"Well, well. Stormveil, Raya Lucaria Academy, the Redmane Army, Volcano Manor, and now the late-arriving Royal Capital of Leyndell. Liurnia really has become one hell of a mess."
Patches shaded his eyes with a hand and peered down from a rise near the Academy's North Gate.
"But we were still a step too late. What a shame we couldn't take the Academy before Leyndell's reinforcements arrived."
A knight stood beside him, clad in the Beast Champion Armor and holding the Devourer's Scepter. It was Bernahl.
From inside his helmet, Bernahl asked in a muffled voice, "You took it upon yourself to attack before I arrived just so you could seize the Academy before Leyndell?"
"Exactly, exactly." Patches rubbed his hands together with a fawning smile. "With you leading us, Tarnished never would have wiped out our entire Volcano Manor force."
Bernahl snorted. "So now it's my fault?"
"Heh heh, I'm just stating the facts."
"Then why do I feel you did it on purpose?" Bernahl's voice grew cold. "If you hadn't attacked early, those 213 Recusants and I could have decided the outcome. Now I'm the only one left. Volcano Manor has not only openly broken with Stormveil, but been reduced to a spectator. Judging by the results, you've done Tarnished quite a favor."
"Oh? Is that what happened? I had no idea." Patches looked astonished, then broke into a cheeky grin. "I really do love Volcano Manor, just as maggots love rotten flesh. Things probably turned out this way because of fate. After all, who could have imagined Tarnished would kill 213 Recusants alone? Before becoming a Recusant, you were a renowned contender for lordship. Magnanimity is one of a lord's virtues, so you'll surely forgive me, won't you? Hee hee!"
Bernahl looked at Patches, who met his gaze