Daybreak:Volume 4 Chapter 6 - Revision history

Aorii at 17:47, 8 March 2025

2025-03-08T17:47:44Z

Aorii at 15:30, 11 March 2023

2023-03-11T15:30:12Z

Aorii at 20:47, 1 October 2022

2022-10-01T20:47:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 1 October 2022
Line 261:		Line 261:
	"You don't have to, certainly not at first." Sylviane beamed as she reached out and rubbed Kaede's soft hair.		"You don't have to, certainly not at first." Sylviane beamed as she reached out and rubbed Kaede's soft hair.

	"Kaede, diplomacy is not like military affairs." It was Pascal who pointed out next. "The art of war inherently promotes the ~~centralization~~ of authority to a single decision maker. Even the most brilliant rulers are often of no help due to the lack of information clarity imposed by distance. As such, the burden of responsibility falls solely upon the highest ranking local commander."		"Kaede, diplomacy is not like military affairs." It was Pascal who pointed out next. "The art of war inherently promotes the concentration of authority to a single decision maker. Even the most brilliant rulers are often of no help due to the lack of information clarity imposed by distance. As such, the burden of responsibility falls solely upon the highest ranking local commander."

	"Yes, but the same cannot be said for diplomacy." The Princess added. "One of the advantages of statecraft is that negotiations are, by its very nature, a field where decisions must be made with consent. Being my personal representative does not automatically make you the sole leader of any delegation. Furthermore, not only do you have others to advise and aid you, you will also be maintaining direct communications with me over any decisions of state policy."		"Yes, but the same cannot be said for diplomacy." The Princess added. "One of the advantages of statecraft is that negotiations are, by its very nature, a field where decisions must be made with consent. Being my personal representative does not automatically make you the sole leader of any delegation. Furthermore, not only do you have others to advise and aid you, you will also be maintaining direct communications with me over any decisions of state policy."

Aorii at 17:47, 4 September 2022

2022-09-04T17:47:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:47, 4 September 2022
Line 5:		Line 5:
	Kaede watched as two dozen individuals took one knee on the gold-trimmed red carpet that led up to Queen Katell's throne. Each of them wore a cape trimmed in white fur and decorated in floral embroidery. Their ceremonial capes followed a similar design as the garment that wrapped around the Samaran girl. Although instead of the icy-blue color used for Royal Chevaliers of the Empire, theirs was dyed a seafoam green -- the national color for the Kingdom of Avorica.		Kaede watched as two dozen individuals took one knee on the gold-trimmed red carpet that led up to Queen Katell's throne. Each of them wore a cape trimmed in white fur and decorated in floral embroidery. Their ceremonial capes followed a similar design as the garment that wrapped around the Samaran girl. Although instead of the icy-blue color used for Royal Chevaliers of the Empire, theirs was dyed a seafoam green -- the national color for the Kingdom of Avorica.

	The familiar stood at attention ~~besides~~ Princess Sylviane, while the Crown Princess sat on a chair to the Queen's left. Two rows of various high officials, from dukes to generals to an archbishop, lined up on both sides of the carpet. Behind them was an audience of over a hundred nobles and bureaucrats of various lesser ranks. Though the crowd in attendance didn't end there.		The familiar stood at attention beside Princess Sylviane, while the Crown Princess sat on a chair to the Queen's left. Two rows of various high officials, from dukes to generals to an archbishop, lined up on both sides of the carpet. Behind them was an audience of over a hundred nobles and bureaucrats of various lesser ranks. Though the crowd in attendance didn't end there.

