Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 3 - Revision history

Aorii at 23:57, 9 November 2023

2023-11-09T23:57:50Z

Aorii at 00:32, 19 January 2022

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Aorii at 16:10, 26 September 2021

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Aorii at 15:28, 15 May 2021

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	\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_1\|Chapter 2]]		\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_1\|Chapter 2]]
	\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]		\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]
	\| Forward to [[Daybreak:~~Volume_3_Chapter_3~~\|Chapter 4]]		\| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_4\|Chapter 4]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}
	</noinclude>		</noinclude>

Aorii at 15:28, 15 May 2021

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Aorii: clear old

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clear old

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Aorii at 13:24, 6 April 2017

2017-04-06T13:24:04Z

Aorii at 01:59, 29 December 2015

2015-12-29T01:59:43Z

Aorii at 06:06, 1 December 2015

2015-12-01T06:06:25Z

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	The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra semi-transparent overlay covered all within fifty kilopaces, displaying weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain descending upon the northeast.		The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra semi-transparent overlay covered all within fifty kilopaces, displaying weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain descending upon the northeast.

	Yet despite the impressive display features, the map was woefully incomplete. When zoomed all the way out, Kaede could see the huge masses of cloudy gray that represented terra incognita. Narrow lanes cut across the far oceans of the world and through the 'Frontier' continents, where much of the eastern coastal regions -- as much as the Thirteen Colonies, Caribbeans, and Argentina combined -- were marked as Skagen colonial territory. But the interiors of the Hyperion and Eurypha continents were unknown, not to mention most of Asia's equivalent in this world.		Yet despite the impressive display features, the map was woefully incomplete. When zoomed all the way out, Kaede could see the huge masses of cloudy gray that represented terra incognita. Narrow lanes cut across the far oceans of the world and through the 'Frontier' continents, where much of the eastern coastal regions -- as much as the Thirteen Colonies, Caribbeans, and Argentina combined -- were marked as Skagen colonial territory. But the interiors of the Hyperion and Eurypha continents were largely unknown, not to mention most of Asia's equivalent in this world.

	''Give it another century and Skagen will have an empire on which the sun never sets,'' she thought.		''Give it another century and Skagen will have an empire on which the sun never sets,'' she thought.
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	"Why couldn't you just manage your own food during the campaign?" Sylviane asked from her seat across the table from Kaede.		"Why couldn't you just manage your own food during the campaign?" Sylviane asked from her seat across the table from Kaede.

			The Princess had changed before dinner into a satin evening gown in royal blue, with delicate lace framing her narrow shoulders and silken gloves hugging her thin arms. It made Kaede wonder just how often the Princess came to Nordkreuz to justify outfitting a wardrobe here.

	"The army's policy is no special treatment in regards to anything concerning logistics," Pascal explained. "We have too many nobles in the military. If everyone demands this and that of their own, even the most efficient supply train would be overburdened. So to remove any potential conflicts, our founder King Ferdinand wrote it into the Writ of Universal Conscription that everyone receives the same bland rations in the field; with priority based on military rather than social rank if supplies fall short of needs."		"The army's policy is no special treatment in regards to anything concerning logistics," Pascal explained. "We have too many nobles in the military. If everyone demands this and that of their own, even the most efficient supply train would be overburdened. So to remove any potential conflicts, our founder King Ferdinand wrote it into the Writ of Universal Conscription that everyone receives the same bland rations in the field; with priority based on military rather than social rank if supplies fall short of needs."

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 3 - Budding Familiarity=== Kaede hardly noticed as the maid Marina brought her dinner in. Her focus was still transfixed upon the scroll-like magical map, each han..."

2015-11-02T15:14:08Z

Created page with "===Chapter 3 - Budding Familiarity=== Kaede hardly noticed as the maid Marina brought her dinner in. Her focus was still transfixed upon the scroll-like magical map, each han..."

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← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 9 November 2023
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	Even for Kaede, it took a second to overcome her astonishment. It was one thing for the situation to force Pascal into such admissions, like that night on top of Alisia Academy's dormitory keep after the Mantis Blades' attack. But to see him take such initiative by himself?		Even for Kaede, it took a second to overcome her astonishment. It was one thing for the situation to force Pascal into such admissions, like that night on top of Alisia Academy's dormitory keep after the Mantis Blades' attack. But to see him take such initiative by himself?

