[ There is something within Ferdinand that even the costume's enchantment can't overcome, as even in the midst of acting, hearing Edelgard, Emperor of the Adrestian Empire, address herself as anything but simply feels wrong to him. She is the leader that he chose to follow, even if it took their professor's vote of confidence to fully convince him. And in the years since, they have grown far beyond the initial one-sided rivalry. No matter what differences they've had over the years, she's someone he knows too well for him to remain without at least some semblance of his own self.

So there he is, trapped between being immersed in this role that the House expects him to follow and being fully aware aware that it's all a facade. It makes for a heady feeling, as though he's an observer in his own body at times. The enchantment may dictate most of his words, but it doesn't have quite the same sway over his thoughts. ]

Yes, quite so. Traveling alone would be most ill-advised.

[ A hand is placed gently upon her shoulder, and though there is enough to her costume that it deadens most of the touch, there is still something tender about it. It's in Ferdinand's eyes, however, that there is something more, something that he hopes Edelgard's keen gaze is able to pick out.

Relief. Concern. Many things, but foremost among them is that he hopes that, though his words may not quite be his own, she understands that there is still a sincerity to them. ]

I am overjoyed to have found you, whatever the circumstances.

[ And with that, he turns from her, gesturing down the path that they are meant to travel. It may look long, but it's all an illusion. In reality, they will only take a few steps before the scene shifts. ]

We must be swift. The snuggleblossom is in full bloom, and every second that we wait, it spreads that much more. And I fear that even I cannot protect you from its effects.