	The Queen's armigers and guardsmen formed two long lines that ran along the red carpet. They trailed out into the open corridors where more of Roazhon's upper and middle class stood. The parallel lines then ran all the way to the citadel's courtyard. There, thousands of the city's populace waited to catch a glimpse of the ceremony.		The Queen's armigers and guardsmen formed two long lines that ran along the red carpet. They trailed out into the open corridors where more of Roazhon's upper and middle class stood. The parallel lines then ran all the way to the citadel's courtyard. There, thousands of the city's populace waited to catch a glimpse of the ceremony.
Line 25:		Line 25:
	''Ultimate triumph...'' Kaede frowned as she reflected on the Lotharins' victory during their Independence War. Sure, they did win in the end, but only after four failed attempts. The price in blood they paid was phenomenal and could be felt in the country's population density even today.		''Ultimate triumph...'' Kaede frowned as she reflected on the Lotharins' victory during their Independence War. Sure, they did win in the end, but only after four failed attempts. The price in blood they paid was phenomenal and could be felt in the country's population density even today.

	Reading about Lotharin Independence always reminded Kaede of the tremendous losses the Soviet Union took to defeat the Nazis in the Great Patriotic War. Russians like Kaede's father viewed it as a great source of national pride. Yet to Kaede, this always felt like oversimplified glorification. Yes, it was a monumental achievement, and the people's sacrifices in ~~that~~ struggle against genocide should be remembered. But what of the many mistakes that cost countless lives and hurled Russia into a demographic death spiral? Are they simply to be pushed aside by the ego of nationalistic rhetoric and heroic romanticization?		Reading about Lotharin Independence always reminded Kaede of the tremendous losses the Soviet Union took to defeat the Nazis in the Great Patriotic War. Russians like Kaede's father viewed it as a great source of national pride. Yet to Kaede, this always felt like an oversimplified glorification. Yes, it was a monumental achievement, and the people's sacrifices in the struggle against genocide should be remembered. But what of the many mistakes that cost countless lives and hurled Russia into a demographic death spiral? Are they simply to be pushed aside by the ego of nationalistic rhetoric and heroic romanticization?

	"Therefore, it is my honor today to present all of you with the sword of a Chevalier of the Kingdom of Avorica." The Queen declared. "Please consider it a personal token of gratitude from not just your queen, but all the people of Avorica, of Rhin-Lotharingie! You have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. And through your personal examples, you have opened a path forward for our kingdom, our empire!"		"Therefore, it is my honor today to present all of you with the sword of a Chevalier of the Kingdom of Avorica." The Queen declared. "Please consider it a personal token of gratitude from not just your queen, but all the people of Avorica, of Rhin-Lotharingie! You have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. And through your personal examples, you have opened a path forward for our kingdom, our empire!"
Line 121:		Line 121:
	"In recognition of your dedication to duty in Alisia, your heroism on the banks of the Gwilen River, your contributions to the victory at Lysardh Point, and your wise counsel in the aftermath of Glywysing...." Sylviane's voice resonated across the audience chamber as she listed the familiar's merits. The Princess even acknowledged the events at the Academy, which Kaede once begrudged that she didn't receive any recognition like Reynaud did.		"In recognition of your dedication to duty in Alisia, your heroism on the banks of the Gwilen River, your contributions to the victory at Lysardh Point, and your wise counsel in the aftermath of Glywysing...." Sylviane's voice resonated across the audience chamber as she listed the familiar's merits. The Princess even acknowledged the events at the Academy, which Kaede once begrudged that she didn't receive any recognition like Reynaud did.

	The Samaran girl then heard the sound of cold steel being drawn from its scabbard. A ''swish'' followed as Her Highness raised the sword into the air, before lowering it onto the familiar's left shoulder with graceful tap.		The Samaran girl then heard the sound of cold steel being drawn from its scabbard. A ''swish'' followed as Her Highness raised the sword into the air, before lowering it onto the familiar's left shoulder with a graceful tap.

	"I, Crown Princess Sylviane Etiennette de Gaetane, hereby recognize you as a Royal Chevalier of the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie. And on my authority as the successor to the Burning Throne, I promote you to the office of the Grand Squire of the Empire."		"I, Crown Princess Sylviane Etiennette de Gaetane, hereby recognize you as a Royal Chevalier of the Empire of Rhin-Lotharingie. And on my authority as the successor to the Burning Throne, I promote you to the office of the Grand Squire of the Empire."
Line 135:		Line 135:
	"<Y-your Highness...>" The Samaran girl spoke reluctantly over the still-open telepathy channel instead as she felt a tap on her right shoulder.		"<Y-your Highness...>" The Samaran girl spoke reluctantly over the still-open telepathy channel instead as she felt a tap on her right shoulder.