	~~Reynald~~'s new nickname had been bestowed by a letter from King Leopold himself. Acknowledging it was akin to putting the short boy on a pedestal, something that Pascal almost never did for anyone else his age.		Reynaud's new nickname had been bestowed by a letter from King Leopold himself. Acknowledging it was akin to putting the short boy on a pedestal, something that Pascal almost never did for anyone else his age.

	"Just remember that dying does not help anyone," Pascal added. "You were lucky it worked this time, and that Sylv came for you in time."		"Just remember that dying does not help anyone," Pascal added. "You were lucky it worked this time, and that Sylv came for you in time."
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	"What is it?" Kaede examined it with curiosity. Her attuned familiar senses could almost feel the power of its magical enchantments, as the scroll seemed to hum faintly in her hands.		"What is it?" Kaede examined it with curiosity. Her attuned familiar senses could almost feel the power of its magical enchantments, as the scroll seemed to hum faintly in her hands.

	"Admiral Winter's personal maps of the world -- especially the Frontier lands," ~~Reynald~~ explained. "It seems Weichsel has a tradition of dividing the loot based on merit. Since I'm the one who sent the admiral off, I received the biggest share as well as first dibs!" His ecstatic voice added with a deep nod of approval. "It seems the Admiral was quite the explorer. I took some of his other charts since I like travelling myself, but I thought this would be more handy for you to have."		"Admiral Winter's personal maps of the world -- especially the Frontier lands," Reynaud explained. "It seems Weichsel has a tradition of dividing the loot based on merit. Since I'm the one who sent the admiral off, I received the biggest share as well as first dibs!" His ecstatic voice added with a deep nod of approval. "It seems the Admiral was quite the explorer. I took some of his other charts since I like travelling myself, but I thought this would be more handy for you to have."

	"I can't take something this valuable for free!" Kaede's gaze shot back up. "Besides, wouldn't the Black Eagles want this for intel?"		"I can't take something this valuable for free!" Kaede's gaze shot back up. "Besides, wouldn't the Black Eagles want this for intel?"

	"I was told they recovered more useful maps from the bridge," ~~Reynald~~ shrugged before giving her a generous smile. "Besides, consider it as thanks for all your help back at the academy."		"I was told they recovered more useful maps from the bridge," Reynaud shrugged before giving her a generous smile. "Besides, consider it as thanks for all your help back at the academy."

	"I helped?" Kaede was bewildered. ''I thought I was the one who received help?''		"I helped?" Kaede was bewildered. ''I thought I was the one who received help?''
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	''Rome certainly wasn't built in a day,'' Kaede thought in agreement.		''Rome certainly wasn't built in a day,'' Kaede thought in agreement.

	The 'individual versus institution' debate was certainly one that has raged on for several millennia on Earth. The core problem was that institutions, such as the United Nations, were great at balancing various needs. However they were also prone to stagnation as institutions by their very nature resisted change. Meanwhile autocrats who seized power could bring great change within just a decade -- but that was both a blessing and a curse as 'change' could be used for both beneficial and harmful deeds.		The 'individual versus institution' debate was certainly one that has raged on for several millennia on Earth. The core problem was that institutions, such as the United Nations, were great at balancing various needs. However they were also prone to stagnation as institutions by their very nature resisted change. Meanwhile, autocrats who seized power could bring great change within just a decade -- but that was both a blessing and a curse as 'change' could be used for both beneficial and harmful deeds.

	"At any rate," Reynaud remarked as though the political discussion was clearly going over his head. "I think I'll take you up on that, Pascal. I'd love to find some equipment that I can actually ''use'' in combat." He then grinned before turning back to Kaede. "So there, now you can take the map without guilt. From what I hear you helped a ton too. It's only right your master shares his glory with you."		"At any rate," Reynaud remarked as though the political discussion was clearly going over his head. "I think I'll take you up on that, Pascal. I'd love to find some equipment that I can actually ''use'' in combat." He then grinned before turning back to Kaede. "So there, now you can take the map without guilt. From what I hear you helped a ton too. It's only right your master shares his glory with you."
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	"Nevertheless, Gabriel does have an army sanctioned by the Church, a strong base of power including the capital under his control, and the likely promise of crusader support to repel the Caliphate's invasion," Sylviane listed the strengths of her opponent with a troubled frown. "I do not have any of those."		"Nevertheless, Gabriel does have an army sanctioned by the Church, a strong base of power including the capital under his control, and the likely promise of crusader support to repel the Caliphate's invasion," Sylviane listed the strengths of her opponent with a troubled frown. "I do not have any of those."

