#flustered hubert

[askhubertvonvestra]

A parchment scroll arrives on Hubert’s desk. The sender was grateful he was not in his office to receive it, as its contents are better left read in private.

“Dear Hubert,

There is something I need to confess. I know something that I shouldn’t, and this secret’s been on my chest for too long now. It’s making me a worse soldier. The truth is, the reason I’ve gone back to avoiding you recently isn’t because you’re scaring me, or because you’re forgetting about the flower. It’s because…”

There are several scribbled out lines, as though the author could not figure out how to say what she wanted to. The final draft reads,

“I was supposed to train with Petra in the training grounds one afternoon. But when I got there, I realized I forgot my water canteen, and went back to my dorm room for it. But right when I was about to open the door, I heard you talking to Ferdinand.”

There is more scribbling. However, this time the words “about imported tea” are somewhat readable.

“It seemed really important to you. And the last thing I wanted was to upset you or embarrass you by opening my door and going back to the training grounds. Because I thought you might not want to be friends anymore if you knew that I knew before you told everyone.”

There are a few splotches on the parchment here, as though the writer were in tears.

“Why am I telling you this now? It’s because last week we were supposed to do Stable Duty together, and you were being so nice to me, and I totally ignored you. And I could tell I might be hurting your feelings…and I just missed you and thought I owed you the truth. It’s okay if you don’t want me in the army anymore, or if you don’t want to be friends anymore. But I couldn’t stop feeling guilty, so I knew I had to say something. I’m really, really, really sorry!

Your (hopefully) friend, Bernadetta.

PS: if it’s worth anything I’m really happy for you!”

((A note for the mun! It’s cause I noticed their A+ appears to be outside the first floor dorms, so I was curious if a certain someone may have overheard…))

Bernadetta,

While the moment was decidedly personal, it was our oversight to have it in a public space. You are not even slightly at fault for this—situation.

That said, I would prefer that we keep the subject between you and I for the time being. I hope that sharing this secret with me will absolve you of this unwarranted guilt. Rest assured that I do have the flower you gifted me, but I must choose to wear it at selective moments. I trust that you understand.

You have my apologies for not noticing that you had nearly opened the door. I should have been more attentive. Such negligence will not happen again.

When we decide to tell everyone... what we wish to tell, I will inform you in person. Flower properly affixed and all.

As much as I am disappointed in myself for this lapse on my part, it would still not be sufficient to end our friendship. At least not on my behalf.

May this thought be some comfort in darker times. There’s no need to shed tears over something that will not come to pass.

I was concerned that I had frightened you, and the prospect did sadden trouble me, but I am glad to have been mistaken. Your companionship was sorely missed as well. You owe me no apology, but I will accept it if that negates your misplaced guilt.

Regards,

Hubert von Vestra

Thank you.

[Aww, that’s a cute/funny thought! He’d be so shy about it, but he’ll come around. Even if he stopped to stare at this letter after every paragraph for about 15 minutes. It took a long time for him to write, lol.]

[askhubertvonvestra]

Lord Vestra,

There's a petition going around which states that booty shorts should be part of the Imperial Army's male corps' official uniform. Some argue that such a measure would be "beneficial for morale". What is your opinion on this topic of foremost national importance?

PS: Said petition also states that His Excellency, the Honourable Prime Minister Ferdinand von Aegir, should also wear booty shorts a a way to "lead by example" and "encourage more women in the Empire to join the army". Do you believe in such a strategy and, should His Excellency refuse to do so... Would you take on his burden?

That is categorically moronic.

The Imperial Army must be ready for battle at a moment’s notice. We cannot predict when there might be an ambush or any crisis that needs immediate attention. They simply cannot take the very real risk of wearing something so exposing in a combat situation. Furthermore, the only way this petition could be considered anywhere near the foremost national importance is to save life and limb for our soldiers by dismissing this notion soundly.

We have dancers in our employ. They can elect to remain far from the front lines, and they can improve morale on their own. I have every confidence in them, as should our citizens.

While Ferdinand and... assorted company... would hardly object to the request that he himself wear this attire, I don’t see how this encourages enrollment or demonstrates anything other than... Never mind. This line of reasoning, if you can call it that, is a waste of your time and mine.

[askhubertvonvestra]

Soooooo, how many pillows do you sleep with Hubert? *(faint whisper) Ferdinand doesn't count 😏*

I would assume that a person wasn’t in the running as an item. What comes as a surprise is that you considered that a possibility.

Venturing a guess, I would say you know the answer to this already and the whispered message was your true intention. As such, I will not be indulging either. I hope you’re satisfied with this squandering of your time as well as mine, because it won’t be permitted twice.

[askhubertvonvestra]

S-sir, I think someone mixed up the copy of the plan I got that was passed out earlier today because....t-this is a love letter from sir Ferdinand von Argir to you....I-I didn't read it sir...

*hands over said letter*

*snatches the letter perhaps too quickly*

O-oh. Yes. That is indeed quite the mistake. Thank you for... bringing that to my attention and, of course, exercising your discretion. It is much appreciated. In that I would prefer you keep this mishap between ourselves. I will address it myself with the offending parties and see that it never occurs again. 

[askhubertvonvestra]

Hey Hubert since your flying lessons have been doing well I've planned a small wyvern flying race for you and Caspar. Don't worry you are gonna be great.

A flying race? When? At what point were you planning on informing me of this? There is training to consider, a strategy, I must... Ugh. No, you’re right. This will be fine. It’s a friendly, small wyvern flying race. Nothing more. It will be fine.

[askhubertvonvestra]

That’s great to hear Hubert. You have to do baby steps in order to conquer your fear of heights. Hubert you deserve all the best gifts in the world.

Ah. I suppose. Gradual progress is only to expected, considering the obstacles in my path. I would prefer you didn’t phrase it that way even so.

As for the rest, you are entitled to your erroneous opinion. There are innumerable people in the world who would deserve such extravagance well before I would even be considered, and rightly so.

[askhubertvonvestra]

Terribly sorry to disturb you sir, but sir Ferdinand Von Aiger asked me to deliver this...rather large bouquet of flowers...

I am talking to sir Hubert Von Vestra right? I assume so because it's his office, but these flowers are very obscuring.

...Of course Ferdinand did. 

Regardless, you are speaking to him, yes. You may set the flowers down on the side table there. I imagine you can find that unassisted, as you have walked here on your own.

[askhubertvonvestra]

This question may seem juvenile but what was your first kiss like, Hubert?

This again... Tch. I hope Her Majesty is proud of her decision to convince me to participate in a random kissing game, of all things.

Petra was assigned to me by chance, and the kiss was... enlightening. I’d read enough kissing to assume I knew the long and short of it, but experiencing it firsthand was rather different than I imagined. Particularly with Petra’s freely affectionate approach. There was not a trace of uncertainty or reservation, and the sincerity of her kiss despite the platonic and random nature of the game...

Suffice to say anyone I might marry should extend their gratitude to Petra.