[It’s a waste of breath trying to argue the point, especially since Mercedes is too considerate to let it pass. But at her remark, he does have to shake his head, making one thing clear.]
It was my blessing, yes, but I did not ask for a home for myself. It is for all of us.
[Dimitri, asking for something that big for himself? The world has to turn itself inside-out before that happens.]
All of our friends and comrades who might need a place to stay in a land beyond either faction’s reach. We cannot know how the war might start playing out soon, so this space was requested for convenience and safety’s sake. [In case.]
I do not want you to think of it as a place where you need my permission to do… anything you want for the house. It is not my domain to lord over.
… [ Well, isn't that just like him, though? Always thinking for the sake of everyone else, whether it ends up being to his detriment or not. This, at least, is not a choice he's made that has her concerned, so Mercedes nods-- apologetically. ]
Then I believe... what I need to focus on would be furnishings to help everyone feel at least a little at ease.
[ And, almost cheekily-- ] Yourself included, of course. But I do see your point.
[They can agree on that, at least. Though Dimitri will be happy living in a stark room with just a few weapons hanging on the wall.]
And I see yours. If there is anything I can do to help, though you know my hands are not very deft with a needle, please let me know. Do not hesitate to ask, and I will do my best to accommodate you.
...In the meanwhile, may I see your compass? I can mark on the map where it is located so you always have a reference.
[ Well, he probably knows she isn't going to bother him with trivial sewing requests, which is likely why she's more than happy to offer up her compass in return. ]
[He takes it, and with some fiddling, marks the house’s location on the map. Southern neutral territory, off a tiny little shaft of land that might be called a peninsula. It guarantees a nice view of the sea with a short ride anywhere but north.]
Here. Our new home, near the sea.
[Returning her compass to her, he grins.]
I will extend the invitation to the rest, too, of course.
I only asked you first because I value your opinion and— ah, it is not as if I do not care for the opinions of the others, but you have always given me advice that is both encouraging and rational, if needed. I thought if you had anything else to add to the matter of living in neutral territory, you would say so.
Mm... well, it already seems to me as though you've thought this through. A house in neutral territory is, as you said, something of a safe haven for members of either faction where they'll be able to interact without fearing some manner of punishment-- or if things go sour.
[ So if there's anything she would add... hm. ]
I actually think, given how well the people of Kyst seem to view us for, er-- our fight with the Fury, we'll be well-received. You'll have free meals, at least, until you have more people living with you.
Yes, I took into account the goodwill of the people in Kyst, though I do not want to rely overly much on it.
There are forests nearby that might prove fit for hunting. And plenty of space across the manor’s grounds in case someone [someone not him] decides to grow fruit or vegetables.
Oh, a garden is a wonderful idea! Then, if you don't mind... I don't have as much skill as Dedue, but I've worked enough in the greenhouse that I think I could get something to grow.
[ read: Hilda foisted things off on her a lot and Mercedes went at it full throttle. ]
The vicinity is in need of much work, besides. If you are to build a greenhouse on top of it, at least let me lend my strength in building the structure itself and clearing the land.
I think I'll have to rely on you... I certainly can't speak to my physical strength, and even if I tried, I get the strange suspicion it might not go so well for me.
[ She says entirely cheerfully. Which isn't to say she wouldn't keep trying, but again. That. Might not go so well. ]
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What? I— No, that is not what I meant.
[Mercedes!!]
I mean that since you are doing the work, you deserve to pick what is aesthetically pleasing to your eyes. Not mine.
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[ Though she will definitely focus on blues. That much is obvious. ]
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It was my blessing, yes, but I did not ask for a home for myself. It is for all of us.
[Dimitri, asking for something that big for himself? The world has to turn itself inside-out before that happens.]
All of our friends and comrades who might need a place to stay in a land beyond either faction’s reach. We cannot know how the war might start playing out soon, so this space was requested for convenience and safety’s sake. [In case.]
I do not want you to think of it as a place where you need my permission to do… anything you want for the house. It is not my domain to lord over.
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Then I believe... what I need to focus on would be furnishings to help everyone feel at least a little at ease.
[ And, almost cheekily-- ] Yourself included, of course. But I do see your point.
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And I see yours. If there is anything I can do to help, though you know my hands are not very deft with a needle, please let me know. Do not hesitate to ask, and I will do my best to accommodate you.
...In the meanwhile, may I see your compass? I can mark on the map where it is located so you always have a reference.
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[ Well, he probably knows she isn't going to bother him with trivial sewing requests, which is likely why she's more than happy to offer up her compass in return. ]
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Here. Our new home, near the sea.
[Returning her compass to her, he grins.]
I will extend the invitation to the rest, too, of course.
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I'd hope so, or that might lead to some misunderstandings were people to find out that you only asked me!
But I've never lived by the sea before... how exciting!
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I only asked you first because I value your opinion and— ah, it is not as if I do not care for the opinions of the others, but you have always given me advice that is both encouraging and rational, if needed. I thought if you had anything else to add to the matter of living in neutral territory, you would say so.
[Or something.]
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[ So if there's anything she would add... hm. ]
I actually think, given how well the people of Kyst seem to view us for, er-- our fight with the Fury, we'll be well-received. You'll have free meals, at least, until you have more people living with you.
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There are forests nearby that might prove fit for hunting. And plenty of space across the manor’s grounds in case someone [someone not him] decides to grow fruit or vegetables.
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[ read: Hilda foisted things off on her a lot and Mercedes went at it full throttle. ]
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[A huff of laughter.]
The vicinity is in need of much work, besides. If you are to build a greenhouse on top of it, at least let me lend my strength in building the structure itself and clearing the land.
[Hard labor! His favorite.]
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[ She says entirely cheerfully. Which isn't to say she wouldn't keep trying, but again. That. Might not go so well. ]
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With my strength and your subtler touch, let us hope we find a balance between us that is advantageous to both.
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[ Teamwork makes the dream work, etc. ]
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[Fingers crossed their greenhouse efforts are not met with dISASTER]
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[ Punctuated by a snort from the newly-named Gwen. ]
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Your friend has much faith in us, I see.
[Don't worry, they'll get it done!]
Well, then. I look forward to it, Mercedes.