[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210505/2a9d9af6b732afe380e700aea286758d.png[/img][/center][hr]
When Rudolf had first received the missive that he'd be transferring into the unit personally selected by the Archbishop, he'd assumed it was a joke. When Professor Malathice had reiterated the statement to him in person, he'd [i]prayed[/i] it was a joke. Things were going so well; he was pretty sure no one had even learned his name yet, and then, somehow, he was thrust into the top class at the academy. He hadn't even done anything yet! His performance in training couldn't possibly have warranted his placement in a more advanced class; he did horribly! Okay, so maybe he vaporized that hay bale with a target painted on it, but anyone could've done that. Besides, that guy from the ass-end of Ochs territory kept knocking him over, and that should've been proof enough he was an incompetent one trick pony.

And yet, here he was, seated in the midst of a group - with the [i]future emperor[/i] - that had already saved an entire village of people from demonic beasts, if the rumor mill was to be believed. Or maybe they said it was a guy that [i]looked[/i] like a demonic beast? He wasn't really listening when he heard those Leicester students talk about it in the courtyard earlier. Though, with the way the blond professor talked, Rudolf wasn't certain that the rumors hadn't [i]underestimated[/i] the situation for once. Explosions? Seriously? Whole villages had sent gifts to some of the students here for their heroic actions and the faculty thought the runt of House Bergliez would fit in? Why did this always happen? Couldn't they just pay attention to him?! At least this guy seemed to take his appraisal of the students seriously. With luck, he'd send Rudolf packing just like Raymond and Valerica or whoever he was just talking about.

His hopes were dashed mere seconds later when Michail revealed he had no clue Rudolf was even in the room. Of course. As usual, the boy would skirt by on failure and be praised for it.

[color=b300b3]"Um. Hello,"[/color] Rudolf finally spoke up as he was introduced, rising from his seat to help gather everyone's attention. He figured they'd never spot him if he sat there quietly like he'd wanted to. His eyes flitted about the room as he gave the class a few seconds to locate him just in case - he'd need it to gather his thoughts anyway. Guilt stabbed deep into his gut as some of the gazes around him shifted from unfocused curiosity to actually seeing him. He shouldn't be here. They'd depend on him to back them up in whatever dangerous escapades this class was evidently thrusted into, and all he'd be able to do is cower like an idiot. Then they'd even pat him on the back as they died in front of him because he couldn't support them.

[color=b300b3]"You guys are... uh, sorry. First of all, it's nice to meet you."[/color] Public speaking was never his strong suit. His voice was too soft, his eyes always drifted down to his feet rather than out at his audience, and his posture was improper and reserved. No one ever noticed that last part. They always assumed it was the very image of military discipline; after all, they hadn't seen anything to the contrary, and how else would Count Bergliez's eldest son stand? [color=b300b3]"I don't know if you heard yet, but everyone's talking about your mission the other day. You guys sound really impressive. I don't really know if I can live up to that standard, if even half of the rumors are true, but..."[/color] Rudolf's voice trailed off as he stared cluelessly at the table in front of him. Idiot. That tutor that called him a genius should've been fired. [color=b300b3]"Um, I forgot where I was going with that."[/color] 

Rudolf paused to collect his thoughts awkwardly, and though he opened his mouth once or twice as if he intended to continue, no words ever came. He eventually just bowed his head and returned to his seat wordlessly.

[hr]
[center][img]https://fireemblemwiki.org/w/images/thumb/e/ed/FETH_Crest_of_Noa.png/60px-FETH_Crest_of_Noa.png[/img][/center]