"Anything else?" Rue asked, setting yet another thick pile of papers on Ignis's desk.
The advisor hardly acknowledged the loud thump as the stack hit the surface. His eyes never once budged from the screen set before him, though a hand reached over to gather the papers. Rue stifled a yawn and rubbed the back of her neck. It was beginning to burn from all the craning she'd been doing over the past few hours. Finally, Ignis tore his gaze away from the monitor and went to work checking over every detail of her work. Sighing impatiently, Rue crossed her arms and cocked her head to the side. This day was never-ending, it seemed.
"Looks good," Ignis muttered, filing them away.
"So?" Rue pressed. He glanced up at her.
"Be patient; I was getting to it," he replied a bit sharply, fishing through yet another drawer. Rue's heart fought between feeling ashamed of her pushiness and angered at his attitude. Before it could decide, Ignis pulled out a notebook. "Usually I would never miss one of these meetings, but unfortunately I have an appointment that can't wait." Rue took the slender black notebook into her hands, running her fingers over its smooth surface as she listened to him speak. "You'll have to go in my place. Read over my older notes to understand the structure and order in which I record them and then do the same." Ignis sighed, pushing up his glasses and glancing at his screen. "At three, His Majesty will enter into a meeting with the Glaive, primarily prominent members and Rayne. I expect detailed notes on the subject matter."
"And it's in the same room they use for negotiations?"
"If by 'they' you mean the King, then yes," Ignis answered coldly. "Be there ten minutes early so that you don't miss anything. Listen to the conversation around you for things that may not be spoken before the entire group." He wants me to keep him up to date on Citadel gossip? Okay, buddy.
"That's in, what, two hours? What do you need me to do in the meantime?"
"I can handle anything else."
"With all due respect," Rue started, shrugging her shoulders uncomfortably. "I don't have to just stick to paperwork. I'm willing to buy your damn groceries for you if it'll clear up some time in the day." The look she gave him was almost pleading for anything but another set of papers. How many official documents did one man need to keep on the same twenty-five people? "Is there anything that might be keeping you late today that I can finish in the meantime?"
"With all due respect, I don't think you're ready for any more responsibilities," Ignis replied smoothly. That stung. Rue backed off in every sense of the words; her body tensed, her gaze wandered, and her indestructible walls shot up another line of defense. There was a long pause before Ignis finally let go of a breath he seemed to be holding—maybe it was only a sigh. "There is one thing I suppose you can handle. I need you to set up a meeting with Schrader sometime this week. The man's schedule is insufferably disastrous; you should have been hired to work for him again." Rue blood ran cold and her mouth suddenly felt cottony as nausea almost knocked her clean off her feet. She hadn't moved, but she stumbled regardless, catching herself before Ignis could pick out anything in particular.
"Okay. I can do that." She nodded with far more confidence than she possessed.
Rue set the notebook down on the seat before his desk and strode out of the room, forcing her feet to step in line and straight down the hall to the guard's office. As hard as she tried to control them, her breaths were ragged and her heartbeats were rapidly quickening. Her stomach clenched, but there was nothing inside it could have spilled if she tried to vomit right then and there. Her fingers curled around the ice-cold doorknob and she shuddered, feeling goosebumps raise across her skin. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders before turning the knob and pushing the door open.
"Don't you people ever knock?" Cam groaned, setting his pen down rather aggressively before glowering up at the woman in the doorway. His angered expression softened almost immediately and he allowed a sheepish smile. "Oh, hey Rue. Sorry about that; didn't know it was you." The captain stood, coming around the front of his desk and crossing his arms. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"When are you free this week?" Rue asked in a rushed voice, feeling her face warm when he arched an eyebrow. "I mean, for a meeting with Ignis." Cam frowned.
"What did you tell him?"
"What?" Rue squeaked, her hand clenching the doorknob tightly as her palms began to sweat. "He told me to..." Her words faded as Cam reached up to rub the back of his neck.
"So that's why you look like that." The corner of his mouth twitched up into a smile. "Listen, Sweetheart, I'm all for the sexy secretary look, but you're not exactly pulling that one off with those rags."
"I just need to know when you have time this week," Rue snapped, on edge with every movement he made. Cam, always quick to catch on, wrestled a cocky grin and meandered closer.
"Close that door, would you, Hon?"
