The Drama Emperor 3-2

[Pyg]Edgar>	[The third day rolls on after Emperor Edgar chastised one of his catgirl maids. The inhabitants of the still-ruined Imperial Estate finished their lunch and resume their day. It seems a visitor is on their way to the mansion.]
	* [Az]Amalia	continues to follow Edgar around after finishing her delicious fish.
	<[Pyg]Edgar>	Oh, no chores for you to do today, Amalia?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya? Edgar want Nya do chore? Nya do chore! Which chore nya?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Chore chore nya~
	<[Pyg]Edgar>	How should I know, silly girl? I'm merely the master of this estate.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nyaaa~? Nya go ask Mayu!
	* [Az]Amalia	skips off to where Mayu was going to be.
	* [Az]Amalia	walks down the hall to see Mayu and Milia boarding up some holes in the walls.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Edgar want Nya to help with chores! Nya help?
	<[Sc]Mayu>	H-huh? Oh! Amalia, can't you see we're busy....
	<[huh]Milia>	Busy, busy, no time to chat~
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya help!
	* [Az]Amalia	grabs some boards and tries nailing down some planks herself.
	* [Sc]Mayu	huffs and sets down her hammer gently.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	What do you even need help with?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya? Nya help Mayu with chores?
	* [huh]Milia	looks between Mayu and Amalia, then continues hammering.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	I see, well then. Milia, do you need a hand?
	<[huh]Milia>	If someone can lend one, sure.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	U-um, well I suppose if we work together on this then it would be easier wouldn't it? I'm afraid I'm not very good with this kind of thing...
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Nya help!
	=-=	YOU are now known as [pyGM]Edgar
	* [Sc]Mayu	hands the small cat girl a stack of wood, then picks her hammer back up.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Then let's work hard today, alright?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya!
	* [Az]Amalia	holds up the wood so everyone can hammer the planks into the wall.
	* [huh]Milia	hammers like the fist of the motherfucking north star.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Wow!
	<[huh]Milia>	I think it looks nice.
	* [huh]Milia	surveys her handywork.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Now no more wet ground here!
	* [pyGM]Edgar	enters the room being fixed.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ah, well done, girls!
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Master!
	* [Sc]Mayu	jumps slightly the cowers a bit behind the other two maids
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Amalinya do chores!
	* [Az]Amalia	hops over to Edgar's side, on all fours and rubs her head against him again.
	* [Sc]Mayu	looks on longingly. Would it be nice to have Edgar treat her like that maybe?
	* [huh]Milia	looks on longingly. I wish I was a cat...
	* [pyGM]Edgar	pets Amalia.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	I can see that, well done.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya~
	<[huh]Milia>	What next?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Anyway, the construction crew is on its way.
	<[huh]Milia>	Huh?
	<[Sc]Mayu>	A construction crew?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	There was a bit of...Err...Bargaining, but I finally got them to show up and repair the mansion.
	* [huh]Milia	looks at the wall she just fixed.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya~
	* [Az]Amalia	is happy enough that she got pet again.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Well, at least the carpets won't get wet now. But I don't like the idea of all those construction men walking about our house....tracking mud on their feet
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Not a prospect I look forward to either, but I can't have all of you girls doing such lowly tasks all day.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	So, while they will be working on the mansion, we'll be staying at my mountain cabin. Ayaka already went ahead to check on it.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	M-mountain Cabin?
	<[huh]Milia>	Field Trip~
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Nya like high places nya~!
	* [huh]Milia	runs happily around the room.
	* [Sc]Mayu	blushes at the mention
	<[Az]Amalia>	Maybe find biiiiig friends in mountains nya?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Uh...They might be hibernating for the winter, Amalia, but we'll see.
	* [pyGM]Edgar	scratches Amalia behind the ears.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya...?... Nya~
	<[huh]Milia>	Ski Trip~ Snowboarding~
	<[Sc]Mayu>	It's been a long time since we used on of your holiday homes, master.....
