Part 272: Virion B

And so we find ourselves come to this...

Is something troubling you, Virion? You stand as if you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.

You see to the core of me, my lady. I'd thought to hide my troubles from you. But 'tis true: I bear a terrible weight that threatens to crush me with every step. And your kind, loving eyes have spied it at first blush!

Er...

I find that war makes people ever so eager to whine. Don't you agree? "I can't march another step! Why must we carry all these spare bows?!" And so on. I had to engage in a full retreat just to give my poor ears a rest.

Is THAT why you wouldn't advance with the rest of us during the previous fighting? Gods, what madness! What's wrong with you, Virion?! The fact I have even a moment's concern for your welfare boggles the mind.

B-but... did you see the way I came running onto the battlefield at the end? It was magnificent! Why, our foes all but fled in terror at the sight of me!

Was this before or after you let yourself get surrounded? Before or after you panicked and forced Chrom to rescue you?

All part of the plan! By playing the decoy, I lured the enemy into our snare. They don't call me Virion the Cunning for nothing, you know.

You are the most dishonest and silly man I've ever had the misfortune to meet. You call yourself a nobleman? Ha! I've met scullery maids more noble. You, sir, are an embarrassment to men of good breeding everywhere.

Enough! It's one thing to consider me superficial, but dishonest? Silly? Milady's ravishing beauty hides a tongue that cuts too deep. But alas, it's not the first time I've been hurt by words so ill considered.

I'm... I'm sorry, Virion. I should not have spoken so harshly.

W-would you excuse me for a while? I have some thinking to do. (Virion leaves)

Wait! Don't go! I didn't mean what I said! ...Er, at least not all
of it!