[attr="class","spiral"] "unfortunately, i can never promise that. what with mossdeep."

fernando frowns and goes for his wine again. this time he takes a more lasting drink. the sweetness doesn't remove the bitterness left by his words. "the future is uncertain and all we can do is remain vigilant."

[attr="class","spiral"] "outside of our jurisdiction."

for all the ways he exploits her, fernando has to give credit where credit is due. alfric's question toward the earth scorched region is the correct one and one that shows the foresight to think ahead. unfortunately, kanto is kanto and hoenn's reach only goes so far. unless fernando is willing to relieve himself of the region's political council, he can only have so much of a hand in the restoration of his homeland. and after all this time, all his effort and excruciating planning, the last thing he'll do is jeopardize his hold on the region.

"and i don't plan on leaving hoenn any time soon."

[attr="class","spiral"] "ha, ha. you are too kind miss alfric. hoenn is many things and in goods hands is one of them. that's why i trust the future to aspiring young stars such as yourself." flattery comes in many forms and fernando has taken the actions to prove that his words, while empty and only said to inflate her ego, are given under the premise that he generally means it. it's hard to argue that he doesn't when he's the one who propelled her into her position as gym leader. on that ground, he is infallible.

fernando takes his time with both food and drink. his trust in alfric is beyond what it should be but it never hurts to be careful. poison is a slow and miserable death, which is why he allows time and patience to ward off ingesting too much at a time. he chalks it up to proper etiquette and no one bats an eye.

the sudden shift in topics makes him nauseous and fernando hesitates to eat another bite. he'll blame it on the volume and pretend he's had more than his fair share. "ah. u-uh." the mention of kim cole-essam is an odd twist but fernando suspects alfric has had too much to drink. he's not sure whether she's bragging or just rambling. weird flex but okay. "that's nice, i guess?"

the insinuation also goes over his head because fernando can understand why someone may tolerate kim, even find him attractive, but to pair themselves willingly after hearing the man talk for more than two sentences? the thought never crosses his mind. "kim is nice. i'm glad to hear that you two are getting along. you wouldn't happen to be planning on inviting councilman morningstar over as well, now would you?"

[attr="class","spiral"]"i wouldn't say that. i have no doubts in my mind that freya morningstar would love to meet you. she's just busy. we all are."

fernando watches her cut a slice and makes no move toward doing the same. his appetite has been thoroughly trounced at the mention of kim cole-essam. what alfric proposes after is just as insane. he laughs whole-heartedly at the title, caught off guard by the absurdity. "that reminds me of the gossip column that said i was going to open up a gym and act as champion. the media sure has a field day with their stories."

he pauses before laughing again.

"whatever it takes to sell issues, i guess."

[attr="class","spiral"] "i disagree. i am a mediocre trainer at best. ALEXANDER STONE , despite his many flaws, is both capable and competent."

the animosity between him and devon is something fernando rather keep a secret. no matter how much stone can pick up on it, that means nothing when everyone else sees nothing but praise coming from fernando. in order to deceive his enemies first he must deceive his allies. only when the whole board rotates around an axis will the world revolve around him.

"but do not be afraid to voice your concerns or discontent with any decisions made. i had no say in the matter but i did not push against it once i found out. however, between us, between friends, i will always have an open ear for you. i value your honest opinion over discontent obedience. at least with you, alfric."

his silverware rests at the edge of his plate. he's done eating now. guess it's time for that pleasant conversation she was talking about.

[attr="class","spiral"] "oh."

fernando knows her statement has no malicious intent behind it. or at least he doesn't expect it to, not knowing cait the way he does. instead, he attributes the improper phrasing to her easing intoxication and cuts it at that.

"i see."

spoiler alert: he doesn't.

fernando stares at her, his facial cues as barren as his cluelessness, blinking.

"then—?"