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	<[pyGM]Edgar>	True, but, let's face it, things have been rough for a while. I think we could use a change in environment.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	At any rate, all of you ought to start packing, we'll be leaving as soon as you're all ready.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Amalinya remember last time was there! Other maid gone! No more find! No no where go! Edgar say she lost because of avalanche! Amalinya wonder if happen to Mayu or Milia or Ayaknya?
	<[huh]Milia>	Wah~ a lost maid?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya!
	* [Az]Amalia	nods.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Yes.... we've lost a number of maids in the moutains before now.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Bah, those hags were hideious.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya~
	* [Sc]Mayu	stifles a small laugh behind her hand
	* [Az]Amalia	nods along with Edgar, with a knowing smile.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	I can't be bothered to waste efforts searching for a maid unfit for an emperor.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Master, will you say the same about us when we're old?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Edgar not like them nya~
	<[Az]Amalia>	Then something happen to them nya~~~
	* [Az]Amalia	nods again with her knowing smile.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Why, would I, Mayu? I'd be just as old-looking as the rest of you.
	* [Sc]Mayu	sighs
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	<[Sc]Mayu>	Of course master.
	* [Sc]Mayu	speaks with a strong ironic tone, glancing at Milia as she does
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Anyway, those thoughts are depressing me...Get along now, I'd like to get out of here before the weather gets bad again.
	* [huh]Milia	looks back.
	<Mr_Narrator>	It seems another visitor has arrived, there are loud knocks on the mansion's front doors again.
	<[huh]Milia>	Another visitor~ I wonder who it could be~
	* [Sc]Mayu	bows slightly to her master
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Shall I answer it, master?
	<Mr_Narrator>	[PAUSE]
	<Mr_Narrator>	[PLAY]
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ah, yes, please do.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	If it's a solicitor, get rid of him.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Yessir.
	* [Sc]Mayu	quickly sweeps past the others and heads to the entrace, she opens the door
	=-=	KChasm is now known as [KC]Armand
	* [KC]Armand	looks at Mayu, not saying anything, his lips twisted into a grimace
	* [Sc]Mayu	blinks rapidly at him
	<[Sc]Mayu>	This is the imperial palace, can I help you?
	* [KC]Armand	looks past Mayu, as if he didn't hear hear.
	<[KC]Armand>	...Terrible place you've got here.
	* [Sc]Mayu	blinks again
	* [KC]Armand	opens his mouth, closes it, blinks.
	<[KC]Armand>	I mean...
	* [KC]Armand	trails off.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	I'm sorry but what is your purpose here?
	<Mr_Narrator>	[PAUSE again, sorry]
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	<Mr_Narrator>	[PLAY, waifu has joined the party]
	* [KC]Armand	's eyes refocus on Mayu, as if he's only just noticed she's there. With one hand, he reaches up and scratches right above his ear, inadvertently causing his hat to tilt.
	<[KC]Armand>	Well, uh...
	* [Sc]Mayu	waits paitently.
	* [pyGM]Edgar	arrives in the entrance hall.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Mayu, I thought I told you to get rid of them if the were soli-
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	...Armand?
	* [KC]Armand	looks away, uncomfortably
	* [KC]Armand	mumbles
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Don't be rude, dear!
	<[KC]Armand>	...Edgar.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ah, Engarde as well.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Oh! Do you know these people, your highness?
	* [kiri]Engarde	hit Armand on the head.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Goodness, Edgar!
	* [Sc]Mayu	emphasises the word Highness.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	They are my former maid and butler.
	* [KC]Armand	takes the blow unflinchingly
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You have grown to be a fine young man!
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I'm so happy!
	* [kiri]Engarde	pull Edgar to a hug
	* [KC]Armand	looks uncomfortably at the door handle, at Mayu, at his shoes--anywhere but Edgar
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Yes, yes, thank you, Engarde
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Your former staff?
	* [Az]Amalia	stands up at the sight of the two people... they're not newcomers at all... but... Nyaaa can't remember.
