Ignis had just had a very hectic and stressful day. He first had to clean up Noctis's filthy apartment, as per usual, and with the prince at his part-time job, it was up to Ignis to attend several meetings in his place and take notes for the prince to later review. It was already past 8 and the Citadel was clearing out.

To relieve some stress, Ignis decided to do a little training. This was often something he did that also allowed him to improve his combat skills. But upon reaching the training room, he could hear noise from within. Is someone still here? He carefully cracked the door open, staying quiet so as not to disturb whoever was training.

He was surprised by what he saw. Angelica and Valerie were in the midst of some sort of training. He had no idea either of them practiced in combat. So this is where Angel's skillful reflexes come from. But what sort of training is this? Angelica seemed to be blindfolded and had multiple objects that were strung up from the ceiling swinging toward her. She skillfully dodged each and every one. At the same time, makeshift targets would pop up one at a time and the girl would throw small knives at them.

Her mother watched on from the sidelines with an approving smile on her lips. Ignis stayed frozen in place, silently watching from the cracked door. Angelica listened intently, hearing the slight sounds of her obstacles and targets. She could simultaneously pinpoint the locations of the targets while still avoiding the obstacles. It almost became a pattern. Duck... Throw... Sidestep... Throw... Backflip... Throw.

The bespectacled man attempted to quietly enter the room. But the slight creak of the door caught Angelica's ears. Her mother turned her head, also hearing someone enter. Before Valerie could warn him, a knife flew from Angelica's hand. It sailed toward Ignis, who stepped to the side, watching as the small blade lodged into the wooden door. Angelica quickly slipped off her blindfold, seeing one of her friends at the door.

"Ignis, I'm sorry," she said, moving away from the obstacle course. "I almost hit you."

"No need to apologize," he replied. "I'm at fault for intruding. I was going to get in a bit of training, but I had no idea anyone would still be here."

"W-Well, we're done for the night anyway, right, mom?" Valerie nodded. "The training room's all yours, Ignis."

The two quickly tried to leave, but the advisor's voice stopped them, "Just a moment, please. You're not in the Crownsguard - why do you train?"

Valerie quickly explained, "I had my fair share of skills back in the day. I simply want to pass them onto my daughter. Besides, in these times, self-defense training is required for anyone wanting to take care of themselves."

Ignis looked between the two, trying to read their expressions. Valerie's was mostly friendly like it normally was. But Angelica's was neutral, though her eyes gave away hints of fear, from what he could tell. That was unlike her.

"I see," he finally responded. "That is indeed true." He flashed Angelica a faint smile. "Well, I suppose I'll see you both again tomorrow. Have a safe drive."

Angelica smiled lightly, her expression softening. "Thanks. You too."

The two cleaned up, gathered their things, and left. Ignis summoned his lance. His mind wandered as he practiced his attacks and footwork. He always saw Angelica as an antisocial yet hardworking girl, but never a seasoned warrior. Now, it was like he had seen a new side of her - a side he didn't know existed. Her movements were so agile and precise, she had obviously been practicing for years. And for some reason, the whole idea of a friend he thought he knew had piqued his interest. He wanted to know the truth.

The following day, Angelica had scheduled a bit of time with Regis. She required his measurements before she could start on his outfit. She was with him in his room, currently measuring his arm length.

"I am quite fortunate to have such a talented young lady tailoring my clothes," Regis said. "Your skills have really shined through."

The girl smiled, moving in front of the man to measure the length from one shoulder to the other. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm really grateful to have such an important job here. And it helps that I enjoy sewing."

The king smiled kindly. "Tell me, how has Noctis been?"

"Fine. From what I hear, he's doing alright at his job. And I believe Gladiolus had mentioned his improvements in combat."

"Good, good. I don't get to see him as often now that he lives outside the Citadel. But knowing he has friends looking out for him is quite reassuring."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. As long as I'm here, I will keep an eye on Noctis. My loyalty to you both is unyielding, and I will do everything in my power to keep you both safe."

Regis chuckled. "You're sounding more and more like your mother with each passing day." Angelica couldn't help but grin at the thought. After measuring the king's waist and legs, she was finally finished. She put away her notepad and measuring tape. "Angelica."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Before you get started on your work, I have a task for you." She nodded for him to continue. "A man will be arriving here at 3. He's a member of a sort of... rebellion... within the city. He asked to meet with me to talk of negotiations. Apparently, this resistance group kidnapped a small portion of the Crownsguard and will only let them live if I listen to his demands." Angelica was already scowling at the idea. "I've already sent Valerie to rescue the hostages. Your job is to simply bring this man to my throne room and make sure he is disarmed. Tie him if needed, but please refrain from killing him."

The girl's lips turned up in a wicked grin. "As you wish, Your Majesty."

While she wanted nothing more than to slaughter every member of the so called 'rebellion', she would obey her king's command. The task was nothing difficult and she was certain her mother would succeed on her end. But she couldn't wait to see the pathetic man who would dare defy King Regis.

After the stories her mother had always told her about Regis sparing their lives and trusting them despite the attempted assassination, Angelica knew Regis as a merciful, kind, and just ruler. To know that there were people within the Crown City who wanted him dead or off the throne made her sick. But she also knew that their little resistance would soon be quelled, and that they would learn to never underestimate the might of those loyal to the king and trained to kill.