[The pointed, if gentle, question served as undeniable proof for why Lorenz had gone unbonded for so far. Though his hands remained steady, a keen eye would note his brows furrow subtly as he internally bristled at the push. Setting the teapot down, Lorenz then busied himself with the matching cups.]

I hope for the same, [Lorenz replied, his thoughts straying to the Marianne he recalled from his own history. Her quiet strength and poise had become a rock that they could all rely upon in even the hardest of battles.]

She becomes a fine soldier.... and an even more fine woman.

[Someday, he hoped to call her 'partner'. Until then, he was content to be by her side.

Until then, however, Sylvain was his partner. Lorenz did owe him an explanation.]

Regarding the rest, trust that you will know in the appropriate time.

[Lorenz said carefully, pushing away the recollection of Leslie's terrified eyes and trembling little voice. The tale she had told, of Hubert arriving like a shade and ordering her to flee in the aftermath of a horrid scream, was almost sordid enough for a tawdry novel. It wasn't difficult to imagine, but Lorenz felt terrible that a child had to go through such an ordeal.]

It isn't anything that directly involves myself, if you're wondering. Besides Marianne's absense, everything in my household is fine.