0. Ah, what a mess. I've really done it this time.
1. Her Majesty is the kindest person I know, so she's [cdb]likely not upset with me, but I still cannot bring [cdb]myself to face her.
2. Hello, Monica. What brings you to this particular [cdb]wall for conversation?
3. What do you want, Hubert?
4. I lack the energy to keep you company right now, [cdb]so please just...leave me alone.
5. Heh. Very well.
6. I thought you might be interested to know that Lady Edelgard was overcome with grief as she told me how [cdb]deeply she regrets wounding you with her words.
7. But as you desire solitude, I will endeavor to keep [cdb]that to myself. Good day.
8. She did? And wait, did you not just tell me what [cdb]she said?
9. Mmm? Oh, not at all. I was merely speaking to [cdb]myself.
10. There was a painting in Her Majesty's chambers, [cdb]and... Subtlety is not my strong suit, to put it lightly.
11. I asked her whose child had scribbled on such an [cdb]expensive canvas before realizing Her Majesty had [cdb]actually painted it herself.
12. So she didn't hurt me. I hurt her.
13. Oh, I'm so ashamed...
14. Lady Edelgard can be quite sensitive, despite how she [cdb]carries herself.
15. Perhaps she was so stunned by your comment that [cdb]she made a hurtful one of her own in the heat of the [cdb]moment.
16. You need not let it weigh upon you. Such events are [cdb]commonplace for me, as well.
17. You amaze me, Hubert. How are you not beside [cdb]yourself at Her Majesty's every utterance?
18. I know I said that I wanted to become her servant, [cdb]but now I think it may be impossible.
19. Her Majesty is so radiant. I'm not sure I possess the [cdb]fortitude to bask in that glow every minute of the day.
20. Perhaps some distance between us is better for me.
21. Do you truly believe that? Even though you now have [cdb]an opportunity to become her servant?
22. Wait, I do?
23. Once this war is settled, Her Majesty will endeavor to [cdb]tear down the entire concept of the nobility.
24. Her first action will be to separate territory from title, [cdb]making it so that being a noble no longer means one [cdb]must lord over some plot of land somewhere.
25. Once she does this, I rather suspect you could remain [cdb]at her side even if you do inherit your family's title.
26. You're right! How could I have failed to realize that?
27. I have heard her talk about her plan so many times [cdb]before, but I never considered what an impact it [cdb]would have on me!
28. Ah, I am such a fool!
29. Not at all. You simply illustrate what it is to be part [cdb]of the established system. One is not easily shaken [cdb]from its structure.
30. This is why Her Majesty takes such drastic measures. To rid us of the accepted practice of categorizing [cdb]individuals as either noble or common.
31. Ah...
32. Honestly, I don't believe there is another more suited [cdb]to serving Her Majesty than you—but I still will not [cdb]give up!
33. I'm going to become her servant too, and show [cdb]everyone a new way of life for the nobility—and [cdb]for whatever lies beyond!
34. Which means I cannot simply stand here in this state [cdb]of indecision. There is much work to do!
35. Heh. I suspected she might be stopped in her tracks [cdb]for but a moment, and indeed, she has gone and left [cdb]me in the dust.
36. Well, I cannot permit myself to be left behind in such [cdb]a fashion. I must keep making progress of my own.