"Captain, I need—"
"Yeah, yeah," he waved her off, pulling her inside the room by her wrist and shutting the door behind her firmly. Every muscle in her body tightened and locked; she stumbled like a magitek with rusty joints. "What's this meeting about? And where is it?"
"I-I don't know," she stuttered, turning around sharply to face him before he could try anything—not that that would stop him if he did. "And I'm assuming here. It probably depends on when you decide to—"
"Calm down," Cam laughed, tracing the back of his hand down her cheek. If she hadn't felt sick to her stomach, she might have batted it away. Instead, she stood as straight and stiff as a mannequin, unable to look up at the man that caused her so much trouble. She was ashamed of the way she'd never bothered to fight back as she was pressured into the deal they made, of how she'd been entirely willing to sell herself for just enough money to pay her rent. Old habits die hard, she supposed.
"Cam—"
"No, no, go back to calling me Captain," he crooned. "I liked that." He tugged on the hem of her soft gray shirt and cocked his head to the side. "Like I said, if you're going to look professional, you gotta wear something that doesn't age you twenty years."
"This is all I have." Rue tried to sound angry, but her fingers trembled as she reached up to brush her hair out of her face. Her glower faded to a fearful expression and she turned her face away from him again. "What do you want me to do about it?"
"I could always pay for it," he offered in a voice that almost sounded serious. Rue frowned, looking up at him in confusion. A crooked smile spread across his face and he ran his fingers down her back. "For the usual price, of course."
"No," Rue replied firmly, stepping away from him and toward the door. Cam laughed, leaning his hip against the desk.
"I'm kidding. I've got too much cash at hand—makes me uncomfortable." He walked around the side of his desk to dig for his wallet.
"I won't take your money," she said defensively, attempting to sound sure of herself. As always, she failed. Cam ignored her, pulling out a wad of cash and walking over to her.
"Two hundred gil," he announced triumphantly, offering it with an outstretched hand.
"I can't owe you anything."
"You don't," he shrugged. "Like I said, I have plenty and you've got nothing. I'm not all that bad, Rue." Doubt it. She shook her head, though as she eyed the money, the temptation to believe him grew stronger. With a humored huff, Cam shoved the cash into her hands and turned back to his desk. "I'm good any day after four."
"..."
Rue's fingers curled around the paper bills slowly. The last time she held this much money... She shook her head, turning sharply on her heels and slamming the office door behind her. The anger that she could feel felt distant, an echo in the cavern of detached apathy that quickly flooded in to block out any and all pain. Ignis glanced up when she entered, doing a double take upon seeing the money clutched in her left hand.
"What's that for?"
"He's good any day after four," Rue reported stiffly, tucking the money into the back of her waistband. "Are there any errands that you need me to run to get me out of here?"
"Pardon?"
"Fresh air," Rue replied, crossing her arms. "Groceries are still a solid option, just so you know."
Ignis made no effort to reply, taken aback by her sudden change in attitude. Rue's stomach slowly pooled with dread. Shit, did I ruin it? Slowly, Ignis reached up to adjust his glasses, thinking. Maybe not. Finally, he sighed and reached into his pocket and handed over a paper bill.
"I suppose you could get a few things for me." Rue took the gil, waiting for his request, relieved that he hadn't asked any further questions. "Ebony, for one."
"Ebony...?"
"Coffee," Ignis replied, brows creasing. "Tall black can. I also require a new charger for my cellphone." His last words with disdain; Rue understood the feeling. With the world rising back up to production and attempting to return to the way it was before, it seemed quantity was put high above quality, especially when it came to electronics.
"Ebony and a charger. Got it," Rue nodded. "Anything else?" Ignis shook his head.
"No, I believe that's all."
"I'll be back before that meeting," Rue replied with a forced smile. She walked out briskly, hurrying to leave the enormous building that suddenly felt as though it was trying to suffocate her.
"Here we are!" Rue entered the office cheerfully, holding a six-pack of Ebony and a small plastic package containing a tightly wound black charger. Ignis looked irritated by her less-than-considerate attitude, but it was hard to stay annoyed at her lifted spirits as she handed over the items he'd requested, along with a crinkled wad of cash.
"Feeling better?" Ignis dared to ask, folding up the money and neatly tucking it away into his wallet. Rue nodded, flashing a genuine smile.
