Navigating the political quagmire

[nietzsche_waifu]

Thank you for your hard work. As usual, it is your incredible efforts that allow State of Gucun to prosper.

[Devon has unceremoniously utilized one of the smaller briefing rooms as a... film-making studio? Whatever it is, she's talking in front of a camera, dressed up all professional-like. It doesn't look like she's having a live feed conversation with someone. Rather, the film is being recorded for later sending.]

We received your message. Worry not - I will handle our neighbours, assure them on our peaceful intent. Focus on internal affairs of the State.

Yun Li Kwan, out.

[Camera goes off.]


Neighbours, is it? Sometimes I miss the times when I didn't care what other people thought about me. When I didn't have to care.
No, not about me. About my country.

[Devon looks at a long, long list of further video messages to prepare and send, and sighs. Time to grab something to drink. Whether you were just passing by, actually have business with her, or perhaps you were forced convinced to help as camera crew - now's a good time to say something.]

Comments

[nietzsche_waifu]

I was always responsible for many things.

They just felt less like a chore.

[saikyocivrobo]

I thought you're already used to chores, being the mother of two and all.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Well. Yes. But that's different. Taking care of your own children gives you a sense of pride and comfort. Even if sleepless nights tire you out.

[saikyocivrobo]

Well, as far as I'm concerned having no activities you dislike and enjoying all your work and chores is a sign of mental illness, so I'm glad to see you retain your sanity.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Is that so...

How would you call those who had nothing then, but a new life was given to them - life of hard work, however one they enjoy as the alternative would be endless suffering and misery?

[saikyocivrobo]

Well... Happiness and insanity might seem strangely similar at a first glance sometimes, don't you think?

[nietzsche_waifu]

Ha ha.

[Suddenly, serious.]
... Don't joke. I met people who lost everything, and would have perished if not for State of Gucun's revival. I do not do all of this only for myself, or my family.

[saikyocivrobo]

Do you think I don't know that? Don't mistake me for one of those people who joke and are happy because they don't understand the gravity of the situation we're all in, please.

[nietzsche_waifu]

I do not. Sorry if you take it that way.

...

The situation is taking its toll, isn't it. I haven't been that irritable in a while.
[Especially with the shadow knight fiasco, but Devon is not going to admit that.]

[saikyocivrobo]

Well, I can't say I blame you. We've had some pretty disheartening events recently...

But I'd say the overall situation is still better than, say, a year ago. New enemies appear, but our efforts bring results too.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Definitely. On a global scale, things are getting better. The frustration is more... personal.

[saikyocivrobo]

Should I pry?

[nietzsche_waifu]

...

It's the shadow-like warrior that attacked the ship a few weeks ago. On foot. All by himself.

[saikyocivrobo]

I only heard about it. I was asleep when that happened.

[nietzsche_waifu]

Physical attacks of all kinds were ineffective. Passed through him as if he was just air.

...
It was very annoying.

[saikyocivrobo]

Hmm... I'm not an expert on the matter, but aren't those knights only harmed by sound waves, or something along these lines? You should probably talk to the guy who made that announcement.

[nietzsche_waifu]

I was... busy during the time of his announcement.

So I missed it.
[Devon is making excuses? Well, she looks kinda grumpy about it, that for sure.]

[saikyocivrobo]

I'm glad to see you're still the same as before in some aspects, even after all these years.