[ There have been times in Ferdinand's life, a few momentous occasions, wherein some illusion under which he's been operating has been dispelled. Being from a rather privileged noble upbringing, in fact, there have been many times. His discovery of his father's corruption, the tragedy that befell Remire Village — learning such lessons has been, unfortunately, an important part of his growth.
The lesson he learns now, however, is on a more personal level: that Manuela, the woman whose magnificence first inspired him to pick up a sword, doesn't think that she's particularly special. And that lesson almost breaks his heart right in two.
He hasn't been ignorant, of course. He knows that during her time at the monastery, Manuela hasn't successfully found a real, lasting love. And who could blame her? She's had her hands quite full, as have all of them. But he'd no idea just how much that affected her. His expression softens, and in a display that's less unconscious and more him simply allowing his hands to move as they wish, he brings the backs of his fingers to her cheek and jaw, brushing them softly over her skin. ]
Manuela... it was with someone special. Why do you think I was filled with such... enthusiasm?
[ His cheeks redden softly, as even the briefest of reminders of their encounter sends both his heart and mind racing. But his tone is undeniably tender, as are the fond smile on his face and his gentle gaze. ]
I would have liked to properly kiss you first, and I could have done with more privacy. But that aside, selfish as it must be of me, I have no regrets.
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The lesson he learns now, however, is on a more personal level: that Manuela, the woman whose magnificence first inspired him to pick up a sword, doesn't think that she's particularly special. And that lesson almost breaks his heart right in two.
He hasn't been ignorant, of course. He knows that during her time at the monastery, Manuela hasn't successfully found a real, lasting love. And who could blame her? She's had her hands quite full, as have all of them. But he'd no idea just how much that affected her. His expression softens, and in a display that's less unconscious and more him simply allowing his hands to move as they wish, he brings the backs of his fingers to her cheek and jaw, brushing them softly over her skin. ]
Manuela... it was with someone special. Why do you think I was filled with such... enthusiasm?
[ His cheeks redden softly, as even the briefest of reminders of their encounter sends both his heart and mind racing. But his tone is undeniably tender, as are the fond smile on his face and his gentle gaze. ]
I would have liked to properly kiss you first, and I could have done with more privacy. But that aside, selfish as it must be of me, I have no regrets.