elapt1c/ElapticAI-512 · Datasets at Hugging Face

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Let s get to the point. What are your demands? The first to get the ball rolling was Dorothea, barreling through with her own brand of logic.
We ask but one thing, Manaria replied. Cease your aggression and start working toward peace. Instead of the Royal Academy uniform I was so used to seeing her in, she wore a dark-blue suit jacket with gray slacks looking killer as she broke gender norms.
Hmm Dorothea frowned.
I mean, you don t really believe the empire can keep going if it continues making enemies at this rate, right? If we re ever to reconcile, now is the time, William said, half-joking and half-serious.
I see no reason to, Dorothea said. The empire has strength to spare.
So you say, but the rest of us are prepared to join hands and fight if need be, Thane replied concisely, face fixed in its usual dour expression. Our kingdom still hasn t forgotten the underhanded schemes you subjected us to during our revolution.
Humph. All is fair in war. Or were you under the false impression that those schemes were carried out because we were weak? she asked.
The air grew charged between them. This was exactly why I hated politics. Just watching made my stomach churn. Never in a million years would I have gotten involved if I hadn t had my daughters and Claire to think about.
Of course, Claire s opinion on the subject differed.
Besides, Dorothea continued, Bauer isn t one to shy from scheming either, are you?
What do you mean to say? Thane asked.
Did you not try to entice my soldiers to revolt? I m not as blind as you d like to believe.
She was talking about the now-abandoned coup d tat headed by Adelina and her fellows. I didn t object, not wanting to out their identities, but I didn t like Dorothea framing the coup as something Bauer had tried to instigate.
What s that? You re such a poor leader, you can t even keep your own army in check? William cut in as the situation turned precarious.
Why, you
Aha ha ha! Hey, now, it s just a joke! But really, I think it s best you leave the baseless accusations at that.
On the surface, William s words sounded like simple buffoonery, but I could tell he was skillfully maneuvering the conversation. I could see why Dole trusted him so.
You mean to say it s a coincidence that a coup d tat was planned for the very same day you all just so happened to be in my empire? she asked.
No, no, I doubt that s a coincidence at all. That s probably the way they figured they could best get at you, Dorothea.
Is that right? But from my perspective, it s plain as day that Bauer tried to spur those fools to rebellion.
Uh-huh, and let me guess: You re going to torture one of those fools until they tell you what you want to hear? William asked.
That s not a bad idea. Then I could even go public and demand reparations.
Sure, take credit for putting out the fire you started.
While roundabout, the conversation was tense one slip and we would have a full-scale conflict on our hands. Still, I found myself surprised. I hadn t thought Dorothea had the patience to talk at such length. Perhaps I d been unfair to call her a child given too much power.
Let s leave the jokes at that, if you would, Dole said.
You re Claire Fran ois s father, if I recall, Dorothea said.
Indeed. The name is Dole Fran ois. I am humbled to make your acquaintance.
Very well then. What do you have to say?
Before I begin, may I have permission to be so impudent as to criticize Your Majesty?
How amusing. I ll allow it. Her lips curved into a smile. Absolutely incredible. Dole had a perfect handle on Dorothea s personality.
Thank you. Now then, allow me to explain the current state of the empire.
For the first time ever, Dole Fran ois, the mastermind who had orchestrated the revolution in Bauer from behind the scenes, bared his fangs in public.

