Scenario:Sevastien - One Last Problem

One Last Problem

Sevastien has been hesitant to speak with Cordelia about her grandmother, Agathe, with whom he once had a relationship. He feels that it would be inappropriate as he has no familial ties with the two. Charlotta advises Sevastien to give it some thought, and allows him some time off.

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One month has passed since Balor, excommunicated member of the Lumiel Order of Holy Knights, made his vengeful attack against Sevastien and the order.

With Charlotta fully healed from her wound, it seems that the shadow cast by the threat of Balor has faded and normalcy has begun to return to the order at last.

Sevastien: Thank you for the report. We intend to continue surveillance for a while longer, but you knights may return to your regular duties.

Sevastien: I suppose it's official now— this ordeal is finally over.

The praetors had been tasked with investigating former members and known associates of Balor's old mercenary band.

They searched high and low for anyone who shared Balor's objectives, but found none.

Sevastien: Finally, we can all move on.

Sevastien: Mostly...

One last issue still weighs on Sevastien's mind: Cordelia.

Sevastien: (I know I promised to speak to her, but I've been so busy with wrapping this case up that it's been a whole month since the ceremony.)

Sevastien: (I must face the music and find some time to sit down with her.)

Sevastien: (I very much want to speak to her, but as to what about, I'm at a loss...)

Sevastien: Sigh...

Charlotta: Grandbutler! Are you all right?

Sevastien: Madam! Why such urgency?

Charlotta: I could tell someone was in here, but I knocked several times and received no answer.

Charlotta: After recent events, I feared that you might have been attacked by an intruder, so I couldn't help but barge in...

Sevastien: I see...
I apologize for worrying you, but as you can see, all is well.

Charlotta: Are you certain? I've never known you to miss someone knocking, Grandbutler.

Charlotta: Not to mention the knights I saw filing out of here earlier. Is something the matter?

Sevastien: I did intend to properly report this to you later, but I had assigned them to investigate any loose ends regarding Balor.

Sevastien: Their findings are conclusive— it's safe to say that that incident is over.

Charlotta: So it's something else that's bothering you, then?

Sevastien: You're very inquisitive today, Madam.

Charlotta: Since I returned to my duties, I've noticed that you haven't been your usual self.

Charlotta: That's mostly why I've come to see you today.

Charlotta: And I refuse to leave until you tell me what's wrong!

Sevastien: ...
Very well. Since it could take a while to explain, may I interest you in some tea?

Charlotta: Of course! And tea would go nicely with some biscuits, if you have any!

Sevastien: Naturally, Madam.

Charlotta: So you're not sure what you should speak about with Cordelia...

Charlotta: To be honest, I don't really understand why you're being so reluctant in the first place, Grandbutler.

Sevastien: Well, it's quite embarrassing to put it into words, but...

Sevastien: Agathe and I were in love, but we never wed.

Sevastien: I have no relation to her daughter, Olga, whether by blood or marriage.

Sevastien: Objectively speaking, we are perfect strangers, no matter my personal feelings on the matter.

Charlotta: And this state of affairs also extends to Olga's own daughter, Cordelia, as well.

Sevastien: Precisely. I feel it would be inappropriate of me to speak to her about her family, when I am not a part of it.

Sevastien: And yet, to my consternation, I feel that I must talk to her about something. I even promised her that I would.

Sevastien: However, I find myself reticent to do so... And so it goes, round and round in my head.

Charlotta: If you made a promise, you should keep it. And I personally believe it would be better for you two to talk.

Charlotta: But if you can't bring yourself to see her right this instant...

Charlotta: Perhaps you could take some time to think about it?

Sevastien: What do you mean, Madam?

Charlotta: It's only been a month since the incident.

Charlotta: That's nothing compared to the decades that you've been burying all those complicated feelings.

Charlotta: In my opinion, you need to put some distance between yourself and Lumiel.

Charlotta: An opportunity to think your situation through as an individual, not as part of the order.

Charlotta: More to the point, you haven't rested once since that grueling fight. That is some terrible work-life balance!

Sevastien: Haha, I apologize. To think the day would come when I'd be the one worrying you.

Charlotta: I haven't stopped worrying since you first spoke to us about Balor. I feel like I need a vacation!

Sevastien: Yes, it wouldn't do for you to exhaust yourself fretting over me.

Sevastien: But are you really giving me permission to take a leave of absence?

Sevastien: I should check with His Eminence just to make sure...

Charlotta: No need! I will explain everything to His Eminence on your behalf!

Charlotta: As captain, it is my job to stand in for my subordinates while they take time off!

Charlotta: The only thing you should worry about is getting the rest you need, Grandbutler!

Sevastien: Of course.
Then I believe I shall take you up on your offer.

Charlotta: Oh! And no SOUP Operations while you're on vacation! Leave that butler uniform behind, too!

Sevastien: As you wish.

By afternoon, Sevastien finds himself aboard a small airship.

Sevastien: Where should I go then, if SOUP Operations are out of the question?

The vessel is unmoored and rises into the sky, carrying Sevastien and his worries with it.

Sevastien: For now... I think I'll let the ship decide.

The Erune stands alone atop the prow, eyes narrowed against the wind. His vacation has begun.