#loolol

“YA-CHOOO!!”

It sounded like a bomb in an unsuspecting night, your sneeze ringing in the air of the training grounds. High Commander Ravus Nox Fleuret and Commodore Aranea Highwind had the floor to demonstrate Ravus’ new arm but the two nearly slipped at the horrendous boom, ducking as if the keep was under attack. When they saw the coast was clear, everyone was absolutely befuddled, seeking out the source. You, on the other hand, made yourself scarce behind your clipboard, pretending that nothing happened at all despite the shade of red burning ever so hotter on your face. It was that time of year again, you dreaded.

When everything settled, everyone went back to their business. Chancellor Izunia, who was right beside you, was grinning humorously the entire time, chuckling at your predicament.

Ardyn: “I suppose it is that season.”

You: “E-Excuse me, sir?”

Ardyn: “You are excused.”

You continued your work on examining the combat prowess Commander Ravus accumulated with the new magitek arm when you felt the tickle of another dreaded bodily function scratching within your nose. Oh no, please not again! But it was too-

“HAAA CHOOOOOOOOW!!!”

This time, everyone at their stations really did trip over, some even duck low to the ground, others yelling that the Lucians have finally retaliated and that everyone should head to their battle stations. Everyone, save for a few others, including Ravus himself who looked like hell’s wrath itself once he deduced that the sound came from you. He stabbed his sword to the ground and stops over the training floor towards you, a deathly glare in his already harsh eyes.

Ravus: “For the love of Bahamut, what is wrong with you? Are you dying!?”

You: “N-No, sir! Nothing like that! I-I was just- it’s the s-season, you see and-”

Ravus: “Well, do us all a favor, kindly stop or wear a godforsaken helmet. One that cancels out such horrendous sound.“

You can hear some of your fellow colleagues snickering at his comment even though the man does not mean that to jest. You felt the familiar burn in your cheeks as well as a dull sting in the corners of your eyes. How embarrassing...

Ravus: “If you distract me one more time, I will sorely be-”

Ardyn: “Ever so concerned. Why, Sir Ravus, what a gentleman you are.”

Chancellor Izunia steps in front of you, like a wall between yourself and the high commander. You didn’t have to look at his face to know that Ardyn was wearing a cordial and knowing smile.

Ardyn: “How kind of you to be considerate of someone who works so tirelessly day in and out to ensure that people like us can perform at their best. I mean, I am surprised that our friend here has not been stricken with the sneezing flu earlier, it truly shows the resilience of those that place their trust in us.”

The tall man leans back towards you to tap at your clipboard, eyes lazily looking over the scribble taken down.

Ardyn: “And look, data that will no doubt prove fruitful in future combat trials. Your reaction time to loud sounds have exponentially improved.”

Again, snickering and laughter was heard in the background. You swear that you even hear Aranea laughing slightly. Meanwhile, Ravus was to the point where his lips upturned to a snarl.

Ardyn: “Anyways, what were you about to say? Something about distractions and soreness?”

A moment passes and instead of a response, the high commander huffs and returns to the training floor. Aranea who was watching amusedly, throws a smile your way before picking up her lance once more. It seems you avoided a disasterous humiliation, releasing a much needed sigh. You glance at the chancellor who returned to stand beside you, he was lowly humming to himself as if nothing happened at all.

You: “Thank you, Chancellor Izunia.”

Ardyn: “Hm?”

He stops humming entirely to look at you, his eyes wide as if he suddenly just noticed you. You since learned that this was a playful side of him and even entertained the thought that the man was also being humourously humble.

You: “You saved me for what could have been the biggest embarrassment of my life.”

Ardyn: “Ah, that. Well, one cannot help their bodily functions, nay?”

The man reaches into the pocket of his coat and hands a small bottle to you. You take it and eye it curiously.

You: “What’s this? For allergies?”

Ardyn: “No. That is for distractions and soreness.”

You: “I...I don’t understand.”

Ardyn: “Yet.”

You: “H-Huh?”