Ranma CMO Post

[nerdietalk]

(Source)

Stupid 90s aesthetic romance central.

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[hououji]

You’re far too nervous, child. You don’t need to worry about offending me—there’s no court here to impress. Tell me your thoughts. You’re from the Saotome estate, aren’t you?

[fluidgender]

I… am.

Sorry 'bout this?

[hououji]

I wasn’t looking for an apology. More wondering if you have an idea who might have done this. I’m told by our inquisitors that there are loyalists around, and rumors about the Saotome child are getting louder.

[fluidgender]

…the Saotome child is…

[She sighs, leaning back.]

Ever rumor is just that. The only reason people are scared of her is because she had the best weapons and the best armor. Now she’s got neither. She’s just a coward hiding out somewhere now. She’s not gonna ruin that by making moves.

But… there areloyalists. They believe in the cocky nonsense Lord Genma talked about, all power and bloodlines or whatever. And kindness freaks ‘em out.

I haven’t seen anyone I knew from the estate, but… those kinds of people would come here. They wouldn’t be able to resist.

[hououji]

Clearly, they’re already here. Would you be willing to help us find them? The inquisitors from the church have obviously been less effective than they promised.

[fluidgender]

[She looks down, trying to avoid eye contact. She should refuse. It’s too risky.

But looking down just means seeing the injured Fuu in her lap.]

…I would, ma’am.

I… did things for the Saotome estate. Things I am not proud of. If we find these loyalist and they make accusations towards me…

Not only are they likely true, I would… I would understand if you were obligated to arrest me as well.

[hououji]

My daughter told me you were a servant for the estate… but also that you were well trained in fighting.

An arrangement could be made. She’s very fond of you. Says you swore your life to her not long ago.

[fluidgender]

…I did. And I stand by it. [She sits up straighter.] By working for the interests of the Saotome estate, I have destroyed any claim of honor I could have possibly proposed to posssess. Nonetheless… I swear on my life that my only wish is to protect Miss Hououji and her smile for the rest of my days.

[hououji]

Why did you decide that so quickly?

[fluidgender]

[Her confidence shatters and she crumbles into herself.]

…the Saotome way taught me to fight for power and dominance. Miss Fuu offered only kindness and consideration.

It’s… a better way.

[hououji]

If you have no honor, why should the king and I trust you with our daughter?

[fluidgender]

[Her brain shatters deeper.]

I… I don’t know. Maybe you shouldn’t.

Maybe you definitely shouldn’t.

But I… I have nothing else I am capable of doing. The only thing I can do that seems worth doing is to protect Miss Fuu. To sacrifice my life if necessary.

[hououji]

I like your answers, child. You’re honest. It makes me believe you a bit more.

Do you know I was a firstborn, myself?

[fluidgender]

That's more reason not to trust me- who knows if I'm sayin' something stupid to someone else too...

Y-yeah?

[hououji]

I didn't say trust, I said believe.

Do you know what my skill is?

[fluidgender]

N-No... I assume its pretty powerful.

[hououji]

Stasis. I can freeze time for anyone. It is possibly worse than death.

[fluidgender]

[E-eep.]

...Daunting.

[hououji]

I don't need to tell you, then, to be good to my daughter?

[That, Ranma, is a threat.]

[fluidgender]

...That is a promise.

[Her fear gives way to steely certainty. She is certain that she must not fail.

She's lightly stroking Fuu's hair, which makes this steel certainty look really soft tbh.]

[hououji]

[ The queen glances down at Ranma’s hand on Fuu. Then she softens and smiles, looking back at Ranma’s face. ]

I hope you’re half as fond of her as she is of you.

[fluidgender]

Anyone would be lucky to have even a 1/100th of Miss Fuu’s kindness in their heart.

[hououji]

We’re very proud of who she’s become. But she wasn’t raised for war…

[fluidgender]

That's a good thing too.

[hououji]

It was a good thing, until we lost our eldest. Now it seems war is on the verge of erupting every day.