Oh, Gladiolus. [He walked down the steps in slow and deliberate motions, Armiger still spinning around him.] I've no desire to hear that from you, of all people.

Why do you insist upon keeping me around? Is this perhaps my punishment for all that I've done? You try to get me to lower my guard, and then- [Raising a hand slightly, Ardyn snapped his fingers.] -just like that, you and he alike abandon me.

Certainly wouldn't be the first time. Perhaps I'd even deserve it the second time around.