Daybreak:Volume 1 Chapter 3 - Revision history

Aorii at 01:55, 19 March 2025

2025-03-19T01:55:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:55, 19 March 2025
Line 115:		Line 115:
	"<You can use this also. Just concentrate.>"		"<You can use this also. Just concentrate.>"

	Kaede closed her eyes and ~~imaged~~ a microphone: "<You're an idiot.>"		Kaede closed her eyes and imagined a microphone: "<You're an idiot.>"

	"And so are you, if you do not see the value in such a reliable form of private communications."		"And so are you, if you do not see the value in such a reliable form of private communications."
Line 483:		Line 483:
	''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' the girl thought.		''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' the girl thought.

	It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.		It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages -- no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were -- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.

	''Maybe he might at least treat me better, not to mention help me get back, if he simply acknowledged how badly he screwed up my life.''		''Maybe he might at least treat me better, not to mention help me get back, if he simply acknowledged how badly he screwed up my life.''

Aorii at 01:29, 31 December 2021

2021-12-31T01:29:42Z

Aorii at 13:16, 26 June 2021

2021-06-26T13:16:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:16, 26 June 2021
Line 55:		Line 55:
	The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.		The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.

	Ever since she learned it years ago, Kaede had relied on meditation to help regulate her thoughts, her 'mental hygiene' as many called it. Yet now, it wasn't working. She couldn't enter the mindset, couldn't detach herself from her negative ~~thoughts~~. She tried to actively focus on her movements or using the 'box breathing' technique. However ~~none~~ of the usual methods ~~worked~~, as her maelstrom of concern and anxiety would not abate and would not let go.		Ever since she learned it years ago, Kaede had relied on meditation to help regulate her thoughts, her 'mental hygiene' as many called it. Yet now, it wasn't working. She couldn't enter the mindset, couldn't detach herself from her negative emotions. She tried to actively focus on her movements or using the 'box breathing' technique. However that only served to remind her that this body wasn't the same as before. None of the usual methods were working, as her maelstrom of concern and anxiety would not abate and would not let go.

	Then, as an eighth arrow skidded off the ground, Kaede almost threw the bow down to the ground in frustration. Her small hands clenched into fists as she struggled to keep a grip on her emotional state. And that was when she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.		Then, as an eighth arrow skidded off the ground, Kaede almost threw the bow down to the ground in frustration. Her small hands clenched into fists as she struggled to keep a grip on her emotional state. And that was when she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.
Line 229:		Line 229:
	She didn't know what the penalty was for assaulting a noble. If Earth history was any indication, they would surely lock her up for this?		She didn't know what the penalty was for assaulting a noble. If Earth history was any indication, they would surely lock her up for this?

	~~Kaede lost any sense~~ of ~~time as she sat there~~, ~~dreading what would happen to her. However her stomach eventually broke~~ the ~~silence~~ with ~~a growl~~ of ~~anger~~.		Pascal was the son of a high noble and an important official of the state too. Even if he didn't, his father definitely owned at least one castle, and the dungeons that came with it, and the thumbscrews and branding irons and all those other instruments of torture inside that could only be described as 'medieval'.

	~~"No meals for you today~~," Pascal ~~answered~~, ~~more irritated than angry, before glancing at Kaede and eyeing~~ her ~~cross-legged sitting posture~~. ~~"And can't you sit more like~~ a ~~lady?"~~		And even if that wasn't the case, even if Pascal simply kicked her out over this, it would still be awful for her immediate prospects. Kaede had no money, no property, not even a trade that could be practiced in this completely foreign world. With the arrival of winter just around the corner...

	~~As he was still heavily bruised, Kaede satisfied herself by shooting back~~ a ~~glare instead. Nevertheless her anger faded away quickly this time, replaced by an overflowing sense of relief.~~		''I'll freeze or starve to death as a homeless girl!''

