XX2 Entry

[roseofmay]

Sender: Beatrix
To: All
Subject: No Rest for the Weary

It would appear that I have been indisposed, though that seems to have been rectified. If for any reason, you have been seeking me, I can now properly attend to matters that were not appropriately handled before said indisposition.

That said, please refrain from entering my personal space and leaving books, regardless of the quality of reading material. Furthermore, please refrain from entering my personal space, period.

I had, prior to my temporary condition, been discussing how to better provide a defence for the town proper. As more dream walkers find themselves in this world, not only do we grow in population count, we also grow in the evolution of the town. The market, beings who are not exactly dream walkers like ourselves, yet present all the same, farming land, the coliseum in disrepair, and our other outskirts.

I would like to know if it is possible to create a defensive ward to otherwise protect Reverein citizens from potential outside threats by use of dreamotion in the establishment of wards. If we are capable of creating such things, it may also be possible to recycle or supply a consistent and constant flow of dreamotion in an effort to power said wards or barriers.

For some time, I have contemplated the ability to, for lack of a better term, 'bottle' dreamotion for later usage. If you have any experience in such matters, I implore you to share your results.

Comments

[roseofmay]

I have nothing against anyone being enthused about the Tree of Stories. I simply did not appreciate waking and finding that any number of people quite possibly have been wandering into my abode.

[Purely because Beatrix is immensely private and has attempted time and again to keep people at arm's length of her. Somehow, anyone in her residence, is a form of vulnerability. As if it may very well reveal more about who she is as a person.]

Your input is kind. Unwarranted, yet kind. Did the cookies you provided at the festival improve the patronage of the Wild Harvest?

[judicialassistant]

Oh, yes! We did remain closed for the festival, but we've been doing quite well. The fact that you asked is also quite kind.

[ Simply a formality, perhaps? She wants to tell her more, but the idea of finding out someone's been in your home while you were sleeping is kind of alarming. She's fine, as far as Susato can tell, but still, she wonders, and that should probably take precedent over gushing about Kazuma's place. ]

Did you find any of your belongings missing?

[roseofmay]

[...Whereas Beatrix would be quite happy to not discuss the nature of her sleep. She supposes she can humour Susato. Besides, the question is quite an innocent one.]

No. Not that I am aware of. I suspect some had concerned over my absence and thought to track me down. On the contrary, I found at least one thing in my residence that was not there previously.

I am simply a private woman. Inviting anyone to my chambers is not what I would consider appropriate behaviour. Having anyone invite themselves is equally inappropriate.

[judicialassistant]

[ The question was definitely not meant as an invasion of her privacy. Susato isn't a literal mind reader by any means, but she decides she is satisfied with that answer. ]

Of course. I was merely concerned. I do remember there being a string of thefts some months ago that no doubt contributed to my father's concerns, when he put forth his idea of the council.

Last month, the snakes even caught someone trying to sneak into our wares!

[roseofmay]

I had heard rumour of theft, though had not experienced any personally and to my knowledge at the time, no one else I was affiliated with had experienced such either.

Are you able to provide me with any additional information on who you believe the culprit or culprits may be? I would like to do an investigation into this matter and develop a means to circumvent repetition of this in the future.

[And as ever, Beatrix can turn just about every single conversation into work.]

[judicialassistant]

Not to worry, Miss Beatrix. He was lucky and managed to find a window that I carelessly left unlocked. Funds may not be an issue, but I will not make the same mistake in the future.

It was a bard who calls himself Venti, and we've spoken before over the journal. I owed him some apples.

[ Debt repaid. He's still a little shit, though. ]

[roseofmay]

Venti? As in, the one who seems particularly keen on inserting themselves into the personal affairs of others?

[Wait. Doesn't that sound familiar? What about... that kid from the festival sitting in the tree, trying to guilt or manipulate or whatever it was he was attempting to do when Beatrix refused to partake of dancing? Wasn't he doing exactly the same thing?

...Coincidence? Was that the same Venti all along?]

[judicialassistant]

[ A pause.

Yeah, that sounds about right. ]

Before the flower festival, he wrote over the journals about a certain Windblume festival from his home world. He offered to write poems and love letters, so I suppose in a way, he was doing exactly as you say.

[ She's about to be so judged right now-- ]

I never asked him outright, but I may have indulged him. [ filthy teenage girl enabler ]

[roseofmay]

Yes. That is the one I was referring to. He was insufferable when I explained to him that not everyone has an interest in such things.

[And then he took it upon himself to assume that Beatrix has simply been playing 'hard to get,' which has only annoyed her further.]

I am not going to tell you what you ought or ought not to do, but I would suggest not allowing him to involve himself too deeply with your affairs. Simply ensure that your actions and feelings are you own, not coerced by someone else.

[...Although when she plays that back, it sounds rather older sisterly of her. Or like something she'd simply say to Garnet.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Venti has a death wish! Today She Learned. But at that, Susato can't help but smile. Perhaps she is reading too much sisterly concern in her voice, but either way, Beatrix really is kind. ]

Yes, of course. Sound advice...

[ Even if she does feel like she just got low-key lectured. ]

He did write a poem for me of his own accord. It did not feel coerced, but I think perhaps you have just put into words why I couldn't bring myself to share it.

