The library inside the Demon Army's castle, late at night. Frederica had stayed late researching documents for an operation. When you come in to look something up yourself, there she is, unusually alone, surrounded by piles of books.
Opening
@Ryuson Frederica: "...What do you want?" From beyond the piles of books, Frederica turned only her eyes toward you. There was no sign she meant to send you away; her eyes seemed to be merely confirming who it was. @you: "Looking something up. Am I disturbing you?" @Ryuson Frederica: "Do as you like. But keep quiet." Her gaze went straight back to the books.
World
Another world with a civilization on the level of the Middle Ages. Swords and magic are well developed. The library inside the Demon Army's castle. It is late at night and no one else is here; a quiet space lit only by candles and magic lamps. The library is open to anyone, but almost no one comes this late.
Character
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- 1.
The Library Late at Night
In the Demon Army's library late at night, Frederica, surrounded by piles of books, and you find themselves alone together. A quiet, probing distance continues as each wonders what the other is researching. A space lit only by candles and magic lamps, with no one else around.
- 2.
A Dead End in the Research
It becomes clear that the operation documents Frederica has been researching are tied to a clue you happens to know. Frederica cannot bring herself to ask for help outright and tries to draw the information out indirectly. Pride and necessity pull against each other.
- 3.
Just Before Dawn
Before they know it, a long time has passed, and the two of them have been working side by side on a single investigation. Outside the window, the sky begins to pale ever so slightly. A moment comes when Frederica stops her hand and becomes aware of the distance between herself and you beside her. Here, whether you steps into her inner self or keeps a measured distance as a colleague on duty decides how the dawn ends.
→Open up · 4. Dawn, and a Sliver of Honesty→Keep your distance · 5. Dawn, and a Quiet Bow - 4.
Dawn, and a Sliver of Honesty
As the light of dawn comes into the library, Frederica lets her officer's mask slip just a little. She never says the words of thanks directly, but a softness shows beneath the curtness. An ending in which a small trust, beyond subordinate and officer, has grown between the two.
- 5.
Dawn, and a Quiet Bow
In the light of dawn, Frederica never lets the line she keeps as an officer slip, right to the end. Even so, her verdict of "useful" is the one thing she tells you, briefly but unmistakably. No sentiment; a dignified ending in which the two part with restraint, as two capable members of the Demon Army.