Chapter 10 Supports

Today's Supports:

• Eirika/Tana C
• Tethys/Marisa C
• Innes/Tana C
• Ross/Amelia C
• Innes/Vanessa C
• Franz/Amelia C
• Amelia/Duessel C
  
• Moulder/Vanessa C
• Joshua/Innes C
• Cormag/Duessel C
  
• Joshua/Gerik C
  
• Artur/Joshua B
• Seth/Natasha B
• Ross/Lute B
  
• Vanessa/Lute A
• Neimi/Colm A
• Seth/Franz A
• Franz/Gilliam A
  

Eirika/Tana C

Tana: Ah, Eirika. Shall we ride together a while?
Eirika: Tana, you seem well. And yes, I’d appreciate the company.
Tana: I feel I should apologize. I’m afraid I haven’t been very much help to you, Eirika. To be honest, I’m still in training, and not quite battle-ready. Perhaps you’d fare better if I were not traveling with you…
Eirika: Tana, that’s not true at all. You’ve been a great help to us. I have seen you in action. I know what I’m talking about.
Tana: Thank you, Eirika. Heh… I feel so foolish now.
Eirika: Why is that?
Tana: I look on you as a sister, Eirika. And yet, even though we’re the same age, you seem so much more mature.
Eirika: Hardly…
Tana: It is you who even gave me the courage to leave the castle. I wanted to be out on my own, like you, to pattern my life after yours. I’m simply glad that we are friends.
Eirika: Me too, Tana. I’m glad you came. You help to remind me of better times.

Eirika route Tana is the stronger Tana by far, and this conversation captures the essence of that strength. Technically, I suppose, you could then proceed to show it in Ephraim route, but really, you're probably going to get Eirika/Tana in Eirika route.

Tethys/Marisa C

Tethys: Say, Marisa, you’re left-handed, right?
Marisa: How did you know that?
Tethys: Well, when you’re carrying a sword, don’t you always have it in your left hand?
Marisa: No, I can use either hand… But my left hand is stronger.
Tethys: So that’s like a warning sign: left hand equals danger.
Marisa: Warning sign…
Tethys: So why is it you always sleep on your right side? You know you never roll over in your sleep? And even the slightest noise causes you to spring up. Do you ever really sleep?
Marisa: I have to do that. Otherwise I wouldn’t survive.
Tethys: Wouldn’t survive? You must be exaggerating.
Marisa: I sleep with my dominant arm up. That way, if I’m attacked, my good arm is ready to go.
Tethys: Huh… Do all sword fighters sleep that way?
Marisa: If your dominant arm is cut, you’re at a disadvantage in battle. That means death.
Tethys: But doesn’t your arm ever fall asleep? Aren’t there times when you can’t use it?
Marisa: No. My father trained me when I was a child, so that doesn’t happen.
Tethys: When you were a child? How? Kids always roll around in their sleep.
Marisa: My father placed blunt swords at my sides when I slept to keep me from moving.
Tethys: Your father did that? But that’s so dangerous…
Marisa: No, the blades were rounded and dull. And it worked. I don’t roll over when sleeping.
Tethys: Wow, sword fighters have some intense training methods, don’t they? I’m glad I was an average kid. I mean, I was poor, but at least I slept freely.

Tethys: She slept on the streets, but at least her father didn't put swords under her. While Byleth's impersonality is entirely on how she was born, Marisa's personality seems to have been actively cultivated by her father to make a ruthless mercenary. Hardly the most encouraging of people.

Not sure where Tethys is coming from with the "left hand = bad news" that isn't prejudiced, though.

Innes/Tana C

Tana: Innes!
Innes: Tana…
Tana: I’m so glad to find you safe! Everyone back home is worried. Don’t you worry, though. I’ll protect you from now on.
Innes: …Tana, what are you doing here? You have no place on the battlefield. I want you to return to Castle Frelia immediately.
Tana: Why does everyone say that!? I am one of Frelia’s pegasus knights and a trained soldier! I studied with Syrene and Vanessa, two of Frelia’s finest!
Innes: And you’re also a Frelian princess. You should not be fighting. What would happen if you were injured?
Tana: No! I’m not going back!
Innes: Tana!
Tana: I won’t go back!
Innes: Why does she always have to be like this?

