“That has been true for a long time,” Dedue sighs. “But especially now.”

He considers whether to say more. Erin has already confided something very personal to him. And the way she is talking about Dimitri proves that she knows some of his vulnerabilities well enough already. Dedue decides, in this instance, that it would be okay.

“I have had concerns since I learned when he first arrived. He was not well then. And it only grew worse, in my time. Much much worse. I do not want him to get to that point again.”