Coral * Hey, uh. * Boss. —Proteus— Really, now. Coral * Okay, look. Coral * I've been thinking about what you said. Back at the negotiations. —Proteus— Ah, yes. The trap you set for me. Coral * I didn't know she was gonna--!!! * Just-- listen to me. * There's something you've seen, something you know that has you on edge. * I'm here because I want to understand. —Proteus— So you expect me to believe this is some act of connection? You come in disguise, break into my central fortress, solely in a bid to understand my perspective? Coral * Yes. I-- —Proteus— Or perhaps you're spying for my sister's island, and this is merely another of your deceptions. Coral * Damn it, what does it matter!? * Isn't this what you wanted? For us to understand how grave this all is?? * I'm here. Now's your chance to make your point. * Show me. —Proteus— ... —Proteus— Alexi, Silencing Knight. Leave us. —Girlbeast Alexi— Don't gotta tell me twice! C'mon, Silo, let's hit the sauna. —Silencing Knight— ...... —Proteus— As for you, Ambassador. Follow me. Coral * I, um. Appreciate you hearing me out-- —Proteus— Don't think this means I am your ally, Coral. You simply are not yet enough of a threat to be worth swatting. And perhaps if I can make you understand the danger we face, you'll help my sister draft her terms of surrender. Coral * ...I will understand. I promise. * Nobody else does, do they? —Proteus— ... —Proteus— My men are warriors unmatched. I have sown within them the seeds of strength, which have blossomed into a grand harvest. In combat, none are their equal. But my wisdom... has struggled to take root. Coral * Uhh, right. I think I get what you mean. —Proteus— Even my heir, the greatest amongst them... for all the knowledge I gave her, I never... —Helen— ... —Proteus— Nevertheless. You claim you won't disappoint me, Coral. That you won't follow in my sister's footsteps. Prove it to me. —Proteus— Bear witness. See what others shut their eyes against. —Proteus— Our end, approaching.