[ As previously mentioned, it's never too hard to find Gerome (except when it is). Usually, you need only look for the wyvern practically glued to his side or head to the most isolated spot you can think of. This morning is no different. He's hanging around the forest. Not deep enough to get dragged into the resort, but he figures just loitering around here will ward off most people.

Especially since it's so early. ]

... Seems everytime we meet, we do nothing but argue. [ Considering how harsh his tone can be, this is... quite soft. ] Was it always this way? Perhaps I never thought to notice, before now.

[ Too busy trying to push everyone away, too busy throwing himself into a war. He looks down at Minerva with an unreadable expression. ] No, it may be that I never even gave him the time of day. And he, me. Our views have always been at insurmountable odds—that was true even before we came to the past. Surely if we spoke at camp, it would have only wrought unnecessary conflict. Just as it does now. [ When Minerva does nothing, he looks around at the trees. ] ... I do not regret keeping my distance, at least. Still, I must wonder if things would be smoother between us if I had not.

[ Many others picked up the slack for him when it came to conversations and planning. And now Owain asked him to help plan, to help be a unit again. ] And when Lucina played the part of our leader. None of us are a replacement for her, though I would not wish this madness upon her. She has endured too much on her own. I... could not bear it if she were here. The burden of knowing Cynthia and Owain are with me is almost too much already.

[ He sighs and takes two steps forward before crossing his armored arms again. ] ... "Mafia"...