	~~Sure~~, ~~starving through the day would just increase~~ her ~~misery~~. ~~But as much as Kaede hated the thought,~~ she didn't ~~want to~~ be ~~charged with a crime or worse~~, '~~disowned'.~~		Plus, even if Kaede could find shelter, what then? She was a girl now, and one of weak build at that. Even on ''modern Earth'' there were plenty of people who preyed on girls like her. If she didn't be careful, she'd find herself being trafficked and sold off to a brothel!

	Kaede ~~had no money, no property, not even a trade that could be practiced in this completely foreign world. With the arrival~~ of ~~winter just around the corner --~~ she would ~~likely starve or freeze~~ to ~~death as~~ a ~~homeless girl!~~		Kaede lost any sense of time as she sat there, dreading what would happen to her. However her stomach eventually broke the silence with a growl of anger.

	~~And even if Kaede could find shelter~~, ~~what then? She was a girl now~~, and ~~one of weak build at that. Even ''modern Earth'' had plenty of people who preyed on girls like~~ her. ~~If she didn~~'t ~~be careful, she'd find herself being trafficked and sold off to~~ a ~~brothel!~~		"No meals for you today," Pascal answered, more irritated than angry, before glancing at Kaede and eyeing her cross-legged sitting posture. "And can't you sit more like a lady?"

	~~Lastly~~, ~~Pascal was the son of~~ a ~~high noble and~~ an ~~important official~~ of the ~~state~~. ~~Even if he~~ didn't~~, his father definitely owned at least one castle, and the dungeons that came~~ with ~~it, and the thumbscrews and branding irons and all those other instruments of torture inside that could only be described as 'medieval'~~.		As he was still heavily bruised, Kaede satisfied herself by shooting back a glare instead. Nevertheless her anger faded away quickly this time, replaced by an overflowing sense of relief. Sure, starving through the day would just increase her misery. But as much as Kaede hated the thought, she didn't want to be charged with a crime or abandoned to starve outside.

	''I ~~cannot~~ afford to get in any more trouble than this,'' Kaede reprimanded herself.		''I really can't afford to get in any more trouble than this,'' Kaede reprimanded herself.

	Engulfed by their own problems, neither of them noticed the pristine white pegasus that had been flying around the castle perimeter for the past hour, nor the beautiful rider who sat upon it.		Engulfed by their own problems, neither of them noticed the pristine white pegasus that had been flying around the castle perimeter for the past hour, nor the beautiful rider who sat upon it.
Line 481:		Line 481:
	Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.		Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.

	''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' the ~~Samaran~~ girl thought.		''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' the girl thought.

	It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.		It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.

Aorii at 14:22, 24 June 2021

2021-06-24T14:22:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:22, 24 June 2021
Line 39:		Line 39:
	Her fingers loosened. However her arrow's flight was pitiful. It didn't even make it halfway to the target.		Her fingers loosened. However her arrow's flight was pitiful. It didn't even make it halfway to the target.

	''Again'', her thoughts rang out, struggling to suppress her rising disappointment alongside waves of other anxieties. She tried to clear her mind once more, to ~~think of nothing apart from her shooting, to enter~~ the familiar trance ~~of meditation~~ as she had done so many times before.		''Again'', her thoughts rang out, struggling to suppress her rising disappointment alongside waves of other anxieties. She tried to clear her mind once more, to allow the familiar motions to draw her into a meditative trance, just as she had done so many times before.

	But it was easier said than done.		But it was easier said than done.
Line 55:		Line 55:
	The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.		The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.

	Ever since she learned it years ago, Kaede had relied on meditation to help regulate her thoughts, her 'mental hygiene' as many called it. Yet now, it wasn't working. She couldn't enter the mindset, couldn't detach herself from her negative ~~emotions~~. She tried to focus on her ~~motions~~ or using the 'box breathing' technique. However none of the usual methods worked, as her maelstrom of concern and anxiety would not abate and would not let go.		Ever since she learned it years ago, Kaede had relied on meditation to help regulate her thoughts, her 'mental hygiene' as many called it. Yet now, it wasn't working. She couldn't enter the mindset, couldn't detach herself from her negative thoughts. She tried to actively focus on her movements or using the 'box breathing' technique. However none of the usual methods worked, as her maelstrom of concern and anxiety would not abate and would not let go.

