What have I become? [OPEN]

[justsopretty]

Characters: Clovis la Britannia and OPEN.
Location: Training grounds.
Rating: PG-13?
Time: August 27th, Morning.
Description: Unable to sleep, Clovis decides to actually attend a morning session. But on his terms.

Comments

[livelyhood]

It took him a moment to notice. He'd always made sure to arrive on time to training, but that also meant diving straight into it. Maybe it wasn't an extensive work out (it didn't help prepare much for those frogs, though he wouldn't say anything like that), but he was sparring-- it took focus. Making sure nothing went too far or slipped by or anything like that. So maybe it was a bit understandable that he only noticed after the first - thirty minutes or so, tops. They were on opposite sides of the field, and--

He could spend an entire morning making up excuses and reasons for not heading over sooner, but that would have taken even longer to create, and for (a very good reason) Suzaku was sure that wouldn't be forgiven, exactly.

"Good morning, Prince Clovis." He'd placed his practice weapon - a measly wooden sword, but still a sword - down and stopped a few paces from the other's... blanket. Bowed, of course, respect written into every line of his body, all while wondering if anyone had given the man any grief over having an apparent picnic while training was occurring. Hopefully, since he wasn't in the way, no one would have. For all of his words, Clovis most definitely wasn't a fighter. Suzaku might have asked, but he'd let the prince reply first - it was only customary (and he didn't want to be driven off quite so fast). Actually, come to think of it, there were a lot of things to be asked about this... participation? Observation? Something.

[justsopretty]

"Good morning, Kururugi." Another glare toward the teapot. It really was taking its pretty time to brew. Exactly how did those of lower classes handle this waiting? I suppose that they have such work to busy themselves with, but those that have even busier schedules cannot wait. He made a dismissive wave at the tea while he still waited for it to brew.

He stared at the Honorary Britannian -- willing to not lump him among the Elevens that were currently vexing him. Euphemia had such fond thoughts of him, and Kururugi had been able to protect her during the attack of those frogs. It was why he was willing to call him an Honorary Britannian rather than a Number in his head. He had earned that title at least, and just a small bit of his respect. Despite how much he would like to protect his sister, he did not have the strength to do so. He sniffed the air in an indignant manner, but that did not mean that he would let others know that he had no means to do so. That was right; he would still use whatever power and means to ensure her safety above all else.

Clovis did not get up from where he was sitting. It would still not be proper to give such respect to an Honorary Britannian. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, as he realized that he should rise for Euphemia's knight. How many more hoops would it take for the young man to jump through before he would be willing to see him as such? It was difficult to say. Careful of how he stood, he fixed his clothes as soon as he was standing -- fiddling with his cravat and sleeves to get the wrinkles out.

"It is good to see you among those that are going to be training. Dedication and diligence make for both a good Honorary Britannian and knight." A pause. "You are doing well to live up to your titles."

[livelyhood]

That glare toward the teapot was caught with minute amusement as Suzaku straightened, buried deep under layers of the discipline he already had in place when interacting with Britannians. And almost everyone here, really, with all of these different worlds and confusing nationalities - but it wasn't something to be bothered about. There were much bigger things to be bothered about.

Such as Clovis's staring. No, Kururugi didn't do anything like fidget or shuffle, but he didn't hold that gaze. Looked, instead, downward; the blanket was modest, the teapot moreso. The prince had to of been struggling with adapting to a world that didn't bow to him immediately (and that wasn't thought with malice, just fact); really, any of his transgressions were excusable, when one considered exactly where he came from. Then again, that could be the side of him that would eternally defend Euphie's interests talking, though he figured it might not have been.

He opened his mouth, about to continue- inquire on the other's day, maybe- when Clovis rose. That had the knight's mouth closing quick, a few blinks and bit of confusion. Things put to the side just as swiftly when Clovis went out of his way to compliment him, even though it... definitely wasn't warranted.

He hadn't been able to reach the other member of royalty in Death City, after all. "Thank you, sir." First and foremost- a second to flounder mentally-- "I try to make it to every practice. Are you planning on observing, sir?"

A simple question with an obvious answer, but he was kind of hoping Clovis would embellish a bit. The prince didn't seem like the type to want to just sit on a field and watch people spar each other.

