Honorary Golden Deer

Distrust of the Empire

Linhardt woke the next morning alone. He was snuggled beneath the covers, the fleeting scent of the professor still staining the fabric that covered his nose. Linhardt found himself lulling back to sleep when he heard a loud clatter of noise outside. He furrowed his brow at the rather inconvenient disturbance and sat up. His door was wide open, which was odd, for one. What had his heart sinking, however, was the knight peeking in to encumber his whereabouts. Linhardt kept his face neutral as he rose from his bed, attempting to fix his bed hair as he picked up some stray books that had fallen to the floor during the night. The dust that had settled on the many piles of books that gifted his room caught Linhardt off guard. He forgot how often he studied in his room, away from people and wearing distractions. The thought to nap already passed the warlock's mind – but with his extra company – he decided against it. He watched the knight retreat out the corner of his eye and dropped his arms to his side. The rather obvious signs of being surveilled caused Linhardt to falter slightly. Perhaps Claude and the professor were not so open to his arrival than he had expected. He guessed he couldn't blame them, especially Claude. It wasn't often students from other houses transferred, nor did they turn their backs on the heirs of their countries. Claude was the new Alliance leader, he had a country's safety to ensure, and he wasn't about to allow an Empire noble to stroll the grounds of their newly appointed headquarters – even if it was Linhardt. The warlock let out a tired sigh before he left his room, offering a friendly nod to the knight, who pretended to be busy gazing out the window. As he reached the stairs, he took a step down and waited. Linhardt turned around when he heard the heavy steps of the knight's metal boots advance towards him. The warlock folded his arms and rose a brow when the knight peeked around to see how far Linhardt had gone down the flight of stairs in order to follow at an inconspicuous distance. He clearly hadn't expected him to stop and wait, and he yelped in surprise and stumbled back. Linhardt waited for the knight to compose himself and addressed him pleasantly.

"Is there something I can help you with?" He asked pointedly and waited patiently for a reply.

"Oh, nothing." The knight shook his head swiftly. "Just making my rounds."

Linhardt eyed him sadly before he ducked his head down in understanding. The warlock turned back and headed down the staircase, a light scowl gracing his features.

Was this really his life now? Forever to be mistrusted by Empress and friends alike. Who knew pursuing his right for a more individualised education would put him in this position? An exhausted sigh left his lips as he passed the greenhouse and came to stand by the water's edge. Linhardt's eyes trailed from the disturbed rippling water to the baited hook. The line was strained and the warlock's eyes travelled up the twine to find the man with a small bead of sweat on his forehead as he struggled with the hooked line. The professor's brow was creased in concentration and Linhardt was unable to stop the small smile that graced his lips. It was hard to stay mad at someone who was clueless about how cute they were. To be fair, Linhardt doubted the professor had any idea Claude had asked the Knights of Seiros to keep an eye on him. He wanted to talk to the professor about the situation, but he didn't want to sound like the spoilt child he was five years ago. Linhardt guessed he could allow Claude to surveillance him until the alliance leader was sure he could be fully trusted. He was used to being followed, so, what were another few weeks? Well...he hoped it was only for that long.

He hadn't realised how long he had been daydreaming until he felt a presence beside him.

"Teach is a huge fan of the whole fishing thing, isn't he?"

Linhardt looked up to his left to see Claude with his arms relaxed behind his head. A smile still plastered on his face and his eyes sparkled as he watched the professor.

"It is very relaxing," Linhardt replied and assessed Claude beside him. He had always been handsome even when they were younger, but now with his new well-trimmed beard sitting perfectly on his sharp jaw, Linhardt was unable to picture the archer without it. His hair was brushed and styled back carelessly but that just complimented every aspect of the man's features. But everything that was depicted in front of him was deceived and blinded by his distrust. Linhardt was tempted to confront him, to demand to know why they had treated him as a friend, when he was now, clearly seen as a threat and a spy for the Empire. Instead, he decided to try and coax the confession out of him. "Perhaps you should try it sometime. I'm sure the professor or I could show you the basics."