[Eyes narrowed and brow furrowed as Lorenz listened to the words, considering both the direct meaning and the possibilities of what remained unsaid. Hubert was nothing if not direct in his decision making process, and Lorenz knew what had changed between them:
Edelgard.
Indirectly, the Emperor's absence had placed both the wizard and the cavalier on an even footing. Thus, the nature of the 'trial' itself was revealed.
This was a test of character. For the both of them.
His gaze lingered briefly on the bottle Hubert had set on the table before he released a sigh. If trust was the question, then Lorenz knew the path he must take.]
Very well.
[He said stiffly, in the business-like tone he took when organizing shipping contracts and financial dealings for his father's land holdings. There was nothing personal between them-- thus, his conscience was clear.]
I will lay down a single term for you, Hubert:
Come back and talk to me about this when you've slept and haven't partaken of drink from the higher shelf. Though you seem clear headed enough, I cannot accept if there is room for any doubt or regret.
[He tossed that braid over his shoulder, momentarily wondering what Ferdinand would do in circumstances like these. Though the young noble was different from him in many ways as well-- Ferdinand was a more honest and genuine soul after all-- Lorenz trusted that man's judgement.
This was unprecedented.]
If you still feel the same in a day or so, I will gladly accept your trial. However, you need to be certain of where you stand.
[With that he stood, and stepped away from the table.]
Let's get you some coffee, perhaps. I've been meaning to share a cup with you.
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Date: 2020-12-09 03:30 am (UTC)Edelgard.
Indirectly, the Emperor's absence had placed both the wizard and the cavalier on an even footing. Thus, the nature of the 'trial' itself was revealed.
This was a test of character. For the both of them.
His gaze lingered briefly on the bottle Hubert had set on the table before he released a sigh. If trust was the question, then Lorenz knew the path he must take.]
Very well.
[He said stiffly, in the business-like tone he took when organizing shipping contracts and financial dealings for his father's land holdings. There was nothing personal between them-- thus, his conscience was clear.]
I will lay down a single term for you, Hubert:
Come back and talk to me about this when you've slept and haven't partaken of drink from the higher shelf. Though you seem clear headed enough, I cannot accept if there is room for any doubt or regret.
[He tossed that braid over his shoulder, momentarily wondering what Ferdinand would do in circumstances like these. Though the young noble was different from him in many ways as well-- Ferdinand was a more honest and genuine soul after all-- Lorenz trusted that man's judgement.
This was unprecedented.]
If you still feel the same in a day or so, I will gladly accept your trial. However, you need to be certain of where you stand.
[With that he stood, and stepped away from the table.]
Let's get you some coffee, perhaps. I've been meaning to share a cup with you.