Lizard In Hiding

Note: I will use he/him pronouns for Ralsei for consistency with the game's current state.

The thing that stands out immediately in the scene is Flowery's changed demeanour towards Ralsei. He is not outright condescending and belittling towards Ralsei like he has been throughout this entire chapter, and in fact his personality feels a little subdued throughout the scene. He additionally shows clear admiration for Ralsei's traits of kindness, praises his heart and demonstrates faith in his abilities, telling him that "No matter what... you guys are gonna save the world." Flowery is approaching Ralsei from a genuine place here. He of course layers the conversation with subtle prodding in regards to Ralsei's abilities and fortitude. This isn't betraying some kind of disingenuous nature of the conversation, though --- while Flowery has an ulterior motive, it isn't malicious.

Flowery says as much in the scene that his goal is "understanding" between the Flowers and the Fun Gang, something consistent with his actions throughout the chapter. It's easy to infer therefore that he's trying to better understand Ralsei in this conversation. I don't necessarily agree --- perhaps Flowery already understands Ralsei. Flowery demonstrates deep knowledge of things he shouldn't know, like the MENU and his various comments towards Kris and Ralsei ("And Kris.. well, Kris, you know how I feel about you, don't you?" and "I cherish your purest heart," respectively). There's his (correct) assumption that Ralsei isn't going to kill him at any point, and of course, that rather telling dialogue just before the final fight: "Ralsei, wanna tell them what's wrong with [pretending to be something you're not]?" This prodding here, therefore, is not for Flowery's benefit. It is for Ralsei's.

Flowery says as much in the aforementioned penultimate dialogue scene: "I was doing it thinking it'd help you realize you could be happy." Flowery is trying to deconstruct Ralsei and his beliefs in this scene. When Ralsei shuts down the idea of defying the Prophecy, calling it "impossible," Flowery says, "says the impossibility himself," a reassurance that change, Ralsei's underlying motive throughout all of Deltarune, is possible. In addition, when Flowery calls Ralsei an "impossibility" in this context, he is suggesting that, by his very nature, Ralsei can change the Prophecy. How so? By putting his faith in himself. Or, of course, herself.

Ralsei is not receptive to the idea. The events at the end of Chapter 4 have clearly shaken Ralsei's faith in the ability of the Rune to Delta. He's seen solid proof that despite all the effort by him and the Fun Gang, nothing has changed. It was a heavy blow to him, even if he's still committed to hoping and trying. The importance, therefore, of Flowery changing the subject immediately after bringing up the prophecy is not something throwaway. He sees the current thread isn't exactly helping Ralsei, which is why he offers these vouchers. This is, of course, where the most significant part of the scene is for Girlsei truthers (me).

He tells Ralsei he knows his favourite is the "blue-and-pink" drink. These are colours associated with the transgender flag, but are also associated with Kris in regards to their Dark World appearance and Castle Town bedsheets. But this does not diminish its significance; the drink can mean two things at once. It is literally a drink Kris might like and symbolic of Ralsei's desires; ones coloured blue-and-pink.

Ralsei's reaction is particularly telling of the symbolic meaning; a shocked denial before resigned admission. "How did you know?" is his question; while he's been caught, he still wants to know how so, to keep these feelings hidden from other people. Flowery's reply is the strongest line for me: "You were looking at it the longest." Repressed desires and yearning for what could be possible, looking from the outside in, too scared to take the leap, an almost quintessential trans experience.

Taking into account the Prophecy subject beforehand, when he tells Ralsei to not "worry about Kris," to discard their opinion and only consider what he wants, the subtext here is that Ralsei should not worry about the prophecy, or other people's opinions. Ralsei wants to be a girl (or at least try so), outright expresses this desire to Kris at the end of the church climbing minigame, cloaking it in the pretext of the game and even then waiting for their approval. Compare Flowery's statement with Ralsei's at the end of that segment, wherein he says to Kris he's happy to be a Princess "…as long as it's… what other people want, of course!" The similar statements and linking mention of princesses parallel the scenes quite intentionally; you're supposed to be thinking about them together.

Then, of course, there's the final bit; "Got it, Princess?" While layered in some light teasing, I've seen a few people claim that this is genuinely just a little insult meant to throw Ralsei off. No. As said before, Flowery is largely benevolent in this scene. All of his questions and prodding have been to subtly challenge Ralsei's external presentation; this is just another example. Why would he cap off a genuine, heartfelt moment convincing Ralsei of his own self-worth and abilities in such a strange way, and by calling him a girl, no less? None of these characters believe that feminity is inherently degrading or undesirable. It simply doesn't work as an insult for the characters or situation. Flowery is once again prodding Ralsei, so that he can reveal himself.

It is Ralsei's reaction that proves this. He is upset, yes, but embarassed, blushing and looking away. Unlike other times when Flowery has taken a jab at Ralsei, he doesn't bite back or give a retort. He is upset because Flowery has hit the nail on the head, a nail that he has been trying to ignore all this time, even now, because to do so would break his very purpose --- he needs to "follow the rules." To do so is catastrophe for him. And yet, despite this, he very, very much wants to.