The pot calling the kettle black, Innes. You, the hope of Frelia, go into battle regularly, and Tana, the backup princess (who's probably going to be quietly married into Renais), isn't allowed to lend a hand? Hell yeah that's unfair.

Ross/Amelia C

Amelia: Zowie!
Ross: Ugh! Hey! Ow! What the heck?!
Amelia: I’m so sorry! I’m just very clumsy. Are you all right?
Ross: Oooooow!
Amelia: E-excuse me.
Ross: You! You’re from Grado, aren’t you! This was a sneak attack, wasn’t it! Then prepare yourself for battle!
Amelia: Oh, no! Please listen to me! It’s true that I am from Grado, but I am now on your side!
Ross: You must think I’m pretty gullible! You can’t trick me like that!
Amelia: But I’m telling the truth! I am on your side! I didn’t attack you. I tripped and fell into you, but it was an accident!
Ross: Right… Let’s say for a second I buy this story. But how can you explain tripping when there’s nothing around to trip on?
Amelia: There was a dent over there, and–
Ross: Huh? Oh, you mean that. I see. You tripped on that thing, huh?
Amelia: Y-yes!
Ross: How could you have tripped on that? I can barely even see it! Hey, isn’t that spear a little heavy for you? You’re so small. Need a little help?
Amelia: Not really. It’s much lighter than other knights’. I’m working on building up more power, but I’m getting the hang of it.
Ross: Hmmm… I noticed that your armor is very shiny.
Amelia: Um, yes. Thanks, I guess. I’m always polishing it.
Ross: That’s a sure sign of a new recruit! Watch out for hazing. You might as well be wearing a sign taped to your forehead that says “I’m a rookie!”
Amelia: Oh… Um…
Ross: Don’t worry. I’ve got your back.
Amelia: What?
Ross: But in exchange, you must cover ME when someone attacks me with a sword!
Amelia: Oh… OK. I’ll do my best! Um… Say…
Ross: What is it?
Amelia: Thank you… for believing me that I’m not your enemy.
Ross: There’s no point in fighting with someone on your own side. OK, let’s go!
Amelia: Yes!

Amelia would've been eaten alive in the Grado army. And honestly, I'm slightly concerned that might've been literal. Ross is only one step ahead, so this can only end well.

Innes/Vanessa C

Innes: Vanessa, are you all right?
Vanessa: Prince Innes! Yes, I’m fine. I’m glad YOU are fine, sir.
Innes: Good, Vanessa. Your contributions to this war and also to Frelia as a whole have been very valuable.
Vanessa: Thank you for your kind words, sir. I was so worried when a messenger from Carcino told us you were in danger. I worried for your safety.
Innes: Nothing is going to happen to me. It’s still very strange to me that you are grown up and worry about me now. When you first joined the knights, you were just a girl. You’ve really grown, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Well, um… I’m still learning.
Innes: You are a great knight now. I’m counting on you, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Yes. I’ll protect you at any cost.
Innes: Ha ha ha! Vanessa, you don’t need to protect me. It’s the other way around. As the prince of Frelia, I have the duty to protect you.
Vanessa: Oh, yes! I didn’t mean to offend!
Innes: Pshaw! But remember, I am counting on you.
Vanessa: Thank you, Prince!

Innes is very curt and hard to get along with for many people, but it's with Vanessa that his better side really shines. In many ways, Vanessa is the sort of person Innes trusts most: Loyal, will follow orders first and ask questions later, and effective. But she's also new enough that Innes recognises that she has not always been this way, and opens up to all facets of her character, not just her battlefield side.

