hotproblems | 🌹🌹🌹

I met someone who told me he once turned completely into a butterfly.

[Like, actually. It's still the most horrifying thing he's heard since arriving. A whole-ass bug? What kind of divine punishment is this??]

Ah, but it was only for a day. So it could be rare. I imagine we will see what happens soon enough, with the next moon.

And we do feel the same, I assure you. Your presence is a gift! Speaking of, I did notice you speaking to Hilda. Are you getting along well?

[what did she do. what Nonsense did she spread.]

Turned completely into a butterfly?!

[this is absolutely CURSED content, is there a spell for just. un-reading things? clearly she needs to invent it because oh god, getting cat ears was enough but turning into a bug? What if someone stepped on you?!

...right, that's enough, what else did Lorenz say-

...

...SO, ABOUT THE BUG-]

Oh, yes! Hilda and I are getting along absolutely splendidly! She's been a fantastic help, you know! For lady things!

[can you sense the cringe coming through? because it's coming thick and fast]

Yes, completely.

[BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY... CONSTANCE...]

Lady things.

My dear Constance, as you are already a perfectly fine lady, that is surprising news. [No it's not because he's known Hilda for 80 years. Hildaaa...] Just what manner of advice could she be giving you?

[Well, the compliment is definitely appreciated, but it doesn't help the sense of utter dread Constance is rapidly developing from this topic of conversation.]

Please, Lorenz, I beg you...to speak of such things with you would cause me undue embarrassment.

[why does she have the feeling that Hilda will just tell him

potentially with no prompting whatsoever

goddess help her she will never live this down....who needs sunlight she'll just be depressed 24/7-]

Surely it is a noblewoman's right to have some feminine secrets?

[Hilda the secret-keeper... surely this is fine. He considers.]

Yes, alright. I apologize. I should not have asked.

[But if she's schemin'... no, no, he will trust in Hilda this time.]

In that case. Have you made any interesting acquaintances?

No no please, do not apologise...perhaps I will tell you one day, if I can overcome this sense of consternation. Please know that it isn't personal! I simply...would prefer not to talk about it in such polite company.

[ughhhhhh hopefully she hasn't accidentally offended him...the subject change is definitely appreciated....]

As for my acquaintances...well, I have certainly encountered a few interesting characters. A father and daughter pair, for one, except due to time differences - similar to our own - they're the same age. Can you imagine meeting your parent at the age you are now?

Of course. You will tell me whenever you're ready. Or not! I would not insist you share something that made you uncomfortable.

[So that's neatly taken care of, now onto this new issue of immediately imagining his father... as a young man... based namely on the Many Gloucester Portraits and humblebrags from his father's youth he has contended with for many a year...]

My father would require my immediate guidance. Not to speak ill of my parentage, of course. My father is capable. But if some small adjustments to the mindset of one's elders could be made, would that not be part of a noble's duty?

[For example, maybe he could convince his dad to not kiss Empire ass way sooner!!! Who can say.]

Although in this place it would prove to be aggravating at best.

Oh? How very curious, Lorenz. Most noble scions I encounter make their fathers sound objectively perfect.

[Or maybe she's just been spending too much time around Ferdinand, whose father - if he hadn't mentioned it - is the Prime Minister of the Empire...]

I don't mean that in a negative way, though. I think it shows great character to be able to respect ones parents, but identify the areas upon which you can improve when you take the reins of your house. Isn't that the goal of every heir? To improve upon what they receive? I know I have some ideas for House Nuvelle that I'd like to implement.

[actually fostering relationships with the neighbouring lords would be a great start]

I do believe I'd have a similar reaction to you if I met an eighteen year-old version of my father here, however. It sounds rather mortifying!

[Ferdinand..... Ferdinand is great, love that guy, but he could stan his father less, perhaps.]

Quite true. Progress and change cannot be made if one does not endeavor to leave something greater than it was upon receipt. Including one's house and lands! I trust my father's judgment. But the future of the Alliance depends on someone willing to make broader decisions. Both our houses will surely flourish with each of us at the helm.

[10/10 good noble, he approves.]