	''Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun,'' Kaede thought of the famous quote from the ~~twentieth century~~ Chinese ~~revolutionary~~. Modern Republics have shown that this statement wasn't always true, but it certainly held its ground in any turbulent era.		''Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun,'' Kaede thought of the famous quote from the rather infamous Chinese Chairman. Modern Republics have shown that this statement wasn't always true, but it certainly held its ground in any turbulent era.

	"No," Pascal admitted before he gestured towards the map. "But as Gabriel begins courting the nobles in an attempt to sway them towards his symbolic throne, the reactions of the regional lords -- which the King's Black Eagles have agreed to share with me -- will give us a better picture of friend versus foe. In the meantime, Gabriel will have to rely on supplies transported from the Belges duchies -- which is just across the lake from Nordkreuz."		"No," Pascal admitted before he gestured towards the map. "But as Gabriel begins courting the nobles in an attempt to sway them towards his symbolic throne, the reactions of the regional lords -- which the King's Black Eagles have agreed to share with me -- will give us a better picture of friend versus foe. In the meantime, Gabriel will have to rely on supplies transported from the Belges duchies -- which is just across the lake from Nordkreuz."
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	"You've met him?" Sylviane asked.		"You've met him?" Sylviane asked.

	"Once, Your Majesty," Perceval responded. "I believe he's ~~eighteen~~ this year. I daresay that when it comes to intellect, Henri can challenge even Pascal here."		"Once, Your Majesty," Perceval responded. "I believe he's nineteen this year. I daresay that when it comes to intellect, Henri can challenge even Pascal here."

	"Oh?" Pascal's interest instantly peaked. "How come I have never seen him in Alisia or Alis Avern?"		"Oh?" Pascal's interest instantly peaked. "How come I have never seen him in Alisia or Alis Avern?"

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	"Understood, Your Highness," both of them answered in sync. Though both also looked determined to never let Sylviane face such a decision again.		"Understood, Your Highness," both of them answered in sync. Though both also looked determined to never let Sylviane face such a decision again.

	For a moment after, Reynaud looked upon the two senior armigers with a conflicted expression. It was one that Kaede immediately recognized, ~~one she had~~ when ~~she realized back in school that because of her half-Japanese blood, she was never going~~ to ~~fit into the~~ clique ~~she wanted to join. It didn~~'~~t even matter that they all shared the same interests in culture and history. The others would always see her as an~~ '~~outsider~~' and 'not a real Japanese'.		For a moment after, Reynaud looked upon the two senior armigers with a conflicted expression. It was one that Kaede immediately recognized, back when ''he'' found herself unable to join a clique of history fans because ''he'' was a half and therefore 'not a real Japanese'.

	Though in Reynaud's case, she thought: ''How do you compete against childhood friends who shared life-and-death memories?''		Though in Reynaud's case, she thought: ''How do you compete against childhood friends who shared life-and-death memories?''
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	''Rome certainly wasn't built in a day,'' Kaede thought in agreement.		''Rome certainly wasn't built in a day,'' Kaede thought in agreement.

	The 'individual versus institution' debate was certainly one that has raged on for several millennia on Earth. The core problem was that institutions, such as the United Nations, were great at balancing various needs. However they were also prone to stagnation as institutions as their very nature resisted change. Meanwhile autocrats who seized power could bring great change within just a decade -- but that was both a blessing and a curse as 'change' could be used for both beneficial and harmful deeds.		The 'individual versus institution' debate was certainly one that has raged on for several millennia on Earth. The core problem was that institutions, such as the United Nations, were great at balancing various needs. However they were also prone to stagnation as institutions by their very nature resisted change. Meanwhile autocrats who seized power could bring great change within just a decade -- but that was both a blessing and a curse as 'change' could be used for both beneficial and harmful deeds.

