“I think you should go on that date.”

Robin wasn’t particularly surprised by Trizstan’s suggestion. This was a common exchange between them, after all. Trizstan’s business partners, allies, enemies… He would bring them in and with Robin’s help, put them into compromised situations—for intelligence, leverage, blackmail…

She didn’t mind it; she would do anything for him. Plus, it wasn’t like he ever held her at gun point; she always had a say in the matter. And many times when she said no, he respected it, never pushing her onto anyone. 

But now—after what he did, after what he said—she couldn’t even feel like she was anything more than a useful tool.

Despite this, Robin swallowed her pride. After all, she would genuinely prefer speaking with Mr. Aldrick right about now. So it only made sense she would agree. She just had to do so in a way that Trizstan felt it was his brilliant idea.

“Hm. Is this just about his veteran status or your personal history with him?”

Trizstan considered it, quirking his lips. “Well, I couldn’t really care any less about our shared history if I’m being honest.” He shrugged for extra effect, but to Robin it felt like overcompensating. 

“It is quite ironic though. Especially since after Mr. Aldrick returned from Volnyr, he has refused to acknowledge my existence. Much less visit the Spiriter Home, even for school-related matters.” He chuckled to himself. “And now that he’s met you—look at him crawling into our orphanage like a desperate fool. The power you have over men is truly mesmerizing.”

Robin leaned against the counter. So Trizstan was accusing Mr. Aldrick of being petty, of clinging to some old grudge—all while caring enough himself to track his movement

God, what a spineless hypocrite. 

“Then what are you planning to gain out of this?” she asked, again.

Trizstan cocked his head as he crossed his arms, like it was the most obvious thing. “Come now, Robin. I know you don’t care much about my political ramblings, but this is Gerald Aldrick we’re talking about.” 

He gestured with his right hand as he spoke, “There are countless ways to use a man who returned from war a legend. Did you know that the Francistes themselves offered him the position of Principal? He stepped aside to become a teacher, yet he is still more respected than the head of the academy.”

Robin perked up at that—now a new image forming about that man. “I didn’t know he was offered the position of Principal.”

Trizstan grinned in response. “Neither did I. The things you learn from royal assemblies...”

Robin nodded—but why would Mr. Aldrick refuse that? 

Trizstan continued, “I’ll admit, I was annoyed today when Theodore Franciste asked about Mr. Aldrick and our history together before ever addressing my business—but alas, I did learn something new.” 

He played it off as a joke, but it was obvious this got under his skin.

That explained it all now.

So in other words, Trizstan got his ego bruised by the northern King and came back to the orphanage to release his frustration onto Robin.

She didn’t emote, simply accepted the explanation for what it was—or else she would drown in her frustration. “It’s not a problem. Lord knows you’ve asked me for worse favours.”

Robin felt her skin crawl as Trizstan leaned in towards her, cradling her cheek with those skeletal fingers—the same ones he used to assault her. He looked into her eyes with that captivated look on his face which now seemed more like a pervert’s leer. 

“You know that you’re the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She couldn’t stop herself from leaning into his cold palm. It made her sick to her stomach but she knew there was truth to his words.

Even if she did what she could for him, she knew the balance between them was far from equal.

She helped him maintain a business and influence. 

He saved her from living a life of servitude in a brothel across the world. 

But even if she felt some gratitude from him saying that… She knew they were empty words. 

He proved the opposite earlier. 

“I do…” she relented, but the words came out hollow.

Trizstan leaned in for a kiss—apparently missing her dishonesty. Robin stopped him by placing her hand over his lips. Thankfully, he got the message, retracting with a sheepish smile.

“I say you at least owe me an explanation about what happened between you two…” She crossed her arms over her chest. 

It was partly information gathering, but also her own curiosity of the legendary Colonel. She knew bits and pieces since he returned from war, but what about before it? 

She never cared enough to dig deeper.