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Derec watched as several members of the clergy came this way and that, speaking to one another in hushed voices. Occasionally, a knight would stop to ask why he was waiting outside of Professor Michail's office, giving little more than a hum of approval once he explained himself. Now that he thought about it, the church got awfully busy once classes were dismissed. He heard some students make plans about visiting, but he wasn't too sure why. 

As another knight stopped before him, he straightened up, though this time the guy wasn't there to ask him any questions. There were several knights lined up and saluting, the movement in the hallway ceasing until he saw the woman clad in white at the end of the hallway. Archbishop Ioannis walked with her, pensive, though he seemed to brighten up. She was clearly hanging on every word, her features gentle and otherwordly. He had no idea who she was, though she must have been someone important for the knights to act the way they were.

All except one knight dispersed, though he moved to join another at the door as Professor Michail and Professor Simeon came up the stairs. He couldn't tell what they were talking about, but they bid each other farewell and separated--she went into the same room as the Archbishop and his guest, and Michail stopped in front of him.

[color=00aeef]"Sorry for the wait, I had to slip in with Kaira just so I could get here,"[/color] He said, chuckling as he unlocked his office. [color=00aeef]"This place goes crazy whenever Lady Arianthe visits."[/color]

[color=turquoise]"Lady Arianthe?"[/color] Derec asked, following Michail inside. [color=turquoise]"Lord Ascelipus' former assistant? I thought she was helping the Western Church."[/color]

[color=00aeef]"She was, and she'll probably head back once she finishes her business here,"[/color] He said, looking around. [color=00aeef]"Hm. I should...tidy up for the future."[/color]

It wasn't necessarily that the office was messy, but if Michail got rid of the armor and weapon display, it probably wouldn't feel so crowded. That said, the mountain of paperwork on one side of the desk didn't help things. Of course, there was a weird thought in the back of his head that Michail had set things up this way on purpose--some of those lances looked very, [i]very[/i] intimidating, but judging by the professor not really giving them any attention, it was unfounded. Or at least, he hoped so.

Derec shook those thoughts out of his head, clearing his throat. [color=turquoise]"So...I was told that if I should encounter any trouble that I should go to you, but..."[/color] He trailed off for a second, thinking of the best way to say it, but ultimately deciding that he should get to it. [color=turquoise]"...I don't think you like me very much."[/color]

To his surprise, Michail outright laughed, crossing his arms. [color=00aeef]"I [i]am[/i] the head of the Blue Lions,"[/color] He said. [color=00aeef]"Though, I'm guessing you're referring to what Duke Charon told you."[/color]

Derec nodded. [color=turquoise]"Yes, he did. But...how can I turn to you if you don't really care for me?"[/color] He asked.

[color=00aeef]"I'm a professional, kid. If it's my job, then I'll give it my full effort,"[/color] Michail stated. [color=00aeef]"So no, I won't look the other way if you're in danger, nor will I let any assassins get to you. I even went out of my way to get Theo to use his connections to make sure you're safe at all times."[/color]

That didn't do much to assure him, though Derec did notice he didn't address the other thing he said. [color=turquoise]"And you hate me because...of the claim?"[/color] He guessed.

[color=00aeef]"If I hated you, don't you think I would've exposed you from the start?"[/color] Michail replied with a question of his own. [color=00aeef]"With the exception of a handful of people, all that anyone knows is that you're here due to a sponsership from a noble. I couldn't do much about your unit assignment, but considering you have a Galatea, a Fraldarius, [i]and[/i] a future Gautier, I think I made the right call. Or do you disagree?"[/color]

[color=turquoise]"As you said, you're a professional. You know how to separate your work from your personal feelings, even if you glare at me like I killed your father or something,"[/color] Derec wasn't buying it. [color=turquoise]"I'd like to know. Is it the claim? Though I haven't heard of a House Kalonic taking any sides, unlike the other counts and dukes."[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Baron Eddard Kalonic is a minor lord in Charon territory. He isn't really anyone of importance, no--but Leon Charon is,"[/color] Michail sighed. [color=00aeef]"I'm not really sure how much he's told you or what he did to get you on his side, but I recommend taking anything he says with a grain of salt."[/color]

[color=turquoise]"So your beef is with him, not me. But considering he's one of my biggest supporters...I didn't think you were so petty,"[/color] Derec returned Michail's sigh with one of his own. [color=turquoise]"Here I thought it was something else. Still, whatever issues you have with him, they have nothing to do with me."[/color]

[color=00aeef]"Actually, it has less to do with pettiness and more concern for my country,"[/color] Michail replied sharply.

Derec somehow stood his ground--though he wasn't sure why. [color=turquoise]"You're a Knight of Seiros, doesn't that mean you gave up whatever titles and the like back in Faerghus?"[/color] He frowned. [color=turquoise]"I don't understand."[/color]

Michail paused a moment to rub his temple. [color=00aeef]"...You know, I was under the assumption that Duke Charon had you under his thumb,"[/color] He muttered. [color=00aeef]"Even though I've joined the church, that doesn't mean that I don't care about what happens to my country. You've uprooted the lives of the royal family, of all the lords--of the [i]entire[/i] country. Do you really think making a claim wouldn't earn any resentment?"[/color]

For once, Derec was silent. Michail was actually right about that, actually--he really didn't think of how it would affect anyone. It was selfish, but at the time, nothing else really mattered. He had nowhere to go or anyone to turn to. It was sheer coincidence that Duke Charon had been visiting that small church and had bore witness to the reveal of his Crest. The rest happened so quickly that he never did stop to think of how his actions would impact anyone.

[color=turquoise]"...even so...I'm here,"[/color] Derec said slowly. [color=turquoise]"I'm not going to apologize for existing, so...if it's at all possible, I'd like it if we could have a truce. Just until the end of this year. Then, after that, you can keep on hating me."[/color]

Michail tapped his fingers against his arm, staring at Derec. [color=00aeef]"It depends. What has Leon said to you about me?"[/color] 

That was a weird question, but Derec didn't see the harm in saying it. [color=turquoise]"That despite being a knight, you're indebted to him, so you'd help me out if I ever needed it,"[/color] He paused. Now that he thought about it, the duke never said [i]why[/i] he was indebted. Maybe that's why he was so hostile? He wished he hadn't made the revelation right there and then, but it couldn't be helped. [color=turquoise]"...if that isn't the case, then that's fine."[/color]

Michail stared at Derec, though for once, his expression was blank. Derec couldn't tell if he said the right or wrong thing, and for a second he was a little worried. Okay, a lot worried. But as he uncrossed his arms, Derec noticed Michail looked warier than anything. Whatever Duke Charon had on him must have been bad.

[color=00aeef]"As I said, I'm a professional. You're safe with me, and I won't be turning my back on you anytime soon,"[/color] Michail broke the silence. [color=00aeef]"That said, I recommend keeping your wits about you when it comes to him. He never sticks his neck out for anyone if it doesn't benefit him in some way. And all things considered, you have a lot to offer."[/color]

That was a fair enough statement. Derec nodded, scratching the back of his head. [color=turquoise]"I'd also like to go over the fight in Luin--if you don't mind,"[/color] He added, realizing the conversation was impossible to gauge.

Michail motioned to the chair, walking around his desk. [color=00aeef]"Sit down, I'll see what I wrote so we can go through the details,"[/color] He plopped down in his seat, taking a second to shift through the many, [i]many[/i] papers. [color=00aeef]"...uh, actually, I remember most of it. We'll start with form--it seemed alright, but I got the impression you're self-taught. I'll make sure to take you back a step to make sure your grip and the like are better."[/color]

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