#devil ic;;

[fatestouch]

There was plenty to observe on the Aegis, it seemed. But unfortunately, Jupiter wasn't capable of being in so many places at once, and he'd rather not contract his fellow knights for such risky business.

Still... what to choose, what to choose...

Something Jupiter deliberated up until he caught sight of something truly interesting. A small group, leaving the Aegis. Among them are the bastard prince, the Crown Imperial Prince's semi-mutilated daughter, and her dutiful attack dog.

Now this would be interesting news to offer his King. The bat takes off after the group, presence hidden as he eagerly observes what will happen next.

[fatestouch]

"I think that's exaggerating a bit. Jaari and I emote plenty."

"...In all the years I've known you, I can count the amount of times I've seen a genuine smile from you on one hand."

"Maybe there's nothing worth smiling about when I'm around you. Ever think of that? No, because you only think of yourself."

[fatestouch]

"Well, you certainly took your time in returning." He let's the bat fly to perch on his arm for a moment, before watching it fly off and shift back to a man.

"Time does fly when one wishes to be thorough in gathering information." Jupiter gives the king a low bow, grinning. "And the information I have gathered is worth sharing indeed! Though, it seems you have already been informed of the basics, Your Majesty."

"That remains to be seen. Tell me what you know, Jupiter."

"Brace yourself, for the sons and daughters of the great Vanystean Empire keep grave secrets indeed~"

[fatestouch]

"Apparently, I'm not to be counted among the final count, because someone screwed up their vote, and that's somehow my fault." Suits him fine; he has no interest in getting married.

"Obviously I'm one of the most eligible--I'm gorgeous and I have status--anyone would be a fool not to want me."

"Your humility truly knows no bounds, Princess~"

[fatestouch]

"Duels, hm? Should we take part~?"

"Oooo, perhaps we should! Not all of us, though..."

"No, no, we don't want to show off too much... hm. Lea and Robin should be enough~"

"Me??"

[fatestouch]

"Careful, little bird. If you get any more pale, you'll be mistaken for a walking corpse~"

"I-I'm not pale!" He definitely is, and he's tapping on his prosthetic nervously to boot. "It's... just my first time being outside of the kingdom, that's all... I still dunno why His Majesty chose me, anyway..."

"You sell yourself too short Robin; you've made yourself quite the force to be reckoned with~" He ruffles the younger knight's hair teasingly with both hands, laughing at Robin's protests. "This little bird has sharp talons, after all~"

"Runi--!"

"Oh, stop teasing him, you two. You'll only make his nerves worse!" Shooing Runi and Jupiter away, Lea takes the time to fix Robin's hair. "Now then... you were chosen for our Order for a reason, Robin. When it comes to the Royal Knights, has our king ever made a mistake?"

"No... I mean, I don't think I've ever heard of His Majesty making a mistake ever."

"No mistakes that you know of~" She giggles. "But my point is, is that he knows what he's doing. Now, we will be entering a foreign land soon, so you need to be sure to stand tall.

"I will be with Prince Typhon, Runi will be with Princess Echidna, and you and Jupiter will be with His Majesty. I doubt they will need our protection, but as knights of the crown, we must hold our heads up high. Okay?"

Robin paused, considering for a moment, and then, he nods.

"Hold my head up high... okay, I've got it!"

"Wonderful! Now, fix yourself up a bit more... we have a party to attend~"

[fatestouch]

After his children depart to prepare for the party in their own ways, Tartarus takes a few long, silent moments to tend to the flowers. All was a hush around him... after all, he always gave the magnolias in particular the closest attention.

He takes a moment to brush a finger over them for a moment. A sigh, and a close of the eyes.

And then he snaps his fingers. A figure appears behind him, on one knee with his head bowed, hand over his heart.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You, Runi, Azalea, and... hm, Robin. You four will be coming with us to Vanystea. I don't expect any issues to arise, but you are to stay vigilant nonetheless."

"Robin is still young, and new to the Order besides. Is sending him to a foreign land so soon wise?"

"It will be a good learning experience for him, and he can know how knights from other countries conduct themselves besides. I'm sure my sister will be eager to hear what he ends up learning."

"You only give Her Grace more reasons to dote on him~..."

"And you grow cheeky, boy." Though his back is turned, the slight amusement in his tone is telling. "Now, go. Prepare yourself for an.. entertaining experience."

"As His Majesty wishes~"

[fatestouch]

'So the dog didn't end up biting... what a shame.'

Jupiter couldn't help but feel disappointed, seeing Princess Chercia's knight manage to restrain himself in the wake of Prince Wrenn knocking her out. A shame indeed... Juno wanted to see just how far Jinx would go, for his sworn princess.

Another time, perhaps.

The bat watches keenly, though he woefully keeps enough distance that he can't hear much. He does catch a few... interesting details, though.

Royals willingly leaving the empire, Princess Chercia actually being the daughter of Princess Allisae and Tahariel Elohim... so the Emperor doesn't run the tight ship he acts like he does.

So many rumors are starting to make more and more sense...

'Shall I follow, or return to my King's side...' He ponders, and he watched the small group take off.

Well. It wasn't like he had anything better to do.