[Claude did remember Horos, what it was like. To choose the light was natural for him, but knowing what he does about Hayame and her past now, he can imagine why the choice would have tormented her. So to think that Liem encouraged her, showed her kindness, in that moment where she must have been sure she had lost everything, that she wasn't deserving...
He has more respect for the man, now. He also understands, too, why Liem's choice to turn toward Zenith would feel like such a personal betrayal, that she would feel she has no choice but to kill him, even as she refused to abandon his Shard. He's under no illusion that he would be shown mercy either, should Claude himself turn toward Zenith. Slowly, the puzzle pieces are falling into place.]
You should accept his gift. [He slowly lays down on the pillow next to her, so that they're eye-to-eye once more, and he cups her cheek.] You did deserve to walk into the light back then, and you deserve somewhere you can live in comfort.
[Liem also deserved to live, but he bites back his disapproval. It's done, and Liem has since returned. The rest isn't his affair to meddle with.]
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He has more respect for the man, now. He also understands, too, why Liem's choice to turn toward Zenith would feel like such a personal betrayal, that she would feel she has no choice but to kill him, even as she refused to abandon his Shard. He's under no illusion that he would be shown mercy either, should Claude himself turn toward Zenith. Slowly, the puzzle pieces are falling into place.]
You should accept his gift. [He slowly lays down on the pillow next to her, so that they're eye-to-eye once more, and he cups her cheek.] You did deserve to walk into the light back then, and you deserve somewhere you can live in comfort.
[Liem also deserved to live, but he bites back his disapproval. It's done, and Liem has since returned. The rest isn't his affair to meddle with.]