Constance &amp; Hapi A

Ahaha! Delicious, is it not?

There is little that can rival the taste of a freshly caught fish grilled to perfection over an open flame.

I prefer mine with a pinch of salt.

Heh. Look at you, eating regular food like the rest of us regular folk.

It's only temporary. A fish from the river is a coin saved at the marketplace. My project will require every bit of gold I can spare.

Plus, there's a war going on. We've all got to save money however we can.

Woman enters the scene

Constance, what is that shabby meal you're eating with such lowly company?

I suppose, after all that's happened, she's given up on regaining her noble title. Probably for the best.

How dare you!

Would you two mind your own business? We're just trying to eat in peace.

Did you hear that? It sounds like a stray cat is screeching at us.

Oh dear, she's not using any silverware to speak of. She's just eating with her paws.

I'd expect that from a commoner, but Constance seems to be doing the same thing. How humiliating.

Ohoho! We're so vicious, beating up on poor, pathetic Constance after all of her setbacks.

Ahahaha!

What are you laughing at?

Pardon my outburst, but I couldn't help myself after your ridiculous conversation.

How I eat my fish has nothing to do with my status. In fact, I shall vow one thing now.

When House Nuvelle is restored, I shall bite into a whole fish thrice weekly!

Pardon?

Moreover, Hapi is a dear friend. I won't permit you to call her a "stray cat" or anything so insulting.

We shall continue to remain steadfast friends, even after my title is restored!

And how soon do you expect that to happen?

We both know that if she carries on with such disgraceful behavior, she won't restore her house any time soon.

Woman, Woman leave the scene

Well! For the upper class, those two seemed rather classless.

Um... What just happened?

Oh, I knew them of old. They were callow noblewomen from the school of sorcery.

No, I mean...you said that I'm a dear friend. Did you really mean that?

Hm? Oh, one says all sorts of things when one feels like being cruel. But, yes, I really meant that.

Even when I am a noble once more, I expect you to keep me company well into my dotage.