Daybreak:Volume 2 Chapter 20 - Revision history

Aorii at 12:04, 28 May 2022

2022-05-28T12:04:15Z

Aorii at 02:40, 13 July 2021

2021-07-13T02:40:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:40, 13 July 2021
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	Yesterday evening, Sir Robert finally revealed to her the truth behind why Sir Reynaud arrived in Nordkreuz. Sylviane came face-to-face with a crying Elspeth -- the younger sister of Lady Lindsay de Martel, commander of the Highland Guard and the Princess' martial arts instructor.		Yesterday evening, Sir Robert finally revealed to her the truth behind why Sir Reynaud arrived in Nordkreuz. Sylviane came face-to-face with a crying Elspeth -- the younger sister of Lady Lindsay de Martel, commander of the Highland Guard and the Princess' martial arts instructor.

	A tear-streaked Elspeth informed Sylviane that her royal uncle, Duke Gabriel of Atrebatois, who had marched south from the ~~Belgae~~ region of northeastern Rhin-Lotharingie with an army of 30,000, stormed the capital of Alis Avern in a military coup d'etat. With the aid of the Knights Templar, Gabriel had butchered his brother Geoffroi, impaled the Emperor's head upon a pike, and burned the rest of the corpse in a final act of desecration.		A tear-streaked Elspeth informed Sylviane that her royal uncle, Duke Gabriel of Atrebatois, who had marched south from the Belges region of northeastern Rhin-Lotharingie with an army of 30,000, stormed the capital of Alis Avern in a military coup d'etat. With the aid of the Knights Templar, Gabriel had butchered his brother Geoffroi, impaled the Emperor's head upon a pike, and burned the rest of the corpse in a final act of desecration.

	Sylviane was no longer the Crown Princess. She had been denounced as an apostate's daughter, and everything she had toiled for the last decade of her life was gone.		Sylviane was no longer the Crown Princess. She had been denounced as an apostate's daughter, and everything she had toiled for the last decade of her life was gone.
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	Sylviane realized then that while she might not have a direct bond with Kaede, the familiar girl had been a pillar for Pascal on several occasions. And the princess was reaping the benefits of that now.		Sylviane realized then that while she might not have a direct bond with Kaede, the familiar girl had been a pillar for Pascal on several occasions. And the princess was reaping the benefits of that now.

	In hindsight that was what defined a family: not mere bonds of blood and matrimony, but a deep sense of trust and mutual, inter-support through hard times. And for that if nothing else, she owed the little girl some kindness and few gestures of gratitude.		In hindsight that was what defined a family: not mere bonds of blood and matrimony, but a deep sense of trust and mutual, inter-support through hard times. And for that if nothing else, she owed the little girl some kindness and a few gestures of gratitude.

	"I know," the princess murmured back before repeating, "I know."		"I know," the princess murmured back before repeating, "I know."
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	''No, it doesn't make any sense,'' Sylviane wanted to agree. ''But then... what does the Holy Father want of me?''		''No, it doesn't make any sense,'' Sylviane wanted to agree. ''But then... what does the Holy Father want of me?''

	~~But, if~~ it was contrary to his will, why would the Holy Father simply stand by and watch it happen?		If it was contrary to his will, then why would the Holy Father simply stand by and watch it happen?

	"I believe the Holy Father is testing you," Pascal answered as though reading her thoughts. "These are troubled times ahead, and he wishes for Rhin-Lotharingie to be led by someone who is not just willing, but also ''ready'' to face the Empire's challenges. A leader who overcomes these trials can ultimately bring your country to greatness. The road ahead may be difficult, but we must have faith that the final goal will be worth the sacrifices."		"I believe the Holy Father is testing you," Pascal answered as though reading her thoughts. "These are troubled times ahead, and he wishes for Rhin-Lotharingie to be led by someone who is not just willing, but also ''ready'' to face the Empire's challenges. A leader who overcomes these trials can ultimately bring your country to greatness. The road ahead may be difficult, but we must have faith that the final goal will be worth the sacrifices."

