[His remark regarding succession brings to mind a whole new host of questions— Petra herself is unquestionably the heir to Brigid's throne, and has never known any differently. She's been preparing to follow in her grandfather and father's footsteps her entire life, always knowing that she would someday be queen, but it is not so straightforward for Claude. There was a chance he might not inherit his father's throne, and she cannot help but wonder what he might think about that. Was it something he wanted, to guide Almyra in his father's stead, or would he prefer a different path?

Questions for later, perhaps— when the reveal was not so fresh. The fact that he had said it so very casually, made a point of his confession being so lighthearted meant that this might not be the moment for such existential questions.

She laughs softly in response to his insistence about the trees, and allows him to segue without interruption. As he speaks, her expression shifts; while not upset, there's a sense of urgency in her gaze that had not been there before.

Edelgard.]

Edelgard and the Professor were here?

[Without them. Had they been returned to Fodlan? Was there any way of knowing?]

I...

[She pauses, furrowing her brow.]

I am almost thinking it is a cruel twist of fate, that they were not here when we were all arriving. I know that there is much about Edelgard's methods that you and the others may disagree with, but here, away from Fodlan... I am thinking it could have been a chance to talk. To solve problems. With events unfolding differently for all of us, I do not know that it would make any difference... but it is strange, to know she was here and yet we did not see her.