[justsopretty]

"You're welcome." Clovis resisted raising his hands to rub his jaw, almost like it was terrible to have to thank Suzaku for anything. He was starting to think that everything was the Elevens' fault. His brother vanishing and those false reports of Nunnally and his deaths. Trying to make a better world for Nunnally -- that had been what Euphemia had said -- but that was what the Britannian Empire was doing. Had Lelouch really forgotten so much about the Imperial Family? So long as he continued to view Suzaku as both someone that Euphemia liked and an Honorary Britannian; everything would be fine between them.

Really, he would feel proud if she came and praised him about being able to get along with Suzaku in a manner that was not just asking him to go out and fetch him items. Even if that maybe all that the young man was good for in terms of serving Clovis. All of a knight's attention must be focused completely on protecting their designated Royal family member; it would be foolish to ask him to look after him as well. He was an Honorary Britannian and Clovis did not want to tax his mind too much with worries. Besides, he was confident that he would one day find his knight. Even if it were in this city.

"Yes, I am. I did enjoy observing the Knightmare Frames when they were first introduced." It would be interesting to see what abilities that those around him had. Though, he wondered if that would increase his anxiety about being around these people. His smile faded slightly to a grimace, thinking on how he was surrounded by Numbers and only a few dedicated to the Imperial Family. It made him feel just a little ill, but he was a prince. Something that he reminded himself often. This fact and the fact that everyone in his family would be ashamed of him if he did not continue to put on a brave front. His timid nature need not be seen by anyone but Euphemia.

"I thought that since there was so much emphasis on the actual fighters and what they are doing, that I should too come and see what you all could do." A dismissive gesture to the training grounds themselves. "One should familiarize themselves with the troops rather than stay completely aloof. It shows good morale, does it not, that even a prince is willing to watch something that could otherwise be considered blase?"

[livelyhood]

There was a note of genuine surprise over that (Clovis actually liked the Knightmare frames? out of pride, promised power or true awe?), though Suzaku made sure to run it through what was becoming customary when dealing with these sorts-- to filter out what a person meant and what they were saying just to appease him, though he was sure Clovis had no reason to be doing the latter part. Royalty were tricky to deal with, though, outside of a servant's role (especially when he'd had a year of becoming used to being considered a Knight of the Round and so had plenty of nobles have to swallow what they really wanted to say around him, even if he'd rather they didn't); in truth, the Honorary Britannian wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to do.

Though that might actually have stemmed from the fact that he couldn't quite shake off the notion that Clovis was... deceased. The first of Zero's casualties to fall.

But that line of thought lead to the other casualties to fall, and before that could continue, Suzaku cut the line off.

Anyway, Clovis was expanding on what he'd said (after a grimace: noted, but absently, with how his thinking had strayed for a minute), and Kururugi blinked, nodded reflexively in agreement, and then... actually thought about it. It was obvious Clovis hadn't truly admitted to himself over being in a completely different world-- which he could understand, since it was a step that couldn't be taken without plenty of forethought. A frightening step that maybe even Suzaku himself hadn't crossed, with the ways he would continually balk at all of the Japanese in the city. There did seem to be a disproportionally large amount...

- That wasn't the point at hand. Just as there wouldn't be a point in correcting the prince over what could be considered blase. "Have you already been approached by a few people? A lot of them are currently pretty focused, but I don't think everyone here is yet a soldier." Like the children's group. He made an actual point in not looking over there too often.

[justsopretty]

"No. I have not thought of approaching anyone, yet." He tapped his chin a few times, staring at Kururugi for a time. Euphemia saw something good in this Honorary Britannian. Perhaps, it would be all right to show some kindness -- ah, he was going back to that thinking, wasn't he? Just because there was one good one amongst the lot doesn't mean that he did not come from the genes of dogs. His smile was kind, if not a little sad at the memory of how he was going to treat the Elevens. And look at how they repaid me. No, going about it in the manner that was laid out for me would be best.

"Euphemia thinks very highly of you." That much was obvious since she made him into a knight. He kept repeating himself of this matter, rolling it around in his head until it made sense. He respected and honored any decision that his little sister made, because he knew that she would do so with great thought and consideration. Which meant that she also thought long and hard about this person, this Honorary Britannian. Clovis held his chin as he continued to stare at him. Certainly not the image of say Knight of One.

Without realizing, or perhaps not caring, he started to circle Kururugi. I suppose one could say that he's the same as the Knight of Twelve. His hand reached out to almost touch his shoulder, but hovered over the area instead. But there are no Knightmare Frames here... A pause. But would they actually give him one? Cornelia certainly would be very much against it. She did hate having that line blurred and would not be fond of the selection. Clicking his tongue, he let his hand drop down to his side but still tilted his head at his sister's knight. He had been able to best the frogs, or was he able to just flee with Euphemia in tow. A soft dismissive sound as he returned to where he was seated, but did not move to sit yet.