	"At any rate," Reynaud remarked as though the political discussion was clearly going over his head. "I think I'll take you up on that, Pascal. I'd love to find some equipment that I can actually ''use'' in combat." He then grinned before turning back to Kaede. "So there, now you can take the map without guilt. From what I hear you helped a ton too. It's only right your master shares his glory with you."		"At any rate," Reynaud remarked as though the political discussion was clearly going over his head. "I think I'll take you up on that, Pascal. I'd love to find some equipment that I can actually ''use'' in combat." He then grinned before turning back to Kaede. "So there, now you can take the map without guilt. From what I hear you helped a ton too. It's only right your master shares his glory with you."
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	"Furthermore, time is actually more on our side than our enemies," he continued. "Gabriel's army may have seized the capital and its surrounding regions. But the Lotharin heartlands have already been squeezed dry. All men of recruitable age who could be spared and all available supplies have already been called up and dispatched to the front. Even the garrison at Alis Avern had been stripped down to a bare minimum."		"Furthermore, time is actually more on our side than our enemies," he continued. "Gabriel's army may have seized the capital and its surrounding regions. But the Lotharin heartlands have already been squeezed dry. All men of recruitable age who could be spared and all available supplies have already been called up and dispatched to the front. Even the garrison at Alis Avern had been stripped down to a bare minimum."

	"Had Father not sent General ~~Jacques~~ Macdonald with the bulk of the capital garrison to Avorica, then they might actually have had a chance of stopping the coup," Sylviane fumed. "If Edith had done her job in Avorica then none of this would have happened!"		"Had Father not sent General Macdonald with the bulk of the capital garrison to Avorica, then they might actually have had a chance of stopping the coup," Sylviane fumed. "If Edith had done her job in Avorica then none of this would have happened!"

	"That is too many 'what ifs'," Pascal pointed out with a frown. "What we ''can'' be certain of is that there are very limited resources within the heartland territories for Duke Gabriel to use. Even the supplies that had been stockpiled in depots along the road to Avorica --supplies which I had arranged-- have been taken by General Macdonald during his march south."		"That is too many 'what ifs'," Pascal pointed out with a frown. "What we ''can'' be certain of is that there are very limited resources within the heartland territories for Duke Gabriel to use. Even the supplies that had been stockpiled in depots along the road to Avorica --supplies which I had arranged-- have been taken by General Macdonald during his march south."
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	''He wants those accused yet absent to be given a voice,'' Kaede realized.		''He wants those accused yet absent to be given a voice,'' Kaede realized.

	"The nobles of the Belges region have long harbored dissatisfaction towards Emperor Geoffroi," the healer began. "Belges sits in between ~~three~~ major rivers, the North Lotharingie, South Lotharingie, and the ~~Albis~~ River which empties Cross Lake into the North Sea. The land is fertile and the flowing waters present significant opportunities for trade. Yet the Crown has never prioritized the funding of development in this area. As a result the nobles could only watch in envy as those on the other side of the Cross Lake --such as Nordkreuz-- came to dominate the trade of the region."		"The nobles of the Belges region have long harbored dissatisfaction towards Emperor Geoffroi," the healer began. "Belges sits in between several major rivers, the North Lotharingie, South Lotharingie, and the final stretch of the united Lotharingie River which empties Cross Lake into the North Sea. The land is fertile and the flowing waters present significant opportunities for trade. Yet the Crown has never prioritized the funding of development in this area. As a result the nobles could only watch in envy as those on the other side of the Cross Lake --such as Nordkreuz-- came to dominate the trade of the region."

	It spoke volumes for Sylviane's patience that she was able to wait until Perceval completely finished before she countered in an unsympathetic voice:		It spoke volumes for Sylviane's patience that she was able to wait until Perceval completely finished before she countered in an unsympathetic voice:
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	"Sure, but his army is still mostly Lotharin, especially after he used the Templars up as fodder during the opening blow," Sylviane highlighted. "Rhin-Lotharingie has suffered too much under Imperial oppression to accept any ruler who might seem a puppet of foreign interests. If I choose the wrong means, then even if I win, my legitimacy will be questioned by the Lotharin people."		"Sure, but his army is still mostly Lotharin, especially after he used the Templars up as fodder during the opening blow," Sylviane highlighted. "Rhin-Lotharingie has suffered too much under Imperial oppression to accept any ruler who might seem a puppet of foreign interests. If I choose the wrong means, then even if I win, my legitimacy will be questioned by the Lotharin people."