It must be challenging to associate with one's parents before their own... time? Is that how to best describe it? I do not envy your new acquaintances.

[She always enjoys getting into the Noble Discourse with you, Lorenz! Likely because you're one of the few people who will bother to tolerate and engage with it, but details...]

Of that I am most certain! I must admit, I do so wish I could see the day you take over House Gloucester. I'm sure you will do a splendid job.

[Oh, but...she won't be able to see that, will she? What with the...different timelines, and everything...

...oof if she keeps thinking like this she's going to make herself sad, MOVING ON-]

Do you have anything you wish to achieve, once you do take the reins? I'm most curious.

[A-aw, Coco... that warms his heart. He's already a professional at not thinking about the timelines, so--]

Thank you. Your encouragement is highly valuable, from one noble to another.

[Cool beans!! Time to Move On.]

While my father is experienced in raising money, he is less so in spreading it around to its greatest effect. I have many an idea for widespread improvements for Gloucester territory. Then the Alliance as a whole.

[Topics that could cause painful and unnecessary negative emotions are bad, so! She is more than happy to ignore them appropriately!]

So ambitious! Although I'm hardly surprised to hear it. House Gloucester is one of the most powerful houses in the Alliance, isn't it? If anyone can make the kind of changes you aspire to, it would be you.

[What grand schemes...she'd always thought that raising House Nuvelle from the ashes was grand enough, but to influence the entirety of the Alliance? Impressive...

...although, she must be fair to her own goals. If her house was as powerful as House Gloucester (oh, wouldn't that be fabulous...), perhaps she could dream of such things herself. As it stands...]

It must be all the more frustrating to be stuck here, if you'd much rather make a start on what you desire back home.

[Yes... thank you Constance for reminding him that his entire life has been put on hold and none of his ambitions or indeed, any of his passions matter in this neon furry paradise. He loves that part.

Or: let's bottle up those feelings and not talk about them, like a true noble would.]

It takes some getting used to! I cannot let myself become idle, in hopes that I will be returning home sooner rather than later. Surely this city has worthwhile pursuits yet.

[You're most welcome! Nothing like every little action in this place technically meaning nothing in the grand scheme of things! Stupendous!

We must not let the existential furry dread set in, Lorenz. It would be shameful.]

I'm rather certain it does! That reminds me; I meant to ask you if you'd heard of this 'Ware Wolf Shop'. The next time I have an outing, I intend to visit the place. Apparently, it sells items that allow you to obtain your possessions from back home!

[And some semblence of normalcy would be lovely.]

I don't intend to let my hard-earned skills fade away while I'm stuck here.

[Nothing will go wrong with this method ever.]

Oh? I hadn't heard. They sell an item that can do such an enormously magnificent thing? This is excellent news.

[The tea he could get... And maybe something sentimental but the tea he could get.]

What is it that you aim to acquire?

At this stage, just my Dark Flier armour; I managed to win one of the silent auctions, and the prize was a pegasus ride. If I'm going to go flying around, I need to be appropriately dressed!

[The last time she tried riding something in this uniform, it didn't go very well...]

But who knows? Perhaps I'll see what else I can think of. Surely you must have something you want to summon from home as well?

[tea is. admittedly a fantastic choice]

A pegasus ride! I had no idea such magnificent creatures were here, either.

[He has been derelict in his knowledge of fancy horses... criminal.]

Naturally, I would restock my supply of tea.

Ooh! Do tell, Lorenz; which are your favourite kinds of tea? I think I may be able to guess!

[is it too easy to just say the rose petal blend]

In that case, I would hear your guess! You are a noble lady of discerning tastes. A correct assessment should be no trouble for you.

[And also...........it's Lorenz, but like, whatever. Always taking the chance to gas up his fellow Nobles.]

Well, one certainly can't go past the rose petal blend. It's one of my personal favourites.

[Yes, it's obvious, but....Lorenz's approval is Important to her, so....]

And bergamot! We still need to have tea with that bag of leaves I have with me.

Exquisite taste as always. Name the time and place, Constance, and I will gladly join you for a cup of tea.

[So like, the two weeks of the month they're not tortured by Cordis Crap tm. But that's implied.]

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