[ so she taught the deer in that world, then. or that other byleth did, in a world where jeralt and sitri had a son who rhea carved open. ]

... Byleth, to you, I suppose. I haven't been Lorenz Hellman Gloucester's teacher in a very long time, anyway. [ she cracks a quarter inch smile. ] I'd have said "General" if you hadn't been so welcoming.

[ she lets out a breath. ]

But for what it's worth... the Lorenz I knew believed in what we were doing. You had your misgivings sometimes, but... you understood, I think. I never once thought you were with us for someone's power play.

[ she cards a hand through her hair, slightly agitated as she thinks. byleth is actually emoting a little. ]

... And I can't fault you for making different choices if they came from my own. You're on the wrong side, [ she says that simply, like it's a fact, because she so completely believes it that it's not even a matter of opinion in her eyes ] but... so is your Professor.

[ she sighs. ]

More likely, he never chose at all.