Three Houses Supports/Mercedes Ignatz

C Support

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Mercedes: Oh my, Ignatz. You're in a hurry. Is something the matter?

Ignatz: The professor wants us to gather at the training grounds. Didn't you hear?

Mercedes: Of course I did! I'll head over in a bit.

Ignatz: Um. Are you sure you want to wait? I can hear the professor calling.

Mercedes: We're not needed until after the lunch hour. We have plenty of time.

Ignatz: Oh, I guess so. I was just panicking a bit. I wish I could be calm like you. How are you so unflappable?

Mercedes: Well, rushing around doesn't help, does it? I mostly try to stay out of everyone's way. There's no point in overexerting yourself. Anything that needs doing will get done eventually.

Ignatz: Hm! So that's the secret to happiness.

Mercedes: I suppose, but it's not nearly as philosophical as you make it sound.

Ignatz: No, it's perfect. I feel like I don't quite fit in with other people. So in situations like this, where I have to talk to someone, I panic a little. Please, teach me how to be as calm and collected as you are.

Mercedes: Honestly, Ignatz, you're making this out to be much bigger than it is. I mostly just don't pay attention. Being like me is more trouble than it's worth.

Ignatz: But you always seem so happy! Agh, I'm sorry...

Mercedes: There's no need to apologize. Come on, let's head to the training grounds. I may slow you down though.

Ignatz: All right. We don't have to rush... But I'm going to anyway. See you there!

Mercedes: Goodness! Don't strain yourself!

B Support

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Ignatz: ...

Mercedes: Oh, Ignatz. What are you sighing over?

Ignatz: Sorry! I shouldn't sigh in such a holy place.

Mercedes: There's nothing wrong with it. I sigh here all the time. The goddess receives all our prayers and our sighs. What's bothering you? I'd be happy to talk about it, if you'd like.

Ignatz: Oh, it's nothing. Not worth talking about.

Mercedes: Is that so? Am I not worth talking to?

Ignatz: That's not what I meant! Sorry to offend you. I'll tell you about it. I'm just uncertain about my future. My father wants me to be a knight. I don't think I can handle it. Can you imagine a knight as pathetic as me?

Mercedes: I don't find you pathetic at all. Is there something you would rather pursue?

Ignatz: Well, I've always loved painting.

Mercedes: You want to become an artist? How wonderful!

Ignatz: What's your ambition?

Mercedes: Me? I simply want to help people with their troubles. Those who can't help themselves. I've considered working for the church, but that's only a vague idea... I haven't spent much time considering how I would go about that though... Oh, I'm sorry. We were supposed to be discussing your troubles.

Ignatz: Not at all. I'm actually feeling a little better. Knowing that you aren't sure about your future, I don't feel quite so...alone.

Mercedes: Everyone in this world feels a little lost, you know. I really do believe that the life of an artist is a wonderful dream to pursue.

IgnatzL There was a beautiful painting of the goddess in the church where I used to live. Whenever times were difficult, I would stare up at her and sigh. Thinking about that painting helps me even now. I've always wanted to paint the goddess.

Mercedes: You should! I'm sure your painting will help someone else in their time of need.

Ignatz: I can't paint anything powerful enough to do that. I wish I could. Maybe one day... I'll give that some thought. Thank you, Mercedes.

A Support

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Mercedes: Are you praying, Ignatz? Are you concerned about something?

Ignatz: A little. I'm coming to accept that I will never be an artist. I'm self-taught, so my style and technique are probably all wrong. I don't know what I'm doing. Besides, how could I persuade my father? I can't even imagine his reaction. He'd disown me.

Mercedes: It takes courage to stray from the path that has been set out before you. It's never easy. I'm in a similar position. I have been carrying out my adoptive father's wishes up until this point. But...

Ignatz: But? It's never a bad thing to have dreams. That's how I feel, at least. I can't imagine a life in which I've given up on my dreams.

Mercedes: How could anyone find happiness in that? Even with your father's demands, you can still work toward one small dream at a time.

Ignatz: You know, I suppose you're right! My dream of being an artist gives me the energy to go on. You're really wise, Mercedes.

Mercedes: Oh, goodness. That's not how most people would describe me. I just don't want you to give up on your art. Besides, I genuinely do want to see your painting of the goddess.

Ignatz: Really?! I'm pleased to hear you say so! You said you're in the same position as I am. What did you mean by that?

Mercedes: My future has been decided for me as well. I'm to be married off to a nobleman.

Ignatz: What?!

Mercedes: Is it really that surprising? I think many young women face the same fate.

Ignatz: So, um... Will you get married?

Mercedes: Hmm... I suppose I haven't given it much thought. Whatever may happen, I'm sure everything will work out in the end if I don't give up on my dreams.

Ignatz: "Everything will work out in the end." Mercedes, you're amazing. I think that, whatever you do, wherever you go, you'll help a lot of people. You're so kind, I know you can-- Oh!

Mercedes: What's wrong, Ignatz? You have a strange look on your face.

Ignatz: For my whole life, I've wanted to paint the goddess. But I never could. Whatever shape I gave her, she never seemed quite right. But it's just come to me. It's wonderful how inspiration can strike so suddenly!

Mercedes: Quick! Paint before you lose it!

Ignatz: I will! Will you help me?

Mercedes: I'd be happy to help, but I'm not sure what I can do.

Ignatz: Don't you see? The goddess I imagined and tried to paint so many times-- she's you! I have to get my supplies. Stay right there.

Mercedes: Well! To say such a thing directly before the altar! That must be some kind of sin... I'll say an extra prayer for him.