[He blinks at her at that, for a moment nonplussed. It's not that he doesn't understand what she's saying, it's just... it's such a wild thing for someone in her position to say, period.]
... Don't be foolish. I will accept that as a soldier, it is your duty to protect other people. But to think that you should be protecting me--that runs contrary to why I am even here.
[He crosses his arms for a moment, considering her with a contemplative (and slightly dour) expression. This... is a snag he did not expect to encounter. All of the problems he thought he might--that he would loathe his charge, or that he would find himself in some sort of political situation where nothing would change once again, or such things--haven't happened. Instead... there's this.]
... That is insulting. To say such things makes it sound as though you have no faith in my abilities.
You stand by your beliefs, which is... a tolerable trait, but I see that I must prove to you how unnecessary they are when it comes to me.
[oop - her expression falters a little, somewhere between guilt and uncertainty. but.]
... I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you. I'm sure you're very capable.
But even the most capable people can disappear in an instant, even if I have faith that I likely don't have anything to worry about. It's just that if you're here for my sake... I don't want to easily agree to the idea that you could be expendable in any way.
[she can maybe get used to the idea of having a bodyguard just for practicality - less sure if she can even remotely agree to the idea that his life or well-being mean less than hers on a moral level]
[That slips from his tongue easily, even as he quirks an eyebrow at her--not disdainful so much as a little bit disbelieving. Still... he feels like he can be honest with this woman. Unless she's being an incredible actor... he doubts she's the sort to take issue with it.]
I do not consider myself expendable either. I intend on acting as your bodyguard successfully through skill, not self-sacrifice.
[given the literal term of 'bodyguard', a charge would normally be confused to hear that there isn't some level of 'meat shield' protection involved. but for lena, this is the best possible news she could receive. she sighs in relief, and her answering smile is considerably more confident and genuine]
Then I'll hold you to that. I look forward to working with you.
[lena: is assigned a bodyguard also lena: perhaps.... assistant to my crimes?]
Even though you clearly know who I am... I would like to introduce myself as Major Vladilena Milizé - but where appropriate, do feel free to call me Lena.
[it's a leading question!! but she tilts her head for a moment before vaguely waving a hand.]
I consider my family to be overly concerned with my business. They would prefer if their heiress remains occupied with marriage partners and dresses than military.
However perhaps if the military had less glaring flaws that need to be addressed, maybe I would not concern myself with it.
[... aha. So that's how it is, huh? He can't say that he disapproves, really. Sitting around acting as an ornament or a pawn for marriage sounds dreadfully dull. Better to make something of your life and burn brightly and shortly, than linger dully.]
I did not say that it is a bad thing.
[It gives him a job, after all!!]
This appointment would not be worth my time if your plans were to only sit around and wait. Thankfully, that is not the case.
she had been half expecting a lecture on staying in place, so she doesn't worry people but to receive this instead... hmm... hmm!
there is a glint of something slightly daring in her expression and the edge of her mouth curls up, amused - ]
I hope your opinion doesn't change then. [she'll move to turn then, the clicking of her heels already moving with purpose as she heads for the door] Let's go. There's still plenty to do.
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no subject
... Don't be foolish. I will accept that as a soldier, it is your duty to protect other people. But to think that you should be protecting me--that runs contrary to why I am even here.
no subject
I'd rather that as much as possible, you not get hurt. Even if that means that the strategy moving forward is that the best defense is a good offense.
[she will choose the more callous option about the removal of opposition if it means that someone won't get hurt for her sake]
no subject
... That is insulting. To say such things makes it sound as though you have no faith in my abilities.
You stand by your beliefs, which is... a tolerable trait, but I see that I must prove to you how unnecessary they are when it comes to me.
no subject
... I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you. I'm sure you're very capable.
But even the most capable people can disappear in an instant, even if I have faith that I likely don't have anything to worry about. It's just that if you're here for my sake... I don't want to easily agree to the idea that you could be expendable in any way.
[she can maybe get used to the idea of having a bodyguard just for practicality - less sure if she can even remotely agree to the idea that his life or well-being mean less than hers on a moral level]
no subject
[That slips from his tongue easily, even as he quirks an eyebrow at her--not disdainful so much as a little bit disbelieving. Still... he feels like he can be honest with this woman. Unless she's being an incredible actor... he doubts she's the sort to take issue with it.]
I do not consider myself expendable either. I intend on acting as your bodyguard successfully through skill, not self-sacrifice.
[He firmly believes both are possible!!]
no subject
Then I'll hold you to that. I look forward to working with you.
[lena: is assigned a bodyguard
also lena: perhaps.... assistant to my crimes?]
Even though you clearly know who I am... I would like to introduce myself as Major Vladilena Milizé - but where appropriate, do feel free to call me Lena.
no subject
... How strange.]
... Hmph. And my name is Leon Magnus. I shall be acting as your guard for the foreseeable future.
[... And, a little dryly:]
Shall I take my appointment to mean you find yourself in trouble often?
no subject
[it's a leading question!! but she tilts her head for a moment before vaguely waving a hand.]
I consider my family to be overly concerned with my business. They would prefer if their heiress remains occupied with marriage partners and dresses than military.
However perhaps if the military had less glaring flaws that need to be addressed, maybe I would not concern myself with it.
[absolutely not true,]
no subject
I did not say that it is a bad thing.
[It gives him a job, after all!!]
This appointment would not be worth my time if your plans were to only sit around and wait. Thankfully, that is not the case.
no subject
she had been half expecting a lecture on staying in place, so she doesn't worry people but to receive this instead... hmm... hmm!
there is a glint of something slightly daring in her expression and the edge of her mouth curls up, amused - ]
I hope your opinion doesn't change then. [she'll move to turn then, the clicking of her heels already moving with purpose as she heads for the door] Let's go. There's still plenty to do.