Daybreak:Volume 1 Chapter 10 - Revision history

Aorii at 04:24, 2 January 2022

2022-01-02T04:24:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:24, 2 January 2022
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	Thankfully, Ariadne was also a stickler for personal schedules, and Kaede waved the lady down from her joyride without a hitch.		Thankfully, Ariadne was also a stickler for personal schedules, and Kaede waved the lady down from her joyride without a hitch.

	"Isn't it a bit chilly to be flying today?" Kaede made her pleasantries with the usual cheerfulness while pressing a rune on her arm. She had asked Pascal --privately over telepathy-- to load one set with utility spells instead of defensive enhancements. This first rune sent a telepathic whisper straight to Ariadne's thoughts:		"Isn't it a bit chilly to be flying today?" Kaede made her pleasantries with the usual cheerfulness while pressing a rune on her arm. She had asked Pascal -- privately over telepathy -- to load one set with utility spells instead of defensive enhancements. This first rune sent a telepathic whisper straight to Ariadne's thoughts:

	"<Sorry Ariadne, but I need help. I'm certain I'm being watched. Do you have a spell to guarantee a private conversation? Best if it's as inconspicuous as possible.>"		"<Sorry Ariadne, but I need help. I'm certain I'm being watched. Do you have a spell to guarantee a private conversation? Best if it's as inconspicuous as possible.>"
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	"What is that? Your uniform?" Pascal asked as Kaede took a few steps to jump and spin about in her new clothes.		"What is that? Your uniform?" Pascal asked as Kaede took a few steps to jump and spin about in her new clothes.

	The outfit did indeed have a uniform-like design, with its stiffly-cut shoulders, folded collar, and black tie. It was mostly white, except with several black lines and edges as highlights, as well as a few pink ribbons to match Kaede's eyes. Its colors made for an excellent contrast to Pascal's crimson-on-black uniform. The short skirt and its longer lace petticoat made it easier to move. Meanwhile a pair of short, ~~sheer-~~white tights reached down to tuck under her white, thigh-high stockings, completely covering her legs to ensure that propriety wouldn't be an issue.		The outfit did indeed have a uniform-like design, with its stiffly-cut shoulders, folded collar, and black tie. It was mostly white, except with several black lines and edges as highlights, as well as a few pink ribbons to match Kaede's eyes. Its colors made for an excellent contrast to Pascal's crimson-on-black uniform. The short skirt and its longer lace petticoat made it easier to move. Meanwhile a pair of short, white tights reached down to tuck under her white, thigh-high stockings, completely covering her legs to ensure that propriety wouldn't be an issue.

	Her outfit also came with a pair of calf-high, white leather boots. The shop owner had ~~insisted on medium~~ heels ~~as it made~~ her ~~look taller~~, ~~and Kaede was surprised by how good~~ the ~~wedge heels left~~ her footing.		Her outfit also came with a pair of calf-high, white leather boots. The shop owner had recommended platform wedge heels that gave her almost 10cm of extra height. Kaede had been skeptical at first, but the boot gave her surprisingly good footing while adding to her short height.

	"Yep," Kaede replied with nervous cheer as she read Ariadne's note for the third time:		"Yep," Kaede replied with nervous cheer as she read Ariadne's note for the third time:

Aorii at 01:21, 8 May 2021

2021-05-08T01:21:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 8 May 2021
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	"<Pascal, please sit still and pretend you're reading.>" Kaede asked over the telepathic channel. "<nowiki><I</nowiki> have no clue how they might be watching us, but it's time for me to tell you what is going on.>"		"<Pascal, please sit still and pretend you're reading.>" Kaede asked over the telepathic channel. "<nowiki><I</nowiki> have no clue how they might be watching us, but it's time for me to tell you what is going on.>"

