Inertia

The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

Victor Crowe

Interactions: Rowan @HaleyTheRandom

After Victor had dropped off Caitlin, he drove back home to eat some food and recharge. After the food he wanted to take a nap. Despite himself he wasn't one of the types that was able to sleep with alot on his mind. Between his parents still at his extended 'families' estate and the issue with the weakening barrier and werewolves with Carlisle being cursed with a lycanthropy curse. Not to mention the Covens more... spirited members returning, the Coven will be pretty unstable because of posturing. Victor pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, this wasn't good for his sleep.

Victor rolled off his bed. There was a better use of his time for now, and that was the practice his magic power's endurance and some light workouts. He noticed that a relatively fitter body increased his magic's efficiency. It didn't tire him out as much.

---

Victor lost track of time, he was late, not that it really mattered for a party. Well, he debated even going to the party in the first place. It was good to mingle but parties weren't exactly his thing. Too much loud noises and much too many bad decisions. He turned his car off and began walking to the Coven.

He spotted Rowan before he could make his way in. “Hey Rowan, good to see you.” He called out. He was acquainted with Rowan, even got a few tips on developing the spell 'Thundercall' from him. “You, uh, need help with that?”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

	Attire: Light armour with an insignia of Caesonia. Interaction(s): Mention(s): Edin Danrose @princess, Wulfric Danrose @SilverPaw

A robed, armoured figure sighed as his own fight approached. Altare Remulus, a veteran knight who participated in numerous wars and skirmishes. Recently he had been promoted to a Lieutenant for his distinguished efforts in the military. Altare had heard rumours of Auguste's penchant for the blade. He was of two minds, it was considered taboo to fight royalty and potentially tarnish their honour but Prince Auguste also disdained others losing matches due to his status.

As Altare ruminated these thoughts the Prince called to him from outside the arena. Auguste Danrose, a warm and gleeful smile crossed the prince's face. "Lieutenant Altare. Congratulations on your promotion." Altare paused, taken a-back at the Prince knowing of his promotion. He had forgotten how uncannily well-versed the Prince was in matters of the military. "My thanks, Prince Auguste." Altare saluted in the traditional military-style, which the Prince returned respectfully. A few members of the crowd clapped and whistled at this exchange. Truth be told, Altare had not observed the prince in combat personally, only hearing of his prowess through tales and whispers. It would be fun to test his skill against a master of the blade.

The Prince's atmosphere changed with each step strode into the arena. His ever-present smile faded into unnerving neutrality as his emotions dripped away from his countenance. The aristocratic air and dignity surrounding him had all but vanished. His eyes, usually filled with a merry luster, turned sharp and focused; similar to how a predator would look upon its hapless prey. Is this.. really Prince Auguste? He thought, a bead of sweat ran down the Knight's neck. The hiss of the Prince's blade being unsheathed was almost deafening to Altare.

With a gulp, Altare did the same. The atmosphere was choking, the pressure he felt was almost akin to what he has felt in a battlefield. Where one's life was truly at stake. How was it possible that he was feeling this way in-front of the Prince? Auguste dashed towards him, "Focus." He heard the Prince let out with a stony voice. Altare barely had time to place his blade up to block the blow, sparks flying as his blade chipped away at the heavy strike. Unconsciously, Altare lifted his blade and stabbed towards Auguste's midpoint with deft precision; a response built up by years of battlefield warfare. He didn't mean to attack like that.

The Prince's blade met his own as his attack was deflected away with relative ease. Altare noticed the Prince's dark smirk. The two now exchanged a flurry of strikes. He knew that he was at the disadvantage. It took all of his effort to barely deflect or block each sword stroke from Auguste. Altare had noticed that the Prince was now more passive than before. The Prince attacked, sure, but with considerably less aggression and force compared to his initial attack- it was as if the Prince was simply just observing him and responding in kind. Altare struggled to meet Auguste's gaze; the cold, golden hue of the Danrose's eyes looked terrifying.

