[Sayaka is a girl of many secrets, even among the many nobles of the Empire. She's everything she should be; a kind, proper noblewoman who never tries to act above her place, who strives to be erudite and polite in all things, and tries to be a model student in the academy. As a noble woman of such a minor house, she has many duties to attend to. Getting excellent marks, for one. Marrying upward to appease her father, for another. And...
Well, maybe she can find something for herself here, too. This academy has certainly proven to be a good place to foster one's talents, and as a girl who had to sink or swim to adapt to Fodlan's norms, she certainly wouldn't mind finding something she could call her own. Her own happiness, even in a life that's been forcibly thrust upon her.
It'd be nice, wouldn't it?
At any rate, though, Sayaka's definitely gotten used to the academy and keeps in regular contact with her father even now. It was one of the requirements to coming here; she has to keep him updated. She can't have too much air in that head of hers, and she knows that she has to appease her new father well. She's his chance to become something better than a meager family, being the only successor--and one without a crest, at that. But such things are easy enough to pass off with a passable offspring who has a lovely rarity of a crest of her own. To hopefully pay off an unspecified 'debt' or something at some point? Sayaka can't say she understands what in the blazes her father is talking about, but it's paramount to keep calm, smile, and be polite. You never know who you could piss off, after all, and she wants to (has to) make her father proud.
Sayaka has found plenty of candidates she's sure her father would be pleased with, even if she can tell that they aren't exactly good men in one manner or another. It won't do her to be picky about personality, but...well, whatever gets her father up the nobility ladder, right? That's what matters most.
At any rate, though, Sayaka has certainly gotten quite the leg up on magic, and it's due to that that she finds herself in the library today. Looking through the vast knowledge at the academy's disposal is an incredible way to pass the time, even if her own offensive brand of magic is...well, not exactly common. Or at the very least is a cautionary tale, but Sayaka doesn't mind; Dark Magic is an interesting case to her, and she wants to learn more about it.]
Let's see...the magic tomes should be somewhere right around...here?
[Sayaka turns a corner in the library to hopefully find something to sate her need to learn. Surely this won't go horribly pear-shaped, will it??]
[As Lady Edelgard's right hand man, it's Hubert's job to keep an eye on everyone in the Black Eagles house - and those beyond it that could prove... troublesome, so to speak. One of the more intriguing unknowns is the heir to the Maizono name - Sayaka, a fellow Black Eagle and someone Hubert is very curious about. Most of the nobles are those Hubert has had interactions with before - either personally or through the Vestra family's spies and knowledge. He knew what to expect from most of them... but Sayaka remains an unknown.
Frankly, she seems to be exactly what she should be. The perfect daughter of nobility, striving to do well in both her studies and her relationships, while keeping an eye on possible suitors that would better her family's station. The Maizono family may not be one of the highest-ranking nobles, but Hubert knows better than to ignore them simply for their station. Best to keep an eye on Sayaka until he's ruled her out entirely as a threat.
He's kept a fairly close eye on her for a little while now, but today's one of those days where he's actually tailing Linhardt instead. If anyone in their class is clever enough to catch on to what Lady Edelgard is planning, it's him, and Hubert wants to make sure he won't actually pose a problem. That's why he's in the library today, hanging out in the quietest section - the books about dark magic. He hardly needs these tomes himself - House Vestra has an incredible amount of books on the subject and most of these are the same tomes he's been reading since he was a child.
Linhardt has decided to take a nap, so Hubert's debating on whether he should leave and come back in a few hours or if he should wait and see if Caspar shows up suddenly... when guess who should turn the corner but one Sayaka Maizono.]
...Good afternoon.
[...She's not actually looking for dark magic books, is she?? Admittedly he hasn't seen her fight, so it's certainly possible she has some training in the dark arts... That would truly be fascinating.]
[...You know, Sayaka knows her luck is garbage. She's known this since the very moment she was adopted into Fodlan's nobility system.
This, however? This is further proof. Sayaka tries really, really hard not to visibly startle at the sight of the one man her father has told her to avoid at all cost, but here he is. Flesh and blood. Just as terrifying of an image as her father presented.
Hubert von Vestra, heir to the Vestra family--one of the more subtle, yet terrifying families of the Empire. Someone her father has gone well out of his way to inform her about, and she never thought she'd meet him face to face. This was...a tactical miscalculation.
Alright, well, no need to stare and look dumbfounded for more than a moment--as if on a trained cue, Sayaka's expression fixes from the light shock to a kind smile, and she bows her head--not enough to expose the back of her neck, but enough to be polite.]
Ah, good afternoon...Lord Hubert, if I am not mistaken?
[A simple curtsy, as she lifts herself, smiling that ever trained smile. She still needs to grab her books, but...can she really afford to let him see something like this? It's information that could be used against her, and she was certain that Linhardt would be the only one here, and sleeping at that--]
It's a pleasure to meet you. [...He's right near the book she needs, how can she get him to move, this is bad, her eyes train right on an explicitly dark magic book before shooting back to him, smiling a touch sheepishly as she tries to make small talk--] This library is certainly vast, isn't it? There's so much here, I imagine you couldn't make it through it all in one lifetime.
[Lord, ugh. It's a title he's had to get used to but it's one he's never liked; someday there won't be any reason for such things anymore, and he cannot wait for that day to come... but for now, he can simply claim it's because they're in the same class, and there's no need for such formalities.
Of course, he's noticed how easily she slips back into her practiced niceties - there's no doubt that she was trained for a situation exactly like this, because that's what's expected of her as a noble's daughter. He does notice her eyes dart toward the shelf, but he's not sure if that's an indication that she's looking for something in particular or if she's just intimidated because he certainly hasn't stopped staring her down.]