	* [Sc]Mayu	frowns
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Indeed.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	I don't....recall ever meeting them.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya? Amalinya think Nya saw you before nya.
	* [huh]Milia	peeks into the hall, and freezes solid.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	I imagine I can't possibly be the reason you're both back here.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Hello, dear.
	* [KC]Armand	glances into the hall--and sees Milia--freezes, catching his breath
	* [huh]Milia	hurriedly withdraws and ducks away, dashing back down the hall from which she came.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	how was my daughter? did she serves you well?
	* [Az]Amalia	looks over to where the funny looking, but... saw before, guy stared at, seeing nothing.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya?
	* [Sc]Mayu	curiously glances bacl at where Milia was
	* [KC]Armand	, not moving his head, looks at Engarde--back at the hall where Milia was standing a moment ago--Engarde--the hall--and says nothing.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I keep training her night and day, every moment possible to be able to serve you the best...
	* [kiri]Engarde	keeps rambling.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya? Who her nya?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	(This woman's as talkative as ever I see....)
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Anyway, I suppose you two should come in.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Also, why Nya think Nya see you before nya?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Mayu, the tea if you would.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	We'll be in the sitting room.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Oh, how nice of you, sweet Edgar!
	* [kiri]Engarde	pinch Edgar's cheek
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Yessir.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ow, hey. Stop that, my cheeks lack the necessary fat that makes that merely a mild discomfort.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	oh my oh my~!
	* [Az]Amalia	ponders over why she thinks they're familiar as she stares at the woman pinching Edgar's chee... wait!
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya!
	* [Sc]Mayu	quickly bows and heads towards the kitchen, but first she checks the hall to see if Milia is near by
	* [Az]Amalia	jumps in defense of Edgar.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ah, settle down, Amalia. You don't remember Engarde?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya...?
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Ohhhh, Amalia~!
	<[Az]Amalia>	En...garde nya...?
	* [kiri]Engarde	pinching Amalia's cheek.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You are as lovely as ever!
	* [KC]Armand	grimaces
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Engarde! Nnnn Amalinya's cheeks wipping off nyaaaa~
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya~ Engarde cook good fish again nya? Amalinya still like Engarde's fish nya!
	* [kiri]Engarde	elbow Armand
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Say something, dear! You miss Edgar too, correct?
	* [pyGM]Edgar	pets Amalia's head absentmindedly as he leads them all to the sitting room.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nyaa~
	* [KC]Armand	smiles a small smile. The smile reaches his eyes, but only barely.
	<[KC]Armand>	Of course--of course.
	* [KC]Armand	nods.
	* [Az]Amalia	ceases her curiosity at the bliss of being petted by Edgar.
	<[KC]Armand>	I...
	* [KC]Armand	trails off and follows Engarde into the building
	<Mr_Narrator>	The group arrives in the sitting room, Edgar taking his seat on his usual place: the comfiest chair in the room.
	* [kiri]Engarde	doesn't sit. She walk around the room and help preparing tea.
	* [KC]Armand	absentmindedly takes his hat in his hands, and looking around the room for a moment, as if looking for a chair--then stands, looking uncomfortably at Edgar.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Sit, sit, you're guests today.
	* [Sc]Mayu	spends a few minutes clattering around in the kitchen making the tea. After brewing it a bit too long she gathers up the cups, milk and suger bowl then places it on a tray. Tring to move quickly without spilling it, she enters the sitting room.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	You're no longer under my service, correct?
	<[Sc]Mayu>	The tea is ready master~
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nyaa... guests? Engarde no make good fish?
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Ah, dear Edgey~! Ijust want to see if my junior can work properly!
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	They work fine, Engarde.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	I'm still alive aren't I?
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Oh my oh my~
	* [Az]Amalia	looks at Engarde's head. Making a shocked face at her lack of a maid's head band.
	<[Az]Amalia>	No frilly band!
	* [KC]Armand	makes a move towards the chair, but moves to the side of it instead of sitting in it
	<[Az]Amalia>	N-n-nya!
