[Ah, Akechi's least favorite subject, but not one he's ever purposely avoided speaking on before. Besides, if this man is as desperate for an escape as Akechi is, he deserves to know the truth.]

I have. I'm quite capable in combat, experienced with blades and pistols and, to an extent, magic. But I was fully unable to touch the Duchess.

[It doesn't bring him as much shame or fury to talk about that first day here in this place as it once did. Mostly he's just fucking annoyed.]

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I believe any attempt at directly fighting her or the others will go just as badly. We need a different approach.