I've found the selection here to be quite impressive, although the Church has had a lot of time to devote to its collection.
[It's all said very neutrally - he has to be careful not to let too much of his disdain for the Church through.]
[The fact that he's staring her down absolutely hasn't helped matters; she wants to avert her gaze, to do anything to will herself calm, to get out of this place and out of his sight. This man could kill her, her father, and destroy everything that's keeping her life barely held up. Sayaka knows this, and she knows she should leave.
But...there's something she wants for herself, too. Maybe she can make it through this without too much of a mark on her reputation.]
I'll keep that in mind. [read: no she the fuck won't because that's so? improper??? that's a death sentence right there] But yes! It really is; there's plenty of good things to study, and not even just for class...
[Ah...the question gives Sayaka a pause, but she does nod her head after a moment. She's not familiar with Hubert's own fighting style, admittedly, so it could be a wash, but...]
Yes, actually...or, well, maybe! I was actually looking for something for one of my classmates. [the perfect excuse. no way this will possibly go wrong.] He was looking for an intermediate level book on dark magic...I do hate to be a burden, but would you happen to know where I could find one? To bring to him.
[Flawless execution. Hopefully. Being under a microscope like this is not fun and she's really hoping she doesn't sound as nervous as she feels, even though she's doing her best to keep herself level.
[Hmm. Is that really the case...? Well, it's certainly possible that there are other dark magic users in their class that Hubert doesn't know about; it isn't as though he's all-seeing, after all. Regardless, he wordlessly turns back to the shelf and glances through the tomes - the one he picks out is a familiar one that he knows all too well.]
Intermediate, you said - this should suffice. This classmate of yours shouldn't have much trouble with the selection here, should they wish to browse personally next time.
[It isn't sarcastic, but it's pretty obvious that he doesn't entirely buy that this is for a classmate. Still, the book he holds out for her is for intermediate study, so there's that...??]
[For a brief, beautiful moment, Sayaka can think that Hubert von Vestra has fallen for her baited trap. Thank the goddess for that much; she doesn't relax, not even slightly, but there's an undoubted bit of relief when he grabs that volume for her. It's the exact one she needs, too! Hopefully he doesn't notice how her eyes almost gleam, in both recognition and excitement--before she schools it back and takes the book from him.]
Ah, thank you! I'll be glad to direct him over here, next time. But I really don't mind it--I'm always glad to do something nice for my classmates. They're always so busy with everything else here, and it doesn't hurt to help a little bit.
[She does seem very earnest about it... but it's sort of hard to believe that she'd really go this far out of her way for someone she barely knows. Much less for books on dark magic, which most people prefer not to deal with at all... But he'll let it go for now, there's no sense in accusing her of something so small, after all.]
Until next time, then.
[He's just going to make sure to grab a book and pretend to be interested in that instead of loitering around. Surely this doesn't look suspicious in the slightest. He was definitely just here to check out books on dark magic.]
You know what, never mind. Politely curtsy, and with a bit of vigor that almost seems both like fleeing and entirely too much excitement (if Hubert's particularly eagle eyed (heh), he'll notice Sayaka opening the book right away as she leaves the door, clearly proving a lie), Sayaka takes her leave. Boy oh boy does she have a letter to write to her father, but that can wait. New magic and new learning await, and she fully intends to utilize it to good effect!
And to good effect it goes; the letter doesn't...go well, to say the least (it's useless, she should've expected, and her father just tells her to go on with life like normal), but it's. Well, not okay, to say the least, but it's just another thing on her plate! No pressure, right? Right.
...Wrong, but that's a problem for Sayaka of the future. At any rate, she's got more important things to worry about--and today, it seems to be pairing up for some magic exercises on the training grounds. Alright, makes some sense, and there's a mix of different classes, so at least it'll be a good opportunity to practice.
...It seems that way at first, and then Sayaka hears who she's being paired with and. Ah. Okay. She sees. This is just her life now, isn't it??
May as well not make a stink, at least...once they're all paired and instructed to practice, Sayaka will meet Hubert with a curtsy.]
Looks like we're partners. Are you ready to get started?
[It's been a few months, now, and Sayaka is getting used to contributing to the Black Eagles house more.
Sure, she's had to hear earful after earful from her father in letters--she has expectations to uphold, as always, but they have seemed to lessened as of late due to the noble boy she's courting.
It's nice, really; she still has her expediencies to hold up for the class (and some teeth grit teamwork with Hubert to uphold because the Professor is dead certain that they're a good team), but there's some solace in just this nice, nice boy who's interested in what she has to say, who's willing to court below his station, and just has this...calming appearance. It's nice, despite how he dodges some of her questions sometimes; she has plenty she dodges as well, so she doesn't mind giving him his space.
It's an evening like any other, and he's asked her to come with him tonight to speak. Sayaka can't help but be giddy, despite the nagging feeling she's being followed; she's too excited for whatever is to happen that she ignores it. He takes her to a nice, quiet place in nature, further away from the Monastery than she would typically allow anyone to, and it's there that the situation turns on it's head.
It starts with barking laughter from the noble boy, which confuses Sayaka, when she thanks him for taking her to such a beautiful spot. She's so confused; what's so funny? Apparently, it's her. Her, a lowborn brood mare who's so stupid it's a crime, and he thinks it's so hilarious that she's fallen for his act this much. That she really thought he'd give her the time of day, if he wasn't using her as a practical joke.
