C

MTact: For heaven's sake, the captain is far too carefree sometimes on the battlefield. Kind of reminds me of something father said... “Caution and awareness are greater an armor than iron and steel.”
[Enter Aceline]
Aceline: Had your father a loose tongue for daily maxims?
MTact: Wha? Well, I would not put it so crudely, but...
Aceline: Oh, I did not mean any offense. I merely meant that my own father could recite one specifically for any occasion as well.
MTact: Oh? Did he have one for dealing with headstrong leaders?
Aceline: Rather than that, I would say he was rather headstrong himself. When he had set on something, there was little to be done than let him have it.
MTact: Goodness. Judging from the what ordeals the captain delves out on a constant basis, your father must be a hassle to work with. No offense, of course.
Aceline: None taken, but my father was a far different man than the captain. He had a certain air that... [Aceline closes eyes] made you certain everything was okay...
MTact: Aceline...
[Aceline opens eyes]
Aceline: No, to weep over such trifles would be to defame myself. If you will excuse me.
MTact: He was an admirable man to be sure.
Aceline: ... Indeed. If only you could have met him.

B

Aceline: I must ask about that last engagement. How did you fare, [Tact]?
MTact: Certainly still in one piece thanks to you.
Aceline: Then I am glad to be of service, although you must have felt like a fool crouching like that. Curse my stature.
MTact: No no, this is fine, really. It certainly works to our advantage sometimes.
Aceline: How do you figure?
MTact: I have seen enemies let their guards down by the sight of our formation. As I see it, any vulnerability they give us is our advantage.
Aceline: ... Are we a joke? I do not appreciate our foes staining our pride in such a manner, much less as an opening.
MTact: Well, as my father says, “He who laughs last is always the winner.”
[Aceline bounces]
Aceline: Have you no shame?! They are laughing at us!
MTact: Hm. I believed we synchronize well, but if you find it despicable...
Aceline: Wait, hold a moment. I did not mean to cast you off. Just... you should not allow others to spit on your honor so easily.
MTact: I understand your intention, but the lives of my comrades are far more valuable than my own pride.
Aceline: .....
[Exit Aceline]
MTact: Ah, Aceline! ... After everything she has been through, pride must be all she has left.

A

[Aceline and MTact appear on one side, MTact behind her]
Aceline: ... [Tact].
MTact: Hm? What’s the matter?
Aceline: We have been keeping well in the battlefield, but the fact that we still take upon this absurd formation after our talk...
[MTact moves forward to face her]
MTact: Forgive me, but I could not think of a better way for us to work as a unit. Are you still cross with me?
Aceline: ... I suppose not.
MTact: Look, I know your honor means the world to you, but I cannot help but feel it might get you seriously injured.
Aceline: To be perfectly honest, my concern rests less on my own dignity than upon yours.
MTact: Huh? What do you mean?
Aceline: You are far too willing to casting aside your own shame, I believe. If going into battle in only your... heavens forbid, your smallclothes would give you the advantage, you would.
[MTact bounces]
MTact: I most certainly would not!
Aceline: That is not the point here! What I mean is, you need to take more pride in yourself.
MTact: I have already said that-
Aceline: Do it for my sake!
MTact: ... Huh?
Aceline: When we fight together, I will not allow us to be known as a walking parlor trick. We should be a mighty pair, a fortress built upon trust. The thought of our enemies japing about us wounds my heart far worse than their weapons ever could...
[MTact approaches]
MTact: Aceline...
Aceline: You have taken watch of me since my leaving my family’s manor, and you honor me by being by my side. I am certain you feel the same?
MTact: ... Indeed. Being with you is an honor in itself, and I will gladly keep you braced come what may.
Aceline: [Tact]... Ah, excuse me... We should not sully the battlefield with any unnecessary tomfoolery...
MTact: N-no, I too am a bit out of sorts here... Also, sorry. I will surely take your words to heart, but for now we really must keep the formation. It is our most effective option at the moment...
Aceline: ... You are impossible.