>>5303086>“Are you friends? Are you happy he’s coming to visit?”The Count does not miss a beat. “No, nothing of the sort. His visit is simply to discuss matters of importance occurring in our lands. Lord Arundel is one of the highest-ranking nobles in the Empire and is often involved with political ongoings back in Adrestia, as well as having a firm grip on the Emperor’s ear. I imagine that much of our conversation will strictly be business in nature.”
>“Ahh…I see.” You muster up the courage to speak your true thoughts. “I ask simply because…you’ve seemed somewhat…distracted the last few weeks…ever since hearing he’d be paying us a visit.”The Count laughs. “Very perceptive, Blair. I suppose it shouldn’t surprise me that such a thing would not get passed you.” He gets up from his desk, walking over to you and placing a hand on your shoulder. “My apologies if I’ve worried you. The truth is, Lord Arundel and I are often prone to…disagreements from time to time. The man is an utter headache to deal with, one that I do not look forward to having to entertain. But as I said, I believe his intentions are for the good of our people. As such, I’ll stomach his presence. But you’re right, I have let me feelings get the better of me. I promise I’ll endeavor to have a better hold of them.”
>You smile. “No, there’s no need to apologize! I was just…worried for your health is all.” “Look at you, concerned for the well-being of her lord. You’ll make a fine Knight one day, Blair. Now come, let’s get out of this stuffy room and help make way with the preparations.”
Lord Arundel was not the type of man you expected. Given the Count’s description of him, you had thought you’d be dealing with someone more aggressive, with the sort of overbearing personality most nobles were known for. But from what you could gather, standing to the side in the audience chamber, the man actually seemed quite pleasant.
“My Lords and Ladies, may I present to you, Lord Volkhard von Arundel!” Hoff’s voice boomed across the chamber. The man may be old, but he still certainly had a set of pipes on him.
“My gratitude for the introduction, Sir Hoff. Though I’m intimately familiar with many of the fine folk here today.” Lord Arundel says. “What a great feeling it is to lay eyes upon you once again, Charles. And you as well, Rex. I hear word that many in the Emprie have taken to calling you the Sky Shadow, for your exemplary service during the Dagda and Brigid War. Tales of your valor against the savages have been most inspiring, and I must say, I found myself quite impressed. I knew you’d make a fine warrior.”
Rex, who is standing next to his father, offers only a bored snort as his response. Rex has never been one for following noble protocol, but the gesture struck you as rude, even for him.
