[ Byerly sounds positively cheerful. Like this is a great amusement to him, rather than an agonizing story from a miserable life. ]
It makes me seem so deliciously interesting, doesn't it? Besides which, I've certainly developed a peculiar set of skills. Without that, I'd be of no use to this war at all.
Skills, yes, good fellow, skills. A man doesn't become head of Diplomacy without developing a gift of gab. And a man doesn't develop the gift of gab unless there's some reason to do so. A comfortable nobleman doesn't learn to charm, does he?
[The words Lord Rutyer almost slip out. He bites his tongue to tamp down on it.
If he'd ever managed to overcome his own tendency for offending those he ought not to, then this is its triumphant return by Gabranth's own estimation.]
Ah, Maker, preserve my wicked heart from honest ones.
[ He's laughing. ]
I'm joking, dear fellow, in truth I am. No hand would be laid upon you. The discipline of this organization is nearly nonexistent, and we'd fracture to pieces if we tried to actually impose any rules.
But that’s the thing, isn’t it? This is not Archadia, and this world is— despite being so near to familiar at times— not at all Ivalice, nor some faint reflection of it. He makes an effort, then, letting his eyes drift shut in thought (in spite of the fact that it can’t be seen or heard, and might therefore be considered rude) attempting to consider a broader picture than his own typical black and white analysis.
It’s stiff, still, but he can do no better.]
Yet your voice carries warmth when you speak. You most likely take care in choosing what information you let slip, and obscure the rest without coarse conveyance.
If your role truly is one of diplomatic relations, I would consider you competent in service.
[ Still, with that assessment, Gabranth moves a rung or two up in By's assessment of him. Seriousness and straightforwardness don't actually mean that a person is simple-minded, which is a fact Byerly sometimes forgets. Generally to his detriment. It's good to be periodically reminded that a fellow can be perceptive without also being guileful, especially when it's in a situation where lives aren't on the line. ]
We'll see, though, won't we? Competence doesn't truly reveal itself till someone takes action.
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[ Byerly sounds positively cheerful. Like this is a great amusement to him, rather than an agonizing story from a miserable life. ]
It makes me seem so deliciously interesting, doesn't it? Besides which, I've certainly developed a peculiar set of skills. Without that, I'd be of no use to this war at all.
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Byerly had given him permission to be a touch more candid, hadn’t he.]
Skills?
[Narrow shoulders, frail hands and all— Gabranth can’t imagine him out there slinging a sword. Magic, maybe?]
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Skills, yes, good fellow, skills. A man doesn't become head of Diplomacy without developing a gift of gab. And a man doesn't develop the gift of gab unless there's some reason to do so. A comfortable nobleman doesn't learn to charm, does he?
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[Excuse him, Byerly. Give him a moment, if you'd be so kind.
Actually, on second thought, he might have to call you back. That or he's died, because it's now startlingly quiet over there.
Probably the death thing.]no subject
...no, more often than not a lifetime of comfort leads to an indolent result.
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[ His voice rich with amusement: ]
You didn't know? No wonder you were cross.
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If he'd ever managed to overcome his own tendency for offending those he ought not to, then this is its triumphant return by Gabranth's own estimation.]
You misunderstood. I was not incensed.
[He was, though. He definitely was.]
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[...is that not also technically an insult, Gabranth?]
Had I truly been unwilling, I could easily have denied you.
[And the orphans. And their very small flower crowns.]
Forgive my ignorance. Adjustment to this world has taxed more than I care to admit.
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[ And then, because Gabranth is so comically serious, By feels that he must be kind and amend: ]
Just kidding. It'd just be a lashing.
[ ...well, okay, semi-kind. ]
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I did not think you the type to rely on bold measures.
[Most people hire someone else on for that. Like say, a Judge.]
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[ He's laughing. ]
I'm joking, dear fellow, in truth I am. No hand would be laid upon you. The discipline of this organization is nearly nonexistent, and we'd fracture to pieces if we tried to actually impose any rules.
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How do you guard yourselves from injudiciousness if you enforce so little?
[Far too transparent and protective besides, he sounds more concerned than anything else, if his unmasked voice is any indication.]
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I’ve seen enough now to know the majority of work here is done with earnest intent. Your means might not be entirely to my taste but—
[Well, it’s his duty to worry anyway, isn’t it?]
You seem capable enough.
[
Watch out for this unprecedented level of praise, wow.]no subject
[ He's actually not lying. ]
Most people think that we're rowdy and unprofessional. Or when you say you seem capable, are you talking about me personally?
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Would you like me to speak of you specifically?
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Desperately.
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[His conduct as well, by Archadian standards—
But that’s the thing, isn’t it? This is not Archadia, and this world is— despite being so near to familiar at times— not at all Ivalice, nor some faint reflection of it. He makes an effort, then, letting his eyes drift shut in thought (in spite of the fact that it can’t be seen or heard, and might therefore be considered rude) attempting to consider a broader picture than his own typical black and white analysis.
It’s stiff, still, but he can do no better.]
Yet your voice carries warmth when you speak. You most likely take care in choosing what information you let slip, and obscure the rest without coarse conveyance.
If your role truly is one of diplomatic relations, I would consider you competent in service.
[Competent, Byerly. That's a passing grade.]
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And now I'm blushing.
[ Still, with that assessment, Gabranth moves a rung or two up in By's assessment of him. Seriousness and straightforwardness don't actually mean that a person is simple-minded, which is a fact Byerly sometimes forgets. Generally to his detriment. It's good to be periodically reminded that a fellow can be perceptive without also being guileful, especially when it's in a situation where lives aren't on the line. ]
We'll see, though, won't we? Competence doesn't truly reveal itself till someone takes action.
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Then I shall hope to see you driven to action that much sooner.
Enjoy what remains of your evening, [wait for it, he's doing his level best to forego titles:] Byerly.