Daybreak:Volume 3 Chapter 4 - Revision history

Aorii at 00:35, 19 January 2022

2022-01-19T00:35:21Z

Aorii at 18:40, 29 May 2021

2021-05-29T18:40:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 29 May 2021
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	The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra, semi-transparent overlay covered an area of fifty kilopace radius, which displayed weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain currently descending in the northeast.		The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra, semi-transparent overlay covered an area of fifty kilopace radius, which displayed weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain currently descending in 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. Meanwhile in contrast, the interiors of Hyperion and the southern continent of ~~Eurypha~~ were largely unknown.		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. Meanwhile in contrast, the interiors of Hyperion and the southern continent of Euryphaessa were largely unknown.

	''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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	However Pascal held no such leniency towards her:		However Pascal held no such leniency towards her:

	"<Certainly not! If you get fat, I will personally drag you away from your books and force you to exercise!>"		"<Certainly not! If you get fat, I will personally drag you away from your books and force you to exercise!>"



			<noinclude>
			{\| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
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			\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_3\|Chapter 3]]
			\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]
			\| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_3_Chapter_5\|Chapter 5]]
			\|-
			\|}
			</noinclude>

Aorii at 16:51, 22 May 2021

2021-05-22T16:51:17Z

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Aorii at 13:28, 6 April 2017

2017-04-06T13:28:15Z

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Aorii at 18:55, 28 July 2016

2016-07-28T18:55:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 28 July 2016
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	"Crap," her head jolted up to a half sit before she looked back down. Her tofu-pillow showed no signs of damage, but there was definitely several bites worth of saliva on it.		"Crap," her head jolted up to a half sit before she looked back down. Her tofu-pillow showed no signs of damage, but there was definitely several bites worth of saliva on it.

	She had been eating her bed while asleep.		She had been eating her bed while asleep, after nodding off while examining the power relations between Nordkreuz's local guilds.

	"I'm sorry!" Kaede bowed as she rushed an apology to the white pudding familiar under her.		"I'm sorry!" Kaede bowed as she rushed an apology to the white pudding familiar under her.
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	But even then...		But even then...

	Her thoughts derailed as she spun around to the faint exhaling sounds of suppressed laughter. Her gaze caught the wry grin beneath a large and balding forehead -- a uniformed gentleman she knew as Lieutenant-Colonel Hans~~-Canaris Oster~~, the intelligence officer of former General von Manteuffel.		Her thoughts derailed as she spun around to the faint exhaling sounds of suppressed laughter. Her gaze caught the wry grin beneath a large and balding forehead -- a uniformed gentleman she knew as Lieutenant-Colonel Hans Ostergalen, the intelligence officer of former General von Manteuffel.

	"Sorry to intrude," he curtailed his open grin. "I had asked the servants to check out the old Marshal's library as I awaited His Grace, though I ended up seeing something far more interesting instead."		"Sorry to intrude," he curtailed his open grin. "I had asked the servants to check out the old Marshal's library as I awaited His Grace, though I ended up seeing something far more interesting instead."
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	Pascal pursed his lips as he heard the downtrodden, almost-defeated voice. This was clearly not what he had in mind for a conversation.		Pascal pursed his lips as he heard the downtrodden, almost-defeated voice. This was clearly not what he had in mind for a conversation.

	"~~Alright~~... let us presume for a moment that von Manteuffel had been innocent and his enemies had set him up," the Landgrave took the proverbial step back in a gesture of good faith. "How in the world did you expect to help him by opposing the King's agents at ''sword-point''?"		"All right... let us presume for a moment that von Manteuffel had been innocent and his enemies had set him up," the Landgrave took the proverbial step back in a gesture of good faith. "How in the world did you expect to help him by opposing the King's agents at ''sword-point''?"

	"It's politics," Hans almost spat out in disgust. "Had the General been taken, there would be no way for him to clear his own name. His only chance was to stay in power long enough to appeal to the King in person and..."		"It's politics," Hans almost spat out in disgust. "Had the General been taken, there would be no way for him to clear his own name. His only chance was to stay in power long enough to appeal to the King in person and..."

