“You’re...very open-minded, Claude.” She feels very reassured from just this simple gesture.

“That sounds very noble...” “I could’ve been sure I was talking with Claude Von Riegan...who’s usually always up to no good...” Marianne lets out a little laugh before remembering she’s in the presence of the goddess.

“I see...how odd.” She chuckled once more before offering one more prayer. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this side of you before.”

“... I.....I think....I might like that, actually.”

“.......” B L U S H

“No. Not anything unusually...unusual.” She smiled softly.

Which she took and held gently in her own.

“Happy birthday, Claude.” She will offer up extra prayers to the goddess for him today.

“I’m pretty sure I wished Claude a happy birthday, didn’t I?”

“Good night. May you all have pleasant dreams.”

“I summon horses now.” “...Did you see that, Professor?”

She’s currently looking at Dorte. “.....Hm?”

Hands @KingofSxhemes a wrapped box. It’s a belated birthday gift to him. She hadn’t forgotten. Should he open it, it’s a new pair of weatherproof leather boots.

“.....!” Just who is this strange looking man with the unique armor and long hair? She’d love to introduce herself but...social anxiety...

“Oh. Umm...he-hello Ferdinand.” She gives a polite nod of her head to greet him. “Are you coming to clean out the stables?” In one hand, she holds a brush. The other, an apple, half eaten.

“I should...probably get some rest...”

Oh nooooo. A rustling in the bushes nearby signals that the young maiden just wants to stay hidden. Except her feet are visibly sticking out.

Looks like she’s been discovered. At least whomever this man is isn’t angry. Or mad. She gently placed her hand in his own, rose to her feet, and stepped out. Minus a few branches tangled in her hair...she looks well enough.

“Yes. They’re quite beautiful and majestic animals.” “As it turns out...Dorte asked to have his mane brushed out today. So...here I am. With his favorite food.” She smiled warmly and held up the apple.

“Oh?” “He doesn’t tell you?” “...well...I guess it doesn’t hurt to spoil them every now and then, you know?”