Guiding the Powerful Yet Incompetent, Tuesday, Second Period

[tellmehowstuffworks]

"One of you actually already hit upon this week's topic last week," Yennefer said. "Which is just going to make things more difficult for her this week, so, good luck. You see, it seems that the king has realized he needs some more, mm, realistic scenes of heroism and bravery for those tapestries he's planning, plus a good conquest is always good for the coffers, so he's decided to invade the neighboring kingdom of Nilfgaard--backwater peasants, religious extremists, nothing to worry about." Yet.

"Of course, people do tend to die in wars, and wars that you lose tend to be rather costly, and there are credible reports Nilfgaard is building up their military. So for Melitele's sake, talk him out of it."

Comments

Re: Convince the King

[tellmehowstuffworks]

Damn, he was good.

"Wha--what?" the king stammered. "I--that is--yes, I am truly generous," he said finally, but he looked rattled.

Re: Convince the King

[nicedragonsfinishlast]

Imagine growing up like this only if you pissed Henry off, he ate you. That's what living with Bethesda was like.

"Perhaps one of the tapestries you commission could be of whichever knight or lord acquits themselves most nobly in battle," Julius mused. "You could present it to them at the celebration in their honor after the war is over--it should be a very quick victory, would it not? A tapestry would make a fine thank you for single-handedly winning the war, Majesty. Gratitude from the king and their visage where it could be seen by every visiting dignitary and noble? I can only imagine their rising acclaim."

Imagine it, Henry. You know you don't want to.

Re: Convince the King

[tellmehowstuffworks]

"I--that is--I--" The king looked over his shoulder to Yennefer for backup.

Yennefer looked up from examining her nails to say, "Mm. Yes, a war does tend to polish up the young and heroic types' reputations quite nicely, doesn't it?"

The king, it must be noted, was neither young nor heroic. Delusional, maybe.

Re: Convince the King

[nicedragonsfinishlast]

Julius looked a little pained. "...The only thing, Majesty--and I hate to even bring it up, with as generous a plan as you have going on here..."

He trailed off. Shook his head.

"Is this really the best time to go to war? Isn't the harvest soon? Perhaps another time would be better and we can once again discuss the potential glories of battle then."

Re: Convince the King

[tellmehowstuffworks]

The king puffed up with relief. "Yes, of course! The harvest!"

"And then winter will be coming on," Yennefer supplied.

"Can't fight a war in winter! Everyone knows that!" Except Napoleon, but Yennefer had never heard of him. "Yes, we will...shelve this business...until a more...prudent time."

"Very wise, Your Majesty," Yennefer agreed, with a smile for Julian, who was clearly a natural.

Re: Convince the King

[nicedragonsfinishlast]

"Again, Majesty, your concern for your subjects is inspiring," he said, trying very hard not to sound wry, though Yennefer could probably tell.

He ducked his head at her smile, though, clearly pleased.