Arsenal of Grace

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

It was the honest truth. And as much as it pained him to be so blunt with his sister on a matter he knew she cared strongly about, he couldn’t lie to her. If he were not blunt, she would continue like this, attempting to get him back on the path she desired him to be on. 

“…You needn’t do that. No use worrying yourself over what you cannot change.”

The heavens would fall before she ever gave up on him. She only had one brother, after all.

“Just a couple here and there nothing more, nothing less. I do have my favorites. I just  want to be prepared especially during these times of war cause you never know what will be thrown at you.”

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Roderich almost wanted to flinch. He knew all too well that his sister only wanted the best for him. And he did care, he truly did. They only had each other, after all. But Roderich was stubborn, determined to stick to his morals and the life he had chosen to lead.

“…To you, perhaps. But I assure you, I really am just fine.” He finally brought his gaze up to meet his sister’s. “I have no regrets, Reinhilda.”

And that tore like teeth through flesh. She would prefer if he regretted, not because it would cause him pain, no, not at all-- that wasn’t ever what she wanted, never, never-- but because there might’ve still been a chance to bring him back if he did. God, she could only pray for so long.

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Ah, yes, that all too familiar tone that was a sure sign that Reinhilda meant business. It was much too difficult for Roderich to keep his gaze on her, eyes flicking back and forth and he tried to appear composed and not at all intimidated by his sister. He was silent a moment before speaking in a grumble.

“…Have a little faith in me, sister. I am doing well for myself, you cannot deny it.”

She noticed. In all truth, she didn’t like this at all. She despite it, really, but when he spoke like that as if everything was alright, as if things were all really just music and fun-- It was too much. He was all she had left.

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

A part of Roderich wanted to give a scathing reply about how he didn’t like it when she kept sticking her nose in his business. The other part valued his life far too greatly for that. So, he just let out a frustrated huff, averting his gaze. “I just don’t want you worrying so much about me. I’m doing just fine, you know.”

“Roderich Sebastian Edelstein,” The name rolled smoothly off her tongue, her tone level, far too level, “You and I both know our ideas of fine differ greatly. There is no way that you, Roderich, will ever be fine unless a miracle of the Great Light above occurs.”

“Oh yes but of course.” Lovino probably had come a bit too strong with that comment, time to tone it down so he didn’t scare her away. “I have been trained under the earth branch, though curiosity has led me to dabble in others mainly to help with survival.” 

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Though Roderich was used to his sister’s fussing, he was certainly glad when she finally took a step back.

He frowned slightly, brow furrowing. “I see. So you deliberately came here knowing I’d be here as well, then? Or was it just a coincidence that we happened to be in the same town at the same time and you decided to find me due to that.”

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Roderich let her do as she please with only a slight frown as she adjusted his clothes, used to this sort of thing after growing up with her. “Mm, I see. Interesting then that we happened to run into each other, don’t you think?”

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Roderich fiddled with his glasses, not meeting his sister’s gaze. “Of course, of course. I’ll make sure to visit next time. My apologies.” 

Pausing briefly, he glanced to Reinhilda with a slight frown. “…What brings you all the way out here, though? I highly doubt you traveled this far just to scold me for not visiting more often.”

She, in reality, had some things to purchase that could only be found in Rael-Ghel as well as some contacts to meet. Unfortunately, the second bit wasn’t something Roderich could or should’ve been aware of.

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Roderich, actually, had many supporters and fans through the kingdom who thought his lifestyle was fascinating. But Roderich didn’t feel the need to point that out. And while he did respect his older sister, he did also believe he was equally capable of making his own life choices.

“…Ah. Yes. The capital.” Roderich seemed to shrink slightly under her gaze. “Well, the next time I’m in Vorgaren, I’ll stop by.” Even though he’d literally just been in Vorgaren a few weeks prior.

Of course almost everyone you could ask would say that they were capable of making their own life choices. Of course that was what Roderich would say. Reinhilda, for one, was quick to disagree that that was the case. Of course, there was little she could do about it now.

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

When Reinhilda finally let go of his ear, Roderich took a step back, rubbing the side of his head with a wince. 

“…You know I’m busy. I visit when I can.” He let out a sigh. “But, fine. I’ll try to stop by whenever I’m nearby. But that isn’t so often, you realize.” 

For as much as the Edelstein siblings bickered, Roderich still did care greatly for his sister, even if she was overbearing at times. She was family, and even if she didn’t agree with Roderich’s life choices, he still did care.

To be honest, it was doubtful that anyone would agree with Roderich’s life choices, but again, how was it her right to say? Of course, besides the fact that she was his only surviving family, older, wiser and an accomplished enchantress. She obviously had no right to say anything.

Someone was very much glaring at him and Roderich didn’t even need to look to know who it is. But just because he could tell he was being glared at didn’t mean he was going to acknowledge it.

Roderich knew too well his sister’s strength and knew better than to fight against her when she was clearly so upset with him for some reason. Wincing, he attempted an exasperated look towards her, features set in a frown.

“And what, pray tell, have I done this time to warrant you thinking I am an idiot? …And really. Let go. You’re hurting me.”

Unfortunately for Roderich, it was kind of... everything he’d ever done. She wasn’t one to forget easily, and she was still upset with him for... running off as a bard.

“For one, you never visit,” She couldn’t really blame him, seeing as how she usually greeted him, “And...” Reinhilda let go, brushing her hands off on her skirt, her lips curved into a frown, “You should. Visit, that is. And more often.”