[A small, pained smile flickers across Alucard's face. It isn't trite, coming from Geralt. The man doesn't mince words or condolences.]

Amazing how a printing press and a few ambitious people can ruin so many lives.

[So it goes here as well. Alucard knows that, but it is easier. He isn't connected to the politics, nothing is so deeply personal. It makes a world of difference.]

At the end of the day, I think all that matters is that you have an established relationship with the world that lets you more or less function within it. The rest is trappings designed for others.