Sayaka can only feel her ears ring when she hears that. Her whole world is falling apart in front of her, and all that boy can do is laugh. Call her all sorts of things, right to her face, laugh at her for thinking she had a chance of making something better of this stupid father she doesn't even love, for people she doesn't even care for who she thought she had a chance to actually impress, and--
"Tell me, are you truly even a noble? You're so...unsightly, that I can't help but wonder if--"
Sayaka doesn't know what happened. Honest to the goddess, she doesn't, she always carries a knife for self defense if her magic doesn't work, and it's in seconds that she's on him, he's on the ground in agony and--]
Shut up. [She stabs him again, eyes wide and unseeing as he howls in pain.] Shut up, shut up, shut up already you wretched--
[She's not sure how many times she stabs him. Until she's had her fill, most likely, but she only realizes when she actually comes to that she's covered in his blood. She's pretty sure she's just gotten done gutting him like a fish, and she doesn't remember what she's said or what she's done and she's--she's--]
[There is a good amount of people Hubert has to keep an eye on for the sake of Lady Edelgard's plans. They are often the children of nobles of importance, but some belong to the Church or to various other organizations that could prove to be a headache if things don't go according to plan.
To put it bluntly, Sayaka is not one of the people he needs to concern himself with. While yes, she is a noble, she isn't from a family that would pose too great a threat to their plans even if things should go awry. Yet Hubert finds himself drawn to her anyway - out of curiosity rather than obligation. She's an interesting young woman and one he finds fascinating for her own merits rather than her family name.
Sometimes, he wonders if there's even more to her that even he hasn't figured out yet. It's fascinating; that's why he keeps following her when time allows.
Tonight is one of those nights. He's seen her go out on dates with this nobleman before - though he isn't one to follow without a purpose, so their exact relationship is unknown. It isn't as though he has that much time to spy on Sayaka.
Regardless, he follows at a safe distance; Hubert isn't planning on watching for too long since this likely is a private moment between lovers and he is not interested in that, but things take a turn for the bizarre very quickly.
Sayaka has dropped him to the ground with an ease that's quite impressive, and then the knife comes out. Hubert's aware of what's going to happen even before she starts stabbing, but he doesn't move from his spot hidden away.
Oh, he should intervene. Certainly, he's aware of that. But if he were to intervene, then that would cause... problems. For one, it would draw far too much attention to Sayaka and the Black Eagles - and possibly even Hubert himself. The alternative isn't a pretty picture either, but Hubert has made up his mind about how to handle this even before Sayaka's finished her tirade and gotten her fill of stabbing.
Making one noble "disappear" is far preferable than risking exposing Lady Edelgard's plans, after all. And besides, this is fascinating.
Sayaka won't be alone for long - she has enough time to start babbling before Hubert makes himself known, stepping forward and approaching with ease.]
What an odd mess you've found yourself in.
[The words are perhaps surprisingly relaxed considering the situation, and Hubert studies the boy's corpse with a hand to his chin.]
Would you care to tell me what happened?
[It's to gauge her mental state and see how she wants to handle it - Hubert's already decided what he's going to do, but Sayaka might need a moment to come to terms with what just happened.]
[And it's in an instant that any hope of making it through this unscathed disappears into smoke, and of all people, it had to be him that comes across this. If it were Bernadetta she could try and gaslight her into silence, and maybe Dorothea would offer to help bury the body, but...
Sayaka turns to Hubert with a wide eyed awareness and that knife still clutched in her hands, so hard that even through all the blood, one can know just how white they are from how hard they clutch it. Like a lifeline. Like the one reliable thing Sayaka has ever met, like--]
What are you doing here.
[There's an intensity in her voice that no one's ever managed to get out of her before. It clashes so hard with her image, with everything, and yet--]
He...he strung me along for weeks, acting so kind, and he...he's been playing me like...he started acting like...
[And in an instant, that intense fire dies, and fear enters Sayaka's tone anew.]
That likely shouldn't be his reaction to her words, her fire, but how could he resist? Sayaka's carefully-constructed image is crumbling to pieces and he gets to see who she really is. He wasn't expecting the sort of girl who would snap quite so hard when push comes to shove, but that's what makes this all the more interesting.]
You do realize it would be quite troublesome for Lady Edelgard were word of this to get out.
[He holds out his hands, a gesture of peace. He doesn't have any (obvious) weapons on him and he's not calling magic, don't worry.]
To put it more bluntly, it would be best for all of us to make this problem disappear. I'll help you with it.
[It's not exactly a direct answer, but he figures that's the most important thing to establish. He's not a threat, he's not going to try to expose any of this, and he's willing to help her clean all this up and pretend it never happened. An offer that she can't really afford to refuse in her current position, but one he's curious to see how she'll react to.]
[A part of her wants to ask if the disappearance of one measly noble will truly affect things in such a manner, but even Sayaka knows, from her limited experience with nobility, that of course it will. Because nobility is stupid, it's so incredibly complicated and she didn't want this and he was right but he didn't have to say it--
Sayaka's still shaking when Hubert holds out his hand, half expecting the so-called peaceful gesture to be a trap and for him to dispose of her. Just like her father told her, and she tenses.
Only for the next words to hit her ears, and like a fool, the knife drops from her hands. Mostly in shock, and that's--]
You... [Sayaka looks completely thrown. Every part of her is wary and she can't pick up that knife again because he'll probably see it as a threat and change his mind, and one can probably tell that her mind is racing.] Are you...serious, Lord Hubert?
[She doesn't understand. She doesn't understand at all, and she--]
...What is it that you want from me?
[In return, she means. She wants to move, to bolt from all of this, because she cannot possibly trust him, and she looks little more than like a feral animal right now.]
My father's estate? My life? I...I don't have anything I can...
If House Vestra wanted something from your father, then it wouldn't fall to me to deal with it.