	Sylviane then strolled around the huge map table. She raised her hand and pressed her index finger against her ~~lips~~ in deep thought. Silence reigned over the room as everyone's eyes followed the contemplating princess. It was clear from her frown that she felt conflicted about Pascal's proposed strategy.		Sylviane then strolled around the huge map table. She raised her hand and pressed her index finger against her teeth in deep thought. Silence reigned over the room as everyone's eyes followed the contemplating princess. It was clear from her frown that she felt conflicted about Pascal's proposed strategy.

	It took a minute and a full circle before Sylviane stopped. She leaned against the table and examined the map once more, before she straightened her back and faced everyone with a declaration:		It took a minute and a full circle before Sylviane stopped. She leaned against the table and examined the map once more, before she straightened her back and faced everyone with a declaration:

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	Hence why the only outsiders to succeed in an invasion of Russia... were the Mongols.		Hence why the only outsiders to succeed in an invasion of Russia... were the Mongols.

	With her napkin set in place, Kaede prepared herself to dig in. Her Sauerbraten beef roast was flavored with red wine and raisins ~~in Rheinischer style~~. She also had potato dumplings, white asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, and as always -- more sausages, even as a side.		With her napkin set in place, Kaede prepared herself to dig in. Her Sauerbraten beef roast was flavored with red wine and raisins. She also had potato dumplings, white asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, and as always -- more sausages, even as a side.

	''I swear Weichsel has a wiener obsession,'' she commented to herself. Her fork raised and ready.		''I swear Weichsel has a wiener obsession,'' she commented to herself. Her fork raised and ready.
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	"Not so fast," the Princess stared with disapproval. "I don't know how your world's God prefers it. But here in Hyperion, prayers first."		"Not so fast," the Princess stared with disapproval. "I don't know how your world's God prefers it. But here in Hyperion, prayers first."

	Kaede put her utensils down again with an impatient scowl. Her meal was about to taste a minute colder through no fault of her own due to the gross religious tyranny against her freedom of... ingesting. As such, it ~~should~~ be within her right to protest by adorning her head with the holiest symbol of the pasta gods: the colander.		Kaede put her utensils down again with an impatient scowl. Her meal was about to taste a minute colder through no fault of her own due to the gross religious tyranny against her freedom of... ingesting. As such, it shall be within her right to protest by adorning her head with the holiest symbol of the pasta gods: the colander.

	But then, she doubted the Almighty -- whatever form he or she might take -- would approve of her being disrespectful of others practicing their own faiths. After all, there was ''no'' holy text that claims 'thou shalt be an intolerant cur'; not even the Abrahamic ones, despite the popular notions of their more zealous believers.		But then, she doubted the Almighty -- whatever form he or she might take -- would approve of her being disrespectful of others practicing their own faiths. After all, there was ''no'' holy text that claims 'thou shalt be an intolerant cur'; not even the Abrahamic ones, despite the popular notions of their more zealous believers.
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	"They're an entrenched heresy in the Kingdom of Garona," the Princess explained without even an attempt at holding back her derisive tone. "They believe that the Old Testament and everything written within, including the creation of the world, was the work of the Devil."		"They're an entrenched heresy in the Kingdom of Garona," the Princess explained without even an attempt at holding back her derisive tone. "They believe that the Old Testament and everything written within, including the creation of the world, was the work of the Devil."

	"Crazy fools," Pascal ~~jumped in on the mockery himself~~, before ~~adding~~ a little fairness:		"Crazy fools," Pascal added, before offering a little fairness:

	"Although you have to admit, the Holy Father did change quite a bit between the Old and New Testaments. He was so vengeful and full of wrath in the older tales -- the very antithesis of our merciful Savior."		"Although you have to admit, the Holy Father did change quite a bit between the Old and New Testaments. He was so vengeful and full of wrath in the older tales -- the very antithesis of our merciful Savior."
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	"The Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie was born from a coalition of rebellious forces who rose up against the Holy Imperium's attempt to enforce Trinitian conversion," Pascal noted as he stirred his thickening soup. "When an empire begins like that, its laws and rulers must learn to accept religious differences from the very start."		"The Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie was born from a coalition of rebellious forces who rose up against the Holy Imperium's attempt to enforce Trinitian conversion," Pascal noted as he stirred his thickening soup. "When an empire begins like that, its laws and rulers must learn to accept religious differences from the very start."

