This might not be unpopular for the FE fandom here, but it’s definitely something I saw in a general FE Heroes server. Celica is a good lord, and her flaws make her, not ruin her.
People cite that her problem is giving in to Jedah and agreeing to give up her soul in order to save Mila and therefore Rigel and Zofia, even after she sees that Mila has turned to stone with Falchion stuck in her. She does this not only so that no one else has to suffer, but also so that Alm doesn’t have to keep fighting.
It’s funny because one of the people from that server adores Eirika, who has the same problem, but maybe even worse:
Evil Lyon:“Ha ha…heh heh heh. How disappointing for you. This body is mine now. Nothing remains of your dear boy’s soul.”
Eirika:“You only pretended to be Lyon… You deceived me. Return him! Return Lyon now!”
After chapter 18, Eirika travels up to Mount Neleras and finds the Demon King claiming to be Lyon, pretending that he can save himself with the power of a Sacred Stone. Eirika, in her naivete, or maybe just her absolute hope and trust in Lyon, hands over Renais’ Sacred Stone. It’s fortunate that Rausten’s Sacred Stone still exists but… it’s a terrible move regardless. (People rag on Eirika for this, too, but I don’t see it as much.)
How can you say Celica’s case is any worse? In her case, I could even argue that it’s a more noble cause, as she’s willing to offer up her life for two countries and all the people she loves, rather than give a stone of great power just for a chance that she could save her friend who is in some degree of possession.
Jedah: Heh heh heh, Your lamentations are wasted, child. If you truly wish for her release, you know what must be done. You must offer up your soul to Lord Duma!
Boey: Did he just say what I think he said?
Mae: Offer her…soul? Oh gods! Celica, no! He wants to turn you into a witch! That is a REALLY bad idea!
Celica: …… There’s no other choice. Without the divine dragons’ power, all of Valentia’s people are lost. And the only thing that can save the dragons is the soul of a Brand-bearer.
You could argue that Jedah can’t prove his bargain, but Celica has seen the land turn fallow without Mila’s blessing, so it’s not like they can sit around and wait anyways. Up until now, Celica has always been skeptical of Jedah’s offer, constantly turning him down because she wants to ensure Mila’s safety first. She’s not stupid, but pushed towards the edge. When Mila is before her turned to stone, I feel like Celica would panic, and not look towards the bigger picture - but that mere second of emotional judgment is her downfall. That’s not what makes a bad character, it’s what makes her a flawed character.
Yes, it’s pretty insulting to Conrad, who just saved her in an earlier situation at Dolth’s Keep and risked his secret identity to warn her about not throwing her life away. But I think this conflict doesn’t leave Celica many options, especially with Mila immobilized which means that defeating Jedah wouldn’t save her. I have to admit that part of this could have just been more plausible with better writing from the SoV staff, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to drag Celica as a character because of this.