	"<Shush Kaede, I'll explain my choice to you later.>" Sylviane responded kindly before her mental voice slightly in warning. "<Do not embarrass me and accept the position like a good girl.>"		"<Shush Kaede, I'll explain my choice to you later.>" Sylviane responded kindly before raising her mental voice slightly in warning. "<Do not embarrass me and accept the position like a good girl.>"

	The Princess then finished the accolade by laying the tip of the sword against the back of Kaede's neck. It was an act that Queen Katell did not perform with any of the other chevaliers. And the reason for it became clear as Sylviane reminded:		The Princess then finished the accolade by laying the tip of the sword against the back of Kaede's neck. It was an act that Queen Katell did not perform with any of the other chevaliers. And the reason for it became clear as Sylviane reminded:
Line 267:		Line 267:
	It was a reminder to Kaede that all treaties brokered by ambassadors still had to be signed by monarchs or ratified by senates. Therefore, it would probably be more accurate to view diplomats as 'middle men' -- individuals who formed a bridge in communications that would help both sides reach an understanding.		It was a reminder to Kaede that all treaties brokered by ambassadors still had to be signed by monarchs or ratified by senates. Therefore, it would probably be more accurate to view diplomats as 'middle men' -- individuals who formed a bridge in communications that would help both sides reach an understanding.

	In other words, it was not too different from the 'historical advisor' role that Kaede had always aspired to claim. Though in this case, it meant connecting the leaders of one country to the ~~history~~ influences, cultural viewpoints, and political interests of another state.		In other words, it was not too different from the 'historical advisor' role that Kaede had always aspired to claim. Though in this case, it meant connecting the leaders of one country to the historical influences, cultural viewpoints, and political interests of another state.

	"I think I understand then..."		"I think I understand then..."
Line 285:		Line 285:
	"Though, I'm not sure this is the appropriate outfit for an emissary." Sylviane thought out aloud as she traced Kaede's figure and examined her posture.		"Though, I'm not sure this is the appropriate outfit for an emissary." Sylviane thought out aloud as she traced Kaede's figure and examined her posture.

	"I think, before I send you off on any diplomatic missions, we really should work on your outfits and buy you a ''proper'' corset." Sylviane commented with ~~an only~~ half-teasing look. "You may not be royal of blood, but you certainly are a member of the family, which means your poise could use more dignity. And that's not to mention your table manners, which ''definitely'' need work."		"I think, before I send you off on any diplomatic missions, we really should work on your outfits and buy you a ''proper'' corset." Sylviane commented with a half-teasing look. "You may not be royal of blood, but you certainly are a member of the family, which means your poise could use more dignity. And that's not to mention your table manners, which ''definitely'' need work."

	Kaede groaned as the thought of being squeezed by a corset did not entice her one bit. However, while she knew her posture could be improved as she had a tendency to hunch when reading, she didn't remember ever being rude at meals.		Kaede groaned as the thought of being squeezed by a corset did not entice her one bit. However, while she knew her posture could be improved as she had a tendency to hunch when reading, she didn't remember ever being rude at meals.
Line 296:		Line 296:

	''You're never going to let me forget that are you?''		''You're never going to let me forget that are you?''



			<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;"
			\|-
			\| Back to [[Daybreak:Volume_4_Chapter_5\|Chapter 5]]
			\| Return to [[Daybreak_on_Hyperion\|Main Page]]
			\| Forward to [[Daybreak:Volume_4_Chapter_7\|Chapter 7]]
			\|-
			\|}
			</noinclude>

Aorii at 15:16, 3 September 2022

2022-09-03T15:16:46Z

Aorii: Created page with "===Chapter 6 - In the Interest of State=== "Majesty!" Kaede watched as two dozen individuals took one knee on the gold-trimmed red carpet that led up to Queen Katell's thron..."

