Mercedes & Lorenz B

Lorenz
Mercedes, I have to insist that you take up a position behind me on the battlefield.

Lorenz
I must protect the commonfolk, and you have been in danger rather frequently of late.

Mercedes
I appreciate your concern, but I can take care of myself.

Mercedes
Everything is about nobility and commonfolk with you, Lorenz. It's tiresome.

Lorenz
Tiresome? I am only fulfilling my duty.

Mercedes
Is that to say you would have left me lying on the floor in pain had it not been your duty to assist?

Lorenz
You mean when you were hurt on my account?

Lorenz
I still would have assisted you, as any commoner would have.

Lorenz
It is simply a matter of perspective. And if I were common-born, I would not have simply let you leave without—never mind. Forgive me.

Mercedes
Excuse me?

Mercedes
Are you implying that you would have taken advantage of me if you were lowborn?

Lorenz
What? No! And I am no longer interested in the hypothetical nature of this conversation!

Mercedes
Oh, Lorenz. You'll never change.

Lorenz
What do you mean?

Mercedes
I find myself growing irritated just looking at you.

Lorenz
Is that so? I fail to see exactly how I am so irritating.

Mercedes
You claim that you don't want to be involved with common women, don't you?

Mercedes
But I know, deep in your heart, you love being around us. You're willfully ignorant to that.

Mercedes
I hope you know what you're depriving yourself of.

Lorenz
I am certain I've told you before that my marriage must be beneficial to House Gloucester.

Lorenz
I've not the time for fruitless courtship.

Mercedes
Fruitless?! Ugh! How can you say such things?

Mercedes
What would happen if you fell in love with a commoner?

Lorenz
Nothing at all. I accept the role that I must play, and any sacrifice that must accompany it.

Mercedes
So, your duty as a noble is more important than your own feelings?

Lorenz
Naturally.

Mercedes
If that's true, then your whole existence is rather sad.

Lorenz
I am afraid you misunderstand. This is my choice. There is no cause for pity.

Mercedes
I think I've heard enough. I have to go.

Lorenz
...