[ He recognizes it, and his heart sears with pain. Noctis hasn't seen it in so, so long; he wants to take Ignis's pain and make it disappear. But even so, it needs to be sad. Neither of them should be kept in the dark more than they are-- more than they have been. ]

Ignis, [ Noctis says, both firm and soft at the same time. There is no trace of anger in his voice. Just a quiet, deep sadness he's grappled with ever since Ardyn told him.

Noctis takes Ignis's hand in both of his. ]

There's nothing to forgive. You... you made a choice, and I can't criticize you for that.

[ Even if the price Ignis paid was unfair. Even if the gods took something they had no right to. After all, Ignis is not the one Noctis is angry at. Never Ignis. ]

I only wish I-- could have done something to protect you from that pain, like you've always protected me.