After they returned to the High Tide inn, Selina grew quiet. Several times, she opened her mouth, as though she wanted to finish what she had left unsaid, but in the end, she swallowed that faint voice back down.
After wrestling with confusion and doubt the entire way back, the Sea Elf Swordsman ultimately chose to keep silent.
Renato was not surprised. Putting himself in her place, he understood the choice Selina now faced, and the hesitation and uncertainty in her heart. After all, the turmoil churning inside a person was often not something anyone else could resolve with a few words.
The decisions someone made about important matters were often a reflection of their entire life. Yet Renato knew almost nothing about Selina's past. She had grown up beneath the sea, but he had no idea what sort of environment had shaped her, or what choices and lessons she had faced.
He would therefore not force her, based on his own subjective views, to make a decision that served his interests. A Swordsman's choice was ultimately hers to make, and hers to bear.
Still, the leeway his strength afforded him meant Renato both could and was willing to give this talented young woman some time.
After all, the steadier a Swordsman held their blade, the more calmly they could face a challenge.
So until he uncovered the truth behind the Key of the Two-Breathers and that undersea army, Selina still had room to think and make her choice anew.
If the Sea Elf ultimately chose to return to the depths, Renato would respect that as well. But when that time came, the blade the Swordsman wielded would probably no longer be a blunt Training Sword...
In their suite at the High Tide inn, the Sea Elf seemed to understand