29 Stonegarden Castle / The Getaway, Pt 1

Previously, on Usagi Days: Sylvie and Anemone enter the castle before Ruby's arrival. They prepare the "Mk II" and hide it. Sylvie loots a treasure room.

- 29.1 - Back in the Usagi Storeroom -

"… Let's just talk business. In plain language. What do you say?"

The King stepped out of the Usagi. He walked toward Ruby, face blank. They looked at each other for a while. The Knights around them watched nervously.

Then at last the King smiled—though Ruby couldn't help but notice it didn't quite reach his eyes.

King, laughing: "What kind of hosts would Stonegarden Castle be, if we did not accommodate the foreign speech of our guests! … Fine, my lady—as you wish. In conversing with you, I will adopt your speech mannerisms. I will speak your tongue, out of courtesy."

He turned to the Knights. "Mark well, Sentinels, this privilege is not for thee. Speak as tradition commands, or ye shall regret it."

The Sentinels stood at attention, and saluted the King in acknowledgement.

"Come, Lady Hanasaki. Walk with me around my castle. I wish to better understand the newest addition to my court."

- 29.2 - The King on Strength, Will and Resolution -

Ruby and the King walked around, still accompanied by the group of Knights. He pointed out buildings and landmarks, and their various histories. He explained to Ruby his philosophy on war, on life, and on power.

"My Knights tell me you've traveled all across the land with your friends. Yet I do not see them here with you."

Ruby: "They made their choice. They have no interest in living here."

"So you chose the machine, over your friends." He guffawed heartily, holding his stomach. "Oh, there is a Darkness within thee yet, Lady Hanasaki."

Ruby said nothing.

King: "But I do admire you. You understand the nature of things."

Ruby: "… Sire?"

King: "You understand that without strength, without power, you have nothing. Desires, hopes, wishes—mean nothing without the will to carry them out. All of human history comprises one conflict, and one conflict alone. And all that has transpired, ever, are nothing more than echoes of this same conflict: 'I want one thing, and you want another.' And he who hath the stronger will emerges victorious.

"The villages I have taken for my own—I had a will. To take what they had for my own, to make their people mine. They, too, had a will. They wished for their carefree, simple lives not to end.

"But a wish is not enough. To preserve their lives, they must oppose my will. And thus, each fought back. Some more than others. … How did I win? I had more men? I had better weapons? Nay, it is a matter of will. And the fortitude to carry out that will.

"I'm sure it was the same with you, and the Usagi. Surely your car was not handed to you. You wanted something, and you carried out your will to take it. You wanted to make a car work—and you did it. I admire that. I have nothing but respect for those who can manifest their will into reality.

"I truly believe that the 'Veil of Uncertainty', as you called it"—a teasing nod to her earlier, awkward attempt at adapting the term SDF—"can be overcome by human will. We shall find a way to persevere yet."

Ruby, nodding listlessly: "Oh, yeah … Sure. Yeah, totally."

- 29.3 - Another Flashback -

(Sylvie: "After the Usagi's secure, the King will probably show you around, maybe philosophize about random stuff. Just humor him.

"Anyway, all you have to do is just stay in the area near the Provisions shack. The drawbridge is going to go back up almost immediately after it lowers. We have a very short window to get out.

"… He'll leave you alone when it's time for dinner. It's the only time off he gets, and he forces Patty to spend it with him, every evening. When she makes her way to the Great Hall for dinner … Well, leave that part to me."

Ruby: "What if he asks me to stay for dinner? I won't be able to say 'No'."

Sylvie chuckled, rolled her eyes. "Trust me. That's not going to happen. It's so improbable I'm not even going to bother accounting for that.")

- 29.4 - The King Invites Ruby for Dinner -

King: "I'd like you to join me for dinner."

Ruby: "Uh."

"Patty, my bride—I'm told you two are acquainted."

"We've delivered some scrap metal to her, that's it."

"No matter. She is unhappy, I know this. But she will improve with time. She will grow to love me. But in the meantime, if she had a friendly face around …"

"… I, uh …"

King, eyebrow arched: "… Unless there is something more pressing you have to attend to? On your first day? In my castle?"

Ruby: "…"

- 29.5 - The Bride Makes Her Way to Great Hall -

In the hallway leading toward to the Great Hall, where dinner would soon be served, four Elite Knights escorted a prisoner in a lavish, radiant, white dress.

The King's crestfallen bride—on her way to the worst part of her day. Dinner with the King.

On the other side of the corridor, headed their way, a kitchen maid was pushing a precariously balanced cart piled high with all manner of food and drink.

As the two parties passed each other, the maid stumbled. Her foot caught on the leg of the cart, and she fell. The cart toppled over, sending the contents of the drinks and food flying into the air.

After the maid had scrambled back on to her feet, she apologized profusely.

The Knights berated her for her clumsiness—and then gasped in collective horror when they saw the dark streak of red wine running down the length of the bride's pristine gown.

- 29.6 - The Maid Can Fix This -

Maid: "Fear not, we can mend the stain."

Knight: "Nay! Kitchen wench, the dress is ruined! The King shall be informed. Thy head shall be forfeit."

"Oh? Only mine head? And what of ye Knights? To the Pit, mayhap?"

Knight, incredulous: "'Twas thee who spilled the wine!"

"Aye, but it happened under thy watch. Think ye the King will spare thee?"

"…"

"The stain setteth fast! Each moment we waste, the dress is beyond saving. Trust in me. 'Tis within my skill to mend."

"… Very well. Haste! The baths—"

"Nay! We must go to the kitchen!"

Knight, sputtering: "The kitchen! What madness is this!?"

"Unless the baths dost keep salt, vinegar and boiling water, we must needs go to the kitchen."

The Knight ran his hands down his face in frustration. "… Fine. Fine! To the kitchen—"

But the maid was already leading the bride by the hand, as they ran toward the kitchen.

The Knights followed after, yelling after the duo to wait for them.

The maid whispered into Patty's ear, "(Name's Silver Ghost. Usagi-chan sent me.)"

"(… Who!?)"

"(Oh, I mean … Ruby Hanasaki. Now listen close, and do as I say …)"