Dawn of a new era

[aloof_savant]

Er-hem! Greetings Budehuc! That sounded a bit too formal...

As some of you may have heard, Master Thomas has taken a short leave of absence and has asked me to keep an eye on things until he returns. If you have any issues to raise, I would point you to our comment box, if it hadn't gone missing as well! Seriously, guys? Okay, let me be the first to raise an issue then: We are in urgent need of a comment box!

...
Oh, who am I even talking to? This place got practically deserted after the whole Fire Bringer thing got wrapped up. I would have pinched the comment box myself at this rate, with all this boredom...

Comments

[quicksmart]

[ Suddenly out of nowhere probably from somewhere behind him! ]

How peculiar. Are you in charge of everything here?

[aloof_savant]

[ Almost got startled, but trying to hide it! ]

In charge of everything? No, nothing special like that... I am just helping the castle master as a favour. Can I help you with something?

[quicksmart]

I see. Should I address you as 'sir', then? Are you a peer of the castle master?

I was simply wondering if this castle offered any boarding services. I've been travelling for a few days with some merchants who told me that you have a very extensive library at your disposal.

[aloof_savant]

You sure ask a lot of questions, don't you?

[ Looks slightly amused, or perhaps happy to see Budehuc isn't completely deserted yet! ]

We have all kinds of services here! Though we don't get a lot of people coming just to see the library of all things.

[quicksmart]

Is there something wrong with asking questions? It would help if you answered some.

[ Unshaken by his look. ]

Why not? An extensive library should be perused, shouldn't it?

[aloof_savant]

Nothing wrong at all, I suppose I've just been starved for conversation.

I'm just saying we have a lot of things here, like a dojo, horse riding, theatre, spa... but sure, I'll show you the way to the library. Gods know how much time I've spent up there... including the nap hours, of course.

[quicksmart]

[ Almost sounds slightly sympathetic. Almost! ]

I see.

I'm not interested in any of those, only the library and a place to bed. You never told me if there was a place to stay, either. You should answer people's questions.

[aloof_savant]

I'll answer questions at my own pace, thank you! .......The answer is yes, we got places to stay.

Okay, now I'm interested, what sort of literature does a bookworm like you read? You've traveled quite a long way, you must be after something.

[quicksmart]

Excellent. How much is it a night?

[ Crinkles her nose at his phrasing. ]

Bookworm? There's no need to be so rude, calling people names. But if you must know, I'm after books on Blinking magic. And perhaps a map. ... and also anything related to any battles that may be pertinent to read along the way.

I'd like to travel back to the Scarlet Moon Empire, you see.

[aloof_savant]

Beats me! It was free of charge for refugees during the recent war, and since Master Thomas isn't here to clarify, let's just assume it is for now! I won't tell if you don't~

Travel back to-- what..?

[aloof_savant]

Scarlet Moon Empire? Don't you mean the republic?

[quicksmart]

[ Impatiently. ]

The republic? What republic?

If people here don't know where the Scarlet Moon Empire is, I suppose I would settle with heading for the Island Nations. Surely you know of that?

[aloof_savant]

You know, for someone who likes to read, I'm surprised you haven't heard that the empire collapsed more than 15 years ago...

[ Inconsiderately poking her forehead. ]

Are you sure you're not an amnesiac or something? Can you feel this?

[quicksmart]

[ Angrily swatting his hand away and taking a few steps back, starting to become indignified now! ]

Stop that! Nobody said you could touch my head!

[ Puts her hands on her hips. ]

I do hope you're joking, because I was there just last week. I assure you that the Empire is quite sound and very powerful, and Kooluk is no longer a threat to them. ... not that they ever stood a chance.

[aloof_savant]

[ Just shaking his head the more listens to this madness. ]

You really did hit your head on something, didn't you? And yet it can't be amnesia, because you're talking like you've been there for all of that... Just who are you? Is somebody having me on?

[quicksmart]

My name is Agnes.

Now where exactly am I? This place is so absurd. This is all common knowledge!

[aloof_savant]

Agnes, huh? You're in the Grasslands, Budehuc Castle specifically. Look, I'd like to show you where the infirmary is anyway, you know... just in case.

I know I can't make you do anything, but I'd be remiss if I didn't inform you at least.

[quicksmart]

If I go to the infirmary, will you quit bothering me with this nonsense about amnesia? Although I don't intend to stay here long, it would be nice if my stay weren't filled with accusations of a poor memory.

[ She speaks blandly now. ]

I don't know where Budehuc Castle or the Grasslands are.

[aloof_savant]

Of course you don't, you don't even know what year you're in! I'm telling you, Agnes, you need help!

[quicksmart]

What year I'm in? Stop being absurd, and stop lying me!

In fact, go away! I'll find everything myself.

[aloof_savant]

Excuse me for trying to help! Fine, I've got paperwork and studies up to my neck, I don't need this. Go! Tell the Emperor I said hi!

[ ...Decided he will keep an eye on her from a distance until things cool down. ]

[quicksmart]

Hah! Like you would study anything useful anyway, given what you know about anything!

[ She hesitates for a moment and then picks a direction to storm off in, not particularly bothered where it leads for now! ]