[ His body language was clear as the lack of air in space. Zechs looked at his tea for a moment, lips pursed, considering. ]

[ Was he dealing to a good man loyal to evil acts, like Noin had stood by his side to watch? Or was he a ruthless man who’d enable whatever darkness was necessary, like Une could be for Treize? ]

[ After a moment’s silence - he admitted, serious and calm in tone: ]

I have been compared to her. With sympathy to your Empress and myself - but not favorably.

Our worlds are quite foreign to each other, in the technology I’ve seen and the magic many of you possess … but the death and devastation our conflicts brought are incredibly similar.

The patterns of choices made, in the name of greater good, are similar.

[ He raised his head to look at him squarely. ]

I don’t fault you for your loyalties. And any soldier’s past is soaked with blood.

What will you choose to here, where your conflicts are a painful memory?

[ Where he said he had no friendships. Zechs’ gaze was steady, listening. ]