Aorii at 12:10, 15 April 2021

2021-04-15T12:10:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 15 April 2021
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	Kaede couldn't help but release a silent yawn as she leaned against the cabin's exterior wall. She ~~tried to hold~~ her ~~anxieties at bay by playing with her long hair~~, ~~though it didn't really help~~.		Kaede couldn't help but release a silent yawn as she leaned against the cabin's exterior wall. She hadn't slept since that nightmare woke her up, and the incident left the army encampment in a furor that took until morning to calm down.

	She understood that Sylviane was in a vulnerable state of emotional turmoil after losing her remaining parent. In such a case, the best help would be a select few of those closest to her. As Pascal was her fiancé in what was evidently more than just a political marriage, he seemed the clear and obvious choice.		She tried to hold her anxieties at bay by playing with her long hair, though it didn't really help. Her hand then went down to press against her stomach next. She could feel a faint nausea, accompanied by those annoying cramps, ebb back in once more.

			''Not again,'' she sighed before trying to distract herself with other thoughts.

			Kaede understood that Sylviane was in a vulnerable state of emotional turmoil after losing her remaining parent. In such a case, the best help would be a select few of those closest to her. As Pascal was her fiancé in what was evidently more than just a political marriage, he seemed the clear and obvious choice.

	Yet this only left Kaede more worried. To put it simply: Pascal had no tact. Certainly not in sensitive situations like this. Thinking back to her own emotional episodes with him, Kaede found it more likely for Pascal to make blunt, foot-in-mouth statements that would only make the problem worse.		Yet this only left Kaede more worried. To put it simply: Pascal had no tact. Certainly not in sensitive situations like this. Thinking back to her own emotional episodes with him, Kaede found it more likely for Pascal to make blunt, foot-in-mouth statements that would only make the problem worse.

	--Which was exactly what came to mind when she heard a muffled howl emerge through the door.		-- Which was exactly what came to mind when she heard a muffled howl emerge through the door.

	The magical, expandable cabin was warded against eavesdropping and supposedly soundproof. Pascal and Mari had vanished inside for what seemed like hours without the slightest noise passing through. To hear even a faint cry through its enchanted walls, it made the familiar wonder just how deafening the princess' wailing must be.		The magical, expandable cabin was warded against eavesdropping and supposedly soundproof. Pascal and Mari had vanished inside for what seemed like hours without the slightest noise passing through. To hear even a faint cry through its enchanted walls, it made the familiar wonder just how deafening the princess' wailing must be.
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	Kaede felt her heart melt with sympathy as she turned to her companion with concern. However Sir Robert never lost his composure. The boyishly pretty if not stunningly handsome young man merely let go a relaxing sigh before turning towards her with his sunlit smile.		Kaede felt her heart melt with sympathy as she turned to her companion with concern. However Sir Robert never lost his composure. The boyishly pretty if not stunningly handsome young man merely let go a relaxing sigh before turning towards her with his sunlit smile.

	~~...~~Though perhaps it wasn't entirely sunny. There was a sense of wistful resignation emanating from his vivid-green eyes as he shrugged back.		-- Though perhaps it wasn't entirely sunny. There was a sense of wistful resignation emanating from his vivid-green eyes as he shrugged back.

	"About time," he stole another glance at the door where a stifled, grief-stricken bawl seemed to go on and on.		"About time," he stole another glance at the door where a stifled, grief-stricken bawl seemed to go on and on.
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	''Her only parent did just die a gruesome death,'' Kaede sympathized as she nodded back. ''I guess not grieving is far more worrisome than crying her heart out.''		''Her only parent did just die a gruesome death,'' Kaede sympathized as she nodded back. ''I guess not grieving is far more worrisome than crying her heart out.''

	"Well, there you have it... our dear but troublesome princess." He half-chuckled before returning to the posture of a perfect guard.		"Well, there you have it... our dear but troublesome princess." He half-chuckled before returning to the posture of a perfect guard. Then, as Robert took another glance at Kaede, he departed his post before retrieving a wooden stool from just outside a nearby cabin.

			"Here, please sit," he remarked in a gentle voice. "They'll be a while still. And you look under the weather. Best not to strain yourself after yesterday's injuries."