"I suppose I am also curious what your abilities are." He did not look like much and certainly brandishing a wooden sword made him want to sigh. Loudly. Long. But he kept it to himself. "You may not be so lucky next time this city is attacked." If it was indeed luck and not his abilities, save those legs being able to run her to safety. But, as always, he was willing to give the benefit of the doubt for Euphemia.

[livelyhood]

And back to the staring. No, he still didn't flinch or shuffle, though he was starting to feel the odd urge to. Especially when that comment was made-- again- and Suzaku was proud of himself for not grimacing away. He held his peace, instead, once again waiting further for the prince to continue, for the simple fact that that could not possibly be the end of what he had to say. All of this looking up and down - it almost made him feel like an animal for display, a guard dog that wasn't quite what was expected but would have to do anything. If he thought about it, that probably wasn't too far from what the prince was thinking.

Actually, if he thought about it at all, that was probably what it was-- the hand hovering over his shoulder wasn't looked at, but there was a touch of uncertainty in his expression. Hardly noticeable, but still there. Circling and... hovering, two things he didn't enjoy having done to him. Then again, if Clovis hadn't been who he was, he could have just walked away- or at least made a comment on it, like he would've done if Gino had pulled this. But, no; respect was expected and the more appropriate route to take, so he kept still through sheer force of will, ticking seconds off in his mind until the other finally returned to the spot he'd started off with, and Suzaku was left only blinking at the last sound to be given.

He was lucky, he realized, somewhere behind the immediate mental uproar over 'you might not be so lucky next time,' to have actually trained without any supernatural powers. He couldn't imagine having to start over from scratch.

Opened the mouth, old response - I'll always make sure to be there, nothing will hurt her - dying down into something a lot less confident and a lot more sad. He'd sworn to himself he'd do what he hadn't been able to do before (properly protect her), but... he'd been slow during those frogs. Some had gotten into her apartment. What if they were faster the next time? What if he didn't make it? What if--?

"It wasn't luck. I'll be dead before she's harmed." Which, with the Geass he was conscious of, was promising as much as he could. He paused; would it be prudent to tell Clovis details? He'd either find them laughable, scoff or... simply accept it. It wasn't as if he could exactly spar with the other to show him how well he could fight (when that was all he could do, really). Hoping it was the latter, and for the first time shifting his weight foot to foot in a moment of nervousness (this was what being interrogated by a crush's parent might have felt like, he'd think, if he'd ever think something like that), "We... first met when she fell from a window and I caught her. She will be fine, as long as I'm able to ensure it."

As long as Zero didn't appear.

It figured, that the one thing that would make him keep his voice raised toward Clovis was Euphie.

[justsopretty]

Of course, you would be. The prince gave something of a bemused expression at such a statement. Even a full-blooded Britannian's life was not worth more than that of a princess. He would hope that Kururugi would be willing to die before allowed anything to happen to her -- if only by the fact that she simply was of higher-quality of life than he was. Somehow, he was able to hold his tongue on this matter, because something to told him that Euphemia would not appreciate him telling her knight that his life was nothing in comparison to hers. But that was simply hold things were. He probably is already aware of it.

His head jerked up at hearing that she fell from a window. Moving fast than one in heels probably should, he turned to grab onto Kururugi's shoulders -- almost tripping over his own feet in doing so. If there was one thing that actually was able to break what he believed was his unshakable calm was the thought that some harm would come to any of the Imperial Family. "Euphemia fell from a window?!" Oh, it didn't matter that this young man caught her; what matter was that she fell in the first place! "Where were her bodyguards? Why weren't they watching her? What would have happened if you had not been there to catch her!?"

As though to accent each question, he gave the other's shoulders a violent shake. Clovis realized that he had lost his calm and let go of Kururugi to take a few steps back. He felt a rush of embarrassment to show anything but a calm and aloof face to those that were around him. And, he supposed that he was sounding a bit like Cornelia at that moment with her constant concern about Euphemia. But none of the others were present. None of the other members of the Imperial Family were here to watch them. He supposed that as the elder, he had to take on the roles in order to ensure her safety. It was only now that he realized that is what he had been doing.

