Ranma CMO Post

[nerdietalk]

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Stupid 90s aesthetic romance central.

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[hououji]

Or they’ll be horrified by the blood…

Though we really have no choice in the matter.

[fluidgender]

[With a surprising casual air, Ranma slaps her back encouragingly.]

That’s the spirit!

[hououji]

[ RANMA. She has no BLOOD. She’s already wobbly!!!!

She stumbles forward. ]

[fluidgender]

[Ah. Whoops. She… should apologize.

She doesn’t. Instead, sheyanks Fuu back a little to try and keep her from falling.]

Oi, keep your balance… got some walking ahead of us…

[hououji]

I-I’m very aware of that…

[ but they’re barely stood outside the door when the queen all but barrels into them, having rushed as soon as the medic called. ]

[fluidgender]

[Oh that’s. She very quickly steps aside once she’s certain Fuu won’t fall over from the embrace. Very Official People.]

[hououji]

[ Ranma is going to get ushered into a carriage to go back to the castle. She’s gonna be asked a lot of questions tomorrow. But not now. For now, she’s just got an awkward ride. ]

[fluidgender]

[Its so awkward. It’s such a deeply personal family affair and she feels like an invader.

She is an invader, technically.

She wants to find a chance to ask what happened to the assassin but there never seems to be a good moment. She’s worried he’s still hiding somewhere.]

[hououji]

[ at some point in this ride, Fuu is finally falling asleep on her shoulder. She’s so tired. ]

[fluidgender]

[Ah…

She allows this. Her uniform doesn’t come with a jacket or she’d wrap Fuu in some coverings too. But she’s blushing.]

[hououji]

[ The queen is going to tentatively ask: ]

Do you know who healed her?

[fluidgender]

[Oh god. Royalty.

She tries to sit up straighter but that risks Fuu’s sleep…

She gently moves Fuu’s head to her lap, letting her sleep more horizontally. It’s very quickly that she recognizes she just touched the princess in front of the queen and blanches.]

Y-Your highness… [Quick head bow.]

It may be hard to believe… but to my eyes, it appeared that my lady healed herself…

[hououji]

[ The queen appears to be startlingly chill about the casual touch. If Fuu is unbothered, she’s unbothered. But she considers it, looking out the carriage window. ] It’s been so many generations since a firstborn died without at least having an heir, I suppose anything is possible.

… The world is going to become more dangerous when this is revealed. For her more than anyone.

[fluidgender]

[She gulps.]

The… recent battle has left most of your enemies unpopular. Most reasonable members of the public will be interested in supporting the family. And knowing there’s still magic… could go a long way too.

But extremists… there’s certainly going to be plenty of them…

[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?