Dimitri &amp; Dedue B

He's always with that man from Duscur. How strange...

I'll bet he used some dirty tricks to gain his favor. That's how those scoundrels from Duscur operate.

Dimitri enters the scene

Dedue enters the scene

What a pleasant conversation you seem to be having. May I join? Please, continue.

Oh! Um! Your Highness... I was just...

I said continue.

I... I... I'm sorry, Your Highness!

Kingdom Soldier leaves the scene

Such foolishness runs rampant. I fear it is the reality of Faerghus for now.

It must appear strange to them, to see me always in your company.

Does it bother you, Dedue?

Of course not. However...

Let me guess. You take exception to the gossip that you used dirty tricks to obtain your position. Is that it?

That does perturb me. But not for my own sake. I am concerned about Your Highness's reputation.

We're not talking about my feelings, but yours. As far as I'm concerned, those fools can talk nonsense until their tongues fall out.

I am afraid I cannot agree.

But if you were not concerned for your honor in this instance, then why did you intervene?

Because it is my duty to do so.

The day my father was killed, I saw the swine who did it. They were not of Duscur.

I saw that. Knew it, beyond a doubt. And yet I was unable to prevent the massacre that followed.

Nor could I clear away the dishonor of regicide that has unjustly clung to you and your people!

I will not rest until I make up for that. I owe you, just as I owe the spirits of those I let die.

I do consider Faerghus to be abhorrent. But you are an exception.

You offered me your hand, and pulled me out from an abyss of suffering and death.

Dimitri
...

You risked your life to save a foreigner you had never met.

The moment you extended your hand, I decided that only for your sake would I live the remainder of my life.

And I would cast it aside in an instant if my death were to your benefit.

For that reason, I cannot consider myself your friend.

There are still many in the Kingdom who despise the people of Duscur. It would be selfish of me to stand by your side as an equal.

Dedue...

Your Highness?

Do you really believe I care one bit about the chatter of the ignorant?

Of course not. Please forgive my impudence.

I understand the intention of your words. Still, they grieve me.

If you wish it so, you may continue to think of yourself as my vassal. I clearly cannot stop you.

We need not be anything more, or anything less. If that is what you wish, Dedue, so be it.