	"Quite, although other factors like taxes raised for the ~~war against the Caliphate~~ and cultural encroachment were also major contributors," the Princess clarified. "Religious Autonomy is one of the few common laws within the Empire -- the regional lords are allowed to choose their own religious leanings. ~~For example, there~~ are several duchies within the Kingdom of Gleann Mòr that still openly worship the Northmen's pagan gods, not to mention the druidic minorities in the Kingdom of Ceredigion."		"Quite, although other factors like taxes raised for the First Crusade and cultural encroachment were also major contributors," the Princess clarified. "Religious Autonomy is one of the few common laws within the Empire -- the regional lords are allowed to choose their own religious leanings. There are several duchies within the Kingdom of Gleann Mòr that still openly worship the Northmen's pagan gods, not to mention the druidic minorities in the Kingdom of Ceredigion."

	"Practicality over piety then," Kaede noted as she stabbed a sausage. "No wonder why the Pope dislikes your country."		"Practicality over piety then," Kaede noted as she stabbed a sausage. "No wonder why the Pope dislikes your country."
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	...The last thing she needed from Pascal was a patronizing lecture on 'getting fat'.		...The last thing she needed from Pascal was a patronizing lecture on 'getting fat'.

	"Evening," Kaede ~~raised~~ her ~~hand~~ in greeting as she passed two maids walking the opposite way.		"Evening," Kaede bowed her head in greeting as she passed two maids walking the opposite way.

	She received two curtsies and fake smiles in return, but not a single opportunity for friendly conversation.		She received two curtsies and fake smiles in return, but not a single opportunity for friendly conversation.
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	Events in real life always proved wishful thinking wrong in the most unpleasant way.		Events in real life always proved wishful thinking wrong in the most unpleasant way.

	The problem was: part of her was afraid of exactly what they said. Perhaps the Princess really was just tolerating her for the moment, and would seek to remove her as soon as they tied the knot in the eyes of God. Nothing brought cruelty out like jealousy; ~~and~~ in a world like this, facing the guillotine might even be a 'good end' compared to, say, being vanished off onto the black market as a slave.		The problem was: part of her was afraid of exactly what they just said. Perhaps the Princess really was just tolerating her for the moment, and would seek to remove her as soon as they tied the knot in the eyes of God. Nothing brought cruelty out like jealousy; in a world like this, facing the guillotine might even be a 'good end' compared to, say, being vanished off onto the black market as a slave.

	''No, no,'' Kaede closed her eyes and shook her head. ''I can't think the worst of people. It's neither fair nor right.''		''No, no,'' Kaede closed her eyes and shook her head. ''I can't think the worst of people. It's neither fair nor right.''
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	''She is trying to be nice.''		''She is trying to be nice.''

	Kaede stopped by a window at the edge of the hallway's turn, one of those upper class Weichsel windows with beautiful stained glass framing its transparent center. ~~Exerting her meager strength, she managed to~~ open it to the icy winds outside. The cold air billowing in from the lake stung her cheeks. But at the same time, feeling the refreshing chill, listening to relaxing waves of Cross Lake washing ashore -- it was exactly what she needed to calm her conflicted thoughts.		Kaede stopped by a window at the edge of the hallway's turn, one of those upper class Weichsel windows with beautiful stained glass framing its transparent center. She pushed it open to the icy winds outside. The cold air billowing in from the lake stung her cheeks. But at the same time, feeling the refreshing chill, listening to relaxing waves of Cross Lake washing ashore -- it was exactly what she needed to calm her conflicted thoughts.

	Thankfully for her small shoulders and even smaller hands, her self-heating garments continued to keep her body at a soothing warmth.		Thankfully for her small shoulders and even smaller hands, her self-heating garments continued to keep her body at a soothing warmth.
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	"Perhaps if Your Highness stopped doing it," the lady's maid replied in her ever composed tone.		"Perhaps if Your Highness stopped doing it," the lady's maid replied in her ever composed tone.