And yet, she still found ways to look after him as well. Really, he was more than a little impressed with the manner that she held those that had rejected his offer of allowing everyone to be Honorary Britannians. She showed the dignity and grace of an Empress, and felt that she had really grown into herself. It was why he was doing his best to ensure that he need not shame or force her to apologize for his rash actions yet again. When she returned to Britannia, he hoped that she would take this confidence with her. She might actually be able to be named the 99th Empress, if she continued as she was. Even Schneizel would even tip his head to her if he saw how she was behaving amongst these savages.

That was why, that was why he had to ensure that she could see that sort of future, too! Even if it were a pipe dream, he knew Schneizel would be crowned the 99th Emperor, but he liked to dream in this grandeur manner for Euphemia. Sorting out his thoughts, he straightened his clothes as he continued to mumble to himself with nothing of interest slipping out. Another rolling of his eyes at being seen as a child, he straightened his posture and once more returned to his aloof manner. "You will be at every training session then. Because your body will need to be taught to endure much for the task of her safety. I will see to it."

[livelyhood]

"She--"

Was not a thought to be completed out loud, apparently. The sudden springing to life wasn't entirely unexpected, but the grabbing... was. The shaking, especially so. His mouth might have been open to say something about it all, but it closed over that, because that was--

Caring. Genuine, utter concern. A fierce worry and anxiety over the safety of Euphie, even if it had been an event in the past and far gone (what must he have been thinking during the frog attack, Suzaku couldn't help but wonder). He'd never had a member of the royalty shake him before, but that wasn't where the real surprising point was at - as usual, Euphie took precedence over everything else, even when it was someone else who was worried over her. But Clovis was-- worried. Why was that surprising? Wait, no, it wasn't: it was relieving. Pure and utter relief, that Euphie had grown up in a family that didn't always yield cases like Lelouch, where no love must have been lost in-

Not the time to think on that.

"I think she... didn't want to be around her bodyguards." While Clovis backed off and his shoulders felt itchy (he hadn't resisted those shakes at all, no), Suzaku offered the words in as submissive of a voice he could find, which wasn't entirely different from the normal voice he used around the prince. That fateful day had been odd, to say the least, though he liked to think he could remember it completely. 'Bad guys' - there's no way Euphie could have actually been threatened with how much time she had to make a makeshift rope to get down. There hadn't been any gunshots or yelling, either. She'd hidden who she was from him for a good amount of time, too, and thinking it all over... She'd done the same when arriving at Shibusen. Following that line of thinking, it wasn't hard to figure out that she didn't want to be considered royalty (or she just wanted a piece of 'normal' life). Another thing about her to smile over.

But not the time to smile, either. He was still adjusting his view of Clovis to this light - he'd known the prince had cared a lot, but he'd assumed it's been on the level of an average family member. Nothing... so overprotective.

Relief maybe didn't cover it. A bit of honest respect, too. The first the other maybe garnered, if Suzaku thought past his normal opinions.

"I will, sir. You don't have to see to it, really." No need to point out he'd already been piloting the Lancelot and going through training that wasn't half of this for years. Clovis might not have taken that so well, and, anyway, it wasn't the point of the meeting.

[justsopretty]

"She didn't want--?" His fingertips touched his forehead as he really could not imagine what she was thinking. He supposed that he should feel proud that she was showing such independence rather than forced to grow into it while she was in this city. He let out a light sigh, and wondered just how much of a fuss Cornelia would have made if she found out. Oh, she probably did. He smiled in an amused manner at thinking how Euphemia's bodyguards were scolded for being unable to watch her.

A hand lightly on his chest as he allowed his concern to fade. She was fine with no mar or scar upon her (emotionally or physically as far as he could tell), and she remained able to smile even in these uncertain times. That was really all that he could hope for, right? "I suppose that it's fine." Perhaps, she is the reckless one in our family. He lightly laughed to himself, before once more straightening his posture and stance. It was no good to show these sides to someone who was not part of the Imperial Family.

Clovis cleared his throat. There really is no helping it. She is her own woman and no one should try to curve her thoughts and actions. Even though, he was aware that Cornelia did try to do so, it would really do no good in the end. Something that would be learned in the future, he supposed. Ah. It would do no good for him to depress himself on the future that was waiting Euphemia since it would obviously be a bright one, even if he would not be there to see it. "I suppose that I do not. We already had our talk about what would happen if she would be shamed, used or harmed by you in any way. Right?"

[livelyhood]

He felt about the same, thinking back on it-- even if he could understand why she did it. After all, hadn't he himself gone out disguised that day, if only for people not to react? It was completely different, but...