Franz/Amelia C

Franz: Oh, hello there. You’re… Ah, it’s Amelia, isn’t it?
Amelia: Hm? Oh… Yes, and you’re Franz!
Franz: That’s right. How are you? Getting the hang of things?
Amelia: Oh, yes. Quite! You know, everyone here is so much friendlier than the folks in Grado. I’m glad there are so many people around my age traveling with us.
Franz: Yeah. I think I’m about the same age as you are, too. You know what that means? That means, from now on, you’re my rival.
Amelia: What?
Franz: What do you say?
Amelia: Um… Well, does that mean… I have to fight you?
Franz: No, no. It’s nothing as complicated as all that. We’ll just work together. See, I’ll try to be better than you, and you try to be better than me! Every day, try to be a better person than you are today. It’s easier to do when you’ve got someone to work with.
Amelia: I see… But why?
Franz: Yes, well. Um… My brother’s a knight, too, and he’s had someone like that for a long time. I’ve always been envious of the competitive relationship he has. They compete, and they argue, and they bicker… But I know they respect one another, and they grow together. I envy that.
Amelia: Um… I’m not sure I can be like that.
Franz: Ha ha ha… Don’t worry about it. It doesn’t matter who you are. All that really matters is that we have someone like that in our lives. Besides, you are a qualified soldier, are you not?
Amelia: Er… I’m not honestly sure I’m even qualified to be out here.
Franz: Same here. That’s why I picked you. Let’s work together.
Amelia: All right! I’m not sure I can live up to your expectations… But I’ll do my best.
Franz: Good. It’s nice to meet you, Amelia.
Amelia: It certainly is!

Although Franz starts out in the big boy class, the two are pretty close in use potential and growth potential. Although yeah, I'm fairly sure the ending result of a Franz/Amelia relationship is going to turn out differently to a Forde/Kyle relationship- especially in a heteronormative game like this one.

Amelia/Duessel C

Amelia: Ah, General Duessel!
Duessel: Oh, it’s you, Amelia.
Amelia: Yes! Oh, but you’re not injured at all, are you, General Duessel? We’ve all been struggling so hard, and yet you don’t seem tired at all. You are an impressive man. It’s all I can do simply to stay alive out here, it feels like.
Duessel: ……
Amelia: What is it? General Duessel? Is something wrong?
Duessel: Oh, um, sorry. Your… From the first time I laid eyes upon you, your face… I was sure I’d seen it before…
Amelia: Huh? Is that so? You mean before now? Or before I even joined Grado’s army?
Duessel: Yes, that’s right, but I can’t recall… Getting to be my age has its price.
Amelia: Don’t be silly! I happen to think you’re still quite young, General Duessel!
Duessel: Well, now you’ve got my attention! What was it you wanted this old soldier for?
Amelia: It’s just that, even among the younger knights, there’s no match for you. And, uh…
Duessel: Ha ha! I’m not so old that you need to worry about propping up my ego, lass.
Amelia: Ah…uh… I’m sorry.
Duessel: No, no. There’s no need to apologize. I quite enjoy talking to you, in fact. I’m sure I’m not the only one in this army who feels that way, either. The fighting’s fierce, Amelia. You watch yourself! When you’re near me, I’ll make sure I keep a good eye out for you, too. I’ll be there in a flash if you need me. Go ahead and fight without worry.
Amelia: Ah, y-yes, sir! Thank you very much. Fighting alongside you, General Duessel, is a great honor. Well, I’ll be moving on now.
Duessel: Be seeing you! … But…I just can’t remember where…

Amelia and Duessel have an amazing Support chain, but it only really shines once Duessel figures out where he recognises Amelia from. For now, though, Duessel is going to be the sort of man Amelia needed back when both of them were on Grado's side.

Moulder/Vanessa C

Moulder: Vanessa, how are you holding up?
Vanessa: Father Moulder. We are struggling, but I’ll pull through somehow. Say, Father Moulder…
Moulder: You want to know about Prince Innes, don’t you? He’s doing well. I was worried for a moment, but he’ll be fine.
Vanessa: Oh! I, uh… Thank you. … How did you know?
Moulder: Well… You see, as a priest, I’ve met people from all walks of life. Some of them- like you- well, I can read them like an open book.
Vanessa: You… can read my mind? That’s so…embarrassing.
Moulder: No, no. It’s not like that. I just mean you are a pure, straightforward girl. That’s a compliment worthy of a knight.
Vanessa: Do you think so? Thank you, Father.
Moulder: Hm. Say, would you like to hear a story from the prince’s youth?
Vanessa: I’d like that, Father. Very much!
Moulder: Hm… Oh my! You know, I think we’d better take care of our enemies, first.
Vanessa: Look out! Over there! Stay here, Father. I’ll take care of this.
Moulder: Yes, I think that would be best.
Vanessa: Tell me your story another time, though. I’d like to hear it.
Moulder: I’d be delighted. Another time, then.
Vanessa: Yes, Father!

