[ He wishes he could say that everything he has done is because of a purely altruistic feeling, but that would not be the case. Aside from the fact that they have known each other for so very long over so many different lives, in this life, he is so very lonely, and so he opened himself and his life to her with very little hesitation. She may be a white mage, and thus she is considered unwanted and a heretic, but she is the one he loves.

And beyond that, he needs her more than he realized at first. ]

To fight in this war, and then when we are no longer useful... who knows? [ His expression seems to fall even further at her words concerning the pact that was made. ] Perhaps not, but I believe it was done out of desperation and need.

[ He does not resist when her hand cups his face or when she guides him closer to her. Her closeness and her willingness to even be that close to him touches him somehow, and he intends to commit this all to memory. ] How could I not? Ishgard is my home, and you- I love you.

[ He repeats those words, as if to ensure that both of them know it. ]

Everything that I know, I would share with you. I have no reason to hide anything.

[ But he knows that he only has conjecture and nothing concrete to base his suppositions upon. Regardless, he intends to start with what is true, so far as he knows. ]

Would it surprise you if I said that the man who is my father, but not the one who raised me, is none other than the Archbishop? [ He keeps his tone hushed, although there is none presently here to overhear them. He would not take the chance of prying ears learning the truth, however. ]