Part 296: Maribelle B

Oh, Ricken, dear? Let me see your leg.

Wh-what? Why would you want to-

Ricken!

Urk! Y-yes ma'am.

Heavens, look at this wound! Small wonder you're limping about like the village drunk! Why didn't you say something about this?

What, this? Ha ha! Oh, this is nothing! Just a...flesh wound.

And what if this "flesh wound" were to get infected? Mmm? What then?

You must stop taking unnecessary risks! ...Such as fighting at all.

What?! What's THAT supposed to mean?

Putting someone so young in the line of fire is the worst kind of cowardice. Yes, you saved me, but you could have died a hundred times along the way! Well, never again! I shall demand Chrom find a way to spare you further combat. I should have done this sooner, dear boy. Oh, I hope you can forgive my-

Don't you dare! ...And don't call me a boy! I can handle myself in a fight, Maribelle. You should know that better than anyone.

Now see here! No one doubts your abilities, least of all me. But I would be devastated beyond comfort is anything happened to you.

I have this power for better or worse, and I know how to fight. Don't ask me to sit by while my friends, my family, and my country are in danger.

I suppose if you're truly certain, it is not my place to stop you. I only ask that you don't stop me from striving to keep you safe. TELL me when you're hurt, Ricken! Let me use my gifts for you as well. You'll keep no one safe by playing the stoic.

All right.