[Surprise briefly painted his features at the question-- a glimpse at the vulnerability he rarely shared with others. With his home empty of other residents besides himself and his cat, Lorenz didn't feel like he was stretching himself too far.

Rather, perhaps it wasn't quite enough. This world had brought not one but two betrayals upon him: Both of them involved sending away the complicated individuals he was starting to call his friend.]

We really have come full circle if you're asking that,

[he commented wryly, remembering that cold winter's day when the Byleth he knew had approached him for conversation. The man had seemed unusually pallid and fatigued that day, but also kept that fact as close to his chest as possible. 'You should go rest in your quarters,' Lorenz had said. Clearly, the man wasn't well but was trying to hide it.

Lorenz wondered if this Byleth had experienced any similar conversations. It was an answer that only the Goddess could provide.]

I believe I'm doing all right, you needn't worry. It was merely an offer; I've been concerned about the general state of affairs here and I've been wondering how to help. Once again, it's been a case of not clearly seeing the bigger picture.