=== Alear & Céline === --- C --- [Alear] I really enjoyed our tea party today. Thanks for inviting me, Céline. [Céline] The pleasure is all mine, Divine One. [Céline] Our conversation made for an excellent spice over an already fine tea. [Alear] The tea was fine, wasn't it? That floral note it had was almost unbelievably good. [Céline] I'm glad you appreciated it. The leaves were grown in Firene, you know. [Céline] The delicate, subtle taste embodies the spirit of our kingdom. [Céline] It is my utmost favorite. [Alear] Yeah, I've heard the Firenese prefer the pastoral life over any kind of open conflict. [Alear] That really came through in this tea. [Céline] There's a Firenese folktale I think you might find interesting. [Céline] Our royal palace is home to a spirit who ensures happiness for the virtuous. [Céline] For thieves or interlopers, however, the spirit drives them off with mischievous tricks. [Céline] Hahaha, imagine! Driven off by the prankish antics of a spirit! [Céline] No serious consequences at all. How effective a deterrent do you suppose such a spirit really is? [Alear] Even so, it's a lovely story. [Alear] It's the kind of goodhearted tale that reflects the Firenese character, I think. [Céline] Yes... Yes, it is. Well then, we must have tea together again sometime, Divine One. --- B --- [Céline] ... [Alear] You're looking a bit grim, Céline. Problems? [Céline] Ah, Divine One. Do you remember the tea we enjoyed together the other day? [Alear] It was so good that I'm not likely to forget it anytime soon. [Céline] It would appear that shipments of those leaves are becoming a favorite target for highwaymen. [Céline] Changing the trade routes has made little difference. Each day brings more victims. [Alear] That's awful. [Céline] I am not often called on to intervene directly in matters such as this. [Céline] But this is an emergency, and no one in Firene knows more of tea than I. [Céline] So Mother has requested that I handle the problem personally. [Alear] How do you feel about that? [Céline] I suspect it may be part of my education. [Céline] Even if my brother is first in line for the throne, I am still princess of Firene. [Alear] So what's your plan for dealing with them? [Céline] I thought I might drive them off with pranks. [Céline] Ah, wouldn't it be lovely if things were as simple as they are in folktales? [Céline] But real life isn't so...pastoral. [Alear] No, it's not. [Céline] I will show no mercy to anyone who causes suffering to the people of Firene. [Céline] And I will go to any lengths so that my people may enjoy the peace they are accustomed to. [Alear] ... [Céline] Don't look at me like that, Divine One. This is a duty I must bear. [Céline] Now then, please excuse me. Action must be taken in this matter...swiftly. --- A --- [Céline] If I worried you the other day, Divine One, I sincerely apologize. [Alear] What happened to the highwaymen attacking those tea shipments? [Céline] We supplied funds to heighten the caravan's security. [Céline] Then they let the thieves escape, which led our new security forces directly to their stronghold. [Céline] I just came from giving the order to eliminate their base. [Alear] I see. [Céline] They are bandits, but they are still Firenese, and I have now signed their death warrant. [Céline] I would do it again without hesitation. [Céline] No one─not one soul─can be suffered to violate Firene's peace. [Alear] But it must have been a painful choice. [Céline] It wasn't. [Céline] Anguish is one of the few privileges not afforded to those in my position. [Alear] Hmm... I know you have to harden your heart, but you have a heart all the same. [Céline] Your empathy is appreciated. [Céline] There is nothing I would not do to protect my kingdom. [Céline] I would draw my blade for peace without hesitation. I have steeled myself for it all my life. [Céline] Even so... [Céline] I find no satisfaction in what must be done. [Céline] I worry that is a mark of weakness in me. [Alear] That's not weakness. It's kindness. [Alear] It's the same kindness that's reflected in the Firenese character. [Céline] You are most generous, Divine One. --- S --- [Céline] Divine One, might I have a word? [Alear] Of course, Céline. [Céline] It concerns a matter we spoke of previously. [Céline] I told you that I would not hesitate to draw my blade for the sake of my nation. [Céline] That to bring peace to my people, I would wage war. [Alear] Yes, I remember. [Céline] Yet now I find my resolve wavering. [Céline] I wonder whether I could truly be so merciless in the pursuit of peace. [Alear] That's understandable for someone so kind as you, Céline. [Céline] It is not kindness! It is a sort of...cowardice. [Céline] The unique cowardice that comes of what others may think. I fear that you would hate me. [Alear] Oh... [Céline] Therefore I ask that you hold me in contempt. [Céline] Scorn me for putting my personal feelings ahead of my royal duties. [Céline] If I already bore your disappointment, I could again be merciless for the sake of my people. [Alear] ... [Alear] I think you should have this, Céline. [Céline] Is this...the Pact Ring? [Alear] You could never disappoint me. I'll always be there to support you, whatever you decide. [Alear] Whether it's for the kingdom of Firene or for yourself. Whatever your motivations... [Alear] I will stand by you. [Céline] Then...you see nothing to loathe in my steel heart? [Alear] No. I know there's more to your heart than that. Whatever decisions you feel you have to make... [Alear] We can work through the consequences together. You don't have to be alone. [Céline] Thank you, Divine One. [Céline] With you at my side, what reason would I have for cowardice? [Céline] I should find only joy instead. [Céline] Divine One, your unwavering support has lifted a great weight from me. You are a true friend.