			Kaede smiled graciously before accepting the offer. She had already thanked Sir Robert earlier for being the one who saved her during the battle. However, his earlier words also left Kaede with a considerable chunk of fresh anxiety. Part of that worry held out for Sylviane, though a growing share went to Pascal and herself.

	~~The tone of his voice left Kaede with a considerable chunk of fresh anxiety. Part of that worry held out for Sylviane, though a growing share went to Pascal and herself.~~ After all, those serving under a capricious ruler often met tragic results. The history of Earth had more than enough examples as proof.		After all, those serving under a capricious ruler often met tragic results. The history of Earth had more than enough examples as proof.

	"Does this happen often?"		"Does this happen often with the Princess?" She couldn't help but ask.

	"Once in a long while," Sir Robert calmly noted. "But never this bad... never ''even close'' to this bad..."		"Once in a long while," Sir Robert calmly noted. "But never this bad... never ''even close'' to this bad..."
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	''Well, she was a teen until just two years ago,'' Kaede settled in her thoughts. "Must be stressful, for her to carry so much responsibility at such a young age."		''Well, she was a teen until just two years ago,'' Kaede settled in her thoughts. "Must be stressful, for her to carry so much responsibility at such a young age."

	"Unfortunately, Her Highness was never meant to be the heir," the armiger responded. "And after her brothers' assassination the Emperor rushed to start her training."		"Unfortunately, Her Highness was never meant to be the heir," the armiger responded. "And after her brothers' assassination the Emperor rushed to start her training. It would have been better if she had a few more years of childhood."

	It was a surprisingly candid piece of information from someone within the princess' inner circle. Kaede could only surmise that what Pascal just did solidified the armigers' trust in him, and by extension, her. Since whether she liked it or not, most nobles of Hyperion would always see her as an extension of Pascal. It was a simple fact that she might as well accept, with all its pros and cons.		It was a surprisingly candid piece of information from someone within the princess' inner circle. Kaede could only surmise that what Pascal just did solidified the armigers' trust in him, and by extension, her. Since whether she liked it or not, most nobles of Hyperion would always see her as an extension of Pascal. It was a simple fact that she might as well accept, with all its pros and cons.
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	"Given what happened back in Alis Avern, one could argue that the Emperor did the right thing," the familiar replied. "She is the crown princess. She had to be ready."		"Given what happened back in Alis Avern, one could argue that the Emperor did the right thing," the familiar replied. "She is the crown princess. She had to be ready."

	"For Rhin-Lotharingie, sure. But for her~~...~~?" Sir Robert sighed once more. "Well... the damage has already been done."		"For Rhin-Lotharingie, sure. But for her?" Sir Robert sighed once more. "Well... the damage has already been done."

	"What do you mean?"		"What do you mean?"
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	Hauteclaire circled around, flying low above them before descending to land. For a brief second, Kaede felt a flash of surprise and anxiety as the cerulean phoenix glided towards her.		Hauteclaire circled around, flying low above them before descending to land. For a brief second, Kaede felt a flash of surprise and anxiety as the cerulean phoenix glided towards her.

	Yet as Hauteclaire came to perch on her right shoulder, the aura of tranquility he emanated overcame her unrest. Even the sharp talons did not hurt. The soothing heat felt more like a shoulder massage than a bird's bony grasp.		Yet as Hauteclaire came to perch on her right shoulder, the aura of tranquility he emanated overcame her unrest. Even the sharp talons did not hurt. The soothing heat felt more like a shoulder massage than a bird's bony grasp. The warmth that engulfed her certainly helped with her worsening stomach cramps.

	"I think he likes you," Sir Robert grinned.		"I think he likes you," Sir Robert grinned.
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	''Not trustworthy ones without any strings attached, in any case.''		''Not trustworthy ones without any strings attached, in any case.''

	Kaede ~~could only make~~ an awkward smile ~~before offering~~ a rather noncommittal reply:		Kaede made an awkward smile as she held her hand against her stomach ills. Even with the armiger's aid to her in mind, she could only offer a rather noncommittal reply:

	"I'll do what I can."		"I'll do what I can."
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	"Who told you that?" Pascal's eyebrows went up.		"Who told you that?" Pascal's eyebrows went up.

