Part 37: Goon Playthrough - Part 37

It's rare to hear such an opinion from an outsider. You really do carry wisdom beyond your years. Sometimes I miss the days of the King. Things were simpler then. Even conflict. I'd rather have a sword thrust in my heart than a dagger in my back. These days, everything is poisonous words and false smiles. The old ways might have been more violent, but they were more honest, too. Even in times of so-called peace, people's lives can be destroyed. The Prince tries to solve as much as he can with diplomacy, but he will have to make some difficult decisions.

Yep, you guys are right. He's definitely a Game of Thrones fan.


That's enough of such heavy subjects, though. I'd rather get to know you more, if you don't mind. You look like a girl from the town, but I haven't seen you around.


I don't live in the town, actually. I live in the house ruled by Lady Carmosa.




Your clothes give you the appearance of one of the townfolk. I didn't know you were incognito.


It's not a disguise. This is what I wear every day. After my father passed away, Carmosa took over. She treats me as one of the servants, but without any pay. I don't even have money to spend on clothing.


I'm sorry to hear that. It's a shame your father chose Carmosa to take over the estate.


He chose her?




The will would appoint the next head of the house. It's a shame he didn't choose you.


I've never heard anything about his will. I don't think Father would willingly put me in this situation.


That doesn't sound right at all. If Lady Carmosa wasn't appointed, she's breaking the law.


I didn't realize that. Something about this situation seems suspicious...


I hope you get it sorted out. I wish I could speak with you longer, but I must start my patrol. It was a pleasure talking with you. If you ever need anything, I'd be happy to help you.


Thank you. I'll see you, then.


Take care of yourself.




Unless he DID write one. In that case, what happened to it? I'll have to investigate as soon as I get the chance. Well, there's no point in sitting here in the tavern alone. I don't want to attract the wrong company.




His persona is so rough and intimidating, and he carries himself like a man who's seen war. But he's also straightforward and honest. Almost naïve, like a child raised on tales of knighthood. The fact that he still holds onto his ideals after all of this is admirable. There's something pure about it. Really, it was nice to get to know him a bit better.

Hmm... it's still pretty early. I think I should go and visit Tobias. Who knows when we'll get another chance to talk after Carmosa comes back.




Hello, Cinders. What brings you to my humble establishment?


Oh, I was just around the town again and thought it'd be nice to drop by. No special reason.


I see you're well enjoying your newly-found freedom.


Can't deny it.


So, how was your day?




Oh? Did you win the royal lottery?


Just as improbable. I actually had a conversation with Gloria.


Oh, I'm sorry—was that it? The unreal thing was that you talked with your sister? So, I presume it was something more than a simple exchange of insults?


To be honest, I'm not sure what it was myself. But it was different. We were BOTH speaking and I think this time she was listening. She also said that I'm free to do what I wish today.




But I'm serious, Tobias. It may seem like nothing to you, but believe me, those little things that are probably ordinary in normal families, they don't happen in our house.


Maybe she sees and understands more than you like to give her credit for? With all the blindness that comes from her resentment towards you, she'd have to be a complete fool not to realize that she cannot control you indefinitely.

Have you actually met Gloria, Tobias?


It sounds manipulative and complex, so there's a large chance that it's exactly what made her—or Carmosa—give me a day off.




Do you think that's even pos—




Oh... Bollocks.

Now you have fucked up.


YOU!


The pretty bird! Now isn't this a friendly get-together?


If I'm the bird then what does that make you? You certainly have a way of appearing out of the blue anywhere I go. First in the woods, then in my own house! And now here! You must be the most popular person in the whole Kingdom! In any case, you came just in time. In time to answer my questions and answer them fully. And candidly.


Such terrible words come from that pretty mouth.


Frankly, Cinders, I'm curious as well. A bit uneasy but mostly curious.


Oh, it's all very simple, really. Two days ago you came to our home to talk with Carmosa—I want to know what it was about.




S'all that was—a little gossip for a little coin.


Everybody knows that Carmosa smiles only when she learns that she can get something for free. Why would she pay you?!


Little missy sure's curious. And so's the old lady. She's even more curious than she is stringy, so she pays. Generously.


Very good, my friend. You're more clever than I thought—finding out what kind of information interests someone like Carmosa... Actually, knowing her in the first place... Say, you never told how exactly did you meet Lady Carmosa?




That's all—um—a trade secret! Am I right, boss sir?


She does have a point here. And her questions certainly piqued my curiosity.


I reckon the little bird picked something up alright.


Tell her.


