Ferdinand & Dorothea C / houses.fedatamine.com

Ferdinand, Dorothea enter the scene

Ah, Dorothea! The dining hall seems so much brighter with you here.

Ferdie! I must say, you are quite adept with flattery. Please, give me some more.

Flattery? No, I was not... There you go with that attitude again.

Why do you reserve such cold treatment for me, and me alone?

Do you hate me, Dorothea? Or have you some other reason to avoid my company?

I underestimated you. I assumed your noble upbringing had dulled your perception.

But you got it right on your first try. I hate you.

Huh. I was right.

Might I ask why you find me so despicable? I can scarcely guess.

Don't waste another minute thinking about it.

That will not do. I do not think you would hate a person for no reason.

Hm, perhaps. How's this? If you can guess why, I'll let you know if you're right.

The brains of us commonfolk are so simple, it should be pretty easy for a big-shot noble to sort out.

Very well. I cannot walk away from a challenge. I have no choice but to chance a guess.

You are always making fun, calling me a "big shot" and so forth. Perhaps you think all nobles are... No, it could not be that simple.

Oh? What can't be that simple?

Please. Will you not give me a clue?

Well, let me see. A good clue... I know! It's because you're like a bee.

That oughta be enough of a clue. So long, Ferdie.

Dorothea leaves the scene

A bee? I haven't the slightest... Perhaps because I am such a diligent worker?