[ Louis's dining room is not adjoined to his personal quarters, and so, having earned the privilege of serving him breakfast doesn't really mean much for Will's plans. The formula for the curse is unlikely to be conveniently placed upon Louis's dining table. After all, nearly everything surrounding the man is almost suspiciously perfect and pristine at all times.
Nevertheless, Will has to think about the long game. It's not even particularly hard to play the role of the man's faithful servant. He doesn't have to be slavishly, mulishly devoted, the way that Zorba was — in fact, Will rather vaguely suspects that Louis probably never much cared for Zorba's particular flavor of loyalty — but competent, dedicated, efficient... Will can be these things, in spades.
(He can be cute, too, but that's a weapon he's only using subconsciously, right now.)
Anyway. He knocks on the door, then comes in, balancing a rather large silver breakfast-tray that is a little too big for his slender frame to carry comfortably. Nevertheless, he manages to look at least a little elegant, like a tavern's serving-girl if not quite a proper waiter at a proper dining establishment catering to Euchronia's upper crust. He bows slightly as he enters. ]
Your breakfast, Lord Louis.
[ Still quite elegantly, Will carries the tray to the table and sets it down. He also gathered up some other things he didn't mention over their missives, like a light salad and some fruit. Politely, he folds his hands in front of his body and waits to be dismissed.
Though... he doesn't think he will be. He has half an expectation that Louis will want to eat with him... especially given that the second strawberry slice on the tray was the one he grabbed for himself. ]
[ there's no extra guard, no one watching over him, and instead he opens the door and waves Will in himself.
later, when they're in the Montario Opera House, the realization will hit that he knew all along, putting his entire self at risk as he allowed Will into his space without guard. Fidelio would certainly advise against it. perhaps he just didn't care, or perhaps his own curiosity overtook him, allowing Will into his company. (or perhaps he was that lonely.)
does it matter? he makes a long, sweeping gesture toward the table, giving Will the space to sit where he pleased. Louis finds his seat again beside the book that he was reading (if Will catches the title, it's something about magic theory). ]
Please, make yourself comfortable. I take it you did bring something for yourself.
[ while Will is free to turn him down, something in Louis' body language and tone says he shouldn't. ]
[ So Louis wants him to stay. Will half-expected as much. Slowly, he takes the plate his pastry is sitting on and carries it to a small corner of the table that he can call his own, though it's close to Louis, the better to facilitate conversation.
Since he's been invited to stay, Will doesn't bother hiding his curiosity as he peeks at what Louis is reading. It looks interesting... Now that he thinks about it, Will has never come across someone else who had the appetite for reading that he himself has.
...Well, there's that Julian fellow, but Will doesn't like the look in his eyes. ]
...That looks like a difficult book. I guess that's why they call you "the Archmage"...?
[ somewhere, in the back of his brain, he wonders if his loneliness gets the best of him sometimes. while Louis has many followers, there are a select few that he chooses to dine with (Fidelio and Basilio being among them). for the moment, Louis seems uncharacteristically content with this arrangement. ]
This one? It came from the Mage Academy before the church thought it better to close the institution and discredit the curriculum. There are several in my library that I salvaged at that time, quite controversial to the church.
[ after a moment of chatter, he examines the spread that Will has brought to him. before he decides what to choose first, he passes the book down to where Will's perched. the full title is Magla, religion and the scope of rationality. ]
Do such things interest you?
[ so, he does choose the buttered croissant first. ]
[ Despite the circumstances he's in, and the fact that Will is always (perhaps understandably) at least a little bit skittish around Louis, he can't help himself: his eyes light up with bright excitement when Louis passes him the book. ]
A little bit...
[ This is an understatement. Will is typically not very emotive, but the expression on his face now is unmistakably that of interest; there's a very, very faint smile playing about his lips as he neglects his pastry in favor of opening up the book. ]
I don't get many opportunities to come across books like these. But I also just really like reading, so every book is a little bit exciting in its own way.
[ He sounds very genuine and enthusiastic... For once, it doesn't seem he's playing up a role. ]
[ the book is older, hand-scribed with insights from those that have studied the book in the margins. it's an account on the studies and religions applications of magla, but politically, tracing those ideas through the individuals that spread them to outline potential agendas. Will can get snatches as he flips through it.
... but we should shake off this shock and pay close attention to Genwittner's appeal to reason and dread, which employed a range of thought experiments ...
... (I) The first is that the acceptance of notions of the psychological unity of the tribes and of a "fundamental structure of the mind" everywhere else does not in jeopardy his thesis that the collective representations ...
