A Man Of No Consequence (Ardyn x Reader)

A Gentleman's Agreement

"I know, that's what I'm nervous about," you let out a deep sigh as you stroll across the parking lot.

"You'll do great," he smiles at you, placing his hand on your shoulder and giving it a little squeeze. "There must be a reason why they called you."

Nyx sees you to the briefing room, with it's large windows overseeing the courtyard used for training. Looking down, you're reminded of the painfully embarrassing physical exams that were the tryouts. You always thought you were relatively strong and with good physique, yet climbing ropes and jumping up walls proved to be a bit too much to handle, for you, and for several others. Only the best of the best would make it to the glaive anymore, it seemed, since people around Lucis had caught wind of the opportunities within the Citadel.

"You're here. Perfect."

Turning around, you see a tall man with a rugged face enter the room, dressed in a mauve leather army garb. Nyx straightens himself, nodding.

"Captain."

"Thank you Ulrich. You can wait outside."

"Sir." Nyx turns to give you a quick little wink, and exits the room, pulling the double doors closed as he goes. You turn to Titus Drautos, the Captain of the Kingsglaive. Putting on a friendly smile, you give a little bow.

I am so out of my element here. What am I doing...

The Captain scans you, from top to toe and back again, and a little smirk spreads across his lips.

"At ease."

At ease? You have no idea how you're supposed to react to 'at ease', so you give an understanding nod. He lets out a little amused grunt.

"Ulrich tells me you're into photography?"

"Yes sir. I love to take pictures," you respond enthusiastically, not knowing what to do with your hands. The room has one low table, but no chairs, nothing to sit on, and you feel awkward being interviewed standing up. Wanting to appear relaxed, you lean on your right leg, putting your hand on your hip, but immediately feeling like you look stupid, assume a straight-backed stance and bring your hands together in front of you. The Captain seems mildly amused, but doesn't comment on your clumsy shifting.

"And you have your own camera?"

"Yes sir, and three lenses."

"Very nice."

He approaches the table, leaning back on it and crossing his arms.

"You were in the tryouts recently..."

"Yes," you nod. Oh dear, here we go.

"I remember. Why did you decide to apply for the Kingsglaive?"

"I..." you panic, not having anticipated a question like that. You can't exactly say you're here for the money, or the huge fascination you've had since childhood with forbidden magic, that only the King and his glaives can use.

"I was looking for a way to do something good for my country," you respond, quite convincingly. "I know Nyx... Ulrich, and he recommended it to me."

"Very well. Did he tell you about the physical requirements for the job?"

"Yes, he did... I thought, I mean I hoped, that perhaps I could be of use as a mage..."

"No need to explain yourself," he interrupts. "For the job I am offering, you are perfect."

You hear yourself swallow loudly. "I... I am?"

"It's an undercover job. You need to look right and blend in. I don't know if you've followed the news recently, but the Empire has offered Lucis a peace treaty, that the King is likely to accept."

"I have," you admit. Hell, everyone is talking about it, everywhere, all the time.