The Fallen Monastery

Ugh, I'm exhausted! What gives, Professor?

Lysithea

I was so excited to see everyone again, and then this happens...

I'm still tired from the long journey. How did it come to this?

Let's all take a moment to catch our breath...

If you've got the spare time to play with those guys, the least you could do is prepare some tea.

Thanks for your help.
Blame Claude.

We were hoping someone would come to back us up when we started routing the bandits.

Come on, those guys were thieves! We couldn't just let them get away.

It seems they've been taking advantage of the church's absence and doing whatever they please here.

Marianne

In any case, um... I'm glad that all of you are well.

Marianne is alive & recruited
Else

That's the spirit, Marianne!

Raphael

That was fun! In fact, I wouldn't mind romping around some more!

So, you were alive this whole time, Professor. I am not surprised. In fact, that is why I came here.

Lorenz is alive & recruited
Else

And it doesn't look like time has rusted your skills. That's a relief!

I'm just glad everyone's alive and well. On that note, let's move this reunion party somewhere else.

Byleth, Hilda, Lysithea, Leonie, Ignatz, Claude, Marianne, Raphael, Lorenz enter the scene

Now that we've dealt with those violent bandits, we could potentially use this place as our base of operations again.

What could you possibly mean by that?

I'm talking about the Leicester Alliance taking over Garreg Mach Monastery.

After all, it's right in the middle of Fódlan. It's a critical strategic location.

Lysithea

Are you suggesting that we fight back against the Empire?

Lorenz is alive & recruited
Else

Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? The Alliance is in complete discord at present.

And, as leader of the Imperial faction of the Alliance, isn't Count Gloucester, your father, the main cause of that discord?

I... Yes, that is true. It was inevitable. Our house's territory is close to Imperial land, after all.

Had we not consented to vassalage under the Empire, they would have invaded immediately.

Naturally. And to be clear, I have no problem with your house maintaining its Imperial ties until we're sufficiently prepared to revolt.

But with all of the in-fighting within the Alliance, fighting the Empire seems impossible...

The Empire is the cause of the infighting. If we rid ourselves of them, the situation should resolve itself.

That's why I'm thinking we should make this our base, raise up an army, and stir up some trouble for the Empire.

Raphael

Now you're talking! Sounds like fun!

So then, Mr. Leader Man. Does this mean you intend to rope us into your little scheme?

Leader Man?

Hm? Ah. My grandfather passed away. That means yours truly is officially the leader of the Alliance.

Lorenz is alive & recruited
Else

If we had a more reliable leader, perhaps the Alliance would not have been divided...

Think what you will. All I need to know is if you're in or you're out.

So what do you say? Will you help me?

I'm happy to lend a hand. I won't let those Imperial dogs set foot in Alliance territory!

I couldn't bear it if my village got caught up in the chaos of war.

Raphael

I'll fight too! I've gotta protect my little sis!

Lysithea

I will join as well. After all, House Ordelia was once dragged into an Imperial revolt. It ruined us.

Lysithea is alive & recruited
Else

Ah, of course. I understand your motivation.

I'll fight too... It's time to take responsibility for my own future!

Marianne

I... I don't want to run anymore. I hope I'll be of use to everyone...

Marianne is alive & recruited
Else

We can do anything if we work together, Marianne!

Lorenz is alive & recruited
Else

What about you, Lorenz? Are you going to go back home to your scary father or what?

We cannot rely on Claude's scheming to lead us to victory. Therefore, I will remain.

It is my duty to ensure Claude does not worsen the situation in the Alliance.

All of us are fighting for a different reason, but we share a common enemy.

If we don't act, the Empire will crush us eventually. I say we stop them before they have the chance!

So, Teach... Will you help as well?

I'd rather search for Rhea than fight.
I'll give it some thought.

All the more reason to join us. Admit it. You're not going to be able to do much on your own.

Please do. I'm counting on you.

Even if your ultimate goal is to find Rhea, it would be better to stick with us as you search.

With you on our side, the church will join us as well. That makes fighting the Empire a moral cause, which means it will be easier to rally support.

Above all, your knowledge and strength are indispensable if we hope to stand a chance against the Imperial army.

Without you, my schemes are nothing. Just words. Please... Take all of that into consideration as you decide.

You're really laying it all on the table, aren't you, Claude?

Well, all that aside, this place is a mess. We can't very well make our base in a ruin!