... as consideration, whose son became a priest ...
as Will takes his fill of the text, Louis watches him curiously and wonders if he also knows the history taught to them was wrong. that the world itself was wrong in its own perception and appeal to cruelty, and that the two of them had paid a dear price for it. he wonders where Will comes from, though he has his own suspicions. ]
It's a shame what was lost. The church makes strides to widespread ignorance because it serves them, but in the process, valuable history pays the price. Books themselves are scarce, and libraries must be personally curated.
I suppose in a world like this, even coming across a book for a reader is a treasure.
Mmhmm... and folks from the church especially don't like it when elda read.
[ There's a bite in Will's observation, here, though it's also not as sharp as it could be. He is, after all, distracted. The more he reads, the more he has to apply himself to the words on each page — it's a fairly dense text, after all, and there's a lot to take in, between the core text itself, and the annotations from each scholar over the years. Absently, Will wonders if some of these handwritten observations are Louis's own.
...that has influenced, oftentimes unconsciously, the anthropological discource of the past, and continues to influence it in the present...
...and not to resort to biased evolutionary schemes by which some forms of religion are considered inferior and others superior...
The more he reads, the more Will hunches his shoulders in on himself, nose practically pressed to the pages of the book. And then he does a sort of funny thing — he pulls his legs up on the chair, as if getting real comfy in a cozy little curled-up position — but no sooner has he adopted this pose that he suddenly remembers that he is in Louis's dining hall, and should be having breakfast with him.
He blanches, putting his legs back down as he seats himself formally again, his heels firmly against the floor. ]
I, um — sorry. I get... really into it.
[ Will colors slightly, placing the book back in his lap and primly putting one hand on top of it. Ah... wait, should he be doing that? It's Louis's book, isn't it...?
Somehow, in Louis's presence, every step feels like a misstep... ]
[ there's more acid in Louis' tone than Will's, but that's to be expected.
they fall quiet after that, Louis going about his breakfast as Will abandons his own for the book. there's no need to disturb him, after all, it's a bit of an odd thing to come across someone who likes books and reading as much as Louis Guiabern likes books and reading. perhaps it was because such things felt like its own little act of rebellion, considering how much the church disliked elda, history, magical theory, and elda reading history and magical theory.
the croissant is nice and crusty, and he has to brush his gloves of the crumbs when he's finished. he's not one to enjoy most food for things other than sustenance, but occasionally a good texture will get him.
as Will gets comfy, he doesn't seem to care to disturb him. he quite likes that book, after all. ]
It is a rather good book, I'm rather glad someone else appreciates it. Did you want to finish it? An elda with a book whisked away from the former Mage Academy – the church wouldn't like that, would they?
[ and he can stick it to the church even if they don't know. ]
But it's just — so tempting. Yes, he would like books forbidden to him by the Sanctist church, actually! And yes, he knows that the man in front of him cannot be trusted, even if he wields power beyond his own party's wildest dreams... but surely his eternal damnation will not arrive through the temptation of one or two harmless books from Louis's personal library?
The cat's out of the bag, though: Will's tone of voice just now was so unbelievably hopeful and pleased that it's now very obvious that he would, in fact, like the book. But he squares his shoulders again, his back ramrod straight as he tries to sit at attention. Awkwardly, he reaches for a fork with which he'll take his pastry apart. ]
But weren't you reading it? I'd hate to interrupt you if you needed it...
[ this isn't some kindness that Louis feels like he should extend, but a combination of gleeful rebellion and living vicariously through another elda. the church doesn't like them, and certainly pins all it can on them if they haven't already taken them to the torch. Will, of course, doesn't know this, that Louis sees himself as an elda rather than a clemar at this table, offering knowledge that may later damn him when the two cross swords.
it's more interesting if they're on level playing fields, isn't it? perhaps it may even stray Will truly over to his side when the time comes. ]
There is plenty for me to occupy myself without a single text.
[ Louis is very deliberate, taking bites while they're both occupied so it doesn't disturb the flow of conversation without looking overly mechanical. ]
Besides, Lady Junah also seems quite taken with my small library, it would be a shame to keep it to myself.
[ Well... that's certainly a good point. Junah has been borrowing books from Louis left and right, so it seems it really won't be of much inconvenience for Louis to lend another one out. Pleased, Will nods and clutches the book to his chest. He seems genuine in his intentions, at least; he handles the book like someone who treats books well. ]
Then... I graciously accept your generosity, Lord Louis.
