#cremisii

[boundlesschaos]

“Hm. A ‘hidden identity’?” Hubert reads from his notes, but nonetheless hands Niamh a pin that says ‘likable individual’. “Your partners have written some feedback about your performance, though you have gotten more approval than disapproval. One outright asks if you can be friends. Unfortunately, with the nature of this experiment that comment needs to stay anonymous, so you will need to figure that out on your own.”

Friends?

Niamh lets that comment sit with them for longer than she expects, but she eventually speaks a simple, "I see," before carefully taking the 'prize' that she has won. It's a strange little thing - and the wording engraved on it gives her additional pause.

That's right. Others had examined her just as much as she had, and written their review of her. She wonders what else the man before her has seen from her assigned partners, but opts against it.

It'll be more satisfying if its her that figures it out.

[nohrslittleflower]

“Another impressive outcome,” Hubert says, though he is not surprised that someone like Elise would get such positive reviews. He hands her a button that says ‘exceptional model of behavior.’ “You have done well, and provided us ample data to move onto the next phase of the experiment. We thank you.”

“It has been noted that you are incredibly sweet, if only to hide some of your sadness. You also are intriguing to those who wish to study animals alongside you.”

Elise gasped, clapping her hands in happiness as she looks between the button and it’s creator. “I did?! Really?!” She was hoping everyone would like her (especially since she liked them all too), but to hear she did so well it was impressive?? 

“Hehe, thank you!!” She reaches out quickly and practically snatches the award out of his hand, taking the button so excitedly it’s impressive she managed to not accidentally stab herself while fixing it to her uniform. It’s a little crooked, but that’s okay! She’s still a winner. She won friendship. Yippee!

Kinda weird someone thought she was ‘sad’ though. Was she sad? She doesn’t remember being sad. Did her being sad make them sad??? She hopes not. That would make her sad for sure. Oh well, at least she’s still friends with whoever it was! This was a very productive experiment. Probably.

“Thank you! This was super fun! I’m happy I was able to help you, too! Whatever it is you’re doing. Good luck with that, by the way. I hope the ‘next phase’ thing works out!”

[rozyrne]

Rosado’s pin is a bit different from the others. Next to the words ‘exceptional model of behavior’ is a small image of a ghost, with one eye obscured and a little smile on its face. Hubert does not make note of it. “You’ve been liked across the encounters you’ve had, and perhaps you might coach the… less talented so they may do better in the future.” He looks down at his notes. “Your partners have said that you have a positive energy, you seem open minded, and are talented with art.”

one, two, three — every one in the bag! not a single one of those judgments were wrong, and rosado sways lightly back and forth, pleased to hear it. the ducked chin, fluttered lashes, cheeks rosy with modesty; but truth is, it's pretty expected.

never hurts to be validated, though!

"wow . . . that's so nice. thanks so much! i don't know how much being likeable can be taught, but i definitely wouldn't mind giving it a try if you really want!"

with open hand, he accepts the pin, taking in the words ' exceptional model ' with a willing smile, then eyes glimmer upon catching the accompanying doodle. "ah! did you draw this?? hubert. this. is the most adorable thing i've ever seen." and it matched the little ghost he'd done for him first!

this time his bubbly tone quiets with a bit more sincerity than before, two hands clasping the memento to his chest. "there isn't a single other one like it, so i'll cherish this forever."

[sublimeflowoftime]

There is something unnerving about this individual, but he cannot put his finger on exactly what. There are people from all different realms and countries, he simply hasn’t met someone like this. Silently, he hands her a button that says ‘likable individual.’ “Here is your prize from this experiment,” he says, and frowns a little more. “Despite making one of your conversation partners adamantly say ‘no’ with a plethora of exclamation marks, we found you were generally enjoyable company. Congratulations.”

Oh. She wasn’t aware she would be getting a reward for this. A rather useless reward, all things considered, but it’s the thought that counts.

“Thank you.” She nods politely, gesturing vaguely to a nearby table since she can’t take it herself. Perhaps she can give it away to someone else with a lesser grade. She’s generous like that.

…Wait why do some people have a higher score. What is this. She’s ‘exceptional’! She’s the model of model of good behavior! Why is she not exceptional?!

