Takes place during Chapter 2.10 of Re:AST.


Blue Ripples – Jade
Lack of Tact

"The Malkuth Empire is strengthening the defenses in their capital, Grand Chokmah. With St. Binah as—"

"Bullshit!"

I sighed quietly and resisted the urge to walk over to the wall and beat my head against it, even though I'm sure I'd have less of a headache that way.

"You!"

"Dark, stand down!"

I tapped my leg quietly, counting as I did so and waiting as the situation started to diffuse... a little.

"Ah, Luke. I heard what happened. I'm glad to see you back safely from Malkuth," the king was saying. "Then, the people beside you must be..."

"Fon Master Ion, of the Order of Lorelei, and Jade, from the Malkuth Military," Luke said. I stifled another groan. In a formal situation like this, he really should have used my title, if not my surname.

"It is an honor to see you again, Your Majesty. I am Ion."

"Fon Master..." I blinked, realizing that Mohs had been so busy glaring at Dark that he hadn't even noticed the boy who was supposed to be his superior. "W-we've been looking for you..."

"Mohs, we will speak later," Ion said, obviously not happy with him. Well, I give him points for at least being a bit more tactful about it than Dark... Who was still trying to glare holes into Mohs' head. "Your Majesty, this is Colonel Jade Curtiss. He represents His Imperial Majesty, Peony the Ninth."

Ah, here we go. Maybe a demonstration of proper manners will get the point across.

"I am honored to be in your presence," I said smoothly, sinking to one knee. I'd be regretting this later, but oh well. "I bear an imperial letter from my lord for His Glorious Majesty, King Ingobert the Sixth." I nodded to Anise, who handed over the letter, before glancing at Dark and Luke.

And... Neither of them were paying any attention. Damn.

"Uncle, I'm afraid I have to agree with Dark on this one. What Mohs was saying is nonsense. I was in Malkuth, and while we never made it as far as the capital, Engeve and St. Binah were completely peaceful," Luke said, being at least a bit more diplomatic than Dark.

Perhaps there's hope for him yet.

"Wh-what did you say?! I'm merely trying to convey to His Majesty the threat that Malkuth—"

Dark snorted, cutting Mohs off. "You heard him. And I know you heard me when I called you out on the bullshit the first time."

"You—!"

And there's absolutely none for Dark. Oh well, at least Luke—

"Shut up! All I know about you is that you're holding a ridiculous grudge against Dark because of your own idiocy and you're trying to start a war. I've barely even met you and I'm sick of you already!"

I take it all back.

We're doomed.