"The wonders of fresh air, let me tell you," she replied, picking up the notebook. "Time?"
"Two forty-five."
"I guess I'll be a bit early," she shrugged, pausing halfway to the door. "Do you have a pen I could use?" Silently, Ignis pulled a pen from the sleek black cup on his desk, turning his eyes back to the screen. Rue frowned; what was he always doing on there that she couldn't handle? "Any advice?"
"Pay attention."
"Alrighty," she huffed, turning and leaving the room. The gil tucked into the back of her pants scratched at her skin, but she never dared to fix it for fear of raising suspicion should anyone see her. She nearly ran straight into Rayne as they turned a corner at the same moment.
"Watch it," Rayne snapped, brushing past her to head to her office. Rue rolled her eyes, carrying on her merry way. Outside the throne room stood a guard she didn't recognize, likely her replacement. Eren was speaking to the girl with a friendly smile. He seemed shocked to see Rue approaching.
"Rue? I thought you were—"
"I've been rehired," Rue shrugged, grinning. "Gladio got me hired as a personal assistant."
"To Rayne?" Eren asked in disbelief, nearly cringing at the sound of the woman's name.
"No, no, gods no," Rue snorted, glancing at the guard. "To Ignis. He's a busy guy and I proposed the idea, so Gladio and Prompto got to work and, well, here I am."
"That's... Wow. Congrats," Eren laughed. "What's up with you lately, huh? Getting all bold."
"Desperate, more like," Rue scoffed. The girl laughed a little too loudly.
"I feel that!"
The two turned to look at her. Eren uncomfortably offered a smile and Rue frowned, arching an eyebrow. The girl shrunk back awkwardly. Shaking her head, Rue stepped around Eren to push the door open.
"You, um, can't go in there."
Rue took a deep breath and turned to face the guard, willing her flaring annoyance to cool off. What'd Cam make you do for this post?
"You have a list of people allowed in, right? Ignis sent me, so think of it like this: for the rest this meeting, I am Ignis Scientia." The girl hesitated, but she said nothing more as Rue pushed her way into the throne room. She threw Eren a curious look when he followed. "What're you doing?"
"It's a Glaive meeting," he shrugged. Rue frowned. "But it's not all of us," he hurried to explain. "Just Rayne, Gladio, and a few others."
"Axel?"
"You think Rayne would let us go anywhere without her child?"
"Her child," Rue muttered.
"He may as well be—she's basically in love with the guy." That's a bizarre mother-child relationship.
"Yeah, yeah," Rue waved him off, heading to the doorway that branched off of the east side of the expansive room. After all the damage Ardyn Izunia did, she was honestly surprised they were able to fix this place up without tearing it to pieces first.
All eyes were on the pair as they strode into the room. Rue's heart skipped a bit upon seeing the king seated at the head of the expansive black table that was lined with an excessive number of cushioned chairs. Uncomfortably, Rue started to walk toward a seat in the middle. Cor's voice stopped her.
"Ignis sits to the left of the king."
"Okay," Rue whispered, quickly changing direction and flinching when Eren squeezed her shoulder. Stiffly, she sat and set the notebook down, flipping through the pages in silence. Ignis's notes were precise, neat, and no-nonsense. Shit. There was no way she could match up to that. She huffed; she could try.
Slowly but surely, members of the meeting began to fill the seats in the room. Rayne sat between Cor and Gladio, muttering something to her lover before facing forward. She was obviously refusing to acknowledge Rue's existence. Bitch knows how to hold a grudge, I'll give her that. At exactly three, King Noctis stood, scanning over the room silently. Rue glanced around uncomfortably, seeing that everyone was staring at the man with their fullest attention. Eren rested his elbow on top of his seat, twisting to face the king. The tips of his fingers rested on her shoulder as a reassurance, though he never looked away Noctis. Suddenly, everyone else stood. Rue scrambled to her feet. What the hellkind of tradition was this?
"We stand for the kings of old who led our people boldly for centuries without fail," Noctis said firmly, as though this had been rehearsed a thousand times. "For those who died for the sake of their brothers and sisters under the throne." Rayne hung her head; Gladio rested a hand on her back. "And for those who continue to serve the Crown in these days of trial—may they find peace in their worth." What the...?