[ He's smiling. Will rarely smiles; the roundness of his cheeks makes his eyes curve, and it does make him look very sweet, like an innocent child somehow miraculously untouched by the hellfires set by the Sanctist church to slaughter his kind. What price has he paid, to seem so detached from it all? How much has he suffered, and at the same time, how does it seem as though he's suffered so little?
All questions that Louis cannot ask, so long as he is concealing the fact that he is an elda himself. Will, for his part, digs into a bit of his pastry with his fork, still seeming very happy indeed as he bites into it and finds, much to his pleasure, that it is delicious.
With sudden interest, he leans in slightly over the table, like a young boy with a secret to tell. ]
...Do you have many such books salvaged from the Mage Academy? It seems you've been... [ He hesitates briefly, trying to figure out how to phrase it — ] against the church's misdeeds for a long time.
The Santifex took many strides to keep knowledge from the people, and still does. The church would see the them uneducated and compliant, and thus such things would be lost – most likely destroyed – under their hand.
[ there is some pride in sharing knowledge – some things do touch Louis other than challenge, ambition and destruction. part of him would rather do nothing other than waste an afternoon with a book, a luxury he has not had in quite some time. ]
Yes, I have more, not as many as the vast libraries there once held when they were pillaged. The church wouldn't dare challenge me for them, though I'm certain it's crossed Forden's conniving brain.
[ whoops, did that sound a bit catty?
the knowledge there was to remained suppressed, and if he thinks about it for too long, he will rage. it's apparent in his expression, when the frown tugs at the corners of his lips and he crosses his arms as if he's closed himself off in thought. ]
[ Hmm... this doesn't seem like a safe topic to have brought up. On the one hand, Will very much wants to unpack the root of Louis's apparent disdain for the church. On the other hand, he doesn't really need the man to be steaming mad over breakfast, particularly when all Will actually needs is to get close enough with him to steal the curse formula he may or may not have.
Calmly observing the frown now tugging at Louis's handsome lips, Will changes tack, in a way that does not betray his thoughts, and says softly, with a tempting sincerity: ]
If I'm lucky enough to stay in your service, perhaps I'll get to read through all of them.
[ Will very much wants to hear more about the Sanctifex, but it seems likely that this will only sour Louis's mood... perhaps he can deflect this way? ]
Has my team's performance thus far been... satisfactory?
[ it's obvious that Will does not have the knowledge of the elda behind him, which is curious to Louis. their stories and secrets are behind so many locks and keys, in turn it allows the church to wreck havoc, and eventually allowed it to destroy them. Will doesn't seem to know any of that, as if he's untouched by those truths. ]
For now. There will be mission for you in the coming days – challenging, but worth the effort.
[ perhaps he will see what Will truly knows when he comes back from the Dragon Temple. books are important, knowledge is passed from text to person, but firsthand experience is something else. ]
Perhaps these books will aid you at such a time. If you complete that text before you depart, you may request another of your choosing from the former shelves of the Mage Academy.
[ the anger is still there, but he tames his expression all the same. ]
[ Once again, Will bows his head demurely, eyes lowered in the most submissive fashion.
...
He... doesn't know what else to say.
Ah... why did no one ever tell him that staying undercover like this would be difficult? Normally, he has some input from Gallica or his other friends to keep him centered, but he's been separated from Gallica for most of their stay aboard the Charadrius so that Louis never notices the fairy's absence much...
Awkwardly, the young man chews upon his bottom lip, then reminds himself that he would be better off chewing at his strawberry pastry instead. He takes up his fork again and works on it for a time, avoiding — but occasionally seeking, as his eyes glance over the man's handsome features —direct eye contact with Louis.
...The man has some... interest in him, no? Maybe he'll... ask his own questions? ]
[ Louis wonders about that expression at times – for someone who caused a ruckus within the church, openly embarrassing them during a display of power, Louis can't help but think that Will isn't as submissive as he acts at times. there is a drive there that impressed him; he know it comes out, but how and when is a curiosity to him.
Louis allows the silence to settle on them, as if he's as comfortable filling it as he is allowing it to linger.
perhaps this also is some kind of test, or perhaps Louis is just enjoying the company. much to Will's relief, he finally breaks the silence. ]
Tell me, is magic the only subject that strokes your interest?
[ there are other questions he'd like to ask, but those don't lead back with their own to him. the situation isn't quite right for that yet. ]
[ Will looks up in surprise once more. The only subject...? No, surely not. Has he given off such an impression? ]
No, not at all. Lots of different subjects tend to capture my interest. I read all sorts of books.
