2nd of January, M.E. 754

There was another Imperial attack last night. It was near the slough, I'm told. The Empire is growing increasingly bold to be so near Lucis' borders, to pretend to march unhindered, and shout unanswered. There's an emergency meeting regarding this occurrence in the morning. Of course, I'll be unable to put the details in print, but I'm certain the subject matter will be most grave.

3rd of January, M.E. 754

Aleya did not seem pleased during the official meeting. She looked rather troubled at times. At other times, angered, or even sorrowful. We all reacted the same. Even Noct appeared emboldened to act once we went over the details. However, it seemed much more intense for my new assistant. I imagine the details of the battle may have worked some past trauma. From what I've learned, she and her sibling barely escaped the Empire's hold. The adults in large part sacrificed themselves to make the way clear for the area's youth to escape. She lost her parents. What's more, her brother fights in these most dangerous battles against the Empire.

I felt pity for her, but there was little else I could do. She seemed eager to work afterwards, but not with the bright-eyed cheer I've grown accustomed to. No, she meant to bury her thoughts and feelings in her work, to drown out the memories of that fateful day in Galahd.

I do hope she can bear up. These meetings are becoming far more common, and if she is to be my assistant, she must report to all of them.

6th of January, M.E. 754

Noct seems a bit grave today. Pensive, perhaps? I thought it might be his classes, but his Civics studies have pulled up at an impressive rate. No doubt the prior meeting has set him to a more serious disposition.

As if on cue and sensing his bad mood, Umbra arrived, and Noct scribbled away. If I had to guess, I'd say he is inquiring of our Ladyship's state of health, for she has lived under the heel of the Empire all these years; While we simply look on the outside world from our safe translucent shell.

9th of January, M.E. 754

I received a call from the local medical center—apparently my assistant showed up in need of medical care and had to call in. They would give me no details for the sake of her privacy, only mentioning she was 'ill'. It was woeful, for I had much to do. I hope this won't become a habit.

Curtailing my documentation a bit short, as I'm short an assistant and no have time to divulge much further.

10th of January, M.E. 754

My assistant managed to show up today, but she was as pale as moonlight and shaking like a Midgardsormr tail. She looked as weak as a chocobo hatchling. I insisted she go to the infirmary straight away. I plan to check in on her in the morning.

At least I know she had a valid excuse for her absence. I admit I do have quite a bit of guilt at assuming otherwise. I should have known someone of her character would not have easily shirked responsibility. And in truth, she was so ill, I knew she must have taken painstaking measures to be present in her current state of health.

I'm quite worried for her.

11th of January, M.E. 754

A bit of a startle today. I went to pay a visit to my assistant, to inquire of her health. Firstly, I was somewhat surprised to see her accommodations. They were in the narrows of the southern end of the citadel. With the salary she is currently making, I had expected her to live in something a bit more suitable. It need not be opulent, but I supposed she'd at least like to live further from the slums.

I began to ponder the safety of a woman living alone in such conditions. However, as I knocked on the door, I received a second surprise—a young man answered the door. He was my height and Gladio's build. He wasn't the most amiable person to speak with, either. He was suspicious of me from the very start. He informed me she was feeling better and needed her rest. I did not inquire further. I simply left the soup I made for her and took my leave.

Curious—she's never mentioned a romantic attachment before. Further, I didn't surmise her to be the type to have a live-in. Then again, I still know relatively little about her.

As she's obviously so well-cared for, it's best for she and I to keep a strictly business relationship. I would have liked to befriend her, but it's obvious that may cause a problem between she and her significant other. He strikes me as the jealous type.

In any case, I hope she enjoys the soup.

13th of January, M.E. 754

Noct needs a tutor for his history classes. I have tried my best, but to no avail. It falls upon me to find someone he can listen to and respect. Aleya did such a smashing job with his Civics courses, I considered her. But I wouldn't want to burden her, and who knows when she might recover from this illness, as it seems quite severe.

17th of January, M.E. 754

Aleya returned to work today, looking pale and somewhat tired, but she assured me she was fully recovered and ready to work. She thanked me for the soup, and fawned upon my kindness.

She informed me she had not been contagious. Since she was young, she apparently suffers bouts of extreme anemia. The stress and anxiety of a new occupation, lack of sleep, and the inability to maintain a healthy eating schedule no doubt contributed. Had I known, I would have taken better care of her.

I was surprised to learn that the young man at her door was not her lover, but her brother. It all makes perfect sense if one thinks about it. Well, I'm relieved that she is more sensible than I had originally suspected.

She did mention Noct's History grades and offered to share a few memorization tricks she had learned, to pass on to his Royal Highness. I begged of her not to over-exert herself, but she was adamant that she had recovered fully under the care of her healthcare professionals and she was quite willing to help him if need be. Apparently she was brilliant in her History classes.

Therefore, I believe I've found Noct his tutor. However, I shall remind him to keep a strict watch on her state of health. We wouldn't want another week-long absence.