2nd of April, M.E. 754

I prefer quieter birthdays. I'm afraid Gladio prefers it quite differently. There was a party at his home. And, as expected, the women outnumbered us at least ten to one. Further, he ensured they were dressed as scantily as possible by having a backyard feast—next to his pool. One would think Lord Clarus would frown upon such behavior. However, I think he finds it charming; A 'chip off the old block', as it were.

Prompto seemed nearly faint. Poor boy.

Also as expected, I was stuck with manning the grill. Wonders never cease.

Who should arrive but Aleya? I didn't even know she was invited. I was so busy with the cooking I didn't even notice her until she was standing right beside me. As soon as I heard her voice, I cringed, not knowing what to expect when my eyes fell upon her. To my surprise, delight, and utter relief, she was adorned in a casual garden dress. It was soft, flowing, comely, and most importantly, delightfully modest. Though she appeared out of place from the rest, I was beyond proud of her good sense.

She offered to help, and I of course allowed it. I've grown used to her company, and she certainly didn't seem prepared to go swimming.

Her choice of clothing did not prevent Gladio's attention. In fact, I believe he found it to be even more fascinating. I'll have to keep an eye on him. Aleya has no time for such distractions, and I'm positive he could take his pick of other options to occupy himself with.

Cleanup was worse than the preparation, as always. But by then, most of the houseguests were gone—except for a blonde and a redhead that seemed to be permanent fixtures on Gladio's arms. In any case, Aleya, Prompto, Iris, and myself tidied up and bid all goodnight.

Noct and I drove Aleya home. We couldn't have her going home alone; Not at night, and certainly not in that dress. Knowing her, she'd have walked the whole way.

17th of April, M.E. 754

I'm afraid I cannot linger in my journalism this evening, for I've much to document before tomorrow's deadline.

Briefly, Aleya's been a tremendous help. She's run as a liaison between myself, the literary guard, senators, witnesses, media, and even Noct himself. She's exhausted. Not forgetting her earlier illness, I've told her to mind her anemia. However, she won't leave me to my tasks alone. She's quite loyal. She was determined to stay and assist me.

She's fallen asleep on the desk. I offered to fetch her coffee, but when I returned, I found her face-down on the desktop, pen still in hand and finger poised over the pages of the report. I had thought for a moment to wake her up, but I've changed my mind. She'd be embarrassed, and besides, she needs her rest. If only she had returned home when I suggested it….

Still, her tenacity is endearing. She'll be quite abashed when she awakens.

The finalization of this report unfortunately requires at least one—if not both—of us to work through the night. Therefore, there's nothing else to do but put down my pen and get back to work.

18th of April, M.E. 754

The demonstration was a smashing success. Noct attended and even contributed without being prompted to do so. Though, I do find the subject of Niflheim and Iedolas Aldercapt does seem to capture his interest; At least more so than most things.

We passed his Majesty in the hallway as the meeting was closed, and the Counselors spoke genuinely fond of Noct's input. I saw King Regis' eyes burn with pride. I hope Noct saw it as well.

I sent my assistant home early. She's certainly earned it. Poor woman was beside herself when she woke up very early this morning. She was embarrassed beyond words at falling asleep. I told her it was nothing to concern herself with. It was merely a testament to how diligent she's been in caring for her duties.

As for Noct and myself, I promised him a very large pizza and a game of cards with our closest comrades.

I do hope Iris doesn't come. She'll want to play as well. I dread the guilt when I take her money. I will win, after all. I always do.

3rd of May, M.E. 754

It occurs to me that Noct does not know that I am aware of the secret book he and Lady Lunafreya have been passing back and forth. When I walked in today, he quickly closed it and shoved it aside, as if it were of no importance. Why he would think I wouldn't be aware, I'm uncertain. He knows I am on top of everything else. It stands to reason he couldn't hide something like this from me.

This is especially true as the book is always accompanied by the dog. Well, even if Noct glared at me with that sour expression of his, it was tamed by Umbra's smile.

He's certainly always happy to see me.

23rd of May, M.E. 754

Noct's graduation ceremony is tomorrow. I've let Aleya know she can be free of her duties for the duration. She didn't seem very happy with my decision. Strange. I would have thought she would relish the opportunity for a respite.

I must say I'm amazed. At first glance of his grades earlier this year, I confess I had my concerns he would be the first royal child in our history to fail. Another thing to give my assistant credit for. Noct resented my lessons, but she was able to reach him in ways I could not.

