Bereinger’s arrival was greeted by multiple curious faces of differing ages. The people here weren't shy, but they weren't exactly open either.
They reminded him more of arrogant nobles than knights.
Openly gawking at him whenever he passed by, moving to sit somewhere else when he sat beside them, and just generally avoiding him.
Bereinger was incredibly confused, down right frustrated.
Had they heard about his mistake at the previous institution? At the end of the day, it isn't the end of the world if he damaged some flowers.
Nevertheless he tried to socialise.
His head was held high as he entered the lunch room, the metal in his armour rattled, announcing his every step.
Once again he felt how the energy in the room stiffened upon his arrival. All heads turned to him, immediately their conversations ceased. Bereinger shifted anxiously, digging his fingers into the warm cloth of his cotton shirt. He couldn't find his helmet anywhere, his armour wasn't on his body anymore.
It was waiting for him outside the room.
He patiently waited in the lunch room, noting the general lack of shape to the food. The only options being flavored liquid pouches. Excitedly, his eyes scanned the different flavours, hoping to find one he hadn't already tried before.
Disappointment overtaking Bereinger as he realised they were none. They were all the same as his previous institutions training centers.
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Begrudgingly, he picked up three beef stew flavored liquid pouches, making sure to thank the servants behind the counter. The nobles held their breath as he turned, searching for a place to sit. Hoping that he wouldn't sit at their table.
Suddenly– The cafeteria became a battlefield of noise, the nobles racing to place the nearest object in their vicinity on whatever unoccupied seat was left at their table .
Bereinger, witnessing the dramatic display, got the memo loud and clear.
Moving shyly to a small, lonely table in the corner. He ripped apart the liquid pouches, sipping them aggressively to relieve his woes.
It had only been his sixth day in the artificial garden, and the nobles had already formed a made up image of him in their heads. Even though no one had ever actually interacted with him– they just decided he was someone untrustworthy.
Bereinger felt utterly betrayed.
All his years of acting classes, all for nothing as he couldn't even get past the introduction stage.
Sulking further, Bereinger didn't notice the tiny presence looming over him.
“Mind if I sit here?” A noble asked, starling Bereinger out of his brooding.
Her skin was as white as snow, just like her long flowing hair that almost reached the floor. She had eyes like sparkling ruby, softly reflecting the harsh light of the cafeteria.
He hurriedly regained his composure, nodding eagerly, pointing affably to the seat across from him.
The girl sat beside him instead, offering him a kind smile.
“Bereinger, was it? I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Only good news, I hope. “ Bereinger said, even though he knew it wasn't true.
“Well…” The girl trailed off, “Being talked about is better than being accepted in this industry.”
So they were talking ill about him.
By how smooth her skin was she was definitely of higher class, and judging by her friendliness towards him that also proved his point.
Only a true princess could empathise with her people’s suffering.
The job of the king was to be diplomatic and think of the kingdom, the job of the queen to aid him in this regard.
While the princess helped their perspective in a different way. Reminding them of their humanity, and the fact that they were dealing with human lives here. That’s why, if Bereinger ever becomes a dad, he hoped he’d get a girl.
So that she could remind him of the important things in life.
Nobody had dared approach the knight without his armor, except the princess who extended an ungloved hand forward and rubbed his elbow comfortingly.
“I'm Aruvia, by the way.”
