Prince of Fire Emblem: Three-Ring Circus

[didntaxyou]

So, not how she expected to spend her day.

"We have to get this done by mid-afternoon if we're going to have time to eat afterward, and for me to still have tea with Maribelle..."

She's walking, but she stops short at the remembrance of her friend.

"Ooh, someone's gonna have to tell her, huh? She should hear it from me."

She glances back at Bunta, expecting him to be following her as she navigates the castle town. Several people recognize their princess and raise their hands or hats, which she acknowledges with cheerful return waves or personal calls as she goes, but plenty of others see no significance in the presence of a girl in a plain cleric's habit, walking down the street.

"Wait, what should she hear from me?" She gives him an almost pleading look. "Should I... be honest with Maribelle? Or not?"

Comments

[volleygenius]

Bunta would snicker if it were just the two of them alone. Dorothea had a great wit. It was one of the things he liked about her. It was easy to see the attractive, talented woman she was on the outside. The real treat was getting to know the beautiful person she was on the inside. Charismatic, playful, strong, intelligent, kind-hearted, driven. If things had been different, if his life wasn't already dedicated to another, he might have gladly offered it to her. But then, if his life wasn't already dedicated to another, he wouldn't have the prestigious steady job to make him a viable option for her. It was never to be!

In any case, it sounds like she understands, and has graciously both spared Lissa the humiliation of learning about their history together and offered her a natural transition back into the conversation. Bunta jumps on it.

"Oh, that would be nice. What do you think, Lissa? Shall we go together?" He deliberately sidesteps the word date.

[didntaxyou]

Lissa freezes briefly, because he didn't say 'date,' but she was still thinking about it. Dorothea immediately noticing the ring put her the littlest bit on edge-- but she recovers after a moment, though only with what she hopes is an eager nod.

Dorothea's smile makes her hope she got it right.

"The royal box is already the best seats in the house, so I can't do much for you there, but let me know if you wouldn't mind a visit afterward. Or even beforehand, Princess-- I'd love to help you decide what to wear."

Thankfully, she doesn't require an answer from Lissa, but she does wink at Bunta, before heading on her way.

It makes Lissa unusually contemplative, as they head back through the Heart.