King Xander of Nohr (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
advancements) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
advancements) wrote in sranks2019-09-23 03:02 am
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...Well, that and his father suggested it, and given how highly he still speaks of the academy, it sounds like it's a good idea. Lorenz had jumped at the chance to attend, and every day since he arrived he's reminded of why it was such a good idea.
He isn't the only influential member of the Golden Deer class, after all. While there are some commoners, there are some powerful potential allies (and enemies) here as well. The future king of Faerghus and the future empress of the Adrestian Empire are both here as well, and this looks to be one of the most influential classes Garreg Mach has seen in years, perhaps even in its whole history.
That isn't to say that Lorenz believes he ranks among the prince and princess, but he certainly does hold some sway in Alliance politics.
Anyway, Lorenz didn't come to the monastery alone. While the prince and princess (and Claude) brought their retainers, Lorenz brought his along with him as well. Things are a bit... awkward with Camilla, though.
To start with, she's related to him. Anyone can tell just from looking at them - purple hair stands out, after all. They don't look very much alike outside of their hair color, which is perhaps a blessing. Most people don't know that they are related. It's a closely-guarded secret of House Gloucester. As far as everyone else is concerned, Camilla is his servant.
Still... it feels strange to treat her that way. She isn't his sister despite their shared blood (his father has made that clear on numerous occasions), but Lorenz doesn't like the idea of treating her so lowly when she clearly holds the same bloodline. She even has the same minor Crest of Gloucester! It would be terribly rude to treat her as common-born.
So in the end he tends to treat her a bit differently when they're alone; it's awkward and certainly not the easiest relationship, but he doesn't mind her company any. Even if she isn't family, Camilla is at least an excellent retainer.
Classes haven't officially started yet, so as usual, they're free to roam the monastery grounds and get used to the place that will be their home for quite some time. Lorenz has (of course) commandeered Camilla's time for tea this morning, and he watches several students come and go as they sit at one of the nice little tables left in the garden.]
I had hoped they would provide us with a schedule for the start of classes by now. It seems as though we may have a few more days to ourselves before that happens.
[He takes a dainty sip of tea, nodding his approval.]
Excellent as always, Camilla.
[Hopefully he has enough of House Gloucester's tea to last him for awhile until he can get more shipped in...]
I trust you aren't too bored just yet?
[There's the barest hint of a smile tugging on the corners of his mouth; to anyone else it would look as simple conversation, but he's sure by now Camilla knows that it's his own (rather stunted) way of checking up on her.
Family or not, she is someone he considers important and it would be rude to treat her otherwise, regardless of company.]
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Camilla's family has always been despised, after all. Her father was an all too notorious womanizer, who bore children left and right with the noblewomen who fell for him and lived in that castle that Camilla remembers all too well. It was a hideous place, really, and even more hideous were the so-called rumors that her father had orchestrated the deaths of his wives, and the deaths of several children in the process...
The rumors were true, of course. Camilla knew that all too well. It wasn't something she could easily discard, even now that she lives in House Gloucester's territory as a servant. A servant most don't know bears the minor crest of the house, tying her to the family's line; it had hurt the young Camilla at the time to not be accepted, hoping that her mother's words would have been true that they would have a much better life in the territory, but...
Well, her mother certainly didn't make it. She died before they could leave House Krakenburg's territory, and it was an all too permanent lesson that Camilla was alone in this world. Camilla wasn't family to House Gloucester, after all; it was a fact made apparent to her from the day she arrived. One Camilla took to heart, losing that warmth she once held for the many younger siblings of her former home, and becoming a servant of the house, and retainer to the young Lorenz.
...Well, not much younger; he was barely six months younger than her, after all. It was hard not to see him as younger, though, always used to playing the role of a big sister for most of her siblings. She never did treat Lorenz like that, though, as it would be unbecoming. She was simply his retainer, and that was that.