Nasty business mates, nasty ambush. Methinks I'll just run for the door now and call it a day. It's been swell talking—


Not a step! As a law-abiding subject of our Prince I'm obliged to report any crime or mischief I know of to the Captain and his Guard. I'm sure Perrault would be happy to get something solid on you, but 'suspicious behavior' and 'conspiracy' will have to do. I'm sure it's enough to grant you a lovely night in the dungeon.




It's business, nothing personal, friend.


...Fine! I'll tell you! But only the missy here will hear it. Bloody hell, some demon speaks through those red lips.


You must take me for a complete fool, if you think I'll let her go alone with you so you can flee.


It's alright, Tobias. He won't run, will you—boss? He knows that it would force me to inform the Captain, whom I saw just a moment ago, right outside the store.


Y-yes, missy. Anything you say.


Very well. See, I knew we would come to an agreement sooner or later. Would you like to step outside and tell me everything, my friend?


Yes, missy. Lead on.


Are you sure about this, Cinders?


Don't worry. We're all friends here, after all.




Not exactly a hiding place, middle of the town, eh love? Sure could use some more privacy.


I'm not going to give you a chance to escape now. And don't try anything stupid, the Captain's right on the other side of the street. Remember that.


Fine, you little devil! I'll tell you what I know. Just don't yell if I can't remember all the details. I've short memory.


You've heard my question already—what was the message you brought to Carmosa? A dashing young gentleman like yourself should have no trouble recalling the last few days.


Blazing hell, lassie, you and your adder's tongue. Aye, I remember. So I was out in the woods, resting me head on the ground. Enjoying the peace and quiet that only nature can bring. Calm shimmer of the lake. Away from the wickedness—




—of the city. Sleeping like a brat, I was.


Do you often sleep outdoors? Why were you sleeping by the lake?


Now that's a mighty good question, innit love? Can't say I know the answer though, I just woke up there. Ol' and magical place, the pond in the woods, me auntie used to tell me stories of—


Get back to the topic, will you?


But I'm on it! I woke up and heard voices. Thought 'twas jus' like me auntie-s stories—of the fair folk, you know. Made of light and wisp, prettier than the finest ladies they are. But they were no wisps.


And? What happened then?




You know what I mean. Who were those people?


Ah! An excellent question, birdy! Me gut tells me you'll love this. 'Twas the noble Captain Perrault and he was talking to... the Prince!


The Prince was talking with Perrault in the woods? It seems a bit strange, doesn't it? What were they talking about?


Oh, some posh 'problems' of the rich folk. Too much free time's bad for the head. Our future His Royal Highness kept on whining about wenches, of all things. How they're all empty-headed or boring to talk to.


The Prince was discussing women?




Yes, wonderful. Now back to the subject please. What did they speak of?


The Captain said something about 'rules,' but I didn't hear that part with my head still spinning and the water shimmering so loud. Don't know what they meant but the Prince was mighty happy and said something about the Ball. The Grand Ball. He got some idea in that royally-empty head of his. I heard it's 'cause of them crowns—very bad for the head. Anyway, there was a new idea that he liked.


The Grand Ball? It doesn't sound familiar.


That's the excuse they made up so that the kings and princes can pick their wenches like vegetables in the market. Only regular folk don't crown the cucumbers they bought as queens. At least not often.




Yeah, that. They always use that fancy name, if something doesn't make sense anymore.


So what was the Prince's new idea?


'Twas about masks. Making all the lassies wear them.


You mean a masked ball, a masquerade?


Aye. Didn't know the rich birds are so horrid.


I don't think it's because of that. Did he say why the masks are so important to him?


It had something to do with the elders. The families? Lots of lords and ladies waiting to trade their daughters and only one Prince. Too much competition's bad for business and tempers.




...Aye, I knew that. Don't know what's wrong with seeing a nice face though. And what if the bird's got a pimple right 'tween her eyes? Won't notice nothing with masks and such. Unless he wants to ogle their curves! Ooh, bit on the nasty side, nobles. Me auntie told me stories, gossip really about the shenanigans going on 'tween them nobles in the Palace. Stuff that'd make a confessor blush!


Alright, I get the picture! A masked ball, you say. It makes a lot of sense actually. The Prince can pretend he's choosing his bride by judging her more subtle qualities. And there's no way any of the houses accusing him of favouring one over another. Who knows, maybe he isn't really pretending—perhaps having a choice is what he really wants?




Ball for the noble birds an' they all have a chance, no matter how pimply or horrid. Made me think of Carmosa and her pretty lassies.


…


No, not you! The other wenches. I mean, 'sisters,' your lovely sisters. Figured the old lady would pay with kingly coin for rumour like that. S'all there's to it. You satisfied, love?


My dear friend, this isn't even half of the story I wanted to hear. You better get to the more juicy stuff right away.