[table][row][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/S98vWKh.png[/img][/center][/cell][cell]
[color=#50b0f1][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/220311/27efd277073263c7d99ebe605d1cfab8.png[/img][/center][/color]
[indent][hr][/indent][hr]
[indent][sup][color=ab274f]Attire:[/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/IIomrbO.jpg]Click here[/url]
[color=ab274f]Time:[/color] 9:30 am
[color=ab274f]Location:[/color] Danrose Entrance Hall -> His office
[color=ab274f]Interaction(s):[/color] [@JJ Doe] Hendrix
[color=ab274f]Mention(s):[/color] [@Aerandir] Verrick
[/sup][/indent][/cell][/row][/table]When Count Hendrix provided him the answer, Wulfric did no more or less than tilt his chin down in acknowledgment, and make a mental note of the name. When the other man emphasized that his knowledge had been gained via rumours, the prince quirked an eyebrow at him. [color=ab274f]“So you have said.”[/color] Or, well, had [i]implied[/i], anyhow. Just as he hadn’t before, Wulfric still did not dismiss the possibility that coming to learn of the host hadn’t been quite as accidental as the count would lead him to believe. 

[color=ab274f][i]Trust…[/i][/color] Had Fritz pointed out the uncertainty of this information to make himself seem more trustworthy? To cover his own back? Due to the (shared) expectation that it was a matter of course to confirm such a thing? Either way, Wulfric merely replied with a placid, [color=ab274f]“I will.”[/color]

The sounds of quiet footsteps signaled someone else’s approach, and the prince briefly looked away. He did not know the man who greeted him as he passed by, but offered a polite nod in return. [color=ab274f][i]Yet another unknown, lingering in our castle as he pleases?[/i][/color] Maybe it was an inescapable (if disagreeable) consequence of this summer event of theirs. Either way, he refocused his attention on the count. 

At his next humble words, Wulfric chanced a stare deep into those unfathomable black eyes. [color=ab274f][i]Mysteries upon mysteries…[/i][/color] Because there was true satisfaction in having one more piece with which to resolve the puzzling events of the party, it was all too easy to counter with a pleased smile. [color=ab274f]“Oh, it was concrete enough, and thank [i]you[/i] for bringing this to me.”[/color]

He was half of a mind to take his leave, but was presented with the bouquet the count had been ‘hiding’ behind his back. He inspected it, bemused. Since this action was far more unexpected than not, he decided then and there it was most wise to treat this on the surface level of gift giving and receiving.

Wulfric lifted his gaze from the (visually unappealing, it had to be noted) collection of handpicked flowers and herbs. [color=ab274f]“Hmmm, I do not dislike them,”[/color] he replied, tone teasingly thoughtful. His preference did not necessarily matter when being gifted something, and the question was likely rhetorical, but why not make a bit of a show of letting himself be lured in?

He watched Fritz separate the bouquet into two, nodding alongside the explanation as if suddenly, entirely new beneficial aspects of these plants were revealed to him. [color=ab274f][i]Very multi-purpose.[/i][/color] Not only its uses, but also the underlying intentions.

Compartmentalizing more strictly, he considered only how much more enjoyable the aroma might be, when drawn out by heated water. [color=ab274f]“Quite thoughtful,”[/color] he murmured, and accepted the gift as was proper. 

The count then discerned his fatigue seemingly at a glance. He also provided some advice, maybe a warning as well. [color=ab274f][i]Shouldn’t make it too easy for you, should I?[/i][/color] Wulfric smiled wryly. But what he said was, [color=ab274f]“I am aware.”[/color] His tone was largely neutral, bordering on cool, with a slight underlying resignation to it. Rest was in ever consistent demand, but the prospects of its future supply were perhaps a tad bleak. 

Exchange done, they were both equally ready to leave. [color=ab274f]“Have a pleasant day, Count Hendrix,”[/color] the prince bid his farewell, and departed.
[center][h3]***[/h3][/center]
Back in his office, Wulfric took a seat on one of the couches, sinking into it. Some tension left his body, and he felt a wave of exhaustion pass over him. However, his mind was far too restless to consider even a short nap. Granted, he wouldn’t have regardless. 

Clearly, what he needed just then was to order more coffee with his breakfast. His stomach concurred with the idea of food, now, but he pushed that aside as much as he had the tiredness. Had it really been twelve, thirteen hours already since he’d last eaten? No matter; he could hold off on his meal for a few more minutes.

Instead, he chose to attend to the most immediate concern. He closed his eyes, and – having carried them with him thus far – brought the flowers to his nose, inhaling.

[color=9354FF][i]“Floral baths.”[/i][/color]

A low chuckle passed his lips. [color=ab274f][i]Know something of me, do you?[/i][/color]

[color=ab274f]“Just for that…”[/color] he said under his breath, silently completing the sentence with, [color=ab274f][i]I am nearly tempted to excise you.[/i][/color]

But the course of his thoughts belied that whimsical idea. He recollected all he could about their conversation, creating a mental portfolio of sorts as he did so.

Hendrix’s skills, tendencies, sphere of influence…speculations on his motives. For all of that, he hadn’t a clue about the man’s aims. Beyond the immediately obvious one of forming an association to him, and possibly to his mother, that was. 

His plan of action was essentially to subtly probe into the count. However…With all his other matters to attend to, he was frankly limited in the resources he could spare a single individual. Thus, he did the mental equivalent of shelving his notes on Fritz. They’d be there, in the back of his mind, whenever he needed them. Ready to be acted upon when he had the opportunity to do so.

Wulfric opened his eyes and blanky stared at the bouquet. He tied the stalks into one simple knot, then somewhat carelessly, threw the bundle onto the nearby table. Oh, he’d use it, alright, but for now, it was time for breakfast.