***

As we all know, the Nur Empire has boldly waged war all over the world. Dole flipped through the documents in his hand and, without pause, began listing more countries than I could count.
I didn t think you would actually dare to be so impudent, Dorothea said.
You don t particularly mind, do you? he asked.
It continues to amuse, so I ll allow it. Go on.
Then I shall, he said, before going on to explain that if push came to shove, the empire could be fighting against a united front composed of not just Sousse, the Alpes, and Bauer, but myriad other countries as well.
You really believe such a thing is feasible? she asked.
I do. And while the territories under your rule are obedient for now, who s to say they wouldn t rebel, given such an opportunity?
The empire was spread thin and surrounded by enemies; if relations soured all at once, things could disintegrate pretty quick.
Even so, Dorothea remained unfazed. The outskirts of my territory matter not so long as its heart is safe. For as long as I stand, so shall the empire.
Not many in this world could declare such a thing and mean it, and even fewer could do so with such confidence. Luckily, Dole was also one of those few and her equal.
Decay begins at the extremities, he said. You can find data regarding the empire s food self-sufficiency rate in these documents here. Funding has gradually shifted away from sustainability and toward the military.
We are at war. Such things are necessary, she stated.
Perhaps. But if the fields near your borders were continually burned Well, you would be met with a terrible famine in but a few years time. A cruel smile graced Dole s face as those unsettling words so nonchalantly left his mouth. If anything, I look forward to it watching our mortal enemies waste away from afar, that is. We wouldn t even need to overstep our bounds and pursue offensive action. No, simply defending the right locations while our countries provided ample supplies from behind would do the trick.
Humph. We could just loot what we need from you.
Could you really? Your country is strong, but in the end, it is but one country. For every successful act of pillaging, would you not be met five times in return?
Well spoken, Dole Fran ois.
I am humbled to have my name remembered.
There was sense in Dole s words. No matter how strong the empire was, they couldn t win if surrounded by enemies on all sides. Of course, I doubt it would go as smoothly as Dole said, but it was feasible, and that was enough.
Even so
Huh
Is something on your mind, Rae? Claire asked me.
Yes, well I can t help but think Dorothea reminds me of someone. Not in appearance but more so that overbearing high-handedness
I doubt there are many as tyrannical as her.
Perhaps, but something about her was familiar Oh, I got it. She s just like Master Dole before the revolution.
What are you oh.
There was a time Dole had made himself out to be the villain in order to serve a greater cause. I saw a bit of overlap in Dorothea s demeanor, but I could have been imagining things.
In the first place, Dole continued, I cannot comprehend why you are so desperate to achieve something as unrealistic as bringing the whole world under your empire s rule, especially when you re so soft.
Soft? Did you truly just call me soft? Dorothea s tone turned threatening, but Dole paid it no mind.
You exiled your daughter, who planned treason against you, to save her. You even forgave her foreign collaborators. What can that be called if not soft?
I recalled Josef saying something similar something about how Dorothea had Philine s well-being in mind. Perhaps Dorothea was indeed soft.
Humph. Don t speak as though you understand, Dorothea said. Only those who ve borne children can comprehend the bond between a mother and her daughter.
Such a truth is every father s regret. Even so, there remains one thing I know we share.
Is that so? And what is that?
Love for our daughters.
Dorothea s eyes widened with surprise.
Dole continued. I thank you for the kindness you ve shown Claire and Rae.
Enough. Now is not the place for that, she said, taken aback by his sudden words of gratitude.
Dorothea, I think it s about time you told us what you re really planning. I know you ve been working alone toward something this whole time, but is it not possible for us to work together?
Dorothea didn t respond. Numerous mysteries surrounded her motives. While she had provided a variety of justifications for her aggression, her true goals remained unknown to us even now.
I could very well let this summit be our final warning to you before hostilities commence. But after what you ve done for my daughters, I would rather not. Please, would you be willing to tell us what s really going on?
Dole wasn t so much asking as he was pleading at this point. The politician in Dole respected Dorothea as a ruler, and he didn t want to see her life lost in vain.
But things could never be that easy.
You ve overstepped your bounds, Dole Fran ois, she replied coldly. You re a fool if you think I, of all people, would be so weak as to show kindness.
How long do you intend to keep up this act? William interjected. If this were chess, you would already be in check, you know?
Manaria and Thane nodded at his words. But Dorothea was stubborn.
If you wish to make me that is to say, my empire surrender, then do so through force. Go on, establish that alliance you re so eager for. I ll crush it like it s nothing. As Dorothea made this declaration, her expression bordered madness. Such a feat was surely impossible, but it sounded believable when it came from her mouth.
Manaria gave the last ultimatum. Dorothea, this is your last chance. Reform your policies and join us as part of a new, unified international power.
But all she received in reply was: This grows tedious. I bend to no one, for I am Dorothea Nur.
Clear refusal. Starting with Dole, a look of disappointment washed over the rest of the participants. The room fell silent for some time.
Humph. So negotiations have broken down, Dorothea eventually said. In that case
Rae, look out!
I d never dreamed she would dare do such a thing. But before I knew what was happening, Manaria was on her knees with blood flowing from her shoulder.
Sister Manaria?! Claire exclaimed.
Lady Manaria?! I exclaimed as well.
I hadn t yet fully grasped what had happened yet, but I knew Manaria had protected me. The assailant
It s common sense to start with the biggest threat, is it not?
was Dorothea, her sword drawn before anybody could react.
What is the meaning of this, Dorothea?! Manaria demanded as she applied pressure to the shoulder of her blood-stained suit jacket.
Do you really not understand? It s simple. My enemies have seen fit to gather in one place, so I might as well take care of them all at once.



You monster! Manaria snarled.
Rae! Claire s shrill voice reached my ears. Before I had realized it, Dorothea was right before me.

