0. Oh, Edelgard. I'm glad I found you. Got a few?
1. Of course. What is it?
2. Well, remember how Hubert laid into me after the Knights of Seiros raided Enbarr?
3. It got me thinking. What do I need to do for you to [cdb]trust me again?
4. Nothing—Hubert and I stopped doubting you the [cdb]moment that business was behind us.
5. You work tirelessly for me, and I'm grateful for that. So please, there's no need to worry.
6. Still, we have no idea when those who slither in the [cdb]dark might try to interfere again.
7. But what about those who slither in the dark? They're definitely back, and they're not going away [cdb]without a fight.
8. Honestly, it kinda feels like there's more I should be [cdb]doing to help. Like I'm just floating around without [cdb]a purpose or something.
9. Very well. What do you propose?
10. Hmm. If I had to pick something, I'd say protecting [cdb]you would be my top priority.
11. Everyone's got a bone to pick with you—especially [cdb]the church and those who slither in the dark—and [cdb]they won't rest till they have your head.
12. After all, the Imperial army's not gonna lose if we've [cdb]got you at the top handing down orders.
13. And I figure Hubert'll stay off my back as long as I [cdb]put my energy into keeping you safe.
14. Then you can lead us to victory and we'll all live [cdb]trustfully ever after.
15. Perhaps. But I think you're forgetting something.
16. The only way to protect me is by staying at my side— [cdb]and therein lies a conundrum.
17. Allowing you that close to me would in itself be proof [cdb]of my trust, without which you would've never earned [cdb]such an opportunity in the first place.
18. Tell her you understand.
19. Stand there slack-jawed.
20. I know that. Still, I can't help but feel like that's [cdb]what I've gotta do to prove myself to you.
21. Uhhh... Yeah, I guess you're right! Still, I can't help [cdb]but feel like that's what I've gotta do to prove myself [cdb]to you.
22. Please, Edelgard. Even if it just means shielding you [cdb]from your enemies.
23. Hm.
24. Very well. Do as you will.
25. In the meanwhile, I'll tell Hubert... Well, I'm not [cdb]entirely sure what I will tell him.
26. At the very least, we know those who slither in the [cdb]dark are able to shape-shift at will.
27. So in a way, it doesn't matter who I choose to [cdb]surround myself with. They could just as well turn [cdb]out to be someone wholly different.
28. Thank her for believing in you.
29. Do a double take.
30. Thanks, Edelgard. I honestly could've sworn you were [cdb]gonna say no.
31. Wait, are you sure? I know I'm the one who asked and [cdb]all, but...really?
32. Of course. What I truly want to know is why you'd [cdb]risk your life just to earn my trust.
33. Do you really have to ask? You reshaped my [cdb]entire life.
34. Before I met you, I had nobody. I was nobody. But you still chose me of all people to command one [cdb]of your armies.
35. Now I can't walk down the street without people [cdb]yelling my name—and I've got a great life surrounded [cdb]by amazing friends. All of it possible because of you.
36. That's not true. You would not have earned this post [cdb]if you lacked the talent.
37. Maybe now, but before you came along nobody in the Empire gave a pegasus's backside about talent. You [cdb]gave me a seat at the table when no one else would.
38. Ah! I see.
39. If you want proof you've changed the world, just take [cdb]a look at me. Because this guy? He's a whole new [cdb]person thanks to you.