2022-09-03T14:58:08Z

Created page with "===Chapter 6 - In the Interest of State=== "Majesty!" Kaede watched as two dozen individuals took one knee on the gold-trimmed red carpet that led up to Queen Katell's thron..."

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 11 March 2023
Line 17:		Line 17:
	"Soldiers of Avorica!" The Queen began in a magically amplified voice. She lowered the arming sword and pressed its tip against the red carpet. Her regal pose was astonishingly dignified despite the extremely pregnant bulge of her stomach.		"Soldiers of Avorica!" The Queen began in a magically amplified voice. She lowered the arming sword and pressed its tip against the red carpet. Her regal pose was astonishingly dignified despite the extremely pregnant bulge of her stomach.

	"We gather ~~here, today,~~ to celebrate the deeds of your bravery." Katell ~~continued as~~ she dropped to a more solemn tone. "The past two months have been a dark period for our country, one which has tested the resolve of every citizen. All of us have lost something in this war, be it our homes, our loved ones, or our livelihoods. Many of us have struggled to see the light as a result. And I ashamedly count myself among those who have lost faith, as the death of my beloved husband weighed deeply upon my heart."		"Today, we gather to celebrate the deeds of your bravery." Katell announced before she dropped to a more solemn tone. "The past two months have been a dark period for our country, one which has tested the resolve of every citizen. All of us have lost something in this war, be it our homes, our loved ones, or our livelihoods. Many of us have struggled to see the light as a result. And I ashamedly count myself among those who have lost faith, as the death of my beloved husband weighed deeply upon my heart."

	Countless individuals in the audience looked down as they took a brief moment of silence with the Queen. The Avorican equestrian elite had been especially hard hit by the war. Their famous light cavalry had been virtually wiped out in the opening battles. The casualties could be felt even in the audience chamber. There was a notable imbalance of women over men, as far more noble sons than daughters joined the army and consequently perished.		Countless individuals in the audience looked down as they took a brief moment of silence with the Queen. The Avorican equestrian elite had been especially hard hit by the war. Their famous light cavalry had been virtually wiped out in the opening battles. The casualties could be felt even in the audience chamber. There was a notable imbalance of women over men, as far more noble sons than daughters joined the army and consequently perished.

	"Yet, the same weakness has not befallen upon the men and women who stand before me." The Queen continued as her ~~voice filled~~ with ~~seeming~~ pride. "Through ~~your honor, your~~ courage, ~~your~~ dedication, and ~~your~~ resolve, ~~you~~ have brought hope to ~~those~~ who had none. ~~You~~ have given the people of Avorica not merely a victory. ~~You~~ have renewed our faith -- the strength to endure so that the sacrifices of our loved ones, our neighbors, were not in vain! And ~~through~~ it, ~~you~~ have ensured that Avorica and Rhin-Lotharingie shall ultimately triumph, as we always have throughout our history!"		"Yet, the same weakness that has taken so many of us, that nearly consumed me, has not befallen upon the men and women who stand before us all." The Queen continued as her expression beamed with genuine pride. "Through their courage, their dedication, and their resolve, they have brought hope to the rest of us who had none. They have given the people of Avorica not merely a victory. They have renewed our faith -- the strength to endure so that the sacrifices of our loved ones, our neighbors, were not in vain! And today, our history will record that it is they, who have ensured that Avorica and Rhin-Lotharingie shall ultimately triumph, as we always have throughout our history!"