Perhaps it was due to nerves or how tired this short exchange of strikes had made him, Altare fell for a simplistic feint. He slashed at at a perceived opening after an 'opening' after one of Auguste's attack. The next thing Altare knew, however, was his blade leaving his grasp and careening into the air and then digging into the stone to his right. Auguste had hit Altare's gauntlet with the flat side of his blade and disarmed the knight. The force of The Prince's counterattack pushed him backwards as he fell on his rear.

The sun cast shadows overhead, blanketing Auguste's face in shadow. His dull, golden eyes seemed to glow as they bore down on Altare. It took everything in him to not run away in fear. Auguste's eyes flicked towards Altare's blade then back onto him, as if goading him to pick it back up. Altare dared not move. Auguste strode towards him, each step in his direction caused his heart to palpitate. The sounds of his heart beating drowned out the noise from the crowd. The Prince was now over him. His hand reached towards Altare. The Knight shut his eyes in fear.

"That was well fought." Auguste said, causing Altare to open his eyes. A hand was outstretched towards him. Augsute's cheeks and smile rose in equal measures. His eyes regained its usual luster. His presence was once more pleasant and inviting, a sharp contrast to his earlier presence. The foreboding atmosphere lifted and Altare felt like he could breathe again.

Altare took the outstretched hand and he was hoisted up. He took a few breaths to compose himself after that fight. "My- my thanks, Prince Auguste. The rumours do not do you justice." He finally said. August simply chuckled mirthfully as he pat Altare's shoulder.

Altare noted to himself to avoid sparring with Prince Auguste and to keep good relations with the Prince in the future. He truly did feel like his life was about to end. He hadn't felt as much fear as when he was in the depths of the battlefield or even in the presence of King Edin and Prince Wulfric.

---

---

Auguste bid Altare goodbye. The man was a skilled swordsman. Able to perform and respond under stressful conditions. Altare almost had him with the initial riposte. Truly, the knight lived up to his reputation of surviving numerous wars. Auguste wondered he looked petrified.

The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

Victor Crowe

The energy of the room got a bit more tense and awkward as Lilith entered the dining room. Victor winced, clearing his throat awkwardly, unable to handle the atmosphere. He stayed quiet throughout their interactions. A few fellow coven members began dripping through the entrance and settling in the dining room. Victor gave them all a glance and a nod if their eyes had met.

Carlisle Aston, the current 'acting' leader of the Coven. From the years Victor has known him he knows that Carlisle's heart is in the right place. His family situation reminded Victor very much of his own, except that he atleast cut off pretty much all contact from them. Victor believes a bit of confidence would do the guy some good. At the very least Carlisle would get what meager support Victor could offer. He did like him and the Coven after all. “He's stronger than he knows.”

Lilith Montgomery, her family is one of the big three in Tanner. Victor honestly was surprised at how close the two had gotten between high-school and when had he left for college. Lilith was well known in Tanner for being aloof and standoffish. He put no stock into rumours but it appeared that rumours do stem from a kernel of truth. They both felt comfortable enough to hang out with barely a word between the two; at times they even dived into each other's personal lives. In his words, “She's a good egg.”

Aurora Newman. From first impressions she seems to be a good person. Exuding more experience than the others with maturity to boot. While he may not know her much, she seemed to be a dependable sort, protective even. Her honesty is much appreciated, Victor himself dislikes dancing around issues that seeps into long-running hatred.

Carlisle had left to answer the door. He had returned with Catherine who politely rang the doorbell. A grin formed on his place. Cathrine Heirich. She-

Victor's impression was interrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. A look of anger flashed on his face for a moment as he recognized the unsaved number calling. Lucien...

“Gotta take this call, excuse me.” Victor said apologetically, getting up to go to an empty room. He didn't want to bother the other Coven members with his own family issues.

“... Lucien, what do you want?” Victor said in an uncharacteristically irate.

