Dimitri sighed in relief as the replacement horses finally arrived alongside the new guard. He heard some shouting outside but ignored it and instead kept an eye on Edelgard who is still asleep until she started to mutter something under her breath

He leans in next to Edelgard to hear her words

"Mother...why?" Edelgard tighten her eyes as her breathing became heavy

Dimitri's eyes when wide but didn't say anything

"Why mother...why?" she begged under her breath "Do you even love me?"

He gripped his fist into a ball as Edelgard just...when back to the normal and back to sleep

"Edelgard...what are you hiding?" Dimitri muttered as the carriage started to move again

----------

Ingrid and Sylvain arrived at House Dominic to pick up Felix and Annette before moving on to the border

At least that was the plan until they arrived within House Gaspard where they encountered a bunch of Mercenaries...Jeralt's Mercenaries to be more exact

"Are you the brats within the Blue Lions?" The Mercenaries asked with a frown on his face

Ingrid when right in front of the Mercenary "Yes, but may I ask...what are you doing here?" Ingrid asked

"Don't ask me. Ask Sir Jeralt, he brought us here alongside a couple of your 'friends'," the Mercenary replied

Felix gave a suspicious look alongside Sylvain

"Will do, thank you," She salutes the mercenary before moving on

Sylvain did the same alongside Annette but Felix just...walk pass without saying a word

Ingrid and Sylvain dismount their horses and tied them to a nearby tree

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Felix asked while pointing at a nearby mercenary

Both of them nod "Relax Felix, these are Jearlt's men. They have been with us since the first time that they arrived and well...have they done anything wrong?" Sylvain asked

Felix frowned at Sylvain but he does make a good point

"You arrived..." they all quickly turned around to see that it was Dedue wearing his Fortress Knight armour

"Dedue!" Annette face transformed into a smile "It's nice to see you again,"

Ingrid hesitated about greeting Dedue due to...their past. During their time at Garreg Mach. Ingrid often ignored Dedue and talk behind his back but now...she isn't sure what to think about Dedue loyalty

Sylvain pats Dedue back while Felix kept an eye out

But that when she noticed that someone is missing "Dedue, may I ask. Where is his Majesty?" Ingrid asked

"Hmm?" Sylvain's examine his surroundings "Oh yea...where is his Majesty?"

Dedue sighed "To the Imperial capital Enbarr with Lady Edelgard," said Dedue

"Wait, what? You mean, you just left him alone?" Ingrid asked with a frown on her face

He shook his head "His Majesty orders, you may not believe my words, however..." Dedue turned towards Mercedes who slowly walked besides Dedue "We still have to be thankfully for his majesty," said Dedue

Sylvain was left speechless alongside Ingrid, Felix and Annette

Mercedes slowly raised her hand "I am back..." she smiled

"M...Mercie?" Annette slowly walked up to Mercedes "Is that really you?" Annette asked

She nods "Yes, Annie...I am here," Mercedes opened her arms but that when Annette shook her head and backed off

"Wait...how do I know that you are the real Mercedes?" She gave a suspicious look at Mercedes

Sylvain frowned but nods in agreement. Same with Felix

Mercedes knew about this and revealed her Relic which is starting to glow bright white in the symbol of her crest "So this good enough?" Mercedes asked

Annette and Sylvain eyes when wide at the sight of the relic as they both examine it

Felix sighed and shook his head "Well, that proves it...she is the real Mercedes...but how did you get to escape?" Felix asked

She grew a worried look on her face before turning towards a man who has the same hair colour as Mercedes

"Emile..." she pulls her brother's arm and points at each of her friends "These are my friends. Annette, Sylvain, Ingrid, Felix and you already met him...Dedue,"

Dedue just waved silently without speaking a single word

"Hello..." Emile replied while remaining emotionless

Sylvain grew a nervous look on his face "Mercedes...is that the Death Knight armour?" He points out his black armour

Mercedes is concerned about their reaction but nods "Yes...it is,"

Annette was about to cast a wind spell however, she quickly cancel it once her friend stepped in the way "Mercie...what are you doing?" Annette asked

"Annie...please, hear him out," said Mercedes

Felix frowned at Emile as he examines his weapon and body mass "So...he the Death Knight?" Felix asked

She nods once more "Yes, he is...he also my...little brother,"

"Y...your little brother? But...he," Sylvain looks up at Emile "Taller than you...are you sure that he is your 'little' brother?"

