14 ◦ [audio]

[akingmuststand]

[The feed runs a moment before Schneizel speaks up. There's a minute sigh in his voice, well-wrapped up in his composure.]It seems that Kanon Maldini may be added to the list of those missing. The young Empress Tianzi is also absent from where she is usually found - this wouldn't be the first time that people have left in waves, would it? A string

Comments

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[knightmare_hime]

Kanon is... missing?

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[knightmare_hime]

[She is silent for a moment, most likely considering his words and her own situation. She hasn't exactly gotten used to this place, but there are perhaps one or more people that she would be disheartened to see leave.

Switching to video, she changes the setting to private.

Her tone is low, and carries an uncertain gentleness that is not characteristic of her.]

It is for the best. Is it not?

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[akingmuststand]

That appears to be the case.

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[When he comes into view, there is a small, nigh on unreadable smile curving his mouth. He gives a little nod.]

It is, though I doubt he'd agree.

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[akingmuststand]

[And the smile slips, falls away, and he lapses into pensive, heavy silence for a few moments, closing his eyes. He's unsure of how much his sister has been told, in truth. What he knows, he knows from Kanon, from Kanon who arrived shaken and anxious, and found Demeleier itself easy to adjust to than the truth of what he'd left behind -

Schneizel looks at his sister again, and his lips curve once more.]

We remain a strong group, don't we?

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[knightmare_hime]

[Her head tilts when the smile disappears and she watches him close his eyes, something tightening in her chest. A sensation she cannot explain, and she finds difficult to will away.

When his eyes reopen, she is still, her features are blank, save for the slight flutter of lashes as her gaze lowers to the smile that has returned. It's a typical expression, and yet she cannot help but wonder if his head is filled with not so typical thoughts.]

Need you ask?

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[akingmuststand]

Rhetorically.

[He laughs softly, tilting his head, gaze lowered for a moment longer before he focuses on her.]

There is no question, in truth.

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[knightmare_hime]

[The right corner of her mouth indents, but the gesture barely registers in her eyes. It is an expression that has become habitual. More sarcastic than genuine.]

I quite agree, but I must say I am curious how you will manage without your subordinate.

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[akingmuststand]

Manage, Cornelia?

[The expression is one which he returns, similarly dry.]

Hm. I wonder, am I thought of as being so inept?

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[knightmare_hime]

[That warrants a smirk.]

I wouldn't really know. It's been several years since I bore witness to your every day lifestyle and affairs.

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[akingmuststand]

Ah, and do we have cause for interest in such now?

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[knightmare_hime]

[The smirk freezes somewhat while eyes widen in surprise, and she opens her mouth to respond, but several seconds pass before she actually speaks.]

...That wasn't... I just mean that we have both been preoccupied for so long.

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[akingmuststand]

I agree. In fact, I can't recall the last time that things were so quiet.

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[knightmare_hime]

[Her gaze drifts away as she nods.]

Not since the coronation ceremony, I would imagine.

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[akingmuststand]

If not earlier, still.

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[knightmare_hime]

[She looks like she might say something, but the look passes and she is silent.]

...Well... should you need something...

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[akingmuststand]

[Something which is caught, but not pursued. His lips quirk once more.]

Thank you, Cornelia.