“Well I missed you too, brother.” Victor could practically see the douchey smirk on his cousin's face.

“Cut the crap,” He spat out, venom lacing his words. “I'm ending this call if you don't tell me what you want in the next few seconds.”

“Now, now, don't be like that. We're close, aren't we?” Lucien replied, “This is a courtesy call regarding your dearest mum and dad, they may be away than they've told you, Vic.”

“What!?” His parents hadn't told him. “You fuc-” He slammed his fist into the wall and took a breath. “... You Crowe's hurt a hair on their bodies, I'll come back there and we'll have a repeat of what happened a few years ago, you hear me?”

Lucien took a few seconds to reply, Victor derived a bit of satisfaction knowing that he had peeved off Lucien.
“Yes now we wouldn't want that, would we?” came the voice from the phone before abruptly dropping.

Victor calmed himself down a bit more before rejoining his fellow Coven members. He returned right before Carlisle had given his speech. Carlisle addressed the stranger that Kolby had brought with him. Victor gave her a curious glance before focusing on the speech. It was worrying that the barrier seemed to be weakening.

Victor lazily half-raised his hand up, “I'll help, Carlisle. Gotta take my mind off a few things anyway.”

The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

Victor Crowe

Victor groaned into his pillow as the ever-familiar, rhythmic beeping of his alarm resounded in his room. 7:30 AM. He had recently moved back into his family home in Tanner. His parents would arrive in a few days as they had some business to take care of, they didn't inform him of what- although he guessed it was related to his ever-obnoxious extended family; The Crowe's. Despite the excommunication, his extended family often called their parents for differing reasons. It irked Victor to no end, as he's had more than a few negative run-ins with them.

Willing himself out of bed, Victor began his routine. Preparing a small breakfast- eggs and toast, he began eating. He ate slowly, still attempting to will the sleepiness away. Victor then jumped into the shower to clean up. He wondered if the Coven had changed, or if it was more of the same. Well, atleast that curiosity will be satisfied today. Stepping out of the shower, he wore a dark leather jacket, a blue hoodie, and comfortable black jeans. An outfit he defaulted to in relatively casual settings. Hopefully the Coven hadn't embraced the trend of business attire in recent years.

Victor nonchalantly heated the coffee that turned tepid when he was lost in his thoughts. Oops, should avoid doing that around the other Coven members. With that he stretched, bones creaking and crackling. He made his way outside and took in the fresh air of Tanner. An oddly nostalgic feeling overtook him. He really was back.

A family friend had lent Victor his junker to drive to the Tanner Coven household. A beat up truck that looked like something out of a junkyard. He arrived and parked in the Tanner Household by 8:15 AM. Mid-drive he remembered that he was to be there by 11 AM. With a chuckle, Victor reclined his seat, opting to catch a few more hours of sleep he's missed out since he was born.

---

Victor's nap was interrupted by the vibrating phone in his pocket. Good thing too, he might've overslept. It was about 9:45 AM. He locked his car behind him and lazily sauntered to the the front door. It clicked open and he let himself in.

There were a few changes within the mansion, but thankfully it was still familiar. A few paintings were changed, furniture shifted, and some lighting fixtures different, but it still felt very much like 'home'. Victor ran his hand through his hair as he spotted familiar figures. It was Carlisle Aston, an old friend he hadn't seen in awhile.

Victor walked into the dining room, patting Carlisle's shoulder with lazy smile before finding a seat himself. “It's good to see you, Carlisle, been a while.” He said, nestling comfortably into the chair with a yawn, situating himself as if he's never left. “Oh, did you prefer acting 'Coven Patriarch' Aston?” A smirk tugged at his lips, seemingly amused by his own joke.