[ ...Though it's true that magic is the only subject he wants to hear about from Louis. Can he possibly turn this conversation around in a way that would prompt him to speak about the prince's curse? But... no, it's too risky. He doesn't feel as though he's currently in a position to lie comfortably to the man. Better to stick at least somewhat closely to the truth. ]
I most recently finished that... treatise from that one candidate, Julian. He has... interesting ideas about how to run the country. None of them feasible, of course.
[ He can't help but let a slight touch of judgmental disdain creep into his voice as he recalls some of Julian's less reasonable proposals... Then again, perhaps that's exactly the sort of thing Louis wants to hear from him right now. How charming, to see the seemingly-meek, servile young elda speak with such open harshness about a certain pompous ishkia "intellectual." ]
[ that Will got the book from another candidate and read it is rather interesting – Louis wonders if it was curiosity or personal philosophy that caused him to crack it open. ]
One of ishkia candidates?
[ there were two parading around, weren't there? Julian and Milo – both of which were so pompous that they fell somewhat out of Louis' peripheral. there were many ishikia that held noble positions, including Rella, herself. ]
They have a knack for flaunting their ideals without a thought to the wider consequence. Tell me of this treatise.
[ usually he wouldn't care, but he finds himself a bit intrigued to hear it from Will. ]
[ Again, Will responds with the same sense of mild fluster that he seems to develop whenever Louis gives him any sort of attention at all. He really shouldn't talk about the other candidates with Louis, he thinks, but at the same time —
This does seem like a bit of a rare opportunity. Not for the mission, but for himself. His friends love him, he knows, but only Gallica tends to ask him about what he's reading; the others are typically content to simply glance over a few pages of whatever's in his hands, and then they tend to leave him to his own devices, largely because he always seems so happy when he's undisturbed with his nose in a new book.
Which is to say — he does want to talk about books, even if it's with Louis! ]
Oh, no, it's not — it's really not worth your time. But if you want to hear about it...
[ Louis is quite the reader himself, he suddenly recalls, so it should be fine to talk about this more in-depth... surely? ]
You have it right — Julian is the candidate that's a professor, the ishkia that's... less... beautiful. [ There is a telltale sarcasm here that should clearly communicate to Louis that Will does not think Milo is as beautiful as he claims. ] He's got quite the following of people who respect him for his intellect, and in his book, he outlines this series of very... forward-thinking proposals.
[ Again, the touch of sarcasm. Though he's being serious about that, too. Calmly, he continues with his summary of Julian's treatise: ]
I can't even remember all of them. He advocates for things like protecting the environment — which is understandable in itself — but he also says that he would issue a complete ban on the slaying of animals and the consumption of meat.
[ Thoughtfully, Will touches a small and delicate hand to his chin, and then plows on: ]
It's not as though I don't understand his core argument of empathy towards livestock and prey. In and of itself, maybe two hundred or three hundred years from now, society can certainly have serious conversations about the role people have to play in animal welfare. But right now? It would affect the lives of too many people if the king made unreasonable and unilateral decisions like that. People barely have enough to eat as it is. It won't benefit them to take away their food sources...
[ ...
Abruptly, Will trails off.
That was quite a lot, huh? Another light dusting of pink rises to his cheeks. He seems to have suddenly realized how much he's been talking — indeed, this is more than he's spoken to anyone in ages, his friends included. ]
...Sorry, am I boring you? The proposals of a lesser candidate must not be very interesting...
[ it's true, Will doesn't often talk. it's his companions that are bustling about him, answering questions and making comments. Will, on the other hand, usually watches with those big, round eyes of his. it's a rare gift to see someone take to quiet observation instead of immediate commentary, and it's mysterious in a way that it piques his interest.
perhaps it only takes the right question to get Will chattering on about something that interests him – and, well, books, hm? Louis is good at that. Basilio would say that their Count Louis can usually be found with his nose in a book, and would rather be there than most other places.
Louis leans back in his chair, perhaps slightly more relaxed than his normal upright posture and demanding air would normally allow. ]
No, not at all. [ Louis raises a hand as if to dismiss the thought. Will would not be here if he bored him. ] It's not the proposals of a lesser candidate that interest me.
[ rather, it's Will's opinions and retelling that interest him. ]
Many such approaches proposed with the intent of the good of all are made at the bias of the one making them; they cannot see the consequence beyond their tribe, or beyond their class. You have the way of it – those reliant on the growth and trade of livestock would suffer, and those that would purchase it would simply do so under less favorable means. I doubt he means to start the illegal trade of animals, but as such, it shows a lack of foresight.