	~~A half~~ hour went by as Kaede explained everything that happened, including the operational plan. True to his word on trusting her, Pascal never looked suspicious or angry. He merely nodded along, and occasionally requested clarification, until her conversation with Ariadne came into the picture:		Half an hour went by as Kaede explained everything that happened, including the operational plan. True to his word on trusting her, Pascal never looked suspicious or angry. He merely nodded along, and occasionally requested clarification, until her conversation with Ariadne came into the picture:

	"<nowiki><I</nowiki> told you that I do not wish to owe Ariadne any-->"		"<nowiki><I</nowiki> told you that I do not wish to owe Ariadne any-->"

Aorii at 01:20, 8 May 2021

2021-05-08T01:20:51Z

Aorii at 17:21, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T17:21:17Z

Show changes

Aorii at 18:06, 14 November 2020

2020-11-14T18:06:48Z

Show changes

Aorii: REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

2020-11-14T16:46:36Z

REDUX STARTS, FULL CLEAR

Show changes

Aorii: P-D edit

2016-02-13T20:15:36Z

P-D edit

Show changes

Aorii at 05:46, 1 December 2015

2015-12-01T05:46:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:46, 1 December 2015
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	"Then they can sandwich the attackers in from behind while Pascal buys time. Meanwhile, since I have to stay on the roof to keep the assassins fooled, I would appreciate some help once the cover blows. After all, I have no desire to get killed in this."		"Then they can sandwich the attackers in from behind while Pascal buys time. Meanwhile, since I have to stay on the roof to keep the assassins fooled, I would appreciate some help once the cover blows. After all, I have no desire to get killed in this."

	"I can work with that plan," Ariadne agreed, her ~~meadow~~-~~green~~ gaze smiling with approval. "If any changes are necessary, I'll pass it back with the reply. Either way, it sounds like I have a busy day ahead, so I will see you later Kaede."		"I can work with that plan," Ariadne agreed, her bright-cyan gaze smiling with approval. "If any changes are necessary, I'll pass it back with the reply. Either way, it sounds like I have a busy day ahead, so I will see you later Kaede."

	With a boot soon in the stirrup, Ariadne mounted her white pegasus in one swift motion. She then waved goodbye before taking off from the dormitory keep roof.		With a boot soon in the stirrup, Ariadne mounted her white pegasus in one swift motion. She then waved goodbye before taking off from the dormitory keep roof.
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	"What's the problem with that?" Parzifal countered. "The treaty was unequal to begin with. Why should we forfeit territory when we were ''winning''? What did von Moltewitz get from Emperor Geoffroi that made him so anxious to sign such a treaty?"		"What's the problem with that?" Parzifal countered. "The treaty was unequal to begin with. Why should we forfeit territory when we were ''winning''? What did von Moltewitz get from Emperor Geoffroi that made him so anxious to sign such a treaty?"

	Reynald raised his eyebrows. Parzifal's statements were all concerns that many others shared; the only 'stain' upon Field Marshal von Moltewitz's exemplary career. But while some in Weichsel suspected betrayal, others saw it as a willingness to give up his newly-minted fiefdom of Nordkreuz for the good of the nation. Sure, his son would become the Prince-Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie, but his successors would bear the name 'de Gaetane' instead of 'von Moltewitz'. For the nobles' game of dynastic political ambitions, it was tantamount to to suicide.		Reynald raised his eyebrows. Parzifal's statements were all concerns that many others shared; the only 'stain' upon Field Marshal von Moltewitz's exemplary career. But while some in Weichsel suspected betrayal, others saw it as a willingness to give up his newly-minted fiefdom of Nordkreuz for the good of the nation. Sure, his son would become the Prince-Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie, but his successors would bear the name 'de Gaetane' instead of 'von Moltewitz'. For the nobles' game of dynastic political ambitions, it was tantamount to suicide.

