Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy Tactics or any of its characters.

The Noble and the Knight

The morning sun has just begun to rise over the horizon. The Beoulve estate is blanketed by the cool morning mist and dew sparkled on the green blades of grass in the garden. Standing on top of the verdant hill in the expansive garden was the young noble, Ramza Beoulve.

The blonde noble breathed in the fresh morning air, the cool breeze flowing into his system. It has always been part of his routine to wake up early and see the sunrise. The way the sun reveals itself is especially majestic in Igros and it has always been Ramza's morning ritual. Ramza was about to take another deep breath when he heard a rustle behind him.

"The sunrise here is very beautiful." remarked a female voice.

Ramza turned and saw Agrias Oaks standing behind him.

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I was patrolling the perimeters and I saw you standing here." Agrias stated.

"Don't worry. You didn't disturb me. In fact, I'm quite pleased to have someone here to share this with." Ramza smiled to Agrias, gesturing toward the rising sun.

Agrias can't help but stare in wonder. His sincerity is something else. Ramza is very honest.

Taking one last look at the sunrise, Ramza turned around and was about to walk down the hill.

"Well, let's have breakfast then." Ramza said, waiting for Agrias.

Agrias was surprised. She was only Princess Ovelia's guard. She can't possibly share the table with them.

"I appreciate your kindness but I cannot accept it. As a mere guard of the princess, I cannot possibly join you-" Agrias began.

Ramza shook his head.

"You still are guests here in our home. This is why you should be joining us. Besides, it's hard to do work if your stomach is empty, correct?" Ramza interrupted.

Agrias can see that for once, Ramza was being firm and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

I guess I'll just have the princess dissuade him from it. Agrias thought.

The two of them walked towards the main hall of the Beoulve estate. When they arrived in the dining hall, they saw that they are already complete. The long, elegant table was gilded with gold and was filled with food served on silver plates. Dycedarg was sitting at the head of the table while Zalbag was seated at his right side. Princess Ovelia was seated on the other end of the table, opposite Dycedarg while Alma was seated at Dycedarg's left side.

"Ah! There you are Ramza. We started already since we still have important matters to discuss. Where have you been?" Dycedarg asked Ramza.

The young noble smiled to acknowledge everyone's presence. Behind him, Agrias walked silently.

"I was in the garden with Agrias enjoying the sunrise. I guess we stayed too long. I apologize for the delay." Ramza replied.

Zalbag raised an amused eyebrow while Dycedarg coughed. Alma smiled while Princess Ovelia remained silent. Ramza was puzzled at first at their reaction until he realized he just called Agrias without an honorific.

"I see you've become quite...fond of Lady Agrias, brother Ramza." Zalbag smiled.

Ramza and Agrias' eyes widened at this remark, much to the amusement of Zalbag and Alma.

"I-It's not what you think!" Ramza stammered, turning into a light shade of red.

Agrias herself was also astonished. Her usual stoic demeanor wavered slightly as she felt her cheeks burn a bit at the comment.

"Anyway, I would like to have Lady Agrias join us for breakfast." Ramza stated.

"Of course. We need to treat our possible sister-in-law well, don't we Dycedarg?" Zalbag laughed as he turned towards their eldest brother.

Ramza turned even redder and tried to protest but Dycedarg beat him to it.

"Enough. Stop teasing our brother, Zalbag. We still have more important things to do..." Dycedarg began.

"...and sit down Ramza. Please join us too Lady Agrias. You are most welcome." Dycedarg continued, turning to the two.

The two silently took their seats. Dycedarg turned his attention back to Princess Ovelia.

"I'm sorry for that display. Anyway, I'm afraid that we have to finish the discussion sometime later at a more private space." said Dycedarg.

Princess Ovelia nodded in agreement and resumed to eat. No one spoke any more after that and the breakfast was finished in silence. Princess Ovelia and Dycedarg proceeded to the library while Zalbag announced that he can't go with them as he still has work in the Hokuten.

"Agrias, can you make our departure preparations? Given our progress, I think we'll be leaving by this afternoon." Princess Ovelia instructed.

"Of course, Your Highness." Agrias solemnly bowed, her right hand placed on her chest.

"Ramza, see to it that they aren't lacking anything in their preparations...Which reminds me, you're leaving for Gariland for your training, aren't you? Why don't you escort Her Highness on the way there? If I'm not mistaken, they're headed the same way." said Dycedarg.

"Yes Brother. I will be honored to be with the Princess and to offer my sword for her protection." Ramza replied.

"Thank you." Princess Ovelia silently said.

With that, Agrias and Ramza bowed before the princess as Dycedarg and Princess Ovelia walked off.

"I can help you pack, Brother Ramza." offered Alma.

Ramza smiled at his sister.

"Alright Alma. But first, let's help Agrias." the young noble stated.

"We can manage. It would be best if you are to attend first to your-" Agrias began.

"That won't do Agrias. You're being too formal again. Also, Brother Dycedarg instructed me to help you. Would you prevent me from obeying my older brother's instructions?" Ramza asked.

Agrias silently agreed and Ramza led her to the pantry. It was a large room with shelves full of food and stored beverages. It was well-kept and the morning sun's rays entered through a small window which also served as the room's lighting.

"Feel free to take the provisions you need." Ramza gestured at the items on the shelves.

Agrias thanked him and began to methodically sort out the items.

"Alma, can you accompany Agrias here for a while? I'll go check if we have Chocobos ready in the stable." Ramza said.

Alma nodded and Ramza had to content himself.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Alma spoke up.

"You know Lady Agrias, it seems my brother feels comfortable around you. You really are a kind person." Alma smiled.

Agrias was caught off guard by Alma's comments and had difficulty in replying.

"He-He doesn't seem to be comfortable just because it is me Lady Alma. Ramza is just naturally kind and honest to other people." Agrias said rather defensively.

Alma giggled which only served to make the knight uncomfortable.

"Wh-Why are you laughing Lady Alma? I am uncertain but I feel like I am being looked down upon." Agrias said, her voice a bit stern.

"Oh no. I didn't mean to insult you or anything. I just found it amusing that you already have an image of Brother Ramza and a pretty accurate one too. And by the way you call each other, it sounds like you are lovers." Alma smiled, delighted.

Agrias' eyes widened and her face turned a deep shade of crimson.

"I-We-We aren't like that! It was his idea and...and-" Agrias protested.

"Don't worry. I don't mind at all. Brother Ramza never showed any kind of interest in romance so I am quite relieved to see him treat you like this. And I approve of you as my sister-in-law too." Alma giggled, giving Agrias a thumbs up.

The knight's face was still flushed and she began to stammer another protest when the other topic of their conversation entered the room.

"I've checked the stable and...What's happening here?" Ramza began, his voice trailing into a question when he felt the atmosphere of the room.

Agrias was blushing furiously while Alma was giggling. Ramza titled his head in confusion.

"Nothing brother. We were just having some girl-talk." Alma smiled innocently.

Ramza turned to Agrias and the knight nodded her head in agreement, quite vigorously for her usual stoic demeanor.

The young Beoulve scratched his head and shrugged. He really can't understand women sometimes.

-End of Chapter 2-