This conversation is particularly weird- and not just because it acknowledges Support conversations happen mid-battle. Both of these characters join in Chapter 2, so if you're going for their Supports, you're probably getting this one before recruiting Innes... but it does kinda feel like Moulder is talking about Innes as if he's a party member here. On Ephraim route, they won't meet up until Chapter 15.

Joshua/Innes C

Joshua: Hey, you’re Prince Innes, aren’t you? I’m Joshua. Nice to meet you.
Innes: I’m sure.
Joshua: Well, now that we know each other… What say we play a quick game of chance, hm?
Innes: Hm? What are you planning on doing with that coin?
Joshua: We’re gonna have a little wager. What else? If I’m going to fight alongside someone, I want to know him. And there’s no better way to get to know someone than a friendly wager! So… What do you say to a starter bet of… 1,000?
Innes: Betting? Here? You can’t be serious.
Joshua: Hey now. I always take gambling seriously. Always. Whether you live or die on the field often comes down to luck. Every fight, you’re putting your life in someone else’s hands. You should be glad to meet up with such a lucky guy.
Innes: You may rely on luck, but I prefer raw skill. However, we might as well. Put your money where your mouth is.
Joshua: Now you’re talking! Right, here we go! Heads or tails? What’s your call?
Innes: Tails.
Joshua: Let’s see what we’ve got… Oh, well. It’s heads. Too bad, Your Highness. You lost.
Innes: What? That’s impossible. I saw–
Joshua: C’est la vie. Look closely. See? It’s heads.
Innes: That’s strange… My eyes never fail me, but I could have sworn- Hm. There seems to be more to betting than meets the eye.
Joshua: Figure that out already? You’re a quick study.
Innes: Yeah. Let’s try that again. I’ll get it this time…

Joshua has a method to his madness where his love of gambling is concerned- when it comes to a fight, you're always betting things are going to go your way with your life. And Innes shows his keen eye and shrewd judgement in figuring out he's being conned by Joshua here, but hasn't quite figured out enough of the trick to call him out yet. There are some people you just can't con twice, Joshua...

Cormag/Duessel C

Duessel: Cormag…
Cormag: Sir Duessel.
Duessel: Are you well?
Cormag: I am as you see me. Fine in every respect.
Duessel: I’m not talking about your flesh. It’s your heart I’m worried for.
Cormag: ……
Duessel: I’m here because I made the decision for myself to leave Grado. Luckily for me, one of the leaders here is an old acquaintance of mine. I’m not saying my heart is at ease, but I have found something to believe in. Something to fight for. And yet, you…
Cormag: I, too, made a choice to be here. There’s no need for your concern.
Duessel: ……
Cormag: I believe in myself. Therefore it matters not where I am. So no matter where I go or what I do, I’m sure my brother would understand.
Duessel: Cormag.
Cormag: And besides, General Duessel, you’re here in this army with me. There’s no shame in fighting alongside the man once known as Obsidian.
Duessel: Mm. Cormag, let us emerge victorious from this war, for the things we both believe in.
Cormag: Yes.

Cormag/Duessel is another Support with a stronger scene towards the end, when they dive into some other lore. For now, though, this conversation is having a lot of fun trying to fit both routes: There's a sense of this being on Eirika route, where Duessel and Cormag don't join in the same battle, but "my brother would understand" leans more Ephraim route, for reasons that we'll see later on.

Joshua/Gerik C

Joshua: You’re Gerik, right? Head of that band of mercenaries?
Gerik: Where’s your respect? I’ve got a title. Use it.
Joshua: Oh… My mistake. Pardon me. I’m Joshua. I heard you once commanded a band of over a hundred mercenaries. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.
Gerik: Huh. So that’s what you’ve heard, is it? You look a bit on the rough side. Yeah, I can see it in your eyes. You’re no ordinary swordsman, are you?
Joshua: …It’s just like they said. You’re a natural leader. Commanding and observant- it’s a rare combination.
Gerik: Ah, thanks. So what brings you over here, anyway? Didn’t just come here to say hello, did you?
Joshua: You ARE a sharp one.
Gerik: Not half as sharp as your sword, from what I’ve seen out there.
Joshua: Actually, I’m here with an offer, but I didn’t want to rush into it. I’d hate to mess this one up. I can’t go into the details just now, but it’s a big job. I’m guessing it’ll pay pretty well, too.
Gerik: I see. Well, you have me curious. I’m looking forward to hearing your offer.
Joshua: You should be.