	''For the glory of Weichsel...''		''For the glory of Weichsel...''
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	With most of the water downed, Pascal's grip slowly let the goblet clang to the floor while he slumped over onto the desk. Even from directly behind him, Kaede thought it was a very convincing performance. Then, as though to confirm his consciousness, his voice continued to resound in her head:		With most of the water downed, Pascal's grip slowly let the goblet clang to the floor while he slumped over onto the desk. Even from directly behind him, Kaede thought it was a very convincing performance. Then, as though to confirm his consciousness, his voice continued to resound in her head:

	"<u>Take the gloves. They have a built-in pocket dimension like the type most mages use. Held within the left is a morphic blade -- consider it a gift from me. It is forged from flexible spring-steel, and its enchantment can transform into any non-mechanical weapon you ~~image~~. However I do not suggest trying to recreate something with a complex material composition like your bow at first.</u>"		"<u>Take the gloves. They have a built-in pocket dimension like the type most mages use. Held within the left is a morphic blade -- consider it a gift from me. It is forged from flexible spring-steel, and its enchantment can transform into any non-mechanical weapon you imagine. However I do not suggest trying to recreate something with a complex material composition like your bow at first.</u>"

	Kaede prodded Pascal twice, as though testing the poison's effects, before she reached over and took the gloves. They were made of soft leather, with a full glove on the left and a three-fingered archery glove for her right.		Kaede prodded Pascal twice, as though testing the poison's effects, before she reached over and took the gloves. They were made of soft leather, with a full glove on the left and a three-fingered archery glove for her right.

Aorii: 2nd full edit

2014-05-03T15:50:18Z

2nd full edit

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 3 May 2014
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	"What is that? Your uniform?" Pascal asked as Kaede took a few steps to jump and spin about in her new clothes.		"What is that? Your uniform?" Pascal asked as Kaede took a few steps to jump and spin about in her new clothes.

	The white outfit did indeed have a uniform-like design, with its stiffly-cut shoulders, folded collar, and black tie. It was mostly white, except for the black lines running near the borders, and pink ribbons at the edges to match Kaede's eyes. It made an excellent contrast to Pascal's crimson-on-black uniform, and the thigh-~~lengthed~~ skirt plus its longer lace petticoat that reached her ~~over-the-knee~~ socks made it far easier to move in, not to mention the black calf-high boots.		The white outfit did indeed have a uniform-like design, with its stiffly-cut shoulders, folded collar, and black tie. It was mostly white, except for the black lines running near the borders, and pink ribbons at the edges to match Kaede's eyes. It made an excellent contrast to Pascal's crimson-on-black uniform, and the thigh-length skirt plus its longer lace petticoat that reached over her thighhigh socks made it far easier to move in, not to mention the black calf-high boots.

	"Yep," Kaede replied with a nervous cheer as she read Ariadne's note for the third time:		"Yep," Kaede replied with a nervous cheer as she read Ariadne's note for the third time:
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	The last half-hour before dusk passed away in an instant, and Kaede soon stood on the northwest corner of dormitory keep's roof just as she was told.		The last half-hour before dusk passed away in an instant, and Kaede soon stood on the northwest corner of dormitory keep's roof just as she was told.

	"Alea iacta est..." she repeated ~~the~~ famous words from memory.		"Alea iacta est..." she repeated Caesar's famous words from memory.

	Bathed in the orange light of the setting sun, Kaede drew a deep breath before raising her right hand into the air as the agreed signal.		Bathed in the orange light of the setting sun, Kaede drew a deep breath before raising her right hand into the air as the agreed signal.

Aorii: accentuation overdose fix

2014-01-27T00:42:00Z

accentuation overdose fix

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 8 May 2021
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	"Marina, I take it?" Ariadne chuckled at Kaede's surprise. "Easy to figure that one out. She's the maid responsible for cleaning the older boys' dorms, and that's where your prick of a master resides as well." Then more sternly: "I'm surprised you didn't just report her. I'm also surprised that Pascal didn't jump to the same conclusion."		"Marina, I take it?" Ariadne chuckled at Kaede's surprise. "Easy to figure that one out. She's the maid responsible for cleaning the older boys' dorms, and that's where your prick of a master resides as well." Then more sternly: "I'm surprised you didn't just report her. I'm also surprised that Pascal didn't jump to the same conclusion."

