[ And this is why Noctis needs him, why Ignis serves as the hand of the king, irreplaceable and above all others. Noctis might have experience in keeping his expression neutral, but it's more out of a general sense of ennui than anything else -- he does tend towards emotion when it happens. The young king might be able to see through bullshit and size people up accurately, but the person with the acumen and savvy to maneuver tricky political waters is Ignis, without question. He maneuvers easily through the multiple agendas like a man who steps in between raindrops. It's a remarkable talent.

Noctis? Noctis just keeps them all in line.

He is silent for a moment, considering his words with care. ]

If we are to do this, I want us to do this properly. It means -- working with me to find a solution. Not you deciding to go off by yourself because you thought it would be better on me and Octavia.

[ Don't think he didn't know why you left. Don't think he didn't know exactly how you think, Ignis. Ignis loves too much, too deeply, and Noctis wants more than anything to protect him, to give him what's due. ]