Scenario:Haaselia - Protecting What Matters
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Protecting What Matters
Amid much political intrigue in the castle, Haaselia and Lette find reprieve by visiting an orphanage and handing out snacks to the children. Haaselia, in particular, finds joy in teasing a cheeky boy named Flek. They are all blissfully unaware of the tragedy that looms.
Some months of day-in, day-out official duties pass before she and Lette find the opportunity to visit an orphanage incognito.
The children inside are elated at the sight of the two and gather around them.
Haaselia: Hey, everyone! I made snacks!
Girl: Mm, that smells so good!
Boy: Ooh, gimme, gimme!
Haaselia: No pushing, okay? I brought enough for everyone—form a line, please.
Haaselia hands a bag of snacks to each child in turn.
Girl: Yay, I love cookies.
Boy: Ehehe! Thanks!
Haaselia: Aww, look at their faces light up at such a simple gift. Aren't children the most adorable little things?
Lette: (Good. Haase's enjoying herself.)
This visit was made possible by Lette's efforts.
Seeing how swamped Haase was with her public service, she had been planning this trip to the orphanage for some time.
Orphanage Director: Thank you for coming all this way, Lady Haaselia.
Haaselia: No worries, Director. I do it of my own volition.
As Haaselia continues handing out treats, one child munching on a cookie approaches.
???: As sucky as your art is, Haase, your cookies are some of the best I've ever had!
Haaselia: You again, Flek? I wish you'd stop teasing me about that.
Flek: But it's the truth!
Haaselia: I don't deny the fact, but you don't have to remind me every time I'm here. You could've simply complimented me for the cookies.
Flek: Heh, I was trying to be nice, you know! Just my way of saying that you could try being as good at drawing stuff as you are at making treats!
Haaselia: Sigh... You just don't know when to quit, do you.
After shaking her head, Haaselia looks straight into Flek's eyes, a smirk playing on her lips.
Haaselia: By the way, do you know what it means when a child like you picks a particular person to tease?
Flek: Wh-what are you trying to say!
Haaselia: It means you like that person and want their attention.
Haaselia: So... You must really like me, huh?
Flek: Sh-shut up! Not in a million years!
Haaselia: My, my, your face is all red. I must've hit the bullseye.
Flek: No, that's not it!
Haaselia: Oh dear, I must be mistaken then.
The chuckling Haaselia almost seems a different person from her usual self in the castle.
Lette gently chastises Haaselia for her conduct.
Lette: Would you stop that already? It's unbecoming of you.
Haaselia: The cheeky boy needed to be taught a lesson.
Lette: You've changed so much since we first met.
Haaselia's initial encounter with Lette happened a long time ago when she visited the orphanage on business as a child.
When the princess presented the orphanage with a painting she drew herself as a gift, a little girl pointed out that it was awful.
That little girl was Lette.
Haaselia was well aware that her painting skills needed work.
But because she was an imperial princess, no one ever dared to openly speak their mind about it.
That was precisely why Lette's words struck Haaselia as pleasantly refreshing.
From that point on, Haaselia would make repeated visits to the orphanage just to see Lette. The two became fast friends despite their respective standings in society.
It wasn't long before Haaselia invited Lette to the castle as her personal servant.
Lette: Then again I was a bit of a jerk at the time, so perhaps I'm not one to talk.
Haaselia: I used to be so docile in those days. Meeting you has really toughened me up in so many ways.
Lette: At the same time, I bet coming here has shown you how cute and pure children can be.
Haaselia: You always were good at changing the subject... Though I will admit I've come to like children better.
Haaselia: (That's why I want to keep this orphanage safe... I have too many precious memories of Lette and myself here...)
Orphanage Director: Haaselia... Is something on your mind?
Haaselia: Hrm? Why do you ask?
Orphanage Director: Well... It's just that you looked a bit troubled for a moment.
Orphanage Director: I wondered if it might have anything to do with His Imperial Majesty not showing his face in public lately.