Let s get to the point. What are your demands? The first to get the ball rolling was Dorothea, barreling through with her own brand of logic.

We ask but one thing, Manaria replied. Cease your aggression and start working toward peace. Instead of the Royal Academy uniform I was so used to seeing her in, she wore a dark-blue suit jacket with gray slacks looking killer as she broke gender norms.

Hmm Dorothea frowned.

I mean, you don t really believe the empire can keep going if it continues making enemies at this rate, right? If we re ever to reconcile, now is the time, William said, half-joking and half-serious.

I see no reason to, Dorothea said. The empire has strength to spare.

So you say, but the rest of us are prepared to join hands and fight if need be, Thane replied concisely, face fixed in its usual dour expression. Our kingdom still hasn t forgotten the underhanded schemes you subjected us to during our revolution.

Humph. All is fair in war. Or were you under the false impression that those schemes were carried out because we were weak? she asked.

The air grew charged between them. This was exactly why I hated politics. Just watching made my stomach churn. Never in a million years would I have gotten involved if I hadn t had my daughters and Claire to think about.

Of course, Claire s opinion on the subject differed.

Besides, Dorothea continued, Bauer isn t one to shy from scheming either, are you?

What do you mean to say? Thane asked.

Did you not try to entice my soldiers to revolt? I m not as blind as you d like to believe.

She was talking about the now-abandoned coup d tat headed by Adelina and her fellows. I didn t object, not wanting to out their identities, but I didn t like Dorothea framing the coup as something Bauer had tried to instigate.

What s that? You re such a poor leader, you can t even keep your own army in check? William cut in as the situation turned precarious.

Why, you

Aha ha ha! Hey, now, it s just a joke! But really, I think it s best you leave the baseless accusations at that.

On the surface, William s words sounded like simple buffoonery, but I could tell he was skillfully maneuvering the conversation. I could see why Dole trusted him so.

You mean to say it s a coincidence that a coup d tat was planned for the very same day you all just so happened to be in my empire? she asked.

No, no, I doubt that s a coincidence at all. That s probably the way they figured they could best get at you, Dorothea.

Is that right? But from my perspective, it s plain as day that Bauer tried to spur those fools to rebellion.

Uh-huh, and let me guess: You re going to torture one of those fools until they tell you what you want to hear? William asked.

That s not a bad idea. Then I could even go public and demand reparations.

Sure, take credit for putting out the fire you started.

While roundabout, the conversation was tense one slip and we would have a full-scale conflict on our hands. Still, I found myself surprised. I hadn t thought Dorothea had the patience to talk at such length. Perhaps I d been unfair to call her a child given too much power.

Let s leave the jokes at that, if you would, Dole said.

You re Claire Fran ois s father, if I recall, Dorothea said.

Indeed. The name is Dole Fran ois. I am humbled to make your acquaintance.

Very well then. What do you have to say?

Before I begin, may I have permission to be so impudent as to criticize Your Majesty?

How amusing. I ll allow it. Her lips curved into a smile. Absolutely incredible. Dole had a perfect handle on Dorothea s personality.

Thank you. Now then, allow me to explain the current state of the empire.

For the first time ever, Dole Fran ois, the mastermind who had orchestrated the revolution in Bauer from behind the scenes, bared his fangs in public.

***

As we all know, the Nur Empire has boldly waged war all over the world. Dole flipped through the documents in his hand and, without pause, began listing more countries than I could count.

I didn t think you would actually dare to be so impudent, Dorothea said.

You don t particularly mind, do you? he asked.

It continues to amuse, so I ll allow it. Go on.

Then I shall, he said, before going on to explain that if push came to shove, the empire could be fighting against a united front composed of not just Sousse, the Alpes, and Bauer, but myriad other countries as well.

You really believe such a thing is feasible? she asked.

I do. And while the territories under your rule are obedient for now, who s to say they wouldn t rebel, given such an opportunity?

The empire was spread thin and surrounded by enemies; if relations soured all at once, things could disintegrate pretty quick.

Even so, Dorothea remained unfazed. The outskirts of my territory matter not so long as its heart is safe. For as long as I stand, so shall the empire.

Not many in this world could declare such a thing and mean it, and even fewer could do so with such confidence. Luckily, Dole was also one of those few and her equal.

Decay begins at the extremities, he said. You can find data regarding the empire s food self-sufficiency rate in these documents here. Funding has gradually shifted away from sustainability and toward the military.

We are at war. Such things are necessary, she stated.

