Part 875: Laurent B

How are you feeling, Noire? Taking care not to overexert yourself, I trust?

I'm fine, thank you. I've been feeling quite well for some time now.

Excellent news. But pray, stay wary. Our marches have been grueling of late, and exhaustion is a relentless foe.

R-really, Laurent, I'm fine. You don't have to worry so.

You ought to express this level of concern as well. Frankly, your body is rather frail. You must be realistic and cautious in how you treat it.

Look, everyone else is busy keeping the camp clean and well supplied. I can't be the only one lounging about!

And yet, I would impress on you that resting adequately is your greatest responsibility.

Even if I tried, I don't think I could sit still with everyone else buzzing around. If the guilt didn't keep me up, the sheer amount of activity around me would.

And what if thinking of you pushing yourself beyond reason keeps the rest of us awake?

......

Have you eaten today, Noire?

N-not yet, no.

This is unacceptable. Run along and eat.

I don't really... I'm not hungry.

Caloric intake is critical for success in all areas of life... Unless this lack of appetite is a symptom of some ailment you've contracted?

Laurent, I'm fine, okay? I. Feel. Fine.

Maintaining energy levels is critical, and yet you leave food uneaten at every meal. This cannot continue. It's the duty of every soldier to clean his or her plate.

Look, would you... Can you just... Fine. I'll eat more.