Claude/Hilda Support

	C Rank
Claude: Huh? Are you actually reading, Hilda? I thought you hated studying.
Hilda: Oh, hush. It's just a letter from my brother. He sends them all the time.
Claude: Your brother, huh? Isn't he known as a great general of the Alliance? A true beacon of—
Hilda: Don't even start. That's got nothing to do with me.
Claude: Uh oh, better not let your brother hear you say that! 'Twould break his fraternal heart! But all joking aside, it sounds like he really cares for you.
Hilda: You can say that again. He must be rather bored too, now that the situation in Almyra has settled down.
Claude: Ah, the Almyrans. The "eastern menace," as they're often called. I did hear your brother had fought them a number of times.
Claude: In fact, I hear he's even gone toe-to-toe with Nader, the great Almyran warrior.
Hilda: "Nader the Undefeated," was it? Just another grizzled old man, as far as I'm concerned.
Hilda: But my father was ecstatic when he heard my brother had defeated him.
Hilda: He paraded my brother all over our territory. What a pain that must have been for our people.
Claude: A pain? Any celebration is something to be enjoyed! Celebration puts smiles on faces faster than anything.
Claude: I'm sure even you at least congratulated him, right? A smile from you would surely mean the world to your brother.
Hilda: Well, sure. Then he got all worked up and started saying things like, "I am the protector of Fódlan!"
Claude: That's not far from the truth, you know. Why do you think the Almyrans have been so quiet lately? They're wary of your brother.
Claude: If House Goneril of the border were a bunch of weaklings, the Almyrans would have invaded Fódlan a long time ago.
Hilda: You talk about it as though you've spoken to the Almyrans yourself.
Claude: Well, I am heir to the leading house of the Alliance. I'm privy to all kinds of information, whether I like it or not.
Hilda: Hm. You act so nonchalant about your studies, but you know so much about politics and history.
Hilda: You're a hard guy to grasp, you know that, Claude?
Claude: Oh, I disagree. I'd let you grasp me any day. My hand, my heart, even my neck.
Claude: But if you want to know all of my secrets... you'll have to bare yours as well.

	B Rank
Claude: What are you writing there, Hilda? Wait, let me guess. You're replying to one of your brother's letters, right?
Hilda: Of course. It's a pain, but I make sure to always send him a response, otherwise he'll worry.
Hilda: It's much easier than when we lived together. A few letters here and there are a small price to pay for this peaceful, brother-free environment.
Claude: Well, that's a fine thing to do, regardless of your reasons. As for me, it's been far too long since I've written to my parents...
Hilda: Oh? I thought your father had died.
Claude: Not quite. He's still alive and kicking...as far as I know. The late duke who died in an accident was my uncle.
Hilda: I see. I do recall you mentioning that your mother was born into the Riegan family.
Hilda: What's your father like, if you don't mind me asking?
Claude: He's quite the extravagant character. When I was a kid, he used to tie me to a horse and drag me around.
Hilda: Excuse me?!
Claude: In all fairness, I was quite a little brat. The horse thing sounds worse than it is. There's a sort of trick to it...
Hilda: A trick I hope I never need to learn. Your mother didn't step in and make him stop?
Claude: Gods, no. She'd just laugh right along with him. If my father is extravagant, my mother's more like a warrior goddess or...maybe a demon queen.
Claude: This one time, she got into an argument with my combat instructor and wound up in a full-on fistfight with the guy.
Claude: What's more? She won! My instructor was a mighty warrior, undefeated in a hundred battles, but even he was no match for her.
Hilda: Huh? But your mother is a lady of nobility!
Claude: True, but she was the kind of woman to elope with the man she loved and throw it all away. Not your average duchess at all.
Hilda: Ooh, they eloped! I like that. It's so romantic.
Hilda: Imagine, abandoning your family forever to be with the one you love! Not everyone can do that.
Claude: It's not a question of can. It's a question of will.
Claude: Even someone like you, who generally despises effort, would pull out all the stops for something you really care about. Isn't that right?
Hilda: Excuse me? I put in plenty of effort!
Claude: Hey, that was a compliment! Anyhow, I look forward to the day when something inspires you to try your absolute hardest. It will be something to behold.

	A Rank
I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities.
Claude, take my mind off it all! Regale me with another of your weird childhood stories.
Claude: OK then... How about an old story from a foreign land that my dad told me when I was a kid?
Claude: Once upon a time, there was a white camel that got separated from his herd...
Hilda: I'm so happy for that white camel! I really thought he was gonna die!
Claude: Was that story really worth bawling your eyes out over?
Hilda: It was wonderful! Don't you know how moving that story is?
Claude: You know, I never thought much of it until today... But seeing you bawling like that, I do appreciate it a little more now.
Hilda: What's that mean?
Claude: Well, you're always fake-crying, aren't you? Getting all misty-eyed to make people think you're a delicate flower.
Hilda: What?! You're awful! I only cry when I'm sad!
Claude: Claim what you like, but I can spot real tears from fake tears any day of the week. Fess up.
Hilda: Hm. If you understand me so well, maybe it's because you're no different.
Claude: How's that?
Hilda: When you smile or laugh, it's not sincere. I can tell.
Hilda: I've only seen you genuinely smile a handful of times. Like when you're talking to the professor.
Claude: Well! Good one, Hilda. You hit me right in the gut.
Claude: I guess you're right. I'm not so different from you in that way.
Claude: But how did you come to realize that? Have you been watching me that closely?
Hilda: I'm afraid so. My eyes seem to wander toward you, of their own accord...
Hilda: Waagh! Hold on! Forget I said that. I didn't say that.
Claude: Nope—no can do. Forgetting isn't something this crafty brain of mine is capable of.
Claude: Besides, my eyes have a tendency to wander in your direction too. How else do you think I found out about your fake crying?
Hilda: Huh? What are you getting at?
Claude: Say, Hilda... Once everything's settled down, do you want to come meet my parents?
Claude: I mean, don't get the wrong idea. You just seem interested in my family.
Claude: Besides, you've opened up to me quite a bit, but I still haven't let you in on my own secrets.
Claude: If you meet my parents, I think you'll understand. Though it might come as a bit of a surprise.
Hilda: Your family? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious.
Claude: Well then, if neither of us changes our minds before the opportunity presents itself... Let's agree to go visit my home together.
Hilda: Although, if it's a long journey, my brother might not be too happy.
Claude: True... That might be a tough nut to crack. As tough as Fódlan's Locket...

	Ending
Entrusting the future of Fódlan to his friends, Claude left for Almyra to take his place as heir to the throne. His family saw that he had grown strong and allowed him to claim his birthright. When he became king several years later, he made the surprise announcement that he would make Hilda his queen. Having studied with her brother to prepare for this moment, Hilda demonstrated an uncanny talent for diplomacy, and greatly contributed to establishing friendly relations between Fódlan and Almyra. The presence of a Fódlan-born queen for two consecutive generations did much to alter Almyran values.