“One of your conversation partners adamantly say 'no' with a plethora of exclamation marks,”

……That purple haired little brat—

[ofradiances]

“Well,” Hubert says as he slides a button over to Ike that says ‘acquired taste’. “Excellent data, but it must be disappointing to have gotten more negative reviews than positive ones. Alas..” He pulls out his notebook and begins to read. “‘We would not get along if we spoke further,’ ‘he isn’t for me’ and… oh, look,” he taps the paper. “Kind and lovely. I suppose there is more to learn about your interactions.”

Ike isn't really surprised with his mixed results. He knows he's...well, an acquired taste. Not everyone takes to him that well.

He's glad he came out though. The experience was kind of fun. He got to meet some new people he wouldn't have met otherwise. Even if they were all strange in their own way.

"Thanks," he says, taking the button with confusion.

"I had fun, I think."

[hresvelged]

"Lady Edelgard."

It's been an entire month. With everything that has happened, and all the commotion of those coming back from this monastery-sanctioned mission --

( including reports now of a prisoner, one that the church had asked those who were dispatched to dispose of )

-- Hubert has found himself no longer capable of remaining idle.

He tries not to hover. It is unbecoming of him, but there are deep worry lines etched into his brow; they speak the words he does not wish to trouble her with. He finds his memories flitting back to longer spans of time wherein the two of them were separated, where he could do nothing to save her. Then, he was a child, and now?

Well, now there is no such excuse.

"I've heard of some of the tales from your explorations into this abyss. I would like to hear them from you, however, if you would."

He pauses. "It would also relieve my worries to know that you are well. And if you are not, tell me what you need from me."

Time moves by quickly while she is gone; the thought bothers her. Nonetheless, the princess re-emerges like she always has. The darkest parts of her eyes are filled with secrets, hands scarred with each accursed encounter.

Edelgard does not want to add to her retainer's worries— She is already thankful for all that he aids her in. The mission had been far less smooth than she would have preferred. She enters with the prospect of seeking information and exits with a wound. Still, if there is one person who can tell when a lie spills from her lips, it would be Hubert.

"As you can see, I'm perfectly fine." Truthful, albeit partial. She is standing; no longer does she feel the surge of those axes or the negative pulsing of her crest. "In short.. I entered a city called Lilium. It had been plagued by war— In fact, I even spoke with someone who should not have been able to speak with me again." She lowers her gaze as she continues: "Unfortunately, I lacked the time to research as much as I intended. The situation meant I had to move my attention elsewhere. It's regrettable."

Lilacs move forward again after a brief pause, unwavering. "—Those tears created abnormalities. I could feel it for myself. It was not my intention to add worry.. The only thing I need from you is your presence."

[making-dough]

“Here you are,” Hubert says as he hands Farina a button that says ‘likable individual’. “Feedback has been mostly positive for you. It appears you have charmed more than you have not. Further studies will need to be conducted if we’re to tell what does and does not work for you in specific."

♠ - Farina pulled a series of strange-looking faces at the idea of 'further studies'. Somewhere between a 'hasn't this been enough', a 'the hell do you mean me in specific' and eventually a 'if you're gonna keep doing this, i expect to get paid for it'. Eventually, she simply settled for draining her cup of coffee and grumbled out. "You know what, you can keep those studies. Unless you're planning on paying me for them." She barked out a hearty laugh at that idea.

Slamming her empty cup onto the table, Farina flashed a teasing wink at Hubert as she made her leave. "This was kinda fun. See ya around sometime."

Huh, and here she'd thought she'd been blunter and more outspoken than usual. How did she even get up to 'likable'? Some folks must have weirder tastes than she'd thought...

[arcelerity]

“Congratulations,” Hubert says in the most deadpan of voices. He places in Tormod’s hands a pin that states in a tight script: ‘exceptional model of behavior’. “You will be pleased to note that your companions enjoyed your company enough to give us positive feedback. Perhaps you can coach those who don a less appealing pin in the arts of conversation.”

"Well, I had pretty enjoyable companions!" Tormod puffs out his chest in pride, grinning at the grim-looking event-runner. Even his handwriting suits his whole vibe, it's impressive. "I know how to hold a conversation."

"If you're looking for a coach, my rates are pretty cheap. Hell, I'll throw in the first few lessons for free!"

Tormod gives Hubert his most innocent smile, tilting his head as if he had said something quite ordinary and expected. He waves, stands still for a few seconds, and runs off as fast as he can before he can get an answer.

(He isn't scared, no, but he knows better than to stick around too long after repeatedly poking a bear.)