	''Ultimate triumph...'' Kaede frowned as she reflected on the Lotharins' victory during their Independence War. Sure, they did win in the end, but only after four failed attempts. The price in blood they paid was phenomenal and could be felt in the country's population density even today.		''Ultimate triumph...'' Kaede frowned as she reflected on the Lotharins' victory during their Independence War. Sure, they did win in the end, but only after four failed attempts. The price in blood they paid was phenomenal and could be felt in the country's population density even today.
Line 27:		Line 27:
	Reading about Lotharin Independence always reminded Kaede of the tremendous losses the Soviet Union took to defeat the Nazis in the Great Patriotic War. Russians like Kaede's father viewed it as a great source of national pride. Yet to Kaede, this always felt like an oversimplified glorification. Yes, it was a monumental achievement, and the people's sacrifices in the struggle against genocide should be remembered. But what of the many mistakes that cost countless lives and hurled Russia into a demographic death spiral? Are they simply to be pushed aside by the ego of nationalistic rhetoric and heroic romanticization?		Reading about Lotharin Independence always reminded Kaede of the tremendous losses the Soviet Union took to defeat the Nazis in the Great Patriotic War. Russians like Kaede's father viewed it as a great source of national pride. Yet to Kaede, this always felt like an oversimplified glorification. Yes, it was a monumental achievement, and the people's sacrifices in the struggle against genocide should be remembered. But what of the many mistakes that cost countless lives and hurled Russia into a demographic death spiral? Are they simply to be pushed aside by the ego of nationalistic rhetoric and heroic romanticization?

	"Therefore, it is my honor today to present ~~all of you~~ with the sword ~~of a Chevalier~~ of the Kingdom of Avorica." The Queen declared. "Please consider it a personal token of gratitude from not just your queen, but all the people of Avorica, of Rhin-Lotharingie~~! You have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. And through your personal examples, you have opened a path forward for our kingdom, our empire~~!"		"Therefore, it is my honor today to present these men and women with the Chevalier's sword of the Kingdom of Avorica." The Queen declared before focusing her attention once more on those who knelt before the throne. "You have shown us the truest example of nobility. Please, consider it a personal token of gratitude from not just your queen, but all the people of Avorica, of Rhin-Lotharingie!"

	"Majesty!" The audience responded by raising their fists before their chests in a knightly salute, a display of solidarity with their monarch.		"Majesty!" The audience responded by raising their fists before their chests in a knightly salute, a display of solidarity with their monarch.
Line 35:		Line 35:
	The Samaran girl thought back to how Katell had the recipients march across the city before entering the citadel, despite the fact most of them already took guest residences within the castle.		The Samaran girl thought back to how Katell had the recipients march across the city before entering the citadel, despite the fact most of them already took guest residences within the castle.

	"<She is grandiose, yet humble at the same time. Confident and regal in appearance, yet her ~~words~~ elevate ~~not herself, but empower~~ those ~~around~~ her.>" Kaede continued in a slightly impressed tone. "<She feels like a completely different person from the Queen that attended the war council in Alis Avern, when she engaged almost constantly in petty squabbles and power struggles.>"		In terms of pure oratory skill, Queen Katell was certainly not Princess Sylviane's match. Yet, what made the Queen's speech stand out wasn't its delivery, but the sincerity of the message itself.

			"<She is grandiose, yet humble at the same time. Confident and regal in appearance, yet she openly bares her own flaws to elevate those in her service.>" Kaede continued in a slightly impressed tone. "<She feels like a completely different person from the Queen that attended the war council in Alis Avern, when she engaged almost constantly in petty squabbles and power struggles.>"

	"<Katell is a schemer and political opportunist, there's no doubt.>" Sylviane replied. "<However, she is also a leader with a knack for earning the loyalty and trust of those below her. And while she is stingy and petty towards others in the Empire, she has always been generous and kind to her subordinates within the Kingdom. It is a quality that even my late father respects, as frustrated as he often is with her.>"		"<Katell is a schemer and political opportunist, there's no doubt.>" Sylviane replied. "<However, she is also a leader with a knack for earning the loyalty and trust of those below her. And while she is stingy and petty towards others in the Empire, she has always been generous and kind to her subordinates within the Kingdom. It is a quality that even my late father respects, as frustrated as he often is with her.>"
Line 45:		Line 47:
	"<nowiki><I</nowiki> used to think that way as well.>" Sylviane smiled to herself. "<But there are many forms of leadership, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Katell's style is delegative and supportive. She fights hard in Alis Avern because she knows that every coin she claws back from the Emperor's demands is one that she can invest in her own people.>"		"<nowiki><I</nowiki> used to think that way as well.>" Sylviane smiled to herself. "<But there are many forms of leadership, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Katell's style is delegative and supportive. She fights hard in Alis Avern because she knows that every coin she claws back from the Emperor's demands is one that she can invest in her own people.>"