And yet...Lorenz has treated her differently, in comparison to most. Certainly, they both have appearances to keep up; Lorenz, the esteemed heir to one of the Alliance's more powerful houses, and Camilla, the distant, elegant retainer to her liege. But he treats her...well, awkwardly, but not unkindly. He's one of the few who can actually get her to let her walls down and even smile, sometimes. It's strange, but not unwelcome, really; it reminds her of times long taken from her in a way.
Case and point; Lorenz has pulled her aside for tea today, and even if the monastery has been an experience to adjust to, he knows just the ways to get her to relax. Tea making is something that Camilla has more than mastered the art of, after all; she takes great pride in being able to make it perfectly, even in unfamiliar territory.]
I'm quite surprised that they have not...one has to wonder if they're simply overwhelmed. But I suppose that can only prove beneficial, for those still getting their bearings...
[Camilla waits until Lorenz has taken his first sip of the tea before taking her own, lightly bowing in the chair and smiling the slightest bit.]
Of course. Nothing less than the best for my lord, after all.
[Camilla takes a sip, already more at ease than she's ever really been in...well, her life, really. But she straightens up a bit when addressed. It's a force of habit, even when he is simply checking on her.]
Oh, not in the slightest. This place is truly proving to be an interesting venture; there is still much to see, partake in, listen to...truly, it's almost overwhelming. [And it is, but Camilla doesn't let that become obvious on her face. Lorenz likely knows better than anyone that she wouldn't have said it if she didn't mean it, though.] But I can certainly see why His Grace sent you to learn here. This monastery truly is as prestigious as they say.
[And that honestly is true. There's many benefits of being in the academy that are becoming very obvious to Camilla; there's many of the alliance's nobility to keep tabs on, to say nothing of the nobility of other territories...and not to mention the rather lovely noblewomen themselves, really. He should be able to find a suitable wife among all of these people, shouldn't he?
Camilla rests her head on her unoccupied hand while she looks to him, tilting her head slightly in inquiry.]
What of yourself, Lord Lorenz? Are you finding everything to your liking?
[If there's anything she can do to help him, surely Lorenz knows he can rely on Camilla. But it is nice to simply chat like this, really.]
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Not that he actually knows what her life was like. Honestly, the most he knew was that she came from the Empire and had ties to another noble family. He hadn't even learned which noble family until shortly before arriving here. House Krakenburg has some very nasty rumors surrounding it, so he imagines if even half of those are true, Camilla's life was very difficult.
He hasn't asked her about it, of course. It would be rude to do so. Still, he's glad that she seems to have settled into her role in House Gloucester, and he's very pleased she was permitted to come with him to the monastery. Having a retainer around is great, certainly, but more importantly, she's a friendly face.
Not that he, Lorenz Hellman Gloucester, would ever be put off by unfamiliar surroundings and unfamiliar faces! That would be unbecoming of a nobleman!
Anyway, he nods at her words and takes another sip of tea.]
Aside from some of the people in our house, [he's talking about Claude, of course] everything is to my liking. The lack of a schedule is a bit disconcerting, but otherwise I have no complaints.
There are quite a few interesting people here as well. I'm eager to learn more about them. It's looking as though this will be a very fascinating experience!
[There's plenty to be done while they're here, and while he is eager to get started, it's nice to take a break with Camilla like this.]
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Camilla does find herself tittering the slightest bit at Lorenz's words--she knows exactly who Lorenz is talking about, and she can't help but agree. Who would let someone as non-committed as him inherit the Alliance? It was inconceivable, really.]
I shall keep my ear to the ground and inform you of anything I hear in regards to our class schedule, then. I am most pleased to hear that all is well outside of that, however.
[Well, as pleased as she allows herself to get. Camilla has never liked letting go of that elegant air of hers.]
With so many affluent individuals among our alumni, I do believe that perhaps there may be some favorable alliances to be forged among them. Perhaps even some worthy of being evaluated...
[Because Camilla has absolutely been keeping her ears to the ground in that regard as well. Mostly because it's...hard not to look at the cute girls, but Lorenz doesn't need to know that okay--]
Of course, I do admit...I am quite excited to see what they will be able to teach us. [That comes easily.] All manner of combat arts, all matters of history, and just about everything else is truly at our disposal here. To see where our teacher decides to take us will be a rather exciting prospect.