	"If I reported, her group would just disperse into hiding before they could be caught. That would merely delay them for a few weeks before they try again." Kaede countered, her eyes hard with determination. "I want to drag them out into the open and clean the entire mess in one sweep. As for Pascal," she shrugged, "I might have given him the impression that my fatigue was to blame."		"If I reported it, her group would just disperse into hiding before they could be caught. That would merely delay them for a few weeks before they try again." Kaede countered, her eyes hard with determination. "I want to drag them out into the open and clean the entire mess in one sweep. As for Pascal," she shrugged, "I might have given him the impression that my fatigue was to blame."

	"You don't think this is way over your head? Assuming you weren't a spy or something before the summoning?"		"You don't think this is way over your head? Assuming you weren't a spy or something before the summoning?"
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	"But if he fails and dies, it would put the alliance between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie in jeopardy," Ariadne raised the political card as her worried eyes kept their focus on her beloved.		"But if he fails and dies, it would put the alliance between Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie in jeopardy," Ariadne raised the political card as her worried eyes kept their focus on her beloved.

	"Would that really be a problem?" Perceval countered. "The treaty was controversial to begin with. Most Lotharins believe that Geoffroi should not have broken tradition, that the future ~~Emperess~~ should marry a noble from one of the four kingdoms, instead of an outsider that would no doubt influence the throne towards their home country. Meanwhile from what I hear, many Weichsens claim the treaty was 'unequal', that they should not give us part of Nordkreuz when they had been winning at the time."		"Would that really be a problem?" Perceval countered. "The treaty was controversial to begin with. Most Lotharins believe that Geoffroi should not have broken tradition, that the future empress should marry a noble from one of the four kingdoms, instead of an outsider that would no doubt influence the throne towards their home country. Meanwhile from what I hear, many Weichsens claim the treaty was 'unequal', that they should not give us part of Nordkreuz when they had been winning at the time."

	"Aria," he then turned towards his beloved. "Didn't you tell me even your uncle, the head of House Manteuffel, was against it as well?"		"Aria," he then turned towards his beloved. "Didn't you tell me even your uncle, the head of House Manteuffel, was against it as well?"
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	"Brother. Stop. I'm sorry to say this, but you're spouting nonsense now."		"Brother. Stop. I'm sorry to say this, but you're spouting nonsense now."

	Unfortunately, Perceval was also as stubborn as a mule and held onto grudges with a memory better than elephants:		Unfortunately, Perceval was also as stubborn as a mule and held onto grudges with a memory better than elephants.

	"Reynaud, I know you admire the Marshal a great deal, but you can't--"		"Reynaud, I know you admire the Marshal a great deal, but you can't--"
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	Reynaud gestured towards Ariadne with an open hand. What she needed now was precisely the approval of her original idea from others. That way she could snap out of the moment of weakness that Perceval had dragged her into.		Reynaud gestured towards Ariadne with an open hand. What she needed now was precisely the approval of her original idea from others. That way she could snap out of the moment of weakness that Perceval had dragged her into.

	"I agree with Ariadne's suggestion. In fact, I believe she's absolutely ~~freaking~~ right! This is above personal relationships we have with Pascal or his father. ALL of them. It is a matter of ''state'', and we have the perfect opportunity to take care of it."		"I agree with Ariadne's suggestion. In fact, I believe she's absolutely right! This is above personal relationships we have with Pascal or his father. ALL of them. It is a matter of ''state'', and we have the perfect opportunity to take care of it."

