link
Claude enters the scene
link
Hilda enters the scene
link
Claude
volume_up

What are you writing there, Hilda? Wait, let me guess. You're replying to one of your brother's letters, right?
link
Hilda
volume_up

Of course. It's a pain, but I make sure to always send him a response, otherwise he'll worry.
link
Hilda
volume_up

It's much easier than when we lived together. A few letters here and there are a small price to pay for this peaceful, brother-free environment.
link
Claude
volume_up

Well, that's a fine thing to do, regardless of your reasons. As for me, it's been far too long since I've written to my parents...
link
Hilda
volume_up

Oh? I thought your father had died.
link
Claude
volume_up

Not quite. He's still alive and kicking...as far as I know. The late duke who died in an accident was my uncle.
link
Hilda
volume_up

I see. I do recall you mentioning that your mother was born into the Riegan family.
link
Hilda
volume_up

What's your father like, if you don't mind me asking?
link
Claude
volume_up

He's quite the extravagant character. When I was a kid, he used to tie me to a horse and drag me around.
link
Hilda
volume_up

Excuse me?!
link
Claude
volume_up

In all fairness, I was quite a little brat. The horse thing sounds worse than it is. There's a sort of trick to it...
link
Hilda
volume_up

A trick I hope I never need to learn. Your mother didn't step in and make him stop?
link
Claude
volume_up

Gods, no. She'd just laugh right along with him. If my father is extravagant, my mother's more like a warrior goddess or...maybe a demon queen.
link
Claude
volume_up

This one time, she got into an argument with my combat instructor and wound up in a full-on fistfight with the guy.
link
Claude
volume_up

What's more? She won! My instructor was a mighty warrior, undefeated in a hundred battles, but even he was no match for her.
link
Hilda
volume_up

Huh? But your mother is a lady of nobility!
link
Claude
volume_up

True, but she was the kind of woman to elope with the man she loved and throw it all away. Not your average duchess at all.
link
Hilda
volume_up

Ooh, they eloped! I like that. It's so romantic.
link
Hilda
volume_up

Imagine, abandoning your family forever to be with the one you love! Not everyone can do that.
link
Claude
volume_up

It's not a question of can. It's a question of will.
link
Claude
volume_up

Even someone like you, who generally despises effort, would pull out all the stops for something you really care about. Isn't that right?
link
Hilda
volume_up

Excuse me? I put in plenty of effort!
link
Claude
volume_up

Hey, that was a compliment! Anyhow, I look forward to the day when something inspires you to try your absolute hardest. It will be something to behold.