This choice: Somebody needs Ingrid/Bernie. The tea part is over before it begins. • Go Back... Byleth was a little lost for words at the moment. He figured that Ingrid, in her ire, probably didn’t realize how this scene would have looked to an outsider. She was currently turned away from him, pointing towards her backside which was maybe a foot away from him. If he didn’t get ahold of this situation soon, who knows what crazy rumors would be spread about the would-be knight. He figured the best approach was the most straightforward one; it usually was with her.
“Ingrid! Please allow me to explain! Imagine how this scene must look to an outsider.”
The young noblewoman stopped, thinking for a little bit. A deep crimson rose in her cheeks as she realized exactly how much danger her reputation would be in if anybody outside of this group saw her. A deep shame started to rise within her; embarrassment stemming from her tantrum. She turned back around to face the professor.
“A pastry fell of the table literally not even a minute ago. I do confess I was hesitant to say something considering the location and the conclusion you may have come to if I had pointed it out. I was thankful that Bernie pointed it out anyway. Everybody knows you well enough that if they did see a stain on your clothes, they would assume something catastrophic happened, you barely have a hair out of place even when you're sparring.”
Ingrid considered that a moment, turning the thought over in her head. Bernadetta jumped in too.
“I’d- I’d think it was the blood of your enemies.”
Ingrid was not sure she liked the idea of people assuming she was a barbarian, but Bernadetta had a tendency to think…differently than everybody else. It did make her smile though, and she was glad to be calmer.
“I’m sorry for the outburst. To be honest, the professor being this small has me a little stressed out too. It’s concerning when someone who’s been a steady presence to rely on is suddenly out of commission.”
There was sorrow in her eyes as she said it; It wasn’t the first time she’d had to deal with a pain like that. But moping our lashing out wouldn’t help anyone, so she sat down and motioned for everyone to enjoy their tea. She and the professor made conversation, trying to pull Bernie in. It was hard to get the poor girl to respond, and it appeared she had reached her social limit.
It was only another few minutes until another young noblewoman approached them. Bernie seemed to recognize her.
“I have a message for you Bernadetta. You’re also needed at your father’s estate. The matter is urgent, and I most go back home as well.”
Bernie cringed and then nodded. She stood up, but before she could walk away, Ingrid gently but firmly grabbed onto her wrist.
“It’s all going to be okay Bernie; you can do this. Think of what you’ve been training for.”
The purple-haired girl nodded before walking off. The two young women half-walked half-jogged back to Bernie’s room. That just left you and Ingrid sitting together. There was a pensive look in her blue eyes as she watched her classmate disappear. The arch of her brow told Byleth she was worried.
“I was always told to stand up to my bullies. I couldn’t imagine said bully being a parent. She’s a lot stronger than most people give her credit for.”
And then she paused, a cold quiet contrasting with the warm sunny day.
“I apologize; I let my mind wander off to darker topics. I’m also sorry about my outburst earlier. I truly didn’t mean to lose my cool there, it just kind of happened. Food is also a little bit of a touchy subject for me since Sylvain always pokes fun at how my preferred way of eating is…unladylike.”
Byleth took a moment to consider before trying to console.
“It’s okay Ingrid. I can understand that you’re stressed, and I trust you to keep better control over such outbursts in the future. Lesson learned?”
The blonde girl nodded, a relieved smile on her face.
“Lesson learned.”
The two enjoyed tea for about a half-hour. Byleth discussed more about his previous life as a mercenary. The idea appealed to Ingrid in a way. There was no worry about dressing up for useless parties, or eating like a lady, or anything like that. But there was no order to protect; no incentive to do the right thing. It would never have been for her.
Byleth wasn’t sure if he noticed, but Ingrid had grown closer to him during their discussion. Not emotionally; she literally would scoot a little closer every few minutes as they talked. Before, they close to being on opposite sides of the table; now, her elbow wasn’t even an inch from him.
What happens next?
1) Ingrid getting closer has to do with attraction. She’s actively trying to flirt a little bit.
2) Ingrid getting closer has to do with attraction. She’s not doing it on purpose though.
3) Ingrid getting closer was just because Byleth’s small voice is hard to hear. They find something productive to do.
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