	* [Sc]Mayu	quietly places the tea set on the table and begins to pour out three cups
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Ah, thank you, Mayu.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Let's see if you are competent enough to serve him, dear.
	* [KC]Armand	smiles slightly, nodding similar thanks
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Anyway, I ask again, what brings you two back to my home?
	* [kiri]Engarde	take a sip. And make a face.
	* [Sc]Mayu	narrows her eyes at Engarde
	<[kiri]Engarde>	.....you.
	* [KC]Armand	looks away
	<[kiri]Engarde>	How long did you brew this one?
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Umm, I don't know I didn't time it.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You DIDN'T time it?!
	<[kiri]Engarde>	How could you!
	<[KC]Armand>	En...
	* [kiri]Engarde	stand up. Setting the teacup on the table with a bang.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	I-I-I!
	* [Sc]Mayu	flinches
	* [KC]Armand	grimaces, looks at Engarde, looks desperately in Mayu's direction, as if to say--sorry, sorry, I'm sorry--
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Engarde!
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You just ruin a high-quality tea with y---!
	* [pyGM]Edgar	's face, slightly more stern now.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	*ahem*
	<[kiri]Engarde>	.....anyway, it's not good enough.
	* [kiri]Engarde	sit down. grumbling.
	* [KC]Armand	looks back at Edgar, his face neutral, nods.
	* [Az]Amalia	looks at Mayu, and Engarde, and Mayu again, and back.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya...?
	* [Sc]Mayu	eye's begin to moisten and her lip quivers
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Wh-why are y-you so.....MEAN?
	* [pyGM]Edgar	sighs.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Now you've done it.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Because I am, dear.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Edgar deserves the best maid.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I train my daughter to be one.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	And everyone around her MUST be the best.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya! Engarde wear frilly thing and cook good fish again?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Engarde, Mayu's a fine maid. We all have our bad days, you did too.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	...hmph.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	I tried so hard on this!
	* [kiri]Engarde	wave her hand, shoo Mayu away.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I don't want this tea.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	D-don't say that.....
	* [Sc]Mayu	a stream of tears run down her face
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	* [KC]Armand	's hand twitches. He swallows.
	* [KC]Armand	looks away, silently sipping from his cup of tea
	<[kiri]Engarde>	That won't work on me silly maid. I know ALL about those techniques.
	<[KC]Armand>	. . .
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You and your pathetic act is not enough. Go learn more.
	* [pyGM]Edgar	sighs again, rubbing his temple.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	*ulp*
	<[Sc]Mayu>	B-b-but!
	<[kiri]Engarde>	No BUT!
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Come back again until you can learn to respect your senior and can make a tea suitable for Edgar.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	Wh-what?
	* [KC]Armand	sets his cup back down onto the saucer
	<[KC]Armand>	. . .
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Aaaanyway...
	<[KC]Armand>	While you're there...
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Tell Edgar our purpose, dear.
	<[KC]Armand>	...could you make me another cup?
	* [Sc]Mayu	seeing how this venerable maid is uneffected by her strongest technique, a wave of misery passes through the cat girl. Her tail and ears droop pathetically and genuine tears flow freely from her eyes.
	* [KC]Armand	turns to look at Engarde.
	<[KC]Armand>	--ah.
	<[Sc]Mayu>	WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
	* [Sc]Mayu	flees the room in a burst of tears, knocking past the Amalia as she goes
	<[KC]Armand>	...no, I guess not. I guess not.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	oh my.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nyahaha~ Mayu like doing that.
	* [KC]Armand	stands awkwardly, looking in the direction Mayu fled, his attention once again distracted
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Really, Engarde, that's why the apprentice maids couldn't stand you back then.
	* [KC]Armand	sighs, reaches back for his cup and brings it to his lips again before remembering that it's empty
	* [KC]Armand	sets it down once more
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Well, back on topic.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Are you here here regarding your daughter?