"Mercie..." Annette places one of her fingers under her chin "If I remember correctly. During our time within the School of Sorcery, you did mention a sibling but I didn't know that...the Death Knight is your brother!" said Annette

Mercedes turned towards Annette "I know..." she looked back at her brother "He has changed so much since the last time we saw each other," said Mercedes

Sylvain crossed his arms "I see...so, your brother was from the Empire...just like your mother after both of you escaped into the Kingdom," said Sylvain

She appeared to be surprised by Sylvain comment "Y...you remembered,"

"Huh?" he lowered his arms "Of course, I remember. Just because I flirt all the time doesn't mean I don't care about woman,"

Ingrid rolled her eyes but didn't say anything

Felix gave a suspicious look at Sylvain then at the Death Knight

Mercedes smiled a bit at Sylvain "Thank you, Sylvain,"

Annette grew concerned "Mercie, can you tell us, how did you manage to escape?" Annette asked

Felix sighed "What do you think? Didn't you get the hint?" Felix asked

She rubbed her neck as Annette realized that she messed up "Oh...my bad,"

The Death Knight remained emotionless before being dragged by his sister

"Even so, are you sure that we can...trust him?" Felix point at the Death Knight

Mercedes nods "Don't worry, I can watch over my little brother," she smiled at Emile "is that correct Emile?"

Emile nods "Yes...that is fine with me,"

Dedue crossed his arms while Sylvain still gave a dirty look at the Death Knight

Jeralt just arrived as he tossed a couple of wrapped up tents "Enough with the dirty talk. Just get some rest for the next dawn." He pointed at his chest "Believe me...it going to be a long march," said Jeralt

Felix sighed in agreement "I agree with Jeralt...it getting late," said Felix

Ingrid rubbed her shoulder "Alright, let get to work otherwise, we are sleeping in the open,"

Sylvain, Dedue, Annette and Mercedes nod as they got to work. Emile assisted only his sister while Jeralt made sure that they set up the tent correctly

-------------

Byleth entered the goddess tower while holding onto her left arm which is barely holding on and has a bunch of wounds near her legs and her lower chest. Even an arrow is present onto her back

Her breathing became heavy as she leans against the stone wall and using that to move forward

"Huh...so this is the feeling of death," Byleth chuckled as someone just burst the door open. She turned herself around

Shamir entered the Goddess tower with her bow drawn "Had enough?" Shamir asked

She shook her head "No...it never over until I breathe my last," said Byleth as she raised her sword towards Shamir

She scoffed "So, you are willing to resist until the very end. Very well, I guess you leave me with no choice,"

Byleth raised her hand "But...may I ask you a flavour?" Blood continues to pour out of her wound

Shamir kept her bow trained on Byleth "Really? After all of that...why should I listen to you?" Shamir asked

She sighed and looked outside of the Goddess Tower "Because...my fate has already decided from the very beginning," said Byleth

She examined Byleth face who remains emotionless "...your face...I can't tell if you are fearing for your life or just devoid from the fear of death," Shamir released an arrow from her bow

----------------

Ladislava entered the bedroom of her majesty and sat her besides the former Emperor

The Emperor slowly opened his eyes and looked at the Commander "Ladislava...has my daughter arrived yet?" Ionius asked

She shook her head "Forgive me, your Majesty, her highness hasn't arrived yet." said Ladislava

Lonius sighed as he points at the piece of paper that is anchored down by a set of ink and a quill "My will...please write everything I am about to say from this point on." his breath is starting to go weak

Ladislava just nods and took the piece of paper and Ink alongside a book to use as a cover to write the will

The Emperor looked up at the ceiling before speaking his weak voice

------------

It took at least an hour to arrived at the gates of Enbarr and under the cover of darkness. They sneaked through the streets of Enbarr by using the dark blankets to cover the carriage and covering the Imperial guard uniforms with a coat

Edelgard is still asleep while Dimitri is keeping himself awake when he suddenly heard a bell being rang

Randolph eyes when wide as the citizens of Enbarr started to gather out of the streets

She woke up to the sound of the bells within her head

Dimitri realized why the royal guards have sounded the bell. It because...their Emperor has just passed away. He looked towards Edelgard who reaction is...sadness

"We...we were too late," she muttered. Edelgard tighten her fist as her breathing became...odd

He didn't say a word as Dimitri started to comfort Edelgard

Randolph sighed as the Imperial Guard moved carefully through the streets. Hoping that no one has noticed them...yet