The king looked around at the faces of those who stood around the table before him; finally, he sat down. As soon as he was still, everyone followed suit. Wrestling a frown, Rue glanced at Eren. He allowed the slightest of smiles. Quickly, seeing her chance, she scribbled down the date and gave a quick summary of Noctis's opening words in the neatest writing she could manage.
"Rayne," Noctis called, his voice bouncing off the dark, ornate walls around them. Rayne stood, though if it wasn't a formality, she certainly would stay seated. She did, however, look practiced in the art of attending royal gatherings such as this. Duh. Rue almost smacked herself in the face. Of course she did; she was quite literally born and bred for this. This sort of nonsense is the only thing she'd done with her life since birth. "What's the purpose of this meeting?" Okay, he sounded a bit awkward now.
"The Glaive, Majesty," Rayne replied, looking around at the six or so glaives that were seated. "We want to know our next course of action." She crossed her arms, tilting her head ever so slightly. "Last week there were three more attacks from those children. This has to be something related to a protest to your actions, but we've been unable to look into it because we've been picking up the slack for Schrader."
"Slack?" Noctis frowned. "Isn't he being investigated? There should be no slack to pick up."
"Highness," Cor cut in as Rayne sat back down. "He's aware of the investigations and refuses to direct the guard until they end."
"Why?"
"Something to the extent of not wanting to work if we'll just fire him anyway," Rayne answered. "Which, if he's innocent like he claims, he'll have nothing to worry about." Rue cringed as she wrote down a note about the investigations and Cam's refusal to comply.
"And so the Glaive is performing guard duties while the guards do what?"
"Hell if I know," Rayne snorted, earning a scowl from Cor. "They stand around doing jack-shit every single day. No one can get them to do anything else—they stand by their Captain."
"..." Noctis thought in silence for a moment. Rue wished that Ignis was there instead to help the poor guy. He probably was used to being offered solid advice, not seeing a panicked girl avoid his eyes while she wrote mediocre notes. The young king leaned forward, cocking his head to the side. "What do you think the next move should be?"
"Track their leader down, if they have one," Rayne shrugged. "Stamp 'em out."
"No," Noctis replied, shaking his head. "We're not gonna go out and kill a bunch of kids."
"Not kill them," Rayne corrected. "Just stop them. They're practically throwing themselves at us every time they show up. It's like they want to die."
"Going after them would only look like we're not interested in hearing the peoples' opinions," Cor added. "All the public knows is that they're openly against what His Highness has decided to do. If they learned what is really going on, knowing that we've killed a dozen of their children so far would bring immense problems for us in the future."
"Last I checked, this is a monarchy," Rayne retorted. Rue chewed her cheek uncertainly as they went back and forth, unsure of how much of this Ignis wanted her to record. "Sure, the people matter, but in the end, it's Noct's decision."
"You can't rule like that," Cor muttered.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you king?"
"Guys," Noctis interrupted, giving them a flat, irritated look. Both shut their mouths, disgruntled. "What does the Glaive think?"
"I say we take them out," a middle-aged man named Alexander shrugged, scratching at his beard. "They want to come after the Chosen King, we show them who's boss." Noctis clearly didn't like this answer. Axel sat up straighter, leaning forward to see the king's face.
"I agree with you, Majesty. I'm not sure a show of power will go over very well. Besides, they're kids." His bright eyes found Rue and her heart quit beating for a moment. "Rue said something I thought was kinda interesting the first time they attacked about how kids that are super easy to rile up—there's obviously someone out there convincing them that they're being robbed of something. Whoever it is is using their naivety to come after you."
All eyes turned to the blushing assistant that sat between Noctis and Eren. She wasn't sure if she should speak, so she ducked her head and wrote a summary of Axel's input. Eren, that wonderful man, cleared his throat to direct the attention away from her.
"Here's the thing," he started. "I see what they're both getting at, but I don't think we should stick to one extreme or the other. If we keep letting them run loose, eventually someone's going to figure out what's happening to all these missing teenagers and everyone will lose their heads. On the other hand, if we go after all of them that looks bad." He pushed on his glasses, giving a slight shrug with his shoulders as he turned his eyes to Rayne and Gladio. "I dunno. Would it be possible to hunt down their leader without killing them all off? If they're just being misled, it might be easier to talk to them that to kill them all. Martyrs and all that." Gladio chuckled.