Suzaku might have ended up with a smile, too, which found its way of staying even after Clovis's had faded. At least the man didn't look enraged. A reaction that could have ended up getting to Euphie would have been the worst out of any, though he felt he'd already maybe ensured that there'd be some pointed conversations between the siblings. Maybe not, though. It was-- kind of interesting, to watch the phases the prince went through, from open and laughing to straightening up and returning to his normal posture. Kururugi's quiet smile had yet to disappear, but he made a point in not saying anything during those more open times; there was a large doubt toward whether the royalty would appreciate being reminded of 'losing his cool in front of an Eleven.'

So, even if he thought it's really fine to you?, he didn't ask it. Water off of a duck's back.

With an obedient and heartfelt nod toward that last not-really question. "I haven't forgotten it." Most obviously. It'd never been in his plans in the first place, but... A slightly wary pause, before he continued, maybe a bit needlessly. "She's been getting along well here, as far as I've seen." Didn't mean he wouldn't keep a close eye on everything, but it was a good sign.

[justsopretty]

If he scolded her for something of that nature, he would be no better than Cornelia. He loved his sister very much, but he thought that he thought that she tried to cage Euphemia. No, that was not the right words. It was cruel to think of his sister as such a tyrant. It was more that she did not want to see the world, but Britannian's rule made everything peaceful and better. The world under their Empire was quite safe and nice; it would have been fine to let her out. And, even if he wanted to ensure her protection within this world for Euphemia because he was unable to see her while he was Viceroy of Area 11, he could not allow her not to make her own decisions.

She was able to show poise and dignity that the Imperial Family would be proud of; thoughtfulness to what she did that would allow her to not make mistakes. It really was a shame that he would not be able to see how it would end back home, but he would let himself be able to see her growth within the city and that would be that. Perhaps, the war will go on longer than the one with Area 11 and I may be able to stay by my sister's side to give her strength for the future.

"Good." His thoughts returned to himself, as he answered Kururugi without realizing that he had. "She has been. She has the ability to evolve in her surroundings. The Imperial Majesty would be most pleased with her." He held his hands behind his back, thinking of how proud everyone would be if they could see her. Which meant that he had to do his best to ensure that they would be proud of him, as well. He had lost his temper and done something rash which caused Euphemia to lose a bit of her honor. A pause. Maybe, I will get her a few presents. It has been awhile since I had given any.

"Would you not agree?"

[livelyhood]

The Imperial Majesty. The Emperor.

It was a flaw in the construction he had up - a look to the side, just for a second, because any thoughts on that man tended to give him something of a chill. He'd wondered what would make a father rewrite his son's entire history and erase all memories of the family (however temporarily)-- but then, he'd also wondered what sort of father would do that. Zero had deserved it, maybe, from the leader of Britannia's view point (though maybe not another one; ever since that discussion, it'd been difficult to get doubts out of his mind. a good thing that he wasn't here-- though Euphie was-), but it was... almost as cruel as death. Not that Lelouch would have known it, if things had gone as they were supposed to.

If things had gone as they were supposed to, he'd have been able to complete his goal and nothing like F.L.E.I.J.A. would have been constructed.

He rather hoped that really had been a nightmare, though. It seemed like one. (Impossible that it was).

"I think anyone would be," He said in lieu of anything else, voice maybe a bit quieter than normal. The Emperor had acted as an Emperor, nothing more. As was expected of the ruler of an Empire that had lasted so long. He'd even kept up his end of the bargain, over the Knights of the Round - something Suzaku knew the man didn't truly have to do. (Besides, something in the back of the mind cajoled. You'd been the one to deliver Zero.) -- Pointless thought, since Zero had never been his 'friend.'

Eyes still to the side, though they snapped back as a whistle caught his attention. "Ah, Prince Clovis, your water's ready."

[justsopretty]

"Of course." A bright smile. "Everyone within the Britannian Empire would be proud."

Clovis allowed himself to believe that tone was of relevance in the Emperor. His dear father who was working diligently to try to unite the world. The evolve the Empire into something great that would bring about true peace to the entire world. If only he had been able to help more, if only he had not lost that immortal witch. If only Lelouch had not been brainwashed by the dogs that were the Elevens. A deep breath before he let it out in a huge sigh. He shook his head lightly as he worried about what sins that his brother was committing back home, and found it strange that Euphemia was not as horrified as he. Did she already realize that he was being used and forgave him for his actions? She always was a smart girl -- if not, apparently, very reckless.

