Surely, yes, she did do me a good turn, but—when she declared independence for her state, all the anger she had, the way she talked about how we've treated Martians... I did my best to be kind. Did it not count for anything?
Unfortunately, I've... been in some circumstances that have left me out of the loop regarding current affairs.
[ WELP. ]
Politics are... they're difficult in general. Especially when drastic measures are taken. If she's gone so far to declare independence, I think it must be a lot more than just the actions of one person who lead her to make such a decision.
Well, surely the conditions in the Belgian colony are awful, for example... but we've tried so hard to be reasonable and helpful. How could they not want to be British citizens?
Well, ah... the Belgians are known for treating their colonies without very much respect, and treating the inhabitants poorly...
...but we're not like that! Since we're a powerful country, it's our responsibility to take others under our wing, isn't it? After all, that's why I've done all my charity work—if I have the wealth and power I had the luck to be born to, I should use it for a good cause.
I think... sometimes people can be kind by helping share their wealth. That's assuredly a charitable thing to do and I'm sure you managed to help others in doing so in some ways.
But if people aren't feeling respected, or that they're being trampled upon, I think... no amount of money is going to cure feeling like a second class citizen of sorts if that's what they're experiencing. It may be important to try and think of things from their own perspective. If the roles were suddenly reversed, and another country was to suddenly swoop in upon your own due to your strength... it might not be a comfortable feeling, don't you think?
Emotions and feelings are a difficult thing to navigate through. But it looks like they're wanting to change the way things are so that they don't feel as upset. And I hope in the end, that everyone will be able to grow.
Maybe try talking to her again, or give yourself some time to sort your own thoughts and feelings before trying.
[ There's a pause. ]
I don't... think I caught your name? I apologize for that. I'm Kaguya. But... if I see her, at the very least I can let her know you miss her.
Ah... if you don't mind. I don't know if she'll ever return it, but... still.
And, oh, how rude of me—I'm Lady Jane Wiltshire, I entirely forgot as well. Just Jane is fine, though; after all, I don't want to stand on ceremony, especially among friends, and you seem quite kind.
Oh, it's fine! But thank you though. I'm glad to know you think of me that way, Jane, and happy to have met you.
I need to talk to a couple of people, but I promise to say something if I do see her. And I'll try and check back in with you again if I get the chance.
...before you go, could I trouble you for a charitable donation of some sort? Even if it's just a trade of favors—the house for women I run in Whitechapel always needs resources of all kinds. If it's sway with high society, or with the common folk, too, that'd help...
Us women have to help look out for fellow women after all. And it sounds like it's for a good cause. I suppose those with higher status might have more resources after all.
[ These people are kind of really beautiful. . . . ]
Mm. I suppose I was just trying to make the rounds and better get to know some of the guests. Does the Countess often host such popular parties as this one?
I don't know that I have had the honor yet. The countess seems to hold her in high regard, however. Someone else outside of the countess mentioned her as well just a bit ago, so I hope to get the opportunity soon.
Well, hopefully you'll get to meet her—she knows how to have fun. She's about, oh... a little shorter than me, though she's usually in heels, silver hair, warm complexion...
[ it occurs to you that these people look a heck of a lot like Paloma. ]
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Re: THE GRAND BALLROOM
Surely, yes, she did do me a good turn, but—when she declared independence for her state, all the anger she had, the way she talked about how we've treated Martians... I did my best to be kind. Did it not count for anything?
Re: THE GRAND BALLROOM
[ WELP. ]
Politics are... they're difficult in general. Especially when drastic measures are taken. If she's gone so far to declare independence, I think it must be a lot more than just the actions of one person who lead her to make such a decision.
How do you think the Martians have been treated?
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What were the conditions like?
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...but we're not like that! Since we're a powerful country, it's our responsibility to take others under our wing, isn't it? After all, that's why I've done all my charity work—if I have the wealth and power I had the luck to be born to, I should use it for a good cause.
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But if people aren't feeling respected, or that they're being trampled upon, I think... no amount of money is going to cure feeling like a second class citizen of sorts if that's what they're experiencing. It may be important to try and think of things from their own perspective. If the roles were suddenly reversed, and another country was to suddenly swoop in upon your own due to your strength... it might not be a comfortable feeling, don't you think?
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I just don't understand being so angry about it. Sometimes things just are the way they are. I just... wish we could be friends again.
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Maybe try talking to her again, or give yourself some time to sort your own thoughts and feelings before trying.
[ There's a pause. ]
I don't... think I caught your name? I apologize for that. I'm Kaguya. But... if I see her, at the very least I can let her know you miss her.
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And, oh, how rude of me—I'm Lady Jane Wiltshire, I entirely forgot as well. Just Jane is fine, though; after all, I don't want to stand on ceremony, especially among friends, and you seem quite kind.
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I need to talk to a couple of people, but I promise to say something if I do see her. And I'll try and check back in with you again if I get the chance.
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...before you go, could I trouble you for a charitable donation of some sort? Even if it's just a trade of favors—the house for women I run in Whitechapel always needs resources of all kinds. If it's sway with high society, or with the common folk, too, that'd help...
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Us women have to help look out for fellow women after all. And it sounds like it's for a good cause. I suppose those with higher status might have more resources after all.
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Thank you! And I hope that things work out for you.
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And you as well—thank you, Kaguya.
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Hello.... hope I'm not intruding.
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Goodness, darling, we're popular tonight! What can we do for you, Miss...?
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Mm. I suppose I was just trying to make the rounds and better get to know some of the guests. Does the Countess often host such popular parties as this one?
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Oh, she does—about four times a year. Something about bringing the best and brightest of high society, science, and politics together.
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I feel incredibly honored to have been invited to mingle with so many talented individuals then. There's a lot everyone can learn from one another.
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I've been accused of being overly optimistic or an idealist in the past, so I suppose that falls in line. Is she here tonight too?
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[ it occurs to you that these people look a heck of a lot like Paloma. ]
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