[ In response to that look of surprise, Byleth gets a hooked eyebrow from Shez. What? It may not be his strongest suit, but he's not entirely incapable of logical thinking when his survival is at stake! ]

Yeah, there's a lot about this whole deal that doesn't sit right with me, either... But, full trust or not, you've obviously made your choice, right?

[ Y'know, because of that display of special powers from moments ago, like a Completely Normal Person? (What was that, anyway? Questions for a later time!) Whatever that was, the point remains that Byleth wouldn't have been able to pull it off if he hadn't ~harmonized with a faction's energies~ or whatever mystical bullcrap excuse for BLACKMAIL they were subjected to. ]

For the record, I'm not judging. [ Except for Byleth's manners, maybe, but the familiarity of it is a comfort. ] I've practically just got here, but it's starting to sound like there's really no other option than to play by their rules for now. I just... want to give it a bit more thought, while I can afford it.

[ Literally afford it. Temporary housing and stipend will only last him so long. ]