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“Well I'd hardly call it a relationship,” you begin, brushing away the question with a very deliberate attempt at indifference, “I met her at the old capital, which is hardly surprising since we were both invited. I would consider her a passing acquaintance at most – we've spoken perhaps... once since then. We seem to tolerate each other well enough.”
The old woman considers this, jerking her arm forwards to crush out her cigarette in an overflowing ashtray.
“Oh, I know. I'm supposed to recoil from her in horror because of her family name,” you sigh, fighting the urge to roll your eyes, “But in truth, I prefer to treat her with the same respect that a gentleman would reserve for any other lady of the kingdom. Nothing more, and nothing less.”
“That's quite sufficient, Master Pale,” King Albrecht assures you, “Please excuse us.”
“No offence taken,” you tell him, “Although I would like to know the name of my interrogator.”
“Choirmaster Moreau,” the old woman answers, snapping open a polished silver case and drawing out a new cigarette. You notice that she makes no attempt at dodging your choice of wording.
Choirmaster. You're not familiar with the title, but you're assuming she's an oracle – and very likely an important one.
“Perhaps I should explain,” the King continues, “Miss Tomoe is a person of great interest to us. Have you ever heard of “the Triumph of the Tomoe”?”
You shake your head, filing the title away for later research.
“The Tomoe themselves have a prophecy that, one day, a member of their family will lead them to some great victory.” Moreau rasps, “Our informants hint that Miss Tomoe may fit the description. Naturally, we have been taking great care to watch her.”
“Then perhaps you should know, she offered me an invitation to her family estate,” you mention, “An invitation that I have not yet taken advantage of.”
“I would suggest you decline it,” Moreau murmurs.
“As with most things that the Tomoe are involved with, we don't know how seriously to take these prophecies. Some of the Choir believe that their “Triumph” is merely a distraction, an attempt at stoking fear and paranoia,” Albrecht points out, “But the risk remains, and – given the situation with your father – we have every indication that we are living in abnormal times.”
Blood is shed on holy ground, the Tomoe are lighting fires all across the Kingdom, and now their champion has risen - “abnormal times” is something of an understatement.
“As Choirmaster Moreau said, I would urge you to keep your distance from Miss Tomoe,” he continues, “The Tomoe spread violence and chaos wherever they go. I would deeply regret it if you were to be caught up in their schemes.”
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