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My priority will always be Lady Edelgard.
[That much likely isn't a surprise at all; everyone knows House Vestra serves the throne, and Sayaka's spoken with Hubert for more than five minutes, so she must know it's true.]
Of course, I've no doubts that we'll have plenty of opportunity to learn more from the Professor.
[Which means "we're going to be paired up frequently since we're the only two dark magic users in this house".]
But yes; take a break. There's no need to push yourself too hard.
[That much likely isn't a surprise at all; everyone knows House Vestra serves the throne, and Sayaka's spoken with Hubert for more than five minutes, so she must know it's true.]
Of course, I've no doubts that we'll have plenty of opportunity to learn more from the Professor.
[Which means "we're going to be paired up frequently since we're the only two dark magic users in this house".]
But yes; take a break. There's no need to push yourself too hard.
[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--]
N...No, no, no, no no nonono--
[Surely this can't get any worse, can it?]
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?]
[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.]
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.]
...What does it matter to you?
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?
[Fascinating.
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.]
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...
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...
Edited 2023-03-14 22:16 (UTC)
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.]
[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.]
...What do we need to do about him?
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?
[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".]
"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.]
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.]
[Well, that certainly seems more like the Sayaka he's come to expect, so it would seem she's calming down. Either that, or that act of hers truly is quite impressive.
Regardless, it isn't the answer he wanted to hear. It certainly is nice to have someone wanting to shoulder their own burdens - and not what he was expecting from her - but this puts Hubert in a rather difficult position.
After all, he usually makes his way through Abyss to dispose of bodies. It's far easier to keep the people down there quiet should they spot something incriminating. But with Sayaka in tow...
Well, Hubert doesn't have time to stand here and deliberate. There's nothing for it; Sayaka will have to learn about the existence of Abyss. Perhaps it's a show of trust... though mostly it's simply out of necessity.]
Very well. You may accompany me, however... when I give you orders, you follow them. Understood?
[It's back to business as usual with him right away; Hubert's already moving to pick up the corpse. Good thing this boy wasn't built like Raphael or he'd really be in trouble.]
Regardless, it isn't the answer he wanted to hear. It certainly is nice to have someone wanting to shoulder their own burdens - and not what he was expecting from her - but this puts Hubert in a rather difficult position.
After all, he usually makes his way through Abyss to dispose of bodies. It's far easier to keep the people down there quiet should they spot something incriminating. But with Sayaka in tow...
Well, Hubert doesn't have time to stand here and deliberate. There's nothing for it; Sayaka will have to learn about the existence of Abyss. Perhaps it's a show of trust... though mostly it's simply out of necessity.]
Very well. You may accompany me, however... when I give you orders, you follow them. Understood?
[It's back to business as usual with him right away; Hubert's already moving to pick up the corpse. Good thing this boy wasn't built like Raphael or he'd really be in trouble.]
[Sayaka isn't stupid to think that this could go well; a part of her is still genuinely prepared, if necessary, to strike back and protect herself if necessary, setting up a story in her mind of having to protect her lover and gaining all the sympathy in the world.
And yet, Sayaka finds herself nodding, moving to pick up her weapon quickly and put it back in one of her sleeves. The cold steel is familiar, and thankfully the blood is dried; Sayaka's pretty sure it's not lady-like to keep weapons on her like this, but a girl has to defend herself, right?]
Of course, Lord Hubert. I will follow them to the utmost.
[If Hubert doesn't already have the corpse taken care of, she'll move to pick up one end of it to assist. Surely they're just going to find a place to bury the body, right?
...Right?
Sayaka is blatantly unaware of what's gonna happen next.]
And yet, Sayaka finds herself nodding, moving to pick up her weapon quickly and put it back in one of her sleeves. The cold steel is familiar, and thankfully the blood is dried; Sayaka's pretty sure it's not lady-like to keep weapons on her like this, but a girl has to defend herself, right?]
Of course, Lord Hubert. I will follow them to the utmost.
[If Hubert doesn't already have the corpse taken care of, she'll move to pick up one end of it to assist. Surely they're just going to find a place to bury the body, right?
...Right?
Sayaka is blatantly unaware of what's gonna happen next.]
[If Sayaka wants to help with the corpse, Hubert certainly won't complain. He hadn't expected this either, but it would seem Sayaka is determined to do her part.
It would make sense for them to leave the monastery grounds to bury a corpse, but instead Hubert guides her to a little-known passage leading underground.]