	"That's easy for you to say. I wasn't born with good metabolism you know, and I certainly don't need to hear anyone else mocking me for my appearance~~, ever~~... least of all Pascal."		"That's easy for you to say. I wasn't born with good metabolism you know, and I certainly don't need to hear anyone else mocking me for my appearance again... least of all Pascal."

	Kaede was a hundred percent certain that she ''shouldn't be here''. She definitely shouldn't be hearing this. But at this point, any movement from her was more likely to give her presence away.		Kaede was a hundred percent certain that she ''shouldn't be here''. She definitely shouldn't be hearing this. But at this point, any movement from her was more likely to give her presence away.
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	Sylviane then paused to take a few deep breathes.		Sylviane then paused to take a few deep breathes.

	"In any case, we've been over this a hundred times. Just help me back to my room, then get me something to drown this wretched taste out of my mouth."		"In any case, we've been over this a hundred times. Just help me back to my room, then get me something to drown this wretched taste out of my mouth."

	Neither said anything after that, and the pair of footsteps began moving down the hallway in the other direction.		Neither said anything after that, and the pair of footsteps began moving down the hallway in the other direction.

	Only when Kaede heard their steps traverse far down the hall did she ~~let go of~~ the breath that she unconsciously held. Peeking across the corner once more, she confirmed they were gone before thinking to herself:		Only when Kaede heard their steps traverse far down the hall did she exhale the breath that she had unconsciously held. Peeking across the corner once more, she confirmed they were gone before thinking to herself:

	''She threw up. Intentionally. And not for the first time.''		''She threw up. Intentionally. And not for the first time.''
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	Sylviane's appearance might not be exceptional, but she did have the slim figure that girls in well-fed societies sought as the epitome of beauty.		Sylviane's appearance might not be exceptional, but she did have the slim figure that girls in well-fed societies sought as the epitome of beauty.

	Kaede ~~did~~ understand why people turned to such ends. Many girls in Japan were borderline if not outright anorexic, pressured by the demands of society and unfair gender expectations. Except, for Sylviane, not touching her food was hardly an option. After all, she attended a lot of banquets and feasts with men -- who are blessed with high metabolism in their youth and tended to run loose with weight as they aged.		Kaede could understand why people turned to such ends. Many girls in Japan were borderline if not outright anorexic, pressured by the demands of society and unfair gender expectations. Except, for Sylviane, not touching her food was hardly an option. After all, she attended a lot of banquets and feasts with men -- who are blessed with high metabolism in their youth and tended to run loose with weight as they aged.

	''But still... does Pascal know about this?''		''But still... does Pascal know about this?''
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	"<u>I can imagine!</u>" Kaede almost said out loud. "<u>So she's been doing this for at least seven, eight years already? It's a really unhealthy habit!</u>"		"<u>I can imagine!</u>" Kaede almost said out loud. "<u>So she's been doing this for at least seven, eight years already? It's a really unhealthy habit!</u>"

	"<u>I think she already knows that; although healing magic goes a long way to patching up any damage ~~to her throat~~. Either way, I am not going to scold a girl about her eating or dieting habits when she has a complex over appearances. People may think me insensitive, but I am far from downright stupid.</u>"		"<u>I think she already knows that; although healing magic goes a long way to patching up any damage. Either way, I am not going to scold a girl about her eating or dieting habits when she has a complex over appearances. People may think me insensitive, but I am far from downright stupid.</u>

	"<u>Besides...</u>" Pascal continued on. "<u>She has enough pressure on her without me nitpicking her bad habits. None of us are perfect, after all.</u>"		"<u>Besides...</u>" Pascal continued on. "<u>She has enough pressure on her without me nitpicking her bad habits. None of us are perfect, after all.</u>"
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	"As a spy?" Kaede realized immediately, her hands reflexively rising to wave 'no'.		"As a spy?" Kaede realized immediately, her hands reflexively rising to wave 'no'.

	"I did think of it," she admitted. "But I swear that wasn't my intention in asking you. Sure, opportunities ~~might~~ arise, and I ~~can~~'~~t guarantee that I won't~~ raise the topic. But I promise you this: I will not force you to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with, or undertake a risk that I would not be willing to take upon myself."		"I did think of it," she admitted. "But I swear that wasn't my intention in asking you. Sure, opportunities may arise, and I'll probably raise the topic. But I promise you this: I will not force you to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with, or undertake a risk that I would not be willing to take upon myself."