Aorii at 14:23, 1 July 2016

2016-07-01T14:23:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 1 July 2016
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	"Those are designed for familiars," Pascal explained from beside her. "The enchantment required is more complex. But many people use these, since it makes it easier to bring their familiars along on journeys."		"Those are designed for familiars," Pascal explained from beside her. "The enchantment required is more complex. But many people use these, since it makes it easier to bring their familiars along on journeys."

	''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Many people'... ~~what~~ is this, Pokémon!?''		''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Many' people...''

			It was no wonder why Kaede rarely saw familiars out in the open.

			''What is this, Pokémon!?''

	Ariadne suppressed a giggle as the familiar girl slowly turned on her master with an ominous glare.		Ariadne suppressed a giggle as the familiar girl slowly turned on her master with an ominous glare.
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	Huddled under a warm blanket atop the floating, squishy mattress, Kaede rubbed her cheeks against the cool pillow as she woke up from her long nap.		Huddled under a warm blanket atop the floating, squishy mattress, Kaede rubbed her cheeks against the cool pillow as she woke up from her long nap.

	Unlike yesterday, the ~~windy~~ breeze billowing across the lake had forced her to stay indoors. She ended up camping in the keep's small library, surveying the assortment of tomes that Pascal's mind grew up on before drowsiness sent her drifting off to sleep.		Unlike yesterday, the strong breeze billowing across the lake had forced her to stay indoors. She ended up camping in the keep's small library, surveying the assortment of tomes that Pascal's mind grew up on before drowsiness sent her drifting off to sleep.

	A pleasant if nostalgic dream had followed, as Kaede's subconscious took her to the class graduation dinner. It was a jovial feast that she should have attended, where memories and Karaoke songs were exchanged over alcohol, yakiniku, vegetables, and tofu. The boisterous shouting and energetic chattering went on for hours, all before a drunk and exhausted Daichi had to be assisted home.		A pleasant if nostalgic dream had followed, as Kaede's subconscious took her to the class graduation dinner. It was a jovial feast that she should have attended, where memories and Karaoke songs were exchanged over alcohol, yakiniku, vegetables, and tofu. The boisterous shouting and energetic chattering went on for hours, all before a drunk and exhausted Daichi had to be assisted home.

Aorii at 23:45, 30 January 2016

2016-01-30T23:45:27Z

Aorii at 12:57, 28 November 2015

2015-11-28T12:57:03Z

Aorii at 15:57, 12 November 2015

2015-11-12T15:57:09Z

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Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 4 - Never As It Seems=== "Milady! It's morning! Time to get up!" A miserable groan replied to the shouted greeting as 'her ladyship' sank deeper beneath the plush..."

2015-11-02T15:15:19Z

Created page with "===Chapter 4 - Never As It Seems=== "Milady! It's morning! Time to get up!" A miserable groan replied to the shouted greeting as 'her ladyship' sank deeper beneath the plush..."

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← Older revision		Revision as of 00:35, 19 January 2022
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	"Uhhhhnnnnn..."		"Uhhhhnnnnn..."

	The head retreated further as Kaede curled up like a ball beneath the bedcovers~~, which~~ left behind waves of silky hair scattered across the embroidered pillows. However the maid pursued without mercy as she yanked the comforter down to the Samaran girl's waist. It exposed not only the fluttering eyelashes to the bright sunlight pouring in, but also the delicate skin on her back to the cold morning air.		The head retreated further as Kaede curled up like a ball beneath the bedcovers. It left behind waves of silky hair scattered across the embroidered pillows. However the maid pursued without mercy as she yanked the comforter down to the Samaran girl's waist. This exposed not only the fluttering eyelashes to the bright sunlight pouring in, but also the delicate skin on her back to the cold morning air.

	''This is kind of fun,'' Marina thought with a wide grin as she reveled in her moment of clearly defying her lady's wishes yet getting away with it.		''This is kind of fun,'' Marina thought with a wide grin as she reveled in her moment of clearly defying her lady's wishes yet getting away with it.
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	"Ughhhhh, my head," Kaede groaned as she cradled her aching brain at the breakfast table.		"Ughhhhh, my head." Kaede groaned as she cradled her aching brain at the breakfast table.

