>>5174208Leopold shrugs. “Just a jest. Truthfully, you reminded me a bit of myself when I was younger. I attended the monastery alongside my cousin, Bennett. His family was far wealthier than mine, and as a result, he received greater attention from the Professors at that time. It was all I could do just to keep up.”
You recall hearing that name before. Bennett is the new leader of the Western Church, and someone Leopold seems to not be on the best of terms with.
“In theory, the Officer’s Academy is supposed to train all students equally. In practice, those with Crests and wealth tend to gain the most from coming here. But that doesn’t mean that people like you or I shouldn’t be able to keep up. I hope to hear that by the end of the year, you’re at the same level as the likes of Ingrid, Felix or even the Crown Princess.”
>“Thank You, Sir Leopold. I’ll do my best not to let your efforts on me go to waste!”Leopold smirks. “You’d better not. Don’t make me start doubting my judgment.”
The two of you continue training until evening comes and the Knight’s Ground clears out of its inhabitants. As you get ready to depart, Leopold stops you.
“Allow me to walk you back to your dorm, Blair. You’ve spent some considerable time away from the monastery, so you may be unaware. Some students have gone missing this month.”
>That’s a first. You knew about Flayn and Monica, but you had no idea there were others. “Is it the Death Knight again?”“Who knows? Nothing is off the table. But until the matter is settled, I’d rather play it safe. I’d hate for my investment to go missing in the night.”
You begin making way your way back to the dormitory alongside the veteran knight. You and Leopold don’t talk much during the trip back, but it isn’t an awkward silence. Rather, you feel much more comfortable around this man who you once thought as nothing more than a stubborn mule. Unlike Wedge, Leopold feels much more like the mentor you’ve always wanted but never had.
The paladin drops you off at the dorm, and bids you farewell. The day’s training has made you exhausted, and you’re looking forward to getting to your bed as soon as possible. As you open the door to your room, you find Dorothea, stretching out in the middle of the floor.
“Blair! Finally! I’ve been waiting forever for you. I need your help practicing for the Heron Cup!”
>A): Agree to help>B): Decline, you’re not exactly a good dancer 