[It's kind of dizzying, compared to all Camilla has known. She's only known castle walls for so long, that to be outside among the people like this is a lot...]
Provided some classmates do not prove troublesome, of course. [There's an all too knowing smile on Camilla's face as she says that, but it's very polite. Encouraging, in a way; Camilla knows it won't be proper to do so here, but like. If he needs to salt, she is here for it.] But a good teacher should be able to sort all of that out.
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[It's a bit hard to imagine, really. Being here on his own certainly wouldn't be a problem, but it's much better to have familiar company around. Camilla - as always - has both his best interests in mind and those of House Gloucester. Regardless of what she's been through, she remains ever-loyal to them.]
Any knowledge you can pass on to me will be appreciated, be it about our classes, our fellow students, or anything else noteworthy.
[That's a skill he's not nearly as well-versed in; Camilla can blend in and listen, he's better at taking center stage. If there are things to be overheard, he certainly won't be the one to overhear them. Having Camilla around is good for that as well, especially with any and all matters concerning the Alliance. Not that the Kingdom and the Empire aren't important, but this mess with Claude needs his attention first.]
And of course if you do happen to come across any women who might be worth an evaluation... well, let me know that as well.
[Sometimes you just wanna check out the hot girls though?? For potential alliances with marriage, of course. Not for any unbecoming reasons!!]
But let's not worry too much about any of that right now. What better way to start the day than with a cup of tea?
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[Camilla is nothing if not here for her liege, after all. Taking another delicate sip of tea, she listens and nods her head in affirmation once she is finished, receiving his orders loud and clear.]
Consider your orders duly received; I shall not disappoint you.
[See, you get her!! Girls are hot!! Just for potential alliances though, totally, no unbecoming reasons here nope--
But Lorenz is right, and Camilla...well, doesn't quite allow herself to ease (back up straight, shoulders back, good posture--), but they can drop the subject of business for right now. It's time to enjoy a morning tea, and Camilla wouldn't dare not enjoy it.]
Why, of course. I could think of no better way to start a day off. Especially in a garden as lovely as this; one can't help but feel so very at ease here, wouldn't you agree? It's so incredibly divine.
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[Of course he'd notice the roses. What were you expecting.]
The monastery has so much history behind it. The whole place feels ancient in a way I've never experienced before. It's certainly quite the experience!
[It's no wonder his father was so captivated with Garreg Mach, he can absolutely understand.]
I do hope our professor will be this interesting as well. Hopefully they are someone who can bring out the very best in all of us.
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Oh, the roses here are truly quite grand. The gardeners here are quite adept at taking care of everything that grows here, but the roses truly stand above all of them. They're so wonderfully vibrant and pristine...they may not hold a candle to those in House Gloucester's garden, but they are quite close.
[Camilla is more than happy to listen, though, her smile gentle and kind as she does. Lorenz truly does seem to be quite excited at the prospect of all of this; really, it makes her happy to see that.]
This place truly is steeped in the most delightful history. Perhaps a trip to the library should be something to consider; I imagine it would be a delightful excursion to see what the scholars have left behind for us to glean.
[Ah, Professors...]
Oh, I have heard a bit about at least a few of our professors...there is Professor Hanneman, to start. The "Father of Crestology", if I am not mistaken; a rather dignified fellow with a great hunger for research. There is Professor Casagranda as well, though I have heard less interesting information about her...she was apparently quite the singer for the Mittlefrank Opera Company at one point or another, though I have yet to see if such a thing will play into her teaching abilities...
[...There is a minor difference in how Camilla seems to address what she's learned of each teacher; there's definitely some apprehension when she discusses Hanneman, for what's likely to be obvious reasons. Even if she doesn't know a thing about Manuela, she sounds more enthusiastic about her.
...Not that Camilla honestly knows a damn thing about the specifics of Manuela's position, which is likely all too clear in how she addresses it; she's never been to an opera in her life, after all.]
