Log: The Investigation (Shigure)

[aloof_savant]

[ Caesar is sitting on the grass just nearby the lake. Normally he would be napping around this time, but he seems to be deep in thought, perhaps even troubled. ]

What's gonna happen if they really can't go back...?

Comments

[aloof_savant]

To be honest, I didn't think anyone would find me here. Only one person would ever go here to reflect, and that was my former general.

[what_a_pain]

A former general, huh? You're pretty young to have been in a war.

[aloof_savant]

Silverbergs are practically born into it... that former general I mentioned was practically my age, too. Not that it's the same thing by any means, of course. Leaders don't choose themselves, right?

[what_a_pain]

It looks like war doesn't change all that much as the years go by.

You seem like you're doing better than most who go through that.

[aloof_savant]

[ While Caesar didn't suffer anything traumatic, the war certainly left a strong impression on him, especially about mixed feelings towards his brother. ]

Well, at the end of it, we all come home and lick our wounds, don't we? I'm sure this country hasn't seen the last of war and conflict, and I'm still young as you say.

[what_a_pain]

[Feels kinda bad for continuing on this train of thought. Bringing up those kinds of memories couldn't be good for Caesar.]

Eh, come on. Don't dwell on depressing stuff like that. Now you've got new, sillier dilemmas to stress over.

[aloof_savant]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be a Debbie Downer - I do actually think more about our current situation than the past. Especially my latest dilemma, did you know we got an underaged child among us now? That.. kind of falls under my responsibility... doesn't it?

[what_a_pain]

A child? [Well lots of random kids pass through town, but they're usually accompanied.] I did run into a little girl in the library a few days ago. I don't know if she ever found her parents though. Was another one seen wandering around?

[aloof_savant]

No, that's the one. I don't think she's from this world either, so you can see the dilemma...

So, what are your problems lately? Missing any clues for a case? I doubt you'll find much out here.

[what_a_pain]

You're not the only one who needs to do some deep thinking once in a while. This lake seemed like a good place to contemplate new leads. Maybe you'd have a better idea though since you probably hang out here all the time?

[aloof_savant]

Well, how about I let you sit with me if you let me try that pipe?

[what_a_pain]

[Takes his pipe from his mouth and thinks about it.]

Is it really okay for someone young like you to be interested in things like this?

[aloof_savant]

It's the perfect time for it, I'm at that curious age now, aren't I? Come on, just a little bit, while Agnes isn't here...

[what_a_pain]

When you put it that way, I suppose you have a point. [Plops down next to Caesar and hands him his pipe.] Don't get too excited now.

Hm, I think I heard about this Agnes. She sure hangs around you a lot, doesn't she?

[aloof_savant]

How exciting can it be?

[ Even though he asks that, he looks pretty damn excited for someone who's about to try it. ]

Agnes? Hmm, well I guess she does... I don't really mind it though. I suppose I'm more used to it than I thought I was.

[what_a_pain]

Ah, I see. For a while there I thought you two were close in a different sense. Like boyfriend and girlfriend. Then again, it sometimes starts as just co-workers..

[aloof_savant]

[ He puts the pipe in his mouth as Shigure is talking, trying to inhale the smoke just as he hears the "boyfriend and girlfriend" part. ]

Wh-- [ He starts coughing up a little, tears forming in his eyes from the smoke in his throat. ]

Why would you say that...? [ Cough. ] Are you interested in her or something?

[what_a_pain]

Woah woah, nothing like that. She had a little twinkle in her eye when she mentioned your name when I met her. So I assumed.

From your reaction, I take it I'm wrong then?

[aloof_savant]

Twinkle? I'm not sure I follow...

[ He inhales the smoke again, this time more relaxed and he knows what to expect. His voice is still a little raspy. ]

She can barely say the word "friends", so I'm gonna let you analyze that.

[what_a_pain]

[Shigure's quite certain that Caesar and Agnes aren't an item. At least that takes care of one point...]

Guess it's tough for her to admit those kinds of things.

Still, is there anyone you've got your eye on if not her? I find it hard to believe someone of your pedigree wouldn't have an admirer.

[aloof_savant]

Like I have time for that! Agnes is the only girl my age that I've spent a considerable amount of time with... and yeah, she's kind of cute, I guess. And we connect on an intellectual level, you know? And domesti-- aaagh, what am I even saying? I actually think she likes older men.

[ Totally forgets in the end that the question was about his own preferences, not someone else's. ]

[what_a_pain]

[T-teenagers are a pain.]

Domestically, you say? What kinds of things would that be?

[aloof_savant]

You know... the cooking and cleaning kind. You know, on paper she "ticks all the boxes"... you know?

I don't know.

You know?

[what_a_pain]

That sounds a lot like a wife to me. Probably bakes you cakes, too. Hm. Who proposed first, you or her? [Very much sarcasm but it comes off dry also.]

[aloof_savant]

Oh look at that, you're a comedian, too. I think you and I are going to be great friends. [ Also sounds sarcastic, but means it at the same time. He hangs around serious people too often. ]

What about you? You might be the only person Minen hasn't raised her voice at yet. What's the secret?