Keep quiet and try not to stare. Don't speak to anyone and stay close.
[That's all the warning he gives before they enter Abyss. At this time of night things are mercifully quiet, but it's likely not what Sayaka was expecting at all.]
It would make sense for them to leave the monastery grounds to bury a corpse, but instead Hubert guides her to a little-known passage leading underground.]
Keep quiet and try not to stare. Don't speak to anyone and stay close.
[That's all the warning he gives before they enter Abyss. At this time of night things are mercifully quiet, but it's likely not what Sayaka was expecting at all.]
[...They're walking back towards the Monastery.
For a moment, Sayaka wonders if Hubert intends to keep his word at all, and she follows with a wary quietness as she follows him. It becomes clear in time that this is certainly rather far out of the way, though, and Sayaka's confusion grows. What is this place they're walking towards? Sayaka can't even fathom what she's looking at, and...]
What is... [this place, but Hubert's orders come through first and she quiets herself. Alright. Just act invisible, get in and get out in short order, and don't make a scene. Keep calm, head down, be invisible. Seems like an easy enough task.] ...Very well, Lord Hubert. Lead the way.
[True to her word, she will keep quiet as they walk, attempting to keep her gaze as low to the ground as possible. Of course, she still watches where she's going; her ears pick up on anyone around, and she's more tense than she's ever been in her life right now.
But it's fine. It's fine. It's fine it's fine it's fine it's fine it's fine. She's just teeming out of her own skin.]
For a moment, Sayaka wonders if Hubert intends to keep his word at all, and she follows with a wary quietness as she follows him. It becomes clear in time that this is certainly rather far out of the way, though, and Sayaka's confusion grows. What is this place they're walking towards? Sayaka can't even fathom what she's looking at, and...]
What is... [this place, but Hubert's orders come through first and she quiets herself. Alright. Just act invisible, get in and get out in short order, and don't make a scene. Keep calm, head down, be invisible. Seems like an easy enough task.] ...Very well, Lord Hubert. Lead the way.
[True to her word, she will keep quiet as they walk, attempting to keep her gaze as low to the ground as possible. Of course, she still watches where she's going; her ears pick up on anyone around, and she's more tense than she's ever been in her life right now.
But it's fine. It's fine. It's fine it's fine it's fine it's fine it's fine. She's just teeming out of her own skin.]
[Good. The important thing is that she's listening, even though he's certain she's confused and possibly frightened.
Thankfully, they don't have to go far. There's a dark alleyway up ahead that is almost eerily silent and empty... except for a woman wearing robes with her face covered.
Hubert exchanges a few quick words with her - it's obvious they know each other and have had some dealings before, even if this seems to be a bit odd for her - and then she moves to take the corpse. Hubert gestures for Sayaka to let her.]
Thankfully, they don't have to go far. There's a dark alleyway up ahead that is almost eerily silent and empty... except for a woman wearing robes with her face covered.
Hubert exchanges a few quick words with her - it's obvious they know each other and have had some dealings before, even if this seems to be a bit odd for her - and then she moves to take the corpse. Hubert gestures for Sayaka to let her.]
[...
The more she looks at this, the more questions she has. Does he just. Is this how the Vestras operate? Should she say anything? Her orders are to say nothing but there's a woman with a mask and--
Without thinking, Sayaka lets her take the corpse easily, and she keeps her look averted away from the woman. Her face has gone white as a sheet and she wouldn't be surprised if the woman starts fucking laughing or something, but Sayaka cooperates because? What else is there to do??? She has so many questions and so little time at this point.
She is looking directly at Hubert, though. No rule against looking at him, with quite possibly the most demanding of answers look she can give. Do they...need to do anything else...]
The more she looks at this, the more questions she has. Does he just. Is this how the Vestras operate? Should she say anything? Her orders are to say nothing but there's a woman with a mask and--
Without thinking, Sayaka lets her take the corpse easily, and she keeps her look averted away from the woman. Her face has gone white as a sheet and she wouldn't be surprised if the woman starts fucking laughing or something, but Sayaka cooperates because? What else is there to do??? She has so many questions and so little time at this point.
She is looking directly at Hubert, though. No rule against looking at him, with quite possibly the most demanding of answers look she can give. Do they...need to do anything else...]
[He is going to have so many questions to answer once they're back above ground. Oh well, he knew that was coming.
