[center][url=https://fontmeme.com/signature-fonts/][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/190120/b458a81531631a6916fa9413063c5f80.png[/img][/url][/center][right][sub]Interacting with: [@Achronum] [@Trainerblue192][/sub][/right]
The silence pressed down on Aaron, though with the way the morning had been going, it was probably for the best. He was content to occupy himself with eating until a gasp drew his attention. He might not otherwise have noticed it, but he knew his aunt well, and a mere glance at her told him something was wrong. She was a wreck, pallid and trembling, eyes fixed on… the Princess?

When he followed Dora’s gaze, Aaron saw the Princess’ expression and understood her anxiety. Princess Ryner almost always wore a smile; Aaron was fairly confident he’d never seen her look so troubled. He looked on, concerned, as Dora checked on her, fighting down the urge to get up and do the same. But she seemed to snap out of it with Dora’s intervention - perhaps she had used her magic to calm her - giving an explanation and stimulating the Queen’s tendency to micromanage. And, just like that, things seemed normal again. 

Princess Ryner launched into conversation, and Aaron listened carefully as she appointed Varis as Count Alder’s teaching assistant. Aaron wasn’t blind to the Count’s displeasure, and he wondered if and how the assignment would affect his own duties. Not that he was entirely sure what his existing duties were, he reminded himself. 

On the subject of devils and tasks, Lady Sinnenodel’s mage spoke up as the next course was served, asking Aaron a rather loaded question. Strict and consistent? Well, there was no question that Varis was strict; 1,000 lines for failing to exceed expectations was more than enough proof of that. But consistent? Aaron had been with him for so short a time it was impossible to judge, especially when it seemed as if Varis was content to let his mage stumble onto his rules by accident instead of setting them out clearly the way Aaron was used to. But of course, he couldn’t just [i]say[/i] that; he’d be loath to get Varis in trouble. 

[color=f0d705]“His methods are vastly different to what I’m used to, Your Excellency. I’ll admit, it’s been a jarring transition,”[/color] Aaron replied, choosing his words carefully. Briefly, he looked to his Count, trying to gauge a reaction, but he was impossible to read, eyes still dark from the Princess’ order. Gut aflutter, Aaron looked back to Lady Sinnenodel’s mage, now gratefully blindfolded, and offered a tight smile. [color=f0d705]“But I assure you: so far, I am not wanting for discipline.”[/color]