	Then, as an eighth arrow skidded off the ground, Kaede almost threw the bow down to the ground in frustration. Her small hands clenched into fists as she struggled to keep a grip on her emotional state. And that was when she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.		Then, as an eighth arrow skidded off the ground, Kaede almost threw the bow down to the ground in frustration. Her small hands clenched into fists as she struggled to keep a grip on her emotional state. And that was when she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.
Line 219:		Line 219:
	Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.		Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.

	Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. After all, even professional crisis negotiators, who dealt with hostage-taking terrorists --the least reasonable people possible-- still found that showing empathy and sincerity results in a five times higher rate of success as the application of brute force. Diplomacy was almost always the best option, ~~and~~ violence was the ~~worst~~.		Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. After all, even professional crisis negotiators, who dealt with hostage-taking terrorists --the least reasonable people possible-- still found that showing empathy and sincerity results in a ''five times'' higher rate of success as the application of brute force. Diplomacy was almost always the best option, while violence was the last resort of the incompetent.

	Yet, what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.		Yet, what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.

Aorii at 21:40, 23 June 2021

2021-06-23T21:40:37Z

Aorii at 15:10, 20 June 2021

2021-06-20T15:10:17Z

Aorii at 00:26, 20 June 2021

2021-06-20T00:26:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:26, 20 June 2021
Line 295:		Line 295:
	It was difficult to claim that she was a young man when she didn't look anything like one.		It was difficult to claim that she was a young man when she didn't look anything like one.

	"You are a girl now, and an adorably cute girl at that," Pascal insisted as humor returned to dance in his eyes. "Therefore you ought to dress like one. And this garment is perfectly respectable for female propriety."		"You are a girl now, and an adorably cute girl at that," Pascal insisted as humor returned to dance in his eyes. "Therefore you ought to dress like one according to societal standards. And this garment is perfectly respectable for female propriety."

	"Then can't you give me something at least a little less... ''frilly''?" Kaede retorted as she stared at the dress in her hands with apprehension.		"Then can't you give me something at least a little less... ''frilly''?" Kaede retorted as she stared at the dress in her hands with apprehension.
Line 479:		Line 479:
	Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.		Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.

	''~~Maybe~~ he's not ~~the worst person to get dragged into this whole mess by...~~'' ~~She looked for the silver lining in the situation she found herself in~~.		''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' Kaede thought.

	It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' ~~half-decency~~. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.		It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.

			''Maybe he might at least treat me better, not to mention help me get back, if he simply acknowledged how badly he screwed up my life.''

	"You know..." Kaede advised, partly in sincerity and partly because she wanted one herself: "While it's not always enough, it's never too late to apologize."		"You know..." Kaede advised, partly in sincerity and partly because she wanted one herself: "While it's not always enough, it's never too late to apologize."

Aorii at 18:28, 1 June 2021

2021-06-01T18:28:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:28, 1 June 2021
Line 479:		Line 479:
	Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.		Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.

	''Maybe he's not the worst person to get dragged into this whole mess by...''		''Maybe he's not the worst person to get dragged into this whole mess by...'' She looked for the silver lining in the situation she found herself in.

	It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' half-decency. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.		It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' half-decency. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.

Aorii at 23:31, 31 May 2021

2021-05-31T23:31:06Z

Show changes

Aorii at 16:01, 31 May 2021

2021-05-31T16:01:38Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:29, 31 December 2021
Line 95:		Line 95:
	Sighing, Kaede decided to let the matter go, for now.		Sighing, Kaede decided to let the matter go, for now.

