Knights of Tezoth

In response, Catharsis could have said many things. That she had made a mistake due to carelessness, depriving herself of already faint hopes for victory. That attempts to go against the coalition by aiding the heir of Alba would not have brought her any closer to a prize place, but would have earned her a bad reputation. Loyalty and honor were not at all foreign to her, but in the current situation there were no more pragmatic or rational options — ties with her coalition comrades could prove useful in the future. But she said none of this.

— I thank you for your kind words, my lord von Himmel, but I cannot agree with several of your points. If we have won, then what is our reward? We have certainly gained experience, but can that be called a victory? People usually learn from their mistakes, and we have made quite a few. Moreover, all eyes were fixed — and rightfully so — on the mighty figure of my lord Ardelisot, who proudly orchestrated the coordinated attacks of our improvised alliance and defeated more than one participant with his sword. Furthermore, despite being outnumbered, he lasted longer on the battlefield than any other member of the coalition, except for Lady Valentine, who hovered beyond the reach of enemy weapons. So is it worth being satisfied with such results, deluding ourselves with the shadow of victory cast by the proud steed of the true victor? Not at all. Such comfort leads to inaction. Inaction leads to stagnation. Stagnation leads to death.