	"<nowiki><It's</nowiki> the reason why she can vanish for over three weeks due to depression, yet none of the power players in Avorica tried to seriously undermine or sabotage her position.>" Vivienne highlighted before sending an apologetic nod towards Sylviane. "<No offense, Your Highness.>"		"<nowiki><It's</nowiki> the reason why she can vanish for over three weeks due to depression, yet none of the power players in Avorica tried to seriously undermine or sabotage her position. They know they are more powerful ''with'' her than without.>" Vivienne highlighted before sending an apologetic nod towards Sylviane. "<No offense, Your Highness.>"

	"<None taken.>" Sylviane replied before exhaling an audible sigh. It seemed she herself acknowledged that she could not compare to Katell in this regard.		"<None taken.>" Sylviane replied before exhaling an audible sigh. It seemed she herself acknowledged that she could not compare to Katell in this regard.
Line 129:		Line 131:
	''Grand Squire...'' Kaede's eyes swelled to the size of saucers. Although apart from its grandiose sounding name, she wasn't actually sure exactly what the position was responsible for.		''Grand Squire...'' Kaede's eyes swelled to the size of saucers. Although apart from its grandiose sounding name, she wasn't actually sure exactly what the position was responsible for.

	-- Though someone in the audience partially addressed her curiosity as she heard their awed whisper: "that is one of the Great Officers of the Crown!"		-- Though someone in the audience partially addressed her curiosity as she heard their awed whisper: "that's one of the Great Officers of the Crown!"

	The girl almost looked up before the sword on her left shoulder lifted. The weapon might be ceremonial, but it also had a sharp edge which immediately put a stop to the Samaran girl's desire to move.		The girl almost looked up before the sword on her left shoulder lifted. The weapon might be ceremonial, but it also had a sharp edge which immediately put a stop to the Samaran girl's desire to move.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 3 September 2022
Line 119:		Line 119:
	''The past is now beyond reach.'' The Samaran girl thought to herself. ''This is my life now.''		''The past is now beyond reach.'' The Samaran girl thought to herself. ''This is my life now.''

	"In recognition of your dedication to duty in Alisia, your heroism on the banks of the Gwilen River, your contributions to the victory at Lysardh Point, and your wise counsel in the aftermath of Glywysing...." Sylviane's voice resonated across the audience chamber as she listed the familiar's merits. The Princess even ~~recognized~~ the events at the Academy, which Kaede once begrudged that she didn't receive any recognition like Reynaud did.		"In recognition of your dedication to duty in Alisia, your heroism on the banks of the Gwilen River, your contributions to the victory at Lysardh Point, and your wise counsel in the aftermath of Glywysing...." Sylviane's voice resonated across the audience chamber as she listed the familiar's merits. The Princess even acknowledged the events at the Academy, which Kaede once begrudged that she didn't receive any recognition like Reynaud did.

	The Samaran girl then heard the sound of cold steel being drawn from its scabbard. A ''swish'' followed as Her Highness raised the sword into the air, before lowering it onto the familiar's left shoulder with graceful tap.		The Samaran girl then heard the sound of cold steel being drawn from its scabbard. A ''swish'' followed as Her Highness raised the sword into the air, before lowering it onto the familiar's left shoulder with graceful tap.
Line 181:		Line 181:
	"Your Highness, why did you..." Kaede couldn't help but voice the moment she closed the door.		"Your Highness, why did you..." Kaede couldn't help but voice the moment she closed the door.