[As little as he likes to acknowledge it, he isn't the head of House Vestra. Yet. Someday soon that will change, but for now he has no choice but to bide his time. Still, the words are honest; if there were to be dealings between their houses, it would be done through their fathers and not entrusted to Hubert and Sayaka.]
No, I have no need of anything in return - as I said, it would prove problematic for Lady Edelgard were word of this to get out.
[He pauses briefly, as if considering. Then...]
Though I would ask that you remain silent about this. It would cause problems were anyone else to be aware of it.
[And that's simply that as far as Hubert's concerned - he doesn't need to ask her to avoid killing anyone else, that would just be insulting. He doesn't move to begin taking care of the body just yet, waiting to see Sayaka's reaction first.]
[It can't possibly be that simple. There's something sharp in Sayaka's gaze while she considers that, and reads everything about Hubert that she can. Analyzing people is one of her few decent points, or at least she thought it had been up until this point. But...
Nothing about this is screaming a trick to her. And Sayaka does not like it.
Her gaze loses that sharpness as the gears turn in her head, and the smile on her face is...different. As if she's not entirely sure what to do with her face, or what he's saying, but...]
...Right, of course. [Despite the attempt at friendliness, it doesn't quite reach her usual--far too guarded.] I don't think you need to worry about that. I don't intend to bring this up any further to anyone.
[Even so, she looks to the body of the boy who courted her as a joke, and there's nothing but disdain in her expression.]
[It's hardly surprising that Sayaka doesn't trust him; she's likely heard all sorts of horrid things about him, and his own behavior here surely hasn't helped. But she does eventually reach a decision, and judging from the way Hubert's one visible eyebrow arches, it's not exactly what he was expecting.]
"We"?
[It's perhaps the most honest he's been with her this entire time - because he is honestly surprised she would even offer when he's said he will make this mess disappear.
Of course, it doesn't take long for Hubert to get his expression under control.]
You don't need to assist me with this, I can handle it on my own.
[It isn't dismissive, but it is final.
...At least until he pauses, raising a hand to his chin in consideration.]
Unless you don't mind dirtying your hands.
[...Thankfully he refrains from ending that with "further".]
[And that sharpness returns to her gaze at that, expression...well, a little closer to her usual. Sayaka chuckles a bit, perhaps surprisingly light natured for the situation at hand, though still a little shaky. She's trying so hard to get that facade back up, but it comes off more humorless than anything.]
Lord Hubert, you have seen me, haven't you? I'm dirty enough. A little more on top of that can't hurt, I suppose. I ought to at least try and return the favor you're offering.
[And she doesn't trust him to keep his word. Better to keep an eye on him like this and make sure it's actually taken care of right? Right. That's what she tells herself.
...She'd back off if he said he would take it back--she really does need to take a dip in the river before all of the blood sets in, but her anxiety persists. She can't take the easy road. If she lets herself get complacent for even a moment, it could backfire.]
Sayaka has been genuinely surprised by how little she's actually been hounded by anyone else about this; most of them seem to have just accepted that her former boyfriend disappeared, and life has settled into something of a new normal. Sure, her father isn't happy with her in the slightest, and the letters he's been sending as of late have become far more berating of her for wasting her time. It's stressful enough, really, and she tries not to let it show.
It helps that Lord Hubert isn't actually terrible company, really, when he's not busy doing something. He's often quite busy, but his council is surprisingly valuable, and she is starting to trust him. Just a bit; there's a certain distance she keeps for her own sake, but it's...nice. To have someone to try and trust and talk to.
Which is why Sayaka seeks Hubert out today in the library, grabbing one of the last few tomes that she hasn't poured over yet for dark magic, and coming up to him.]
Oh, Lord Hubert. Am I interrupting anything important?
[To be perfectly honest, it's a bit surprising how easily things have been going. Not that mess with the nobleman; he knew that would settle easily enough. It's Sayaka he's surprised by yet again - she actually seems to be slowly warming up to him, and possibly even willing to trust him. It's... well, it's sort of nice, while we're being honest.
But as always, Hubert's priority is Lady Edelgard and her plans, all of which have been proceeding properly, with little in the way of interruption. That doesn't mean he can slack off, of course, which is why he's in the library today going through some truly dense tomes about Imperial finances.
That's when Sayaka finds him, and Hubert supposes he could use a break.]
Nothing important, no. Good afternoon, what can I help you with?
[He's noticed the tome, of course, so probably something to do with her dark magic studies?]
[Ah, good! Sayaka gives a brief glance over to the books that Hubert seems to be looking at, but that stuff looks like it's way beyond her understanding. Maybe if she actually inherits her Father's territory she'll have to worry about it, but...]
I was actually wondering if I could get your help in studying this tome? This seems like one of the more advanced ones that the library has, so I'm a little nervous about trying it. As long as I'm not interrupting anything you're doing for Princess Edelgard?
[Better safe than sorry. She'd much rather have a steadier, more experienced hand with this than just asking their teacher. Goddess help their teachers really, they have no experience with this, so she's pretty much on her own...]
[Ah, interesting, Sayaka does seem to be quite devoted to her studies now, even if she may still harbor resentments about her affinity for dark magic.]
Of course, I have some free time now.
[Taking breaks is important so Lindhardt doesn't have to watch over him again...
Take a seat and let's get started! While Hubert's certainly not the best tutor, he is patient and thorough; his knowledge of dark magic is as vast as always. Truthfully, he's going to need to start studying further if Sayaka keeps up this pace... or maybe she'll have to go to Lysithea for lessons. For now at least, Hubert can continue to assist Sayaka in her studies.]
[Sayaka appreciates it, truly; the thoroughness means Sayaka can know all sorts of different ways to stop and start all of these spells, and she'll be able to hold her own soon enough. It really and genuinely is just...nice, the more Sayaka thinks about it.