The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

Victor Crowe

Victor Crowe

---

^{“Alright, Victor- Maximum effort.”}

---

Name: Victor Crowe

Gender: Male

Age: 22

Sexual Orientation: Pansexual

College Degree: Bachelor of Science in Law

---

---

Witch or Warlock: Warlock

Schools of Magic:

• Invocation (8): Victor's natural talent for invocation was first noticed by his father. The boy nonchalantly conjured flames on his hands, much to his father's astonishment. It was similar for the other elements, able to conjure and form every element with seeming ease, although he seems to have an affinity towards ice and wind. When prodded by his father he simply shrugged, stating that the elements were like 'the neighbourhood cats he played with' and that some 'liked him more than others'. If not for his lax attitude, he may have better control over the elements or potentially even other schools of magic.
  
  > At one point, Victor sauntered across their family pool rather than going around it, each step froze and unfroze the pool. His mother punished his laziness with a knock to the head, reprimanding and warning him to avoid doing such acts in public. A similar act of indolence was when he created ice-cubes out of thin air, seeing the trek to the fridge as 'bothersome'.
  
  

  Victor knows more than a few ways spells within his school of magic, but the most notable were;
• Absolute Zero: Victor channels magic around his body or from a point and releases the magic outward, encasing an entire area in ice. The temperature of everything in the room is dropped to levels of absolute zero. As such, the ice created is different to normal ice, being colder and more difficult to thaw or break, and even shining a dark blue-ish hue. The easiest way to melt the ice is fire magic of equal power or if Victor manually dispels the magic.
• Vacuum: Victor forms a dome-like area around him by forcefully expelling the bulk of the air outside of the dome. This air-less area persists as long as Victor is concentrating on the spell. Anyone inside the area begins to feel lightheaded due to the finite amount of air left. Victor himself is not exempt to the effects, he would also be extremely worn-out due to executing the spell. He is still doing some on-going training himself to get used to the different pressure and the low amounts of oxygen in the dome.
• Thunder Call: Raising his fist in the air, he is able to inject mana into a cloud and then induces it to produce lightning. He is able to direct this lightning on a chosen location. Victor had only done this once out of curiosity and on a lone tree using scientific principles.

Personality:

Victor isn't what you would call active, he (used to) lives just to laze around. His general attitude reflects this greatly, always just preferring the 'relaxed' way out. He usually speaks in a clear and concise sentences, often in a mellow tone, to get his point across quicker. It is difficult to really get a rise out of or anger Victor, as he usually lets most transgressions roll off his shoulders. Only mentions of his family or the coven can really anger him.

The way Victor approaches a problem is unique, his mindset being 'Solve it as quickly as possible to get back to 'vibing''. He opts for the fastest approach to nailing down a problem so he can go back to 'lazing' around. It seemed he inherited his free-spirited and relaxed nature from his father.

Victor is a peace-maker, often getting between disputes between friends or the coven. Despite himself, he seems unable to bear others bickering. Violence is often the very last thing on his mind, often de-escalating situations before they reach a boiling point. Though unsure if it is due to his heritage, he is easily able to empathize with others and can generally tell when someone is not their usual self. This fear of dispute likely stems from his fear of abandonment from his 'real' extended family. While he liked being alone at times, he never liked being lonely.

The boy has a certain loyalty to the coven, viewing the rest of the witches and warlocks as part of his extended family. His is fairly protective of them. Similarly, he dislikes his 'real' extended family, the Crowe's who disowned his father during his youth.

History/Bio:

Victor's family history is complicated. The Crowe's had practiced magic for centuries. Victor's great grandfather and his great uncle were famous witches in their time. Many in his family were exceptional and a few even famous for their mastery of magic. Generally, the Crowe's were pureblood and did not marry non-magicians. Believing that it diluted their magical potential. His father, Pierre Crowe, eschewed this practice after falling head over heels with Victor's mother, Jane Sunderland. From his youth he saw how other family members endlessly berated and mock his father. The Crowe's eventually 'banished' Pierre from the family as he was only the third son.

Pierre found the Tanner coven, a coven that accommodated for his family. It was soon that a separate Crowe line integrated into the coven.

