CP   It would be...

CP   World peace. no question.

That answer didn't quite surprise you. His earnestness, however, did.

RG   Could you elaborate on that?

RG   It's a rather abstract concept.

CP   Phah. it's the simplest thing you can think of.

CP   Some kind of unity among people, across borders - once and for all.

CP   The end of meaningless violence.

CP   And the enrichment of what humanity is all about.

CP   Yup. That's all I could ask for.

CP   Though it's pretty basic, isn't it?

CP   You could ask a child the same thing, and they could tell you that.

There's a pause, almost as if he's waiting for you to laugh, to point out how ridiculous it is. But you reward his honesty with your own.

RG   No.

RG   That sounds wonderful.

He looks at you with disbelief, then... relief.

CP   Am I hearing that right?

CP   An agreement with the notion of ending militarized violence?

CP   You know, if there are no wars, you’re kind of out of the job.

You sigh. Can't he have a conversation without that needless levity?

RG   I’m more than grand national battles, Caspian.

RG   Despite how it may seem, my life's purpose isn't to thrive in constant war.

CP   No way.

RG   It's difficult to grasp, I know.

RG   Surely, I thirst for blood just as much as any official in my position.

RG   But I am sincere.

RG   War is not my purpose.

RG   In fact, I’d be more than happy if our greatest conflicts were… localized.

RG   That would allow me to focus more on the well-being of my people.

RG   Nothing I would call 'enrichment', per se.

RG   But betterment. Gods know we could use the work.

He whistles.

CP   Predictable of you, empress.

CP   But noble, regardless.

CP   Did you have that one lined up? you practiced, didn't you?

RG   No.

RG   I know who I am and what my goals are.

You flip your hair for effect.

RG   No practice necessary.

He pretends to be blown away, for effect.

CP   I should've expected that, then.

CP   You've always struck me as someone born for politics rather than for combat.

CP   Moreso, anyway.

RG   In another life, I suppose.

CP   Phah hah.

CP   Maybe in that life, I'm some fierce naval officer.

CP   Waging battles on the high seas, rather than coasting through them.

RG   You? Commanding an army?

RG   Now that's a frightening concept.

CP   You wound me, empress.

CP   I have my band of comrades, you know. i'm a leader in my own right.

CP   What, you don't trust me with the fate of a nation?

RG   ...

CP   Ouch.

RG   I simply don't believe you could make the decisions that come with it.

CP   Huh.

CP   I suppose I'll have to dissect that one later.

CP   But I've gone ahead and said my piece.

CP   It's your turn.

CP   Whenever you're ready, empress.

RG   My greatest desire, then.

RG   That would be -

A split-second of hesitation. No normal person would be able to detect it. But he is far from normal.

RG   - on one condition.

He raises an eyebrow but, dutifully, he waits.

RG   In exchange for my honesty...

RG   I want no snide commentary from you.

A pause. Then, he bursts into laughter.

CP   Phah hah! seriously?

CP   That's - that's all?

RG   What? It's a perfectly reasonable ask.

RG   You do have a tendency to act rather buffoonish regarding personal matters.

CP   No, I get it.

CP   It's just - I thought my honesty was the one in exchange.

CP   I’ve already confessed mine, after all.

CP   You have the upper hand, here.

RG   ...

He shrugs, then turns it into an elaborate stretch.

CP   But out of desire towards a mutual point, I’ll hold back any remarks.

CP   Is that good enough?

RG   ...

RG   It's adequate.

You think over the prompt again. And you can easily give him something vague, something rehearsed. The ability to persuade the right people. The time and resources to fulfill all your plans. They would all be vague notions of fulfillment, and per his agreement, he would understandably move on.

Yet, the more you consider it, the more you feel compelled to explore what you're really thinking. And he's right - he's already given his honest answer. It's only fair you give yours.

RG   I suppose it’s less about what I want, but more who I want to be.

RG   Someone so powerful, they can free those who are trapped. Who are helpless.

RG   Someone who defies others’ control and can change history for the better.

RG   Who can bear all the responsibility of the world.

RG   And with it, a course for the future.

CP   Hmm.

CP   So, if you had the chance, you'd rule the world?

Caspian's expression is strangely captivated. You don't let it deter your words.

RG   If it lead to the change that was needed?

RG   Yes.

RG   I would gladly rule the world if it meant a better one, for everyone.

RG   I would make certain of it.

CP   ...

You smile, wistful.

RG   It's unfortunate.

CP   What is?

RG   My answer.

RG   It must be disappointing, hearing that from me.

RG   Yours doesn't quite seem accommodating for a role like mine.

CP   Hmm. is it?

He tilts his head thoughtfully.

CP   I mean, yes.

CP   I'm a little worried hearing all this power talk.

CP   That’s kind of something I’d like to avoid.

CP   Even the perfect ruler is still an absolute one. That comes with its own problems.

CP   ...

CP   But I’m sure both of our wishes can co-exist.

He looks outwards.

CP   After all, a world ruled by Regina Pretorius?

CP   That could be like a peaceful one, alright.