princess maker - Taisho Roman Revolution

[idolpro]

[ When you insert the key and open the door, you'll find the room inside looks like the living room of a mansion. There are several doors, but one in particular stands out to you: it is ornately decorated, the very door's wood itself carved beautifully with gold etched in to make luxurious patterns depicting what looks like the sky and the wind blowing through the grasslands. Though the door is closed, you can see through it—as if it's somewhat transparent.

The room is painted baby blue and a gold-plated cradle sits in the room. Inside, a baby cries - high pitched and noisy, though immediately a nurse comes in to rock the child back to sleep. ]

-

[ Slowly, the scene changes, fading in and out with various silent scenes—the baby sits up, trying to climb out of her cradle; a little toddler dressed prettily with expensive clothes beams pleasantly; a tantrum, thrown by the little girl who's distressed; the little girl holding a puppy, pleased as punch; then the wall becomes opaque. ]

[ In the middle of the open doorway, a young girl the age of 10 sits on a chair, smiling at you. a golden retriever is curled up beside her.

This is your little girl. you couldn't help spoiling her, honestly - after all, she's a noble too, and she should like to become a princess as well. She deserves it! But you also know, with how your history's gone, she's going to have to work to get to the top. Still, you have faith in her - she's your girl, after all. ]

Comments

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

[makes a dismissive gesture]

It is entirely up to her whether or not she should give these suitors the time of day. An interest is one thing, but I do not see why she should be obligated to marry any of them if the best they can do to impress her is send a simple letter.

[addressed to Samira]

Do not lower your standards merely because society expects you to. You deserve the best.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

I'd settle for 'pretty okay', though...

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

Let me ask you this, then: do you wish to get married? It is alright if you do not, or if you do not know.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

...

I don't really care either way? But I think that means I wouldn't be a good wife.

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

[he crouches down so they're eye-to-eye]

Hardly. You are creative, charming, and already highly accomplished--any of these suitors would be lucky indeed to be wed to you.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

Don't you have to...pay attention to people you marry and stuff? I guess if I had someone who likes doing the same stuff I do it'd work...but that's just a co-worker, isn't it?

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

I cannot say that I understand how love works, but I do know that it can apparently work in mysterious ways. You do not know how you will react to someone until you meet them. But I can assume you would prefer someone who values art the way you do?

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

Definitely.

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

Then, how about we go through these suitors and vet some of them for you? Perhaps you'll find someone you're interested in, and perhaps you won't. But it does sound worth trying, doesn't it?

Re: DISCUSSION

[furrytailprince]

Shared interests are important in a marriage. Otherwise, it becomes quite tedious.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

It sounds tedious either way, really.

Re: DISCUSSION

[furrytailprince]

It does not have to be. It can be beneficial when it comes to managing problems. There will be two of you instead of one. And it presents an image of stability that others can look up to. Image is especially important when it comes to leadership.

Re: DISCUSSION

[sonof]

Don't be ridiculous. Men who insist on their women fulfilling the role of a "good wife" aren't interested in love or companionship, or even a good mother to their children, only in their own self-satisfaction and the feeling of ownership over another living person. If you never measure up to their standards, then all the better.

[ may have made a jerking off motion somewhere in there but it was quick and that could have been anything. maybe it was just a meaningless gesture. probably she wouldn't understand anyway, righ, ]

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

[staring at yasuragi with his head cocked, like he's Learning Things]

Is that true?

Re: DISCUSSION

[sonof]

Well, they may also be interested in benefiting from her reputation and success.

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

I see... how abhorrent. I never would have considered that.

Re: DISCUSSION

[sonof]

Most of these suitors are likely of that sort. Isn't that why they're appealing in this indirect manner, because they themselves have hardly spoken to her at all?

We'll have to turn them all down gently, but beyond that, if she's determined to marry the prince no matter what he turns out to be like, then we also shouldn't build up those romantic expectations of marriage. I'd like her to find love as well, but that needn't come hand in hand.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

I don't even think I'd be a good companion.

...What was that you did?

Re: DISCUSSION

[sonof]

You've already been a good companion to all of us.

Nevertheless, marriage is firstly a political tool. You'd like to marry the prince because doing so would give you the standing of a princess, yes? Even outside the royal family, most marriage follows that sort of logic. These families would like to combine their resources, those would like to forcibly settle an old feud, and so on.

Re: DISCUSSION

[idolpro]

[ oh...she was good with people...even if it's her family...

uwa. ]

You didn't answer my question.

Re: DISCUSSION

[furrytailprince]

What would you have them send instead? They are just children, I assume.

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

Something more personal. Something impressive. Something that shows what sort of person they are, what they believe in, what they value.

If she ends up marrying someone who does not support--or worse, stifle--her creative spirit, then we have failed her as parents.

Re: DISCUSSION

[furrytailprince]

An artistic representation, perhaps. Anyone should be capable of that much, regardless of age.

What is her creative spirit per se?

Re: DISCUSSION

[artisticliberty]

I shall ask Samira what she thinks.

She learned how to do metalworking, and from time to time we like to expose her to other artistic pursuits--painting, sewing, and so on.

Re: DISCUSSION

[furrytailprince]

Oh, metalworking, that's a more rare art.