	"You do not have to come with me this morning if you need more rest," Pascal remarked sympathetically. "My meeting with Colonel Gunther-Hans Rudel this morning will solely be about magic. I need to consult him for a more powerful offensive spell for use in the coming campaign."		"You do not have to come with me this morning if you need more rest," Pascal remarked sympathetically. "My meeting with Colonel Gunther-Hans Rudel this morning will solely be about magic. I need to consult him for a more powerful offensive spell for use in the coming campaign."
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	Kaede huddled beneath a warm blanket atop the floating, squishy mattress. She rubbed her cheeks against the cool pillow as she woke up from her long nap.		Kaede huddled beneath a warm blanket atop the floating, squishy mattress. She rubbed her cheeks against the cool pillow as she woke up from her long nap.

	She had visited Perceval earlier today --once again accompanied by Sir Robert-- for a physical checkup. As the healer had no surgeries today, he lent Kaede his tofu-like familiar which had carried her back home to rest.		She had visited Perceval earlier today -- once again accompanied by Sir Robert -- for a physical checkup. As the healer had no surgeries today, he lent Kaede his tofu-like familiar which had carried her back home to rest.

	Kaede had tried to be productive as she studied notes from the late Marshal on the power-dynamics of the city's guilds. However her sleep-deprived brain couldn't concentrate and she soon nodded off. What came after was a pleasant if oddly-nostalgic dream, as Kaede's subconscious took her to the 'what if' scenario of a class graduation dinner.		Kaede had tried to be productive as she studied notes from the late Marshal on the power-dynamics of the city's guilds. However, her sleep-deprived brain couldn't concentrate and she soon nodded off. What came after was a pleasant if oddly-nostalgic dream, as Kaede's subconscious took her to the 'what if' scenario of a class graduation dinner.

	It was a jovial feast that she would have attended had she remained back on Earth. There, her old classmates would share memories of their high school years, while Karaoke songs were exchanged over alcohol, yakiniku, vegetables, and tofu. The boisterous shouting and energetic chattering went on for hours, all before a drunk and exhausted Daichi had to be assisted home.		It was a jovial feast that she would have attended had she remained back on Earth. There, her old classmates would share memories of their high school years, while Karaoke songs were exchanged over alcohol, yakiniku, vegetables, and tofu. The boisterous shouting and energetic chattering went on for hours, all before a drunk and exhausted Daichi had to be assisted home.
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	''That's not what I was dreaming about!'' Kaede almost blurted out. But then, it hardly mattered what she dreamed of. She was still sleep-nibbling away at Perceval's tofu familiar.		''That's not what I was dreaming about!'' Kaede almost blurted out. But then, it hardly mattered what she dreamed of. She was still sleep-nibbling away at Perceval's tofu familiar.

	She could feel the growing heat of furious blush spreading across her face.		She could feel the growing heat of a furious blush spreading across her face.

	"Please... don't tell anyone." Her whisper barely came out.		"Please... don't tell anyone." Her whisper barely came out.
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	Kaede's jaw hung open in shock as Hans went on with a hearty, congratulatory grin:		Kaede's jaw hung open in shock as Hans went on with a hearty, congratulatory grin:

	"Well what else do you think it means when you exchange parts --or liquids in your case-- with a pudding? It is their custom after all."		"Well what else do you think it means when you exchange parts -- or liquids in your case -- with a pudding? It is their custom after all."

	''T-th-that can't possibly count!'' Kaede stuttered even in her thoughts.		''T-th-that can't possibly count!'' Kaede stuttered even in her thoughts.
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	''No. Though I remember you being angry enough to grind the General's bones on the spot...''		''No. Though I remember you being angry enough to grind the General's bones on the spot...''

	Kaede didn't doubt Pascal's sense of duty. What she did question was his ability to hold back his wrath that night.		Kaede didn't doubt Pascal's sense of duty. What she did question was his ability to hold back his wrath that night. She still remembered that intense tide of murderous impulse that woke her up in cold sweat. It had crashed through their empathic link to blow open a new path. His emotional state was so frightening that it even overpowered her nightmare.

	She still remembered that intense tide of murderous impulse that woke her up in cold sweat. It had crashed through their empathic link to blow open a new path. His emotional state was so frightening that it even overpowered her nightmare.