	"As I was saying, a familiar also serves as an eldritch proxy for the master. The arcane conduit between us allows me to cast spells on you, as well as through you, as long as you are within a kilopace of me, give or take depending on the ether saturation of the region. Being supplied by my mana also grants you some of the basic resistance mages have against foreign mana --so any alchemy or enchantment, spells that shape either the physical or the mind-- as long as they do not come from me."		"As I was saying, a familiar also serves as an eldritch proxy for the master. The arcane conduit between us allows me to cast spells on you, as well as through you, as long as you are within a kilopace of me, give or take depending on the ether saturation of the region. Being supplied by my mana also grants you some of the basic resistance mages have against foreign mana -- so any alchemy or enchantment, spells that shape either the physical or the mind -- as long as they do not come from me."

	"Terrific, so I'm a water hose now," her response was deadpan. Then more seriously: "Does that at least mean I can learn to cast spells using your ether... mana... whatever?"		"Terrific, so I'm a water hose now," her response was deadpan. Then more seriously: "Does that at least mean I can learn to cast spells using your ether... mana... whatever?"
Line 219:		Line 219:
	Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.		Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.

	Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. After all, even professional crisis negotiators, who dealt with hostage-taking terrorists --the least reasonable people possible-- still found that showing empathy and sincerity results in a ''five times'' higher rate of success as the application of brute force. Diplomacy was almost always the best option, while violence was the last resort of the incompetent.		Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. After all, even professional crisis negotiators, who dealt with hostage-taking terrorists -- the least reasonable people possible -- still found that showing empathy and sincerity results in a ''five times'' higher rate of success as the application of brute force. Diplomacy was almost always the best option, while violence was the last resort of the incompetent.

	Yet, what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.		Yet, what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.
Line 235:		Line 235:
	''I'll freeze or starve to death as a homeless girl!''		''I'll freeze or starve to death as a homeless girl!''

	Plus, even if Kaede could find shelter, what then? She was a girl now, and one of weak build at that. Even on ''modern Earth'' there were plenty of people who preyed on girls like her. If she ~~didn~~'t be careful, she'd find herself being trafficked and sold off to a brothel!		Plus, even if Kaede could find shelter, what then? She was a girl now, and one of weak build at that. Even on ''modern Earth'' there were plenty of people who preyed on girls like her. If she wasn't careful, she'd find herself being trafficked and sold off to a brothel!

	Kaede lost any sense of time as she sat there, dreading what would happen to her. However her stomach eventually broke the silence with a growl of anger.		Kaede lost any sense of time as she sat there, dreading what would happen to her. However her stomach eventually broke the silence with a growl of anger.
Line 419:		Line 419:
	Ariadne turned back around and strode off, while the hall seemed to burst back into chatter. As the lady crossed paths with the maid returning to deliver Pascal's meal, she also gave the petite girl a smiling nod as she went along.		Ariadne turned back around and strode off, while the hall seemed to burst back into chatter. As the lady crossed paths with the maid returning to deliver Pascal's meal, she also gave the petite girl a smiling nod as she went along.

	Pascal however, didn't even acknowledge the maid as she served him his food. Feeling improper, Kaede told ~~the~~ the girl "thank you, miss", and received a surprised, almost gaping nod in return.		Pascal however, didn't even acknowledge the maid as she served him his food. Feeling improper, Kaede told the girl "thank you, miss", and received a surprised, almost gaping nod in return.

	As Kaede bit into a sumptuous slice of pork, she decided to prod Pascal's moodiness a bit to annoy him. She might have gone a little overboard back on the roof. But that didn't mean there wasn't other ways to get back at him.		As Kaede bit into a sumptuous slice of pork, she decided to prod Pascal's moodiness a bit to annoy him. She might have gone a little overboard back on the roof. But that didn't mean there wasn't other ways to get back at him.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 23 June 2021
Line 39:		Line 39:
	Her fingers loosened. However her arrow's flight was pitiful. It didn't even make it halfway to the target.		Her fingers loosened. However her arrow's flight was pitiful. It didn't even make it halfway to the target.

