My reasons aren't that noble. [ He looks down at his hands for a moment. ] I hated you for reasons outside of your control. For something that you couldn't be blamed for or rectify.
[ He leans back against the desk that I am assuming is in this room. ]
My last memory of Fódlan is being struck down by your blade. After watching you and Edelgard conquer Derdriu, killing Hilda and Lysithea in your path. I realized when I saw Dimitri that our memories might have been different but... I still hated you for it.
for a long moment, she doesn't move a muscle, her mind a complete blank, except for an echo of a voice: "Since you are new here, we have decided to allow you first pick. Manuela and I will take charge of the remaining two houses."
even when she finally speaks, nothing but her eyes and mouth moves.]
That's why you were so surprised when I said no to conquering.
... I want to ask, if those are the choices you would've made if you'd chosen to teach the Black Eagles all those years ago, but there's no way of knowing, is there?
[the fact that his mortality balances on her own blade, even if it is another version of her, is something she takes another moment to grapple with, feeling now, more than ever, the slip of time between them.
I hope you live.]
If there was a wish, do you know what you'd choose?
I suppose I should say something noble about achieving my dreams with my own hands. [ Oh well, he's not that arrogant. ] But I might take the easy route and wish peace and reconciliation between Fódlan and its neighbours.
[ Good thing it's thought share week, because Claude isn't going to say this out loud: Is that it? You devote yourself wholly to whoever it is? Whether it's Dimitri or Edelgard? ]
Well, whatever pleases you. I don't think I could dedicate an all powerful wish to someone else's dream.
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He just snorts, shaking his head. ]
My reasons aren't that noble. [ He looks down at his hands for a moment. ] I hated you for reasons outside of your control. For something that you couldn't be blamed for or rectify.
[ He leans back against the desk that I am assuming is in this room. ]
My last memory of Fódlan is being struck down by your blade. After watching you and Edelgard conquer Derdriu, killing Hilda and Lysithea in your path. I realized when I saw Dimitri that our memories might have been different but... I still hated you for it.
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for a long moment, she doesn't move a muscle, her mind a complete blank, except for an echo of a voice: "Since you are new here, we have decided to allow you first pick. Manuela and I will take charge of the remaining two houses."
even when she finally speaks, nothing but her eyes and mouth moves.]
That's why you were so surprised when I said no to conquering.
I can hardly blame you for that, Claude.
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[Would I?
the thought bounces around her head, unavoidable in that she can't even answer no for certain, and she blinks, twice.]
But I wouldn't now.
I don't have a better answer than that.
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[ ... ]
Whether or not that's a good thing, I can't say. It doesn't matter now, in any case. That person isn't you.
[ He's not going to apologize for his behaviour but, ] And I shouldn't hold you accountable for their actions.
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she gives him a long, quiet look, and nods once.]
Thank you.
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In any case, that's all I wanted to say. Best of luck with Dimitri, professor.
[ And fixing up Fódlan after the way. I don't know why he's acting like he'll never see her again, we still have a week to go. ]
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Will you return to Fódlan?
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[ He looks... thoughtful. ]
I'm not sure if there's really some wish waiting for us at the end of this. Or if I'll be a living or dead man when I leave.
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I hope you live.]
If there was a wish, do you know what you'd choose?
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I suppose I should say something noble about achieving my dreams with my own hands. [ Oh well, he's not that arrogant. ] But I might take the easy route and wish peace and reconciliation between Fódlan and its neighbours.
[ Why stop at Almyra? ]
And you?
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[for herself... her brow crinkles lightly.]
To see Dimitri successful in overthrowing the Empire, and peace in Fódlan and its surroundings after.
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It's my wish, too.
I'd also want to see Rhea safe and sound.
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Well, whatever pleases you. I don't think I could dedicate an all powerful wish to someone else's dream.
[ Is that love? Who knows. ]
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I think it's a kind of love.
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[ He shakes his head. ]
In any case, that's all I wanted to discuss.
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Thank you for telling me, Claude.
It can't have been easy, all this time.
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Even now, I found myself wanting to rely on you.
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...]
I took on the responsibilities of the group I joined with the hopes that it would fulfill what I told you.
That we would leave safely, and I would see to it.
So, I suppose I wanted to be relied on a little.
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It's a terrible position to have ended up in.
[ They were trying to help, he knows that. And they'll probably be resented for it. ]
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But I don't hold it against anyone.
[Although it can feel lonely.]
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You never act selfishly, do you?
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she exhales a stream of air, line of sight drifting a little bit, and shakes her head.]
I'm not sure I know how.
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Ask yourself: what would make your life better? Easier? Happier?
Nothing comes to mind?
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