The change was abrupt, in almost comical way. Violet face 'switched' to dimmer version of her. Just like a lamp who's power has been cut. The bowing head, the thinner lips, even the lowering of eyes, whole change as seemingly as breath.
All this just to welcome a person - a 'rat' they call him. What a lucky man he is.
Well he is indeed lucky, to be played by two best and the most charming actor - according to Altaris
A walk confidence, suddenly emerge from way of the entrance. As a knife through the butter, he charge straight, into the couple space. His eagle like eyes, focused, and lock with purposeful gaze. Even his iconic hat was focused, following the rhythm of the play.
The bow were coming next, a tilt of head rather deep especially to Violet who's rank far above him. Gone was the insecurity that he filled with before, completely replaced by clarity and pride, heck even his chest seem to swell - by the amount of pride he store in there.
He seem to be confident by Altaris cooperation
And God damn right he will
But first, the higher rank need to acknowledge his presence, and Violet were no such person who love to drag things around. The scene needs to continue as the day needs to set and rest.
"Well... i hadn't expect you to see here...lord Agnes"
"Same as i, my lady. Unexpected indeed... and .... ah...Lord Claremont, is an honor"
Johan with stated shock, as he sat. Carefully lowering his body after a seat the waiters so kindly provide.
"The honor is mine, Lord Agnes"
"If truth be told, i came here with purpose. On behalf of crown prince... i am to seek from you certain... information"
Johan said while tapping his finger quickly. His body forward, afraid someone might heard him
"And what information would that be, my lord ?"
"The discussion... for the mock battle. I believe the matter is settled - is it not ?"
The question pull Altaris into a smile, then nod as answering the next question.
"Certainly"
"And would you so kind to tell me the 'strategy' your team means to use in such setting ?"
"And what would i - gain - from from such deal"
He add, pupil up to the ceiling. Johan , glance. A silent talk beneath sound and words
"A Favor - From the Crown Prince himself. And of course... protection, should certain troubles arise, yes ?"
Johan said, still smiling. Yet, his finger stop entirely. Inviting silence to came between their space. The moment hold, decorated by breath and Altaris tapping of finger.
"A tempting offer i would say - one who carried enough weight. Fair enough, i shall provide the information you seek"
"A wise choice, my lord"
Altaris tilted, then his hand searched something inside the coat pocket. An envelope, white and soft, with a card of clown placed deliberately beside it.
"Here... all of it, in this letter. Surely you did not expect me to speak such matter here and now?"
"Ahh... perfect. The Crown Prince will see you well rewarded"
Johan said with a sleight, like a master magician he shifter the letter owner completely. But, before the letter vanished under the veil of shirt, a hand halted it
"Indeed, and i expect no less. The 'bond' with the blood of a hero is not a thing one toy lightly"
The remark, come with a voice - as flat as it can be
"Do not need worry, my lord. I shall see to it"
"Then surely" Altaris rise his hand "you will not refuse a toast ?"
With a smile as sweet as wine
"For Nobles"
"For Nobles"
Finished with his objective, Johan tried to stand. Yet, for a thousand times already, once again, He halted his advance.
"And, before i go. May i ask, what was your relationship with my lady"
"We are...Betrothed"
Without command, Violet was the one who answered. Her voice shake a little. betraying her calm exterior
"Betrothed ? And why would that be ? A duke are certainly a better match no ?"
"The joker is...wild card. As my father always say"
"Very well...If i may excuse myself, my lady. I shall deliver this report this to the Crown Prince, until we meet again"
He bow again, then turned. Without a single rush in the way he walked. Johan look calmer now. He take his time, plastering his vision with neat scene in the restaurant.
And the couple can't help but giggle.
----
Sometimes after leaving the place, Johan step gradually change. Gone was the calmness before, now his walk were full of haste. His hand clutched his coat, while his eyes glance left and right. A chase, that what is seem to look like, yet not a single soul in sight.
His step halt in front of a normal like house. With black color and a few vine latch in its walls. The feeling of old, oozing from it's very pore, accompanied by a subtle scent of wood like oak.
With step of care, he got close to the door. Then knock with slow, and deliberate motion. A hurried step, can be heard from inside. Followed by creak and opening of the gate.
"Oh... lord Astrid, Welcome... welcome. The prince already waiting"
A women said, with lowered head. Her attire was less, full of skin and holes. Johan, with nod, entered with measured step. Into a roam of white, betraying the exterior before.
The inside was actually glorious. Full of gold and lavish decoration. A few sofa can be seen, arranged neatly in circle like theme. The wall is also not forgotten, decorated by either painting or ornament. The entire place, was made to induce envy, the only one for the crown prince.
"You've arrive...Johan"
A voice was heard spreading to the entire room. From a figure of teen, while manspreading on sofa like seat. With a small table that arrange near, sitting with wine on top of it. The women before, stood in her arranged place, like a shadow, ready for any situation.