	''Again'', her thoughts rang out, struggling to suppress her rising disappointment alongside waves of other anxieties.		''Again'', her thoughts rang out, struggling to suppress her rising disappointment alongside waves of other anxieties. She tried to clear her mind once more, to think of nothing apart from her shooting, to enter the familiar trance of meditation as she had done so many times before.

	But it was easier said than done.		But it was easier said than done.
Line 45:		Line 45:
	''Will I ever see my friends and family again?''		''Will I ever see my friends and family again?''

	~~Her~~ third shot skidded off the floor with resounding denial.		The third shot skidded off the floor with resounding denial.

	''What about college? After working so hard and finally getting accepted to the University of Tokyo.''		''What about college? After working so hard and finally getting accepted to the University of Tokyo.''
Line 55:		Line 55:
	The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.		The seventh proved to be her worst, as it plunged to the ground almost immediately after leaving her fingers.

	By the ~~time she entered~~ the ~~firing stance for~~ her eighth arrow, she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.		Ever since she learned it years ago, Kaede had relied on meditation to help regulate her thoughts, her 'mental hygiene' as many called it. Yet now, it wasn't working. She couldn't enter the mindset, couldn't detach herself from her negative emotions. She tried to focus on her motions or using the 'box breathing' technique. However none of the usual methods worked, as her maelstrom of concern and anxiety would not abate and would not let go.

			Then, as an eighth arrow skidded off the ground, Kaede almost threw the bow down to the ground in frustration. Her small hands clenched into fists as she struggled to keep a grip on her emotional state. And that was when she heard the sound of soft footsteps approaching from behind.

	"How did you know I was here?" Kaede asked in her wispy voice.		"How did you know I was here?" Kaede asked in her wispy voice.
Line 67:		Line 69:
	"Well, shared sensory perception for starters," he began. "I can tap your senses -- visual, audio, and empathic. Then there is the..."		"Well, shared sensory perception for starters," he began. "I can tap your senses -- visual, audio, and empathic. Then there is the..."

	"Wait," Kaede finally ~~pulled out of her stance and~~ turned to face him. "You can ''feel'' my emotions!?"		"Wait," Kaede finally turned to face him. "You can ''feel'' my emotions!?"

	"Not yet. That one is a passive link. It takes longer to connect."		"Not yet. That one is a passive link. It takes longer to connect."
Line 217:		Line 219:
	Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.		Too tired to worry or even contemplate for once, Kaede simply sat there, dazed. Realization began to seep in that she had completely lost control of her emotions.

	Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. Yet what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.		Kaede had always considered herself a levelheaded person, who used communication to solve problems rather than forceful action. After all, even professional crisis negotiators, who dealt with hostage-taking terrorists --the least reasonable people possible-- still found that showing empathy and sincerity results in a five times higher rate of success as the application of brute force. Diplomacy was almost always the best option, and violence was the worst.

			Yet, what she had just done was the ''exact opposite'' of 'being diplomatic'.

	It was even worse than that, as now that her adrenaline rush was over, her emotions were being replaced by uncertainty and fear. An unfeeling conviction passed through her head as she realized:		It was even worse than that, as now that her adrenaline rush was over, her emotions were being replaced by uncertainty and fear. An unfeeling conviction passed through her head as she realized:
Line 229:		Line 233:
	"No meals for you today," Pascal answered, more irritated than angry, before glancing at Kaede and eyeing her cross-legged sitting posture. "And can't you sit more like a lady?"		"No meals for you today," Pascal answered, more irritated than angry, before glancing at Kaede and eyeing her cross-legged sitting posture. "And can't you sit more like a lady?"

	~~At a glance Kaede noticed that~~ he was still heavily bruised~~. She~~ satisfied herself by shooting back a glare instead.		As he was still heavily bruised, Kaede satisfied herself by shooting back a glare instead. Nevertheless her anger faded away quickly this time, replaced by an overflowing sense of relief.

	~~Yet the~~ anger faded away quickly this time, replaced by an overflowing sense of relief.

