>>5393105"No, I won't disregard my own or Farnese's feelings so callously. If her heart is somehow swayed to another, then so be it - but I intend to take her hand for no other reason than the fact that I love her, provided she will have me."
"You sound a lot less confident in your words when mentioning your relationship." Roderick raises his eyebrow, wondering if something happened between the two of you.
"You might love her, alright. But how much time have you spent with her recently? Is there something that you could consider a flaw between you and her that would make her heart be swayed?"
You start to wonder if there was anything that happened between you and Farnese. She always feels very safe and confident by your side, but knowing of her past and being busy from all the problems currently hindering your life, perhaps have you been neglecting her? She would tell you if that was the case, wouldn't she?
Or perhaps, it was the event at the beach, where she watched you almost die, and had to come to terms with your passing right before her eyes...
Grr! No point in speculating now, you have to take action!
"I've noticed that you've left an alternative - you want Farnese because of the Vadimion's manpower, connections, and wealth. Ilos has much to offer, with the finest warriors honed against countless men and monsters alike - and special goods you'll scarcely find anywhere else, thanks to our multicultural policies. Forgive the boasting, but it's not inaccurate to say that we have adapted to take on the strengths and shed the weaknesses of our friends and foes. We would gladly forge ties with you to bring you and your nation up for the sake of all, should you aid us today. We can even arrange for deals that favor Ys quite well."
"I'm not sure if I can trust you on that. the report did say that you align yourself with an monstrous leader of a gladiator ring who enslaved his population when they lost, as well as murdering Bolzack, the commander of Cromwell. You are a struggling nation, and though I see promise in you should you escape this predicament, the difference between your union and the Vandimions is staggering. I just don't see many advantages that you could offer..."
"Then what is my alternative, just kindly accept that you'll take Farnese from me because you politely asked?"
"Again, I wouldn't be so heartless. I can ponder the possibilities, we have until later tonight to decide this."
"What happens tonight?"
"Oh, nothing major. We'll just be having a ball like any other the family has every month." Frederico explains. "We would love to see you there."
"Well, then let us--" The guards still block you when attempting to step forward.
"But in order to see if you really are the man in the legends you told about yourself, why don't you see what you are truly made of in a duel in the court ball? To formulate your own way to escape, appear during the party, and defeat me effortlessly in a duel, that would make you quite the hero."
