Mun's feeling restless...

[battlebutler]

If I may be so frank, Mundane. You are fretting over matters that are beyond your control. Unnecessarily so.

[...]

Yes, fretting. While it is not uncommon to hesitate or to wish for things to go your way, there are moments when you must step back, assess the situation and act accordingly rather than attempt to tip the scales. I do not doubt your capability. You can do this.

As always, I will remain here. If I am needed for whatever purpose, do not hesitate to approach me.

Comments

[ylissa]

[Ah, Frederick, a bastion of sound logic, as always. Except-]

Heyyyyyy...

[Lissa isn't buying it.]

That's a lot, coming from you, Frederick! You fret more than anyone else I know!

[battlebutler]

I do not fret, Milady.

[Ahem.]

I merely pay close attention to detail when others do not.

[Extremely close attention.]

[ylissa]

Uh huh...

[She means it with love, Frederick.]

Is that what you were doing that one time that Chrom was out past midnight? I thought you were going to leave a groove in the floor, what with all of your pacing.

[battlebutler]

[Of course she does.

There's a twitch in his eye at the mentioning of the incident but he's otherwise still as stone.]

Mm. I was awaiting Milord's return. I couldn't possibly have gone to sleep without knowing if he'd arrived safely. And with nothing left to do, what would you propose I'd have done? Gone out to find him?

[Which...he considered. Except Chrom made sure to not tell him the specifics of where he went.

Perhaps for the better.]

[ylissa]

You were fretting.

And what about that time the Ylissian Banker's son came to call for me?

[He wouldn't even look at Lissa anymore without getting this look of fear across his face.]

[battlebutler]

...milady, that -- [And it pains him to even say it without even gritting his teeth.] -- young man has a reputation as a philanderer, far worse than Virion and less honorable. I was concerned, as we all were.

[A beat, after he clears his throat.]

I was not fretting.

[ylissa]

Yeah well...

[Okay, that turned out to be true. Lissa pouts, feeling the argument slipping through her fingers.

A sigh.]

The point is, you worry a lot. And we worry about you worrying too much!

[battlebutler]

There is no need to...worry, milady. I am merely performing my duties and what is expected of me.

[No. Really.]

[ylissa]

Yeah, but you're so busy taking care of us, who's supposed to take care of you?

[battlebutler]

As long as milady and milord are truly safe, then I am well.

[ylissa]

See! That's just what I'm talking about. When was the last time you took a vacation?

[battlebutler]

[What is a vacation.]

If I am to take a holiday, how can I uphold my solemn oath?

[ylissa]

Chrom and I can take care of ourselves for a couple days, Frederick!

That's it... I'm going to make you go on a vacation. If anyone deserves it, it's you.

ohgodthatname

[oncelunarian]

"You. You are around here as well."

It fits!

[battlebutler]

That I am.

[He's wary -- but he'll keep an open mind.

Although... "as well"?]

Apologies if I am mistaken, but I do not believe we have met...?

Very much so.

[oncelunarian]

"Ah. It was another 'you' then. I still have trouble understanding this process."

[battlebutler]

Perhaps so. I admit, I am having some...hesitation with adjusting to the ways of this place myself.

[oncelunarian]

"I am aware that your name is Frederick...unless you are a possible twin to the man."

[battlebutler]

I'm afraid I do not have a twin. It seems to be a paradox often encountered around these parts...

[Though it is unsettling that his name is already known.]

And you are?

[pegastumble]

Oh, I hope your mun will be all right, Frederick. But I don't think they should worry — they have you, after all!

[...]

Would it help if I gave them a flower fortune?

[battlebutler]

That is most humbling, Sumia. Thank you.

[A pause, to consider. Flower fortunes obviously aren't his thing, but he supposes it wouldn't hurt...

He nods once.]

I see no harm in it. By all means -- read his fortune.

[pegastumble]

I'm just speaking the truth! You're one of the most reliable people I know, Frederick.

[-- she brightens up, as she pulls out a flower and begins to pluck off the petals one by one. Where did it come from? There are just some things that need to remain a mystery.]

It'll be all right... it won't be all right... it'll be all right... it won't be all right...

[It goes on for the next minute or so (if Frederick starts to feel bored, the sheer determination Sumia is in renders her oblivious), until at last she plucks off the last petal. Her face falters slightly.]

O-oh...

[battlebutler]

[He's quiet and patient as she plucks the petals, watching them sail lifelessly to the ground below and mentally making a note to sweep them up later. Her expression when she's done sparks his interest -- rather, his concern.

His head tilts slightly.]

...a bad fortune?