	"But we're still students. Something like this should be left...!"		"But we're still students. Something like this should be left...!"
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	"<Pascal, please sit still and pretend you're reading.>" Kaede asked over the telepathic channel. "<nowiki><I</nowiki> have no clue how they might be watching us, but it's time for me to tell you what is going on.>"		"<Pascal, please sit still and pretend you're reading.>" Kaede asked over the telepathic channel. "<nowiki><I</nowiki> have no clue how they might be watching us, but it's time for me to tell you what is going on.>"

	An hour went by as Kaede explained everything that happened, including the operational plan. True to his word on trusting her, Pascal never looked suspicious or angry. He merely nodded along, and occasionally requested clarification, until her conversation with Ariadne came into the picture:		A half hour went by as Kaede explained everything that happened, including the operational plan. True to his word on trusting her, Pascal never looked suspicious or angry. He merely nodded along, and occasionally requested clarification, until her conversation with Ariadne came into the picture:

	"<nowiki><I</nowiki> told you that I do not wish to owe Ariadne any-->"		"<nowiki><I</nowiki> told you that I do not wish to owe Ariadne any-->"

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:42, 27 January 2014
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	"So," Ariadne stood eagerly with her hands propped at her waist. "What do you need help with? Need to give that self-centered prick a longer lasting lesson?"		"So," Ariadne stood eagerly with her hands propped at her waist. "What do you need help with? Need to give that self-centered prick a longer lasting lesson?"

	''Pascal must have been ''a lot'' worse two years ago to make her like this,'' Kaede almost shuddered.		''Pascal must have been a lot worse two years ago to make her like this,'' Kaede almost shuddered.

	"Actually, the opposite. I need help because someone is attempting on Pascal's life, for ''political gains'' as a matter of ''national security''."		"Actually, the opposite. I need help because someone is attempting on Pascal's life, for ''political gains'' as a matter of ''national security''."
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	"You don't think this is way over your head? Assuming you're not a spy or something before the summoning?"		"You don't think this is way over your head? Assuming you're not a spy or something before the summoning?"

	"Nothing of the like," Kaede waved it off. "I was an ordinary student. But I'm not one to think anything is ''completely'' above me. History is altered not just by grand sweeping plans, but by all the little individual actions that made it possible."		"Nothing of the like," Kaede waved it off. "I was an ordinary student. But I'm not one to think anything is completely above me. History is altered not just by grand sweeping plans, but by all the little individual actions that made it possible."

	Ariadne nodded with her usual smile: "you sound like my friend Gerd. Go on."		Ariadne nodded with her usual smile: "you sound like my friend Gerd. Go on."
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	"I'm also not stupid enough to tackle this alone, which is why I need your help. These people are trained killers; I know barely enough to defend myself. But this academy is full of aspiring knights and commanders, including you and your friends." Kaede took a deep breath as she opened her argument: "I realize you have no reason to help Pascal in anything, and neither does he deserve it. But you are also nobles who value ''duty'' to your country enough to serve it as your career. I have faith in you all to pick the greater good over personal grudges -- however deserving they may be -- so I see no reason why we cannot do this."		"I'm also not stupid enough to tackle this alone, which is why I need your help. These people are trained killers; I know barely enough to defend myself. But this academy is full of aspiring knights and commanders, including you and your friends." Kaede took a deep breath as she opened her argument: "I realize you have no reason to help Pascal in anything, and neither does he deserve it. But you are also nobles who value ''duty'' to your country enough to serve it as your career. I have faith in you all to pick the greater good over personal grudges -- however deserving they may be -- so I see no reason why we cannot do this."

	It was immediately apparent that Kaede at least partially succeeded, as Ariadne ~~touched~~ her cheek ~~with one finger~~ in seriously consideration over the proposal.		It was immediately apparent that Kaede at least partially succeeded, as Ariadne pressed one finger into her cheek in seriously consideration over the proposal.