"It's never easy to convince kids they're wrong," he grumbled. Rayne scoffed, rolling her eyes. Rue fought a smile and wrote some more.
"But it's not impossible, is it?" Noctis asked, looking over at his personal defenders. The couple exchanged a look. "You're are the best of the best, after all." Rue ducked her head to hide her grin as Gladio and Rayne perked up to the idea almost immediately. Noctis was smart; tickling the collective pride of those two was the equivalent of bribing a child with candy. It got stuff done.
"I don't see why we can't try," Rayne shrugged. Gladio nodded. He was being oddly quiet and Rue wasn't sure how she felt about it.
"In the meantime, keep an eye on that Schrader case," Noctis reminded them. His eyes met Rue's and her already pounding heart went haywire. Every nerve in her body struck at the same time and she shuddered, turning her eyes to the table. "Cor, you handle the guards."
"Yes, Highness," Cor replied dutifully. Noctis stood and the Immortal followed, staring at the people in the room with stern disdain. "Dismissed. Back to your posts." That was quick.
"Gotta go," Eren said with a grin, pushing in Rue's seat. She threw her hip out to the side, tilting her head to the left.
"Back to your fancy-schmacy job, I guess."
"Oh, of course," he scoffed playfully. He pushed his glasses up and straightened stiffly. "To serve the crown is the greatest purpose one could ever possibly have."
"What that supposed to be Ignis?" Rayne snorted. The two jumped, turning to see the woman grinning at them—well, she was grinning at Eren. She still refused to acknowledge Rue's existence. "Sad attempt... keep practicing."
"Yes, ma'am," Eren laughed, turning back to Rue. "Listen, Relir and Dex wanna know if you want to get dinner with us tonight."
"Oh, I should give them my answer then," Rue bit back. "Since, y'know, you're not curious."
"That's not what I meant," he huffed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Eren!" Rayne called. "Get your ass moving!" Eren huffed, walking alongside Rue as they headed toward the exit.
"Well?"
"I'll think about it," Rue replied. "It's a solid 'maybe' right now. I just don't know when I'm gonna be done today. New job and all that."
"Of course."
"Faster, Eren!"
"Does she ever stop?" Rue hissed. Eren sent her a sympathetic glance before hurrying off.
"Text me, yeah?"
"Will do."
"Got a date?" Rue jumped, turning to see Cor and Noctis watching her, looking equally amused by her jumpiness. She was entirely unsure if she should bow on her knees or simply respond. Before she could decide, Cor spoke again. "At ease, Rue. How's Ignis?"
"Stressed," Rue reported awkwardly, avoiding the king's eyes. "He's over his head in things to do today." She tucked her hair behind her ear, frowning. "Is that... usual?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"How's the workload with your help?" Noctis asked. Rue's lips moved in silence for a few moments as she tried to find her words.
"He, um... I-it should be lighter, definitely. At least, as long as he stops checking over every little detail after I've done something."
"He's like that," Noctis sighed. "You going to be taking his place here often?"
"Not likely," she replied, quickly adding, "Highness." She cleared her throat, forcing an anxious smile onto her face. "Not with the quality of the notes I took for him. He seems very... particular."
"Yeah," Noctis muttered, glancing at Cor. "He'll lighten up with time; y'know, remember that not everything has to be done his way. Just give it time." He nodded toward the door. "You should probably start with getting back to him on time."
"Right," Rue nodded, backing away. "Thank you, um, Your Majesty. And Cor. Sir."
Awkwardly, she turned on her heels and briskly sped out of the room. Weird, weird, weird. Not what she imagined her first interaction with the Chosen King to be like. She expected more authority and demand to manners and all that jazz. Not a casual discussion only half making fun of his best friend slash her boss. Weird.
She headed up the stairs and pushed open Ignis's office door to see him right where he always was. Except this time, instead of scowling at his computer screen, he was reading over a sheet of paper and drinking from a can of Ebony. She smiled softly, striding into the room.
"How was your meeting?"
"Fine." The advisor looked up, eyeing the notebook. "Mind if I look over that?"
"Sure," Rue sighed in defeat handing the book back. "Sorry about my handwriting."
"..." Ignis frowned, arching an eyebrow. His hand was frozen gripping the book as she handed it over, but he didn't move to take it further than that. Rue swallowed hard, unnerved.