[ Louis tilts his head. ]
I find most of the candidates are much of the same.
[ though Louis hardly puts themselves among them, even going so far as to not bother to join the church's little competition. it's a carnival, and he finds it rather distasteful. it also keeps him relevant, as his supporters wonder when he'll make an appearance, and how.
though it's a luxury gifted by being second in the race only to Forden. ]
[ Will breathes out slowly, trying to hide his relief, but he doesn't quite manage to hide the way a certain amount of tension eases out of his shoulders. With a slightly unpleasant jolt, he suddenly realizes that he is relieved to have Louis's favor, though why he should be so nervous at all suddenly escapes him. But there's something nice about seeing it reciprocated. Louis, too, seems more relaxed than he was when Will first entered.
It's not the proposals of a lesser candidate that interest me, he said. Then... logically... his interest — is it in Will's own opinions?
I wonder if he could be swayed, Will thinks, with a sense of daring that springs up from within. I wonder if... ]
Yes. He's not an unintelligent man, clearly. But he's so assured of his own intelligence that he expects everyone to go along with his vision... and that's fundamentally not how the crown works.
[ Smiling, Will feels at ease enough to gesticulate a little, speaking to Louis with one palm facing upward, toward the ceiling. ]
No king, no matter how well-intentioned, can truly lead a country if he cannot consider the needs of his people. At least... that's what I believe.
[ He lets his arm rest on the table. His tart has largely been cleared; at this point, he's lingering simply to talk to Louis. ]
Most of the candidates are a little... silly, yes. In that way, I think a lot of them reflect the populace itself.
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[ Louis's dining room is not adjoined to his personal quarters, and so, having earned the privilege of serving him breakfast doesn't really mean much for Will's plans. The formula for the curse is unlikely to be conveniently placed upon Louis's dining table. After all, nearly everything surrounding the man is almost suspiciously perfect and pristine at all times.
Nevertheless, Will has to think about the long game. It's not even particularly hard to play the role of the man's faithful servant. He doesn't have to be slavishly, mulishly devoted, the way that Zorba was — in fact, Will rather vaguely suspects that Louis probably never much cared for Zorba's particular flavor of loyalty — but competent, dedicated, efficient... Will can be these things, in spades.
(He can be cute, too, but that's a weapon he's only using subconsciously, right now.)
Anyway. He knocks on the door, then comes in, balancing a rather large silver breakfast-tray that is a little too big for his slender frame to carry comfortably. Nevertheless, he manages to look at least a little elegant, like a tavern's serving-girl if not quite a proper waiter at a proper dining establishment catering to Euchronia's upper crust. He bows slightly as he enters. ]
Your breakfast, Lord Louis.
[ Still quite elegantly, Will carries the tray to the table and sets it down. He also gathered up some other things he didn't mention over their missives, like a light salad and some fruit. Politely, he folds his hands in front of his body and waits to be dismissed.
Though... he doesn't think he will be. He has half an expectation that Louis will want to eat with him... especially given that the second strawberry slice on the tray was the one he grabbed for himself. ]
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later, when they're in the Montario Opera House, the realization will hit that he knew all along, putting his entire self at risk as he allowed Will into his space without guard. Fidelio would certainly advise against it. perhaps he just didn't care, or perhaps his own curiosity overtook him, allowing Will into his company. (or perhaps he was that lonely.)
does it matter? he makes a long, sweeping gesture toward the table, giving Will the space to sit where he pleased. Louis finds his seat again beside the book that he was reading (if Will catches the title, it's something about magic theory). ]
Please, make yourself comfortable. I take it you did bring something for yourself.
[ while Will is free to turn him down, something in Louis' body language and tone says he shouldn't. ]
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[ So Louis wants him to stay. Will half-expected as much. Slowly, he takes the plate his pastry is sitting on and carries it to a small corner of the table that he can call his own, though it's close to Louis, the better to facilitate conversation.
Since he's been invited to stay, Will doesn't bother hiding his curiosity as he peeks at what Louis is reading. It looks interesting... Now that he thinks about it, Will has never come across someone else who had the appetite for reading that he himself has.
...Well, there's that Julian fellow, but Will doesn't like the look in his eyes. ]
...That looks like a difficult book. I guess that's why they call you "the Archmage"...?
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This one? It came from the Mage Academy before the church thought it better to close the institution and discredit the curriculum. There are several in my library that I salvaged at that time, quite controversial to the church.
