Ranma CMO Post

[nerdietalk]

(Source)

Stupid 90s aesthetic romance central.

Comments

[hououji]

What is a noble but a servant of their people? [ Fuu smiles warmly. ] We always considered it a blessing. If nobles didn’t like it, it means less than of our citizens can be helped by it.

[fluidgender]

That is a... very warm philosophy, ma'am. It would be nice if it was shared with numerous others.

[hououji]

We have to lead by example. The more we offer kindness, the more normalized it becomes.

[fluidgender]

It can be used against you too, if you aren't careful. Some might use your good nature to gain advantage.

[hououji]

Someone like the Saotomes?

I assure you my kindness is not naivety.

[fluidgender]

They got followers for a reason. The promise of power is more appealing to some than kindness.

[hououji]

… [ Fuu looks a little defeated, her eyes dropping and her smile a bit sad. ] It isn’t as if I could claim much power. My sister was the firstborn… I was never meant to be the one who ruled. I have no magic to my name, no birthright. I’ve thought sometimes that I should have been the one to go on that trip, rather than her. But there’s no changing what was.

All I have is myself. And I won’t change my heart for others. I have to hope I’m enough, that’s all.

[fluidgender]

[Ah... maybe she was too harsh.]

...I'm not saying its a bad thing. Its a good quality, if anything. As long as your kindness has action to it, it'll go a long way. You just have to make sure you're offering more than power does. And that's risky too.

[hououji]

We also made a show of force, after all. We removed a family that hurt us. I think we’ll be all right for a while at least.

[fluidgender]

[She nods, agreeing.] That’s certainly true.

But land is most unstable during a transfer of power. [She’s thinking about the Nerima lands falling under the Hououji’s authority, but. She realizes too late that could also be about Kuu’s death.]

[hououji]

Then it’s the most vital time to be true to our values.

[fluidgender]

[She nods, revealing very little emotion. But she’s impressed. She admires the princess a lot.

But she tries to be helpful! She can’t chill out for shit and is kind of working herself to the bone but. She’s trying to find joy in work.

Survivors and inquisitors travel in and out doors with information. Ranma avoids the latter for the most part. The Inquisitor asks Fuu about any new rumors she might have learned. There’s plenty of survivors from Nerima, he’s hoping to steal some time from them for information.]

[hououji]

They need the time to heal, sir. And I’m not sure anyone trusts us enough to be fully honest. It’s best not to scare them… they may come to think their care is conditional.

[fluidgender]

["Even so, your highness... the safety of the kingdom could depend on the information.

We have reason to believe that a Saotome loyalist is here... if not a Saotome."]

[hououji]

I think we would have noticed if a Saotome was here. And I highly doubt the servants who were hurt because of their actions would be hiding it if they knew one of them were here. Miss Ranma, have you seen anyone to be concerned about.

[LMAO.]

[fluidgender]

[Her eyes dart from Fuu to the Inquisitor.]

...Truthfully, I think there is great cause for concern. Many of these survivors are victims, but it would be wise to check backgrounds of the healthier patients.

If... I am not broaching too far, I have heard rumors that some soldiers have been given temporary reprieves in exchange for information. I worry about letting them off too kindly as well.

[The Inquisitor kindly of bristles uncomfortably at the mention of soldiers getting let off easy.]

[hououji]

[Ay Fuu hasn't heard about that. She's a little stunned.]

I think that would be the least reputable source of information, as well. They have something to gain with our trust, meaning they'd be willing to offer even incorrect information for leniency...

[fluidgender]

["But we have received information, confirmed from many different sources from the soldiers and the castle staff. The traitor child wore armor at most functions and rarely left the estate...

But we have reason to believe that Lord Saotome is in fact a Lady. All the women and children must be searched and verified."]

[hououji]

Absolutely not! I won't stand for a practice that's so violating. Regardless of the young lord or lady's gender, if there was any cause for concern, wouldn't they have mentioned they were here?

[She does glance at Ranma, though, to see what her reaction is. They had offered an understanding of the heir... though now that she thinks of it, she never did offer a lord or lady... always referring to them as the heir...

But if that was the case, why didn't she tell Fuu? Did she think there would be some kind of consequence? She'd been very clear about the heir Saotome's violence... Or did she think that Fuu might not believe her?]

[fluidgender]

["They could be lying in wait. These people are devious, brutal thugs."

Ranma looks... at the floor. Trying not to sweat. Trying not to let guilt and terror be so obvious.]

...The Inquisitor has a point. Perhaps... we can merge interest? The healthiest patients may want to find family. Asking about backgrounds and loved ones could help determine who needs help relocating and rebuilding their lives.

[hououji]

No one will be searched. But… I suppose we can have the medics talk to them… they’re more likely to trust medics than inquisitors.

[fluidgender]

I agree. But also... maybe setting up a recovery program for survivors of the village might be better to start sooner rather than later. Many buildings and crops were burned by Saotome forces. Trade routes to help ensure no one starves... that will be essential.

["There are many traitors in that area too. Are we rewarding them for treachery now?"]

[hououji]

What say did they have in their lord’s actions? If we extend compassion, we earn loyalty. Cruelty benefits no one.

They’re our people as much as anyone else. It’s our duty to take care of them. I’ll discuss this with my mother and father tonight.

[fluidgender]

[Inquisitor is displeased but bows. Ranma is relieved and bows much easier.

Still… maybe it’s only a matter of time now. She just needs to obediently do what she can. It’s the best way to atone. She thinks.]

[hououji]

[ When they’re alone… ]

Why didn’t you tell me? I would have believed you. Do you think the heir would come for you?