Chapter Text
Dimitri was currently unsure ; strictly speaking, he was unsure what to feel about this situation in general. He honestly thought that Claude did not mean anything of it when he offered a rather embroidered dagger.
It was an ordinary day, Dimitri supposed, it was rather humid- but that was to be expected considering the moon. As such, He decided to train in the training hall since it was a free day- surprisingly most of the lions were in attendance; even Sylvain was there. Though considering the professors’ habit of scheduling spontaneous missions, he guessed that it was better to be prepared...though one could make the case that Felix was the one who dragged Sylvain to train since the two were currently sparring.
Dimitri was currently trading blows with Ingrid- they fought each other with training lances. Despite being made of simple wood, the lances were quite durable- unfortunately, the spar was cut short due to his crest- resulting to a broken lance…again- It was a good thing that his allowance is quite a hefty amount considering he wouldn’t want his uncle know the amount of lances that he had already destroyed the past moons.
“Thank you for the spar, your highness”
“It was no trouble, Ingrid, In fact, I had hope that it would last longer- apologies for cutting it short”
“It is alright, I had a pleasant time sparing with you; however, I would love to conclude this spar another time”
“Of course, I look forward to it”
“So do I”
Dimitri offered a smile to Ingrid as they stopped to watch the match between Sylvain and Felix- swords, which gives the edge to Felix, however right now; it was quite an exhilarating match.
“Your Princeliness!”
A familiar voice cried out; Dimitri looked towards the direction to see Claude. Lately, the two of them have gotten closer due to their night rendezvous in the library. Dimitri could proudly claim that they were friends…and maybe he longed for something more as well. During those late nights, They would talk about various topics from politics, their hopes, and even simple things such as the ghost hunting trip which resulted in a petrified trio of Ashe, Annette, and Lysithea …why the trio decided that it was a smart idea to go out at night was still a mystery that the two have yet to solve since they had to deal with inconsolable hysteria when the trio bursted into the library.
“Claude! It is great to see you here, did your class mission went well”
“It was alright- nothing too difficult….although I did find something quite interesting”
“Oh? What was it that caught your eye?”
After the words came out of his mouth, Claude looked a bit sheepish- almost a bit embarrassed which honestly intrigued him since it was often a bit difficult…and frankly adorable to see Claude quite flustered. Despite this, he could see at the corner of his eye that most of the lions were paying attention to their conversation.
“Well, as you know, we were sent to stop a group of bandits in kingdom territory. It turns out that these specific groups had a bad habit of hoarding their treasure.”
“Odd….usually bandits often sell off their loot in the market.”
“Right? Well after we defeated them, we also had to collect their treasury to return to the villagers and it seems my interest towards a certain object led to it being given as a gift.”
It wasn’t quite an abnormal event- usually their missions lead to many villagers being grateful to be rid of thieves that they often received gifts. Despite this, he couldn't help his curiosity from growing…to think that something was to captivate Claude that it was noticed by the villagers. Perhaps this would become an opportunity for him to prepare a gift suited for him- just a small token (at least he likes to think so) of appreciation (adoration-).
“So here it is ! Quite a beauty if I do say so myself…”
Claude exclaimed as he showed off…a dagger, honestly if Sylvain had any hand in this- On the other hand, Claude was absolutely glowing as he showed it off. It was quite an impressive piece of work, it was a bejeweled dagger that was clearly not made for battle yet it was clear that the craftsmanship was not cheap once considering the hilt was made was likely crafted from silver and had a intrinsic shape with large sky blue gem in the middle…and several smaller gems encrusted as well. The blade itself wasn't nearly as sharp as it needed to be for an effective clean cut yet it could probably still cause an injury with enough force yet it would be a shame to coat the blade with blood- and based on his own observation, looked quite light.
Overall it was an intricate dagger- more so it serves the same purpose as a ceremonial sword- simply a dagger that was meant to be admired and cared for rather than have a practical purpose. The dagger was certainly beautiful but if presented to say…Felix then it would have resulted in a scoff over how impractical the dagger was (and if he was paying attention to the other lions then…he would have heard the loud scoff that left Felix). It was certainly not what he expected for Claude to take an interest in--particularly since Claude kept a dagger as well- although that dagger was more on the practical side.
“I didn’t think that you were the type that liked these types of daggers. It is certainly quite beautiful”
“Oh, I’m not- In fact, this isn’t for me.”
“Oh?”
“Yup, it’s for you- when I saw it, I was reminded of your eyes- it has quite a similar shade, wouldn't you say?”
“I couldn’t possibly accept-”
“Come on, Dimitri, I can’t think of someone else that I would like it to have- after all, I kept it specifically for you.”
“Well…if it’s truly alright…thank you, Claude, truly”
“No worries- I hope you like it even if it’s not the most practical thing; I just thought it would look wonderful by your side. Enough of that chatter, how have you been doing ? Seeing your lance, it must have been quite a spare.”
The two of them quickly fell in the rhythm as they continued to be in their own little world. Unaware of the conversation going around them as plenty of the blue lions were looking at one another in astonishment, one brave soul finally spoke what they all feared to say out loud in fear that what they had witnessed actually happened.
“Did Reigan just propose to His Highness?”
Ingrid spoke in absolute shock- which seemed to have snapped the rest of them out of their trance since Sylvain absolutely lost it while Felix just groaned and glared over the two oblivious souls that unknowingly started the whole affair.
Courtship rules of Faergheus Nobility & Knights of the Highest Order
Present an ornate and jeweled (useless) weapon of choice wrapped in the shade of the receiver's eyes. : Through this stage, this showcases an interest to the receiver. By presenting a decorated weapon, this represents the best version that you want to be seen as in the eyes of the receiver. By choosing a useless weapon, it serves the purpose of being showcased, loved and maintained- it also serves as a delicate gift that the receiver will have to constantly hold on their person to show that they maintain an interest in the receiver. It is traditional for the weapon to be kept by the receiver throughout the whole process and be given back to the giver at their wedding.