[The brisk way that Will texted him did nothing to alleviate Strohl's worries, but he didn't press the issue. At the very least, if there is a set time and date for this meeting, then it's not as dire as he initially thought it would be.
Still, his mind can't help but race as the appointed time approaches. In fact, he ends up arriving half an hour earlier than the designated date, if only he could have the allowance the settle down his nerves first. Rubber soles have been tapping on the pavement for quite a while until Will shows up and -
Huh. He didn't expect the flowers settled upon Will's arms. Only now does the entire setup begin to make sense: the importance of the matter, the location, the bouquet...]
Will. [He can't help but smile regardless.] You're certainly full of surprises, aren't you?
[He's not just overthinking this, is he? Strohl doesn't want to assume, yet it doesn't help the thudding against his heart.]
[Will is more than happy to do favors for people, especially friends, but this one feels a bit off. Is Nao trying to woo someone? Is that why she gave him flowers to be delivered, and a note that he absolutely was not supposed to read until he got there?
When he arrives, he immediately spots Strohl and blinks. Was she delivering it to Strohl? She could've just... oh, Nao's so weird sometimes. And Strohl says something that makes him tilt his head.]
Nao asked me to deliver these... to you, I guess. [He pulls out the card and clears his throat.]
"Dear Strohl,
Ours is a friendship strong and true. Won't you join me on tonight's romantic adventure to explore if, perhaps, something more may be built on its foundation?
Oh. The rest click into place after that. The text he received, the shameless message on the card, even the beautiful flowers. For some reason, everytime Strohl is flummoxed over something, their mutual friend is always at the scene of the crime.
Now he feels like an utter fool, getting worked up for such a prank. He sighs, willing the heat on his cheeks to fade away.]
I think I understand. Nao set us up.
[He pulls out the Oracle, to point out to Will the messages that were set in his name.]
It appears that this is the true nature of that 'important private matter'.
[Certainly, it is one that requires privacy. Is it truly important, though? It's nothing about saving the world or getting home or anything like that. It's just.
Just him and Will, really.
He looks at the restaurant's doorstep, contemplative. This has to be the 'romantic adventure' Nao speaks of. To be honest, he was a bit excited at the prospect: any time spent with Will is well spent. But he doesn't want to force his friend into something that he is unaware of. In the end, he leaves up the decision to someone else. A coward's way, perhaps, but Will's opinion is worth to Strohl more than himself.]
Well. [He clears up his throat.] We don't have to put up with this charade, although we could also check out what's in store for us.
Edited (LET ME CHANGE MY ICON DW) 2025-02-06 01:42 (UTC)
[ She doesn't consider texting him until she's sure she's level again. With Strohl in particular, that comes later that night. It's another sleepless one, but the familiar stability she senses about the area surrounding the cottages is something of a balm on her mind and heart, one she's pretty sure she's going to need for this.
Yesterday, Kazuya had said something about Strohl trying to fight him, too. She thinks it's something about which she needs to be aware in more detail at the very least. She's sure he and Will mean well, but... well, she's not in the wrong to be concerned.
She's sure of that. ]
hey strohl you got a sec?
[ She looks at the screen for all of two seconds, then -- ]
[You'd think he'd be used to Nao's texting style by now, being able to infer what she usually means with her strange form of shorthand. Some things still confuse him, however. Case in point:]
[Will leans in to see Strohl's Oracle, and then pulls out his own to double check. He clicks his tongue. Maybe he really does need to have Eupha put some kind of curse on it so people will stop speaking for him.
Still, something settles on his chest. It feels bad, bitter almost like guilt. Strohl sounds so... disappointed.
Even so, Will glances at the restaurant. Something else bubbles in his stomach, not unlike the first time he went to Grand Trad. Anxiety and excitement all in one. He can't quite pinpoint why.]
[Light practically beams into his eyes when Will decides to pursue this instead. He must admit, he does want to see what lies in front of them. Something like an adventure of its own, although the only dangers it present would be a prank or something like terrible food or service.
If the latter is the case, then he really will have some words for Nao.]
It would be a waste to leave it be, would it? [Does Strohl even realize how wide his grin is?] And I suppose I could uh, receive these flowers as well.
[He reaches out for it, pointedly looking away as if he's observing the wood grains on the establishment's sign.]
It was not the cleanest of first meetings, admittedly. We conversed much, and disagreed much.
There are reasons why I cannot abide by his treatment of demons - for his sake moreso than the ones he rules over - and that's where talks of a duel came to fruition.
Our entire group aims to win the elections such that a worthy king may claim the throne, and so we can find the means to change the world. Would we be truly capable of such a feat if we are felled by a demon king?
Upon your doorstep/mailbox/table or whatever! However delivery in this world works. The details don’t matter.
Before you is a gift, chocolate, and a letter.
“Dear Leon Strohl da Haliaetus,
My preparations are complete. All clear on my end. I’ve prayed for victory and will gladly put my life on the line for it. Whenever you are ready, make the first move and call for me.
I await your determination to have a fair one-on-one duel.
The challenge is making poetry.
From, Hakuno Kishinami
P.S. It would make me happy if you accepted my gifts. ”
Despite how manly this “Challenge Letter” is, it’s not a challenge letter but an invitation to hang out. Hakuno Kishinami might have just psyched herself a bit too much. She might just end up embarrassing herself later down the road, so please just play along with her.
This was the first time she had ever given out chocolate, so she decided to make it memorable.
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