[Grief spears Claude, more than he thought possible. It would have been easier if Dorothea had told him that he was killed in battle--more expected. It always was a lingering possibility that he could fall any day, something he had accepted and lived with.

But to hear of his friend--his dear Hilda, fighting and dying in his honor--

Why wouldn't she have ran? Why--]

This...doesn't change how I see you Dorothea, but I have to admit it's knocked me off balance to hear such a thing. [He takes a step back, running a hand through his hair as he processes the words--compares him from other accounts he's run into.] The Professor for your timeline account had all the Deer rallying for the Empire...and the surrender of Dedriu was a more...amicable affair. [Certain not framed as him begging for his life, as the Professor...]