	Sure, starving through the day would just increase her misery. But as much as Kaede hated the thought, she didn't want to be charged with a crime or worse, 'disowned'.		Sure, starving through the day would just increase her misery. But as much as Kaede hated the thought, she didn't want to be charged with a crime or worse, 'disowned'.
Line 313:		Line 315:


	For obvious reasons, Kaede was not used to wearing heels, not even ~~five-centimeter-tall~~ chunky heels with ankle straps. The smooth satin stockings also did not offer the same grip as the socks she was used to. Trying to keep up with Pascal's full stride as he crossed the grounds towards the dining hall only made both worse.		For obvious reasons, Kaede was not used to wearing heels, not even low, chunky heels with ankle straps. The smooth satin stockings also did not offer the same grip as the socks she was used to. Trying to keep up with Pascal's full stride as he crossed the grounds towards the dining hall only made both worse.

	She was also keenly aware that almost every person they came across was staring at her.		She was also keenly aware that almost every person they came across was staring at her.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:10, 20 June 2021
Line 419:		Line 419:
	Pascal however, didn't even acknowledge the maid as she served him his food. Feeling improper, Kaede told the the girl "thank you, miss", and received a surprised, almost gaping nod in return.		Pascal however, didn't even acknowledge the maid as she served him his food. Feeling improper, Kaede told the the girl "thank you, miss", and received a surprised, almost gaping nod in return.

	As Kaede bit into a sumptuous slice of pork, she decided to prod Pascal's moodiness ~~and~~ annoy him. She might have gone a little overboard back on the roof. But that didn't mean there wasn't other ways to get back at him.		As Kaede bit into a sumptuous slice of pork, she decided to prod Pascal's moodiness a bit to annoy him. She might have gone a little overboard back on the roof. But that didn't mean there wasn't other ways to get back at him.

	"So, what's your problem with her? She's from your country... Weichsel... isn't she?"		"So, what's your problem with her? She's from your country... Weichsel... isn't she?"
Line 439:		Line 439:
	"And yes, Ariadne is from Weichsel, just like me. I am surprised you noticed."		"And yes, Ariadne is from Weichsel, just like me. I am surprised you noticed."

	"I'm multilingual in my world." Kaede ~~casually~~ noted. "Even with the translation magic I can tell the differences in speech."		"I'm multilingual in my world." Kaede noted. "Even with the translation magic I can tell the differences in speech."

	Pascal nodded. There was even a hint of approval in his gaze.		Pascal nodded. There was even a hint of approval in his gaze.
Line 469:		Line 469:
	"You regret it, don't you?"		"You regret it, don't you?"

	Kaede ~~admitted~~ that at least part of her motives lay from a desire to hear him finally concede: that he was once an inconsiderate bastard to someone else as well, someone who clearly deserved respect from him. Maybe then, he ~~might at least make amends to her, which meant not only better treatment for her in~~ the ~~future, but also in helping her return to her world~~.		Kaede realized that at least part of her motives lay from a desire to hear him finally concede: that he was once an inconsiderate bastard to someone else as well, someone who clearly deserved respect from him. Maybe then, Pascal might realize that he was making the same mistakes yet again.

	But no words left him at all. Pascal kept on eating as if she had never said anything.		But no words left him at all. Pascal kept on eating as if she had never said anything.
Line 479:		Line 479:
	Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.		Contemplative, Kaede thought back to some of the less-than-stellar people choices she made during her own years. Shortsighted, hasty, and hurtful decision-making often came as a rite of adolescence. The important part was that Pascal had awareness of it.

	''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' ~~Kaede~~ thought.		''Perhaps he's not completely hopeless after all,'' the Samaran girl thought.

	It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.		It certainly could have been far worse. At least Pascal seemed to have ''some'' integrity in upholding his personal values. If nothing else, Kaede rather doubted that most nobles in Earth's middle ages --no matter how much 'in the wrong' they were-- would let her off so easily after she broke several of their ribs.