"Do you know what the most common excuse for war in Nestra is?" Niccolo asked Corrin as the King butchered the stag.

"I assume land claims?" Corrin asked as he prepared a hindquarter, "One will say that a piece of land historically belongs to them, and will try to seize it by force; at least, that is the way during the Hoshido-Nohr Wars some six hundred years ago."

"You know your history." Niccolo remarked.

"A few years ago, I knew basically nothing." Corrin replied, "A side effect of living in an isolated fortress. Now, I make a habit out of knowing as much as I can."

"Admirable. However, that is not the case in Nestra. Instead, the most common cause is Vendetta. Always, there is an injured party, waiting for a chance to strike back at their hated foes. It is, of course, merely an excuse, a justification for taking land."

"So, it's a vendetta that caused this most recent war then? What is it over?"

"Cyrkensia's Chancellor killed the Mylanese Ambassador in duel after the latter made an inappropriate comment concerning Cyrkensia's patronage by the Nohrian Crown during the occupation. The outcome of the duel gave the Mylanese the pretense to declare war to 'avenge' their ambassador, never mind that he was the disgraced bastard of a disgraced Magistrate. Cyrkensia in turn knew what the consequences would be, and desired them as well. As a result, Cyrkensia has called upon her allies; Trantio, Florentia, Samnite, and Etur, to fight alongside them. Mylan did the same, and now Tobaro, Pesi, and Sisil march alongside Mylan's banner.

"Of course, the cities will not be sending their own subjects to fight and die. No, that will be the job of the mercenary companies…"

Niccolo actually spit when those last few words crossed his lips. Corrin could not help but take notice.

"Not an admirer of sellswords I take it?" the king asked his minister.

"Unscrupulous thugs; that is all that they are, with no greater loyalty than gold." Niccolo said, venom dripping from his every word, "Show me an honest mercenary, and I will show you something that does not exist."

"It sounds as if you have personal experience with them."

"Indeed, I do Your Grace. While I was still employed in Florentia, I hired mercenaries to fight for us when King Garon sent a force to subdue the city. Not even a month had passed after they had signed the contract than they left their posts, but of course, not before absconding with the other half of the pay, and looting a few of the surrounding villages. After that, I placed no more trust in such men, but instead tried to push an actual state army instead… much to the displeasure of the Prince, who did not wish to spend the money on such an endeavor."

"Quite a story, though we are getting off topic." Corrin, "I believe you said that Valla could benefit from this unrest; How?"

"The fact is that Nestra is now in a state of chaos, with city fighting city. This leaves them vulnerable though, ripe for-"

"I am not conquering Nestra." Corrin said firmly, "Valla will not annex territory, steal land, or subjugate other nations."

"Of course not my King." Niccolo said, bowing his head, "I would never suggest otherwise. After all, how many or your own vassals would lend you soldiers to such an endeavor? However, there are other ways to act. Rather than conquest, find a proxy in this war, support them, and help them achieve dominance in the war. Afterwards, with your continued support, your chosen actor will go on to continue to dominate Nestra both militarily, and politically."

"That seems too much like what Nohr did in the past." Corrin said, "Valla is a land of peace; besides, I was never much good at picking sides to begin with."

"Yes, this country is proof of that." Niccolo said, "However, Valla has much to gain from getting involved early; you can curb the violence, prevent villages from being burned, prevent a refugee crisis, and secure your border. Intervening in Nestra will outweigh any short-term costs."

Corrin said nothing. From a shrewd, cold hearted point of view, what Niccolo said made sense. Getting involved would allow him to save lives, and bring that stupid war to an end. On the other hand, he was a king now. He had his own kingdom's well being to look out for, and regardless, marching an army over the border, or giving supplies and funds to a chosen proxy would make Valla a part of the conflict in a way he was not comfortable with.

There were other options though…

"I need to think on this." He said, "That will be all for now Niccolo."

Niccolo bowed, and left, leaving Corrin alone with his thoughts.

"Scary guy gone now?" Lilith asked as she entered the tent, "Good. He makes me uneasy."

"He's a career politician." Corrin said, "He makes me uneasy too, though he does bring up good points."

"So, which way are you leaning?" Lilith asked, "Does Valla get involved or not?"

"You know I can't make a decision like that alone." Corrin stated, "Azura needs to be told, and we come to a consensus together. That being said, no matter what we choose, I will not be sending soldiers into Nestra except as a last resort."

"Good to know." Lilith said, crossing her arms, "Though, I have an idea."

"Go on."

"If you and Azura decide to get involved, instead of sending men or supplies, we could always send a handful of agents… along with the present that the Exalt of Ylisse gave you as a coronation present."

Corrin turned to look at his sister.

"The Einherjar…"