True, we did quarrel about it—quite a bit, actually. She interlaced recreation, and for a while, I did fear she was feeding bad habits. However, it paid off. Noctis is not graduating with top honors, but his grades are more than passable.

I have a feeling he could have graduated top of his class if he had striven for it. Noct's mind is glaringly brilliant. But, as everything else in his life since the incident and the attack on Tenebrae, he gave it as little attention as possible. In the end, he did what was necessary to avoid bringing any unnecessary embarrassment to his father. I find Noct will always do what is required of him when he is called to do so. For that reason alone, once he has matured, he will be a remarkable king.

In any case, his Majesty is very proud of him. And so, of course, am I.

Then again, it appears I always am.

24th of May, M.E. 754

Noctis' graduation went splendidly. It came to my attention that he declined the opportunity for a public oration—not due to fear of the crowds or lack of motivation—but he dared not speak in the place of the 'more brilliant' minds of our sacred State. Again, I'm quite proud of his humility; it as an attribute of a great king.

It was with some embarrassment that I realized Noctis invited his tutor to the ceremony. I can't imagine why I didn't think of doing so, myself. After all, she had a great part to play in Noct's success. Furthermore, he's grown very fond of her. (As have I, if I'm being completely honest.) It simply never crossed my mind that she would like to attend.

I've often felt I regard her more as a partner than an employee. And yet, when something so important was amiss, I simply dismissed her from such an intimate celebration. My intent was of course good—I simply wanted to allow her a day of quiet and rest, as she's been working quite hard. Nevertheless, I'm concerned she felt slighted and perhaps even inconsequential. She avoided eye contact with me all day. It even appeared she was keeping physical distance. Her demeanor was obviously cool.

I should apologize first thing in the morning. Or shall I say, at this point, in a few hours. Noct's celebration lasted into the wee hours of the morning. I enjoyed it, though. He was in a rare good mood. For the first time in a long while, we interacted as siblings.

All in all, I suppose it was indeed splendid.

25th of May, M.E. 754

I apologized today to my assistant and offered a truce of sorts. Dessert always sets for good relations. I struggled to think what would be grand enough to offer in place of my sin. Duscaen orange crème cake? Cheesecake? Ebony mousse? Sheep milk brūlée? However, none seemed correct for the occasion. No, I supposed her to be more appreciative of the simple, traditional, classic, and rustic, more so than indulgent in lush opulence. And so, when I found her outside on our lunch hour—on the citadel steps, lounged—reading a historical tome—I offered her a brownie.

She had been rather curt with me all day, but with a parcel of warm chocolate wafting under her nose, she could scarcely keep up her air of disinterest. Once I explained that I meant only for her to rest, that I had not realized the bond she and Noct had made, her features softened quickly. She gave me a fantastically dazzling smile. It was then I noticed her hair was down—had she ever worn it down before?

I suppose that's not important.

She insisted she and I should share my offering of peace. We flagged a passing Crownskeep to bring a hot cup of coffee. All was forgiven.

She's a remarkably strong-willed individual, and I didn't enjoy being the target of her ire. Regardless, she seemed so eager to forgive completely. I'm sure that is an example everyone would do well to imitate.

No, now that I think on it, she's never worn her hair down before. She probably only unpinned it to enjoy her lunch out-of-doors. She pinned it up again immediately after. Pity. It's quite lovely in the glow of Eos' noon sun.

1st of July, M.E. 754

Noct received a message from Umbra today, and something unusual—Umbra was accompanied by Pryna. Regardless, the message brought a smile to the young prince's face. Her ladyship is no doubt doing well.

He was very spirited in combat training as well; In the finest of moods. I'm not sure if it was Lady Lunafreya's message, or not. Perhaps he's pleased that we are relocating his residence to newer apartments, closer to the city. He's lived alone for some time now, so I'm certain it's not independence that he craves. Maybe he just is excited about moving into the newer, more secure complex. We're signing the lease tomorrow. Even more likely, he's looking forward to his upcoming birthday. Whatever the reason, it's rare to see him so light-hearted. It sets my mind at ease, as well. All I've ever wished for Noct is complete success and contentment. His happiness is my own.

May there be more days like this one in the future.

A Taste of Caem:

Caem Pinkshrimp

Tostadas (fresh/bought?)