Soon it was found that Victor had a certain talent for Invocation and a penchant for laziness. Despite being a witch, his mother had wanted him to atleast achieve a bachelors degree 'just in-case'. Initially, Victor was indifferent to the idea.

Due to this attitude, his mother was very strict with him- almost spartan-like. She found out that her son could apply himself with a bit of pressure- she forced him away to study law at a young age, making certain that Victor achieved honors. Despite being ostensibly human, Victor fears his mother more than any witch or warlock. As a result, he is surprisingly diligent about his studies, getting A(s) in all courses. In part not wanting to disappoint his mother, the other part being deathly afraid of his mother's wrath.

His mother eased up as soon as he achieved his bachelor's degree.

On the other side, his father let him approach magic at his own pace. After teaching him the basics, his father found it best to let Victor's talent guide his magic.

The Witches & Warlocks of Tanner 2.0

Victor Crowe

Victor Crowe

---

^{“Alright, Victor- Maximum effort.”}

---

Name: Victor Crowe

Gender: Male

Age: 22

Sexual Orientation: Pansexual

College Degree: Bachelor of Science in Law

---

---

Witch or Warlock: Warlock

Schools of Magic:

• Invocation (8): Victor's natural talent for invocation was first noticed by his father. The boy nonchalantly conjured flames on his hands, much to his father's astonishment. It was similar for the other elements, able to conjure and form every element with seeming ease, although he seemed to have an affinity towards ice and wind. When prodded by his father he simply shrugged, stating that the elements were like 'the neighbourhood cats he played with' and that some 'liked him more than others'. If not for his lax attitude, he may have better control over the elements or potentially even other schools of magic.
• At one point, Victor sauntered across their family pool rather than going around it, each step froze and unfroze the pool. His mother punished his laziness with a knock to the head, reprimanding and warning him to avoid doing such acts in public. A similar act of indolence was when he created ice-cubes out of thin air, seeing the trek to the fridge as 'bothersome'.

Personality:

Victor isn't what you would call active, he (used to) lives just to laze around. His general attitude reflects this greatly, always just preferring the 'relaxed' way out. He usually speaks in a clear and concise sentences, often in a mellow tone, to get his point across quicker. It is difficult to really get a rise out of or anger Victor, as he usually lets most transgressions roll off his shoulders. Only mentions of his family or the coven can really anger him.

The way Victor approaches a problem is unique, his mindset being 'Solve it as quickly as possible to get back to 'vibing''. He opts for the fastest approach to nailing down a problem so he can go back to 'lazing' around. It seemed he inherited his free-spirited and relaxed nature from his father.

Victor is a peace-maker, often getting between disputes between friends or the coven. Despite himself, he seems unable to bear others bickering. Violence is often the very last thing on his mind, often de-escalating situations before they reach a boiling point. Though unsure if it is due to his heritage, he is easily able to empathize with others and can generally tell when someone is not their usual self. This fear of dispute likely stems from his fear of abandonment from his 'real' extended family. While he liked being alone at times, he never liked being lonely.

The boy has a certain loyalty to the coven, viewing the rest of the witches and warlocks as part of his extended family. His is fairly protective of them. Similarly, he dislikes his 'real' extended family, the Crowe's who disowned his father during his youth.

History/Bio:

Victor's family history is complicated. The Crowe's had practiced magic for centuries. Victor's great grandfather and his great uncle were famous witches in their time. Many in his family were exceptional and a few even famous for their mastery of magic. Generally, the Crowe's were pureblood and did not marry non-magicians. Believing that it diluted their magical potential. His father, Pierre Crowe, eschewed this practice after falling head over heels with Victor's mother, Jane Sunderland. From his youth he saw how other family members endlessly berated and mock his father. The Crowe's eventually 'banished' Pierre from the family as he was only the third son.

Pierre found the Tanner coven, a coven that accommodated for his family. It was soon that a separate Crowe line integrated into the coven.