Anyway, Hubert thanks the woman and gestures for Sayaka to follow him. The trip back to the monastery is uneventful and they return without any wandering eyes to worry about. As they make their way back toward the dormitories, Hubert heads off the first of Sayaka's questions.]
That place is called Abyss. You shouldn't speak of it to anyone as it is not very well-known.
[He pauses, folding his arms and glancing at her.]
Go ahead. I'm sure you have plenty of other questions for me.
Anyway, Hubert thanks the woman and gestures for Sayaka to follow him. The trip back to the monastery is uneventful and they return without any wandering eyes to worry about. As they make their way back toward the dormitories, Hubert heads off the first of Sayaka's questions.]
That place is called Abyss. You shouldn't speak of it to anyone as it is not very well-known.
[He pauses, folding his arms and glancing at her.]
Go ahead. I'm sure you have plenty of other questions for me.
[A part of her wants to at least change before asking a barrage of questions--she's still covered in blood unless someone did something about that without her knowledge too. But really, it's taking all of Sayaka's willpower to not go into a panic attack at all of this. This is so much to process, so much to not know, but--]
I--I see. I don't have any intention of it.
[Let's just. Get that out of the way, alright. Sayaka's shaking, her own arms crossed mostly as a means to will down her shaking, but this is--all of this is--]
Who was she? What does she even do? [Breathe, girl, breathe.] How--how do you even know about this place? Does the monastery even know? Why did you just--I--
[...Give her a bit, there's some questions to start but she is so damn lost.]
I--I see. I don't have any intention of it.
[Let's just. Get that out of the way, alright. Sayaka's shaking, her own arms crossed mostly as a means to will down her shaking, but this is--all of this is--]
Who was she? What does she even do? [Breathe, girl, breathe.] How--how do you even know about this place? Does the monastery even know? Why did you just--I--
[...Give her a bit, there's some questions to start but she is so damn lost.]
[rip sayaka stuck in bloody clothes because hubert is a disaster.
Anyway, Hubert nods at her initial response before getting to the questions.]
Abyss is known to the Church, though I'm not certain as to the specifics behind its creation or purpose.
I happened to stumble on it while exploring the monastery, and sent one of House Vestra's own down there to learn more. She is trained to handle anything, and she has no qualms about cleaning up.
[Not that there's been a ton of strange disappearances like this nobleman, but sometimes these things happen.]
Any further questions?
Anyway, Hubert nods at her initial response before getting to the questions.]
Abyss is known to the Church, though I'm not certain as to the specifics behind its creation or purpose.
I happened to stumble on it while exploring the monastery, and sent one of House Vestra's own down there to learn more. She is trained to handle anything, and she has no qualms about cleaning up.
[Not that there's been a ton of strange disappearances like this nobleman, but sometimes these things happen.]
Any further questions?
[She hates how certain he sounds. She hates how this just seems so...simple to him, like he didn't just cover up her murder and like no one's going to question what happened to her boyfriend. Ex-boyfriend, now, but--]
...Does she just...live down there, or something? I--I don't--
[Sayaka can't will her shaking to stop. She has to live with this, with all of this knowledge, with everything that's happened today--]
Why did you do any of this? Why do you do any of this?
...Does she just...live down there, or something? I--I don't--
[Sayaka can't will her shaking to stop. She has to live with this, with all of this knowledge, with everything that's happened today--]
Why did you do any of this? Why do you do any of this?
Everything I do is for Lady Edelgard.
[That much has always been obvious, but perhaps Sayaka will finally understand just what Hubert means by it. This won't be the last time he covers up a murder, though hopefully Sayaka won't kill anyone else.]
I told you that this would cause problems for Lady Edelgard if it was not handled properly. I won't allow that to happen. As long as you're a member of the Black Eagles, I will do what I can for you as well.
[Because it directly effects Lady Edelgard, of course.]
[That much has always been obvious, but perhaps Sayaka will finally understand just what Hubert means by it. This won't be the last time he covers up a murder, though hopefully Sayaka won't kill anyone else.]
I told you that this would cause problems for Lady Edelgard if it was not handled properly. I won't allow that to happen. As long as you're a member of the Black Eagles, I will do what I can for you as well.
[Because it directly effects Lady Edelgard, of course.]
[As long as you're a member of the Black Eagles, I will do what I can for you as well.
