(open | november log)

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you (some closed starters as well)
When: Noveuer
Where: Aefenglom (Residential, Aristocratic, and Entertainment Districts), Mhysadei (farmland beyond the Wall), & the Wilde
What: Ozymandias starts surveying and problem-solving for the issues of overcrowding in the Residential District, suffers tea time with old rich women, and tries to do his best taking care of a farm that was left behind. He also has some private 1:1 chats with some folks.
Warnings: Animal death (via hunting) with the Wilde prompt; will update as needed

residential district | aristocratic district | entertainment district (closed) | mhysadei + the wilde
((ooc: feel free to riff off any of the open prompts if you would like. if you need/want to run something by me before you do that, you can either pm this journal or shoot me a message on plurk [rebreather]. same goes with if you would like to have a private starter!))

Comments

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias makes no immediate motion to accept the folio from Hubert as fragments of conversation pass through his mind at the news. He thinks little of their work together for the moment–though it shall certainly come to him eventually with their most recent collaboration now to be left unfinished–and more of her request of what would be done with her young ward, the girl that Ozymandias himself cannot help but think of as a daughter. While this news may be of a disappointment to him, he cannot help but immediately find it to be likely devastating to her.]

[His brow begins to furrow before he accepts the folio and he speaks with the sort of evenness one would anticipate from a monarch used to receiving such news.]

I shall see to it that her great works are brought to fruition. Thank you, Hubert. [And yet, even in the absence of some great surge of emotion, it is likely plain that it is hardly Ozymandias' focus at the present moment. He's quicker to ask,] What of Leslie?

[bloodypath]

[And there it was. Hubert had been expecting this. He inhales quietly, resettling his hands behind his back.]

She took to the news as well as could be expected, all considered, but it is giving her difficulty. [Who could fault her? Leslie and Edelgard had connected in a way beyond words, and Hubert's sympathy rings wearily in the hollow left by a severed Bond.]

She has elected to continue residing with me. I... am aware I cannot be what Her Majesty was, but she is still Lady Edelgard's ward. I will ensure Leslie's safety and essential needs so long as she will have my guardianship.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias draws a careful breath, jaw clenching for the briefest of moments. What child can ever say that they are prepared to say goodbye to their mother? Never mind a child who has lived far too much of it without love and kindness as Leslie has. He can scarcely imagine the weight that must now reside within that young girl's heart over this loss.]

Then I hope you might tell Leslie on my behalf that she may take the time she needs before returning to work. [As much as Ozymandias would like to think something like that was plain and obvious, he knows Leslie well enough to know that she probably needs such blatant permission to allow herself the time away.] And I hope you will not take it as an insult or questioning your abilities, but I would like to remain informed of her well-being. That child is as dear to me as my own.

[bloodypath]

[Hubert lays one hand across his chest, affecting as much of a bow as the space between them would allow without intruding on personal bubbles.]

Of course; such is simple enough on both accounts. Do not be surprised if you find her here soon, however; despite her youth, Leslie seems to be growing into the sort of individual that find solace in busy hands. [And the desperate need to please others and meeting their expectations, but. That was a different can of worms.]

[fulgency]

[As so often seems to be the case with those raised as heir apparent. Even if Leslie was not to inherit a land over which to rule, Ozymandias would find it difficult to believe that her upbringing with Edelgard did not involve some degree of such education and training.]

If that is to be the case, then we shall no doubt welcome her back. [Because Ozymandias would frankly be a hypocrite if he did not allow Leslie to do as much.] But I shall not permit her to be here so long as her reasoning is to avoid displeasing me or anyone else.

[bloodypath]

Fair terms. I'll see to it that she understands them.

[A phantom ache gnaws at the back of Hubert's mind, along with all the other tasks he had to set about in the wake of Edelgard's departure. Two less people meant less to do, but also, fewer people to take up tasks.]

Is there anything else you would like me to pass to her?

[fulgency]

Only my affection and condolences. And that she should desire my company, she need not ask.

[Not that there were many times that Ozymandias would not drop everything for Leslie should she ever have such a need for him, but it is especially true at a time like this. Which is perhaps why he also adds,]

Should either of you have need of anything, do not hesitate to make such a request.

[Ozymandias holds no expectations that Hubert will ever take him up on that for himself. They are not particularly close to one another, after all. But it is a lot to manage suddenly becoming head of a household while balancing the grief Ozymandias does not doubt is felt with Edelgard and Byleth's departures. So even if he will not consider it for himself, he trusts that Hubert would for Leslie's sake if he felt it appropriate.]

[bloodypath]

Very well. I shall consider your offer.

[Consider, and likely reject unless it was for Leslie's sake. Hubert was reluctant to accept help even from those closest to him in his own matters.]

Then if you have nothing further to add, I'll take my leave with Her Majesty's projects in like-minded hands; I've much to do. Do not disappoint her intentions.

[Not that Hubert was involved enough in the politics of his world to call Ozymandias on it if he did, nor was Edelgard present to witness any warping of her ideas, but... well, it's the principle of the matter.]

[fulgency]

[Under other circumstances, Ozymandias might find the last of Hubert's words to be insulting for one reason or another. But given the recent loss, he does not take any offense. He understands the desire to be protective of someone's legacy, and sees it as a great mark of Hubert's loyalty to Edelgard.]

Of course. Do not let me keep you. I trust you can find your way out.

[Ozymandias nods in the direction of the nearly-assembled meals for the sphinxes that he said he would finish.]

[bloodypath]

[Hubert offers a prim, business-like bow with his hand over his chest again. ]

Of course.

[And with nothing left to add, he takes his leave.]