[Edelgard's words strike something in him, though he isn't sure if it's a bad thing. It makes him feel uneasy. Of course he prides himself on his nobility and his lineage, but does he rely solely on that to get by?

As he considers his actions and words, he finds that he doesn't really want to pursue this line of thought, which may be answer enough.

Noble blood alone cannot help one on the field of battle.]

...I would like to get stronger. Not for personal gain, mind you, but to better protect and serve Gloucester, at the very least.

[It's a start, he thinks. He isn't ready to seriously consider Edelgard's stance on nobility and why she's so adamant about not relying on it. He's not ready to seriously consider his own (over-)reliance on nobility either. But he thinks this is something he needs to make clear, both to Edelgard and to himself.]

Regardless of where life may take me, I know the strength I gain here will serve to protect more than just myself and my loved ones.

[If he marries into House Hresvelg, then he will serve the Empire, and balance Gloucester territory. If he does not, then Gloucester will be in his hands and his sole priority. If Claude dies in a freak accident and he takes his rightful place as the head of the Alliance, then he will protect everyone. Physical and magical might alone will not be all he needs, and that's why he's here, to keep learning how best to serve the people.

Nobility isn't just about lineage and appearance and tea, after all.

(But tea is very important.)]