Haaselia: ...!
Taken aback by the director's startlingly accurate conjecture, Haaselia finds herself speechless.
About a month ago, the emperor suddenly fell ill, setting the imperial family into disarray.
With the second heir's recent assassination to top things off, it was no longer fitting for Haaselia to broach the topic of relief for those in need.
The emperor's sickness was kept a secret from the masses, but the second heir's assassination was already a well-known fact among the populace.
Rumors began to spread that perhaps the emperor, too, was a victim in the assassination plot.
Orphanage Director: If I may be so bold... Do you think we will be able to receive continued funding?
Orphanage Director: If a new emperor were to rise to the throne and cut off support to us, I don't know what I'd do with these children...
Haaselia: Don't fret. My father is alive and well.
Haaselia: Even if what you say does come to pass, know that I'll be around to do something about it.
Orphanage Director: Aah. Thank you so much, Lady Haaselia.
Haaselia: ...
However, her words are scarce consolation.
While biting on her lip, Haaselia recalls a bitter conversation by her father's bedside.
Emperor: Haase, it's good to see you...
Haaselia: Are you well today, Your Majesty?
Emperor: I'm feeling better than usual... Haase, come closer...
The emperor's fingers, weak and devoid of life like dry twigs exposed to the chill of winter frost, brush against Haaselia's cheeks.
Haaselia: You wanted to talk, Your Majesty?
Emperor: Haase, I wish I had been a better father to you...
Emperor: As you may already know, my death draws near... There's something I want you to have...
With shaky hands, the emperor produces an old, worn-out card.
Emperor: I'd like you to have this... When the time comes, you'll know how to use it...
Haaselia: This is...
Haaselia is unsure of what to make of the seemingly worthless card, something that can hardly be used as a keepsake.
Recalling her father's words, Haaselia places a hand on the card in her breast pocket.
Haaselia: (What I want is money... But this waste of paper wouldn't be enough to feed the kids a single meal.)
Haaselia: (Grumbling won't solve a thing... I'll have to take matters into my own hands.)
Haaselia looks to the children as if to remind herself what it is she must protect.
She notices that a few of the children who are usually present are nowhere to be seen.
Haaselia: Director. Some of the children don't seem to be around. Have they gone on an outing?
Orphanage Director: Ah, you must be referring to the ones who've found foster parents. All thanks to the good graces of the archduke.
Haaselia: My uncle?
Haaselia: (He really did it... I've got nothing but respect for him.)
Flek proudly joins in on the conversation as Haaselia cracks a smile.
Flek: Heheh! I guess I should say I've got foster parents coming to pick me up soon too!
Haaselia: Lucky for you. Congrats.
Flek: You better not cry just because I'm not around anymore, Haase!
Haaselia: Oh, please... It's not like you're going to kick the bucket.
Haaselia: It'll be different next time, but I'm sure we'll be able to meet up again. Right?
Flek: Nuh uh, not happenin'! You won't get to see me again until I'm all grown-up!
Haaselia: Why do you say that?
A flush of red coloring his cheeks, Flek makes a bold statement.
Flek: I'm gonna be the suavest, coolest man on the block when I come of age... Then I'll be back to sweep you off your feet and walk down the aisle with you, Haase!
Haaselia: My, what a manly thing to say.
Haaselia: But you'd better grow up fast, because I might get married before you get your chance.
Haaselia: I've already had countless marriage proposals, and there's been talk of arranged marriage as well.
Lette: That's right. Haase can be so charming—especially on the surface. Explains her popularity with men.
Haaselia: Lette, you could've left out the "surface" part.
Flek: Hah, you're kidding! Who'd want such a bad-tempered lady for a bride!
Haaselia: And who was it again that fell in love with this bad-tempered lady?
Her playful retort is accompanied by her soft, relaxed countenance.
The little time Haaselia is able to spend at the orphanage is pure bliss compared to the restricting confines of the imperial court.
Little does she know of the grim tragedy that awaits her.