He would have to ask her how school was going, as well. She had said that she liked it and hoped that she was keeping up with her studies. Holding his chin, he had focused only on the fact of what had become of Lelouch and Nunnally in their talk and none of the positive, like the kind of woman that she was blossoming into. He really was feeling paternal about the whole things, wasn't he? His heart swelled as he thought that the Emperor was thinking the exact same thing about his children -- happy to watch them evolve and change into the people that they are supposed to be. People that would help to expand the Empire forward in its quest for the unification of the world.

"Huh?" His head turned slightly to the tea pot. It was making a rather obnoxious sound, wasn't it? He let out a few sighs as he walk back so that he may sit down to pour himself some tea. Euphie would really like me to try to be nice to Kururugi. Holding his chin as he had before, he stared at the tea pot before smiling to himself. So kind and generous that he amazed himself. "Pour the tea, Kururugi. You may even have a cup for yourself."

[livelyhood]

The bright smile and tone was matched with a genuine one of his own, though he still couldn't exactly meet Clovis's eyes-- he did look over when the prince moved to sit back down, spending a brief second debating whether or not that meant he should leave, before the request (that wasn't really a request) hit his ear. And then he could only... blink, for a second.

It looked like pure mental reminders and even years previous couldn't entirely erase a full year of rewritten etiquette. Luckily, he didn't have it that bad - after that moment of hesitation, he was crouching down without a comment, setting up the cups and plates (where had Clovi gotten all of this?), trying to decide whether or not to match up the slightly-smugly smiling prince with the one who had just allowed Euphie to get away with being herself. "Thank you for the offer, sir. A cup of tea would be nice."

It only really took until the actual tea was poured to settle on a decision. Then there was only that mental hesitance that came with wondering whether or not his words would be taken the wrong way. Which was entirely possible, if not completely likely, given how Clovis seemed to view Elevens (no, to him, it didn't matter much that he was an Honorary Britannian). Taking a proper seat next to the kettle, settling the prince's portion down in an easy-to-reach area, he finally spoke with his eyes on his own cup, "I think most everyone would be of you, too, sir, if you don't mind me saying."

It was honesty. It just couldn't be trusted that Clovis would take it like that, though Suzaku didn't really know why he wouldn't.

[justsopretty]

"You are welcome, Kururugi. I see no reason why we can't be civil toward each other, along with our understanding of how things will be done with Princess Euphemia." His gaze slipped to the set that he had, and back to Kururugi, before being sure that the other was unaware how he had come to obtain such things. He clicked his tongue softly in another tsking noise. Clovis felt that he was very careful about the presentation of these things with well enough time -- or perhaps, just enough panic of the events of the frogs -- to have it be ignorable. Euphemia would need these things as well to calm down after any hard day if these sort of days are going to be constant, and I need not ask her to get me a tea set for her, as well. But he had none of the funds to get it, which meant that he had to steal it (along with a chess set, though the chess set was on a whim) during the chaos.

He let out a long sigh, as he felt that he was more than a little justified in his actions. It was not like he was being a Number with their thievery and overall uncouth behavior. No, he was doing all this so that he could, at least, ensure a nice cup of tea for his sister should she ever need it. And what brother would he be if he did not test out the set to ensure that it was all that it claimed to be. Though, to be fair, he just grabbed and ran for safety. It was really all that he could do, wasn't it? He did not know how to pilot a Knightmare Frame. He had no knowledge in the military. All that he could do was ensure that he could calm her nerves and be a peaceful haven. Which was also why he had to remain strong and not balk under any circumstances.

"Of course, they would be." He snipped, like it was obvious. Doubtful. Cornelia would think that he was being too soft by allowing an Honorary Britannian to even drink with him. She would say that he was allowing his emotions for Euphemia to cloud his judgement and let someone be given special treatment by a member of the Imperial Family. Schneizel would, most likely, understand and smile kindly at his actions, though. His elder brother did always seem to do his best to understand him, even if it seemed like Euphemia was the only one really who did. But that is why he is the favorite amongst our family. Though, they would both like him to act a little more with poise and grace in all situations.

"So, tell me more of the day that you met her." He reached out to finally take the cup so that he could lightly sip the tea. Dreadful stuff. I wish I could have real tea leaves. Of finer quality than this. A sneer to the cup before he decided that beggars could not be choosers. Euphemia would most likely give him a mildly disappointed look if he continued to make a fuss over every little thing, after all. And, he was, at least, making an effort to try to get along with Kururugi past trusting him with his commands. That would earn him some points, would it not?