#mentioned ludwig

[askhubertvonvestra]

Can you share your thoughts on Lindhart's and Caspar's dads? They did take part in the insurrection which caused so much grief to Emperor Edelgard, yet now they're her political allies. Have you spared them out of sheer calculation? Or do you believe their redemption is sincere?

I can. Their infighting is their signature trait, at least in one another’s company. But it does suggest that they are capable of functioning in a professional capacity while their close colleague is one who constantly challenges and rejects their suggestions. As they are constantly locked in this feud, their motions are actually far more functional than those from the more corrupt nobility. Neither one walks away fully happy, and so, the most needs are met for the population at large. They understand this, as they have never sought to resort to subterfuge or conspiracy to have their way.

At least until my father and the Prime Minister approached them for the Insurrection. They may have been able to stand against one or the other, but opposing the two central figureheads beside the throne was tantamount to signing their own death warrants. 

It does not excuse them, but I do believe their redemption is sincere. Separated from seditious influences, they are free to return to their bickering that furthers the Empire’s cause. So it is a combination of both belief in their reformation and calculative strategy. They are useful, so they can remain in their positions as long as they prove their merit.

I do suspect that Caspar’s father will be happy to resign and retire once the time comes, however. Noble pressures have fractured his large family. Stepping down from the role to make room for an elected replacement will free him to live his own life. I’m not sure Linhardt’s parents would be so enthusiastic about having time to themselves away from the court.

[I am also biased in favor of Caspar’s dad, lol. Ever since I wrote him in a shippy/angsty AU fic, I just love him.]

[askhubertvonvestra]

What are your thoughts on Nemesis? Was he just a meathead bandit manipulated by Agarthans or do you believe he had his own reasons for murdering Sothis?

Not high, I assure you. Regardless, it’s vital to review how Those Who Slither in the Dark have manipulated others.

They prey on existing delusions of worth and glory, as they did with Ludwig, or they target trusting natures and uncertainties about society, as they did with Christophe. With so many centuries between my time and the original incident, along with extensive rewriting history and censorship, it’s impossible for me to say which is the case for Nemesis. It’s not impossible that he was told just enough information to send him into a vengeful rage against Sothis. That appears to have been their method in convincing Dimitri that Her Majesty was behind the tragic events that claimed the lives of his family and close companions.

Truthfully, I am more inclined to believe they exploited a personal drive for power and greed in Nemesis. It is far more likely and their preferred sort of ally as well. A corrupt individual does not require as many resources to control, after all, and they are very easily used as a scapegoat if necessary.

Simply look at what became of Ludwig if you wish to see how effortless it can be to clean up their loose ends. Nemesis was most likely the same in nature. But to truly know, we would have to ask those present, and it would merely be their word. A source we know well to be entirely unreliable.

[askhubertvonvestra]

You've met and dealt with some pretty terrible people, haven't you? All of the seedy underbelly of fodlan.

Who would you say was (thus far) the most frustrating to deal with? Whether they be a true danger, just annoying, or those traits and others.

I have indeed. Naturally, there are occupants of Fódlan’s underworld who are closer to unseen sentinel than seedy malcontents. 

The most frustrating by far on all accounts would be the former duke and prime minister, Ludwig von Aegir. He's had his dealings with the underbelly of Fódlan on several occasions. 

A great deal of my frustration with him finds its origins with Her Majesty’s request to put him on house arrest in the interest of safeguarding Ferdinand’s softer feelings for a man who, by some cruel mockery, happens to be his father. It would bring him sorrow to have him dead. As such, he yet lives as no small source of irritation and posturing when I do find myself in his presence or receiving yet another missive that he must know is not reaching Ferdinand in full, if at all.

As for one who is merely annoying, I would say Yuri Leclerc for his impish tendencies. More often than not, we work together smoothly and to effective results. But there instances where he wishes to be clever and flirtatious rather than strictly focused. That lack of intent is disruptive to my own attentiveness with enough persistence, and that, Yuri never has at a deficit.