	"I'm surprised you waited until today to ask me. If father hadn't received a last minute dispatch, I'd be gone for the holiday weekend by now."		"I'm surprised you waited until today to ask me. If father hadn't received a last minute dispatch, I'd be gone for the holiday weekend by now."
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	"We're not in that kind of relationship. In fact, that would be outright impossible for me even if he sought it..."		"We're not in that kind of relationship. In fact, that would be outright impossible for me even if he sought it..."

	Somehow, the mere thought of telling Ariadne about her gender mixup just felt...''wrong''.		Somehow, the mere thought of telling Ariadne about her gender mixup just felt... wrong.

	"--Anyway, I simply thought they were trying to provoke Pascal's father, the Field Marshal, into some kind of rash response in an upcoming incident. Wouldn't be the first time wars started prematurely from an angry family member."		"--Anyway, I simply thought they were trying to provoke Pascal's father, the Field Marshal, into some kind of rash response in an upcoming incident. Wouldn't be the first time wars started prematurely from an angry family member."
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	Ariadne nodded in agreement: "Part of the reason Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie set aside their differences to form this alliance was because of an enraged Emperor who lost two sons to Imperial assassins, but that's a whole different story."		Ariadne nodded in agreement: "Part of the reason Weichsel and Rhin-Lotharingie set aside their differences to form this alliance was because of an enraged Emperor who lost two sons to Imperial assassins, but that's a whole different story."

	Even though Rhin-Lotharingie was also an Empire, the Hyperien word for 'Imperial' was reserved for Weichsel's southern foe -- the Holy Imperium of the Inner Sea and its ''Holy'' Emperor.		Even though Rhin-Lotharingie was also an Empire, the Hyperien word for 'Imperial' was reserved for Weichsel's southern foe -- the Holy Imperium of the Inner Sea and its 'Holy' Emperor.

	"So assuming everything on my side works out, what's your plan of action?"		"So assuming everything on my side works out, what's your plan of action?"
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	''He definitely likes her.''		''He definitely likes her.''

	Kaede smiled. It was hard to tell whether or not Pascal actually ''loves'' his fiancée, which would be exceptionally rare in the political marriage custom. But it was obvious that he respected, valued, and even trusted her -- all of which were far more important than love in any union among feudal aristocrats, let alone future heads of state.		Kaede smiled. It was hard to tell whether or not Pascal actually loves his fiancée, which would be exceptionally rare in the political marriage custom. But it was obvious that he respected, valued, and even trusted her -- all of which were far more important than love in any union among feudal aristocrats, let alone future heads of state.

	She also felt an odd sense of relief, since Pascal truly liking another girl greatly reduced any chances of something awkward happening between the two of them.		She also felt an odd sense of relief, since Pascal truly liking another girl greatly reduced any chances of something awkward happening between the two of them.
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	It was against all propriety for a lady to invite multiple men into her room, but this was also the only way she could guarantee their privacy. Unlike Parzifal, who wasn't good at any magic except bio-alchemy, and Reynald, who simply didn't care, Ariadne actually maintained periodic sweeps of her room.		It was against all propriety for a lady to invite multiple men into her room, but this was also the only way she could guarantee their privacy. Unlike Parzifal, who wasn't good at any magic except bio-alchemy, and Reynald, who simply didn't care, Ariadne actually maintained periodic sweeps of her room.

	Reynald knew that as a proper noble, he was ''supposed'' to keep a healthy dose of paranoia. But that assumed he gave a single care about being a 'proper noble' in the first place.		Reynald knew that as a proper noble, he was supposed to keep a healthy dose of paranoia. But that assumed he gave a single care about being a 'proper noble' in the first place.

	He also sat backwards in a chair with his legs wide open; hardly the most appropriate when facing a lady.		He also sat backwards in a chair with his legs wide open; hardly the most appropriate when facing a lady.
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	"What's the problem with that?" Parzifal countered. "The treaty was unequal to begin with. Why should we forfeit territory when we were ''winning''? What did von Moltewitz get from Emperor Geoffroi that made him so anxious to sign such a treaty?"		"What's the problem with that?" Parzifal countered. "The treaty was unequal to begin with. Why should we forfeit territory when we were ''winning''? What did von Moltewitz get from Emperor Geoffroi that made him so anxious to sign such a treaty?"

