video; un: lodge (with special guest alucard)

[refashioned]

[Happy Valentine's Day, Club Ophelia! Naturally, this guild is neither a club nor really in a place to pass around cute Valentine's with fantastic puns, but one could consider this a spectacular day to publicly broach a specific issue: marriage.

No, not among the various members of the lovely guild, but the Empresses themselves. Love is in the air, isn't it? Or it could be. In time.

As it is, incoming Veronica and a beautiful vampire man by the name of Alucard. Thankfully, no one will be announcing any murders here, accidental, in self-defense, or otherwise.]

Hello, Guild Ophelia! [That's Veronica. She's as chirpy and confident as ever.] Alucard and I have a proposal to make. Let's just say "proposal" is a fitting way to talk about precisely how we want to approach the rest of this mission. Some of you have already heard what I have to say about this, but I think it's fitting if we hear it from another party.

[Alucard, on the other hand, is calm and keeping his usual regal approach.] In addition, I thought it best to ensure everyone heard what we had to say. Veronica’s idea is a wise one: there will be persistent unrest with all people in both regions. If they are unable to agree to one ruler, there is no reason to not revere both as ruling parties. It would be an ideal resolution.

This could be arranged easily by marriage between both Empresses.

[Veronica is seen nodding in response to this, pleased that this is coming together.]

I know a number of you think a peace treaty might be the answer. I don't disagree, but we're here to ensure that there's a more permanent solution moving forward. The union of these two women is the best way for both of these societies to have their cake and eat it, too. Their combined resources and culture can only make them both better. And we're not left desperately trying to make Doro be the one in charge … or someone like him. We know he just doesn't suit the unique nature of this world. [One that Veronica herself is rather fond of!]

So, let's discuss team.

Comments

[refashioned]

You didn't hear what I said. Nama was appointed. You understand how that can be handled, yes?

[tenthousandmiles]

I'm aware. But who can be appointed that would have the legitimacy of both clans? Someone from the Flowerlands could be a possibility, but that may also only lead to dissatisfaction on both sides.

It's not that I'm arguing with the marriage as a solution--only suggesting we look farther ahead than simply what's in front of us at the moment.

[refashioned]

The Flowerlands are out because of Doro's connection to Nama.

The best solution may be to suggest that they would have to determine that themselves. So it doesn't seem like we're attached to our agenda, just in helping them find peace.

[tenthousandmiles]

That might work. But in that case, we need to be prepared for the matter to be raised as an objection, for why marriage would be an unworkable proposition. We may need arguments on hand for how to convince them.

[Arguments he doesn't have, because he ain't a Negotiator. He once got locked in a storage shed by angry villagers because he told them burning down their whole fucking mountain was a stupid idea and they needed to stop acting like frightened monkeys.]

[refashioned]

The best way to win this particular debate might be to head them off with that as a part of our opener. To show we've considered it, what the solution can be, and where they might be able to go from there.

[Meet them in the middle, so to speak.]

[tenthousandmiles]

[He makes a soft 'hmmm' in his throat, seemingly more satisfied with that answer.]

It bears attempting, at any rate. The worst that could happen is they refuse.

[They probably wouldn't set off war just by suggesting it, especially since they've met with one Empress without incident already. But if it failed, it would send them back to square one....]

Do we have a backup plan, if they do?

[refashioned]

It might not need a backup plan or consideration of refusal. Once we plant the seed, I think the rest will take care of itself.

[In ... theory ...]

[tenthousandmiles]

[Slowly...raises an eyebrow...]

Optimism isn't a bad thing. But it would be better to have at least an idea for what direction to go next if things don't pan out as we hope.

[refashioned]

Then please do suggest an idea that doesn't rely on baby making.

[tenthousandmiles]

Mm, I'm not sure, myself.

[Ginko isn't any kind of noble or diplomat, though if this society is enough like his own world, then the baby part is kind of a huge. sticking point.]

Do we know if either of the Empresses have any female relatives?

[refashioned]

It's all in the dossier. I guess no one paid it as much attention as I did when I hatched this little plan.

Youmi has two younger sisters.

[tenthousandmiles]

Ah, right.

[HE READ IT there's just been. a lot going on, okay. Also the player forgot, shhhhh.]

If one of them would be willing to marry Nama's brother, that might resolve the issue of succession.

[refashioned]

You're assuming there is an issue of succession.

[tenthousandmiles]

It's not an unreasonable concern.