	"Can I still be? A princess disowned by her country?" Sylviane commented before her depressed voice seeped back in. "Perhaps the Holy Father doesn't want me to..."		"Can I still be? A princess disowned by her country?" Sylviane commented before her depressed voice seeped back in. "Perhaps the Holy Father doesn't want me..."

	"I doubt this is the Holy Father's work." His interjection was stern and instantaneous. "First your father gets excommunicated. And a few weeks later he gets deposed and murdered by the paramilitary branch of the Inquisition, led by a newly anointed 'Defender of the Faith'? This has the avarice of the Church written all over it!"		"I doubt this is the Holy Father's work." His interjection was stern and instantaneous. "First your father gets excommunicated. And a few weeks later he gets deposed and murdered by the paramilitary branch of the Inquisition, led by a newly anointed 'Defender of the Faith'? This has the avarice of the Church written all over it!"
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	"Besides," he stared at her with utmost seriousness. "Even if he dissatisfied the Holy Father in some way, do you honestly think our Lord's benevolent mercy would bestow such ruin upon Rhin-Lotharingie in the moment of its greatest crisis -- during an invasion of heathen swords?"		"Besides," he stared at her with utmost seriousness. "Even if he dissatisfied the Holy Father in some way, do you honestly think our Lord's benevolent mercy would bestow such ruin upon Rhin-Lotharingie in the moment of its greatest crisis -- during an invasion of heathen swords?"

	''No,'' Sylviane wanted to agree. ''~~That wouldn't make any sense~~.''		''No, it doesn't make any sense,'' Sylviane wanted to agree. ''But then... what does the Holy Father want of me?''

	But, if it was contrary to his will, why would the Holy Father simply stand by and watch it happen?		But, if it was contrary to his will, why would the Holy Father simply stand by and watch it happen?

	"I believe the Holy Father is testing you," Pascal answered as though reading her thoughts. "These are troubled times ahead, and he wishes for Rhin-Lotharingie to be led by someone who is not just willing, but also ''ready'' to face the Empire's challenges. A leader who overcomes these trials can ultimately bring your country to greatness. The road ahead may be ~~bumpy~~, but we must have faith that the final goal will be worth the sacrifices."		"I believe the Holy Father is testing you," Pascal answered as though reading her thoughts. "These are troubled times ahead, and he wishes for Rhin-Lotharingie to be led by someone who is not just willing, but also ''ready'' to face the Empire's challenges. A leader who overcomes these trials can ultimately bring your country to greatness. The road ahead may be difficult, but we must have faith that the final goal will be worth the sacrifices."

	"You sound like a priest." Sylviane's lips formed a wry, if hesitant smile.		"You sound like a priest." Sylviane's lips formed a wry, if hesitant smile.

Aorii at 13:47, 11 April 2021

2021-04-11T13:47:13Z

Aorii at 23:03, 10 April 2021

2021-04-10T23:03:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:03, 10 April 2021
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	"You will have to kill me first."		"You will have to kill me first."



			<noinclude>
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			\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_2_Chapter_19\|Chapter 19]]
			\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]
			\| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_2_Epilogue\|Epilogue]]
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			\|}
			</noinclude>

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 20 - What A General Needs=== "--Pascal also said that given Rhin-Lotharingie's political position, it would be best if we managed a peaceful coexistence with the C..."

2021-04-10T23:03:00Z

Created page with "===Chapter 20 - What A General Needs=== "--Pascal also said that given Rhin-Lotharingie's political position, it would be best if we managed a peaceful coexistence with the C..."

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← Older revision		Revision as of 12:04, 28 May 2022
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	Sylviane opened her swollen eyes and looked upon the dim cabin that she was staying in. She was still sitting on the floor with her back against a corner. Her reprieve in the past --the final memory of her childhood-- had come to its end.		Sylviane opened her swollen eyes and looked upon the dim cabin that she was staying in. She was still sitting on the floor with her back against a corner. Her reprieve in the past -- the final memory of her childhood -- had come to its end.