	Reynald raised his eyebrows. Parzifal's statements were all concerns that many others shared; the only 'stain' upon Field Marshal von Moltewitz's exemplary career. But while some in Weichsel suspected betrayal, others saw it as a willingness to give up his newly-minted fiefdom of Nordkreuz for the good of the nation. Sure, his son would become the Prince-Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie, but his successors would bear the name ''de Gaetane'' instead of ''von Moltewitz''. For the nobles' game of dynastic political ambitions, it was tantamount to to suicide.		Reynald raised his eyebrows. Parzifal's statements were all concerns that many others shared; the only 'stain' upon Field Marshal von Moltewitz's exemplary career. But while some in Weichsel suspected betrayal, others saw it as a willingness to give up his newly-minted fiefdom of Nordkreuz for the good of the nation. Sure, his son would become the Prince-Consort of Rhin-Lotharingie, but his successors would bear the name 'de Gaetane' instead of 'von Moltewitz'. For the nobles' game of dynastic political ambitions, it was tantamount to to suicide.

	''For the glory of Weichsel...''		''For the glory of Weichsel...''
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	"Cut all that bullshit from the Marshal's enemies already and look at things from perspective. Do you seriously think a man who spends ninety percent of his time in army camps, who barely goes back home ever since his wife died fifteen years ago, who used his only son as a bartering tool in diplomacy, would honestly sell Weichsel to the Lotharins? Outside of Weichsel, does that man even have a life left!?"		"Cut all that bullshit from the Marshal's enemies already and look at things from perspective. Do you seriously think a man who spends ninety percent of his time in army camps, who barely goes back home ever since his wife died fifteen years ago, who used his only son as a bartering tool in diplomacy, would honestly sell Weichsel to the Lotharins? Outside of Weichsel, does that man even have a life left!?"

	"I'm standing up for the Marshal not because he was some stupid immature fantasy, but because in matters of ''military'' affairs of ''state'', the man is almost always right. Bloody-minded, merciless, and even inhumane? Yes; my own family history proves it. But a natural genius in the art of war who proved his loyalty to Weichsel many times over? Also yes."		"I'm standing up for the Marshal not because he was some stupid immature fantasy, but because in matters of military affairs of state, the man is almost always right. Bloody-minded, merciless, and even inhumane? Yes; my own family history proves it. But a natural genius in the art of war who proved his loyalty to Weichsel many times over? Also yes."

	Reynald look back at Ariadne and nodded. What she needed now was precisely the approval of her original idea from others so that she could snap out of the moment of idiocy that Parzifal had dragged her into.		Reynald look back at Ariadne and nodded. What she needed now was precisely the approval of her original idea from others so that she could snap out of the moment of idiocy that Parzifal had dragged her into.
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	"But... but..."		"But... but..."

	One of the best aspects about Parzifal was that he never gave up easily. Reynald learned that when Parzifal spent ''weeks'' showing kindness to a younger and more cynical version of himself. Unfortunately, this also tended to be the case when Parzifal was ''wrong''.		One of the best aspects about Parzifal was that he never gave up easily. Reynald learned that when Parzifal spent weeks showing kindness to a younger and more cynical version of himself. Unfortunately, this also tended to be the case when Parzifal was ''wrong''.

	"Think of it this way, brother. If we lose this alliance with Rhin-Lotharingie, and the Holy Imperium takes this as an opportunity to stick a vengeful sword back into us... how many people do you think are gonna get killed? Are you really sure you're willing to take that chance?"		"Think of it this way, brother. If we lose this alliance with Rhin-Lotharingie, and the Holy Imperium takes this as an opportunity to stick a vengeful sword back into us... how many people do you think are gonna get killed? Are you really sure you're willing to take that chance?"