	It was at times like those when Kaede wondered if Pascal even realized just how terrible his wrath could be.		It was at times like those when Kaede wondered if Pascal even realized just how terrible his wrath could be.
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	Kaede hardly paid attention as the maids brought her dinner in. Her focus was still transfixed upon the scroll-like magical map, as each of her hands held onto one of its rollers.		Kaede hardly paid attention as the maids brought her dinner in. Her focus was still transfixed upon the scroll-like magical map, as each of her hands held onto one of its rollers.

	Admiral Winter's 'World Expedition Map' --it was labeled in gold letters on top-- was unlike anything she had ever seen. The scroll stretched no more than a pace in width, or roughly 3/4 of a meter, and half that in height. It displayed twisting rivers and jagged shorelines in an amazing degree of detail, all in vivid watercolor soft to the eyes. Furthermore, it could zoom in or out at her prompting, with lines shifting and colors rolling across the parchment to as fine as 1/10,000 scale, complete with topography markers and elevation lines near the maximum zoom.		Admiral Winter's 'World Expedition Map' -- it was labeled in gold letters on top -- was unlike anything she had ever seen. The scroll stretched no more than a pace in width, or roughly 3/4 of a meter, and half that in height. It displayed twisting rivers and jagged shorelines in an amazing degree of detail, all in vivid watercolor soft to the eyes. Furthermore, it could zoom in or out at her prompting, with lines shifting and colors rolling across the parchment to as fine as 1/10,000 scale, complete with topography markers and elevation lines near the maximum zoom.

	The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra, semi-transparent overlay covered an area of fifty kilopace radius, which displayed weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain currently descending in the northeast.		The map also marked the 'current location' in red. An extra, semi-transparent overlay covered an area of fifty kilopace radius, which displayed weather effects like the wintry mix of sleet and rain currently descending in 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. Meanwhile in contrast, the interiors of Hyperion and the southern continent of Euryphaessa were largely unknown.		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. Meanwhile in contrast, the interiors of Hyperion and the southern continent of Euryphaessa were largely unknown.

	''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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	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.

	''Though not in this world,'' Kaede couldn't help but smile as she imagined how different Russia could have been ~~had it not been for~~ the cultural trauma left by the 'Mongol Yoke'.		''Though not in this world,'' Kaede couldn't help but smile as she imagined how different Russia could have been without the cultural trauma left by the 'Mongol Yoke'.


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	"The Glassmakers' Guild is lucky I need them for reconstruction efforts," Kaede heard Pascal snarl from the head of the dinner table. "Otherwise I would be cutting their access to the King's purse for their selfish greed and impudence!"		"The Glassmakers' Guild is lucky I need them for reconstruction efforts." Kaede heard Pascal snarl from the head of the dinner table. "Otherwise I would be cutting their access to the King's purse for their selfish greed and impudence!"

	Pascal and Sylviane had been discussing their lunch meeting, when they met up with the city's guild leaders for the second time. Apparently one of the guild leaders had ''demanded'' that Pascal prioritize their needs, due to the heavy loss of materiel they suffered during the bombardment.		Pascal and Sylviane had been discussing their lunch meeting, when they met up with the city's guild leaders for the second time. Apparently one of the guild leaders had ''demanded'' that Pascal prioritize their needs, due to the heavy loss of materiel they suffered during the bombardment.
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	"And architects," Pascal added before smiling. "Though I agree. Restoring the blacksmiths will also help with war production. The Lotharins have always used arrowheads faster than they can produce them."		"And architects," Pascal added before smiling. "Though I agree. Restoring the blacksmiths will also help with war production. The Lotharins have always used arrowheads faster than they can produce them."

	It was clear that Kaede had passed his latest 'test' already. However, the answer she gave was just the low-hanging fruit. To hasten the recovery of an industrial-trade hub like Nordkreuz, they would need far more than just construction and war production. Otherwise even after Nordkreuz is rebuilt, its economy would be extremely unbalanced. It would be like the Soviet Union after the Great Patriotic War, with far too much heavy industry and an economy built around military spending, rather than relying on light industries geared towards consumer production.		It was clear that Kaede had passed his latest 'test' already. However, the answer she gave was just the low-hanging fruit. To hasten the recovery of an industrial-trade hub like Nordkreuz, they would need far more than just construction and war production. Otherwise even after Nordkreuz was rebuilt, its economy would be extremely unbalanced. It would be like the Soviet Union after the Great Patriotic War, with far too much heavy industry and an economy built around military spending, rather than relying on light industries geared towards consumer production.

