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Claude. There's something I need to discuss with you.
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Sure, but keep it short. I know I don't look it, but I'm actually pretty busy here.
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Hmph. Are you making light of how I usually respond to your requests?
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Hey, don't be like that. It's just a joke. We can talk for hours if you want; I've got all the time in the world.
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There's no need. I'm simply passing on a message from my father.
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Count Ordelia, huh? Go ahead, I'm all ears.
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I guess it's no surprise he has a word or two to say to the king. I mean, first the Imperial invasion, now all this unrest sweeping across the land...
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None of this would've happened if I'd just kept a closer eye on those who slither in the dark.
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Hold on, I think you have the wrong idea. My father doesn't want to complain to you.
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He'd actually like to thank you for bringing the fight with the Kingdom to an end. And for rushing to quell the chaos in our territories.
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He also said...he's willing to offer his full cooperation with any of Your Majesty's policy proposals. All you need to do is say the word.
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I appreciate that. His broad-mindedness has always proven a great help.
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Then consider my message delivered. But please, don't put more of a burden on him than necessary.
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Anxiety has tormented his mind for years now, and he's recently started finding his body less and less willing to cooperate with his brain.
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So I've heard. Don't worry, I won't ask any more of him than what's absolutely essential.
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Thanks, Claude. I'll do the work of a hundred others in my father's place.
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Hey, slow down there. You already do too much as it is. Piling more on top of that is just gonna crush you.
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And yet I need to do it all the same. I can't let myself fall behind the other Leicester nobles.
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Most importantly, I need to put an end to this war so I can start thinking about how to bring peace and stability back to House Ordelia's territory.
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I get where you're coming from, but everyone needs a break now and then. Your body's probably screaming at you to get some rest.
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I'm all right. While it's true my lifespan is slated to be short, it's not like I'm gonna just drop dead out of the blue.
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I'm just as healthy as I've ever been, I assure you.
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You look fine enough, sure. But there's something lingering beneath the surface weighing you down, isn't there? Something the rest of us can't see.
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Your body's bound to give out if you keep pushing your limits without taking some time to recuperate.
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But...
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Listen, Lysithea. I want this war to end just as fast as you do.
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And once it does, I'm going to settle the score with those who slither in the dark.
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In other words, it's in your best interest to stick with me.
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...
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So consider this an order from your king: Stop fighting like you don't have a tomorrow to live for.
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I mean, I'm still going to need plenty of help once the war's over. I can't have you kicking the bucket before the real fun starts, OK?
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Understood. If it's an order from His Majesty himself, I guess I don't have much of a choice.
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Now if you'll excuse me. I know I don't look it, but I'm actually pretty busy here.
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Does she really understand, though? At any rate, I'd better put this war to bed as soon as possible.