9th of June, M.E. 755

I don't often have to go out and buy anything specific at the stores, as the citadel usually is stocked with whatever I need. However, Noct only told me he was craving flounder upon my arrival to his residence, and I didn't have the necessary items on hand.

I was surprised to find Aleya there as well. At at quick glance showed a summation of the items in her cart, which appeared nearly identical to my own. She explained she was preparing a seafood soup; That she usually made it in large batches when she had time and kept the leftovers in the freezer for when her brother returned from the warfront. Apparently, it's his favorite meal.

We struck up a conversation about how she prepares it. The recipe sounded smashing. Our conversation was so captivating we nearly forgot why we were there. By then, it was late, and I didn't want her traveling alone, especially as I am aware of the man following her about the city. I offered that she might be able to cook it at Noct's residence and let Noct try it as well. That way, I might accompany her home afterwards.

It took some convincing, as she is still mindful of the rumors swirling around about the two of us, but she agreed to my offer.

I'm not sure whether to be proud or humbled to the fact that Noct enjoyed both of our dishes equally. After all, Aleya's was quite rustic; No flash or flare whatsoever. However, it was indeed wonderful to taste and digest.

After that was cleanup and coffee, and she and Noct settled in for about an hour of video games. They enjoy each other's company. Of that, I'm very pleased.

It so often is that Noct and I are accompanied by Prompto and Gladio. It was nice to have a teammate at the stove, help in cleaning the dishes at the sink, and a breath of fresh air regarding companionship. It was if the three of us have known each other our whole lives.

I credit her for that. Noct is sullen, and I'm awkward. Leya seems to put us both at natural ease. A fine assistant, indeed.

18th of June, M.E. 755

Noct continues on with his secret project; The new law he's planning to enact. It's my understanding that he will present the preliminaries of it to his father in short order. He's tackled this with an enthusiasm I didn't expect. Every day seems to spur on his gusto towards completion. I'm beginning to see the glimpses of what he will be like as King.

I couldn't be prouder.

26th of June, M.E. 755

Decided to take another swipe at Noctis' most memorable treat from Tenebrae today. I didn't bother to use the official kitchen; I thought it quite proper and convenient to make it in my own quarters. However, I was short of a few ingredients. I thought I would take a stroll down to the pantries to find what I was looking for. Imagine my revulsion at hearing those foolish interlopers chatting. I've come to realize the kitchens is their preferred accommodation for their vulgar gossip.

I've turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to them before. This time, I'd had entirely enough. They had no idea what was coming to them.

[FLASHBACK]

He'd never heard such vulgarity. He'd never been angrier in his life. He could have let it pass if it was just idle gossip about him. But it wasn't so long before that he had seen the anguish it was putting Aleya through.

His mother had abandoned him at an early age. His father had died not soon after. Since the age of six years old, all he had known had been centered around the royal family. His friends were the Crownsguard and Gladio. Besides his uncle, his only family had been Noctis. As he had been abandoned and orphaned so young, he clung to the people who were closest to him with steadfast loyalty. Aleya might not yet fall into the classification of family, but she was one of his truest friends. She had supported him unconditionally. She fought desperately to protect his reputation. The more they murmured, the more she drew away from him—the person who could care for and protect her the most. Furthermore, her pain drew his own. If any harm would come to her, it would draw the same ire as if someone had attacked Noctis, or Gladio. He could well remember her tears and embarrassment from only a few weeks prior; Her mortification of any harm that might come to his own reputation because of her mere presence. He wouldn't let the damage to her go unanswered!

Scowling, he turned on his heel and exited the pantry, turning the corner to the kitchens.

Half of the six had their backs turned to him when he rounded the corner, but the three facing him went pale when they laid eyes upon him. He stood silently, body positioned slightly perpendicular to their position, glowering at them over his left clavicle. He narrowed his green fiery eyes and locked them on the nearest of the three. He set his jaw as he gazed at her firmly. She dropped her eyes immediately and made a sweeping motion with her arm, trying to warn the others.

One by one, they acknowledged his presence. The last unfortunate victim was the one speaking. She was the last to notice the change in their demeanor, and continued with her nonsense. "I bet she makes a good salary with all the little favors she does for him. Probably gives him that 'favor' at least three times a day." She turned with a laugh, which died into a startled strangled gasp when she saw him standing there. "M-M-Mister S-S…"

"A stutter. Suddenly you've lost cognition? You were so well-spoken before."

Her eyes fell to the ground. She looked positively faint under his angered glare. "We—we just…"

"Hear this now!" He barked at them. "I will not tolerate any further slander regarding myself or my assistant. She is not capable of doing the lewd things you accuse her of. She's nothing of the character conceived in your putrid imagination."

They cringed, shrinking with fear and embarrassment.

He spared no mercy. "I do hope you're not so witless that you have no grasp of my position within the royal court. Should you attack my assistant's character, you are attacking mine. And if you are attacking me, you are indeed attacking His Royal Highness, Prince Noctis." Their eyes went round at his words. A few shook their heads. "I doubt His Majesty would look with favor upon a blatant attack towards the heir of this nation."

Never in his life had Ignis used his position for his own gain. Now was an exception, and it was for the greater good. These shrews had to know they were at his mercy. They would learn nothing unless they first learned fear.

"We never meant to…" One of the girls began to attempt an explanation.

"You never meant to? Then why is this the third time I've overheard such foul language?! Now you add to your vulgarity lies!"

"Mister Scientia!" One cried, rushing to him to fall to her knees at his feet. "Please forgive us! We were just talking. Things got out of hand…"

He scoffed at her. "You pride yourselves on your heritage. You feel proud to be Lucian, born in Insomnia. And yet I am ashamed to concede such heritage. I've never heard one despicable word from Miss Claren's mouth. Not one chastisement, not one word of suspicion, not a whit of reproach. She speaks very highly of the Crownskeep. She does not look down upon your position. She feels each of you are equally as important; As important to the Crown as we ourselves are. She does tasks throughout her day to make your lives as easy as possible. She is a kind person, responsible, and respectable. And here you are, lowering her with your filth. Not one of you is worthy of the honor of speaking her name, much less come close to besmirching it."

"Forgive us, Mister Scientia. We didn't—"

"Hear me!" He barked at them. "Should I hear you speak one more word—one more syllable—against either of us, it will be the last time you will ever speak a word within these walls again; I'll make sure of it. You will be stripped of your favored positions; Your reason for this unfounded pride. Do you understand me?"

None of them had the heart to speak. They all cringed, and nodded with their heads bowed. One managed to mumble a soft, "Yes, sir."

"I give you all advice not to test my resolve. I'm a man of my word." He laid his eyes on the orator of the group, still at his feet. "Now do you pick yourself up from the filth of the floor. Though, by now, I'm sure you've become accustomed to it."

Giving one last meaningful glare, he turned and exited the kitchen. He could hear one of the girls sobbing as he walked away. Maybe he would have minded under normal circumstances. He wasn't the type of man to treat a woman with disrespect. But poor behavior could not be tolerated; Poor behavior called for discipline, and he was well within his rights to deliver it. "Let them reflect within, as it might do them some good," he muttered to himself as he walked.

As he neared his office, his eyebrow furrowed, and a deep frown formed on his face. The thought of the things that had said made him tremulous with fury. How much of their poison had they spread about the Citadel? No wonder Aleya had been so keen to keep her distance! And if she had heard even half of what he had heard, he wondered why she hadn't already packed up and left altogether.

He paused mid-step and stood still near the door of his office, staring at the wall in front of him as he reflected. She hadn't left. Even though she knew her reputation was being repeatedly tattered, she hadn't left his service. He thought of the months prior, when she had decided to forego combat training, when he had mistakenly assumed that her 'leaving' implied leaving her position as his assistant. He could still remember standing there, cupping her injured fingers in his hand, as she spoke the words. 'You know I'd never leave you.' No, he wasn't the only one who prized loyalty. Aleya was extremely loyal to him, as well. She was willing to endure such nonsense for his sake—because he needed her, and she knew it. He took a short breath as he shook his head. He was glad all the more so that he defended her.

A voice, from within his office. She was apparently on the phone. "Ignis is a little tied up right now, but I can take care of it. When do you need it?" There was a pause. "Oh. W-well, I think—I can get it done for you. No problem. I'll have it on your desk by morning." A sigh as she hung up the phone.

Loyal indeed, he thought. The Crownskeep shrews could suffer, if they must. He was glad he had shamed them. Resolutely, he marched into his office and went straight for his jacket, hung on the back of the desk chair that she occupied.

She looked up at him innocently. "Going somewhere?"

"Going with you." He took her hand and pulled her to her feet.

She was startled and tried to pull from his grasp. She kept looking behind her, towards her shoes that she had kicked off under his desk. "What do you mean? Where are we going?"

He retrieved her purse and handed it to her, still clinging to her hand. "We're going out for dinner."

"What? Why?" She managed to slip one foot into a shoe.

He caught her eye and smiled at her. "I believe I feel like celebrating."

She was mystified. She managed to find her other shoe while he still clung her palm. She may have even been grateful for his hand, as she was losing her balance trying to retrieve her footwear. "Celebrating?"

"I just attended to some unfinished business. An unpleasant matter that I'm proud to be relieved of. Let's celebrate."

"What happened?" There was noticeable concern in her voice.

"Nothing warranting your attention. But it's been done." He leaned forward. "I want to celebrate with my assistant. Won't you join me?"

He knew she wouldn't say no to him. She never did. "Where are we going?"

He smiled at her. "It matters little."

"But you have to choose. You're the one that wants to celebrate."

He reached past her, for her jacket. "I have chosen. I've chosen to celebrate with you."

"But, Igs…"

"Now, now, let's not dwell on the details." He turned to her for a moment, looking at her, taking in her round eyes and her bewildered expression. Everything she had done for him; what he had done for her was the least he could repay. And if he had his choice, she would know nothing of it. He placed her jacket around her shoulders and then took a small step backward to give her a slight bow.

She chuckled nervously. "What was that for?"

"Tonight, we are celebrating one of the best choices I've ever made. That, of course, is taking you on as my assistant. Thank you, Aleya."

"Igs, I—" She flushed. "I don't—"

" 'You're welcome' will do nicely." He grinned at her.

"You're welcome." She replied. It came out more as a question. She truly had no idea what had gotten into him.

Truthfully, he couldn't account for it himself. He only knew that he would have made the same choices—the choice to hire her, the choice to defend her—over and over. And should anyone dare seek to harm her again, they would have to harm him, first. He was determined to stand between her and any potential pain. Aleya had now officially moved into the position of family. And Ignis would always protect his own.

[Back to Entry]

1st of July, M.E. 755

I've taken up jogging.

I've never seen the need before. I'm in top form physically. However, I've learned Prompto is doing so for far more than maintaining his new physique. Apparently he feels the need to keep up with Noct. Though he may view it as friendly banter, it made me think. We've spent all this time training for combat together. Were we in a real battle and felt the need to flee—or if we felt the need to traverse by foot, for example—I would need to not only keep up with His Highness, but be a bit faster. After all, if Noct were rushing headlong into danger, would I not feel the need to meet that danger before him?

Today was my first attempt. Not bad, but I need endurance training. I foresee this becoming part of my normal routine, from here until I'm too old to lift my heel.

5th of July, M.E. 755

Aleya found out about my jogging expeditions and insisted on accompanying me. I practically begged her not to. It wasn't for my sake, though, it was for hers. She's already traveling a distance to arrive bright and early every morning, crossing the city with some sort of predator following her about.

Still, she won't be deterred.

Therefore, I've offered to retrieve her from her residence in the mornings. She argued, but I told her there would be no way for her to join me otherwise. Seems she's apt to follow my counsel. I suppose by tomorrow morning, I shall have a partner for these pre-dawn excursions.

6th of July, M.E. 755

Charming day. I had to get up earlier, of course, to make it to Aleya's house on time. But she was awake, ready, and eager to begin our expedition.

There was a time when she would not have dared be seen alone with me so early in the morning. I suppose the gossip has eased enough to where she feels more free to do as she wishes; I'm most pleased. In honesty, I view her as one of my truest friends. To see her calm and carefree brings me great satisfaction.

I expected her to be far more winded than she was, but she kept pace nicely. True, by the end, she complained of a cramp in her side and she was sweating profusely, but she managed to endure to the end. I'll never let her know I went easy on her; She'd be offended. Afterwards, we picked up the car and headed out for breakfast.

I try to keep telling myself it is my uncle between my ears, swimming about in my brain. However, there's no denying that I couldn't seem to stop smiling in her presence this morning. She was bright-eyed and cheerful. The crisp air was pleasant. Her ponytail swung with every stride, strangely hypnotic with its rhythmic bobbing and swaying. We talked as if we had known each other our whole lives. Indeed, it feels that way. No matter what we're doing: working, shopping, cooking, jogging, or anything else. We simply seem to match. She's the right to my left, in perfect balanced step. I couldn't stop thinking about that today as we were together. So much so, in fact, that now it seems a bit perplexing.

She's attractive, to be sure. I wouldn't be a man if I didn't notice. I'm not sure that qualifies as 'interest'. Though, I'm keenly aware how much I desire her to be present by my side. Whether that desire is purely professional, friendly, or leaning towards something of the romantic…

We are truly a pair; That much is certain. As to the complexities and definitions of such a relationship…I really have no time or reason to ponder further.

19th of July, M.E. 755

Noct has been relatively scarce these days. He's either working late or with his friends. Although, by the look of the reports that were left on his dining room table, he is taking his duties as Prince of this kingdom seriously. That includes his secret project he's working on. I've heard that His Majesty has given his approval on his endeavor and is pleased to grant him full support.

I do believe our young heir is growing up.

Leya seems a bit tired and pale today. We even cut our jogging session short. She assures me it is simply because she didn't achieve adequate REM last night. I have my doubts, but I know better than to pry further.

I overheard her speaking to Gladio today regarding her father's dreams of Altissia. Her voice betrayed no fondness for the distant province, but I could sense regret. She feels guilty for not fulfilling her father's wishes for her future.

I desire her no conflict. Were I able, I'd marry the two occupations together somehow. I ashamedly say that though I wish her to find satisfaction in advancing to Altissia, I don't desire her to take one step away from Lucis.

Who would I hire were she to leave? No one could match her.

And I don't relish the thought of jogging every morning with Prompto.

20th of July, M.E. 755

I've had an upset. I went to retrieve Aleya today, but I was met instead by her brother. I wasn't even aware he had returned. (I must keep better attention to scheduled military rotation.) In any case, he informed me that Leya was not well, and asked me to return to the Citadel.

This led me to further persistent inquiry, until he finally blared that she had fainted the night prior. This caused me profound concern, and I wouldn't leave until I had learned more. It's her anemia, apparently. She's pushing herself too hard. This leaves me with an awful sense of guilt. I should have known her well enough to see she was feeling unwell. Further, I should have required her to rest instead of accompanying me every day for a morning jog. I had gotten used to having her with me, and it never even crossed my mind to offer her a day off.

That wasn't all. Her brother told me something I have heard before, and had tried often to ignore. He told me she was brilliant, and that she was worth far more than a secretary's station. He informed me that as soon as he got so much as a whisper from Altissia, he would be moving her on. He told me not to 'kid myself', that her occupation with me was simply a temporary arrangement; She was not my property, and I would not own her forever.

I should have allayed his fears. I should have told him that I held her in the highest regard, and that I had been also thinking about her future—of pushing her towards a higher calling. I should have told him that I intended to take her with me to the second highest station on the planet; At the Future King's side. That did not happen, however. I was so disturbed that I simply verbalized my apologies, wished her a quick recovery, and offered to provide assistance. I then took my leave.

Is she really planning on leaving, I wonder, or is her brother's talk all bluster? No, it was obvious she is planning on leaving. Did I not just hear her yesterday speaking of Altissia? It's glaringly obvious that her plans are to leave at the first available opportunity. The question is—would she be doing so for herself, or to please her brother?

I know I should put such thoughts out of my head and be content that we have the here and now. Somehow, it doesn't seem like it's enough.

22nd of July, M.E. 755

Leya returned today, assuring me she was on the mend and was able to accompany me once more on our early morning tours of the parkway. I tried to talk her out of it. I practically begged her. She'll have none of it. She refuses to be left out. I suppose I'll just have to keep a wary eye on her health.

26th of July, M.E. 755

Aleya grows tired of the slow pace and the coddling. She's quite cross about it.

It was emotionally taxing. Instead of coffee, we spent the whole time arguing in the park before she finally threw her hands in the air and left me alone. It took half the day for me to calm down enough to try to talk some sense into her, at which point, we argued again.

How can she possibly be so stubborn? Does she have no clue how to take care of herself? For being so intelligent, she can be so impossibly simple-minded when it comes to her health. And why, pray tell, take it out on the man who is trying his best to look after her? Her belligerence is worse than Noct's ever has been.

If nothing else, at least I was spared the sideways glares of her brother. He's gone back to the front. Which means of course that Leya is home alone, with her stalker yet to be found. Even more reason she should worry; Not that she will.

It's so infuriating. I doubt I'll get any sleep at all tonight.

27th of July, M.E. 755

A truce has been achieved. I found her struggling to retrieve a book on the top shelf today. Though it took every ounce of humility I could find, I relented and collected it for her. That broke the ice a bit, enough for us to speak a few cordial words. By the end of the day, we were talking almost normally. I invited her along on an errand, and we were able to chat about all that's happened.

She assures me her anemia waxes and wanes under even the best of circumstances, but it rarely is so severe. Apparently this issue took her quite by surprise, or she would have taken better care of herself. This led to me sharing recipes that is good for nutrition and the blood, and she simply smiled as if she were humoring me. I don't mind. Once she gets over her bemusement, perhaps she'll recall a few tips.

We also spoke briefly of Altissia, and my conversation with her brother. She only laughed and assured me not to worry. She wouldn't speak of it further, which creates even more anxiety and suspicion. But, as we've so quickly re-attained peace, I'm wary to take any further action that could devolve into war. I'll let it be for now.

I was careful for her not to notice, but after I drove her home, I checked out the perimeters of her residence. With her brother not home, I'm loath to leave her alone in such an area.

As I write this, I realize these pages have mentioned Aleya far more than Noct. I must cease this at once. I'm forgetting who I am, and what I am required to do. I must maintain my focus. Noct is my priority, and I must give him all due attention.