He wondered just how deep its effect truly ran, because he hadn't expected Nyssa to draw that many words out of him—words that felt too genuine to be just strategy. Her questions had been sincere, directly reflecting the cold truth of the academy's hierarchy and the pride that defined it, confirming his own observations.
almost… vulnerable, and her reflections on the academy's hierarchy were sharper and more honest than anything he'd heard before.
He ran a hand slowly over his face, brushing through his hair as a quiet grin curved his lips.
"I didn't even expect I'd say those things," he murmured under his breath. "Guess her words pulled it right out of me."
Lowering his gaze, he let out a thoughtful hum.
'Hm… she's different. A noble with real potential—her sense, her humor, the way she observes… goes far beyond what I imagined.'
