human
Julius:  Julius was reminded of what Marcus had said to him personally just before they left for the empire. He had been summoned into the captain’s quarters, alone, the day before their departure. There, he had been ordered to keep a close eye on Reinhard and Ferris. Julius was determined to not let his friends out of his sight during this trip, and not only because of Marcus’s orders. That was what had brought on his question just now.
gpt
Julius:  “Blame myself…? Sure, yeah, I do. I mean, just think about who Ferri is.”
human
Ferris:  Ferris almost worked his lips into a smile as he spoke into the silence. But it was a smile of self-mockery. He was obviously tormented by profoundly painful emotions. As the kingdom’s premier healer and a friend of the deceased prince, the memories must have been difficult.
gpt
Julius:  “Ferris, you must not blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault.”
human
Ferris:  “…Pretty familiar words, as comfort goes.”
gpt
Julius:  “Sorry. I wish I could say something less trite, but…” Ferris’s touch of irony made Julius rue his own lack of insight. He wanted dearly to say something that would truly speak to Ferris’s heart. But all he had been able to muster were the most tired words of comfort in the world. And the moment didn’t even give him a chance to make another attempt.
human
Julius:  “Hmm?” Julius raised an eyebrow as Ferris’s ears twitched. Both of them had noticed the change at the same time. They looked at each other.
gpt
Ferris:  “Julius…,” the cat-boy started; Julius nodded affirmatively. He slowly raised his right hand to reveal a light glowing softly in his palm. It was Ire, one of the six greater spirits Julius held a pact with. When they had been guided to their room, Julius had sent out this spirit to keep watch in the Crystal Palace. The spirit and the demi-human blood that coursed in Ferris’s veins had both detected something.
human
Julius:  “Looks like something’s afoot in the palace.”
gpt
Ferris:  “Sure does. I think things have gotten a little rowdy.”
human
Bordeaux:  Bordeaux, sensing the two knights’ reactions, opened his eyes and came out of his meditation. The bald-pated elder looked to their leader.
gpt
Bordeaux:  “Master Miklotov?”
human
Miklotov:  “Mm. They say hearing is the first thing to go with age. What rowdiness do you speak of, may I ask?”
gpt
Ferris:  “It sounds sort of…confused? Like everyone is flailing around. And for this to start right when they took Reinhard away. I don’t like this.”
human
Julius:  “I agree. I think the imperial troops outside are gone, too.” There should have been soldiers stationed outside the door to ensure the visitors didn’t do anything unwelcome and that nothing was done to them. But Julius no longer sensed the guards standing nearby. The most natural thing was to assume they had gone toward the ruckus.
gpt
Julius:  “…I have a bad feeling about this,” Julius said after a brief pause. “I’ll go see what’s happening. Master Miklotov, Lord Bordeaux, please stay here. Ferris will—Hmm.”
human
Ferris:  “You could look a little less disappointed!