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x - like for a short lit starter

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“Reasonable, I suppose I should have guessed that based off what you said,” tipping the contents of the cup to her lips. “But do you ever do anything to relax between the business? You were about to burst when I caught you panicking earlier.”

At the question, Roderich was quick to shake his head as he took the cup of tea. “Oh, no. I don’t have the time to settle down, really. Perhaps in the future, but for now I must focus on my work.”

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“As we all know, the prince will have to tough it out in the end. As long as he doesn’t get too chummy with the Red Kingdom’s maids,” she laughed, getting tea cups out of the cabinet. Carefully pouring two and offering  one to the other. “What about you, are you married?” he looked to be old enough if she had to guess.

Roderich nodded in agreement. “We might not be privileged enough to be royalty, but with more privileges comes more responsibility. I can only hope the Prince will not be too upset with this all.”

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An eyebrow rose at the other women, allowing the words to sink in before she could respond. “You’re quite mature for your age, I find that a very respectable trait of yours,” quietly laughing at the pinkness across the apples of her cheeks. “And to you as well, I hope we stay on good terms for the future,” giving her a smile.

“I’d expect most would.” She confessed. “I always find it quite interesting to learn about others’ lives. It just…I feel like I can understand where they’re coming from in their actions once I know more about them, you know? It’s empathy.” She explained shyly, blushing slightly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you by the way, Alice.”

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“Tsk... And here I was hoping you’d spill the tea on it,” she offered him a smile over her shoulder. Turning around as the tea began to brew. “The unfortunate folly of our time, too bad for our lovely royalty. Selfish of me to say this, but I’m glad I’ll never be forced into one.”

Roderich was quiet for a moment. “…I really am not supposed to speak much of the details. It’s private information. I do hope you understand.” He sighed. “Yes… I would have hoped there would be some other way to come to agreements, but nothing of the sort made itself known.”

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Alice started on the tea, filling the kettle with water as he spoke. “Why’s that? I can’t say I know too many of the details of the arrangement. Mind filling me in?” setting the kettle onto the stove top. “Funny how marriage always seems to be the easy way out of disagreements...” shaking her head a bit.

“Ah, some tea would be lovely, thank you.” Roderich adjusted his glasses ever so slightly. “I certainly hope to be of service for as long as I can be. As for the marriage… well, I am hoping for the best, though I initially was against the idea.”

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“They aren’t too clever then,” shooting him a glare as she got up onto her feet. “I apologize for waking your beauty sleep, you’re wanted in the main hall, Mr. Wilkins,” though the tone of her voice hardly showed signs of well meaning.

“There are odd people in this world who would wake someone up, and do ill deeds to them,” he huffed, crossing his arms as he looked her over. “What do you want anyways?”

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“Is it now?” she cocked her head to the side, didn’t hear that too often. “Rarely do I hear that, most prefer to close the conversation at that,” the short echo of their shoes ringing through the hall. “Alice Kirkland,” she spoke to her. 

Lotte nodded, showing she understood what the executioner was saying. “Don’t apologise, I don’t mind. It’s just all very interesting!” She said brightly, with a smile. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.” She said quietly, after a moment’s pause.

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“Makes the most sense, would you care for tea?” she asked. Nodding her head to him and turning to shuffle through the cabinets. “I see, so your trust between each other runs deep. Do you picture yourself staying here for awhile? I know there’s a marriage of some sort that might cause a few waves in the castle...”

“Well, I suppose you could say the Queen did a lot for me, and in doing so, we earned each other’s trust,” Roderich explained after a brief pause. “I owe her my life, and wish to do all I can to repay the debt I owe to her. If offering my advice is how I may do so, then I will for as long as I can.”

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“Depends on how you look at it, though I like to think it does,” leaning against the counter as he spoke on. “Interesting, yet that makes me wonder how someone just becomes close to a royal family? Unless that’s a secret for another time,” she quirked an eyebrow towards him. No one could walk up to the family and become friends with them, he most certainly was lucky. 

“Your position has plenty of responsibility as well, I’d imagine.” Roderich paused to think briefly before answering. “Well, I was lucky enough to become close to the royal family, and the royal advisor must be someone they trust, so I was asked to take up the position. I figured it was the least I could do to repay them for all they have done for me.”

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She scratched the back of her head once and gave a nod. “Well... Here I am, ready and willing,” forcing a laugh. “I imagine it comes with its own hefty responsibilities, can’t say I’d be too eager for a position like that. Might I ask why you took it up?” she spoke, brushing a pieces of hair behind her ear. 

“Ah, so you’re the new executioner,” Roderich said with a nod. “I’d heard we’d gained a new one, but I couldn’t quite recall who.” He paused briefly. “I suppose my title is an honorable one… Honestly, I’d prefer to be less in the spotlight.”

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16th century German longsword with complex guard

Source: christies.com

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“Pleasure to meet you, Roderich,” giving a short bow to the other. “It’s a special title, I think one would be proud of it,” she offered a small smile. Better than the names she’d get called. “I’m rather new here, but I go by Alice Kirkland. My father retired from the position of executioner, and now I stand in his place,” hoping he wouldn't be too put off by her. 

“Roderich. Roderich Edelstein,” he introduced himself. “I suppose most people just know me as the Royal Advisor than by my actual name.” He sighed. “I do not mind, I have trouble remembering everyone myself. In fact, might I be reminded of your name?” While he did receive word of every new member of the palace staff, Roderich was typically so busy he quickly forgot who was who.

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OOC ; threads + activity

I owe replies to: Roderich

Who owe me replies: Matt (x) & Lotte (x)

Mon-Weds I have a class from morning to afternoon. Plus this summer I’m focusing on self-studying and working on art. I’ll more than likely do replies closer to the evenings xoxo

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“I can’t say I blame you, I have no desire to go to the Red Kingdom,” she agreed, watching as he adjusted his glasses again. “Very true, they wouldn't have you do it if they believed you were incompetent, Mr...?” she trailed off, realizing she’d been giving advice to a nameless man all this time. Panic started to fill her in turn, she could be talking to someone more important than she’d known.

Roderich paused, sighing softly. “…I know. Meetings such as this have always gone smoothly. I just… absolutely despite travelling there.” Again, he fixed his glasses upon his nose, as if worried they might slip off. “Though, there is not much I can do about it, I suppose. It will be over and done with soon enough.”

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“Eight years?” she pointed him a look, running a hand through her bangs. “Then you are more than capable of handling the situation, calm yourself,” placing both of her hands on her hips. Someone had to keep sanity around here, Alice would offer her help at the least. 

Taking in a slow breath, Roderich forced himself to stop his pacing and face the other to properly converse. “Yes, yes, I have. Nearly… eight years, I believe? Not as long as some of the others but quite a bit of time, I suppose.”

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@blutbeflecktedelweiss

Running a hand through his hair, Roderich gave a frustrated sigh. “I am not in a panic–” he denied vehemently. “I am just–” He paused to adjust his glasses. “There is much I must do in the upcoming week, and I have only just recalled that I must visit the Red Kingdom, and I do so hate to travel there.”

Her arms were crossed over each other, watching the man pace in the room. “And my hair is blue,” she deadpanned. “Mr. Advisor, I understand your concern, can I reassure you something?” she continued, standing before him. In the back of her head, Alice was truly concerned for his well being. “I’ve heard you’ve been here for some time, is that correct?”