Cilantro

Lime

Radishes, Cucumber, Avocado, Lucian tomato, wild onion, garlic

2nd of July, M.E. 754

The lease appears to be settled. I've mixed feelings about it, of course. There's the question of logistics. It won't make my job any easier to add a further daily commute to our Prince's new residence. There was so much to look into today, security topping the list. With so much having been done and so much more yet to do to get him settled, I'm ever grateful to have such a competent assistant. I'm not sure what I would have done without her, to be frank.

And yet, she is in of herself an additional concern. The woman is naïve to a fault. She probably didn't notice the landlord making over her, eyeing her so frequently today as we toured the apartment. Of course she didn't. She was focused entirely on the task at hand. She smiled at him when he paid her a compliment and shook his hand nearly the dozen times he offered it. The landlord rarely spoke to me; he turned all his attention to Aleya. He found excuses to stand near her. I myself had to make a few excuses- to send her away from his sight. By the end of the day, she was exhausted, thanks partially to me running her all about creation. She probably thinks me the strange one.

She didn't think to pack an umbrella today, either. If I hadn't offered her my jacket, she'd have been shivering in a clinging opaque blouse—I shudder to think of the landlord's mentality if that were to have happened.

The only one more oblivious is Noctis. I would have relished assistance in distracting his attention away from her, but as usual, Noctis was focused entirely upon the concerns of Noctis.

It may be because she grew up surrounded by friends and family in her youth, orphaned in her early teens, and her older brother is never present. Am I going to have to be the one to teach her about the evils of the world?

22nd of July, M.E. 754

[FLASHBACK]

"What was that?" Ignis looked up from his morning newspaper. His assistant had apparently been in a rush today. Her hair was still damp, pulled back in a tight braid, and her cosmetics were minimal. She had never been the type to wear a lot of cosmetics, but today it was especially true. He realized with some surprise that she almost looked prettier this way—her skin had a natural beauty that the makeup only hid.

"I wondered if you knew of anyone who would have time to go with me."

"To the apartment?"

"Yes."

Why did she never sit down while he breakfasted? She always stood there as if waiting to receive orders. Perhaps she felt it wasn't her place. Perhaps she was paying him due respect. Whatever her motivations, it made him a bit uncomfortable.

He took a slow sip of his coffee, watching her over the rim. Black may have been the official colors of the Crownsguard and their staff, but it certainly did nothing to brighten her appearance. Women her age in the Crown City usually wore bright and airy colors; Billowing skirts and laced sleeves were in fashion. He recalled Gladio's party in which she wore a garden dress. That day she had seemed young and carefree. Straight, cold lines and dark colors aged her unnecessarily. When she smiled, she looked too young for her Crownsguard uniform. He would very much like to see her in something besides black, once more. "It's a simple delivery, and Noct is waiting for you," he replied, forcing his mind away from what she was wearing. "Why ever would you need an escort?"

Her face went somewhat still. Her eyes dropped, and her hands gathered together. He watched as she interlaced and twisted her fingers slightly, a habit he noticed she had when she was feeling anxious. "You're right. I'll be off, then."

He sighed as she turned to leave. "Wait. Aleya, is there something the matter?"

She turned back to him slightly. "No, you're right. It's a silly thing, no need for worry."

"Aleya." He set the paper on the table. "Pour yourself a cup of coffee. We need to talk."

She froze, and her features registered apprehension. No, he supposed that phrase usually did not bode well. "I should be getting over to the apartment. Prince Noctis is—"

Ignis held up his cell phone that he had been fiddling with. He showed her the screen. "…No longer waiting. We've rescheduled for this afternoon at 4:00."

"Oh. Then I should make a note of—"

"Have a seat. Please." He gestured to the chair across from him. She sat nervously. "Coffee?"

"No. I had two cups this morning, believe it or not." She muttered the last part, toying with the hem on her jacket.

"Water, then." He pushed his glass towards her.

She eyed it. "No, I couldn't drink your—"

He cut her off yet again. "I insist."

Maybe she didn't want to drink after him, he thought. He had sipped out of it already. For a moment, she stared at the glass as if it were some sort of trap. He could see the wheels spinning in her brain, debating what to do. Finally, she reached out and took a polite sip. "Thank you."

He tilted his head slightly. "Something's troubling you, is it not?"

She continued to wring her fingers. "It's really nothing you need to be concerned with."

"Nonsense." He sat back, lounging slightly in the chair, keeping his fingers curled in the ear of his mug that sat upon the table. "You're my partner. If something is troubling you, I'd like to offer my assistance, or at the very least my support."

"That's—very kind of you." She began. She wrapped both hands around the glass of water. "But, I'm actually not your partner, am I? You're the Prince's retainer, and I'm your secretary. Your immigrant secretary, no less."

"I beg to differ," he drawled. "First of all, I'm uncertain how your heritage influences your position. Secondly, I view you as far more than my secretary. I feel you share equal responsibility, equal demand. We complement each other, do we not? Would that not make us partners?"

She gave a short laugh. "That's very generous of you. But we both know that's not true, Mister Scientia."

"Now, now, none of that. We dropped such formalities long ago."

"Perhaps we should adopt them again," she muttered under her breath, looking down into the glass of water as if something were in the bottom.

He raised an eyebrow and lowered the coffee mug he was about to drink from. "I beg your pardon? Whatever do you mean?"

She hesitated and flushed slightly, an internal battle of sorts brewing within her. "Nothing. It's a—personal issue. I'm just not sure everyone in the Crown's company would be happy with our informalities."

"What in Ifrit's name have their opinions got to do with anything?"

"But, to the matter at hand," she continued, expertly cutting into the conversation. "I requested someone going with me because I'm not comfortable going alone."

He had wanted to explore her prior comments further. There was obviously something bothering her; Some link between her parentage and her working as his assistant in such a casual manner. However, his attention was re-routed to the more pressing issue at the moment. He watched her, almost afraid to ask. "Has someone said or done something offensive? Was it Noct's friend, Prompto?"

"What? No!"

"Has Noct been giving you a hard time?"

"Of course not. They're both sweethearts."

Ignis' mouth twitched slightly at the corner. He was glad to hear her say so, even if he thought she was being somewhat altruistic.

She took another sip of his water. "His Highness is the spunkiest elite I've ever seen. Not that I've seen that many." She gave a short laugh. "I like his company. He's a bit like a kid brother."

He returned her smile. It was involuntary. She had the sort of expression that made someone naturally mirror it. In addition, he was particularly pleased that she and the successor to the throne got along so well. She was beyond intelligent, and His Highness would eventually need to choose the senators and advisors that would remain in his council. He had no doubts that Noctis would select her as one of them. She certainly had merit. "Glad to hear it. What's the trouble, then?"

She wrinkled her nose in disdain and gave a slight shudder. "That landlord. He's a little creepy."

He leaned forward quickly. "What has he done?"

She took in his expression—a mix of surprise and rising ire. "No, no, it's nothing. I think he's true to his word when he says he'll keep Noct safe. I just think….Well, didn't he say he was married? Why is he so clingy with women?"

Ignis sighed and leaned back in his chair. Astounding. Still naïve. In this situation, she had thought his quick concern had been regarding Noctis. He hadn't even considered the man putting Noctis' life at risk. "Matrimony, unfortunately, hardly means monogamy as of late. If you're uncomfortable, I'll run the errand myself." She hadn't been completely clueless. After all, she had figured out that something was amiss with the landlord. As much as it bothered him to know his assistant was quite attractive and would probably be faced with these unscrupulous curs from time to time, he also was quite pleased that she at least had the sensibility to identify a threat. One less thing to worry about.

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that. You entrusted it to me. It's my job. I'll do it." She pressed a hand to her chest in earnestness.

How he admired her stubborn tenacity! The future heir could certainly lean a few things from her. And in truth, it was a small part of why he kept her on. A great leader needed great examples. Not all leaders were sword-wielding warriors. Speaking of which…

He snapped his fingers. "I know exactly who to send."

[Back to Entry]

Well, they certainly became fast friends. It doesn't surprise me, of course. Gladio's always had quite the way with the fairer sex. No, perhaps it did surprise me. Somehow, I thought of Aleya as somewhat different—not easily taken in by muscle and bravado, tattoos and smooth words. I had always thought of her as somewhat more independent and forward-thinking than those silly girls with primal attractions to power. Not that Gladio is a Cro-Magnon, of course. He has keen intelligence, by his own right. Though I dare say most women don't realize such.

I digress. They returned from the errand yesterday, chatting as if they had known each other their whole lives. I recognized Gladio's demeanor immediately: Leaning forward, moving towards her every chance he got, the occasional wink and nod. Oh, yes. He is definitely laying it on thick. His intentions are to pursue her.

And Aleya? She maintained her composure, but her expression seemed positively giddy.

Seems that by requesting Gladio's assistance to accompany her to the apartment, I've also handed him my assistant.

I should have known.