A/N: This story is based on skit #249 - Gentlemanly Behavior.

Chapter 1: The Ball

If one inquired King Richard, ruler of the great country of Windor, on the nature of his best friend Lord Asbel Lhant's greatest virtue, the eloquent monarch would find himself at a loss for words. Richard would consider Asbel's cheerfulness, his bravery, his loyalty, his devotion, his selflessness, his jutting collarbones (though he'd definitely keep that one to himself), among many other things; but, ultimately, he would be unable to come to a decision.

And, if one were to inquire about Asbel's greatest flaw, the King would merely smile and affirm with all certainty that his dear friend was absolutely perfect. Or, more precisely, that would've been his statement if it wasn't for the previous night's events - for Richard had, finally, realized that even Asbel had room to improve.

A lot of room to improve.

Barona was in a festive spirit.

After long months of crisis - from two royal assassinations, to eleth depletion, to the appearance of bizarre monsters - Windor was at last free of strife. King Richard had declared his extermination expeditions finished, the last nova monster having been felled by his and his knights' blades. It was now time to celebrate; and while the common people enjoyed themselves in the city, the Windorian aristocracy gathered in the castle for the first time since the newest king's coronation.

And, at the present time, a certain noble almost regretted having been born under such a title.

Asbel Lhant shuffled uneasily as he went past the royal gates. The guards shifted a glance at him, making the young lord feel even more out of place than he already did. However, knowing that it would be considerably worse in the actual ball, all Asbel could do was taking a deep breath and bracing himself. At least he would get to meet his best friend... that is, if he was lucky, considering how sought after Richard, the king himself, should be in an event like this.

Once among a sea of nobility in the castle's great hall, Asbel wondered what he should do until Richard made his appearance. He wasn't familiar with any of the Windorian nobles - other than Duke Dalen, which was almost as unattainable as Richard himself - so he expected to do no more than wander around, nibbling on fancy food and sipping elaborate drinks. Which, now that he thought about it, didn't sound half bad...

"Lord Asbel Lhant?"

Asbel turned, surprise clear on his face; a complete stranger approached him with a broad smile, introducing himself through elegant gestures. Asbel smiled sheepishly, unsure of what to do. He settled for a clumsy bow, which earned a frown from the fellow noble.

"It's an honor to meet you, Lord Asbel," the man declared, regaining his composure - though not his smile. "I've heard of your many exploits in favor of our great king. Is it true that the two of you are childhood friends?"

It was Asbel's turn to frown. So that's what it was about? Trying to gain the king's privilege by mingling with the young lord who had the reputation of being close to him? This nobleman was someone who saw friendship as a mean to an end - and that angered Asbel immensely. Therefore, he decided to speak his mind, not censoring a single work. Damned be politics!

Asbel's harsh reply had the nobleman back into the frowning contest, and there was no doubt he was the clear winner. He scoffed, turned, and left without a single word, leaving Asbel with the initial feeling of victory - and then crushing defeat.

What if his fame of Asbel Lhant, best friend of the king, became Asbel Lhant, rudest friend of the king? He couldn't hurt Richard's reputation like that! The King of Windor was known for having impeccable taste, whether for clothing, haircuts, decoration, or company - and Asbel refused to have it tarnished.

He decided he would be nicer to whoever approached him next. Redeemed be politics!

And so, for the sake of his best friend, Asbel talked to every single noble who approached him next. He strived to be as polite as he possibly could, to smile at all times, and to be a pleasant company.

But something must have been missing, for despite his efforts, everyone who talked to him scoffed and left after a few words. Either he was doing something terribly wrong, or the Windorian aristocracy was even more arrogant than he thought. Cursing politics again, Asbel went back to the original idea of stuffing his face; at least food wasn't going to be mean.

He moved to one of the generous buffets, and proceeded to quietly fill his stomach. It was during his quest to find the best-tasting curry that he heard a voice announcing the king's entrance, and Asbel did not think twice to run towards the gathering nobles; after all, Richard was one of the few things in the world better than curry.

It took but a few moments for the King of Windor to appear, looking majestic as he descended the luxurious stairway. He stopped for a brief speech and celebrated the newfound peace, while thanking his loyal subjects. After receiving a loud - for such stiff nobles - cheer, the king made his way to the crowd, and Asbel's eyes lost him.

The young lord sighed, wondering when he'd have the chance to talk to his friend. It would certainly take a while, given that the crowd showed no sign of dispersing. Without a choice, he walked back to the buffet, ready to resume his epic food quest until Richard had time to talk to him.

