Ah... Yes, I suppose you're fortunate in that regard. I never planned to take any position of the sort, either. That was supposed to be my brother's role - Ardyn, the charismatic healer king, beloved by the people and gods alike.

[Of course, should one look at the history books, that is exactly what happened. History is written, not by the victors (for it was never a contest), but by the survivors.]

And I at his side, guarding him from political threats as his Shield did from physical ones.

[His voice softens, and his expression... It is a very old pain, but not lessened.]

Unfortunately, neither of us had as much control over our circumstances as we thought we did.