	To promote long-term growth, it was far better to take the American route.		To promote long-term growth, it was far better to take the American route.
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	''I guess I forgot to cut it first. But still...''		''I guess I forgot to cut it first. But still...''

	There was no reason to stare at her as though she spontaneously turned into an octopus~~, except~~ it only grew worse when she brought the fork back up for another bite.		There was no reason to stare at her as though she spontaneously turned into an octopus. Except it only grew worse when she brought the fork back up for another bite.

	Even Sylviane was staring at her now, though she looked more annoyed than astonished. Meanwhile the Majordomo Karsten --who had been pouring some wine for the Princess-- looked somewhere between flabbergasted and petrified by an eldritch horror.		Even Sylviane was staring at her now, though she looked more annoyed than astonished. Meanwhile the Majordomo Karsten -- who had been pouring some wine for the Princess -- looked somewhere between flabbergasted and petrified by an eldritch horror.

	"<That look is kind of... obscene.>"		"<That look is kind of... obscene.>"
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	Thankfully for her thin figure, her self-heating garments continued to keep her in wraps of soothing warmth.		Thankfully for her thin figure, her self-heating garments continued to keep her in wraps of soothing warmth.

	Kaede wasn't sure how long she stared absentmindedly into the pitch darkness above the cloud-covered lake. However as she finally closed the window, she heard an odd retching noise --faint even to her familiar-enhanced senses-- coming from down the hallway.		Kaede wasn't sure how long she stared absentmindedly into the pitch darkness above the cloud-covered lake. However, as she finally closed the window, she heard an odd retching noise -- faint even to her familiar-enhanced senses -- coming from down the hallway.

	She silently crept down the corridor, trying to keep her steps as soft as possible. By the time she reached another bend in the hallway, she heard the heavy steps of someone emerging from a nearby room.		She silently crept down the corridor, trying to keep her steps as soft as possible. By the time she reached another bend in the hallway, she heard the heavy steps of someone emerging from a nearby room.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 30 January 2016
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	"I just wanted to thank you for this morning," Sylviane almost chuckled, as though noticing the faint sparks of tension that marked this scenario as an ambush.		"I just wanted to thank you for this morning," Sylviane almost chuckled, as though noticing the faint sparks of tension that marked this scenario as an ambush.

	But her words only left Ariadne more wary, more confused.		But her words only left Ariadne more wary, more confused. Surely the setup was intentional, using this oppressive atmosphere to coerce where royal propriety could not.

	"I had hoped that Pascal would reflect upon his involvement in the 'Manteuffel Incident' as a lesson in politics. But for days I wasn't sure how to breach the topic, since it did involve the circumstances behind his father's death," the Princess explained in a courteous yet reserved smile. "You may have done a better job at breakfast than I could ever have."		"I had hoped that Pascal would reflect upon his involvement in the 'Manteuffel Incident' as a lesson in politics. But for days I wasn't sure how to breach the topic, since it did involve the circumstances behind his father's death," the Princess explained in a courteous yet reserved smile. "You may have done a better job at breakfast than I could ever have."
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	With her bewildered gaze fixated on the living tofu, she almost missed Pascal's footsteps walking up until the healer turned to face him:		With her bewildered gaze fixated on the living tofu, she almost missed Pascal's footsteps walking up until the healer turned to face him:

	"Pascal, you should have Kaede's maid make her some chamomile tea after dinner at night. It's a relaxant that might help her sleep, and many of the herb's active properties are common enough among other plants that her Samaran biology might not reject it."		"Pascal, you should have Kaede's maid make her some chamomile and lavender tea after dinner at night. It's a relaxant that might help her sleep, and many of the herb's active properties are common enough among other plants that her Samaran biology might not reject it."