Soon it was found that Victor had a certain talent for Invocation and a penchant for laziness. Despite being a witch, his mother had wanted him to atleast achieve a bachelors degree 'just in-case'. Initially, Victor was indifferent to the idea.

Due to this attitude, his mother was very strict with him- almost spartan-like. She found out that her son could apply himself with a bit of pressure- she forced him away to study law at a young age, making certain that Victor achieved honors. Despite being ostensibly human, Victor fears his mother more than any witch or warlock. As a result, he is surprisingly diligent about his studies, getting A(s) in all courses. In part not wanting to disappoint his mother, the other part being deathly afraid of his mother's wrath.

His mother eased up as soon as he achieved his bachelor's degree.

On the other side, his father let him approach magic at his own pace. After teaching him the basics, his father found it best to let Victor's talent guide his magic.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Anyone interested in a classic Isekai adventure?

I'll also put down my tentative interest.

The Six Crystals: An Original RP

I'll also put down my tentative interest if there are any slots left.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

	Attire: Tunic Interaction(s): Edin Danrose @princess, Zarai Lesdeman @Rodiak. Mention(s): Ruby Davis @sausagepat, Wystan Blackmane @mantou, Edin Danrose @princess.

A crash and thud silenced the ballroom for a moment. Auguste eyes were drawn to the woman Callum had been conversing with. He watched her, mouth slightly agape, as she skillfully slithered across the floor before King Edin screamed commands to escort her out of the premises. A pang of pity rang through his chest as he watched the guards flanking her sides.

Auguste had to give credit where credit is due, Callum exercised taciturn restraint was being relatively co-operative in this event, and it wasn't really him that caused the supposed 'disruption'. Auguste raised a brow as picked up and then began peeling the onion.

“Hey, Auguste, I got a gift and a snack, not too bad huh?”

“... Not bad indeed.” Auguste replied with a half-smile and chuckle, as his brother took a massive mouthful of the onion the lady had dropped. Auguste respected Callum's attempt to shift the attention of their father to himself. Auguste gave his brother one last look as he chewed the onion and gaped at Edin.

With a shake of the head, Auguste turned back to Zarai with an apologetic look. “... Apologies, Lady Zarai.” He said, “Please go on.”

Before Auguste could formulate an answer for her questions, she shot him a look. Was knowledge of her fencing unknown, he had heard it in passing from Wystan. Perhaps it was something he shouldn't have broached. He wasn't prepared for what came next.

"I must apologize but I must be curt with you."

Auguste nodded, he appreciated honesty given his experience with other nobility- honeyed words and hidden agendas.

"My family has decided that I am now too old to be an unwed lady and wish me to marry. That is every parent’s wish for their children of course, but unfortunately, mine are evil, as you would understand because you’ve met them. So evil, right?"

His expression stiffened a bit. This level of honesty did shock him.

"Anyway, if I do not find a husband of my own by the end of this season, I will be forced to marry old stinky Lord Monet. I am serious about the stinky part. How, in the seven hells, does a man stink of wet dog and expired sausages simultaneously? On top of that, that man is weird."

Lord Monet. Auguste furrowed his brow, the noble's name was familiar, perhaps from Wystan. Report aside, while normal to marry off children for political power, he felt this was a step beyond that.

Apologies for the tangent, but you’re right, to the point. If you ever, for some reason, find yourself needing a woman to marry and don’t have a clue who, I do hope I cross your mind. I’ll be in the guest house. You know that didn’t have to tell you. Could be an easy marriage, open if you would like. I don’t stink; I hope I don’t. My family has the money, the status, and the pedigree, if you guys are into that. Really, we’d be a good match. You like swords, I like swords. We both like swords. It could work out!"

Auguste could only blink at Zarai and her utmost honesty and pragmatism. Were the Lesdeman's truly such forceful nobles? Before the Prince could even fully soak in her words, "Ah fuck." She got up to leave.

"I am so sorry, Your Highness. Please forget everything I just said."

