear you may have someone feeding the enemy information.”Leopold shakes his head. “I believe I may know exactly who you mean. Though it pains me to admit that your assessment was correct, rest assured the rat has already been taken care of. I did the deed myself.”
The aftermath of the battle sees the Knights of Seiros taking charge of their prisoners. Amongst them you see both Commander Adrian, as well as Fritz. Leopold informs you that the prisoners will be treated fairly, though both enemy officers will find themselves occupying a dungeon in the depths of the monastery. Once things settle down, he mentions that he would like you to be there for their inevitable interrogation. Though word regarding the ongoing battle at Fort Merceus is scant, Leopold expects to hear news regarding its outcome any day now. For now, all you can do is reside in the monastery, and lick your wounds until the Professor returns.
The following day, as sunset falls, you find yourself standing atop one of Garreg Mach’s walls, looking down upon the reconstruction efforts. Alongside you is Ashe, sitting right at the edge. He’d hardly said a word since the battle with Odesse. At some point earlier, you noticed that he was keeping close to your side. Without saying a word, you both just naturally gravitated up here. In a strange sense, despite the heavy damage the monastery incurred, it was still somehow peaceful.
>“First Edelgard…then General Randolph, and now this. The poor monastery just can’t catch a break.”“It will endure.” Ashe says tiredly. “It always has, hasn’t it?”
>“I suppose you’re right…”“Blair…” he says. “What do you think of me?”
>“What do you mean?” 