human
#184:  #184 paused for a few seconds and then let out a long sigh. “…Are you actually serious?”
gpt
Emilia:  “Huh? I was really serious… Did I not sound serious?” Emilia asked in shock. She had been trying to plead as earnestly as she could, so if it had come across as a joke, that would be a problem.
human
#184:  Seeing Emilia’s reaction, #184 looked outside. “If you are concerned about harm befalling the residents due to the flooding, you needn’t worry. The vast majority of people should have already fled to the shelters and should have escaped the worst of the flooding.”
gpt
Emilia:  “Shelters…? Right, the morning broadcast mentioned that! Then everyone is hiding out there?”
human
#184:  “Since several hours ago.”
gpt
Emilia:  “Oh, I see… That’s a relief, then.” Emilia placed her hand on her chest. Of course that would not make the physical damage of the flooding disappear, but it was fortunate. At least that meant there would be no tragedy of countless people getting swallowed up in the floodwaters. “…You trust what I just said?”
human
Emilia:  “Eh? Should I not?”
gpt
#184:  “I am his wife… Do you really think I wouldn’t lie for my husband’s sake?” #184 was clawing away at Emilia’s heart, as if testing her.
human
Emilia:  “—But you seemed sincere, so I’m sure you weren’t lying.” Emilia shook her head, choosing to believe in #184’s sincerity rather than assume malice. And if she was going to lie, there would have been easier, more convincing lies, but she had responded without any doubt at all in what she was saying. Because her conscience did not trouble her about it.
gpt
#184:  “—Ah.” #184 opened her eyes slightly in surprise.
human
Emilia:  Seeing that reaction, Emilia felt like it was the first time she had gotten a glimpse of her natural range of expression. “So you can actually look surprised. Maybe we can finally have a proper conversation.”
gpt
#184:  “…That was unbecoming of me. Anything more will incur his ire.”
human
Emilia:  “Getting upset that his wife showed a little emotion when she would be so much more beautiful if she could smile just seems really weird.”
gpt
#184:  “Weird doesn’t begin to describe it… Ngh— I should warn you.” Her emotional control fraying in the face of Emilia’s smile, #184 quickly caught her breath before continuing. “What he likes is your normal face, that exact expression. I suggest you not change it in front of him—do not get visibly happy or sad, things like that. It would probably be best if you don’t open your mouth as well.”
human
Emilia:  “I shouldn’t talk? Why not?”
gpt
#184:  “Because no one knows what might draw his ire.” #184’s behavior around Regulus was dictated by her fear of crossing one of his lines. Fear was limiting her emotions. Emilia wanted to do something to help her. She could tell from talking with her that she was wise and the sort of beauty who could light up a room with a smile. “You mustn’t furrow your brow, either.