⚔ ━━━━━ could aymeric fool him? no. terence is far too observant. fine is what the lord intends to convey, however, dragoon perceives what remains veiled beneath his timbre. blue-steel gaze moves from the mountainous pile of paperwork to aymeric’s angular countenance, detecting the fatigue concealed carefully behind composure. ❝ i fare well, ❞ terence says at last. ❝ though i came here with a purpose, and i intend to see it accomplished. ❞ lips part again, firmly resolute. ❝ it is obvious to me that ishgard requires your attention. however… ❞ with elegance, bellamie leans over the desk that separates them, bringing himself closer. ❝ i'm certain it can function without you for a few hours. ❞
he had tried to decline this request, so-called mission. nevertheless, aymeric’s loyal associates and allies are concerned about him, distressed by the long hours he devotes to work, submerged beneath parchment and ink, almost forgetting how to live, how to be anything other than ishgard’s tireless lord. and terence is concerned too. ❝ you will take the afternoon off. ❞ he knows he is in no position to demand such a thing, not at all. still, concern weighing on those who care about aymeric is not hypothetical. ishgard needs him now more than ever, yes, but overwork will not alleviate the problem. it will only grind down the very man the city depends upon. ❝ this is a request not only from myself, ❞ terence continues, voice softening, ❝ but from all those who care for you deeply. ❞ then bows before him with graceful sincerity. ❝ will you please grant me such an honor, my lord? ❞ when he repositions himself, a hint of amusement returns to his expression. ❝ or must i resort to kidnapping you? ❞
