When I went into this FTC, I will be completely honest, I didn't want to vote for either of you. One of you brutally betrayed me and the other was incredibly hard to know what they had done that I should vote for. I had incredibly close relationships to you both, but that wasn't enough. The people I wanted to vote for you had all sent to the jury. Neither of your opening speeches particularly moved me either, I wanted more from you both. And you both gave me everything I asked for and more. Sure you both missed what I was truly asking for with some of my questions at times and failed tests I was setting, but you were both incredibly graceful and giving your all and I can respect that. I have been agonizing over who I wanted to vote for because you both have drastically different yet equally valid games, and I respect them both. The betrayal was a solid move for solid reasons, the underselling during the game was deliberate and smart. The reasons I didn't want to vote for either of you became reasons I should vote for you both. So it all came down to what was your performance at the end like, as a whole which game and friend do I vote for and make happy, and which do I disappoint.
Hercule, I do forgive you for your blindside, and I had entirely after your answers day one of FTC. It wasn't part of my consideration anymore, not really. It was something I got over. And you should be proud of what you've done, you did put so much effort in. But is effort for effort's sake enough?
Lucifer, you were right to say your game was one that was in the shadows. You were underestimated and considered a vote target quite a lot. You were under so many people's radars that you looked like an easy goat. And yet, you won challenges and got yourself here, with what is arguably one of your better matchups. But did you do enough to overcome all the flaws of your game and your social misteps?
It is my great pleasure and honour to vote for
Spoiler
Lucifer Morningstar. I am so proud of you and all that you've done in this game. Survivor makes me cry too, but closing speeches rarely ever do. Zod in Conclave did, and now you. Your closing is everything I was hoping for from you and more, and I have never been prouder and happier to vote for someone than I am today. Whether you win this or not, just know the effect that you had. And I wish you all the best.
Hercule, your game was good and you should be proud as well, but I believe that effort needs to have purpose and control, and not simply be covering every possible base there is. And a lot of your words rang hollow to me.