[ after a moment of chatter, he examines the spread that Will has brought to him. before he decides what to choose first, he passes the book down to where Will's perched. the full title is Magla, religion and the scope of rationality. ]
Do such things interest you?
[ so, he does choose the buttered croissant first. ]
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A little bit...
[ This is an understatement. Will is typically not very emotive, but the expression on his face now is unmistakably that of interest; there's a very, very faint smile playing about his lips as he neglects his pastry in favor of opening up the book. ]
I don't get many opportunities to come across books like these. But I also just really like reading, so every book is a little bit exciting in its own way.
[ He sounds very genuine and enthusiastic... For once, it doesn't seem he's playing up a role. ]
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... but we should shake off this shock and pay close attention to Genwittner's appeal to reason and dread, which employed a range of thought experiments ...
... (I) The first is that the acceptance of notions of the psychological unity of the tribes and of a "fundamental structure of the mind" everywhere else does not in jeopardy his thesis that the collective representations ...
... as consideration, whose son became a priest ...
as Will takes his fill of the text, Louis watches him curiously and wonders if he also knows the history taught to them was wrong. that the world itself was wrong in its own perception and appeal to cruelty, and that the two of them had paid a dear price for it. he wonders where Will comes from, though he has his own suspicions. ]
It's a shame what was lost. The church makes strides to widespread ignorance because it serves them, but in the process, valuable history pays the price. Books themselves are scarce, and libraries must be personally curated.
I suppose in a world like this, even coming across a book for a reader is a treasure.
[ isn't that why he collects them, himself? ]
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[ There's a bite in Will's observation, here, though it's also not as sharp as it could be. He is, after all, distracted. The more he reads, the more he has to apply himself to the words on each page — it's a fairly dense text, after all, and there's a lot to take in, between the core text itself, and the annotations from each scholar over the years. Absently, Will wonders if some of these handwritten observations are Louis's own.
...that has influenced, oftentimes unconsciously, the anthropological discource of the past, and continues to influence it in the present...
...and not to resort to biased evolutionary schemes by which some forms of religion are considered inferior and others superior...
The more he reads, the more Will hunches his shoulders in on himself, nose practically pressed to the pages of the book. And then he does a sort of funny thing — he pulls his legs up on the chair, as if getting real comfy in a cozy little curled-up position — but no sooner has he adopted this pose that he suddenly remembers that he is in Louis's dining hall, and should be having breakfast with him.
He blanches, putting his legs back down as he seats himself formally again, his heels firmly against the floor. ]
I, um — sorry. I get... really into it.
[ Will colors slightly, placing the book back in his lap and primly putting one hand on top of it. Ah... wait, should he be doing that? It's Louis's book, isn't it...?
Somehow, in Louis's presence, every step feels like a misstep... ]
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[ there's more acid in Louis' tone than Will's, but that's to be expected.
they fall quiet after that, Louis going about his breakfast as Will abandons his own for the book. there's no need to disturb him, after all, it's a bit of an odd thing to come across someone who likes books and reading as much as Louis Guiabern likes books and reading. perhaps it was because such things felt like its own little act of rebellion, considering how much the church disliked elda, history, magical theory, and elda reading history and magical theory.
the croissant is nice and crusty, and he has to brush his gloves of the crumbs when he's finished. he's not one to enjoy most food for things other than sustenance, but occasionally a good texture will get him.
as Will gets comfy, he doesn't seem to care to disturb him. he quite likes that book, after all. ]
It is a rather good book, I'm rather glad someone else appreciates it. Did you want to finish it? An elda with a book whisked away from the former Mage Academy – the church wouldn't like that, would they?
[ and he can stick it to the church even if they don't know. ]
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[ Again, it must be said:
Will has not forgotten his position, here.
But it's just — so tempting. Yes, he would like books forbidden to him by the Sanctist church, actually! And yes, he knows that the man in front of him cannot be trusted, even if he wields power beyond his own party's wildest dreams... but surely his eternal damnation will not arrive through the temptation of one or two harmless books from Louis's personal library?
The cat's out of the bag, though: Will's tone of voice just now was so unbelievably hopeful and pleased that it's now very obvious that he would, in fact, like the book. But he squares his shoulders again, his back ramrod straight as he tries to sit at attention. Awkwardly, he reaches for a fork with which he'll take his pastry apart. ]
But weren't you reading it? I'd hate to interrupt you if you needed it...
