I have... long tried not to. [ she believes she understands seteth's reasons, even if she thinks they have long since stopped justifying anything. ] I may have my... difficulties, with this family. Our family. But they have never been with you.

[ even when flayn split from the black eagles to stay with the church... that was something she could understand. maybe if byleth had made more of an effort, she could have been swayed, maybe that could have gotten through to seteth sooner, maybe—

byleth takes a sip of her tea, trying to dismiss that thought. but she stares, as flayn begins to explain her own recollection. ]

... That... doesn't make sense. [ byleth says at last, clutching at the pendant and feeling her heart beat uncomfortably hard beneath it. ] I wouldn't have stayed with that monster. I wouldn't have abandoned El when she needed me most.

[ a slip of the tongue. ]