	* [KC]Armand	takes the cup once more, very deliberately brings it to his lips before anyone can look in his direction
	* [pyGM]Edgar	continues to run his hands through Amalia's hair as he sits, waiting for an answer.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Oh, I just come to visit.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I wish to see my daughter's behavior too.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Armand seems to be acting otherwise.
	* [KC]Armand	sips
	<[kiri]Engarde>	You have anything to say, dear Armand?
	<[KC]Armand>	Hhm?
	* [KC]Armand	very slowly puts his cup back down.
	<[KC]Armand>	. . .
	<[KC]Armand>	...about what?
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Our purpose of coming here, silly!
	* [kiri]Engarde	bonk Armand.
	<[KC]Armand>	. . .
	<[KC]Armand>	Purpose, huh?
	<[KC]Armand>	That's...actually a very...a question, you know.
	<[KC]Armand>	That...plagued the...plagued philosophers for decades.
	<[KC]Armand>	...longer.
	<[KC]Armand>	...purpose. Meaning, I mean.
	* [kiri]Engarde	sigh.
	* [KC]Armand	makes quiet "mm-hm" noises to himself, tapping his fingers against the edge of the table, near where he set his hat
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	* [pyGM]Edgar	takes a sip of tea. It's not good, but it's certainly not horrible enough to warrant what Mayu went through. Engarde is certainly as much a perfectionist as ever.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Ahhh... Edgey.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I'm quite bothered with the girl just now.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I need to check on her.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	No, Engarde.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	We're talking now.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Alright.
	* [pyGM]Edgar	's stern expression appearing again.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Let me make it easier for you.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Shall I bring Milia here?
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya? Edgar want Milia?
	* [KC]Armand	takes his cup.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	I want to hear her behavior from you first, Edgar.
	<[KC]Armand>	. . .
	<[KC]Armand>	...you know, I think I...I'm going to have a fill. Refill.
	<[KC]Armand>	Don't worry up for me, alright? I'll just be right...yes.
	* [kiri]Engarde	grab Armand's shirt.
	* [KC]Armand	stops short
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Milia's working hard. I entrusted the rest of her training to Mayu.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	She's only started, but she's quite capable.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	Mayu? The girl just now?
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Yes.
	* [kiri]Engarde	frown.
	<[kiri]Engarde>	now I need to check on her.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	It's my decision, Engarde.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	You're not head maid anymore.
	* [KC]Armand	, in all the discussion, manages to free himself from Engarde's clutches
	* [KC]Armand	very quietly begins to slip away, in the direction Maya went
	<[kiri]Engarde>	So, if you please. I want to see Milia.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Very well. Amalia!
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya!
	* [Az]Amalia	hops up to her feet.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	Bring Milia here, if you would.
	<[Az]Amalia>	Nya!
	* [Az]Amalia	nods and dashes off to look for Milia.
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	* [KC]Armand	walks down the hallway, carrying his cup and saucer, one in each hand, cup on saucer.
	* [KC]Armand	walks in what he supposes might be in the direction of the kitchen.
	* [huh]Milia	appears at the end off the corridor and stops cold.
	* [KC]Armand	, similarly, stops
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	<[huh]Milia>	Fa...Father.....
	* [KC]Armand	lowers his head slightly--though not enough to be noticeable--and focuses, very deliberately, at the spot on the floor by Milia's feet
	* [KC]Armand	swallows, the sounds seeming to reverbrate in the quiet hallway.
	<[KC]Armand>	...Milia.
	<[huh]Milia>	Why?
	<[KC]Armand>	Ah...
	<[KC]Armand>	...which...why do you mean? I mean...
	<[KC]Armand>	I mean, it's difficult to...it's a difficult...vague...
	<[huh]Milia>	Why did you come back? Back here?
	<[KC]Armand>	...why did I...
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	<[KC]Armand>	...I guess I...
	* [KC]Armand	's fingers twitch. With the tense atmosphere, the sound of the cup clinking against the saucer is almost comical
	<[KC]Armand>	...well, she...
	<[KC]Armand>	Engarde...wanted to come.