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it's more interesting if they're on level playing fields, isn't it? perhaps it may even stray Will truly over to his side when the time comes. ]
There is plenty for me to occupy myself without a single text.
[ Louis is very deliberate, taking bites while they're both occupied so it doesn't disturb the flow of conversation without looking overly mechanical. ]
Besides, Lady Junah also seems quite taken with my small library, it would be a shame to keep it to myself.
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Then... I graciously accept your generosity, Lord Louis.
[ He's smiling. Will rarely smiles; the roundness of his cheeks makes his eyes curve, and it does make him look very sweet, like an innocent child somehow miraculously untouched by the hellfires set by the Sanctist church to slaughter his kind. What price has he paid, to seem so detached from it all? How much has he suffered, and at the same time, how does it seem as though he's suffered so little?
All questions that Louis cannot ask, so long as he is concealing the fact that he is an elda himself. Will, for his part, digs into a bit of his pastry with his fork, still seeming very happy indeed as he bites into it and finds, much to his pleasure, that it is delicious.
With sudden interest, he leans in slightly over the table, like a young boy with a secret to tell. ]
...Do you have many such books salvaged from the Mage Academy? It seems you've been... [ He hesitates briefly, trying to figure out how to phrase it — ] against the church's misdeeds for a long time.
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[ there is some pride in sharing knowledge – some things do touch Louis other than challenge, ambition and destruction. part of him would rather do nothing other than waste an afternoon with a book, a luxury he has not had in quite some time. ]
Yes, I have more, not as many as the vast libraries there once held when they were pillaged. The church wouldn't dare challenge me for them, though I'm certain it's crossed Forden's conniving brain.
[ whoops, did that sound a bit catty?
the knowledge there was to remained suppressed, and if he thinks about it for too long, he will rage. it's apparent in his expression, when the frown tugs at the corners of his lips and he crosses his arms as if he's closed himself off in thought. ]
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Calmly observing the frown now tugging at Louis's handsome lips, Will changes tack, in a way that does not betray his thoughts, and says softly, with a tempting sincerity: ]
If I'm lucky enough to stay in your service, perhaps I'll get to read through all of them.
[ Will very much wants to hear more about the Sanctifex, but it seems likely that this will only sour Louis's mood... perhaps he can deflect this way? ]
Has my team's performance thus far been... satisfactory?
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For now. There will be mission for you in the coming days – challenging, but worth the effort.
[ perhaps he will see what Will truly knows when he comes back from the Dragon Temple. books are important, knowledge is passed from text to person, but firsthand experience is something else. ]
Perhaps these books will aid you at such a time. If you complete that text before you depart, you may request another of your choosing from the former shelves of the Mage Academy.
[ the anger is still there, but he tames his expression all the same. ]
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[ Once again, Will bows his head demurely, eyes lowered in the most submissive fashion.
...
He... doesn't know what else to say.
Ah... why did no one ever tell him that staying undercover like this would be difficult? Normally, he has some input from Gallica or his other friends to keep him centered, but he's been separated from Gallica for most of their stay aboard the Charadrius so that Louis never notices the fairy's absence much...
Awkwardly, the young man chews upon his bottom lip, then reminds himself that he would be better off chewing at his strawberry pastry instead. He takes up his fork again and works on it for a time, avoiding — but occasionally seeking, as his eyes glance over the man's handsome features —direct eye contact with Louis.
...The man has some... interest in him, no? Maybe he'll... ask his own questions? ]
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Louis allows the silence to settle on them, as if he's as comfortable filling it as he is allowing it to linger.
perhaps this also is some kind of test, or perhaps Louis is just enjoying the company. much to Will's relief, he finally breaks the silence. ]
Tell me, is magic the only subject that strokes your interest?
[ there are other questions he'd like to ask, but those don't lead back with their own to him. the situation isn't quite right for that yet. ]
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No, not at all. Lots of different subjects tend to capture my interest. I read all sorts of books.
[ ...Though it's true that magic is the only subject he wants to hear about from Louis. Can he possibly turn this conversation around in a way that would prompt him to speak about the prince's curse? But... no, it's too risky. He doesn't feel as though he's currently in a position to lie comfortably to the man. Better to stick at least somewhat closely to the truth. ]
I most recently finished that... treatise from that one candidate, Julian. He has... interesting ideas about how to run the country. None of them feasible, of course.
[ He can't help but let a slight touch of judgmental disdain creep into his voice as he recalls some of Julian's less reasonable proposals... Then again, perhaps that's exactly the sort of thing Louis wants to hear from him right now. How charming, to see the seemingly-meek, servile young elda speak with such open harshness about a certain pompous ishkia "intellectual." ]
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One of ishkia candidates?
