ㅤ . . . For the sake of Valisthea, let's hope not. ㅤ

ㅤ 〝I've been given no reason to distrust the Crown Prince as of yet.〞 And despite the small probability of him being wrong, Cid seems to be content with his judgement, seemingly relaxed as he withdraws a smoke to light. 〝Sometimes, you just gotta go with your gut.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ 〝Sounds like it's past someone's bedtime. Why don't you go on and get some rest? Those papers aren't going anywhere.〞 ㅤ

✎；Please, try be considerate of spoilers. I've seen a few fairly big ones related to the end already, but even vague smaller ones have slipped past without much thought behind them. I know it's exciting and a lot to talk about, but remember it's still only a recent release.

ㅤ Would he not be a hypocrite, he would push his original stance further. But too many nights with no sleep have been spent hunched over papers in his solar. 〝Let's have a look at it, then. If we put our heads together, we might get it done quicker.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ 〝I'm sure it won't disappoint. Cheers.〞 Glasses are brought together with a soft clink in good spirit, and chased up with a sip of the whisky that goes down with a pleasant burn. 〝Cor, that's got a kick to it. —— Not had something that strong in an age.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ 〝And right when I was about to say it's peaceful, for once. That'll teach me.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ Good to see you too, Benedikta. ㅤ

✎；Will the blue bird finally let me reply to things now? Stay tuned to find out.

ㅤ 〝And what are we if not creatures driven by ambition?〞 From his chest rumbles a chuckle like coming thunder. 〝A man can dream, Clive. A man can dream.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ Calloused palms are rested either end of the worktable as Cid leans over the blueprints, studying the intricate notes and planning drawn out on parchment. 〝Shouldn't be too hard then, eh? You've made it before, and now, we do it again —— just... on a smaller scale.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ 〝Beats the piss we're drinking back home, that's for sure.〞 He responds with a laugh, as he takes to cradling his already half-drunken glass in one hand. 〝I'd say I would bring you a bottle, as thanks. But I reckon it'd be more of an insult than anything.〞 ㅤ

ㅤ 🗿. ㅤ

ㅤ She's right, but she doesn't have to say it. ㅤ