#duty is no mere obligation 𝖝 thread.

[cremisii]

It has taken him much too long to find Lady Edelgard.

Such tardiness is not to be permitted, and though Hubert has been indisposed as of late, he cannot say that this negates his duties and forgives him his transgressions. He feels unease when he is away; it reminds him too much of the separation wherein Lord Arundel had stolen the princess from her home, and Hubert had been powerless to stop it.

Such memories are not ones he wishes to dwell on. There are more important matters at hand, besides.

This is nothing like when they were children. Hubert has enough agency to return when he is away, and Lady Edelgard has a brilliant mind that can make use of Hubert's particular skillset. He is at her beck and call, willing to do whatever she needs at a moment's notice.

He finds her when it is getting dark. The sky up above does not look correct to Hubert, and he notes this for later. There has been much that he has missed. This is one of the least of his concerns.

Moving out of the shadows as if he is made of the same fabric that belongs to the darkness, he settles by her side in silence.

"Lady Edelgard. I apologize for keeping you."

@hresvelged

𝖉𝖚𝖙𝖞 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔 𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓.

[cremisii]

He watches her with an unchanging expression. To be back where he is needed is a relief, although that does not mean he can take it easy. It is not a peaceful position to be in, and though he knows full well that Lady Edelgard is capable of handling herself he will continue to do what he can to support her every move.

To be the one in the shadows, orchestrating that which supports the Empire and keeps the future Emperor's hands clean -- this is his duty.

Her words concern him but he does not question their validity. Lady Edelgard's mind is sharper than any other within the bounds of this school, and it is her judgement he defers to. A 'shadow of dream' would seem an absurd accusation if anyone else were to bring it up, but he does not so much as blink at the statement.

"A dream?" he echoes, and crosses his arms over his chest. Idle considerations about what precisely that means is beneath him. He will of course be gathering information on the matter. "That does lend credence tp the strange accounts I have heard of. One such professor implied that the tears in the sky might be foreshadowing for what's to come. I care little for Professor Jakob's lectures, however if this is accurate then I will continue to monitor the situation as best I can."

He looks at her. "Is there anything you need of me to do directly? I am, of course, ever at your service."

𝖉𝖚𝖙𝖞 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔 𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓.

[cremisii]

He cannot help but feel pleased that he can be of service to Lady Edelgard. To be her closest confidante is an honor that Hubert would never take for granted; his loyalty is distinct in that is belongs to her and her alone. His allegiance is to the woman who stands next to him, not to an empire.

He straightens his back and nods "There is much we should discuss. I fear my absence was longer than I had originally anticipated."

He watches her, his expression serious as he feels the cool air on his face. It's pleasant, he supposes; this time of year happens to be a favorite for many, but he cannot say that he has a particular affinity for the warmer weather over the colder.

"There is nothing amiss," he says after a moment. "Though I have heard many rumors about a war about to be waged. A Pasithee, I believe was the name. I suppose our allegiance, regardless of how temporary it may or may not be, to the church requires our attention to this matter?"

He does not look pleased at the idea. If this is what diplomacy is necessary, then he will do as is requested of him. "Besides that matter, I am finding the monastery to be tolerable."

𝖉𝖚𝖙𝖞 𝖎𝖘 𝖓𝖔 𝖒𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓.