Part 145: Frederick C

That's quite the handsome blade you carry, Virion.

Ah, you've a discerning eye, Frederick. YEs, it is rather nice, isn't it? Elegant...Sophisticated...A perfect match for its owner! Why, it's almost-

The hilt bears the sigil of House Claive.

Yes, but you interrupted me.

Apologies. ...But it's been troubling me for some time now.

Just how is it you came to hold a dagger from one of Ylisse's high noble houses?

I enjoyed a brief but fruitful collaboration with the Claives once upon a time. Well, specifically with one young and VERY beautiful Claive...She gave me this blade as a token of our everlasting...friendship.

I see. And when exactly did you find time to foster such a bond?

Ah, my dear naive Frederick. Not all bonds take equal time to form, you know! Some are forged in a lifetime, while others spring to life in a moment.

...Others still take but one very good night.

.......

Oh, please! Spare me the pious air...

But...is that yet a hint of...envy I see as well? Ha! Well, permit me to explain...

It is my avocation to grant noble ladies a brief respite from their dreary lives. And I know of no better way to do so than by romance's sweet perfume. But I always acted the gentleman! No harm befell their honor or reputation.

Oh, that was never my concern. Ylisse's noble houses are built of sturdier stuff than one dandy's escapades can shake.

Tell me, sir...Do you always smile so as you twist the blade in a fellow's gut?

Yes, well. You wondered at the history of my blade, and now curiosity is slaked. If that's quite all, this dandy shall leave you to savor your unshakable honor. *leaves*

...Avocation, he says. Heh. Quite the hobby. Yet I bet he has made many other powerful allies through such trysts. Dandy or no, the man is sly. Methinks he merits watching...