[ If they're both aware of it and he makes Gladiolus, Cor, and maybe Monica and Dustin aware of things as well, they'll probably be better off. Better, in that it will be less Ignis worrying that he's pushing things too far out of a fondness for Noctis, or not telling Noctis when his favoritism is too blatant. The more people aware the more can manage it, and make certain to help protect Noctis. ]

As flattering as that is, it's also proving to be problematic, to a point. The rumors are one thing - unsubstantiated, based around a few photos at a ring shot and circumstantial evidence aside from it. Now, add rumors to the fact that I showed up and the divorce proceedings were happening and rumors will grow but ultimately fade as we've seen.

[ A pause, here, because he needs to ensure Noctis fully understands what they're getting into. ]

If we do this, then we'll have to go to the public with it and we have to control the narrative in every aspect. Which means we would need to start thinking about dates. We'll have to politicize whatever we do, Noctis. If it graduates from an affair, then it does truly grow and it becomes something we have to manage.