[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjg4LjFmZjljNS5RV3hsZUdGdVpHVnkuMA,,/decalled-script.regular.png[/img][/center]
[hr][hr]

Alexander nearly jumped in place at the new arrival, saved only by the weight of his armor. As his eyes examined the young lady, he couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow, slightly confused. A maid? Here? The blonde tried to remain neutral, though a thought occurred to him. Marigold had given him a slight debrief before the meeting, stating that he was to be accompanied by three others in this covert mission. Or at least, that was what he had assumed; the princess had a tendency to say a lot of things he didn't understand. She talked a lot, and fast, and--well, it didn't matter, the point of it was that those three others were supposed to be people that were experienced. Warriors. The pink haired girl was probably a mage of some sort, this one girl was...a maid. Maybe she had other combat skills he wasn't aware of? 

Shuffling over to Marigold, he cleared his throat as he decided to address her in a quiet voice, "[color=aquamarine]Highness...[/color]" Before he could continue, Marigold nodded, confirming his thoughts. Hm, he was prepared for the frontline, but he supposed he had hoped to have more support. Well, not that kind of support, more...power?

Marigold nudged him, shooting him a glare. "Thank for for coming, Miss Primrose, Miss Pyrebrooke," She composed herself rather quickly, her eyes briefly flickering to the sky. "I assume Lady Clemens is on her way, but time's arrow marches forward, and it is no longer a luxury we can afford to waste."

Alexander straightened up as Marigold looked at him expectantly. "[color=aquamarine]Today we gather on a mission of utmost importance: the rescue of Her Highness Princess Dahlia![/color]" He was probably a little louder than he needed to be, but at the very least he was making sure he was heard. "[color=aquamarine]Our sources tell us that the bandits plan to hold Her Highness hostage while negotiations are being made! We will break through their stronghold and retrieve her![/color]"

"Minus the repetition, that's the general idea," Marigold commented somewhat dryly, though she nodded in agreement. "I want to keep this as quiet as possible--should my father learn of your mission, I fear it will only serve to worsen him. That being said, you will be rewarded handsomely on your return. Alexander here will be in charge--" Wait, she wanted [i]him[/i] in charge?! She didn't say anything about that! Alexander's jaw dropped, and he let out a nervous laugh, interrupting the princess. After a slightly awkward pause, she ignored him and continued. "The Dylo Pass is rife with bandit activity, you'll find my sister there. I will leave you in his...capable hands."

The knight felt all eyes on him, a low chuckle trapped in his throat as he avoided eye contact at all costs. Okay, this was it, this was the real deal. So what if he just graduated? So what if his pressing anxiety was threatening to crush his windpipe? So what if his nerves were weighing down on him more than his armor was? Clearing his throat again, the knight nodded, throwing on an entirely unconvincing smile. "[color=aquamarine]Ahaha...well, then, ladies, onwards![/color]" He managed to scrounge up enough enthusiasm to raise his fist in the air.

Eyeing him warily, if Marigold had any doubts, she was doing a very good job at hiding it. Instead she would agree with Alexander, clasping her hands together. "May Harmonia watch over you," She offered, letting out a small sigh of worry.

Alexander opened his mouth to respond, though he recalled what the princess said about time. Instead of responding, the young man turned on his heel and began to march. And march. And march. And march...