[He sort of opens his mouth, but all he does is draw in a deeper breath and quietly sigh. Soo-Won has, as far as he can tell, been honest with him.]
Usually, my trust is irrelevant because I am obligated to fulfill contracts. That... was my job before I retired. But I do not intend to let anything happen to Miss Yona.
Though I suppose it is unfair we believe we have a say in this for her at all.
She's a very beloved person. [by who, he won't say] Even if we do not truly have ability or choice, I don't mind making play as though we do. It's the most we can do, as people who have feelings and emotions.
[you can't help who you want to take care of, who you want to protect. no matter the hurt that might come later.]
Are you permanently retired, Blanca? I wouldn't suppose it might be possible to hire you again.
[he tilts his head. leaving it at that is misleading and hard to believe on its face, though.]
But it doesn't mean that others in my cabinet don't see ways to use her and her comrades - but if any such plans are brought to me, I reject them. [it's just that he can't be everywhere at once, much as he tries.]
... and she loves her country, at the end of the day. She makes political moves of her own, and often I have to react to her decisions.
But I would ultimately prefer if she and her companions weren't involved in our nation's politics.
[soo-won believes in the separation of church and state]
[He frowns. The answer is a tad better than what he expected, but also doesn't alleviate a lot of concerns. Worse, Soo-Won seems more reasonable than most of the people he typically deals with.
And yet, he still doesn't know exactly how far he can trust someone he doesn't know, or hasn't observed.]
I'll take your word on it, sir. I would say I hope you won't harass Miss Yona unnecessarily, but she seems to be rather feisty. Still.
[Ash was also fierce, but he could be strong-armed into very bad things.]
idea that he would even harass yona necessarily surprises him, and makes him tilt his head. he pauses, and tries again:]
Mm... I think I need to clarify a point, perhaps.
I'd like to leave her alone as much as possible. I think it would be easier for both of us if we two never cross paths again, aside from perhaps exchanging information here. Even then, that can be done through an intermediary.
[ . . . ]
Well, perhaps it's why I'm asking you to look after her - because I'd like to give her a future where she sees me as little as possible until the very moment we both have to return to the same country. It's part of why I'd like to hire you.
She said it herself - she can't trust me. I understand, and don't blame her for that.
... I'd still prefer to know she's looked after. [a beat] The person who I... always thought would be with her - isn't here.
I don't know your politics, but I'm not unaccustomed to political battlefields. Even without kings, or emperors.
[Please don't trick him by putting on airs. He will be so mad. But no, the dour expression on his face softens slightly. He's relieved? Not that Soo-Won is staying away from Yona exactly, but that he is understanding.]
Regardless of being hired, she is my... roommate, I suppose. I'll look after her how I can. My apologies for being cold to you initially.
Ah, while I'm glad to hear it... [he holds up a hand at that] No apologies necessary. It's the automatic reaction anyone would have, given the information you received - shackles, someone untrusted... it was a reasonable assumption to make. Even if it was incorrect, I'm glad you brought it forward.
[his expression warms in comparison, easy-going and understanding now that they seem to be closer to the same page. he really doesn't seem offended at all, given - ]
Rather, it let me know that you're a kind and considerate person, regardless of contract. I'm glad to know you a bit better, Blanca.
[His smile is somewhat light. He just nods like he is too humble for the compliment, but the reality is, he doesn't know if that is true considering he does what he does.
Or did what he did, rather.]
Miss Yona isn't in our room, I'm afraid, if you had come to see her. I will leave you be, if you are busy.
[soo-won can take a guess at what contracts might mean, even though he's not sure.
even then, he would not bother to take the words back.]
Oh - no, that really was... [he looks sheepish] I was startled to see your names together, but in truth, your timing was good!
[he would've wanted to find blanca after that anyway
but he'll brush off his swishy swishy robes and move like he intends to exit again - ]
It's a little hard to be busy in this place, but I was going to head outside. You're free to come along, if you'd like, but I don't want to keep you from your day either.
Oh? That's exciting to hear. I'm not familiar with many of the places you've named... but I think that so far I've been rather behind in the times compared to everyone else.
[maybe they're countries that are created after he's long gone! or they're a different world entirely]
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Usually, my trust is irrelevant because I am obligated to fulfill contracts. That... was my job before I retired. But I do not intend to let anything happen to Miss Yona.
Though I suppose it is unfair we believe we have a say in this for her at all.