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But the teachers are what have captured his attention the most. He's not surprised Camilla isn't all that fond of Hanneman from the sound of it; if the man is as interested in crest research as his title suggests, they may have to keep an eye on him. Assuming he isn't placed in charge of their class, that is.]
I have heard all sorts of wondrous things about Professor Casagranda's singing... unfortunately, I never did get to see her on stage. I wonder what could have brought her here...? Teaching seems like a far cry from the opera, but perhaps there's more to her story.
[He's content to leave the subject of Hanneman alone for now. That simply isn't something they really have any say over, but should they be stuck with him, Lorenz will endeavor to ensure Camilla remains comfortable. That is his duty both as a noble, and as her liege. And maybe even as her friend.]
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Is that so? A shame, I must admit. Not that I have ever been to an opera before, but...they always sound like such lovely things. I'm surprised that she would leave the stage at all.
[Surely they'd have use for an older woman singer??]
But perhaps she simply wanted a change of scenery; with her fame, it must have given her a certain amount of freedom to decide what she wanted to do with her life. If she's dedicated herself to teaching, it must mean that she's quite fond of doing so, no? To learn from someone with that much enthusiasm...really, she would be bound to ensure that we excel.
[...Camilla, honey, if only you knew.]
That is, of course, simply an assumption; there are still bound to be teachers that we haven't met yet. I do wonder if the fencing instructor may be another of our potential professors...I do not know with certainty, however.
[She's heard the least about Jeritza, including his name, but he's apparently here for fighting? Which. Honestly, sign Camilla right up.]
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[Though that implies that they'd be new to teaching at Garreg Mach... Hmm. That could prove to be troublesome if they aren't a very skilled teacher.]
Well, I suppose we'll see how things go. Regardless of who heads our class, I'm certain it will be very interesting. My father has nothing but praise for the Officers Academy, after all!
[He finishes off his tea and sets the teacup back down, leaning on the table and resting his chin against his hand.]
What are you most interested in learning, Camilla?
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[Like, it's not like we're just gonna conscript some random mercenary we find on the side of the road, right? We're gonna have an actual, competent teacher in the house, right???
Camilla nods in agreement, taking another sip of tea at his words--His Grace wouldn't recommend the academy if he didn't think it was up to his standards, after all. They'll simply have to wait and see...]
Oh, many things. I do admit that the combat teachings are what I am most delighted to learn; I would most like to refine my methods of protecting you, my lord. They would never expect a humble servant to be able to wield an axe, would they?
[...Camilla's smile is slightly terrifying when she says that, in a way that's all faux pleasantry but no warmth, but her thoughts go to something else and she seems to grow surprisingly enthusiastic and the warmth comes back.]
Perhaps maybe, as well...oh, I'd most love to learn how to ride a wyvern. I've heard that they have many of them within their stables, and they're simply the most darling things. But that may be a long ways off...
[...Ehem, let's. Forget that undignified moment there, Camilla comes back into reality and coughs--]
Oh, do forgive my rambling...what most interests you?
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But speaking of crazy things, there goes Camilla... Not that Lorenz really minds, Camilla's mildly terrifying but she is very adamant about protecting him so it's fine, right?? Right.]
Certainly not. I'm sure you'll surprise quite a few of our classmates once lessons begin.
[Her gushing about riding a wyvern is actually pretty cute, though... It isn't often Camilla lets herself get carried away by... well, anything, much less whims and fancies like this. She always does her best to appear composed and the ever-dutiful servant. Seeing her let down her guard - even just a bit - is always a welcome treat.]
Nonsense, if if is something that interests you then there is no reason to apologize! I can certainly imagine you as a wyvern rider... I imagine the freedom of flying would be something you'd quite enjoy, along with taking care of your mount.
[Camilla likes to take care of people, so give her a wyvern, that is absolutely a wonderful idea. She does try to change the subject though, and after that's out there, he'll answer her question.]