While in the process of identifying a gooey substance floating in his favorite dish (Did Richard have the cook add natto into his curry? Heresy!), Asbel was interrupted by a pat on his shoulder. He turned, and nearly choked at the sight.

"Enjoying yourself, Asbel?"

"R-Richard!" The young lord moved to hug his friend, but realizing how improper it would look to the prying eyes, he settled for a deep bow. "How did you manage to get here so fast?"

"By making many promises to converse with certain lords and ladies at a later time." Richard smiled, knowing that the present moment didn't allow for a greater display of affection. "It's good to see you, Asbel."

"It's good to see you too!" The young lord was beaming. "But... I think I'd better not keep you. You have a lot of people to talk to, right?"

"Indeed, yet I was wondering if you would like to accompany me. Although I'm sure you were enjoying yourself, food does tend to lose its entertainment factor after enough mouthfuls."

Asbel grinned; Richard was still the same. "Is it really okay, though? I mean, won't I get in the way of any important topics?"

"Important topics? Asbel, this is a ball. The only thing you might get in the way of is adulation, for which I'd have to thank you. Besides, you're not acquainted with many members of the Windorian nobility, correct? Now that you're a lord, such connections are important, as dull as establishing them may be."

Asbel had to admit that his earlier attempts at socializing had been utter failures, and having Richard with him would be an immense help. "Well, since you insist," he chuckled, "lead the way, Your Majesty."

They spent the following hours jumping from noble to noble; or, more precisely, standing in the same place as a chain of aristocrats presented themselves before them. This time, there were no frowns or scoffs; instead, Asbel was treated impeccably, and he couldn't help but feel satisfied at his raging success at interacting. He never noticed the odd glares from the noblemen, or the subtle nudging from Richard; and it never crossed his mind that all the smiles were only flashed at him in order to please the king.

The night grew old, and Richard's endurance grew short. Politely, he bid his guests goodnight, and left for his chamber. Asbel accompanied him to the royal quarters; given that all the guestrooms designated for the royal family's close relatives were permanently empty (due to Richard's lack of them), such lodgings were appointed to the monarch's close friends.

They had left the bustling halls behind, and were moving in the tranquility of a deserted corridor. Richard was silent, his expression tired; Asbel, however, still carried the party's excitement in him.

"The ball was great, Richard! And thank you for introducing me to all those people. I'm sure knowing them will be handy."

Richard didn't reply, so Asbel continued, "It's funny how different things went when you were with me. Before you came, I was trying to... well, blend in, and it was pretty much one failure after another." He paused, as if in deep thought. "It's so weird. I wonder why they were treating me so badly before."

Suddenly, Richard halted. Confused, Asbel turned, and found his friend gazing intently at him. "Richard? Is there something wrong?"

Richard took a deep breath before speaking, "Yes, Asbel, there is something wrong. Your manners."

Asbel stared, perplexed, as if expecting Richard to resume an unfinished sentence. "My manners what?"

"Your manners are what's wrong, Asbel. They were deplorable!" Richard closed his eyes and shook his head somberly.

"They were what?!" Asbel's mouth was agape, not believing his friend's words.

"Deplorable, Asbel. It means they were terribly poor-"

"I know what deplorable means! I just don't get why you're saying that! I was trying so hard to follow every formality I've ever been taught!"

"Of course you were, Asbel. I could notice that." There was no sarcasm in Richard's words; he actually sounded quite worried. "But tell me again... Where did you learn such customs?"

"At the Knight Academy. Why? Is there something wrong about their instructions?" He paused in sudden realization. "Damn, I bet the Captain taught me something funny! He's always doing that!"

"No, Asbel, it isn't Malik's fault. There's nothing wrong with the Academy's teachings... For knights. But what are you now?"

Asbel blinked, taking his time to find the proper answer. "I am... a lord?"

"Correct!" Richard had to suppress a laugh in face of Asbel's satisfied smile. He seemed really proud of himself for answering such a complex question. "Should I award you with a golden star?"

Asbel's expression became a little less amused. "Thanks, but I'd rather be taught how to act like a proper lord. Can I get that instead?"

Richard's eyes widened, his mouth twisting into a mischievous grin. "Oh, Asbel. So now you want me to educate you on the many great facets of gentlemanly behavior?"

Asbel rolled his eyes. "Seriously, Richard? You were still hung up on that?"

"A true gentleman is always eager to enlighten his peers on the marvels of good manners! I'd be thrilled to aid you, Asbel."

"Well... okay. As long as I don't end up speaking like you do."

Richard raised an eyebrow and threw an arm around his friend's shoulders, the grin never leaving his face. Asbel had to wonder what he was getting himself into.