--------------

When they arrived at the palace where the Royal Guard was positioned outside of the gate. They both saluted by placing their spears right in front of them while another guard opened the gate to let the carriage through

Edelgard exited out of the carriage and rushed up the steps while Dimitri struggles to catch up. He turned around to see Randolph ordering the Imperial Guard

She arrived at the top of the steps where Ladislava was waiting for her alongside a Bishop and a Holy Knight "Your...Highness, welcome back," Ladislava bowed while the Bishop and the Holy Knight kneeled

"Ladislava...my father..." she took a deep breath "He drifted away from life...is that correct?" Edelgard asked

Ladislava nods "We are about to report the Emperor death to the citizens of Enbarr and the rest of Fodlan," said Ladislava

"Please do," she sighed and stared up at the palace "Now if you excuse me...I need to alone," Edelgard walked away

Dimitri grew concerned and attempted to follow Edelgard only to be blocked by the Holy Knight, however.

"Let him through," Ladislava ordered

The Holy Knight turned towards Ladislava "But Madam, her majesty wishes to be alone," said the Holy Knight

She just shook her head "He is the Prince of Faerghus. So don't make me say it again. Let him through," Ladislava ordered once more

The Holy Knight frowned but obeyed by lowering his arm. Allowing Dimitri to follow Edelgard into the palace while Randolph when up to Ladislava and started talking

Edelgard arrived at her bedroom where it being guard by another pair of Royal Guards. She looked at the Royal Guards "Leave me," she ordered

Both of the Royal Guards bowed and obeyed without question

Dimitri just let the Royal Guard pass-through before taking a peek inside Edelgard's bedroom

She when over to a nearby window and sat herself down. Her face is hidden within the shadows of her room while and her body is exhausted

He decided that...it isn't the time. So Dimitri backed off and when back to Ladislava who is busying ordering the Royal Guard alongside Randolph "Ladislava, can you spare me your time?" Dimitri asked

Ladislava nods "That is all, remember your orders," The Royal guard obeyed alongside Randolph as they bowed before leaving. She then turned to face Dimitri "Speak away. Your Highness," said Ladislava

Dimitri took a deep breath "I know this sounds strange but...during our field trip within Enbarr. General Randolph said something about a rumour...a rumour about you,"

She remained silent as Dimitri continues with his words

"Rumours that you were an orphan before you became a General...is that true?" Dimitri asked while crossing his arms

Ladislava turned her eyes to look at Randolph before looking back at Dimitri "I always wanted to escape from those rumours...if you want to know. Come inside," said Ladislava before entering the throne room

Dimitri obeyed and followed Ladislava

Right now, no one is inside the throne room besides Ladislava and Dimitri

She examines the room "What else did Randolph tell you about...me?" Ladislava asked

He shrugs "Nothing else...besides telling me that...if I wanted to know more about you. I should ask you directly instead of trusting rumours," said Dimitri

Ladislava smiled "Huh...at least he was smart about that. Randolph is correct about not trusting rumours," she muttered before turning back to Dimitri "So...do you wish to know about my story?" she asked once more

Dimitri nods "Please do, I need to know more about the Insurrection,"

"The Insurrection..." she looked at the throne room "A coup lead by all of the higher houses within the Empire..." Ladislava just stopped and turned back "I will say this again...do you want to know?"

He nods once more without saying a word

Ladislava crossed her arms "Very well. The Insurrection 'movement' was created by Duke Aegir. Their 'goal' was to limit the Emperor power for the greater good of the people...of course, that was a bunch of lies. Their real goals to prevent the Emperor from doing it reforms which would greatly limit the nobility power,"

Dimitri placed his finger under his chin "Randolph said that he was saved by his linage..and that the Imperial capital when into Chaos when the Insurrection started. Is that true?"

She nods "Yes, that part is true. Enbarr when into complete chaos once their coup started. The Royal Guard fought with the best of their ability but...it doesn't matter how skilled they were in combat if they were outnumbered three to one. The Royal children were forced to hide within the capital or escape entirely...speaking of which. Randolph told me something about, Lady Anselma who escaped to the Kingdom," said Ladislava

"Randolph was surprised about the news that...one of the Emperor consorts managed to escape into the Kingdom," Dimitri replied

Ladislava chuckled under her breath "To fair to Randolph. I am also shocked by the fact that she managed to escape from Enbarr and into the Kingdom...without getting caught or...worse,"

"Hmm..." he started to think and stared at the throne "What happened to the other consorts?"

