Log: Hearts & Minds (Agnes)

[aloof_savant]

[ With the door to his room wide open, Caesar can be seen sitting at his desk, but completely neglecting his work. It would appear his mind has drifted away temporarily, no doubt thinking about the rumours Nash heard of Albert fleeing to Zelant. ]

Comments

[aloof_savant]

Agnes..!

[ He wants to tell her that intentionally enabling someone to commit suicide is wrong, but the event already seems to have broken her in a way that he doesn't know how to remedy now. His only hope is to remain calm, first and foremost, and try to piece these events together for a clearer picture. After all, she didn't say that he died, so maybe... ]

When was this, exactly?

[quicksmart]

Earlier this afternoon.

[ Her eyes look clearer now as she glances up at Caesar, and now her expression is imploring. ]

But he cannot be dead, right? Surely a man such as that wouldn't-- wouldn't take his own life because of my words. I-it... it is a bluff. He is just trying to scare me. He must know that I do not care...

[aloof_savant]

[ He is doing a little mental math as he lets Agnes rationalize her thoughts. Earlier in the afternoon? He tries to recall if he has sighted Cray at any point between that time and now. Surely, he feels that has indeed seen him... he certainly hasn't seen or heard of any dead bodies. The deeper he thinks about it, his teeth would grit harder. ]

You might be right about that... [ What he hates just as much is how detached Agnes is about all of this -- just what has Cray done to this girl? He wants to burst out the door right now and chase the man down for answers, but also knows that Agnes needs him more than ever right now. ]

Unacceptable. Th-this is..!

[quicksmart]

[ She's gone relatively silent now, replaying the events quietly to herself. Then she seems to hear Caesar's words. ]

Y-you think I am right...?

[aloof_savant]

Maybe.

One thing that supports the idea is that nobody has reported anything since then. Duke and Geddoe live on that ship, after all, among a few fishermen and such. I highly doubt this would have gone unnoticed...

...
No, what I am more worried about is you.

[quicksmart]

Th-there is nothing to worry about. I'm not lying when I say I would be glad to be rid of a man like him. He-- it angers me that he thinks he can simply say a few words and have me accept him. I will never.

[aloof_savant]

But to make you feel as if you played a part in his suicide... whether it was genuine or otherwise...

[ He's trying his best to suppress his own rage. Despite coming across as thick skinned, he was always quick to lose his cool when matters concerned his loved ones, whether it's Agnes, Hugo or even Albert. There are some lines not to be crossed. He feels that Agnes is still wrong for having such toxic thoughts, but it was Cray that's causing all of it. ]

That's his crap, not yours.

[ It's almost like their roles had reversed, in which Caesar's fists are slightly shaking as his mind quietly stirs in irrational fury. ]

[quicksmart]

[ She turns away from him again, growing even more concerned due to his reaction -- especially because he seems much angrier than her, and she seems - although panicked and distressed at first - a lot calmer, now that Caesar has confirmed her suspicions on the bluff. She quietly and gingerly takes one of his hands, unsure what to do as she gazes at their point of contact. ]

I... I should not have goaded him, even if I spoke the truth. I-- I should have been the better person.

[aloof_savant]

[ He understood her desire for revenge rather well. Hugo has had to learn to live with those feelings, too, but it was the fact that he can rise above it... to forgive not only Chris Lightfellow, but extend the olive branch to Luc in their final encounter, that inspires Caesar. He only wishes to see the same in Agnes someday, but he also wonders if she is only saying that to make him feel better right now. ]

You were never wrong to speak the truth in the first place. It's what I always... well, I like that about you. It's the adult and self-proclaimed genius who should know better... tch! Damn him..!

[quicksmart]

[ His last few words provoke her again, and her face is an expression of scorn. ]

Self-proclaimed genius?

[aloof_savant]

It wasn't in those words, per se. He believes that it if he was an idiot then this never would have happened in the first place.

It... disturbed me, but I brushed it off as him being awkward at expressing himself, rather than tooting his own horn. I'd hope so, anyway.

[quicksmart]

He bragged to me. About his power and wealth. His smarts.

[ She clenches her own hand over his fist for a moment. ]

A person can have everything, but their weak heart and mind will fail them. Lazlo was not a self-proclaimed anything, but he was the victor.

[aloof_savant]

I know that.

[ He remains unphased as she squeezes his hand, allowing her to express her own anger. ]

But also remember, your own heart is strong, too. ...And, you have mine as well. I would never ask you to save that man's life, or to take pity on him, but at the very least share your burden with me. Tell me, when something like this happens, Agnes.

[quicksmart]

I... would have told you if he had indeed not been seen again.

[aloof_savant]

[ While he's glad to hear that, the whole autopilot thing still has him worried for her mental state. But... there isn't much more to be said on this subject. More importantly, Cray still needs to be found before this discussion can delve any deeper. ]

...You should get some rest.

[quicksmart]

... Yes.

[ She nods stiffly, picks up the shirt on the bed - the one that had started this whole affair - and balls it tightly it in her hands. ]

... Can you... take care of the rest of the laundry?

[aloof_savant]

[ His priorities lie more with finding Cray first, which he plans on doing once she leaves, but he's not going to make her stay back and finish the task either. ]

Of course, Agnes.

[quicksmart]

[ She smiles gratefully at him, as if his ability to take care of the laundry suddenly means the world to her. It's an odd response. ]

... Thank you, Caesar. ... F-for everything.

[aloof_savant]

[ Seeing her smile again, even if briefly, means even more to him. It gives him relief that she will be alright, whether or not she'll be the same after this incident. He doesn't want her to do any of this alone. ]

Come on, now, that's my line...

[quicksmart]

[ She shakes her head at that, and then goes to the door. ]

Please don't worry about me. ... I will be fine.

[ And she quietly slips out before he can interject, because she wants to be fine and if she leaves now she will be. And asking him about this feeling of emptiness is something that is better saved for another day. ]