ic inbox;

[madhatted]

[The voice that of the message is probably not the one you expect. And if you're Gilbert, probably causes traumatic flashbacks. It's certainly Break's voice, but a bit high pitched and more comical...]

Hello, this is Emily! You're obviously an idiot who can't even come see someone in person if it's important, but I'll take pity on you anyways. Leave a message and I'll tell the wonderful and charming Mr. Break about it if it's worth it!

[are you sure you even want to leave a message now]

Comments

[madhatted]

[ He shakes his head, but it's clear that his answer is sincere. ]

I did not. It came just as much of a surprise to me as to you.

[unicornered]

[ Well, that should spare him a fan-beating. ]

I see... and did he tell you anything else, about what might have been left there?

[madhatted]

[ He frowns more and shakes his head. ]

...No. He couldn't.

[ Which is strange, coming from Break, because that was usually the sort of thing that he didn't simply let go. He'd torture someone for information, especially something so important, but it seems like he's let this go. ]

[unicornered]

[ it's very strange, and from the frown lingering on Sharon's face... she realizes as much.

But also because it's Break saying it, she won't pursue it. Whatever the reasons, Break had deemed it not worth pursuing, and her original concern had been answered. ]

... So we know no more than that.

[madhatted]

No.

[ He looks vaguely uncomfortable, since he doesn't like the answer he's given either, but... He has nothing else to say to provide any more information. So instead, he'll elaborate more on the first point. ]

It is— It is unwise to pursue the information, in this case. He was adamant about being unable to tell me. For that, it would mean that his life is in danger for even telling another... [ A pause, since he doesn't like the term ] Another employee. He was convinced that he'll die for the information getting out.

[unicornered]

At least there's one life he values... [ and she'll murmur this, without rancor, because while Sharon may never be comfortable around Cecil, he'd had no connection to her previously, no reason to hesitate to do what he'd done.

It's still an unpleasant thought, however, and she gives her head a shake to try and clear it. ] I suppose we'll have to explore other avenues, then.

[madhatted]

[ Break nods to agree with Sharon, though it comes with a sigh. ]

Unfortunately so... I'll likely hear back from him in a few days. If he goes to meet with Yao again, I asked him to contact me regardless of the outcome. He— [ Break grimaces here ] He is under the impression that we are friends, so I believe he will.

[unicornered]

... My, I hadn't imagined the two of you would have grown so close.

[madhatted]

[ He sighs heavily ]

Please, not you too, Sharon...

[ he can't handle this burden!! ]

It's entirely one-sided, I assure you.

[unicornered]

You don't befriend very many people, even the ones you do like, so I thought as much.

[madhatted]

[ Well... He can't deny that. He coughs into his hand, almost embarrassed at having it pointed out, but he nods. ]

Well, that's true enough... Though it was an interesting talk, I have to say.

[unicornered]

Would you care to divulge parts of it?

[madhatted]

[ He sighs heavily, but it's more exasperation at remember the conversation. ]

I would not, but it is... Not information, strictly. It's more a different perspective on Cecil, and not one I had expected. If you would still like to hear it, I will share, but it may not be anything useful.

[unicornered]

... I would. Truthfully, that person is hard to understand.

[ at least, for Sharon. ]

[madhatted]

I can't disagree with that in the slightest.

[ He shakes his head, and sorely wishes in this moment that they had more of the luxuries of home, since he would much prefer to give this information over tea, a casual interaction with Sharon, but oh well. ]

His reason for signing the contract was... more selfless than I thought. The reason that he gave was that he wanted nothing more than a line of communication between us and Yao. It was denied, but he signed anyways. But this wasn't as interesting as the fact that he was deeply concerned when I brought up the possibility that his foolish broadcast might get Miss Kuran killed. He seemingly hadn't thought of it, and was deeply troubled by the notion. I didn't expect that at all, considering...

[ He trails off with a difficult noise, because he can't bring himself to say it, though it's obvious that he's thinking of the situation with Sharon. ]

[unicornered]

How blasé he was concerning my own death? [ Then she'll say it for him. ] From how he'd worded all of that, I hadn't expected him to be truly concerned for her well-being.

[madhatted]

[ He grimaces slightly for her to say it so bluntly, but he nods. ]

That's correct. I was also surprised, but it seems he mostly just has a fantastic lack of foresight. [ He sighs, shaking his head. ] His surprise that Yao may target her was genuine, I'm certain. He does not lie very well at all.

[unicornered]

Perhaps I should ask Miss Yuuki about their connection... if there's anyone here he deems that precious, I should like to know.

[ JUST IN CASE. ]

[madhatted]

[ He nods ]

I agree. It would be a good idea to see more about this from her side. Are you two close enough for her to be honest with you?

[ Lady Sharon befriends everyone, so he assumes probably ]

[unicornered]

We've spoken more than once... I suppose I could see if that would be enough. Or I could continue to improve our relationship first.

[madhatted]

Whatever you feel is best. In this case, it would be better if I minimized contact with her, most likely.

[ He doesn't even know that Yuuki knows, but. ]

[unicornered]

... [ Haaaa. ] Yes, that would be for the best. I'll keep you informed.

[madhatted]

Thank you, milady.

[ He says it with a playful smile and tone, but then reaches out to gently grab one of those long locks of hair that frames her face. His expression softens, and he shakes his head. ]

Depending on how this goes... We will have to talk. If Cecil is punished for Yuuki having known, then there are plans that we should discuss should I be put in a similar position as him.

[unicornered]

I understand. [ with one lock of hair taken captive, even. She's too pensive to blush this time. ] Shall we continue this conversation at a later time, then?

[madhatted]

Yes. Until I have more information, it would be a bit early to start jumping to conclusions.

[ He withdraws his hand, drawing his fingers affectionately through her hair, because it's the only way he can perceive the detail he had once seen instead. ]

Please, try not to worry too much until then, however.