Ferdinand was of a mind to say that he doubted Flayn felt much pressure at all, besides the pressures inherent with an overprotective older brother being present. But that wasn't his place to say, nor was it his place to share what he'd learned about the true identity of both Flayn and Seteth. One revelation at a time seemed like plenty, anyway.

"I am certain you would have no difficulty finding potential partners if you wished, of course," he said without so much as a trace of doubt in his voice, the redness on his cheeks betraying that perhaps he would number among them even if he would never dare say such a thing out loud. "But there is no punishment or penalty for not engaging in such acts so far as I can tell... well, besides losing some clothing, apparently."

Maybe some men saw a slovenly rose with too many thorns, but to Ferdinand, Manuela was always going to be that singular songstress who so captivated him in his younger years. It would take quite some doing to erase that image of her from his mind.