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[indent][indent][indent][right][color=gray][sub][color=15706B][b]Location:[/b][/color] Training Grounds | 122nd Trainee Corps | Inside Wall Maria][/sub]
[sub][color=15706B][b]Featuring:[/b][/color] Hotaru Tachibana [@Hero][/sub][/color][/right]
[hr]
What was he doing here? 

Charles mulled over the thought as he turned to face the other woman as another walked away, apparently completely disinterested in having a proper greeting. He may have kept pace with the other woman if he hadn’t been caught completely off guard. As he raised an eyebrow, it became apparent that he had not been the only one to decide to join the military from Orvud. The girl, Hotaru Tachibana, was a little servant maid that worked at his family’s estate and while it shouldn’t have surprised him that a maid wanted to make a better life for herself, he couldn’t help but wonder how they could’ve timed this more strangely. It had been in his blood and of his greatest dream to serve in the military in defense against the threats beyond and within. He knew no such thing of the maid in front of him even as she [i]masqueraded[/i] as a soldier. Charles had much respect for women who wished to serve, but Hotaru could barely shamble with a broom so how could she defend anyone? Perhaps it was a bias of his, but unlike the towering woman that had helped him up he did not see Hotaru as anything but the awkward maiden from his estate halls from upon when he first met her.

He still remembered her when she arrived at his estate all those years ago. When his mother knocked down the dishes she had been tasked to clean up. 

[color=15706B]“I could ask you the same thing, Ms. Tachibana.”[/color] He remarked as he looked her over. [color=15706B]“You? The military?”[/color]

[color=lightsalmon]"One of us has a future that doesn't involve a life of servitude. I can't say I agree with your statement,"[/color] She couldn't help but remind him of his upbringing, or at least the little she knew of his upbringing. [color=lightsalmon]"Why would [i]you[/i] willingly put yourself through this?"[/color]

[color=15706B]“It’s a proud tradition in my family. I am glad to see you, but I never imagined you in uniform. You'll look great.”[/color]

Her jaw dropped slightly, only snapping shut after a few seconds. There was a hint of embarrassment on her face as she shook her head, taking in a breath before speaking through her flustered thoughts. Her voice trailed off before she cleared her throat. [color=lightsalmon]"That is... I wish I could say the same, but your presence here concerns me. Is the Lord aware of your participation? I can't possibly imagine him or the Lady being alright with this."[/color]

Charles eyed people around him as she mentioned his mother and father by their proper titles. On instinct he grabbed her by the hand, as he walked his way back to the cabins. He wanted to look busy, though part of it was the whispers that would occur. Surely, Charles’ fellow cadets would know soon enough but he would not wish gossip of such a kind be spoken so soon. He didn’t consider Hotaru’s feelings or appearances as he did so, but Charles was still a noble of privilege despite having genuinely good intentions. He continued the conversation between them as he pulled them away from the spot where he had fallen only a few minutes prior, as he ran his tongue on the base of his teeth to quell his nerves.

She needed to watch her tongue just had he needed to not act with his gut.

[color=15706B]“My [i]mother[/i] was not fond of my decision, yes.”[/color] His tone was terse, slightly less friendly than it was previously. [color=15706B]“My decision was to follow in the shadow of my grandfather. There has been members of my family in the military police and the garrison for generations. I know the risks. Do you? Are you that desperate? I promised you that I would support you and your family back in Orvud. Did you not believe me?”[/color]

At his words Hotaru couldn't help but roll her eyes, though the attempt to get out of his grasp was noticeable. 

[color=lightsalmon]"I know perfectly well what [i]I'm[/i] doing,"[/color] She snapped, clearly annoyed at his behavior. He could tell that much as she tried to wrench her hand free. [color=lightsalmon]"And your offer was generous, but I need to stand on [i]my[/i] own two feet. It's [i]my[/i] life, Young—[i]Charles,[/i] and I have nothing left to lose."[/color]

[color=15706B]“Outside of your life.”[/color]

Charles released his grip on her wrist, sighing as he did so. 

The blonde-haired young noble nearly frowned as he considered what Hotaru had said. It saddened him to learn she believed her life so worthless that she could endanger it, that she felt she had no other choice. He wondered about how little he actually knew of her home situation, though this was neither the time nor the place to inquire about such things. It would just make the young woman more upset with him. He knew that much.

[color=15706B]“I guess this just means I’ll have to keep protecting you, Miss Tachibana.”[/color] He said as he turned to look at her now that he was further away. His eyes continued to scan the grounds for other authority figures who might lecture him about conversing and not going immediately to his bunk in the cabins. He didn't want another situation.

Crossing her arms, Hotaru let out a huff. [color=lightsalmon]"Judging from today, [i]I[/i] will be the one having to keep [i]you[/i] out of trouble. I understand someone in your position isn't used to it, but you aren't supposed to backtalk your superiors. You can't just go around saying and doing whatever you want, there are consequences to your words. Look at those cadets running because of you! Do you really think you can 'protect' anyone like that?"[/color]

[color=15706B]“Of course. It is the responsibility of the strong and the privileged to protect the weak. Now if you excuse me, before [i]I[/i] cause another scene, I do need to find the cabins. We will converse later. Good luck.”[/color]

Without a second word Charles placed his hand on the top of the girl's head before heading off to his place in the cabins.[/indent][/indent] [/indent]