Oh, that gets Sayaka to tense up. No, no, no, she may not know all of the games that nobles play but this one sounds like some absolute horse dung. How could she possibly believe something like that?]
And it wouldn't benefit her more if you just got rid of me right now?
[There's that intensity again, and no attempt at being a proper young lady in the slightest.]
I don't understand you. I don't understand any of you. Any of this--anything. I'm not...
[It's an admission that stops short. Stops short of revealing something that could ruin her, this 'family', and everything that she doesn't want to admit.]
...I don't expect you to forgive me, but I simply find it very unbelievable, Lord Hubert. Any of it, really. I just want it to make sense.
Oh, that gets Sayaka to tense up. No, no, no, she may not know all of the games that nobles play but this one sounds like some absolute horse dung. How could she possibly believe something like that?]
And it wouldn't benefit her more if you just got rid of me right now?
[There's that intensity again, and no attempt at being a proper young lady in the slightest.]
I don't understand you. I don't understand any of you. Any of this--anything. I'm not...
[It's an admission that stops short. Stops short of revealing something that could ruin her, this 'family', and everything that she doesn't want to admit.]
...I don't expect you to forgive me, but I simply find it very unbelievable, Lord Hubert. Any of it, really. I just want it to make sense.
[Hubert remains still, arms folded as Sayaka works that out of her system. Sure, Hubert could try to explain why politically, she's better to Lady Edelgard alive, but that doesn't seem to be what Sayaka wants to hear.]
Perhaps this will make more sense, then: I find you interesting. You aren't what you appear and I find that refreshing. I've had far too many dealings with detestable nobles, so I find this side of you to be far preferable.
[His distaste for those nobles should be obvious in his words. While this isn't exactly what he planned to say to Sayaka, that doesn't mean it's a lie.]
Perhaps this will make more sense, then: I find you interesting. You aren't what you appear and I find that refreshing. I've had far too many dealings with detestable nobles, so I find this side of you to be far preferable.
[His distaste for those nobles should be obvious in his words. While this isn't exactly what he planned to say to Sayaka, that doesn't mean it's a lie.]
[There's a pause, as Sayaka processes that. A little less disbelieving but more...confused, than anything. It's less confusing than the answers he'd given prior, that feel like things she doesn't understand.
Even so, she doesn't lose that wariness. But a brow quirks, and she seems less tense when she speaks up next.]
...You find this side preferable. [okay, no, she. she still sounds a little incredulous. but it at least gets a laugh out of her?] Well, I appreciate the honesty, Lord Hubert. I can't say I like having to pretend to be perfect all the time, but when you're in a position like mine, you have to play to those detestable nobles, you know? Awful as they are, they are the ones who control this world.
[...]
Thanks. For helping me, and...being honest.
[It's a bit of a stilted thanks--really, she wants to continue this conversation because he's raised more than a few points she could pick his brain on, but she is so grimy right now. Last thing they need is company seeing this??]
Even so, she doesn't lose that wariness. But a brow quirks, and she seems less tense when she speaks up next.]
...You find this side preferable. [okay, no, she. she still sounds a little incredulous. but it at least gets a laugh out of her?] Well, I appreciate the honesty, Lord Hubert. I can't say I like having to pretend to be perfect all the time, but when you're in a position like mine, you have to play to those detestable nobles, you know? Awful as they are, they are the ones who control this world.
[...]
Thanks. For helping me, and...being honest.
[It's a bit of a stilted thanks--really, she wants to continue this conversation because he's raised more than a few points she could pick his brain on, but she is so grimy right now. Last thing they need is company seeing this??]
Yes, I understand.
[All too well, unfortunately. He can't tell her that someday things will change, that someday Lady Edelgard will ensure that no one will need to bow to those horrible nobles again.
But for one brief moment, he dearly wishes he could.]
You don't need to thank me, but you're welcome.
[...Oh, right, she probably should go change...]
Should you have any other questions, I'll be willing to answer them later. For the time being, it would be best for you to attempt to rest. Tomorrow it will be as though none of this happened.
[All too well, unfortunately. He can't tell her that someday things will change, that someday Lady Edelgard will ensure that no one will need to bow to those horrible nobles again.
But for one brief moment, he dearly wishes he could.]
You don't need to thank me, but you're welcome.
[...Oh, right, she probably should go change...]
Should you have any other questions, I'll be willing to answer them later. For the time being, it would be best for you to attempt to rest. Tomorrow it will be as though none of this happened.
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