She's letting someone see her with all of her supposed "worst" and she trusts him. A part of her hates herself for this; she knows this can be used against her. But at least with Hubert, she feels like she knows...somewhat, what to expect. Long as she doesn't cross Princess Edelgard in some manner (she admittedly barely interacts with the woman outside of combat, but Edelgard is always busy with something), then it seems fine. It's the most truthful, it feels, that a noble has ever been to her.
Sayaka studies and studies hard, and after a little while, she nods her head as she's seemingly committed the writing to memory.]
Thank you for your assistance, Lord Hubert. I think I've got the gist of it, but...I should probably get some practice in with it, just to make sure. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind accompanying me?
[Better to have supervision for this level of practice, and the library doesn't need to be a witness to the entirety of all of this. And maybe she can get what's been gnawing at her head out of her system, too...]
[Sayaka is an incredibly dedicated student. If Hubert were a proper teacher - or even just a better person - he'd probably be proud of her. After all, she's chosen to embrace the thing she was so hesitant in using at first and has come a long way in her studies.
But as always, this is a means to an end. Sayaka is slowly warming up to him and that can only be useful - at the very least because it makes it look as though Hubert is not always scheming.
When she pauses, he nods. The practical experience is just as important as the tomes themselves, and Hubert wouldn't have agreed to this if he didn't have the time for the next step.]
I wouldn't mind at all. It's far safer to have someone around should something go awry; although I seriously doubt it will be necessary.
Heehee. That confident in me? I really do appreciate it, Lord Hubert.
[It's a gentle statement, at least; Sayaka beams with a level of pride, and she'll lead the way to the training grounds. There's a little bit of hustle and bustle, and that sure is Felix off to the side over there. Sayaka can't help but chuckle a bit, but...
Well, needless to say, the dark magic comes easily to her. Death is certainly an interesting spell, and while it takes a bit for her to concentrate, the effect is certainly potent as she blasts at the training dummy. A little...inaccurate, at any rate, which gets Sayaka to pause a bit.]
Oh, gosh-- [At least she hit...most of the dummy...???] Is that one typically hard to aim...?
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Well, maybe she can find something for herself here, too. This academy has certainly proven to be a good place to foster one's talents, and as a girl who had to sink or swim to adapt to Fodlan's norms, she certainly wouldn't mind finding something she could call her own. Her own happiness, even in a life that's been forcibly thrust upon her.
It'd be nice, wouldn't it?
At any rate, though, Sayaka's definitely gotten used to the academy and keeps in regular contact with her father even now. It was one of the requirements to coming here; she has to keep him updated. She can't have too much air in that head of hers, and she knows that she has to appease her new father well. She's his chance to become something better than a meager family, being the only successor--and one without a crest, at that. But such things are easy enough to pass off with a passable offspring who has a lovely rarity of a crest of her own. To hopefully pay off an unspecified 'debt' or something at some point? Sayaka can't say she understands what in the blazes her father is talking about, but it's paramount to keep calm, smile, and be polite. You never know who you could piss off, after all, and she wants to (has to) make her father proud.
Sayaka has found plenty of candidates she's sure her father would be pleased with, even if she can tell that they aren't exactly good men in one manner or another. It won't do her to be picky about personality, but...well, whatever gets her father up the nobility ladder, right? That's what matters most.
At any rate, though, Sayaka has certainly gotten quite the leg up on magic, and it's due to that that she finds herself in the library today. Looking through the vast knowledge at the academy's disposal is an incredible way to pass the time, even if her own offensive brand of magic is...well, not exactly common. Or at the very least is a cautionary tale, but Sayaka doesn't mind; Dark Magic is an interesting case to her, and she wants to learn more about it.]
Let's see...the magic tomes should be somewhere right around...here?
[Sayaka turns a corner in the library to hopefully find something to sate her need to learn. Surely this won't go horribly pear-shaped, will it??]
no subject
Frankly, she seems to be exactly what she should be. The perfect daughter of nobility, striving to do well in both her studies and her relationships, while keeping an eye on possible suitors that would better her family's station. The Maizono family may not be one of the highest-ranking nobles, but Hubert knows better than to ignore them simply for their station. Best to keep an eye on Sayaka until he's ruled her out entirely as a threat.
He's kept a fairly close eye on her for a little while now, but today's one of those days where he's actually tailing Linhardt instead. If anyone in their class is clever enough to catch on to what Lady Edelgard is planning, it's him, and Hubert wants to make sure he won't actually pose a problem. That's why he's in the library today, hanging out in the quietest section - the books about dark magic. He hardly needs these tomes himself - House Vestra has an incredible amount of books on the subject and most of these are the same tomes he's been reading since he was a child.
Linhardt has decided to take a nap, so Hubert's debating on whether he should leave and come back in a few hours or if he should wait and see if Caspar shows up suddenly... when guess who should turn the corner but one Sayaka Maizono.]
...Good afternoon.
[...She's not actually looking for dark magic books, is she?? Admittedly he hasn't seen her fight, so it's certainly possible she has some training in the dark arts... That would truly be fascinating.]
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This, however? This is further proof. Sayaka tries really, really hard not to visibly startle at the sight of the one man her father has told her to avoid at all cost, but here he is. Flesh and blood. Just as terrifying of an image as her father presented.
Hubert von Vestra, heir to the Vestra family--one of the more subtle, yet terrifying families of the Empire. Someone her father has gone well out of his way to inform her about, and she never thought she'd meet him face to face. This was...a tactical miscalculation.
Alright, well, no need to stare and look dumbfounded for more than a moment--as if on a trained cue, Sayaka's expression fixes from the light shock to a kind smile, and she bows her head--not enough to expose the back of her neck, but enough to be polite.]
