A Crumbled Empire

[quicksmart]

I read all the volumes and records pertaining to the rise and fall of the Scarlet Moon Empire... I read all of them. It all makes sense, it's all so cohesive... and yet I still don't understand how the Empire fell, nor how the corruption spread. I can barely comprehend any of that, let alone how I even arrived here. Is there a reason behind any of this? A True Rune, even?

At least that boy still has a home and people he knows of in Falena if he is indeed from IS 450, but...

I couldn't even find my name anywhere... Did I amount to nothing?

... How may I obtain more books?

Comments

[aloof_savant]

[ SLIGHTLY NERVOUS LAUGHTER. ]

Y-yes... no?! Wa-wait, what do you mean? What about your situation?

[quicksmart]

I don't have a home anymore. Where else should I go?

I'd very much like to stay with you and assist you.

[aloof_savant]

[ Finds this SOOO weird... but also feeling mischievous about it! ]

You mean, like my very own right-hand man? ...Err, woman? Girl?

Man, talk about a complete 180...

[quicksmart]

[ Doesn't see a problem with this at all! ]

Yes. If you'd like to call it that.

[aloof_savant]

[ No, he secretly liked calling it "housekeeper". ]

Well then, welcome aboard, Agnes! After you've sorted out the numerous books in my room that I've had to go through last night, I'd like you to organise a new comment box for this castle!

And find out what happened to the old one!

--Wait, don't do that. I don't want to discipline anyone.

Okay-- you find out, and then deal with perpetrator! Can you handle that?

[quicksmart]

[ On some deep level she finds him a bit immature, but is too starstruck to particularly notice. ]

Of course, Sir Caesar.

Can I read your books after I've sorted them? And may we play chess afterwards?

[aloof_savant]

Chess? I suppose we can make time for that. I must say, I have never met anyone so interested in the Sliverberg name before. ..Not that all of us are that great...

[quicksmart]

Lady Elenor Silverberg was the greatest strategist of her time, as well as the most kind.

I do not know how the Silverberg family is reputed to be now, but if you, a Silverberg, are a strategist, then I have high hopes.

[ She is 10000% smiles ever since she found out who he was. ]

[aloof_savant]

Heh. It's only a name, you will learn in time that even Silverbergs lose battles. In any case, I hope I don't disappoint...

I would like to hear more about my ancestor over our game, if you don't mind.

[quicksmart]

[ She seems shocked! ]

You don't know much of Lady Elenor?

[aloof_savant]

I'm afraid not. Until recent years, I wasn't the most attentive student of history...

[quicksmart]

[ She's a little bit disappointed. ]

... Well, perhaps we can learn together, then. I will tell you about Lady Elenor if you will tell me about the Silverberg family as it is now.

[ She pauses. ]

And... I can stay free of charge as your housekeeper?

[aloof_savant]

Aw, Agnes, did we just become study buddies?

[ Kind of amused that she has no idea about how much he naps during his study hours. ]

Hey! Don't worry about that, it's all taken care of!

[quicksmart]

[ Wrinkles her nose, not appreciating how casually he's taking this. ]

Sir Caesar, we do not have to be buddies to study. I'd simply like to learn with you. That's all.