	She couldn't even remember what happened afterwards. The remainder of that trip had passed in a blur.		She couldn't even remember what happened afterwards. The remainder of that trip had passed in a blur.
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	In that final moment before the dam cracked and broke, before her reservoir of suppressed emotions poured out in a great flood, Sylviane finally came to realize the truth that she had denied herself for years:		In that final moment before the dam cracked and broke, before her reservoir of suppressed emotions poured out in a great flood, Sylviane finally came to realize the truth that she had denied herself for years:

	Pascal didn't ~~just~~ like her just because he found her to be a 'beautiful', commendable princess.		Pascal didn't like her just because he found her to be a 'beautiful', commendable princess.

	He loved her because he had accepted her for whom she truly was.		He loved her because he had accepted her for whom she truly was.
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	Pascal paused briefly before adding in a nostalgic tone:		Pascal paused briefly before adding in a nostalgic tone:

	"After what happened to me the night I learned my father's death, I realized there was no way you meant it when you told me to leave. Even if my words and my actions might prove no good at comforting you, my presence alone should be of help."		"After what happened to me the night I learned of my father's death, I realized there was no way you meant it when you told me to leave. Even if my words and my actions might prove no good at comforting you, my presence alone should be of help."

	Sylviane realized then that while she might not have a direct bond with Kaede, the familiar girl had been a pillar for Pascal on several occasions. And the princess was reaping the benefits of that now.		Sylviane realized then that while she might not have a direct bond with Kaede, the familiar girl had been a pillar for Pascal on several occasions. And the princess was reaping the benefits of that now.
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	Of course, he never even waited for her reply:		Of course, he never even waited for her reply:

	"Let us go to Rhin-Lotharingie, to Alis Avern. Take back what is rightfully yours. Restore the country to order. Bring vengeance upon those traitors who ~~betrayed~~ the nation during its hour of peril and murdered their rightful liege in cold blood."		"Let us go to Rhin-Lotharingie, to Alis Avern. Take back what is rightfully yours. Restore the country to order. Bring vengeance upon those traitors who backstabbed the nation during its hour of peril and murdered their rightful liege in cold blood."

	''You make it sound so easy.'' Sylviane thought as she relaxed further into him.		''You make it sound so easy.'' Sylviane thought as she relaxed further into him.
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	The concept of 'transgress now, repent later' had taken deep roots within the Trinitian faith. It was a growing disease that sapped the morals of its followers, made only worse among the upper class by the abuse of indulgences -- 'forgiveness' and 'salvation' which could now be purchased from the Church at premium cost.		The concept of 'transgress now, repent later' had taken deep roots within the Trinitian faith. It was a growing disease that sapped the morals of its followers, made only worse among the upper class by the abuse of indulgences -- 'forgiveness' and 'salvation' which could now be purchased from the Church at premium cost.

	"The Holy Father might dispense clemency to those who lament a moment's carelessness," Sylviane frowned back with a stern reply. "However that is not the same as purposeful wrongdoing."		"The Holy Father might dispense clemency to those who lament a moment's carelessness," Sylviane frowned back with a stern reply. "However, that is not the same as purposeful wrongdoing."

	"And war is murder, politics is deceit. Yet knowing that, do we not still perform them out of necessity?" Pascal stated as he straightened his posture. "You know what is one lesson that last night taught me? People say revenge leads nowhere. But it felt good, and it felt ''right'' to see justice dealt. To see one of my father's murderers receive what he deserved -- nothing could better restore my faith that no matter how dark the night may grow, the light of day will ultimately triumph."		"And war is murder, politics is deceit. Yet knowing that, do we not still perform them out of necessity?" Pascal stated as he straightened his posture. "You know what is one lesson that last night taught me? People say revenge leads nowhere. But it felt good, and it felt ''right'' to see justice dealt. To see one of my father's murderers receive what he deserved -- nothing could better restore my faith that no matter how dark the night may grow, the light of day will ultimately triumph."
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	Yet, there was just one nagging thought that kept trying to climb back up.		Yet, there was just one nagging thought that kept trying to climb back up.

