Gertrude smirked at Fionn.

"Finally got up the courage to say something to my face, huh? Well, while my tongue [i]is[/i] skilled and I [i]do[/i] look amazing in this uniform, that doesn't even nip at the ankles of my prowess. But given what I've seen so far from you blackguards, my uniform alone clears the lot of you anyways."

And with that rude and self-aggrandizing comment hanging in the air like a series of aggressive coughs at a funeral, she humored Renar by lending him her ear, and was actually quite pleased by what he had to say. Finally, someone who was borderline straightforward in their threats. She nodded, oddly politely for her, and whispered back.

"Yes, your captain seems... [i]sweet[/i]," she started, her choice of words very conspicuous, "and you're right. I could use the Roses. But I have no intention of heeling like a dog. I'll play along as it benefits me, but I am not fond of leashes."

Gertrude smiled wider. It was her turn to return threats with threats.

"But you and me... we're on the same page when it comes to Merilia's magical deathless playland. Though when the fighting inevitably comes about, I'll let you decide who should be scared of whom."

As Gertrude was having fun with Renar, Gretchen got to her feet shakily, like a newborn fawn. The walk had worn on her far worse than Gertrude, so she propped herself up with the broomstick. Gertrude and Gretchen had silently decided to let her take the broom for now, in case she needed to protect herself. She'd need the extra mana.

With a displeased expression that was only a shadow of Gertrude's, she hiked over to the Nicomede and Gerard group. She addressed Nicomede, rolling her eyes.

"No death doesn't mean no pain, and some poisons aren't quick. That's something we should all keep in mind, going forward," she said oddly helpfully, "anyways, you two lead the way."

...Because if there were any traps, those two would be the ones getting blown up.