[ Manuela has a point, and that point doesn't escape Ferdinand. Even in the world that Edelgard wishes to create, there will be those with outdated opinions and mindsets, and it takes time to change those. If a nobleman were to take multiple romantic or sexual partners, while it would be seen as an indiscretion, it would be just that, not some scandal that forever taints him. Were a woman who were the head of her noble family to do the very same, well, there certainly be more noise around it.
And that ability and willingness to cut down to the ugly truths is part of what makes Manuela Manuela. Whether she's criticizing meager attempts at poetry or commenting on the state of the world, she says what's on her mind. If only he had the words to convince her of the worth of such outspokenness.
As she slumps against the door, his gaze is drawn back to her, to the resignation on her face. The distance between them is still pitifully small, but there are still moments when it feels like a vast gulf. He doesn't know how to convince her of his sincerity, but he does know that he can't be anything but honest with her. ]
I would be remiss if I denied that, coming especially from you, those words bring me some comfort... even as I recognize the sad truths of the world scrawled in the margins.
[ There is a wistfulness in his smile, but one that fades into something more determined. For as long as he's known, he's worried about how he'd be remembered, but there is something more important that he's come to realize. Yes, he wants to make a mark on the world and leave it for the better, but on a personal level, there are other things he wants, too. And looking at Manuela, he can easily see himself finding those. And with that resolve, he rises from the bed, speaking earnestly. ]
But I do not want for what happened between us to simply thought of as an indiscretion. I chose it for myself, of my own volition. And given the chance, I would do so again and again. I would discover every way I could to plea—
[ He catches himself mid-sentence, and for an instant, his expression grows a little bashful, and he finds himself fascinated with the patterns in the carpet. Or at least, they're the only thing he can really bring himself to look at. A faint blush spreads across his cheeks, and he continues before too long of a pause. ]
—to provide for you, and to make you feel as special and worthy as you have made me feel.
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And that ability and willingness to cut down to the ugly truths is part of what makes Manuela Manuela. Whether she's criticizing meager attempts at poetry or commenting on the state of the world, she says what's on her mind. If only he had the words to convince her of the worth of such outspokenness.
As she slumps against the door, his gaze is drawn back to her, to the resignation on her face. The distance between them is still pitifully small, but there are still moments when it feels like a vast gulf. He doesn't know how to convince her of his sincerity, but he does know that he can't be anything but honest with her. ]
I would be remiss if I denied that, coming especially from you, those words bring me some comfort... even as I recognize the sad truths of the world scrawled in the margins.
[ There is a wistfulness in his smile, but one that fades into something more determined. For as long as he's known, he's worried about how he'd be remembered, but there is something more important that he's come to realize. Yes, he wants to make a mark on the world and leave it for the better, but on a personal level, there are other things he wants, too. And looking at Manuela, he can easily see himself finding those. And with that resolve, he rises from the bed, speaking earnestly. ]
But I do not want for what happened between us to simply thought of as an indiscretion. I chose it for myself, of my own volition. And given the chance, I would do so again and again. I would discover every way I could to plea—
[ He catches himself mid-sentence, and for an instant, his expression grows a little bashful, and he finds himself fascinated with the patterns in the carpet. Or at least, they're the only thing he can really bring himself to look at. A faint blush spreads across his cheeks, and he continues before too long of a pause. ]
—to provide for you, and to make you feel as special and worthy as you have made me feel.