(OOC: And on Linhardt's end: "Wow, this king isn't going to live for very long...")
Ugh.
This was why Linhardt didn't like talking to people. They could never follow what he was saying, so he either had to back up and explain everything (which usually resulted in whining about how boring or dull he was) or pretend to change his mind so that people would leave him be. Linhardt rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I know that tone - I'd rather you just tell me you think I am insane or wrong." Linhardt meant it: Just tell him he was in error so that he could correct himself. There was no need to pander to his ego, "Placing one's personal desires over the lives of others usually means that said person has no regard for the wishes of others. In the case of those of us who are interested in science and the truth-" 'Interested in' meaning 'obsessed with' depending on who you asked about Linhardt, "-it means trying things without considering the consequences. I personally saw an entire village forced to slaughter each other in order to see if a particular type of magic would work."
"And I would have approved at one point in my life." Linhardt looked Carson in the eye, "After all, what is one village's sacrifice in the pursuit of knowledge? Rulers tend to feel likewise, but about their own glorious reigns or plans. It's worth it because I'm different - I'm doing these things for their own good. Aren't you?"
"Which leads to an identification of one's sense of self with one's position and therefore any criticism of one's position or glorious goals is seen as an attack on the ruler's person. Lady Rhea was not going to respond well to pointing out the logistical weaknesses to her actions. Her Majesty allows criticism, but it's doubtful that she would do so if Ferdinand and I were not politically necessary." Ferdinand being the other Black Eagle that openly and consistently challenged Edelgard. Linhardt actually liked Edelgard, but he had ambiguous feelings about her as an Emperor.
"I would allow harm to come to my person so that rot does not set into my soul." Linhardt continued, "My colleagues would be rather pleased if I abandoned my dislike of violence, but I do not believe they would be pleased that I were so unfettered without loyalty to their cause." His participation in the war stemmed from his morals and if Linhardt were allowed to be completely selfish he would let Fodlan burn if it meant he learned more, "Furthermore, death and injury should not be treated the same. One is permanent, the other is not. If I die, I cannot do any of the things that bring me joy. If I am injured, I will eventually recover."
Oh good I'm doing this right: 'weird' and 'contrary' fit Linhardt 110% - also arrogant
Ugh.
This was why Linhardt didn't like talking to people. They could never follow what he was saying, so he either had to back up and explain everything (which usually resulted in whining about how boring or dull he was) or pretend to change his mind so that people would leave him be. Linhardt rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I know that tone - I'd rather you just tell me you think I am insane or wrong." Linhardt meant it: Just tell him he was in error so that he could correct himself. There was no need to pander to his ego, "Placing one's personal desires over the lives of others usually means that said person has no regard for the wishes of others. In the case of those of us who are interested in science and the truth-" 'Interested in' meaning 'obsessed with' depending on who you asked about Linhardt, "-it means trying things without considering the consequences. I personally saw an entire village forced to slaughter each other in order to see if a particular type of magic would work."
"And I would have approved at one point in my life." Linhardt looked Carson in the eye, "After all, what is one village's sacrifice in the pursuit of knowledge? Rulers tend to feel likewise, but about their own glorious reigns or plans. It's worth it because I'm different - I'm doing these things for their own good. Aren't you?"
"Which leads to an identification of one's sense of self with one's position and therefore any criticism of one's position or glorious goals is seen as an attack on the ruler's person. Lady Rhea was not going to respond well to pointing out the logistical weaknesses to her actions. Her Majesty allows criticism, but it's doubtful that she would do so if Ferdinand and I were not politically necessary." Ferdinand being the other Black Eagle that openly and consistently challenged Edelgard. Linhardt actually liked Edelgard, but he had ambiguous feelings about her as an Emperor.
"I would allow harm to come to my person so that rot does not set into my soul." Linhardt continued, "My colleagues would be rather pleased if I abandoned my dislike of violence, but I do not believe they would be pleased that I were so unfettered without loyalty to their cause." His participation in the war stemmed from his morals and if Linhardt were allowed to be completely selfish he would let Fodlan burn if it meant he learned more, "Furthermore, death and injury should not be treated the same. One is permanent, the other is not. If I die, I cannot do any of the things that bring me joy. If I am injured, I will eventually recover."