[ "Fussed" is a way of putting it. Honestly, he hasn't been this upset with Linhardt since... actually, never. Even when he'd trick him to get out of training, Ferdinand wouldn't feel heartbroken or betrayed like he does now.

Given that he wears his heart on his sleeve, Linhardt can no doubt see all of this in his eyes. ] May I come in? I would prefer not to speak about this where others may overhear. [ Not that he thinks Petra would gossip. Petra is a good person. But Dorothea.............

Once they're inside, Ferdinand wastes no time and begins to speak. ] I was helping the professor grade our latest exams - you passed with flying colors, by the way - and I couldn't help but notice something.

[ He peels off his right glove and tugs down his sleeve, revealing the soulmate mark on his wrist. ] I was the one to grade your exam in particular, and I can now say without a doubt that this is your handwriting.

You, Linhardt, are my soulmate - and I suspect you knew it from the start. After all, when we met, I introduced myself to you with my full name. [ He meets Linhardt's eye with a look akin to a kicked puppy. ] Tell me - when I asked you back then if you were my soulmate, why did you try to convince me otherwise?