[ Her expression twists for a moment, but all that slips free is a wry chuckle. She doesn't jump to correct him - Kouka has been successfully fending off enemies at their borders for hundreds of years now. They've carried the blessing of their dragon god since he'd first formed their idyllic little kingdom. But that didn't mean there hadn't still been a cost. One that was, perhaps, easy to miss when dwelling within the bright walls of the capital - but it has been a long time since she'd left that place behind.

She'd seen it all while she'd been forced to wander. It was hard not to have your eyes opened when your only recourse was to survive among it. ]

For many of those in the fray of the battlefield, sword to sword, I'm not sure they can tell the difference. The same can be said for those whose villages and homes are the unfortunate hosts of such clashes.

[ But it hadn't been her intention to make him feel guilty, and wandering too far down that road had its own consequences for her, as well. So she shakes her head and offers him a crooked smile, even if there's still a hint of sadness that lingers in her gaze. ]

But that wasn't my point. Only that at that time, when I was in the middle of it, there was so little I could do. I hated feeling so helpless. So useless to accomplish what I wished for. If I am given the opportunity in this place to learn more than I knew then, to grow stronger - whether that be by magic or weapon - then perhaps when faced with it again, I will be able to do something different. To make a difference.

Perhaps whoever - or whatever - is responsible for us being here thought that by giving you something you've never before wielded or mastered would afford you the same opportunity.