	"Would you really follow me in an empress' path, wherever I go, whatever it takes?"		"Would you really follow me on an empress' path, wherever I go, whatever it takes?"

	Sylviane hadn't spent years in self-doubt to recover under a single moment of kindness.		Sylviane hadn't spent years in self-doubt to recover under a single moment of kindness.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 11 April 2021
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	"--Pascal also said that given Rhin-Lotharingie's political position, it would be best if we managed a peaceful coexistence with the Caliphate."		"--Pascal also said that given Rhin-Lotharingie's political position, it would be best if we managed a peaceful coexistence with the Caliphate."

	These words, which came from a young girl merely ten years old, were a proposition towards the foreign policy of an ''empire''		These words, which came from a young girl merely ten years old, were a proposition towards the foreign policy of an ''empire''.

	After over a year spent in Nordkreuz effectively as a prisoner-of-war and political hostage, Princess Sylviane was at last returning to her homeland. Her father Geoffroi, the Emperor of Rhin-Lotharingie, had crossed the border in person to pick her up. And now she snuggled into the side of his broad chest as they rode the royal carriage back.		After over a year spent in Nordkreuz effectively as a prisoner-of-war and political hostage, Princess Sylviane was at last returning to her homeland. Her father Geoffroi, the Emperor of Rhin-Lotharingie, had crossed the border in person to pick her up. And now she snuggled into the side of his broad chest as they rode the royal carriage back.
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	She then stared at him, her wisteria eyes locked onto his turquoise gaze:		She then stared at him, her wisteria eyes locked onto his turquoise gaze:

	"I will not abandon the responsibilities that I've spent my ~~entire~~ life learning to uphold."		"I will not abandon the responsibilities that I've spent my whole life learning to uphold."

	Pascal smiled. His lips formed a broad grin that stretched from ear to ear.		Pascal smiled. His lips formed a broad grin that stretched from ear to ear.

	"That is the spirit of a true ''Princess!''" He remarked with approval. "We can ~~reclaim~~ your ~~throne~~ and destroy your enemies in one decisive stroke! And we can take pleasure in exacting vengeance while doing so!"		"That is the spirit of a true ''Princess!''" He remarked with approval. "We can restore your country and destroy your enemies in one decisive stroke! And we can take pleasure in exacting vengeance while doing so!"

	"Wrath is a sin, you know," Sylviane raised her only objection.		"Wrath is a sin, you know," Sylviane raised her only objection.
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	"Have you changed your belief to something else?"		"Have you changed your belief to something else?"

	"After ~~last night~~? Yes." Pascal ~~declared~~ before ~~proceeding~~ to ~~affirm~~ his ~~choice~~ without any doubt: "~~dedication and loyalty -- because Manteuffel had none~~ to ~~the King~~ and ~~everyone knew it~~. After my father was murdered, every soldier of Weichsel mourned for the passing of a hero who would go down in history. Meanwhile the only legacy ~~Manteuffel left~~ behind ~~was~~ the ~~cursed~~ name of a traitor~~. All~~ his brilliance brought him nothing more than a passage straight to hell."		"After yesterday? Yes." Pascal spoke, before taking a brief pause, to reflect upon a day during which he had seen and done so much.

			"Dedication and loyalty, to his country, to his people," Pascal then declared without any inkling of doubt. "War is only ever a means to an aim, and that aim must be worthy as a cause. After my father was murdered, every soldier of Weichsel mourned for the passing of a hero who would go down in history. Meanwhile Manteuffel had no such dedication. He cared only for his ambitions, and as such the only legacy he would leave behind is the accursed name of a traitor -- all his brilliance brought him nothing more than a passage straight to hell."

	Sylviane kept her silence for the moment. She wasn't sure the circumstances were as simple as Pascal claimed it to be. After all, politics rarely unfolded as it appeared on the surface.		Sylviane kept her silence for the moment. She wasn't sure the circumstances were as simple as Pascal claimed it to be. After all, politics rarely unfolded as it appeared on the surface.