p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"The weeks and months that followed went by quickly, one might say all too smoothly. Especially since Ignis had given his uncle the biggest 'fuck you' he dared and broke off his engagement, without permission. So far it seems as though no-one knew about it apart from those involved and those that swore to keep it to themselves. /spanstrong id="docs-internal-guid-a5c618c8-7fff-537f-84c0-d1d70c166339" style="font-weight: normal;"/strong/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Clarus and Iris secretly had a bet going on behind Gladio's back, they wagered who would make the first move, the stakes; If Iris lost she'd do her homework without protest for a month, if she won, she got all the sweets she wanted for a month. Needless to say, Clarus betting on Gladio was a bad move on his part. Now he'd have one lovesick child and another suffering with diabetes and cavities. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Not that he minded of course, his son had finally stopped moping around and Iris had stopped her plots and schemes, at least he thought so. She would always plan something or other, whether it was good or bad depended on her mood and how much she wanted to irritate her brother. More often than not it was just her making up some dire excuse for him to stop by Ignis' apartment, pretending to be said person to make it more authentic. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"One such prank she executed perfectly a little while ago, Gladio obviously rushing off to help his boyfriend. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Wait- So you didn't need me to help rearrange the living room?"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""No…? It seems you've been fooled once again, Iris is no doubt becoming quite convincing in her impersonations of me." Ignis said, glancing up from his laptop briefly, watching as Gladio mumbled about stopping her snack supply and settled down in the chair beside him. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""I'm not complaining, means I get to see you but you're always busy so I feel bad, should mention that to the little minx." Gladio let out an exasperated sigh and started toying with the chain on Ignis' USB stick. "In fact, now that I'm here you're not allowed to work. C'mere!"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""No! I have to finish this report!" Ignis grabbed his laptop and fled to his bedroom as Gladio made to catch him. Thankfully for Ignis he was faster than the Shield and it took Gladio a second to realise he had to run after him, faster he may be but with long strides and a knack for being surprising, Gladio actually managed to snag the back of Ignis' shirt and pull him into his arms. "Gladio! Put me down!"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a chuckle Gladio plucked the laptop from Ignis iron grasp, placing it on the table and hauling the Adviser over his shoulder, forcing him to watch as his laptop grew further out of his reach. "Nah-uh Iggy, you work non-stop, time for some well-earned 'Gladio snuggles'."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Have I mentioned I hate you sometimes? And really, 'Gladio snuggles'?" The sarcasm was short lived and replaced with a high-pitched yelp as Gladio dropped him on his bed, the latter quickly locked the door behind him with a coy grin. "That was rather brutish of you."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Yeah well, you secretly love it."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"That was all Gladio said before pouncing on Ignis, keeping him in a tight embrace so despite all escape attempts, resistance was futile. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"-/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"A while later at the Citadel/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""He did what?! Clarus how long have you known about this?" Berin practically shouted, the King's Shield didn't waver however. Ignis' uncle wasn't exactly a threatening looking man and Clarus was more than a match for him if it came down to it, after all, Berin had only undergone basic Crownsguard training back in the day. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""I would have thought you'd be happy Berin, Ignis is young and he is capable of deciding his own future." Clarus said in a tone that infuriated the old Adviser, it's a tone his nephew used often and it usually earned him a clip on the ear. "Had I done something similar with Gladiolus, he would've rebelled in the same way, if not worse. I've forced a professional future upon him already, I needn't force him to marry for mutual benefit, that is his choice."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""My brother wouldn't have it if he had raised the boy and neither will I, I doubt your father was so lenient with you."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""My marriage isn't your concern. Nonetheless, you didn't raise him did you? With the amount of tutors that boy has had and the responsibilities placed upon him, he may as well have raised himself, His Majesty had more to do with him than you did." Clarus retorted. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""That is an effect of being born into my family. Your boy was born into a family of warriors, my nephew is no different apart from being born a scholar. The education he had was a necessity that you Shield may not fully appreciate." The anger in Berin's voice slowly became more and more apparent, ticking off someone so composed was something Clarus secretly enjoyed. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""It may surprise you to know, my son is well-read in retrospect and Ignis is very proficient in combat as well as being obscenely intellectual. That boy is more of a son to Regis and I over you, somehow he seems to be a burden on you. Have you ever seen him smile for goodness sake?" /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Of course I have! I'll ha-" Berin was forced to cease his outburst when Regis entered the room, Ignis in tow and Gladio guarding the door. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Gentlemen. I think it's time to settle this matter, sit down all of you, Gladiolus, this includes you." Regis spoke softly but there was a seriousness in his words that registered to all of them. So, the five of them sat around the table. Ignis beside Gladio, Regis at the head of the table and Berin beside Clarus. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""With all due respect Your Majesty, this is a family matter, you needn't trouble yourself with something so trivial." Berin said quietly, unsure if he was out of place./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Nonsense. Out of the public eye Ignis is as much a son to me as Noctis is, if there is a problem I will intervene, especially if it will have an impact on how Noctis' retainers perform, that in turn affects my son." Regis remarked, Clarus eyeing Berin with clear amusement at his speechlessness. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Both Gladio and Ignis remained silent with their gazes focused on either the table, clock or their lap, not wanting to start any arguments, or be here in the first place for that matter. Clarus knowingly messaged Gladio when Regis proposed a meeting about the situation, assuming he'd be with the usual culprit, asking him to bring Ignis along. Needless to say neither of them wanted to be here, especially under this pretense but as Ignis said a while ago, he'd deal with the consequences. Though it's unlikely he thought he'd be sat in a conference room with his uncle, Clarus Amicitia, Gladio and his King over the matter, it wasn't exactly so important to require the King's input. Or so he thought./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""As you wish, Your Majesty. Thought I fail to see what more there is to say on the subject." Berin spoke with caution now that Regis was in the room, choosing his words carefully to avoid unwanted disputes. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""There is a great deal more to say, however I haven't the energy to list everything that could be said, so I'll get to the point." Regis' gaze shifted from Berin, to Clarus, who nodded in silent agreement, to Gladio briefly and then finally to rest on Ignis. "As someone who knows both these boys as well as my own son, I believe they'll do what's right for themselves, regardless of what you say Berin."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Regis stopped and left time for an argument from any of them, Clarus shared his mindset though in that he thought the boys should have freedom in choosing partners. Ignis looked red as the ripest tomato, Gladio looked ready to pick him up and bolt, Berin simply looked indifferent given he was probably furious. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Furthermore, I overheard Noctis and his friend conversing about this very issue, if my son is willing to accept- support in fact- such a relationship between his future retainers, I don't see why there is a problem. Berin, you were once a young man, I'm sure you can understand the joys of first love." Regis tried to reason with the better and younger part of Berin, the part that had long been buried in favour of his duties and retaining a professional demeanour. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a hefty sigh Berin seemed to concede, eyeing his nephew for a moment but relinquishing his hard stare not a second later. "Indeed but that was a different matter, I was infatuated with a woman, meaning I was able to carry on my line. Being with a man simply ensures that won't happen and I cannot stand idly by while my House ceases."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"In truth, Berin did marry but he didn't have children and Ignis was an only child, thus making him the sole person to be able to carry on the main Scientia line, a huge weight on a young man. Unless of course his uncle remarried and managed to have children of his own, though the prospect is highly unlikely given his social preferences./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Are you really willing to risk breaking something so fragile for the sake of mutual benefit and sustainability? Clarus and I are empathetic to your position Berin but there are other means of continuing a noble house, means that do not include resorting to the old ways." Regis looked at Gladio and Ignis as he said that, as if illustrating his point. "With that in mind, I doubt these two are even considering marriage at this point, they're young and while they have obligations, I'm sure there'll be no problems in keeping professional and personal apart. That being said, there is ample time for change and you may be surprised, if not, you must learn to accept their choice."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Regis was being very forward and wise with his words. So much so that Clarus could only stare at the old adviser with a smug face, fuelling his irritation more than he thought possible. "Very well. I see there is little point in arguing about this any longer. I confess, I hadn't thought about my nephew's well-being to begin with, I still stand by my choice to arrange a marriage but I also understand that the youth these days have considerably more freedom than in previous years."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Gladio saw fit to let out the breath he was holding when Berin left, Clarus flashing a smile at him before he too left the room, leaving the young men with Regis. "I meant what I said, I trust the both of you to do what is right and remember to keep your professional and personal lives apart. Good luck to both of you, Ignis, I'll see you tomorrow for updates on Noctis, Gladiolus, take care." /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a soft smile, Regis also left the room. Ignis eventually returned to his natural complexion, Gladio laughing at him as he calmed down. "Wanna grab a coffee? Look like you could use one right now."