[ for a brief, wild moment, manuela feels a flutter of something that tastes a little like hope and fear swell up in her chest — but of course a young man so full of ideals like ferdinand wouldn't even bat an eye to how casually he mentions that, love. manuela, on the other hand, feels plucked raw by just the sound of it. this very thing she has longer for for so long.

the goddess blesses her that he should keep speaking, allowing manuela to focus on something else other than what she wants to hear. ]

Oh, Ferdinand...

[ her voice softens. ]

The world will always look upon a man with more forgiveness than a woman.

[ there is a trace of bitterness in her tone, but more than that she is simply somber. ]

Besides that, you are still so young. Any shortcomings you think of yourself right now will whittle away with time. You've so many years ahead of you to reach the heights you've set out for yourself. And how could you not? You, who has never not known how to slow down or give up.

[ they are in the middle of a war, but if there is one thing manuela is going to do or die trying, it's ensure those that she has seen grow into remarkable young men and women get to continue to grow for many, many years to come. it is already far too late for someone like her... but ferdinand, and edelgard, and dorothea and all the rest — they must still get to live on and have their dreams.

without his hands to steady her, she leans fully against the door now. she closes her eyes and tips her head back, and the sigh that escapes her lips is a wistful one. ]

Undoubtedly you will find the love you speak of, and the honor you crave. You will be respected, and renowned, and if the world should ever hear of your enthusiasms they would only ever call you "passionate" and leave it at that.