	The 'fluid of life' provided yet another example that nothing in nature happened without consequence. The crystal-clear red blood offers countless immunities to various diseases and poisons, but it also complicated any medicinal aid to regulate chemical imbalances within the body and mind.		The 'fluid of life' provided yet another example that nothing in nature happened without consequence. The crystal-clear red blood offers countless immunities to various diseases and poisons, but it also complicated any medicinal aid to regulate chemical imbalances within the body and mind.
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	"No, but they also do not know ''him'' as I do," Hans retorted. "Even the best intelligence can be fooled by convincingly falsified data, but no amount of trickery could change the fundamental character of a man so easily!"		"No, but they also do not know ''him'' as I do," Hans retorted. "Even the best intelligence can be fooled by convincingly falsified data, but no amount of trickery could change the fundamental character of a man so easily!"

	Sparks filled the room once more as both men ~~stared~~ at one another from across the table, their steady gaze clashing again in a contest of wills.		Sparks filled the room once more as both men glared at one another from across the table, their steady gaze clashing again in a contest of wills.

	Thinking back to past conversations, Kaede remembered that the Lieutenant-Colonel's own methods in information gathering focused on tracking the long-term behavior of important individuals. Certainly, there was validity in his belief that 'character' was more reliable than isolated events. However...		Thinking back to past conversations, Kaede remembered that the Lieutenant-Colonel's own methods in information gathering focused on tracking the long-term behavior of important individuals. Certainly, there was validity in his belief that 'character' was more reliable than isolated events. However...
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	"There is no one better positioned to redeem your career than myself, assuming you do not think that your considerable talents are too wasteful for someone of my 'mediocre' ranking. Besides..."		"There is no one better positioned to redeem your career than myself, assuming you do not think that your considerable talents are too wasteful for someone of my 'mediocre' ranking. Besides..."

	They were once comrades, acquaintances, and enemies. They had laughed over dinner before raising blades against one another over the fate of another man. But even as the still-bewildered Hans faced his loyalty, his pride, and his doubts, Pascal had already reached ~~behind~~ his defenses to seal the deal:		They were once comrades, acquaintances, and enemies. They had laughed over dinner before raising blades against one another over the fate of another man. But even as the still-bewildered Hans faced his loyalty, his pride, and his doubts, Pascal had already reached past his defenses to seal the deal:

	"--If you sincerely believe that von Manteuffel was innocent in my father's death and wish to redeem his name, then what better way of uncovering the indisputable truth than to join me?"		"--If you sincerely believe that von Manteuffel was innocent in my father's death and wish to redeem his name, then what better way of uncovering the indisputable truth than to join me?"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:57, 28 November 2015
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	The reply, however, was the single most earnest piece of advice that the noble lady had ever given him:		The reply, however, was the single most earnest piece of advice that the noble lady had ever given him:

	"Then you best learn fast, because you're marrying into one of the greatest."		"Then you'd best learn fast, because you're marrying into one of the greatest."


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	"I had hoped that Pascal would reflect upon his involvement in the 'Manteuffel Incident' as a lesson in politics. But for days I wasn't sure how to breach the topic, since it did involve the circumstances behind his father's death," the Princess explained in a courteous yet reserved smile. "You may have done a better job at breakfast than I could ever have."		"I had hoped that Pascal would reflect upon his involvement in the 'Manteuffel Incident' as a lesson in politics. But for days I wasn't sure how to breach the topic, since it did involve the circumstances behind his father's death," the Princess explained in a courteous yet reserved smile. "You may have done a better job at breakfast than I could ever have."

	Was it sincere, or was Sylviane mocking her family's misfortunes? Uncertain of the Princess' aim, Ariadne chose her reply with cautious professionalism as she ~~offer~~ another light bow:		Was it sincere, or was Sylviane mocking her family's misfortunes? Uncertain of the Princess' aim, Ariadne chose her reply with cautious professionalism as she offered another light bow:

	"It wasn't my intention, but I'm glad to be of service."		"It wasn't my intention, but I'm glad to be of service."
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	"Does that include ''Mental Clarity''?" Pascal asked next, concern shadowing his eyes as it was the one spell that his familiar used more than any other from her runes; not to mention that one time he surged it to blank out her fears in the heat of battle.		"Does that include ''Mental Clarity''?" Pascal asked next, concern shadowing his eyes as it was the one spell that his familiar used more than any other from her runes; not to mention that one time he surged it to blank out her fears in the heat of battle.