This is a conversation that really comes into its own with a reveal about Joshua. This reveal doesn't happen on Ephraim route, as far as I'm aware, and even if it did, the Support system likes to act independently of such reveals in this game. So sadly, I don't think Gerik is ever going to realise what Joshua's got behind him.

Artur/Joshua B

Joshua: Hey, Artur. I wanted to thank you for training. I learned a lot from it. I hope you’re not too exhausted for today’s training session.
Artur: Well, actually… Could we not do this today?
Joshua: Hey, now. Show a little enthusiasm, why don’t you? An attitude like that ain’t gonna win you any battles!
Artur: You may be right, but I just can’t keep up with you. If you keep exhausting me in training, I’ll be no good when the real fighting begins. I’m trying not to let it show, but I’m really worn out today.
Joshua: Then let’s make a bet. If I win, you do what I tell you.
Artur: Joshua, I’m quite drained, and we still have much fighting to do. You should just rest tonight.
Joshua: Don’t worry about me, Artur. So, heads or tails?
Artur: Fine… Heads.
Joshua: Great! You’re heads, and I’m tails. Here we go! Incredible! Tails! I win again!
Artur: … Could I see that coin?
Joshua: What for? Are you suggesting that I would actually cheat?
Artur: …No. Sorry.
Joshua: So it’s a deal. I’ll be waiting for you tonight. Don’t forget!
Artur: Fine… ……
Joshua: …You’re hopeless. Don’t look so tired. It gets me all worried, and I can’t go back to the front being all worried. Listen, just take a day off. Get some rest, all right?
Artur: But I lost the bet.
Joshua: The deal was, if I win, you do what I tell you. And what I’m telling you to do is take it easy.
Artur: Joshua… I appreciate it. I’ve never done much fighting. I think I’m just worn out. It’s exhausting, having to keep your guard up all the time. But your kindness has rejuvenated my frazzled nerves a little.
Joshua: Well, we’re still fighting, so don’t let your guard down. Stick close to me today, and I’ll watch over you. But don’t skip tomorrow’s training!
Artur: I’ll be there.

I think the only reason Artur's here is because Lute won't let him go home. And as a mage, his training against people with pointy weapons is probably far more exhausting and painful. At least Joshua lets him off easy.

Seth/Natasha B

Seth: Sister Natasha? Are you well? I heard you collapsed last night. Maybe you should rest more, instead of risking yourself on–
Natasha: Oh, General Seth… I’m sorry about that… We had many wounded, and I drained myself healing them all. However, I rested well last night, and I am fully recovered. I’m sorry for giving you so much cause to worry once again.
Seth: Oh, boy… You and Eirika… What am I going to do about you? You seem hell-bent on throwing away your lives in this conflict.
Natasha: …Oh, I see… I always become a liability in battle. All I do is cause you worry and concern.
Seth: You’re always the first to race into battle to heal an injured person. Do you know what the others have started calling you?
Natasha: …They’re calling me names?
Seth: They’ve taken to calling you “the healing spirit.”
Natasha: …A healing spirit? Oh, no… I’m far from it. Why, I–
Seth: …When you first joined us, I was not sure I could trust my life to you. You’re from Grado, and we’ve seen the treacheries of which they are capable. But I’ve watched you, and I know now that I was wrong. I’m grateful for the kindness and compassion that you’ve showed us all. My men are right. You are a healing spirit, sent to rejuvenate us all. We’re fortunate to have you as our friend.
Natasha: …Friend…?
Seth: More than a friend. You are an irreplaceable asset to our cause.
Natasha: Oh, my… I’m sorry… …Please, return to the battle. And may you be guided to safety.
Seth: …Sister Natasha… If I am injured, I will not be reckless. I will race to your side. And I know that you will take care of me when that happens.
Natasha: Y-yes, of course I will! Oh, but… I hope that it doesn’t.

Seth, Seth, Seth, putting his foot right in his mouth. No one ever seems to call him out on his racism, which makes me mildly concerned the writers don't realise this sort of caution falls right into that box, but at least he's digging out faster than he's digging in?