Ah, good afternoon...Lord Hubert, if I am not mistaken?
[A simple curtsy, as she lifts herself, smiling that ever trained smile. She still needs to grab her books, but...can she really afford to let him see something like this? It's information that could be used against her, and she was certain that Linhardt would be the only one here, and sleeping at that--]
It's a pleasure to meet you. [...He's right near the book she needs, how can she get him to move, this is bad, her eyes train right on an explicitly dark magic book before shooting back to him, smiling a touch sheepishly as she tries to make small talk--] This library is certainly vast, isn't it? There's so much here, I imagine you couldn't make it through it all in one lifetime.
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[Lord, ugh. It's a title he's had to get used to but it's one he's never liked; someday there won't be any reason for such things anymore, and he cannot wait for that day to come... but for now, he can simply claim it's because they're in the same class, and there's no need for such formalities.
Of course, he's noticed how easily she slips back into her practiced niceties - there's no doubt that she was trained for a situation exactly like this, because that's what's expected of her as a noble's daughter. He does notice her eyes dart toward the shelf, but he's not sure if that's an indication that she's looking for something in particular or if she's just intimidated because he certainly hasn't stopped staring her down.]
I've found the selection here to be quite impressive, although the Church has had a lot of time to devote to its collection.
[It's all said very neutrally - he has to be careful not to let too much of his disdain for the Church through.]
Are you looking for something in particular?
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But...there's something she wants for herself, too. Maybe she can make it through this without too much of a mark on her reputation.]
I'll keep that in mind. [read: no she the fuck won't because that's so? improper??? that's a death sentence right there] But yes! It really is; there's plenty of good things to study, and not even just for class...
[Ah...the question gives Sayaka a pause, but she does nod her head after a moment. She's not familiar with Hubert's own fighting style, admittedly, so it could be a wash, but...]
Yes, actually...or, well, maybe! I was actually looking for something for one of my classmates. [the perfect excuse. no way this will possibly go wrong.] He was looking for an intermediate level book on dark magic...I do hate to be a burden, but would you happen to know where I could find one? To bring to him.
[Flawless execution. Hopefully. Being under a microscope like this is not fun and she's really hoping she doesn't sound as nervous as she feels, even though she's doing her best to keep herself level.
Keep calm, smile, be polite.]
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Intermediate, you said - this should suffice. This classmate of yours shouldn't have much trouble with the selection here, should they wish to browse personally next time.
[It isn't sarcastic, but it's pretty obvious that he doesn't entirely buy that this is for a classmate. Still, the book he holds out for her is for intermediate study, so there's that...??]
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Ah, thank you! I'll be glad to direct him over here, next time. But I really don't mind it--I'm always glad to do something nice for my classmates. They're always so busy with everything else here, and it doesn't hurt to help a little bit.
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[She does seem very earnest about it... but it's sort of hard to believe that she'd really go this far out of her way for someone she barely knows. Much less for books on dark magic, which most people prefer not to deal with at all... But he'll let it go for now, there's no sense in accusing her of something so small, after all.]
Until next time, then.
[He's just going to make sure to grab a book and pretend to be interested in that instead of loitering around. Surely this doesn't look suspicious in the slightest. He was definitely just here to check out books on dark magic.]
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[sayaka he literally said--
You know what, never mind. Politely curtsy, and with a bit of vigor that almost seems both like fleeing and entirely too much excitement (if Hubert's particularly eagle eyed (heh), he'll notice Sayaka opening the book right away as she leaves the door, clearly proving a lie), Sayaka takes her leave. Boy oh boy does she have a letter to write to her father, but that can wait. New magic and new learning await, and she fully intends to utilize it to good effect!
And to good effect it goes; the letter doesn't...go well, to say the least (it's useless, she should've expected, and her father just tells her to go on with life like normal), but it's. Well, not okay, to say the least, but it's just another thing on her plate! No pressure, right? Right.
...Wrong, but that's a problem for Sayaka of the future. At any rate, she's got more important things to worry about--and today, it seems to be pairing up for some magic exercises on the training grounds. Alright, makes some sense, and there's a mix of different classes, so at least it'll be a good opportunity to practice.
...It seems that way at first, and then Sayaka hears who she's being paired with and. Ah. Okay. She sees. This is just her life now, isn't it??
May as well not make a stink, at least...once they're all paired and instructed to practice, Sayaka will meet Hubert with a curtsy.]
Looks like we're partners. Are you ready to get started?
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Sure, she's had to hear earful after earful from her father in letters--she has expectations to uphold, as always, but they have seemed to lessened as of late due to the noble boy she's courting.
It's nice, really; she still has her expediencies to hold up for the class (and some teeth grit teamwork with Hubert to uphold because the Professor is dead certain that they're a good team), but there's some solace in just this nice, nice boy who's interested in what she has to say, who's willing to court below his station, and just has this...calming appearance. It's nice, despite how he dodges some of her questions sometimes; she has plenty she dodges as well, so she doesn't mind giving him his space.
It's an evening like any other, and he's asked her to come with him tonight to speak. Sayaka can't help but be giddy, despite the nagging feeling she's being followed; she's too excited for whatever is to happen that she ignores it. He takes her to a nice, quiet place in nature, further away from the Monastery than she would typically allow anyone to, and it's there that the situation turns on it's head.
It starts with barking laughter from the noble boy, which confuses Sayaka, when she thanks him for taking her to such a beautiful spot. She's so confused; what's so funny? Apparently, it's her. Her, a lowborn brood mare who's so stupid it's a crime, and he thinks it's so hilarious that she's fallen for his act this much. That she really thought he'd give her the time of day, if he wasn't using her as a practical joke.