	"Yes. After all, it actively ~~suppressing~~ undesirable feedback from the nerves. Not only is that psychologically addictive, but prolonged use may even cause permanent imbalance in the nervous system. I realize it's popular among officers and that being alert and steady is always better than being dead, but try to use it sparingly."		"Yes. After all, it actively suppresses undesirable feedback from the nerves. Not only is that psychologically addictive, but prolonged use may even cause permanent imbalance in the nervous system. I realize it's popular among officers and that being alert and steady is always better than being dead, but try to use it sparingly."

	The healer's well-reasoned warning left his listeners with deep, thoughtful nods.		The healer's well-reasoned warning left his listeners with deep, thoughtful nods.
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	Only then did comprehension dawn upon Kaede, and her cheeks darkened yet further as they pouted back at the sly intelligence officer who had just played her like a fiddle.		Only then did comprehension dawn upon Kaede, and her cheeks darkened yet further as they pouted back at the sly intelligence officer who had just played her like a fiddle.

	With a quirked eyebrow, Pascal glanced between the disappointed Lieutenant-Colonel and ~~the~~ his familiar's flushed-scarlet face.		With a quirked eyebrow, Pascal glanced between the disappointed Lieutenant-Colonel and his familiar's flushed-scarlet face.

	"My apologies for the wait," he exhaled a frowning sigh as realization struck. "I trust you have had enough fun with my familiar's over-reactive imagination now?"		"My apologies for the wait," he exhaled a frowning sigh as realization struck. "I trust you have had enough fun with my familiar's over-reactive imagination now?"
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	Kaede found a seat on the nearby sofa as well, though Putty's cool presence beside her legs soon inspired her to transfer ship. But Hans remained standing upright as though reporting in to his superior officer, despite the fact that 'Major' was a rank below 'Lieutenant-Colonel'.		Kaede found a seat on the nearby sofa as well, though Putty's cool presence beside her legs soon inspired her to transfer ship. But Hans remained standing upright as though reporting in to his superior officer, despite the fact that 'Major' was a rank below 'Lieutenant-Colonel'.

	"I figured there was a reason I was released instead of court-~~marshaled~~," he spoke as unblinking brown eyes locked onto Pascal's turquoise gaze. "But what that reason is, even I do not know."		"I figured there was a reason I was released instead of court-martialed," he spoke as unblinking brown eyes locked onto Pascal's turquoise gaze. "But what that reason is, even I do not know."

	An audible sigh emanated from beyond the desk as the younger man looked up in disappointment.		An audible sigh emanated from beyond the desk as the younger man looked up in disappointment.
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	"Well you thought wrong!" the low, harsh words that erupted from Pascal had instantly cut Hans off.		"Well you thought wrong!" the low, harsh words that erupted from Pascal had instantly cut Hans off.

	Taking a deep ~~breathe~~, the Lieutenant-Colonel stared back at the Landgrave in defiance:		Taking a deep breath, the Lieutenant-Colonel stared back at the Landgrave in defiance:

	"I'm sorry Your Grace, but in over a dozen years as one of the closest and most trusted members of his staff, I have ''never'' known the General to plot against the King or country. He has toiled and bled for this country and no other! I would sooner eat a broom than believe for a single second that he has worked with the Imperials!"		"I'm sorry Your Grace, but in over a dozen years as one of the closest and most trusted members of his staff, I have ''never'' known the General to plot against the King or country. He has toiled and bled for this country and no other! I would sooner eat a broom than believe for a single second that he has worked with the Imperials!"
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	''Besides... didn't Ariadne just tell you this morning that you're being too naive?''		''Besides... didn't Ariadne just tell you this morning that you're being too naive?''

	Trials for treason had always been more about politics than law. In such circumstances, it was doubtful if even the due process could have protected an innocent man. Unfortunately, Pascal's staunch faith in the 'Rule of Law' as the first and foremost principle in proper state administration also left him... more a little blindsided in the ruthless arena of internal politics.		Trials for treason had always been more about politics than law. In such circumstances, it was doubtful if even the due process could have protected an innocent man. Unfortunately, Pascal's staunch faith in the 'Rule of Law' as the first and foremost principle in proper state administration also left him... more than a little blindsided in the ruthless arena of internal politics.

