[ Fair enough. Geralt tilts his head, conceding. Perhaps it's less a matter of expertise and more that he does not like it. He doesn't like moving people and kingdoms as if they are pieces on a board. He does want to be told where he fits and how. And he certainly does not want to be a part of anyone's schemes.

He can understand what Claude is saying. Claude has mentioned his plans before, his return to Fodlan and the war that started before its time. After a moment, he offers a rare glimpse into his own position in return. ]

Witchers are not bound by arbitrary borders. We don't answer to monarchs and emperors. For some, they found that concerning. But you're right. I've watched kingdoms rise and fall over months, years, decades. [ He pauses. Up until now, they've largely only spoken about the situation in the Free Cities. It's more than that. ] How well do you know the Summoned in Thorne?

[ Because that's where this started. Thancred, informing him he had designs to undermine the monarchy. Not that Geralt's against it in theory; Ellya can go fuck herself for all he cares, but if her head rolls, it leaves a little too much room for the Free Cities to take advantage. Or hell, even Solvunn. ]