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She's a very beloved person. [by who, he won't say] Even if we do not truly have ability or choice, I don't mind making play as though we do. It's the most we can do, as people who have feelings and emotions.
[you can't help who you want to take care of, who you want to protect. no matter the hurt that might come later.]
Are you permanently retired, Blanca? I wouldn't suppose it might be possible to hire you again.
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You are quick to hire me without knowing who I am, or what we may be up against. [His smile is slight, and then it fades.] Why do you want to hire me?
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that said Soo-won is rather easy, and shockingly honest despite his title - ]
Because I'd like to trust you without worry of competing interests.
[the simplicity of it]
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I would like some time to consider, if that's alright with you. At least until we possibly know a little more about this place than we already do.
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[he doesn't seem bothered by the delay at least]
I suppose I simply wanted to try. Thank you for your honesty.
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[His brows furrow.]
Are you really using Miss Yona as a political chess piece back home?
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[he tilts his head. leaving it at that is misleading and hard to believe on its face, though.]
But it doesn't mean that others in my cabinet don't see ways to use her and her comrades - but if any such plans are brought to me, I reject them. [it's just that he can't be everywhere at once, much as he tries.]
... and she loves her country, at the end of the day. She makes political moves of her own, and often I have to react to her decisions.
But I would ultimately prefer if she and her companions weren't involved in our nation's politics.
[soo-won believes in the separation of church and state]
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And yet, he still doesn't know exactly how far he can trust someone he doesn't know, or hasn't observed.]
I'll take your word on it, sir. I would say I hope you won't harass Miss Yona unnecessarily, but she seems to be rather feisty. Still.
[Ash was also fierce, but he could be strong-armed into very bad things.]
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idea that he would even harass yona necessarily surprises him, and makes him tilt his head. he pauses, and tries again:]
Mm... I think I need to clarify a point, perhaps.
I'd like to leave her alone as much as possible. I think it would be easier for both of us if we two never cross paths again, aside from perhaps exchanging information here. Even then, that can be done through an intermediary.
[ . . . ]
Well, perhaps it's why I'm asking you to look after her - because I'd like to give her a future where she sees me as little as possible until the very moment we both have to return to the same country. It's part of why I'd like to hire you.
She said it herself - she can't trust me. I understand, and don't blame her for that.
... I'd still prefer to know she's looked after. [a beat] The person who I... always thought would be with her - isn't here.
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[Please don't trick him by putting on airs. He will be so mad. But no, the dour expression on his face softens slightly. He's relieved? Not that Soo-Won is staying away from Yona exactly, but that he is understanding.]
Regardless of being hired, she is my... roommate, I suppose. I'll look after her how I can. My apologies for being cold to you initially.
I will consider your proposal.
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[his expression warms in comparison, easy-going and understanding now that they seem to be closer to the same page. he really doesn't seem offended at all, given - ]
Rather, it let me know that you're a kind and considerate person, regardless of contract. I'm glad to know you a bit better, Blanca.
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Or did what he did, rather.]
Miss Yona isn't in our room, I'm afraid, if you had come to see her. I will leave you be, if you are busy.
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even then, he would not bother to take the words back.]
Oh - no, that really was... [he looks sheepish] I was startled to see your names together, but in truth, your timing was good!
[he would've wanted to find blanca after that anyway
but he'll brush off his swishy swishy robes and move like he intends to exit again - ]
It's a little hard to be busy in this place, but I was going to head outside. You're free to come along, if you'd like, but I don't want to keep you from your day either.
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Actually, I was thinking about having lunch, if you wanted to join me.
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Oh, I'd love to! What's your favorite food, Blanca?
[remember how he was talking about complex political interests like 4 minutes ago]
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Pilaf.
[He shuts the door, and then joins Soo-Won so they can go to the? cafeteria? ig. ALSO, SOO-WON, PLEASE, YOU WERE JUST SO SERIOUS.]
Yours?
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Oh, I'm not sure if I'm familiar with pilaf. Maybe if someone knows the recipe, I'll get to try it. It sounds good!
I like plenty of types... I think street foods are my favorites. Deep-fried dumplings...!
[the palate of a street rat]
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Ah. You would enjoy New York then, I believe. Spanish Harlem, and Chinatown have very good street food.
[Soo-Won is valid in this one thing.]
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[maybe they're countries that are created after he's long gone! or they're a different world entirely]
Still, I'd like to see it one day.