Sayaka can only feel her ears ring when she hears that. Her whole world is falling apart in front of her, and all that boy can do is laugh. Call her all sorts of things, right to her face, laugh at her for thinking she had a chance of making something better of this stupid father she doesn't even love, for people she doesn't even care for who she thought she had a chance to actually impress, and--
"Tell me, are you truly even a noble? You're so...unsightly, that I can't help but wonder if--"
Sayaka doesn't know what happened. Honest to the goddess, she doesn't, she always carries a knife for self defense if her magic doesn't work, and it's in seconds that she's on him, he's on the ground in agony and--]
Shut up. [She stabs him again, eyes wide and unseeing as he howls in pain.] Shut up, shut up, shut up already you wretched--
[She's not sure how many times she stabs him. Until she's had her fill, most likely, but she only realizes when she actually comes to that she's covered in his blood. She's pretty sure she's just gotten done gutting him like a fish, and she doesn't remember what she's said or what she's done and she's--she's--]
N...No, no, no, no no nonono--
[Surely this can't get any worse, can it?]
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To put it bluntly, Sayaka is not one of the people he needs to concern himself with. While yes, she is a noble, she isn't from a family that would pose too great a threat to their plans even if things should go awry. Yet Hubert finds himself drawn to her anyway - out of curiosity rather than obligation. She's an interesting young woman and one he finds fascinating for her own merits rather than her family name.
Sometimes, he wonders if there's even more to her that even he hasn't figured out yet. It's fascinating; that's why he keeps following her when time allows.
Tonight is one of those nights. He's seen her go out on dates with this nobleman before - though he isn't one to follow without a purpose, so their exact relationship is unknown. It isn't as though he has that much time to spy on Sayaka.
Regardless, he follows at a safe distance; Hubert isn't planning on watching for too long since this likely is a private moment between lovers and he is not interested in that, but things take a turn for the bizarre very quickly.
Sayaka has dropped him to the ground with an ease that's quite impressive, and then the knife comes out. Hubert's aware of what's going to happen even before she starts stabbing, but he doesn't move from his spot hidden away.
Oh, he should intervene. Certainly, he's aware of that. But if he were to intervene, then that would cause... problems. For one, it would draw far too much attention to Sayaka and the Black Eagles - and possibly even Hubert himself. The alternative isn't a pretty picture either, but Hubert has made up his mind about how to handle this even before Sayaka's finished her tirade and gotten her fill of stabbing.
Making one noble "disappear" is far preferable than risking exposing Lady Edelgard's plans, after all. And besides, this is fascinating.
Sayaka won't be alone for long - she has enough time to start babbling before Hubert makes himself known, stepping forward and approaching with ease.]
What an odd mess you've found yourself in.
[The words are perhaps surprisingly relaxed considering the situation, and Hubert studies the boy's corpse with a hand to his chin.]
Would you care to tell me what happened?
[It's to gauge her mental state and see how she wants to handle it - Hubert's already decided what he's going to do, but Sayaka might need a moment to come to terms with what just happened.]
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Sayaka turns to Hubert with a wide eyed awareness and that knife still clutched in her hands, so hard that even through all the blood, one can know just how white they are from how hard they clutch it. Like a lifeline. Like the one reliable thing Sayaka has ever met, like--]
What are you doing here.
[There's an intensity in her voice that no one's ever managed to get out of her before. It clashes so hard with her image, with everything, and yet--]
He...he strung me along for weeks, acting so kind, and he...he's been playing me like...he started acting like...
[And in an instant, that intense fire dies, and fear enters Sayaka's tone anew.]
...What does it matter to you?
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That likely shouldn't be his reaction to her words, her fire, but how could he resist? Sayaka's carefully-constructed image is crumbling to pieces and he gets to see who she really is. He wasn't expecting the sort of girl who would snap quite so hard when push comes to shove, but that's what makes this all the more interesting.]
You do realize it would be quite troublesome for Lady Edelgard were word of this to get out.
[He holds out his hands, a gesture of peace. He doesn't have any (obvious) weapons on him and he's not calling magic, don't worry.]
To put it more bluntly, it would be best for all of us to make this problem disappear. I'll help you with it.
[It's not exactly a direct answer, but he figures that's the most important thing to establish. He's not a threat, he's not going to try to expose any of this, and he's willing to help her clean all this up and pretend it never happened. An offer that she can't really afford to refuse in her current position, but one he's curious to see how she'll react to.]
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Sayaka's still shaking when Hubert holds out his hand, half expecting the so-called peaceful gesture to be a trap and for him to dispose of her. Just like her father told her, and she tenses.
Only for the next words to hit her ears, and like a fool, the knife drops from her hands. Mostly in shock, and that's--]
You... [Sayaka looks completely thrown. Every part of her is wary and she can't pick up that knife again because he'll probably see it as a threat and change his mind, and one can probably tell that her mind is racing.] Are you...serious, Lord Hubert?
[She doesn't understand. She doesn't understand at all, and she--]
...What is it that you want from me?
[In return, she means. She wants to move, to bolt from all of this, because she cannot possibly trust him, and she looks little more than like a feral animal right now.]
My father's estate? My life? I...I don't have anything I can...
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[As little as he likes to acknowledge it, he isn't the head of House Vestra. Yet. Someday soon that will change, but for now he has no choice but to bide his time. Still, the words are honest; if there were to be dealings between their houses, it would be done through their fathers and not entrusted to Hubert and Sayaka.]
No, I have no need of anything in return - as I said, it would prove problematic for Lady Edelgard were word of this to get out.
[He pauses briefly, as if considering. Then...]
