Frederick has always been someone easily swayed by paranoia and distrust. Sometimes, his suspicions fall into the realm of the irrational - which he can usually recognize using reason and common sense, but those things are never enough to fully convince him that he's wrong for keeping his distance or putting up his guard.
Today is no different. Though in this case, it's difficult to tell if he's truly being unreasonable or not... Usually, Frederick tries to at least keep up a polite enough demeanor to prevent unpleasant rumors from spreading, and to keep up his reputation, however fragile it may be, in the eyes of the public. But in a place like this, it doesn't feel like that particularly matters anymore. Perhaps his companion feels the same way.
"If you've got something to say, then please, go ahead." Frederick's voice somehow manages to be both soft and sharp at once, creating a distinctly disdainful tone that could just barely be denied if it were to be challenged.
"...Well? I'm listening."
@lumoire ( starter for richard or matthias! )
