//10 Days.

Start the clocks…

“Where is my retainer? We have a grand fight ahead of us today!”

+ An invitation to tea was exciting, since…once again, no one else had. Rhea always pondered the why…

“Oh! That is one of my favorites. I take it that it must be a mutually favored blend then?”

Robin’s reactions were amusing as always, and he kept the archbishop entertained at all times within interactions like these. Even the nervous laughter caused her to stifle an elusive chuckle.

“That sounds good to me, Robin. I hope you are a fan, because this is a common practice here among many. +

+ thoughtfulness.

“Tea is always nice. Sometimes there are vendors that sell specialties, but they are typically aimed at affectionate ones. But simple love for one another—romantic or not—should be recognized, no?”

A subtle firmness almost always underlies her gracefulness and her hold was no different.

The zealous response caused her to giggle in an equally, just, yet quiet manner. “I am very appreciative that you asked me, Robin. It would seem you have been the only one to ask.”

Her gaze softened in +

?

sunday

Rhea blinked in surprise a few times before a smile took shape. Her hand gratefully accepted his with a gentle hold. It seemed the temporally displaced tactician was finding some courage here.

“I would be delighted to join you.”

“For the most part, the Blue Lions, the holy kingdom’s house, prioritize cavalier and pegasus knights for fighting. The Golden Deer excel with bows, but there are plenty that use magic and melee weapons as well.”

“The Black Eagles are students from the empire, and rely on magic. The Blue Lions are students from the holy kingdom with a focus on chivalry and knighthood, they also have expertise with pegasi and horseback. The Golden Deer are comprised of noble houses and excel with bows, mostly.”

“That would be the case, yes. The Black Eagles House is led by Edelgard von Hresvelg, the heir to the Empire which is typically oriented with magic. I felt that would fit your preference better.

There is also the Blue Lions and Golden Deer, if you wish to hear about them.”

“It is my pleasure to meet you, King Xander. While you are here, if there is anything I may do to help, do not be afraid to let me know.”

+ you about it as much or as little as you desire.”

+ her the understanding a hereditary marking like this could be similar to a crest, but more so visual confirmation of royal status. But she did frown heading their time of interaction was cut short.

“I…am sorry to hear that. I am sure it has been a tough time with her passing. …I will talk with +

+ bears too.”

The archbishop could picture the image of the Brand of the Exalt in her mind with his description. It was a unique brand, but nothing too elaborate about its design. It was also so very different from the one on the tactician’s hand.

The mention of late Emmeryn bearing it too gave +

Robin was perceptive to pick up in this, as not many others did at all. Rhea would never state it so bluntly, but these were the facts of the matter. No one dared to ask her about it normally.

“He must be quite the role model, if that is the case. So it sounds like he is fit for the title he +

“Ah, Garreg Mach Monastery, the Officers’ Academy? He mentioned you partaking in the house tournament.”

Rhea giggled, leaning into his hold and shifting posture so she was resting some of her weight against him.

“I think I can still manage being at my post on time. So there is nothing to apologize for.

Yet…”

“Indeed, I am. You must be Lord Leo? Your resemblance to King Xander is evident, if so.”

There are two correct answers.

“I am Rhea, Archbishop of Garreg Mach Monastery. And you would be…?”

A defeated sigh is released. “I do, but you only have yourself to blame for that.” She relaxes, leaning back in the seat.

“Your tone would indicate otherwise, verily so.”

“If he is interested then I may be able to do that.”

+ It sounds like he has helped you quite a great deal in finding your place among others, and you have repaid him with fealty.

…As for the opposing brand, what did it look like, if you can recall…?”

+ to be quite difficult. There was a distinct difference in Emmeryn and Rhea’s upbringing, but that was for obvious reasons to Rhea, alone, and it needed to be kept that way.

“That is good. A boon companion can make all the difference when you have found yourself lost amidst an unfamiliar place. +

Rhea did meet that image with mostly everyone, and that was part of the reason her hands remained docile and delicate when observing the brand. Being able to take part in casual activities or conversations like this would delight her very much, but maintaining duty and fellowship in tandem proved +

+ von Riegan. It is an auspicious year given each head of the houses are inheritors of the three regions across Fódlan.”

“There is the Black Eagles House, led by the Heir of the Adrestian Empire, Edelgard von Hresvelg; the Blue Lions House, led by the Crown Prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus, Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd; and the Golden Deer House, led by the Heir of House Riegan of the Leicester Alliance, Claude +