Voyage I: Lentini

[Shiki]

Gabriel was just being Gabriel, was just standing there in the corner, silent and isolated. Tracking everyone's movements. At least he's a professional.

— You work just fine, Keiko, you are Kusarian which makes you somehow unbiased.

Enma would laugh at Keiko's comments if the situation allowed, but it's going not in the best way possible. Enma is sobering up, Loyola needs to get herself under full control first if she wants to restore control for the situation. That was a little bit rushed and brutal way to present this. But if she started it, it needs to be pushed until the result she wanted. Otherwise, her image and reputation are going to suffer and Claire will get more confidence to resist the influence. As much as this situation that she made is strange, it gotta be finished and one at her terms.

It's even somehow good that Claire stood up because now it can be the much more cinematic and proper scene to make. For now, she indeed managed to sober up in extremely short terms, showing miracles of self-control. Graciously sliding from the sofa and bending one knee before the princess. Maybe it's the time to be a little bit romantic, which should impress after all of the brutality she has demonstrated before.

— Thank you for being so truthful, Votre Altesse, but I kindly beg you to reconsider. But it just an engagement. Of course, the exact date of the marriage cannot be set without Roi's allowance in this situation. And if he will indeed oppose this, then it shall be canceled. I just propose we both state our honest intentions.

Loyola is gently taking Claire's hand, placing her former wife's ring back. Forming a first of Claire's hand and holding it firmly, just so she does not attempt to remove it anymore. At least not right now.

— And if I will play a major role in restoring the Kingdom and glory of your family, wouldn't it be at least partially deserved? Even common folk can be rewarded for significant contributions to the sovereign's cause. And I am far from being a commoner, Your Highness. My family line is ancient and glorious as well as the Outcast family can be. For my talents, I was employed as Guildmistress of the Core and even foreigners to Malta were praising me for my work.

Enma then kissing her hand once more, standing up, now feeling herself humiliated. This was too much, this girl can just project her ego to make Enma believe that there's something behind her. But the truth is, without Loyola she would not be feeling so confident and humiliating her in front of her own employees. It's hard to talk loud and sound things in Republican's prison or in the coffin where she would most likely be by now.

Loyola then got to DeFrance's ear, even aura around her got dark and suppressing. And whisper she makes after feels powerful despite being the least powerful form of human verbal communication. Claire could even feel how slow and heavy was her breathing. Just making sure no one else would hear, keeping it between them.

— Understand that without me you are nothing. You are not brave and strong like Charlotte, you cannot even pilot a ship. You were crying like a little girl, even causing me to feel a lot of empathy. The absolute majority of the Sirians hate and blame your family for what was done to Leeds, even Corsairs. I am one of the very few influential people who welcomed it. You are just a girl that will be wanted by literally everyone anywhere you go. You are even wanted in Gallia, the one you love so much. I will treat you like a princess and you will have your little kingdom around you. And I was telling the truth about help, I am really going to invest to restore Kingdom. For the real, incredibly risky investments of literally all I have I ask for a simple formality and a chunk of your pride. And you shall not worry about your legitimacy, despite all efforts I am not able to have illegitimate descendants with you. On the bright side, you won't feel so lonely, I am not that of a terrible person. Stop playing a proud princess when I ask and you will have a chance to play her 98% of your time.

Enma moves back from Claire's ear, giving her an honest and pure smile. By that, it's clear that she does not intend to do any harm if the stuff goes her way. It then slowly transforms into a sadistic grin as Enma's eyes were literally burning and undressing her. Starting to say it quite loud in public, so anyone could hear.

— I understand that this decision needs to be made in no rush and it would be wise to give you time to consider and value the situation. I think I will ask for an answer in a few days. I am begging your highness to be kind to your servant and honor me with your positive reply. I am sorry for causing this vanity as Your Highness was resting, please sit. I will make sure that bedrooms will be prepared if your highness did not change her mind about having dinner.

Loyola is sounding pleasing a humble, just to demonstrate Claire the different options on how the situation may develop.

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