This is one of my favorite chapters in the entire series. To understand why things have gone south for Conrad and Yuuri, I think the people that are confused need a bit of context from the other previous books, though, considering the "betrayal arc" has lasted so much longer and still hasn't been properly resolved yet. Yuuri's anger at Conrad is deeper than this conversation implies, even though he obviously still cares about him too.
But it highlights how close Yuuri and Wolfram have gotten in the interim, and how mature their relationship has gotten.
The key line is "I'm really glad you're here."
Can't you just hear the quiet strength behind those words? After an argument with Conrad, knowing he can go into Wolfram's room and they'll both understand what to say and what not to say. It's his choice to sleep next to Wolfram, to draw closeness from being together. I mean, it's not even really "romantic" per say, just that sort of relationship where you don't even need words to say something really important.
Conrad used to be the one that "always knew what to say and what not to say", but after being away from Yuuri for so long, I don't think he's fully grasped how much Yuuri has changed. He's telling Yuuri, "it's okay to be naive, it's okay to let others shoulder your burdens" as a way to comfort him, but Yuuri is long past thinking such things are all right for the ruler of a country. While Conrad's been away, Yuuri has had experiences Conrad doesn't know about, found faith in other people besides Conrad. (And not just Wolfram, this chapter shows he esteems Gwen pretty highly too.)
Minor shipper talk (sorry): That's why this book solidified why I like WolfYuu over ConYuu. Wolfram is growing at the same pace as Yuuri. They grow together, helping one another along and strengthening their bond. But I'd like ConYuu better if there wasn't that sense that Conrad doesn't want him to grow. "Yes, it's okay to always rely on me for everything! Others will take all responsibility for you!" Isn't that what he's pretty much saying? And is that what a lover says to another lover? Isn't that more familial, a parent spoiling their child, than someone you want to stand alongside you as an equal and support YOU as you support them? Anyway, sorry...
thanks so much for your comment! as someone who hasn't read novels before this one it's sometimes hard for me to understand why characters act the way they act. I think I understand the relationship between Yuri and Conrad better after what you've said. Yuri likes him a lot and he's looking for support. but the way Conrad treats him is very discouraging. he might have as well said, "you're useless, let adults deal with this." ://
>>> and they'll both understand what to say and what not to say their conversation is priceless. there's so much between the lines. and just the fact that Wolfram chooses to not leave Yuri alone in the darkness, even though he's probably mad as hell after what happened.
it's strange how Conrad has always been the "accepting" one, while Wolfram kind of was someone who wouldn't tolerate any kind of behavior or actions that weren't' up to his high standards. Now, it seems like the roles have reversed. Conrad doesn't want to accept changing Yuri and Wolf is the one who's actually changing together with him.
about your minor shipper talk: you know, I've always believed that love makes you want to bring out the best in the person you love, makes you want to help them become a better individual. for me that's pretty much the definition of love :D so you know who I ship XDDD
Yuuri has had a really, really hard time with Conrad's betrayal in the novels. There was actually a bit where he was considering betraying Caloria in a way that would allow him to regain Conrad (Wolfram noticed his intentions and wasn't happy, even though he also wanted Conrad back). But ultimately, I think it's been a good thing for Yuuri because it's forced him to rely on people he might not have before this, and grow as both a person and a king. But I think a lot of that bitterness is tainting his interaction with Conrad here. Like I said, it's still not really resolved yet.
I think Wolfram, in the novels, is more accepting than he lets on. It's just that Yuuri couldn't really see past the bluster until they got closer and he began to understand how Wolfram reacts to things. Basically, Wolfram is the type of person that will be complaining about how "this trip is a horrible idea and you're crazy" while helping you pack the suitcase and making sure you both don't forget your toothbrushes. XD;; I also think part of it is growing to understand Yuuri too, though. There are times when a lecture might be a good idea and times when Wolfram should just be quiet and support Yuuri, and he's learned to tell the difference between those two times very well at this point.
But it highlights how close Yuuri and Wolfram have gotten in the interim, and how mature their relationship has gotten.
The key line is "I'm really glad you're here."
Can't you just hear the quiet strength behind those words? After an argument with Conrad, knowing he can go into Wolfram's room and they'll both understand what to say and what not to say. It's his choice to sleep next to Wolfram, to draw closeness from being together. I mean, it's not even really "romantic" per say, just that sort of relationship where you don't even need words to say something really important.
Conrad used to be the one that "always knew what to say and what not to say", but after being away from Yuuri for so long, I don't think he's fully grasped how much Yuuri has changed. He's telling Yuuri, "it's okay to be naive, it's okay to let others shoulder your burdens" as a way to comfort him, but Yuuri is long past thinking such things are all right for the ruler of a country. While Conrad's been away, Yuuri has had experiences Conrad doesn't know about, found faith in other people besides Conrad. (And not just Wolfram, this chapter shows he esteems Gwen pretty highly too.)
Minor shipper talk (sorry): That's why this book solidified why I like WolfYuu over ConYuu. Wolfram is growing at the same pace as Yuuri. They grow together, helping one another along and strengthening their bond. But I'd like ConYuu better if there wasn't that sense that Conrad doesn't want him to grow. "Yes, it's okay to always rely on me for everything! Others will take all responsibility for you!" Isn't that what he's pretty much saying? And is that what a lover says to another lover? Isn't that more familial, a parent spoiling their child, than someone you want to stand alongside you as an equal and support YOU as you support them? Anyway, sorry...
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>>> and they'll both understand what to say and what not to say
their conversation is priceless. there's so much between the lines. and just the fact that Wolfram chooses to not leave Yuri alone in the darkness, even though he's probably mad as hell after what happened.
it's strange how Conrad has always been the "accepting" one, while Wolfram kind of was someone who wouldn't tolerate any kind of behavior or actions that weren't' up to his high standards. Now, it seems like the roles have reversed. Conrad doesn't want to accept changing Yuri and Wolf is the one who's actually changing together with him.
about your minor shipper talk: you know, I've always believed that love makes you want to bring out the best in the person you love, makes you want to help them become a better individual. for me that's pretty much the definition of love :D so you know who I ship XDDD
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I think Wolfram, in the novels, is more accepting than he lets on. It's just that Yuuri couldn't really see past the bluster until they got closer and he began to understand how Wolfram reacts to things. Basically, Wolfram is the type of person that will be complaining about how "this trip is a horrible idea and you're crazy" while helping you pack the suitcase and making sure you both don't forget your toothbrushes. XD;; I also think part of it is growing to understand Yuuri too, though. There are times when a lecture might be a good idea and times when Wolfram should just be quiet and support Yuuri, and he's learned to tell the difference between those two times very well at this point.
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