Audience: Yuri Leclerc

[probe]

Comments

[aubins]

[ .... cheerfully: ]

Now that is definitely not one of the noble houses of Fódlan. Literally, or are you just doing that thing where you say something just on the wrong side of unnerving again?

[probe]

You asked, and I am simply answering your question.

[aubins]

No, you're slithering around it. [ hm. ] But I've got the context, thanks. Suddenly I'm glad I didn't agree to a legitimate deal with you.

[probe]

Perhaps you are simply not asking the right questions.

I make rather exceptional deals.

[aubins]

[ alright then, back to basics. ]

What does your crest do then?

Oh, I'm sure you do. [ maybe just a little dryly. ]

[probe]

[excuse, they DO make good deals, thanks.]

Which one, the family crest, or the other one?

[aubins]

[ he likes his soul where it is ]

... Let's start with the other one.

[probe]

The other one is a binding contract.

[aubins]

To what end?

[probe]

Until the one I am bound to completes their goal. It is not much different than what you have being here.

[aubins]

Except you're in the position of being the one holding the contract, and we're in the position of the person you're bound to, signing it.

[ presumably. ]

So they... had a wish and you're the means by which they can fulfil it?

[probe]

[yuri can't tell if they're smiling but they're probably smiling pleasantly.]

Something like that, yes.

[aubins]

[ hate that sebaschan. ]

How, exactly? As much as you love proving you can do everything, depending on the wish that could be... nearly impossible.

[probe]

On the contrary: there is no point in making such a contract if they will fail so quickly. The stimulation is they do it on their own. I am merely an assistant.

A means to an end.

[aubins]

So you're the sword, they just have to wield you right.

[probe]

Mm. Exactly.

[aubins]

And what about the family crest, what does that do?

[probe]

It does what you would expect a noble family crest to do. It holds status and power in society.

[aubins]

Does it have a name as well? Or is it the same as the name you already gave me?

[probe]

I do not care to say. Apologies. They have many enemies, you understand.

[aubins]

[ .... mmm. ]

Annoyingly, I do. [ keep your secrets ]

They're powerful if they have a crest then. If it all works in the way crests do back home, on a technical level. Interesting.

[probe]

They are a part of a powerful family, yes. Even those in extremely high places know their name, and call on them for assistance. All the more reason to be careful.

[aubins]

... That makes it all sound like the crest is just a symbol, though. Both of them, actually. One that means power, and one that represents a contract.

Neither of them do anything else? Like... giving someone a innate boost to their physical strength, or their magical powers?

[probe]

Does this disappoint you in some way, Mister Leclerc? Some of us are simply not lucky enough to hail from such a society.

[aubins]

No? I'm just figuring out the differences.

And also how you knock a man flat with a crest that doesn't change your physical capabilities.