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Nathaniel's smile solidified, but he felt his eyes unable to meet Rossweine's. He had managed to catch the prince's words to the others: glowing praise and biting critique all mashed into flowery language. He couldn't help but be impressed. Nathaniel noticed the slight criticisms of his allies, and his words hit their marks. Rossweine was far from the last to have been keeping a clever eye on what was going on. Nathaniel had categorized his mental notes of the various performances, and Rossweine's comments helped to solidify the memories of their duels. Nathaniel hadn't paid much mind to Zenshin Ferros, for he seemed so green to the idea of fighting with a sword he might as well have been the grass in a Grayle field. What Nathaniel had marked was the disrespect of Edwin Giraud, another pompous noble with a disdain for the common folk who ultimately supported his family's station. Zenshin would be ready to face down the Giraud boy come the next tournament, Nathaniel would make sure of that.

The prince's words rung true, and a small glimpse of recognition shot over Nathaniel's face for a moment. The prince was particularly good at reading people's emotions... or perhaps Nathaniel broadcasted his own emotions too freely. His eyes quickly darted to the blonde standing next to the mountainous man. Julian Baker seemed so much more... small, now. Perhaps it was the lack of sand obscuring his vision. Regardless, Rossweine was right: a lesson was taught. The enemies of Grayle were treacherous cowards, and it would be unreasonable to be prepared only to fight the most honorable of opponents. It's a lesson Nathaniel wouldn't have to learn twice. Yet despite the Prince's wishes, Nathaniel couldn't help but feel a simmering rage deep down. To be taught such a public lesson, given such a public humiliation... it is a wound of honor that could not be healed by a few wise words. Nathaniel would still need to issue a challenge against the Baker boy. That much was certain.

To the Prince's request, Nathaniel gave a nod. [color=ed1c24]"Of course, Y-er... Captain."[/color] The title didn't quite feel right in his mouth yet, but Nathaniel would honor his squad captain's request. [color=ed1c24]"I will speak to them."[/color]

As Nathaniel went to peel off towards two of the last remaining members of the 13th squadron, he was stopped by an excited greeting. He smiled at the introduction and recognized the timid nature of the greeting, but couldn't help but be surprised by the eloquent words. Nathaniel's soft smile grew wider as he gave a short bow to Kaiser Underwall, one far less formal than the one he had given the prince. [color=ed1c24]"It is a pleasure to meet you, Kaiser Underwall. Your adoptive father is spoken of quite highly across the kingdom, and I imagine many will speak highly of you as well."[/color] Nathaniel's eyes scanned over the boy's features. Getting a closer look, Kaiser seemed to be every bit as strong and lean as was anticipated. The stranger had a physical advantage, certainly, but not an advantage in height. Nathaniel also noticed the locked legs and hints of blush in the boy’s cheeks. Kaiser Underwall was nervous.

Nathaniel gave a nod of his head in the direction of the prince and the others. [color=ed1c24]"You should introduce yourself to our squad captain, and join us in heading to the barracks. I imagine they’ll be excited to meet you.”[/color] He gave a soft smile and placed a hand on the fellow cadet’s shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze. Kaiser was a bit strange, but he wasn’t bad. With a bit of discipline, he would make a fine knight.

Nathaniel quickly parted from Kai, making his way swiftly towards the last remaining members of the 13th squadron. He quickened his pace, as to avoid keeping the prince waiting. His steps were loud, and his movement swift enough to be easily noticed. As he approached, Nathaniel called out his greeting. [color=ed1c24]“Good morrow, gentlemen!”[/color] He lowered his tone to an appropriate volume once a few paces away, placing his hands behind his back and giving a short bow to the two. [color=ed1c24]“I am Nathaniel of House Lothwren, second seat of our squadron.”[/color] He paused for a moment, his tongue pressed firmly to the roof of his mouth. They certainly already knew who he was, in hindsight. These second introductions seemed a bit redundant. Nathaniel’s smile remained unwavering as he brushed the thought aside and quickly continued. [color=ed1c24]“Dot Auferrum and Liese Brendorn, it will be an honor to train alongside you both. I would like to extend an offer of invitation on behalf of our squad captain, Prince Rossweine Lupus Grayle, to join the rest of the squadron in our procession to the barracks. It seems we will be leaving momentarily.”[/color]