“Late? What in the world are you talking about? You’re no later than… Usual…” 

   You trail off, emerald eyes widening in surprise as the knight of Renais offers up a ribbon. It’s orange, to match your uniform, and delicate, intricate designs in white and gold are expertly painted along the length of fabric. Frelian style embellishments, you realize after a moment– Syrene owns a dress with similar needlework that you’ve always liked. ( You wonder whether that’s where Forde had sought inspiration to begin with, for who knows you better than your own sister? ) 

“This is… For me? Truly?” Fingers close around the ribbon, your gaze finally torn from it to rest upon the other knight’s face as a heat fills your cheeks and your heart hammers against your chest. You’re silent for a long moment, unsure of what to say. Honestly, you’d… Been childishly hoping, deep down in your heart, that Prince Innes would be the one to offer you a token of affection. Of course, royalty wouldn’t have time to spare for such a thing, and you’d shoved the little daydream aside. 

   But even so, of course it had been this lazy oaf, this… This man, who cared so much for the world around him he didn’t mind being slandered so long as he could help, this man who had taken notice of you, checked up on you, tried his best to support you despite your rebukes… 

   Well, it feels more real, more precious, than any gift from any handsome prince. You realize now you really wouldn’t be able to accept a favour from anyone else… Well, Syrene aside. It wouldn't feel right.

   You let down your hair wordlessly, re-tying it with the precious ribbon. A neat, thick braid accented with a bow. Usually you wouldn’t bother with the extra fluff, but you want the ribbon to stand out even more than it already does. You then stand on your toes to better reach the knight, pressing your lips to his cheek and offering a smile when you pull away.