Truthfully, I'm more interested in learning about history and politics than I am about battle, though I can certainly see where it will be necessary for us to hone our skills in combat. I would like to learn more about horseback riding...
[you're getting shoved in the dark knight class whether you like it or not, so you'd better enjoy it, buddy]
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Camilla does smile, though, to start; she does believe she'll be able to surprise their classmates, after all. Of course, Lorenz winds up bringing up the wyvern while she's taking another sip of tea, and it at least allows her to get her bearings before she answers. He's so enthusiastically validating her interests that it's almost embarrassing? Actually, scratch that, it's completely embarrassing, and Camilla absolutely needs to compose herself before she answers because she's gonna die? She's gonna fucking die.
Just. Just let her put the tea cup down once she's back to being completely composed. Only from Lorenz she'd get so much embarrassment, she supposes, but at least she's not flushed or anything silly like that. It just took her off guard to be...well, validated.
...Let her address just address his interests, okay.]
I would expect no less from you. History and politics will truly prove useful, perhaps moreso than combat. The knowledge you will gain, my lord, will prove useful in these peaceful times...and it will allow you to flourish, when you are to succeed His Grace.
I must admit, however, that horseback riding would suit you nicely. Women do love a gallant man, and what is more gallant than a noble on horseback, akin to a knight in shining armor?
[She'll avoid her own thoughts on flying for now, because it...strikes her oddly, really. So she won't think about it too much. Her interests do pale in comparison to her lord's, after all; they always have, and always will be. They truly don't matter all that much. It's fine.]
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I can't complain if that is the image people get! But I admit that it is for more practical reasons; a commander always needs to be seen on the battlefield, and being on horseback will certainly make that easier.
[He's smiling though, the expression a bit more open than it would be with anyone else.]
Our time here isn't all about me, however. It would be unthinkable to ignore your interests and pursuits. So please do not hesitate to tell me about your interests as well, Camilla.
[It's... okay, it's not exactly gentle, but it's trying to be. He thinks he gets it; Camilla is his servant and she probably feels a little flustered at having so much attention on the things she finds fascinating. That's silly though, if it is something she wants to pursue, then he wants her to go for it. Since she's been given permission to be here, she should absolutely spend her time here doing what she wants. She will always be his dutiful servant - he has no doubts about that - so she should take the opportunity to do what she likes while she has the chance.]
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[...Ah. Camilla does her best not to start when Lorenz brings up her own interests, but her eyes do widen briefly before he can likely visibly see her tense and force the expression back down. She's not upset, that much is clear from the slight smile on her face, but...]
...Do allow me to apologize, my lord. I had not meant to simply ignore such things. They are perhaps a touch...overwhelming, if I may be truthful.
[...Camilla's not sure if she wants to tackle the subject that she's really considered her own interests. Sure, she has them; Camilla has plenty of interests of her own. But she's been so used to shoving them aside, either back in House Krakenburg (where her priority was...well, trying to survive) or in House Gloucester's walls. (where she prioritized being a servant)
Now isn't the time for realizations, though. Camilla's smile becomes a little gentler as well, and she clasps her hands in front of her and rests them on her lap.]
...However, you are correct in your assumption that I would find caring for my mount incredibly rewarding. That is something I would like to look into, truly. The idea of being able to care for something as precious as a wyvern delights me, and to have such a reliable creature by my side would be wondrous. It would be like taking care of a child, or a sibling. To see them flourish and prosper, all because of my care...that would make me very happy.
[That's almost nostalgic, really. Camilla's mind briefly goes back to the siblings she had been close to in Castle Krakenburg, before everything went to hell, but Camilla quickly tempers it.]
I am afraid that I have never been in the air before, however; you may prove correct about flying be quite the joyous experience.
[It gets a bit more of a warm smile out of Camilla, at any rate, gently chuckling behind a raised hand.]
...I do thank you for permitting me to prattle, Lord Lorenz.
[That was honestly really nice of him, and the appreciation is clear, despite how Camilla tempers it.]