"I-it's legible, I think," she stammered. "I just... It's not as neat as yours."
"I assumed as much," he replied coldly, taking the book and flipping to her page. He looked visibly pained, as if she'd thrown the notebook into a fire and danced on its ashes and not simply written a few disorganized notes. "What is this?" he demanded stiffly, pointing to the tiniest doodle in the corner and flashing the sharpest glare she'd ever seen. It may have been the scariest expression she'd ever seen if Rayne hadn't assaulted her with her banshee rampage a week ago.
"A chocobo," Rue squeaked, feeling her face warm up considerably. "Sorry, sometimes I just do that without even realizing that I—"
"When you misspell a word do not scribble," he continued. Rue's teeth bit into her lip as she held back a protest. "Cross it out with a single line and write over top." He turned the page to its blank backside. "Why do you press so hard with the pen? I can see these notes for the next three pages."
"The ink didn't—"
"Imprints," he said sharply, looking up at her with disdain. Her mouth snapped shut. "They, are, however, very thorough." Rue breathed a sigh. Finally, something he didn't hate. "A bit too thorough, I might add. Brevity is a virtue." Okay, nevermind.
"Okay," Rue murmured, feeling as though she'd been beaten to a pulp. Ignis looked up at her.
"Have a seat." She obeyed quickly. "They spoke on the Schrader issue?"
"Yeah," she nodded.
"How long did you work under him?" Ignis asked, adjusting his glasses. Rue felt nauseous again. Bad wording, pal.
"About six weeks."
"And did he display any of this careless behavior at the time?"
"Uh..." Rue took a deep breath, turning her eyes up to the ceiling. "I mean, yeah. I wouldn't say he was careless; he was more reckless than anything. It seemed like he either didn't know what he was doing or he didn't care."
"So carelessness." Way to make me feel stupid.
"Sure."
"Rue," Ignis said abruptly. "There is no 'sure.' Was he or was he not careless?"
"Yes, he was," Rue huffed.
"Now," he started, choosing his words carefully. "When you were... terminated last week, Rayne had mentioned something I found to be of interest in this investigation." Fuck fuck fuck. "There were rumors that you two had been—"
"Rumors?" Rue cut in, alarmed. "I thought it was just Rayne."
"Well..." Ignis sighed. He looked uncomfortable—for once. "It was a rumor amongst those of us in the Crownsguard. Based on your reaction, I'm assuming they're true." Rue said nothing. "There are a few reports that were tucked away; I happened upon them the other day."
"Reports?" As per usual, her heart was pounding.
"Sexual harassment, more specifically," he clarified. "Reports from several of the younger women in the guard service. If you're able to file one of these, it may be just what we need to—"
"No." Rue's hands were balled into fists on her lap and her eyes were locked on the table. Cam's money scratched at the base of her back, a constant reminder of what she owed him. This could have been her chance to give him what he deserved, but at the same time, the niggling little voice in the back of her head told her that she could handle this—she'd be the one to destroy Cameron Schrader. "It... It was entirely consensual. And it was once." She peered up at Ignis through her lashes. "I don't know what Rayne heard, but it was one time; it was an accident and I'm ashamed. There's nothing there for you to use, Ignis. I'm sorry."
Ignis leaned back in his seat, frowning. His eyes searched her face for any sign of a lie; he found nothing but an unreadable, dead serious expression. As far as he could tell, she was being entirely honest. And she was uncomfortable. Sighing, Ignis nodded and took a drink from his can of Ebony. Pursing her lips, Rue cocked her head to the side.
"So... What's next?"
"You can go home," Ignis replied simply.
"What?" Rue frowned, unsure if he meant they were done for the day or if he was angry, and therefore, he didn't want to see her ever again. Ignis raised an eyebrow.
"Go home. We're done for today."
"Oh. Okay." Rue stood uncertainly. "Are you sure you don't need anything else? I don't want you stuck here late or anything."
"No need to worry," Ignis replied, touching his glasses habitually. "I have the unfortunate obligation of friendship that's forcing me to leave this evening." Rue snorted, crossing her arms.
"Wish I could say I can't relate." The was an awkward pause. "Okay, well, see you bright and early tomorrow."
"Goodbye," Ignis nodded, watching her leave. The second the door closed, he pulled his glasses off and massaged his forehead with a hefty sigh. Was this really worth the effort?