Perhaps. But if the fields near your borders were continually burned Well, you would be met with a terrible famine in but a few years time. A cruel smile graced Dole s face as those unsettling words so nonchalantly left his mouth. If anything, I look forward to it watching our mortal enemies waste away from afar, that is. We wouldn t even need to overstep our bounds and pursue offensive action. No, simply defending the right locations while our countries provided ample supplies from behind would do the trick.

Humph. We could just loot what we need from you.

Could you really? Your country is strong, but in the end, it is but one country. For every successful act of pillaging, would you not be met five times in return?

Well spoken, Dole Fran ois.

I am humbled to have my name remembered.

There was sense in Dole s words. No matter how strong the empire was, they couldn t win if surrounded by enemies on all sides. Of course, I doubt it would go as smoothly as Dole said, but it was feasible, and that was enough.

Even so

Huh

Is something on your mind, Rae? Claire asked me.

Yes, well I can t help but think Dorothea reminds me of someone. Not in appearance but more so that overbearing high-handedness

I doubt there are many as tyrannical as her.

Perhaps, but something about her was familiar Oh, I got it. She s just like Master Dole before the revolution.

What are you oh.

There was a time Dole had made himself out to be the villain in order to serve a greater cause. I saw a bit of overlap in Dorothea s demeanor, but I could have been imagining things.

In the first place, Dole continued, I cannot comprehend why you are so desperate to achieve something as unrealistic as bringing the whole world under your empire s rule, especially when you re so soft.

Soft? Did you truly just call me soft? Dorothea s tone turned threatening, but Dole paid it no mind.

You exiled your daughter, who planned treason against you, to save her. You even forgave her foreign collaborators. What can that be called if not soft?

I recalled Josef saying something similar something about how Dorothea had Philine s well-being in mind. Perhaps Dorothea was indeed soft.

Humph. Don t speak as though you understand, Dorothea said. Only those who ve borne children can comprehend the bond between a mother and her daughter.

Such a truth is every father s regret. Even so, there remains one thing I know we share.

Is that so? And what is that?

Love for our daughters.

Dorothea s eyes widened with surprise.

Dole continued. I thank you for the kindness you ve shown Claire and Rae.

Enough. Now is not the place for that, she said, taken aback by his sudden words of gratitude.

Dorothea, I think it s about time you told us what you re really planning. I know you ve been working alone toward something this whole time, but is it not possible for us to work together?

Dorothea didn t respond. Numerous mysteries surrounded her motives. While she had provided a variety of justifications for her aggression, her true goals remained unknown to us even now.

I could very well let this summit be our final warning to you before hostilities commence. But after what you ve done for my daughters, I would rather not. Please, would you be willing to tell us what s really going on?

Dole wasn t so much asking as he was pleading at this point. The politician in Dole respected Dorothea as a ruler, and he didn t want to see her life lost in vain.

But things could never be that easy.

You ve overstepped your bounds, Dole Fran ois, she replied coldly. You re a fool if you think I, of all people, would be so weak as to show kindness.

How long do you intend to keep up this act? William interjected. If this were chess, you would already be in check, you know?

Manaria and Thane nodded at his words. But Dorothea was stubborn.

If you wish to make me that is to say, my empire surrender, then do so through force. Go on, establish that alliance you re so eager for. I ll crush it like it s nothing. As Dorothea made this declaration, her expression bordered madness. Such a feat was surely impossible, but it sounded believable when it came from her mouth.

Manaria gave the last ultimatum. Dorothea, this is your last chance. Reform your policies and join us as part of a new, unified international power.

But all she received in reply was: This grows tedious. I bend to no one, for I am Dorothea Nur.

Clear refusal. Starting with Dole, a look of disappointment washed over the rest of the participants. The room fell silent for some time.

Humph. So negotiations have broken down, Dorothea eventually said. In that case

Rae, look out!

I d never dreamed she would dare do such a thing. But before I knew what was happening, Manaria was on her knees with blood flowing from her shoulder.

Sister Manaria?! Claire exclaimed.

Lady Manaria?! I exclaimed as well.

I hadn t yet fully grasped what had happened yet, but I knew Manaria had protected me. The assailant

It s common sense to start with the biggest threat, is it not?

was Dorothea, her sword drawn before anybody could react.

What is the meaning of this, Dorothea?! Manaria demanded as she applied pressure to the shoulder of her blood-stained suit jacket.

Do you really not understand? It s simple. My enemies have seen fit to gather in one place, so I might as well take care of them all at once.

You monster! Manaria snarled.

Rae! Claire s shrill voice reached my ears. Before I had realized it, Dorothea was right before me.