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Ignis simply nodded frantically and almost ran out of the room, not looking back since he could hear Gladio on his heels, the memory of the past half an hour will be subsequently wiped from his mind. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Clarus and Iris secretly had a bet going on behind Gladio's back, they wagered who would make the first move, the stakes; If Iris lost she'd do her homework without protest for a month, if she won, she got all the sweets she wanted for a month. Needless to say, Clarus betting on Gladio was a bad move on his part. Now he'd have one lovesick child and another suffering with diabetes and cavities. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Not that he minded of course, his son had finally stopped moping around and Iris had stopped her plots and schemes, at least he thought so. She would always plan something or other, whether it was good or bad depended on her mood and how much she wanted to irritate her brother. More often than not it was just her making up some dire excuse for him to stop by Ignis' apartment, pretending to be said person to make it more authentic. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"One such prank she executed perfectly a little while ago, Gladio obviously rushing off to help his boyfriend. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Wait- So you didn't need me to help rearrange the living room?"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""No…? It seems you've been fooled once again, Iris is no doubt becoming quite convincing in her impersonations of me." Ignis said, glancing up from his laptop briefly, watching as Gladio mumbled about stopping her snack supply and settled down in the chair beside him. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""I'm not complaining, means I get to see you but you're always busy so I feel bad, should mention that to the little minx." Gladio let out an exasperated sigh and started toying with the chain on Ignis' USB stick. "In fact, now that I'm here you're not allowed to work. C'mere!"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""No! I have to finish this report!" Ignis grabbed his laptop and fled to his bedroom as Gladio made to catch him. Thankfully for Ignis he was faster than the Shield and it took Gladio a second to realise he had to run after him, faster he may be but with long strides and a knack for being surprising, Gladio actually managed to snag the back of Ignis' shirt and pull him into his arms. "Gladio! Put me down!"/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a chuckle Gladio plucked the laptop from Ignis iron grasp, placing it on the table and hauling the Adviser over his shoulder, forcing him to watch as his laptop grew further out of his reach. "Nah-uh Iggy, you work non-stop, time for some well-earned 'Gladio snuggles'."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Have I mentioned I hate you sometimes? And really, 'Gladio snuggles'?" The sarcasm was short lived and replaced with a high-pitched yelp as Gladio dropped him on his bed, the latter quickly locked the door behind him with a coy grin. "That was rather brutish of you."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Yeah well, you secretly love it."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"That was all Gladio said before pouncing on Ignis, keeping him in a tight embrace so despite all escape attempts, resistance was futile. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"-/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"A while later at the Citadel/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""He did what?! Clarus how long have you known about this?" Berin practically shouted, the King's Shield didn't waver however. Ignis' uncle wasn't exactly a threatening looking man and Clarus was more than a match for him if it came down to it, after all, Berin had only undergone basic Crownsguard training back in the day. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""I would have thought you'd be happy Berin, Ignis is young and he is capable of deciding his own future." Clarus said in a tone that infuriated the old Adviser, it's a tone his nephew used often and it usually earned him a clip on the ear. "Had I done something similar with Gladiolus, he would've rebelled in the same way, if not worse. I've forced a professional future upon him already, I needn't force him to marry for mutual benefit, that is his choice."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""My brother wouldn't have it if he had raised the boy and neither will I, I doubt your father was so lenient with you."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""My marriage isn't your concern. Nonetheless, you didn't raise him did you? With the amount of tutors that boy has had and the responsibilities placed upon him, he may as well have raised himself, His Majesty had more to do with him than you did." Clarus retorted. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""That is an effect of being born into my family. Your boy was born into a family of warriors, my nephew is no different apart from being born a scholar. The education he had was a necessity that you Shield may not fully appreciate." The anger in Berin's voice slowly became more and more apparent, ticking off someone so composed was something Clarus secretly enjoyed. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""It may surprise you to know, my son is well-read in retrospect and Ignis is very proficient in combat as well as being obscenely intellectual. That boy is more of a son to Regis and I over you, somehow he seems to be a burden on you. Have you ever seen him smile for goodness sake?" /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Of course I have! I'll ha-" Berin was forced to cease his outburst when Regis entered the room, Ignis in tow and Gladio guarding the door. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Gentlemen. I think it's time to settle this matter, sit down all of you, Gladiolus, this includes you." Regis spoke softly but there was a seriousness in his words that registered to all of them. So, the five of them sat around the table. Ignis beside Gladio, Regis at the head of the table and Berin beside Clarus. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""With all due respect Your Majesty, this is a family matter, you needn't trouble yourself with something so trivial." Berin said quietly, unsure if he was out of place./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Nonsense. Out of the public eye Ignis is as much a son to me as Noctis is, if there is a problem I will intervene, especially if it will have an impact on how Noctis' retainers perform, that in turn affects my son." Regis remarked, Clarus eyeing Berin with clear amusement at his speechlessness. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Both Gladio and Ignis remained silent with their gazes focused on either the table, clock or their lap, not wanting to start any arguments, or be here in the first place for that matter. Clarus knowingly messaged Gladio when Regis proposed a meeting about the situation, assuming he'd be with the usual culprit, asking him to bring Ignis along. Needless to say neither of them wanted to be here, especially under this pretense but as Ignis said a while ago, he'd deal with the consequences. Though it's unlikely he thought he'd be sat in a conference room with his uncle, Clarus Amicitia, Gladio and his King over the matter, it wasn't exactly so important to require the King's input. Or so he thought./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""As you wish, Your Majesty. Thought I fail to see what more there is to say on the subject." Berin spoke with caution now that Regis was in the room, choosing his words carefully to avoid unwanted disputes. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""There is a great deal more to say, however I haven't the energy to list everything that could be said, so I'll get to the point." Regis' gaze shifted from Berin, to Clarus, who nodded in silent agreement, to Gladio briefly and then finally to rest on Ignis. "As someone who knows both these boys as well as my own son, I believe they'll do what's right for themselves, regardless of what you say Berin."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Regis stopped and left time for an argument from any of them, Clarus shared his mindset though in that he thought the boys should have freedom in choosing partners. Ignis looked red as the ripest tomato, Gladio looked ready to pick him up and bolt, Berin simply looked indifferent given he was probably furious. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Furthermore, I overheard Noctis and his friend conversing about this very issue, if my son is willing to accept- support in fact- such a relationship between his future retainers, I don't see why there is a problem. Berin, you were once a young man, I'm sure you can understand the joys of first love." Regis tried to reason with the better and younger part of Berin, the part that had long been buried in favour of his duties and retaining a professional demeanour. /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a hefty sigh Berin seemed to concede, eyeing his nephew for a moment but relinquishing his hard stare not a second later. "Indeed but that was a different matter, I was infatuated with a woman, meaning I was able to carry on my line. Being with a man simply ensures that won't happen and I cannot stand idly by while my House ceases."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"In truth, Berin did marry but he didn't have children and Ignis was an only child, thus making him the sole person to be able to carry on the main Scientia line, a huge weight on a young man. Unless of course his uncle remarried and managed to have children of his own, though the prospect is highly unlikely given his social preferences./span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;""Are you really willing to risk breaking something so fragile for the sake of mutual benefit and sustainability? Clarus and I are empathetic to your position Berin but there are other means of continuing a noble house, means that do not include resorting to the old ways." Regis looked at Gladio and Ignis as he said that, as if illustrating his point. "With that in mind, I doubt these two are even considering marriage at this point, they're young and while they have obligations, I'm sure there'll be no problems in keeping professional and personal apart. That being said, there is ample time for change and you may be surprised, if not, you must learn to accept their choice."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Regis was being very forward and wise with his words. So much so that Clarus could only stare at the old adviser with a smug face, fuelling his irritation more than he thought possible. "Very well. I see there is little point in arguing about this any longer. I confess, I hadn't thought about my nephew's well-being to begin with, I still stand by my choice to arrange a marriage but I also understand that the youth these days have considerably more freedom than in previous years."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Gladio saw fit to let out the breath he was holding when Berin left, Clarus flashing a smile at him before he too left the room, leaving the young men with Regis. "I meant what I said, I trust the both of you to do what is right and remember to keep your professional and personal lives apart. Good luck to both of you, Ignis, I'll see you tomorrow for updates on Noctis, Gladiolus, take care." /span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"With a soft smile, Regis also left the room. Ignis eventually returned to his natural complexion, Gladio laughing at him as he calmed down. "Wanna grab a coffee? Look like you could use one right now."/span/p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;" /p
p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"Ignis simply nodded frantically and almost ran out of the room, not looking back since he could hear Gladio on his heels, the memory of the past half an hour will be subsequently wiped from his mind. /span/p