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To his delight, she begins to speak more about her interest in wyverns. It's more or less as he suspected, and that thought's pleasing too. Camilla can be a bit... overbearing, he supposes, but seeing her talk openly about her excitement is charming.]
No need for thanks, Camilla. [He holds up a hand as if to stop it.] I understand that it might be a bit... unexpected to be asked to talk about your interests, but you never need to temper them around me. I'll always be pleased to hear about them.
You sound as though you'd be an excellent partner for a wyvern! I do hope our professor takes that into account and will give you all the lessons you need to take to the skies.
[As always, there isn't any indication that Lorenz is just humoring her. He genuinely does look at ease and the words leave him easily. This is really nice, honestly.]
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Not that Camilla thinks that, of course. They're not friends, but Camilla has always been rather happy to be at Lorenz's side. They may not be family, either, but he certainly feels like the closest thing she's got.
Camilla bows slightly from her seat, a smile all too easily coming to her.]
Very well. I shall certainly tell you about them, then; I imagine that there will be more interests to be picked up in our time here, and I do intend to partake in whatever I am able to, within these walls.
[can you imagine this woman realizing you can specialize in fists. she's gonna knock a motherfucker out and there's not a single person on earth that can stop her
except for the fact that you can't punch on a wyvern, which is bullshit]I hope so as well; I will look quite forward to those lessons and seeing where they take me. The same goes for you, of course, my lord. I hope our lessons both prove very fruitful.
[It's gentle as well, with no chiding. She knows he'll be busy with his research and the like, but Camilla just wants to see them both prosper here. Prosperity is natural for a Gloucester, after all!
Camilla will take her final sip of tea, making a small noise of surprise before chuckling.]
Ah, are you in need of anymore tea? Or perhaps anything else?
[...Of course she's still gonna check on him first, because that's just what she do.]
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can't believe camilla's gonna let her wyvern do the punching for herThat gets him to smile - the expression is open, as it so often is around her. It's good to hear her accept that; she actually sounds excited about it. Honestly, it's really nice to hear...]
No sense in letting the tea go to waste. Another cup would be marvelous.
[He leans back a bit in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and folding his hands on his knee.]
I'm very pleased you agreed to come with me, Camilla. Our time here will undoubtedly be enlightening, and...
[He trails off for a moment before deciding to say something else.]
And it's reassuring having a familiar face by my side.
[I can think of no one better to bring with me is also accurate, but that's a bit... much. The last thing he wants to do is make Camilla feel awkward.]
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just fit that wyvern with a nice pair of gauntlets and start attacking in tandem with it, that's some xenoblade shit]Of course, my lord; coming right up.
[She'll get him filled right up, then. Camilla is very content to quietly get him filled up, and then herself, but his words do manage to get her to look once she's finished with his cup.
Her expression seems almost...unreadable, really, for a moment, but it's not upset or anything. It's surprising to hear Lorenz so awkward, all of a sudden, but she is the only one he allows to see that side of him. It's vulnerability that she's a little surprised by, and yet...
Well, Camilla's smile is soft when she pours her own cup of tea.]
...I am quite pleased to be able to bring you reassurance. And I shall always endeavor to do so. No matter what may come of this enlightening experience, you needn't worry about a single thing, Lord Lorenz.
For I shall always be by your side; you may always be assured of that.
[Camilla is utterly certain of that, and she gives him a resolute bow. Her devotion has always been made clear, but sometimes...it is nice to reaffirm that. To ensure that he knows that even if she had a choice, she would never leave. Camilla is nothing if not here to reassure.]
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The thought of upsetting Camilla makes him a bit anxious, he supposes. She is the person he's closest to here, after all, so that's understandable. Not that he needs to be worried, she's quick to reassure him of that.]
Thank you, Camilla. I couldn't ask for a better assistant.
[Servant is more accurate and friend is going too far, but assistant sounds right. They aren't equals - they can't be - but he never has (and never will) look down on her position any. Like it or not, Camilla is a part of House Gloucester and she has the noble bearing he would expect of any of them.]
I look forward to seeing where our studies take us.