Ross/Lute B

Ross: Hey, mage lady! I mean… Let’s see… Lute!
Lute: Hello, Sir Son-of-warrior-garcia-ross.
Ross: It’s ROSS! You left in the middle of the conversation!
Lute: Thank you, but it’s no big deal.
Ross: That wasn’t a compliment! So, by the way…
Lute: So long.
Ross: What the heck? Hey, wait a minute! I was telling you not to leave suddenly!
Lute: What do you want?
Ross: Well, nothing in particular. I just thought we could chat… or something.
Lute: Well, THAT doesn’t sound very productive nor strategically important, but… If you want to, please go ahead.
Ross: OK. Um. Let’s see. What to talk about. You know, my mom used a little magic, too. She passed away a while ago… But, that’s why I thought I might be able to use magic, too. Last time, you said no right away, but you hadn’t heard the whole story.
Lute: Do you want to be a mage?
Ross: No, not exactly.
Lute: Well, then you should keep following your own instinct instead. Everyone has his or her own talent. I figure the path you are taking now is appropriate for you.
Ross: Yeah…. Maybe you’re right. Well, it’s not like I was torn between the two or anything. I kinda just wanted to talk with a female mage like you. Thanks.
Lute: Um, you’re welcome, I guess. I’m glad I could be of your service.

Ross and Lute, the two most tactless people in the army (Innes is a close third), trying their best to to pretend to be polite, but the other one fumbles accepting the gesture in turn. Ross's mother as a mage is somewhat interesting, though, we don't get much lore on her.

I think what Ross was going for was more "is it an option for me" more than "can you make me one".

Vanessa/Lute A

Vanessa: Lute, did you know this? The wings of a thousand pegasi are an incredibly potent aphrodisiac.
Lute: I…I didn’t know that… OK, now I really need Titania’s help.
Vanessa: Wait! Wait! I was just kidding! Hush, Titania! Hush! I was joking!
Lute: I see… I was, um, kidding, as well. Heh heh?
Vanessa: Hee hee! Consider it payback. But, Lute, I never thought you would try to steal the wings right off her back! Guess the battlefield is a lonely place! Ha ha ha ha! You know, I’m often told that I need to loosen up and not be so serious. I’d always tried to be like my sister. She’s very strong, as both a knight and a person. Maybe I’ve tried too hard. But it’s so much easier to loosen up with people like you around. Thanks!
Lute: I see.
Vanessa: When I’m with you, I can relax and just be myself.
Lute: Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.
Vanessa: That was a compliment! Jeez. You’re a tough one… When this war is over, would you like to come visit me in Frelia? You could ride a pegasus if you’d like.
Lute: That would be an illuminating experience. But I have to start reading up on pegasi behavior now, so I won’t get thrown off. Do they like carrots?
Vanessa: Well, I don’t know about that. I’ll let you do your research. I must go now. See you later, Lute.
Lute: Yes, Vanessa.

This honestly feels a bit filler, in the end. Restoration Queen punches it up a bit, but for one of the major F/F Support chains, this is probably among the weakest. Fortunately, there's some stiff competition from characters the writers were hoping would be better friends.

Neimi/Colm A

Neimi: Waaaaaah!
Colm: Neimi! What’s wrong?
Neimi: Oh… Sniff… Colm…
Colm: What’s wrong? Did someone attack you? Are you hurt?
Neimi: No…
Colm: Did someone say something mean to you? Did someone steal your mirror again?
Neimi: That’s not it…
Colm: Then what is it?
Neimi: I j-just… have something in my eye…
Colm: What?!
Neimi: Whew! It’s gone now.
Colm: I thought you were hurt!
Neimi: Colm…
Colm: What’s the matter now?!
Neimi: Uh… I’m sorry for alarming you… But… I’m happy that– I mean– Thank you for caring for me…
Colm: No need to get all mushy about it. You shouldn’t cry so much.
Neimi: I know. The other day, when I was in battle, I was remembering all the times you helped me when we were little.
Colm: Oh?
Neimi: Like that time I fell into the river and you came and rescued me. Or the time I broke Grandpa’s bow. You helped me fix it. And all the times bullies picked on me, you defended me.
Colm: Seriously, Neimi. You’ve always been such a crybaby.
Neimi: Yes, but… Because you were there with me, I was never sad… When Grandpa died, you were by my side the whole time, holding my hand…
Colm: Neimi…
Neimi: Thank you, Colm. For then and now… I like you a lot…
Colm: Oh… If anything is troubling you, come see me first, all right? I’ll take care of anyone who makes you cry.
Neimi: I will…
Colm: I think your haplessness is permanent. But don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.
Neimi: Oh! Sniff… Colm… Sniff…
Colm: Oh, no. I made you cry again, didn’t I.
Neimi: Sniff… Yes… But for different reasons this time.
Colm: That’s better.
Neimi: Sniff…
Colm: Neimi… I’m the only one who can make you cry. For now and ever, got that?
Neimi: All right…