Though I would ask that you remain silent about this. It would cause problems were anyone else to be aware of it.
[And that's simply that as far as Hubert's concerned - he doesn't need to ask her to avoid killing anyone else, that would just be insulting. He doesn't move to begin taking care of the body just yet, waiting to see Sayaka's reaction first.]
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Nothing about this is screaming a trick to her. And Sayaka does not like it.
Her gaze loses that sharpness as the gears turn in her head, and the smile on her face is...different. As if she's not entirely sure what to do with her face, or what he's saying, but...]
...Right, of course. [Despite the attempt at friendliness, it doesn't quite reach her usual--far too guarded.] I don't think you need to worry about that. I don't intend to bring this up any further to anyone.
[Even so, she looks to the body of the boy who courted her as a joke, and there's nothing but disdain in her expression.]
...What do we need to do about him?
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"We"?
[It's perhaps the most honest he's been with her this entire time - because he is honestly surprised she would even offer when he's said he will make this mess disappear.
Of course, it doesn't take long for Hubert to get his expression under control.]
You don't need to assist me with this, I can handle it on my own.
[It isn't dismissive, but it is final.
...At least until he pauses, raising a hand to his chin in consideration.]
Unless you don't mind dirtying your hands.
[...Thankfully he refrains from ending that with "further".]
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Lord Hubert, you have seen me, haven't you? I'm dirty enough. A little more on top of that can't hurt, I suppose. I ought to at least try and return the favor you're offering.
[And she doesn't trust him to keep his word. Better to keep an eye on him like this and make sure it's actually taken care of right? Right. That's what she tells herself.
...She'd back off if he said he would take it back--she really does need to take a dip in the river before all of the blood sets in, but her anxiety persists. She can't take the easy road. If she lets herself get complacent for even a moment, it could backfire.]
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Sayaka has been genuinely surprised by how little she's actually been hounded by anyone else about this; most of them seem to have just accepted that her former boyfriend disappeared, and life has settled into something of a new normal. Sure, her father isn't happy with her in the slightest, and the letters he's been sending as of late have become far more berating of her for wasting her time. It's stressful enough, really, and she tries not to let it show.
It helps that Lord Hubert isn't actually terrible company, really, when he's not busy doing something. He's often quite busy, but his council is surprisingly valuable, and she is starting to trust him. Just a bit; there's a certain distance she keeps for her own sake, but it's...nice. To have someone to try and trust and talk to.
Which is why Sayaka seeks Hubert out today in the library, grabbing one of the last few tomes that she hasn't poured over yet for dark magic, and coming up to him.]
Oh, Lord Hubert. Am I interrupting anything important?
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But as always, Hubert's priority is Lady Edelgard and her plans, all of which have been proceeding properly, with little in the way of interruption. That doesn't mean he can slack off, of course, which is why he's in the library today going through some truly dense tomes about Imperial finances.
That's when Sayaka finds him, and Hubert supposes he could use a break.]
Nothing important, no. Good afternoon, what can I help you with?
[He's noticed the tome, of course, so probably something to do with her dark magic studies?]
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I was actually wondering if I could get your help in studying this tome? This seems like one of the more advanced ones that the library has, so I'm a little nervous about trying it. As long as I'm not interrupting anything you're doing for Princess Edelgard?
[Better safe than sorry. She'd much rather have a steadier, more experienced hand with this than just asking their teacher. Goddess help their teachers really, they have no experience with this, so she's pretty much on her own...]
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Of course, I have some free time now.
[Taking breaks is important so Lindhardt doesn't have to watch over him again...
Take a seat and let's get started! While Hubert's certainly not the best tutor, he is patient and thorough; his knowledge of dark magic is as vast as always. Truthfully, he's going to need to start studying further if Sayaka keeps up this pace... or maybe she'll have to go to Lysithea for lessons. For now at least, Hubert can continue to assist Sayaka in her studies.]
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She's letting someone see her with all of her supposed "worst" and she trusts him. A part of her hates herself for this; she knows this can be used against her. But at least with Hubert, she feels like she knows...somewhat, what to expect. Long as she doesn't cross Princess Edelgard in some manner (she admittedly barely interacts with the woman outside of combat, but Edelgard is always busy with something), then it seems fine. It's the most truthful, it feels, that a noble has ever been to her.
Sayaka studies and studies hard, and after a little while, she nods her head as she's seemingly committed the writing to memory.]
Thank you for your assistance, Lord Hubert. I think I've got the gist of it, but...I should probably get some practice in with it, just to make sure. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind accompanying me?
[Better to have supervision for this level of practice, and the library doesn't need to be a witness to the entirety of all of this. And maybe she can get what's been gnawing at her head out of her system, too...]
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But as always, this is a means to an end. Sayaka is slowly warming up to him and that can only be useful - at the very least because it makes it look as though Hubert is not always scheming.
When she pauses, he nods. The practical experience is just as important as the tomes themselves, and Hubert wouldn't have agreed to this if he didn't have the time for the next step.]
I wouldn't mind at all. It's far safer to have someone around should something go awry; although I seriously doubt it will be necessary.
[C'mon, off we go!]
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[It's a gentle statement, at least; Sayaka beams with a level of pride, and she'll lead the way to the training grounds. There's a little bit of hustle and bustle, and that sure is Felix off to the side over there. Sayaka can't help but chuckle a bit, but...
Well, needless to say, the dark magic comes easily to her. Death is certainly an interesting spell, and while it takes a bit for her to concentrate, the effect is certainly potent as she blasts at the training dummy. A little...inaccurate, at any rate, which gets Sayaka to pause a bit.]
Oh, gosh-- [At least she hit...most of the dummy...???] Is that one typically hard to aim...?