Audience: Yuri Leclerc

[probe]

Comments

[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.

[probe]

Perhaps it is not the crest which makes the difference.