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[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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Izayoi allowed Galahad a moment with his father, but it seemed the effort was wasted. Evidently, House Caradoc had a severe difference in opinion between its patriarch and heir. Unexpected, but not exactly surprising. She hadn't exactly connected the dots herself between Galahad and Artorias for some time, to her shame. Other matters had preoccupied Izayoi's mind ever since Balmung Castle, and she had been trying her best to forget the war for half a decade. 

What came as more of a surprise, though, was Galahad's mother. Far less cold than Artorias, though it remained to see how long that would last. Izayoi deliberately turned her back on the scene, as if making to leave. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"We will be returning to the lodge then, dragoon."[/b][/color] Izayoi said before the Caradoc matron seemingly waved the topic aside with a scoff.

[b]"Oh, none of that, my dear. The offer extends to all of my son's companions as well, you know."[/b]

Both Izayoi and Artorias alike stared incredulously at her for this. Did...she not know whom she was speaking to? The two former enemies held a look between them of shared incomprehension before sense took over and it devolved to mutual glaring. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"So that you can poison my plate?"[/b][/color] Izayoi accused, folding her arms together. [color=#736AFF][b]"Sensible. I would do the same in your place."[/b][/color]

[b]"Psh, hardly. Were my husband or my boy to want you dead, they would do so from the front, like proud Caradoc men. Isn't that right?"[/b] 

For a moment, Izayoi could only feel contempt for the utter lack of care the woman was showing. To be so relaxed, in front of a sworn enemy of one's own country. And yet...wasn't that sort of carefree housewife the woman she'd been trying to be until just six months ago? Taking that into account, her expression softened just a bit. Besides, judging from the lord Caradoc's expression, he hadn't intended on Izayoi's attendance, likely ruling out a preplanned poisoning attempt. And even if he still tried...well, there was always the ignominy of resorting to breaking guest right in order to kill her. Even high nobility weren't immune to social repercussions. 

With a sigh, Izayoi unclipped her cloak and followed after their hosts.

___

Dinner was a far more formal affair than the banquet at Balmung. Ironic how similarly meals with the nobility went among both Edrenians and Ospreans. Multiple small courses brought one by one, with the only discourse being catching the lord Artorias up on what had happened but two nights ago. His reaction at the news suggested some sort of displeasure, but he didn't voice such. Judging by what could be inferred, no doubt he wouldn't speak ill of his own liege despite the fact that he evidently disagreed with Leonhardt's decision. 

As the soup was cleared off the table by the servants to make way for the fish course, Artorias steepled his hands in front of his chin, looking at each of the party in turn. 

[b]"You whom travel with my son: I would know more of why you would embark on such a quest. Is it gold? Fame? [i]Ideals[/i]?"[/b] The latter was spoken in a highly doubtful tone.

[color=#736AFF][b]"Valheim occupies my homeland. In light of that, I set aside all other debts of blood. Your people invaded mine just the same as they did, but at least Edren did not stay after their victory and slowly choke the life out of Osprey."[/b][/color] Izayoi said flatly. [color=#736AFF][b]"Furthermore, the Blight most likely originates with them."[/b][/color] She refused to elaborate, already having spoken more to Lord Caradoc without insults than she cared to. Still, if someone else wished to expand on that, she wasn't going to stop them.