Treasonous Intent Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: With respect, Your Majesty. I am overwhelmed by the generosity you've shown me this day, inviting me into your private chambers, an honor far beyond what I deserve. Umarit Imuse: That the very throne of the Empire would open its doors to a mere subject, not in some public setting, but as a private guest... Umarit Imuse: Truly, I can only stand in awe of the breadth of your generous heart. Gtri Dactyla: (Spoken so smoothly and so falsely... I've heard he's been quite displeased that I've never let him into these private chambers before now...) Gtri Dactyla: (Perhaps suspecting that I frequently invite the court physician Tauran in here for some scheme of my own...) Umarit Imuse: Your Majesty. Umarit Imuse: Not long ago, a certain small kingdom fell. The Kingdom of Taladit. Umarit Imuse: There was once talk of a marriage between Your Majesty and the princess of that kingdom... a truly strange affair, in hindsight. Umarit Imuse: They begged to be absorbed into the Empire, and before the words had even left their mouths, betrayed Your Majesty and threw themselves into the Federation's shadow. Umarit Imuse: That such shameless people should never come to be Your Majesty's kin through marriage... Umarit Imuse: That much, at least, one might call a fortunate outcome amid misfortune. Gtri Dactyla: I suppose so...The princess of Taladit... I had wanted to meet her, just once. Umarit Imuse: No doubt she wishes for the same, from the other side. Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: Betrayal invites its own due reckoning. We have merely followed that principle. Umarit Imuse: Please, don't trouble yourself over it. Gtri Dactyla: ...I suppose so... Umarit Imuse: Now then. I don't know if it will bring any comfort to Your Majesty's heart… Umarit Imuse: But I've come today to present a treasured tea set, once belonging to the fallen royal house of Taladit. Gtri Dactyla: ...A tea set? Umarit Imuse: Indeed. Bring it before His Majesty. Attendant: Yes, sir... Gtri Dactyla: This is... beautiful... Umarit Imuse: When tea is poured into this vessel, the needle-like tea leaves floating within are said to rise straight upward, on occasion. Gtri Dactyla: The needle-like leaves... rising straight up... Umarit Imuse: It is said that whoever witnesses that sight is blessed with happiness. Umarit Imuse: My beloved Emperor Gtri. Umarit Imuse: One so favored by Gods as yourself will surely see the mark of blessing held within this vessel. Umarit Imuse: I do hope it brings even the smallest comfort to your heart. Gtri Dactyla: (...And if I don't see it?) Gtri Dactyla: (Is he saying I'm unworthy of the imperial throne?) Umarit Imuse: Well then, pour for His Majesty. Attendant: Yes, sir... Umarit Imuse: You understand, don't you? Attendant: ...Yes, sir...!! Gtri Dactyla: (What does that mean? Don't tell me there's poison in this...) [The attendant pours some tea…] Umarit Imuse: Hm.......... Gtri Dactyla: Ngh...! Umarit Imuse: Hmmmm...........How odd. The needle-like leaves ought to be rising straight up by now. Attendant: With respect...! Umarit Imuse: What is it? Attendant: S-some leaves, apparently, take longer to rise. Perhaps if His Majesty continues to watch the tea a while longer... Umarit Imuse: I see. Umarit Imuse: Your Majesty, my apologies for the delay. Gtri Dactyla: N-not at all... There's a pleasure in waiting like this, too. Umarit Imuse: Your generous words humble me. Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: ........... [Birds chirping outside…] Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: ........... Umarit Imuse: They're not rising at all, are they. Attendant: ...My deepest apologies!! Gtri Dactyla: I-it's fine! Simply seeing such a beautiful tea set was more than enough to lift my spirits. Umarit Imuse: Is that so? Gtri Dactyla: Yes. There's no need to quench my thirst, either...Please, take it away now. Attendant: Yes, sir...! Umarit Imuse: ........... Umarit Imuse: My apologies for the unsightly display. Gtri Dactyla: It's fine. Thank you. Umarit Imuse: Your Majesty. If I may borrow this moment, there's a matter I wish to discuss. Gtri Dactyla: ...What is it? Umarit Imuse: Regarding Your Majesty's marriage... The princess of Taladit, your betrothed, has passed away. Umarit Imuse: Her untimely death was a source of profound grief, both for the Empire, and above all, for Your Majesty. Umarit Imuse: My heartfelt condolences. Gtri Dactyla: ...I never even met her. I only wish I could have made her happy... Umarit Imuse: And yet, even so, Your Majesty alone is not permitted the luxury of pausing in grief. Umarit Imuse: Your position no longer allows for such a thing. Gtri Dactyla: ........... Umarit Imuse: Your Majesty's marriage, and the birth of an heir, are matters of state vital to the Empire's peace and stability. Umarit Imuse: I humbly request that you consider a new marriage, as soon as possible. Umarit Imuse: To that end, I would like to recommend my own sister, the youngest daughter of House Imuse, to Your Majesty. Umarit Imuse: I recognize this suggestion may be far too presumptuous of me, but I would be most grateful if Your Majesty would give it some thought. Gtri Dactyla: Ah..........So that's what this was really about... Umarit Imuse: ........... Gtri Dactyla: My father and my brother drew swords against each other, and both died by it. Despite being bound by blood, as father and son. Gtri Dactyla: If I were to lose a wife and children on top of that, my heart would break entirely. Gtri Dactyla: Do as you wish. I only want to live in peace. Umarit Imuse: Hm........... Umarit Imuse: ...May I ask what you truly mean by those words? Gtri Dactyla: ...What do you mean? There's no deeper meaning to it... Umarit Imuse: In response to my recommendation of my sister as your bride, you said you only wish to live in peace. Umarit Imuse: Could it be that Your Majesty fears that, should you fail to accept my sister... Umarit Imuse: ...disaster might one day befall your lineage? Gtri Dactyla: ...........! Umarit Imuse: Furthermore, do you believe that even the tragedies of the previous Emperor, and the Emperor before him, were the result of my own scheming? Gtri Dactyla: Wh...I have no intention of defying you! I've told you already, I only wish to live in peace. Umarit Imuse: Please, don't jest... Where in this world do you imagine peace exists? Gtri Dactyla: A-Ah........... Umarit Imuse: I have risked my life on Your Majesty's behalf, time and time again, without end. Umarit Imuse: And yet, today's words have left my heart cold, I must confess. Is my loyalty truly held in such low regard? Gtri Dactyla: Umarit... Umarit Imuse: If I may be so bold, I shall take my leave now before any further discourtesy passes between us. Umarit Imuse: Excuse me. Gtri Dactyla: ...Haa…What… have I done... To be continued...