	<[huh]Milia>	Mother...
	* [KC]Armand	looks to the side at nothing in particular
	<[KC]Armand>	...she's here, too.
	* [huh]Milia	stares at her feet, very coincdentally the same spot Armand was staring at.
	<[huh]Milia>	Did you both come for me? Are you taking me back?
	<[KC]Armand>	...I don't know.
	<[KC]Armand>	I never...
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	<[KC]Armand>	...tell me about Mayu.
	<[KC]Armand>	I heard that you're...that she's training you.
	<[huh]Milia>	Mayu? She-she's a very nice woman. Yes, she's training me.
	<[KC]Armand>	...nice?
	* [huh]Milia	nods.
	<[huh]Milia>	Nice.
	<[KC]Armand>	Good...nice? Or...
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	<[huh]Milia>	She takes good care of me. Mayu's like a friend and... like a mother...
	* [KC]Armand	tenses for a moment--then something seems to run out of his body.
	<[KC]Armand>	I see.
	<[KC]Armand>	...is it...I mean, are you...
	<[KC]Armand>	...happy...Milia?
	* [huh]Milia	nods again, slowly.
	<[huh]Milia>	It's hard sometimes, but...
	<[huh]Milia>	It's fun, and I have my friends here to support me.
	* [huh]Milia	begins to tear up.
	<[huh]Milia>	So... So...
	* [KC]Armand	glances at Milia, and quickly looks away again
	<[KC]Armand>	That's good, then.
	* [KC]Armand	nods slowly, repeating the statement to himself as he does so.
	<[KC]Armand>	That's good, then. That's good, then.
	* [huh]Milia	seems to relax imperceptibly.
	* [KC]Armand	stands, silently, staring down into his cup
	<[huh]Milia>	So...
	<[huh]Milia>	have... you been well?
	<[KC]Armand>	Been well. Yes. Yes. I've...been well.
	<[huh]Milia>	That's also good.
	<[KC]Armand>	...Yes.
	<[KC]Armand>	But...I hoped that...
	* [KC]Armand	sighs
	<[KC]Armand>	...never mind.
	* [KC]Armand	bits his lip, then looks up--for the first time, directly at Milia--not quite into her eyes, but directly at Milia.
	<[KC]Armand>	...Milia.
	* [huh]Milia	looks up at the comment, and sees Armand looking at her.
	<[huh]Milia>	Yes?
	<[KC]Armand>	I...
	* [KC]Armand	opens his mouth--for a moment saying nothing--then--
	<[KC]Armand>	It's good...that you're happy...I think.
	<[KC]Armand>	I'm happy that...it's good that you're happy.
	<[KC]Armand>	...I'm sorry.
	* [huh]Milia	looks at ther father for a moment, then smiles and nods.
	* [KC]Armand	smiles, too.
	<[KC]Armand>	I'll...try to...
	<[KC]Armand>	It's good that you're happy, so I'll try to make sure...you'll be happy.
	<[KC]Armand>	...is that alright?
	* [huh]Milia	nods.
	<[KC]Armand>	Good. That's good.
	<[huh]Milia>	Father...
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	<[huh]Milia>	Thank you.
	<[KC]Armand>	...of course.
	<[KC]Armand>	Because...I'm your...father, so I should try to make sure...
	<[KC]Armand>	...
	* [KC]Armand	's resolve finally drains away, and his eyes drop once again
	<[KC]Armand>	...is the kitchen this way?
	<[KC]Armand>	I wanted to...I finished my drink...my tea, you see.
	<[huh]Milia>	Down the passageway. Take a left, there should be a pot on the left.
	<[KC]Armand>	...thank you.
	* [KC]Armand	begins his walk, once again. And without another word, he disappears as he turns the corner at the end of the hallway.
	* [huh]Milia	reaches out, and brushes Armand as he passes, then runs off down the hall.
	<[pyGM]Edgar>	[Looks like a maid's path will have to be dealt with before the path to the winter cabin can be opened. Tune in next time!]