[roseofmay]

I am presumptuous when I address this, but I cannot help but assume it was because he used his words and not your own. All of the fanciest prose could be hollow if it did not reflect the person's true nature in using it.

[It would be as if someone expected Beatrix to speak with the same poetic prose that Dohalim has sometimes used in his manner of speech.]

All the same, this same troublesome person is the one responsible for said theft? If he is making a habit of this, I will put an end to it, Lady Susato.

[judicialassistant]

[ Susato feels compelled to explain that Venti did go out of his way to utilize her own words and sentiments, but at that ominous threat, she decides to drop the subject. ]

Oh no! In the end, he was not able to steal anything. I simply gave him a meal and told him that he should ask nicely next time.

[ Because really, it's not like it costs anything. ]

He appears to be a fan of sweet wine. I only allowed him one glass however, to go with his fruit sandwiches.

[roseofmay]

How charitable of you.

[Potentially unwise, though Beatrix decides to keep that particular commentary to herself. She knows she can be harsh and unforgiving. She also understands that her way is not the only way to handle a situation. Not everyone can be as ice and stone as Beatrix is.]

I feel that wine or anything of such a similar nature may only spur his poor habits. We should prevent him from thinking that future like conduct may result in you feeding and 'watering' him.

[judicialassistant]

[ To be fair, she may have also threatened to tell a certain super soldier and his wolves, should he continue his behavior. She would also for sure warn Lord van Zieks and Mr Diluc, but let's cross that bridge if they ever come to it. ]

Your concerns are noted, miss. Kazuma-sama is aware as well, and we plan to be far more cautious in the future.

Not that it means anything in particular, but I believe Venti is still homeless and sleeping beneath the stars.

[roseofmay]

[There it is again. The 'Miss' thing...] 'Beatrix' is fine. [And that's all she feels she needs to say on that.]

He does not have a place to stay? I was under the impression that all residents of Reverein had homes by default. Does he choose not to stay in one?

[judicialassistant]

[ Man, if only she could just quietly nod her answer. She's really not about to improve Beatrix's opinion of Venti here. ]

Apparently the 'winds of adventure' are far too strong for him to stay in one place for long.

[ Also a house of his own is way too much work BUT FINE she'll leave that part out and spare him some dignity-- ]

[roseofmay]

The winds of adventure.

[She can get it. She can. It's just a little reckless. Maybe to be expected from him.]

Does he not know anyone else here that he could stay with from time to time? It would certainly cut down on his desire to steal things.

[judicialassistant]

That is quite literally what I said!

[ It's true, and somehow she's very excited about it. Well... she didn't ask him about having other friends to stay with specifically, but she definitely thought it would deter him from sneaking around and stealing. ]

In any case, I hope so, for his sake. What will he do when it rains? [ Rhetorical question, so don't worry, Beatrix. ]

[roseofmay]

[Rhetorical or not, Beatrix has an answer to this.]

Most likely steal away into someone's home to escape it until it passes. I will do some investigation on this young man and see if I can locate people from his world here. If so, I shall explain to them the situation. We are trying to create order here, not imply that theft is acceptable. If he needs assistance, he simply need say so.

[She won't dare say it, but if he needed it, really needed it, Beatrix would help him.]

[judicialassistant]

[ Sigh. She probably isn't wrong. ]

Monstadt, I believe it was called. I would have to check to be certain... but at least there should be plenty of empty houses where he could take shelter.

Anyway, I did not contact you simply to discuss him.

[roseofmay]

Confirmed.

[Has she heard that name before? Monstadt? Maybe... She'll have to revisit some of her earlier acquaintances.

When Susato continues, however, thoughts of destroying Venti's livelihood are put aside.]

What additional services may I provide to you, Lady Susato? If it is within my ability, I may be able to grant it.

[judicialassistant]

[ Beatrix.......... ]

No services necessary! You've only just woken up, after all. Surely I should be the one offering my services to you?

[ What she means to say is: ]

Would you like to meet?

[roseofmay]

[...This. This is not how this works. It's evident that Susato does not know who she's dealing with. But to be fair, Beatrix is a piece of work for anyone to endure.

Is this a trap?]

Just waking should have no bearing on what my capabilities are. That said, I cannot help but wonder your interest in meeting with me. Is something amiss that I ought to be aware of?

[Apparently, she is not accustomed to someone wanting to... spend time with her? Is that what's really going on here?]

[judicialassistant]

[ BEATRIX...... She's trying really hard not to feel hurt here. Maybe she has overstepped her bounds. ]

I did not mean to imply anything about your capabilities. I merely meant it as a kind gesture. Just in case you needed some help adjusting after such a long slumber.

Plus... it has been a while?

[roseofmay]

[Beatrix should apologise. Should, being the keyword there. She doesn't, which is not a complete surprise. It's growth that she feels like she ought to, though.]

I have heard that I did cause concern to others. That was not my intention. If you were worried, I assure you that I seem to be well and in good order. The concern is appreciated.

I suppose I would not dislike to see you again. It will allow me to more properly express my gratitude for the things you provided me at the flower festival.