As Bardronel's hostility spread, the expressions of those following him grew grim, though those guarding me only looked resigned rather than surprised.

<It's not like this is the first time you've done this. You’d think they'd be used to it by now.>
"...I don’t do it because I want to, you know."
<Did anyone say you did? I’m just stating the facts.>

While I bickered with my mentor, Benedict bowed to Bardronel.

"Apologies. My daughter has an unusually... distinctive nature."
"...Just as the rumors say."

Though he sent clear hostility my way, Bardronel couldn’t bring himself to …