[color=ed1c24][h2]Fleuri Jodeau[/h2][/color]

Fleuri's gambit had worked.  He would no doubt be paying for it later, but for now he was free of both the children and Lilianna.  Of course, he would still need to find something productive to do.  If anything, his little stunt made it all the more urgent that he dispel the impression that he was intentionally slacking off.  No doubt Lilianna was planning suitable payback right now.

Before he could depart, however, another child appeared, one who appeared to be a bit more distraught.

"... Hello! Sir Knights?" she said, a little awkwardly. It seemed like she knew the knights had duties to attend to. But, then again, from her perspective it did look as if the knights were spending their time entertaining a bunch of children... "My friend Mae, she can't find her puppy, so... if you're not busy... she didn't want to ask herself..."

Fleuri's heart sank.  He wanted to help.  Really, he did.  But with Dame Belwiss nearby and already no doubt incensed by having been swarmed by children, it would be wise to not would prioritize finding a lost puppy over ensuring the city's safety.  On the other hand, he wasn't sure how to contribute to the city's defense now that the orcs were routed.  The only thing calling to him at the moment was this child.

[i]Wait a minute,[/i] he thought as he looked at the child.  Perhaps it was just the cute pointed hat she wore, but he remembered his concerns from earlier.  Specifically, concerns about the siege.

"If I can help, I can, but first I have business with Dame Belwiss," he reassured her, kneeling down to her level.  He then stood back up and turned back to Lilianna.

"When you have a moment, Lilianna, I urgently need to speak with you," he spoke, suddenly becoming far more serious.  "I'll meet you at the front gate."  He was no doubt amplifying his punishment, basically giving her a free opportunity to chew him out, but for the moment, that no longer mattered.  With any luck, she'd be convinced by the sincerity of his tone to hear him out.

He turned back to the lone girl, his grim countenance disappearing as quickly as it had appeared,  "If we get a chance, or in case we see anything, Where might we find your friend?"

[@Raineh Daze]
[@VitaVitaAR]