Appetency

SEVENTEEN

   "Are you alright, Laurent? What's wrong?"

Valentino had been constantly checking up on him after the emperor had announced Saint Amren's arrival to the empire.

Laurent had grown so pale and looked sick to his stomach, but he merely brushed it off and stated that it might have been something he ate and kept quiet for the majority of the banquet. But he kept glancing up at the throne every now and then, specifically looking at the saint.

Laurent had always known that he'd eventually clash with Amren considering his villain position as a canon fodder, but it's too disadvantageous for him. Even with the system backing him up and knowledge of the story line, it really doesn't mean shit when everything is supposed in favor for Amren.

He needs to keep his head down and watch himself for now.

And maybe the real Laurent's behavior had rubbed off on him, but he couldn't help and steal glances at the middle of the banquet where the saint was at, surrounded by crowds of people. Laurent could feel his lips twitch in disdain.

... What a freaking saint. Acting like he was so high and mighty above everyone.

Of course, Laurent isn't one to talk since he's literally an asshole, but Amren just rubs him off the wrong way. Especially with the death flag hanging over his head.

In the official game play, Amren did have a veil covering his face, but not during the entirety of the introduction. He looks more of a spirit as of now amongst the people, gliding through them with his flashy white robes and a sun-shaped pendant that he carried around his neck, glinting against the lights.

Laurent made a face at it.

That pendant was a symbol of Amren's god, something that the protagonist always carried throughout the game play. In one of the routes, Laurent had stolen it out of fury and used it to pin blame on Amren during one of his schemes. He never got away with it as expected, but it was an eyesore to see.

"Your Grace, you really won't have any dealings with the saint?"

"No, I don't, sweetheart. I'd rather focus on our time together than be distracted from other people," Valentino sighed, relieved that Laurent was finally talking. "Why don't we head out since you're not feeling well?"

Laurent doesn't hesitate to take his hand after.

As much as he was curious about Amren, backing off was a better call right now than provoking the main protagonist. He's sure with that damned halo over Amren that he can't touch him.

But just as Laurent was about to walk away with Valentino, a group of businessmen came over, wanting to make small talk and connections with the grand duke. Laurent pauses and eyes how his partner outright refused them all, but it makes him remember just how much of a prominent figure Valentino is. Politics aside, he's got a tight leash among his peers due to the vast money and resources he has in the palm of his hands.

Laurent lets out a subtle snort. These people remind him of Seamus' own circle of business partners. He'd rather bite his own tongue than wait for Valentino.

"I'll head outside to the gardens," Laurent said with a forced smile, already taking his hand off from his partner.

"Ah, it won't take long, Laurent. I'll just say a quick goodbye to them."

"No need. You're a busy man, Your Grace," he replied halfheartedly, losing interest. "Take your time... or whatever."

He doesn't wait for Valentino to say anything and simply walks off.

It might raise some suspicion as to why he isn't clinging onto him now, but Laurent will just blame it on the amount of alcohol if need be. Which isn't exactly wrong. Some fresh air is what he needed after that nauseating experience in the banquet.