I feel as though this has been a long-winded lesson in trying to get me to see how everyone else feels...
[when he obscures his injury, and covers them up, and insists that he's fine even if he's a bit hurt in that moment. but he nonetheless leans into her touch for just a moment before pulling away.]
[ . . . . he wishes that he could be more exasperated with her laugh, but he's not. instead he just pauses when he hears the sound before shaking his head]
.... I'll do my best to take care of yours as well then.
[ It's not everyday that Jeanne laughs like that, and it's not so much at his expense but how easy he makes it to take comfort in his presence. She knows she shouldn't use him as a distraction (because he's not, not really), and after another moment, her expression sobers. ]
I know you will. For everything that you do, you are careful.
[ . . . . he smiles a little bit at that, though he lets his gaze drop to where he's working on cleaning her injury and bandaging it more than anything else.]
.... well, we all are. We're not exactly in a situation where we can comfortably make rash decisions on whims.
[listen he has to at least try - but he can't say that he doesn't understand that. he pauses at the statement for a moment before nodding, with a bit of a sigh]
... you and me both. They feel so strongly, but they can be compelled to act on their feelings.
It would be for the best if they learned sooner rather than later that they can only harm others more if they act on their temperament first and foremost.
[ She will let him deflect today out of the benevolence of her heart, and it may be because she was also stabbed three times this day. ]
They will harm themselves as they do it, and I'm afraid there are only some things that can be learned by experience for the young. I can only pray it won't be anything too damaging.
.... you and I can both hope for that - and see what can be done in terms of minimizing the harm that can be caused. That's the role of adults sometimes too, isn't it?
[ . . . . there's just a little bit of a laugh at that before he shakes his head.]
... I don't truly desire the throne, so I think that once I accomplish what I set out to, I'll give it to the next person that I think is capable of maintaining peace and order.
It's simpler, than thinking about marrying someone that can benefit relations within the country and then worrying about an heir.
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She could not look away from what she was chosen to do. ]
... It is almost embarrassing how much I can't argue with you.
[ At least on this. ]
As I said, I don't regret what I did. I simply... wanted it to be more peaceful for him.
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but it doesn't steal from her humanity, and the way that she still feels emotions while carrying out what's expected of her.]
... as much as we may want those things for people - peace, serenity, courage - it would seem as though it's hard to force it on them.
I'm not sure he would've accepted anything else but what happened. I only hope you don't shoulder more burden than you already have.
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Just as how I will be fine.
[ She smiles up at him, as if to reassure, and lifts a hand to lightly graze her fingers across his cheek. Thank you. ]
I may be a little hurt in this moment, but I will be fine.
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I feel as though this has been a long-winded lesson in trying to get me to see how everyone else feels...
[when he obscures his injury, and covers them up, and insists that he's fine even if he's a bit hurt in that moment. but he nonetheless leans into her touch for just a moment before pulling away.]
But I'll choose to trust in that.
In you.
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[ Her smile is warm, and for everything terrible that's happened over the past few days, this is a small, bright spot. ]
I'll try not to betray your trust.
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[he's pretty sure jeanne gets some enjoyment from it -
but at least for now, he can't begrudge her that much]
... and no, I don't think I'll ever have to worry about that, or that you ever would.
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anyway!! ]
I'd like to say you should worry a little, but I don't think I can bring myself to say that truthfully.
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.... I'll do my best to take care of yours as well then.
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I know you will. For everything that you do, you are careful.
[ More careful than he wants people to see. ]
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.... well, we all are. We're not exactly in a situation where we can comfortably make rash decisions on whims.
[not that he'd do that anyway but ssshhh]
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[ It is a false equivalency, but don't deflect
when it's just the two of them? soo-won? ]
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... you and me both. They feel so strongly, but they can be compelled to act on their feelings.
It would be for the best if they learned sooner rather than later that they can only harm others more if they act on their temperament first and foremost.
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They will harm themselves as they do it, and I'm afraid there are only some things that can be learned by experience for the young. I can only pray it won't be anything too damaging.
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.... you and I can both hope for that - and see what can be done in terms of minimizing the harm that can be caused. That's the role of adults sometimes too, isn't it?
[not that he would know
he's been in charge since he was 9 years old]
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I suppose it is. It'd be too flagrant to say it's more of Archer's purview.
[ She's probably joking, but she sounds 90% serious.
Imagine being like Hilda and trying to get everyone else to do your work for you. ]
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he laughs a little bit at that]
It's true that you and I likely aren't the type of people that they'd expect to raise children....
[they're the ones who grew up too fast and probably don't know how to go easy on them]
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so yeah ]
I know I won't be able to, but shouldn't you?
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[he treated yona like a baby sister for so long and she's only two years younger than him please
he still kinda does]
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.... ]
You are a king. Aren't there expectations?
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??? ]
Do you not have a queen yet?
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No - and I have neither time nor interest in finding one....
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She tilts her head and accepts that even if it confuses her a little. ]
I don't know the state of Kouka, but it's a little... funny to see you so resigned about something.
[ When he's usually so willing to throw away everything for his responsibilities. ]
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... I don't truly desire the throne, so I think that once I accomplish what I set out to, I'll give it to the next person that I think is capable of maintaining peace and order.
It's simpler, than thinking about marrying someone that can benefit relations within the country and then worrying about an heir.
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Jeanne feels like there's something she's missing, but it does sound very like him. It gives some more framework and gravity to his choices.
She just thinks it makes him even more alone. ]
... All right. If that's your will, who am I to argue?
[ She keeps her tone light. ]
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