	"Isn't that what you wanted?"		"Isn't that what you wanted?"
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	The reply from Hans was impetuous, and even he glanced aside in regret almost as soon as the words had left his mouth.		The reply from Hans was impetuous, and even he glanced aside in regret almost as soon as the words had left his mouth.

	"I only want to bring those responsible for my father's death what they ''justly'' deserve," the cold and unnerving declaration swept across the room, leaving ~~it an~~ stilled and icy atmosphere.		"I only want to bring those responsible for my father's death what they ''justly'' deserve," the cold and unnerving declaration swept across the room, leaving a stilled and icy atmosphere.

	"Well..." the Lieutenant-Colonel sighed after a long pause. "As I've said, I have nothing firm to persuade you with. But if you are hell-bent on punishing those who conspired against your father, then why did you persuade the King to release me?"		"Well..." the Lieutenant-Colonel sighed after a long pause. "As I've said, I have nothing firm to persuade you with. But if you are hell-bent on punishing those who conspired against your father, then why did you persuade the King to release me?"
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	Pascal leaned back against the cushioned chair, his dead-serious visage punctuated by a thin smile at last.		Pascal leaned back against the cushioned chair, his dead-serious visage punctuated by a thin smile at last.

	"No man opportunistic enough to betray his own country would gamble his life on such a desperate last stand, not when you could easily claim ignorance as there were no evidence linking you to the plot," the young Landgrave noted the Black Eagles' latest disclosure, which he must of received through the King.		"No man opportunistic enough to betray his own country would gamble his life on such a desperate last stand, not when you could easily claim ignorance as there were no evidence linking you to the plot," the young Landgrave noted the Black Eagles' latest disclosure, which he must have received through the King.

	His turquoise gaze was still fixated upon the Lieutenant-Colonel's every wrinkle, every expression. But within those steady eyes, a soft and forgiving light had already permeated through:		His turquoise gaze was still fixated upon the Lieutenant-Colonel's every wrinkle, every expression. But within those steady eyes, a soft and forgiving light had already permeated through:
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	"Yes, you and the men who followed you; although the King demanded that at least some disciplining was in order for your obstruction of justice," Pascal scowled in disappointment, though it was more towards Hans than the decision of his liege lord. "Therefore I am tasked with collecting your current rank insignias. I am sorry."		"Yes, you and the men who followed you; although the King demanded that at least some disciplining was in order for your obstruction of justice," Pascal scowled in disappointment, though it was more towards Hans than the decision of his liege lord. "Therefore I am tasked with collecting your current rank insignias. I am sorry."

	Biting down upon his lower lip, Hans nodded as he reached to take the articles from his own shoulders. He had been demoted one grade, and while this lenient punishment might not ~~seemed~~ much to some, it was a bitter distance to fall for a magic-less commoner of few opportunities.		Biting down upon his lower lip, Hans nodded as he reached to take the articles from his own shoulders. He had been demoted one grade, and while this lenient punishment might not seem much to some, it was a bitter distance to fall for a magic-less commoner of few opportunities.

	With his own age in mind, Hans rather doubted he could climb back up, assuming he had any career prospects remaining at all.		With his own age in mind, Hans rather doubted he could climb back up, assuming he had any career prospects remaining at all.
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	They were once comrades, acquaintances, and enemies. They had laughed over dinner before raising blades against one another over the fate of another man. But even as the still-bewildered Hans faced his loyalty, his pride, and his doubts, Pascal had already reached behind his defenses to seal the deal:		They were once comrades, acquaintances, and enemies. They had laughed over dinner before raising blades against one another over the fate of another man. But even as the still-bewildered Hans faced his loyalty, his pride, and his doubts, Pascal had already reached behind his defenses to seal the deal:

	"--If you sincerely believe that von Manteuffel was innocent in my father's death and ~~wishes~~ to redeem his name, then what better way of uncovering the indisputable truth than to join me?"		"--If you sincerely believe that von Manteuffel was innocent in my father's death and wish to redeem his name, then what better way of uncovering the indisputable truth than to join me?"