	The two of them had retired to Pascal's room after dinner. They had met Perceval briefly as the healer did his nightly check on his patient's condition, before departing with the medic who watched over the Landgrave today. Unsurprisingly, Pascal had spent much of the day sleeping, which included the hours of the accolades ceremony. His ~~biorhythms~~ had yet to recover from earlier in the week when the healers' magic left him unconscious for over sixteen hours a day.		The two of them had retired to Pascal's room after dinner. They had met Perceval briefly as the healer did his nightly check on his patient's condition, before departing with the medic who watched over the Landgrave today. Unsurprisingly, Pascal had spent much of the day sleeping, which included the hours of the accolades ceremony. His biorhythm had yet to recover from earlier in the week when the healers' magic left him unconscious for over sixteen hours a day.

	Now, the young lord sat upright in the large, four-poster bed wearing a set of velvet pajamas. In front of him was a large silver tray placed on a wooden frame, where several plates presented leftovers from the night's banquet.		Now, the young lord sat upright in the large, four-poster bed wearing a set of velvet pajamas. In front of him was a large silver tray placed on a wooden frame, where several plates presented leftovers from the night's banquet.
Line 191:		Line 191:
	"I am not ''that'' crippled." Pascal retorted with a scowl. He turned his head away before sinking his spoon into his soup bowl.		"I am not ''that'' crippled." Pascal retorted with a scowl. He turned his head away before sinking his spoon into his soup bowl.

	Sylviane pouted ~~with~~ her cheeks, before she gave a soft sigh and placed the de-shelled lobster tail into his chowder instead. She then redirected her fork to attack some mussels for their meat.		Sylviane pouted her cheeks, before she gave a soft sigh and placed the de-shelled lobster tail into his chowder instead. She then redirected her fork to attack some mussels for their meat.

	"You do not have to peel every little thing, Sylv. I can eat by myself." The young lord complained as he slowly brought another spoonful to his lips. Though the straining muscles on his right arm showed that he still had trouble maintaining his grasp.		"You do not have to peel every little thing, Sylv. I can eat by myself." The young lord complained as he slowly brought another spoonful to his lips. Though the straining muscles on his right arm showed that he still had trouble maintaining his grasp.
Line 225:		Line 225:
	"No." The Princess beamed with a confident and determined gaze. "I chose you because I am certain that you will be excellent at it, Kaede. Not only do you have an earnest and forthright personality that is rare among those politically astute. You also have a strong sense of honor and reciprocity that is readily apparent to anyone who exchanges words with you. And that doesn't even include your patience, your loyalty, your tendency to act as a mild-mannered mediator, or your ability to think from another's perspective."		"No." The Princess beamed with a confident and determined gaze. "I chose you because I am certain that you will be excellent at it, Kaede. Not only do you have an earnest and forthright personality that is rare among those politically astute. You also have a strong sense of honor and reciprocity that is readily apparent to anyone who exchanges words with you. And that doesn't even include your patience, your loyalty, your tendency to act as a mild-mannered mediator, or your ability to think from another's perspective."

	Pascal hadn't even fully suppressed his coughs before he began to nod alongside Sylviane's words. Even Kaede couldn't refute the Princess, as Sylviane highlighted everything from her Japanese mannerisms to her education in ''political realism'' to her appreciation of ''karma''.		Pascal hadn't even fully suppressed his coughs before he began to nod alongside Sylviane's words. Even Kaede couldn't refute the Princess, as Sylviane highlighted everything from her Japanese mannerisms to her education in ''political realism'' to her appreciation of karma.

	"Trustworthiness is, above all, the most important quality in diplomacy." Her Highness then continued. "Everything else -- from negotiation tactics to rousing speeches -- can be learned over time. However, an individual's ''character'' cannot be easily changed. All statesmen have keen instincts when it comes to whether the other side can be trusted or not. And you, Kaede, are a natural when it comes to steadily gaining others' confidence."		"Trustworthiness is, above all, the most important quality in diplomacy." Her Highness then continued. "Everything else -- from negotiation tactics to rousing speeches -- can be learned over time. However, an individual's ''character'' cannot be easily changed. All statesmen have keen instincts when it comes to whether the other side can be trusted or not. And you, Kaede, are a natural when it comes to steadily gaining others' confidence."