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(continued from tfln)

[ Diluc has certainly never given Wriothesley any cause to worry about his discretion. Were that not the case, perhaps the invitation wouldn't have come so easily. Still it manages to surprise him (though not unpleasantly so) when Diluc arrives in a hurry. For someone who asks for what he wants in such a roundabout way, he is admirably efficient.

The metallic click of the lock that follows the master vintner's footsteps past the threshold of Wriothesley's office tells him that Diluc hasn't come just to drop off whatever that is he carries in his hand. Wriothesley smiles like he knows, but rises to greet and warmly shake Diluc's hand like he doesn't. ]

Master Diluc, always a pleasure. What's that you have there, a bribe? I should have known.

( cont from here )

[ did he mean to make her laugh? if so - it's worked. if not... she won't ever tell him how his thinly veiled plea has amused her to no end. ]

You know, given how skilled Miss Sigewinne is, I'm a little relieved to know that there's something she's not very good at. But I wonder if the nutritious value means taste will always be the cost. I mean, wouldn't you think it's too good to be true if something meant for purely nutritional value turns out to be fairly delicious as well?

But since you've asked so nicely, perhaps she and I could collaborate on a combination that could actively work together, like a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down...

I'll do my best to keep you from being our assumed test-taster, of course.♪

[ ahaha... she's astute, isn't he? in a way, though, Wriothesley isn't the least bit surprised with how effortlessly she's called him out. time to defy expectations and put on the brave face, ]

If it's for the sake of honing Miss Sigewinne's art, I don't mind the sacrifice.

[ famous last words... ]

Alright, then.♪ I'll add it to my agenda for my next visit to the Fortress. Please let Miss Sigewinne know that I'd like an appointment with her after our meeting.

I'll do my best not to let you down!

( continued from text )

[ by deliberate and carefully enforced design, either of their offices could indeed be considered the most private place in Fontaine. and for their purposes, an arrangement to visit there is appropriately discrete - the Duke and the Iudex are known meet up for all sorts of reasons, business and personal, amidst their typically frequently correspondence. no reason to blink an eye.

as utterly normal as everything is, Wriothesley still feels strangely warm at the neck when the uniformed Melusine sees him off, closing one set of doors behind him and leaving him to cross the threshold into Neuvillette's office alone. he knows the routine well, but it's as if gravity has shifted under his feet.

free of witnesses, he starts to grin before he even begins to open the door. ]

Monsieur Neuvillette. May I come in?

[ he is already coming in, as he's always done for years. right on time, naturally. ]

( no reason to blink an eye, indeed. neuvillette senses wriothesley before the man even pushes the door open, announcing himself as it were, and there's something endearing about the man presuming permission (and rightfully so) before he even enters.

the truth is, wriothesley is always welcome; sought for, even.

that trademark grin makes his heart warm, banishing the lingering apprehension and filling it with a wholly unfamiliar emotion: anticipation, longing, and a depth of affection that surprises even himself. even more delightful, the man remains unerringly punctual. )

Of course, Your Grace.

( the coat is neatly set aside and summarily put out of mind, his expression warmer when he meets those midnight blue eyes. the man is so, so very handsome, and his heart may or may not have skipped a beat. )

You — do we have any business to take care of before we proceed?

( because his heart really isn't on the business part of things. )

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@uncrownedawn 🎄

hope this is ok!

yes of course!! so sorry for dying ☠️

omg you're fine! it's all good<3

@observance

thank you! ❤️