Hubert

It's strange. I never thought you and I would be able to sit together and drink tea like this.

Ferdinand

Drink tea, you say, but that does not smell like tea. The aroma... Would that be coffee by any chance? Imported from Dagda, I believe. I do not care for it myself.

Your knowledge is impressive. Although I should expect nothing less from a noble, I suppose. Lady Edelgard surpasses you in nearly every respect. But I think, when it comes to positivity, you may actually exceed her.

In a way, it is merely a mask for your tactlessness. But even so, your relentless optimism... Well. Suffice it to say that it is your best quality.

You are constantly striving to grow as a person. To seek new knowledge. To push new limits. When others get distracted or abandon their path, you never yield. In that aspect, at least, I think you are unmatched.

Hubert... Are you all right? Do you have a cold? Or the plague? Am I hearing a deathbed confession?

It was only a compliment. There's no need for such dramatic exaggeration.

I do my best to analyze others without emotion. Even if I find you to be a contemptible degenerate, I can still evaluate your abilities in an impartial way.

So because you assess people without emotion, you're totally confident in your appraisals. It seems I was wrong about you.

Please do not compliment me again though. I find it quite unsettling. It is like hearing a snake sing an aria. At least put it in a letter next time.

In the very unlikely event that there is a next time, I promise to put it in writing.

Your nose is as sharp as ever, Hubert. Yes, it is a bag of fresh coffee beans.

Why did you buy coffee? You said you don't care for it.

My stance has not changed. Drab, bitter, with a muddy texture. If I have even a sip, my hands start to tremble.

Rather harsh. What are you doing with it, then?

Well, you see— Wait a moment. What is that? Is that an imported tea from the east?

Flaunting my favorite drink, right in front of me! And you do not even drink tea. Fiendish. It is for Edelgard, I assume?

Before I answer that, I would like to know what you are doing with the coffee.

Is it a gift? Perhaps for someone you fancy?

Hm. Who is the unlucky— Did you say for me?! This coffee is a gift for me? Have I heard you correctly?

Yes, that is what I said. A noble does not go back on his word. Just take it.

The thought of receiving a gift from you, unbidden and unreciprocated, fills me with revulsion. Therefore...accept this tea. As a gift. From me.

For me? Are you certain? I would hate to deprive the intended recipient of such a fine tea.

That would be difficult to do, since I bought it with you in mind.

Oh, in that case, thank— What? You were planning to give this to me all along?

Only one thing to do. We must take a tea break.

Very well. But tea is not what I will be drinking.

Show them this letter. Threaten them. Do what you must. Now, go.

Imperial Soldier

Hubert, that letter. Is that what I think it was?

Explicitly forbade me to send it. Yes, I know.

I cannot believe it! You disobeyed a direct order? I thought you were her loyal aide.

Unwaveringly. All that I do, I do for her. I seem to recall you expressing a similar sentiment. It is our role to guide her when she is on the wrong course of action. Is that not what you said?

You are not supposed to do it in secret! When you disagree with your leader, you must voice your concerns directly. Otherwise, what is the point?

The point is the same. Lady Edelgard's best interests are served, whether she knows it or not. She needs not trouble herself with the mundane details of my actions. Only results matter.

You are sorely misguided! When I believe Edelgard is making a mistake, I tell her as much. Through discussing the matter, I sometimes find that I was mistaken. To skip that process, to make a decision that is not yours to make...

Perhaps your advice is simply useless, then.

Listen to yourself. If I do as Lady Edelgard requires, then you tell me to be more independent. But if I tread my own path, I am misguided! I suppose the fault is mine for expecting any useful advice to come out of your mouth. Heh.

Ugh, I have had enough of your grousing. To think, I started to believe you were a useful aide.

Hm. With this idea, I may be able to get the one-up on Edelgard.

Hubert! I wish you would not sneak up on me like that.

Maybe you would be more perceptive if your mind were less burdened by sedition.

Sedition? Absurd. This is an important project.

Yes, I heard. A new way to prove how superior you are to Lady Edelgard. She is not your rival, Ferdinand. She is above you. A noble, like you, ought to know his place.

Anything is better than being a noble like you. Every time you open your mouth it's "Lady Edelgard this" or "Lady Edelgard that." Do you ever think for yourself? You follow her around like a pet. You spend all of your time fretting over her, and yet you never truly express an opinion of your own. Before you reprimand me, take a moment to consider your own failings.

Your nonsense is tiresome, so I hope this will be the last time I have to remind you. Lady Edelgard is the Imperial princess. You are merely the prime minister's son.

Yes, I understand that. But my duty is to guide her, to give frank advice when she is on the wrong course of action. That is what I strive to do, always. Thus my devotion to surpass Edelgard, so that if she needs guidance, I will be prepared for it. If you think it is tiresome to have a mind of your own, you will never be much of an advisor.

Does the river of filth pouring out of your mouth ever stop flowing? Your obsession with all things superficial is disgusting. It's no use. You're hopeless. I'll take my leave.

I have nothing more to say to you. Get out of here.

Triangle Attack