“Ah hold on-” Auguste said, but had already left earshot. A clear and confused expression formed on his face. Her words, it was something to consider, especially with how sympathetic he felt towards the girl.

Had Auguste upset her, perhaps the mention of her fencing or his exhaustion. Or was it because of his familial name, his family had definitely wronged more than a few nobles, that he was certain. Either way, he would apologize to Lady Zarai the moment he is free and able.

Her knight began walking towards her wheelchair to collect it. Auguste got up from his table and pushed the wheelchair towards the knight. “Here, Sir Barrios.” Auguste said, turning the wheelchair towards Barrios. “Please extend my apologies to Lady Zarai, it seems that I've upset her in someway, and for that I truly do apologize.”

“If you'll excuse me,” Auguste placed his right hand over his heart and bowed. The militaristic salute of Caesonia- An egalitarian and respectful gesture often done by knights or military to each other. It wasn't often that a prince would do such a bow, especially to those 'perceived' to be in a lower caste, but Auguste had picked up this habit from his frequent jaunts with his kingdom's military and knights. Only other knights or military men would be able to pick up this gesture and its meaning, others would simply view it as natural respect.

Augustee turned away and sauntered to his table. It wouldn't do for him to forsook his duty when Callum was trying his best.

Auguste, once sat down, let his natural smile creep back onto his face all the while pondering his talk with Zarai with an odd confusion nestling softly in the back of his mind.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

	Attire: Tunic Interaction(s): Zarai Lesdeman @Rodiak. Mention(s): Alden Plannington @Terrance420, Edin Danrose @princess, Alibeth Danrose @princess.

“Lady Zarai,” Auguste stood up and returned the curtsy with a bow towards Lady Zarai and Sir Barrios before taking his seat again. “Was my expression that apparent?” He caressed his cheek in jest. “Jests aside, I am glad to serve Caesonia. This is my duty, after all.” Although there was dissonance in his statement, he did believe... or atleast think, that following his father's commands was part of his 'duty'.

Auguste couldn't help spare a glance at Zarai's bruises and wounds. It was from their foray last night. His expression flashed to one of concern before conforming back to a smile. It wouldn't be in good conscience to interrogate this poor girl who returned in one of the worst conditions amongst those brought back by his mother 'expedition'. As such, he silently acquiesced to her wishes.

“I am sure fath- King Edin, has thought it through. The shortened time may be just to maximize those that want to meet with a prince.” Though he says so, his eyes betrayed his words. He also did not think it was possible to create a meaningful connection through such short meetings other than forming fleeting infatuations and crushes.

Auguste was a bit struck at the question. Considering that he was eternally busy with all of his given tasks; while the little free-time he did have he spent sneaking outside of the castle or honing his blade. It really didn't leave him much time for introspection regarding about what HE looked for in a woman. It was something he did have atleast prepare an off-hand response for, but he truly thought he would have been fine acting as a chess piece for his family to form whatever connection they needed. Due to his tiredness, he couldn't quite remember what his usual response to the question was.

“My, it seems you've put me in quite a quandary.” Auguste finally said, he took another moment to compose himself. He looked over to his father and Sir Alden who seemed busy conversing between themselves and another individual. Satisfied in the fact that they weren't listening in, he continued. “If you allow me to be honest, I am not so sure myself. In all honesty, I would've fine with whoever my parents had set me up with. Being a prince, well, it's a tad restricting... I'll leave it at that. Apologies if that did not satisfy your question.”

“As for yourself? Although I understand that these events is a bit too stifling,” Auguste pulled at the tight lapels of his tunic, relishing the comfort brought by the air cooling his chest. “Surely that's not the only reason why you dislike events such as this?”

“... Though I understand if you do not wish to speak about such topics.” Considering how closed off Lady Zarai appeared to be. “Perhaps we can talk about fencing. Tales of your skill has reached me. Surely one as skilled as you have many tales to tell.”