Considering she already wore pink and red on a regular basis, her new outfit wasn't that much of a stretch. But the frills were taking some getting used to, and so was her new weapon. Whenever she went hunting back in Ochs it was with a dagger, never a bow.
At least I don't look as silly and out of place as Hubert, she thought. Or Felix, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else and the only thing that kept him from stomping off was Dimitri's presence. Hilda, on the other hand, looked right at home in her fluffy skirt and top combo with its heart and flower motifs.
But of course no one could compare to Lady Edelgard, looking more resplendent than even the Gods and Goddesses she'd spotted walking through Askr, and that included Sothis herself.
If only I could get a moment alone with her! Even when Hubert finally gave her some space to have a cup of tea with Ferdinand (not quite dressed for the festival, but still looking fancy in his butler garb), Dimitri wanted to talk to her, Hilda wanted to offer her accessories, other Eagles who weren't dressed up just had to stop by to gush over her.
Of course Lady Edelgard was popular, and Monica would never begrudge others for their good taste. But the festival was one-fourth over and she still hadn't had a chance to give Lady Edelgard her gift. And despite her reputation for being clingy and jealous and possessive, Moncia did not make a habit of barging in on Lady Edelgard's time with other people.
So all she could do was wait and talk to a few of the others. She bonded with Felix over their mutual dislike for the sweets being served, listened to Hilda chatter about all the gifts she'd received from admirers, and even had a good laugh when she learned Prince Dimitri was the one who'd given Lady Edelgard that dagger.
"He's terrible at gifts," Felix said as they ate salted meats, biscuits, and olives from the one savory snack tray on offer, "one time he gave me a pair of fuzzy slippers."
"That sounds useful," Monica said. "Faerghus is pretty cold."
"Rainbow fuzzy slippers." Felix shook his head. "Don't ask where he found them, he just did and they're the ugliest slippers ever made."
"Oh, I'm sure they could have been worse." Monica sipped her tea. "They could have had little bunnies on them." Felix nearly spit out his drink, making a face at her.
"If he heard that and gives me bunny slippers at some point I'm blaming you," he muttered, stuffing a biscuit into his mouth. Monica giggled, helping herself to an olive. She had it halfway to her mouth when she heard footsteps.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," came a voice, and Monica's heart skipped a beat.
"N-no, of course not, Lady Edelgard!" she squeaked, hastily setting the olive on a napkin. "Is there something you need me for?"
"Just to steal you away for a bit," Edelgard said. "Felix, I hope you don't mind." Felix shrugged, grabbing a piece of prosciutto.
"Fine by me. I need to be keeping an eye on the boar anyway." Edelgard smiled knowingly as she offered her hand. Cheeks flushed, Monica took it, only realizing a second later that now Lady Edelgard's hand was going to smell like olives. She'd have to see if she had a spare handkerchief for that.
Lady Edelgard didn't seem to notice or care, though. Instead, she led Monica out to the courtyard, away from the others, and drew a beautifully wrapped package from the folds of her exquisite gown. Her cheeks were a bit pink, Monica noticed.
"I've been waiting for a moment to give this to you," Edelgard began. "I apologize that we haven't spent even a moment together at this festival. I didn't realize I would be so in demand." Monica smiled.
"I can hardly blame anyone for wanting to spend time with you."
"Still." Edelgard held out the box. "I...hope you like it. I may not be as much of a disaster as Dee when it comes to gifts, but I did need some help."
"I'm sure whatever you picked out will be just perfect," Monica said, taking the package and opening it very carefully. The paper was much too pretty to rip up and throw away, and Lady Edelgard had probably worked very hard to wrap her gift so attractively.
Oh.
Underneath the pretty paper and tissue lay a gorgeous leatherbound journal edged in gold, and a set of elegant quill pens.
"Look under the cover," Edelgard murmured; Monica slowly opened the book to find a small card.
I'm not one to show appreciation through flowery words or fancy gestures, but I hope you know how much you mean to me. Rescuing you from that fortress was the best decision I ever made, and even if I would pay dearly for defying them later, I would make that same decision again every time.
Thank you, Monica. Your devotion is deeply appreciated, and reciprocated.
It was by some crazy miracle that she didn't start blubbering all over the place. Not only would that be humiliating, but her tears would spoil the beautiful leather.
"Oh, Lady Edelgard...!" She swallowed, pulling out her own gift. "I only hope this is even half as good as what you've given me!" She watched Lady Edelgard open the box just as carefully, and relished in her small laugh as she pulled out the plushie.
"You really do know what I love."
"I know you miss seeing as many cats as you did at Garreg Mach, so..."
"He looks just like that black and white cat who was always hanging around people waiting to be fed." Edelgard smiled, holding the cat to her chest. "Thank you, I adore him." Monica knew why he was a boy, remembering "Sir Kitty" who had turned out to be Lady Kitty when Clara discovered "he" was going to have kittens. No such mistake would be made with a stuffed toy.
"And thank you for the lovely journal...and for your feelings."
Edelgard leaned forward and brushed her lips against Monica's cheek.
"Why don't we stay here a little longer?" she suggested. Monica sighed, her heart beating so hard she thought it would burst from her and fly away.
"As long as you wish."
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