nerdiethings | Ranma CMO Post

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.

["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."]

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.]

[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.]

[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...

["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."]

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?]

["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.

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.

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?"]

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.

[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.]

[ When they’re alone… ]

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

[At first, she's sure she's been outed. And then she asks about the heir and she's flummoxed again.]

Tell... about what?

You acted as if you knew the heir well. Did you know she was a lady?

Ah… yes, I did.

I hadn’t thought it was important. The Saotomes had kept it secret for so long, I was used to avoiding the plain facts.

… Is there anything else I should know, Miss Ranma?

[…she’s sweating.]

…Many things.

Then… let’s talk tonight. In my chambers, where we can’t be overheard. Whatever it is… I’ll keep you safe. I promise.

[Her stomach… drops.

It’s over.

She nods quietly, and scurries off to complete some work.

And… to prepare a will. They’ll say her rejection of the estate was forged by the Hououjis if she doesn’t write it as early as possible. It might even be too late to be writing it today instead of weeks ago…]

[ It’s peaceful for a time. There’s a clear camaraderie between Fuu and the medics. She’s worked with them a long time and her presence brings the mood up quite a bit!

It’s after nearly an hour that there’s a commotion from the wing Fuu was last seen going to. ]

[She's concerned. She doesn't want to bother Fuu when it sounds like she was being dismissed but. She will check out the situation.]

[ It’s immediately obvious whatever it is, it’s bad. There are mutterings about how it was a Saotome soldier. Snuck a knife from an inquisitor’s belt.

That poor girl.

Her poor family.

The kingdom will be in shambles. First her sister and now this.

They let Ranma through, knowing she was with Fuu this morning. And it’s not good. She’s white as a ghost, blood staining down the front of her dress. A medic is doing everything they can to apply pressure, as Fuu mumbles that she’s all right, really.

(She knows it’s not true. They all know it’s not true. They know when too much blood is lost, when an area means a slow, certain death.)]

[Instantly, Ranma is by her side. Instantly, she's gripping Fuu's hand, having shoved her way through anyone in the way with a shocking amount of strength. She has no right as she is, but she doesn't care right now.

She's never cried before, but her face is wet.]

Who... who did this? Why...

It’s all right. I’ll be fine. [ Her voice is so tiny. There’s a waver to it. If only her sister were here. Well, she supposes, she’ll see her again soon enough. ]

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