"Were slaughtered during the Insurrection by soldiers who are loyal to the higher nobility," Ladislava replied with a frown on her face

"Oh..." Dimitri looked at the throne before looking back at Ladislava "I will be straight to the point with my next question. Ladislava. Were you present within the palace during the Insurrection?"

She stared at Dimitri with silences

"...it's a yes isn't it? You were insides the palace during the Insurrection weren't you?" Dimitri asked with a serious look on his face

Ladislava shrugs "That for you to decide. Anyways, I would love to continue our conversion but...sadly time isn't on our side. Now, if you can excuse me I need to report to her majesty at once," said Ladislava before leaving the throne room

Dimitri sighed as he turned around to face the throne alongside the twin eagles of the Empire. He stared at the base of the throne "Why...why? Why does this...feel familiar?" Dimitri placed his hand onto his head "No, these are...just dreams...right?"

-----------------

Edelgard stared outside of her window as a knock came onto her door before being opened

Ladislava when up to her and bowed "Your Majesty,"

She turned her head to face Ladislava "Ladislava, has the Imperial army recovered from its previous battle?" Edelgard asked

The Commander shook her head "We are still training the fresh recruits to replace out losses from the Battle at Hyrm Mountain. So our army won't be at full strength,"

Edelgard sighed in frustration as she places one of her hands over her face meanwhile a messenger knocked onto the door. Ladislava answered the door and hear the Messenger out.

Ladislava frowned at the news "Your Majesty, our border guards stationed near Garreg Mach has reported that the Knight of Serios is preparing to enter into the Empire...it appears that...we have been discovered," said Ladislava

She bit her lip "I knew this would happen soon or later," Edelgard muttered "I was hoping for the element of surprise but...nevermind, it's all in the past now."

She ignored her comment as Ladislava continues "If I may suggest your majesty. We should make a strategic withdraw as the border guards are heavily outnumbered and out skilled. We should also evacuate all of the nearby villages alongside their supplies,"

Edelgard nods "I..." however, she suddenly stopped in the middle of her sentence and place a finger onto her chin

"Y...your majesty?"

"Tell me Ladislava. Have we have 'officially' declared war on the Church of Serios?" Edelgard asked

Ladislava was caught off guard "Umm...no, your majesty. We haven't yet,"

Edelgard smirked "Next Question. Do you think Garreg Mach can survive being cut off from the rest of Fodlan?"

She frowned "No...many of their food and resource come from their imports or 'donations' from the nobility."

She chuckled under her breath "Good, that means they will have to make the first move,"

"First move? You mean, you wanted the Church of Serios to declare war on us?"

Edelgard nods "I am afraid so...if we declare war on the Church of Serios. Those who support the Church of Serios will be in open revolt unless...we are justified in doing so,"

"...I understand. I shall order the nearby villages to evacuate at once," said Ladislava

She sighed in disapproval "Belay that order,"

Ladislava got caught off guard once more "E...excuse your majesty? May I ask why?"

"Think about the grand painting Ladislava. If we order an evacuate for no justification...it would cause a lot of discontent within the villagers as many of them had stayed within their lands for many generations." Edelgard replied in a cold voice

The Commander bit under her lip "...you are right your Majesty but what are we supposed to do?"

Edelgard stared outside of her window "Their only choice is to either starve behind their walls or...plunder for supplies onto the nearby villages," she smirked "Which will ruin their perfect image,"

"Wait...your majesty, are you suggest that we...leave people to die?" Ladislava asked with a concerned look on her face

She frowned as Edelgard shook her head "No, Ladislava. It's just a suggestion although...a powerful suggestion as it could easily bring them into ruin with the least amount of casualties for our soldiers. But it requires sacrifices...innocent sacrifices,"

Ladislava crossed her arms "Prince Dimitri...I guess, he won't approve this,"

Edelgard nods "Yes...he won't." She sighed "If we choose this option of...sacrificies thousands. We shall not spill a word about this,"

She bowed in acknowledgement "Yes, your Majesty," Ladislava was about to leave until another knock came onto Edelgard's door. She opened to reveal another Messenger

The Messenger bowed in front of Edelgard "The Hero of Daphnel request an audience at once," said the Messenger

Edelgard eyes when wide alongside Ladislava "The Hero of Daphnel?" She turned towards Ladislava "Attend to your duties and call her in,"

Ladislava bowed before leaving alongside the messenger

After they both left. She leaned over to cover her face "Why now?" she muttered

--------------------

Petra stared at the fire pit while Gram and the Mithril Sword sat by her side

"Mind if I join you?" Hubert asked with a calm face

She nods and pats the ground next to her

He sat next to her "You still can't get over it?"

