[Why is he being so defensive about this? Edelgard keeps her eyes on him, watching intently as she tries to puzzle just. What the hell he's trying to do here. She supposes that it makes sense that he'd seek a second opinion, but surely he doesn't think that she knows Claude any better than the Golden Deer do. He's irritating at best to the rest of the Black Eagles (at least, Edelgard thinks he is), and none of this adds up...
...The backhanded compliment is definitely noted, but really, she can see better than anyone that he's lying; his body language is utterly betraying him, and he can't even look at her straight. He clearly has a reason to call upon her here, but he's not telling her the truth.]
Lorenz.
[Edelgard is very firm when she says his name, and she removes any trace of annoyance from her face when she speaks up. She doesn't want him fleeing on her just yet, after all.]
I would appreciate it if you didn't feel the need to lie to me. In fact, I would like it more if you spoke about what was actually on your mind, instead of avoiding the subject. If you have called me out here, then you can at least do that much.
[...Okay, that's harsh, but it is true. Edelgard's look doesn't quite soften, but it's a little more leaderly and something...well, gentle isn't a word that exists in Edelgard's dictionary, but it's something like concern.]
I imagine that you know better than to waste anyone's time with something pointless; especially the time of a noble. [...Edelgard, that was a really shitty attempt at a compliment or a reassurance--] That's why I don't believe this isn't something pressing; if there is something that truly troubles you, I would prefer to hear the actual reason. I can hardly offer any input if I don't know the reason why. Wouldn't you agree?
no subject
...The backhanded compliment is definitely noted, but really, she can see better than anyone that he's lying; his body language is utterly betraying him, and he can't even look at her straight. He clearly has a reason to call upon her here, but he's not telling her the truth.]
Lorenz.
[Edelgard is very firm when she says his name, and she removes any trace of annoyance from her face when she speaks up. She doesn't want him fleeing on her just yet, after all.]
I would appreciate it if you didn't feel the need to lie to me. In fact, I would like it more if you spoke about what was actually on your mind, instead of avoiding the subject. If you have called me out here, then you can at least do that much.
[...Okay, that's harsh, but it is true. Edelgard's look doesn't quite soften, but it's a little more leaderly and something...well, gentle isn't a word that exists in Edelgard's dictionary, but it's something like concern.]
I imagine that you know better than to waste anyone's time with something pointless; especially the time of a noble. [...Edelgard, that was a really shitty attempt at a compliment or a reassurance--] That's why I don't believe this isn't something pressing; if there is something that truly troubles you, I would prefer to hear the actual reason. I can hardly offer any input if I don't know the reason why. Wouldn't you agree?