[ there were two parading around, weren't there? Julian and Milo – both of which were so pompous that they fell somewhat out of Louis' peripheral. there were many ishikia that held noble positions, including Rella, herself. ]
They have a knack for flaunting their ideals without a thought to the wider consequence. Tell me of this treatise.
[ usually he wouldn't care, but he finds himself a bit intrigued to hear it from Will. ]
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This does seem like a bit of a rare opportunity. Not for the mission, but for himself. His friends love him, he knows, but only Gallica tends to ask him about what he's reading; the others are typically content to simply glance over a few pages of whatever's in his hands, and then they tend to leave him to his own devices, largely because he always seems so happy when he's undisturbed with his nose in a new book.
Which is to say — he does want to talk about books, even if it's with Louis! ]
Oh, no, it's not — it's really not worth your time. But if you want to hear about it...
[ Louis is quite the reader himself, he suddenly recalls, so it should be fine to talk about this more in-depth... surely? ]
You have it right — Julian is the candidate that's a professor, the ishkia that's... less... beautiful. [ There is a telltale sarcasm here that should clearly communicate to Louis that Will does not think Milo is as beautiful as he claims. ] He's got quite the following of people who respect him for his intellect, and in his book, he outlines this series of very... forward-thinking proposals.
[ Again, the touch of sarcasm. Though he's being serious about that, too. Calmly, he continues with his summary of Julian's treatise: ]
I can't even remember all of them. He advocates for things like protecting the environment — which is understandable in itself — but he also says that he would issue a complete ban on the slaying of animals and the consumption of meat.
[ Thoughtfully, Will touches a small and delicate hand to his chin, and then plows on: ]
It's not as though I don't understand his core argument of empathy towards livestock and prey. In and of itself, maybe two hundred or three hundred years from now, society can certainly have serious conversations about the role people have to play in animal welfare. But right now? It would affect the lives of too many people if the king made unreasonable and unilateral decisions like that. People barely have enough to eat as it is. It won't benefit them to take away their food sources...
[ ...
Abruptly, Will trails off.
That was quite a lot, huh? Another light dusting of pink rises to his cheeks. He seems to have suddenly realized how much he's been talking — indeed, this is more than he's spoken to anyone in ages, his friends included. ]
...Sorry, am I boring you? The proposals of a lesser candidate must not be very interesting...
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perhaps it only takes the right question to get Will chattering on about something that interests him – and, well, books, hm? Louis is good at that. Basilio would say that their Count Louis can usually be found with his nose in a book, and would rather be there than most other places.
Louis leans back in his chair, perhaps slightly more relaxed than his normal upright posture and demanding air would normally allow. ]
No, not at all. [ Louis raises a hand as if to dismiss the thought. Will would not be here if he bored him. ] It's not the proposals of a lesser candidate that interest me.
[ rather, it's Will's opinions and retelling that interest him. ]
Many such approaches proposed with the intent of the good of all are made at the bias of the one making them; they cannot see the consequence beyond their tribe, or beyond their class. You have the way of it – those reliant on the growth and trade of livestock would suffer, and those that would purchase it would simply do so under less favorable means. I doubt he means to start the illegal trade of animals, but as such, it shows a lack of foresight.
[ Louis tilts his head. ]
I find most of the candidates are much of the same.
[ though Louis hardly puts themselves among them, even going so far as to not bother to join the church's little competition. it's a carnival, and he finds it rather distasteful. it also keeps him relevant, as his supporters wonder when he'll make an appearance, and how.
though it's a luxury gifted by being second in the race only to Forden. ]
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It's not the proposals of a lesser candidate that interest me, he said. Then... logically... his interest — is it in Will's own opinions?
I wonder if he could be swayed, Will thinks, with a sense of daring that springs up from within. I wonder if... ]
Yes. He's not an unintelligent man, clearly. But he's so assured of his own intelligence that he expects everyone to go along with his vision... and that's fundamentally not how the crown works.
[ Smiling, Will feels at ease enough to gesticulate a little, speaking to Louis with one palm facing upward, toward the ceiling. ]
No king, no matter how well-intentioned, can truly lead a country if he cannot consider the needs of his people. At least... that's what I believe.
[ He lets his arm rest on the table. His tart has largely been cleared; at this point, he's lingering simply to talk to Louis. ]
Most of the candidates are a little... silly, yes. In that way, I think a lot of them reflect the populace itself.