Petra sighed "I want to but...this is one challenge that I can't beat face to face with my swords," Petra replied

Hubert frowned "That...understandable. As it impossible to complete everything that we wish for,"

"We all wanted something for the future but...not all of us will complete it," She sighed and examine the Mithril Sword

"As much as it hurts...that is reality. That is...life in a nutshell," He attempted to warm up to Petra

Petra smiled "...you know Hubert, it's nice of you. When we first met, I thought that you were nothing but a pet for Lady Edelgard but now...it all in the past," said Petra

"I...I am getting there. Anyways, if you need any help...free feel to ask me or Lady Edelgard." Hubert stood up and walked away

She sighed "Yes...I will...when it time."

-----------

Shamir exited out of the Goddess Tower where Catherine who is wounded during the fight against Byleth when up to her

"Shamir...did you do it?" Catherine asked while using Thunderbrand to steady herself

She shook her head "...She would rather face death from my arrows then surrendering herself,"

Catherine frowned "Shamir, we were told to capture her! Not to ki..."

Shamir cut her off "I already tried that..." She sighed "I make it simple for you...she killed herself,"

"Shamir...you know, Rhea isn't going to happy about this if you were caught lying," said Catherine

"If you think that I am lying...go ahead and check for yourself," Shamir points at the Goddess Tower

Catherine obeyed and when inside the Goddess Tower

She examines the stone floor where she saw a trail of blood leading to the edge of the Goddess Tower "It can't be..." she muttered as Catherine looked over the edge "Tah...it too dark outside,"

Shamir slowly walked away from the scene with no one batting an eye on her suspicious behaviour

--------------

The young girl placed her right hands under her chin "Marianne...that is a pretty name," said the young teenager

Marianne smiled but her eyes don't match up "Thank you," she stopped right in front of an old steel door "You said that you were seeking for lost knowledge...is that correct?" Marianne asked

The Teenager nods "Yes, I what to know more about Fodlan when I become..." She suddenly stopped "Just...forgot that last part. I just want to know more about Fodlan history,"

She looked at the teenager's eyes as Marianne sighed "...Your wish will be granted but only if you prove yourself worthy for this lost knowledge,"

She frowned at Marianne "I knew this was too easy..." she muttered under her lips

Marianne opened the door which leads into a room covered in darkness "Prepare your weapon," she ordered in a cold harsh voice

The Teenager obeyed as she raised her spear "Ok...who am I facing?"

She muttered some words in a quiet voice as a pair of phantoms appeared "Light up the room," Marianne ordered in which the phantoms obeyed by casting fire within their ghostly hand.

Both of them when to the opposite side of the room where they light up some coal within an iron bowl that attaches to the stonewall

"So, I am going to face some phantoms as my opponent?" she asked

Marianne shook her head as the phantoms slowly disappeared into thin air while she walks across from the teenager before turning around to face her "No...I shall be your opponent,"

Her eyes when wide "Umm...are you sure about this? Because I have a huge advantage against you,"

She smiled in response "Yes, I am for sure...now, are you ready?" Marianne asked

"..." she examines Marianne hands "...sure, ready when you are,"

----------------

"Hello there. Miss me already?" Thales asked with a smile on his face which quickly turned into a frown "Oh...no?" He sighed "Anyways, I just got this note from the Author. So, listen up." Thales pulls a book out of thin air and starts reading it out

"Hello Readers, sorry for the very late update. Right now, I am having trouble with the real world as right now. I just entered school," he stopped and said "Huh...just like the Three Lords," before continuing "So yes, this means that I will be busy and that most of my free time will spend relaxing my mind then working on this story. But don't worry, it doesn't mean that this story is cancelled. Instead, I am just saying that it is going to take a lot longer to update than normal. So sorry for the late chapter. Please enjoy this book," He stopped for a moment to take a breather "PS: Blossom_Worm: You saw the updates that you did. Besides a few...errors. You did an amazing job of fixing the story and made it much smoother. So from this day forth. I am granting you permission to change, remove or add scenes (you can still rewrite them as a normal.) but you must tell first on which scene that you want to change, remove or add first beforehand. PS...again: Readers from Wattpad. You can find this story from the Archive of our Own. That is all, please enjoy your day," Thales closed the book

"That is all...please enjoy the rest of your day," said Thales before disappearing into dark mist.