	Staring back at the maid's downcast, worried gaze, Kaede felt her stomach twist in anticipation, concerned that she might have ruined the best opportunity she had thus far at patching up things with her first friend in this world.		Staring back at the maid's downcast, worried gaze, Kaede felt her stomach twist in anticipation, concerned that she might have ruined the best opportunity she had thus far at patching up things with her first friend in this world.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:59, 29 December 2015
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	"Why couldn't you just manage your own food during the campaign?" Sylviane asked from her seat across the table from Kaede.		"Why couldn't you just manage your own food during the campaign?" Sylviane asked from her seat across the table from Kaede.

	The Princess had changed before dinner into a ~~satin~~ evening gown in royal blue, with delicate lace framing her narrow shoulders and silken gloves hugging her thin arms. It made Kaede wonder just how often the Princess came to Nordkreuz to justify outfitting a wardrobe here.		The Princess had changed before dinner into a velvet evening gown in royal blue, with delicate lace framing her narrow shoulders and silken gloves hugging her thin arms. It made Kaede wonder just how often the Princess came to Nordkreuz to justify outfitting a wardrobe here.

	"The army's policy is no special treatment in regards to anything concerning logistics," Pascal explained. "We have too many nobles in the military. If everyone demands this and that of their own, even the most efficient supply train would be overburdened. So to remove any potential conflicts, our founder King Ferdinand wrote it into the Writ of Universal Conscription that everyone receives the same bland rations in the field; with priority based on military rather than social rank if supplies fall short of needs."		"The army's policy is no special treatment in regards to anything concerning logistics," Pascal explained. "We have too many nobles in the military. If everyone demands this and that of their own, even the most efficient supply train would be overburdened. So to remove any potential conflicts, our founder King Ferdinand wrote it into the Writ of Universal Conscription that everyone receives the same bland rations in the field; with priority based on military rather than social rank if supplies fall short of needs."
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	Kaede was rubbing her stomach as she walked around the halls after dinner. It was yet another downside of becoming a girl, and a petite one at that. She could no longer stuff down entire plates when facing a scrumptious meal. In fact, she couldn't even finish all of the modest servings brought before her~~. With nobles being nobles, asking for leftovers to be saved would hardly be appropriate, even if wasting delicious food was downright sinful in her book~~.		Kaede was rubbing her stomach as she walked around the halls after dinner. It was yet another downside of becoming a girl, and a petite one at that. She could no longer stuff down entire plates when facing a scrumptious meal. In fact, she couldn't even finish all of the modest servings brought before her.

	''First world problems,'' she chided herself.		''First world problems,'' she chided herself.

	~~There were probably people starving somewhere~~ in ~~Hyperion who wish they could feel nourished with less food~~, ~~let alone~~ the masterful cooking ~~she just consumed~~. Nevertheless, ~~her~~ normally flat stomach did sport a small and uncomfortable bulge tonight. Hence ~~Kaede~~ strolled about the Keep's carpeted stone hallways, hoping to hasten digestion before turning in for the night.		Thousands of survivors in the ruined city outside had nothing more than stale bread and cafeteria soup, yet here she was complaining about overindulging in delicacies. At least none of the masterful cooking would be wasted, as Kaede made sure any leftovers from the household would be sent to the downtown kitchens. She even petitioned Pascal to pay the staff extra if they were willing to help out inside the city.

			Nevertheless, Kaede's normally flat stomach did sport a small and uncomfortable bulge tonight. Hence she strolled about the Keep's carpeted stone hallways, hoping to hasten digestion before turning in for the night.

	''I probably should watch my food intake.''		''I probably should watch my food intake.''
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	Sylviane then paused to take a few deep breathes.		Sylviane then paused to take a few deep breathes.

	"In any case, we've been over this a hundred times. Just help me back to my room, then get me something to drown this wretched taste out of my mouth,"		"In any case, we've been over this a hundred times. Just help me back to my room, then get me something to drown this wretched taste out of my mouth."

	Neither said anything after that, and the pair of footsteps began moving down the hallway in the other direction.		Neither said anything after that, and the pair of footsteps began moving down the hallway in the other direction.