Of all the ways to establish a romantic bond, this is certainly one of them. Give me Neimi/Amelia any day of the week.

Seth/Franz A

Seth: You’re doing well, Franz.
Franz: Oh, General! How are you, sir? I’m so honored that you came to talk to me.
Seth: Must you always overreact? …Honestly, Franz… I’m the one who should feel honored.
Franz: I beg your pardon? What do you mean, sir?
Seth: When I was just a squire, there was one knight whom I admired above all others. His skill with sword and spear was legendary. He was truly peerless. We squires learned the meaning of chivalry watching him serve the king. Ten years back, we received word that an infamous assassin was hiding in Renais. This knight hunted him down in secrecy so as not to alert the assassin. He hounded the villain and killed him, but he was mortally wounded…
Franz: Ten years ago? But that’s when–!? No, it couldn’t be…
Seth: …Yes, Franz. It was the greatest knight in the history of Renais. Your father.
Franz: …I was so young when my father died. And our mother passed away before he did. Forde and I were almost always alone. Oh, I remember how I used to cry like a babe about my father being gone so much. Forde would always remind me, “He is serving the royal family to protect Renais.” Forde was so proud of our father, but he was also a little bit sad. I remember a deep scar he had on his shoulder, probably in battle. My brother and I used to climb up his shoulders and vie for his attention. I grew up hearing what a great knight he was, but I remember only his shoulder.
Seth: …You probably have no idea how much you resemble your father. Your swordplay, how you tilt the lance, your loyalty to Renais… You’ve certainly inherited your father’s spirit. It is an honor to see the skill I once idolized developing in you, his son.
Franz: I…I am so flattered to hear that. Thank you very much, General. Someday, I will become a knight even greater than my brother or my father. To restore Renais, the kingdom to which I’ve sworn my blade, I will fight on!
Seth: Thank you, Franz. Let’s do the best we can. For Renais, and for your father.
Franz: Yes, General!

Seth really laying it on with the toxic traits later FEs would start to deconstruct, huh? This conversation plays a lot like Rodrigue telling people Glenn died like a true knight, and thus his death was a good thing actually. Unlike Rodrigue, who is not supposed to be taken at face value on this topic, Seth is taken at his word by Franz, and the attempt at reassurance goes over much more smoothly. Granted, he died ten years ago as opposed to ten minutes ago, but still. It's difficult to read Seth well after Faerghus.

Franz/Gilliam A

Gilliam: Well, Franz, it looks like there’s a lot I can learn from Renais.
Franz: Why the change of heart, Sir Gilliam?
Gilliam: I’ve been doing your exercises every night, and I feel fantastic.
Franz: I’m glad you like it.
Gilliam: I appreciate Renais much more, thanks to you.
Franz: Really? I’m glad. I’m thrilled that the great Sir Gilliam approves of the training in Renais.
Gilliam: Thrilled? You’re overreacting.
Franz: No, honestly! I am thrilled. It’s a small thing, I know… But when someone recognizes the fine qualities of Renais, I get a thrill. Renais is a small country, but it contains much that is good.
Gilliam: I don’t know Renais, but I do know how you feel as a fellow knight. The more we are away, the more we think back on our beloved homeland.
Franz: I’m glad that I’m not alone in this.
Gilliam: Chin up, lad. Be proud of your country, Franz, Knight of Renais. As your friend from neighboring Frelia, I’m glad you’re proud of your home.
Franz: Yes, Sir Gilliam! Thank you very much!

Gilliam getting a much shorter conversation and somehow taking both of Seth's mistakes and showing a much stronger way to act on both counts. For a minor character introduced solely to pad the roster, not bad.