Prologue: Vos Nescitis Quidquam

[Valessia Brentioch]

"I appreciate your sentiment, and concern," Valessia remarked quietly, because yes, Sumiko would always get points for effort. At least in her mind, she sighed and looked over toward the Atrisian. She was nervous, about everything and then she looked away, partly in shame, and partly in guilt. The ride toward the meeting place was long, as they were being invited to the Brentioch Estate which rested in a more cultivated part of town, as you see, the Brentiochs oversaw the production of luxury vessels but more to the point, they oversaw the production of the liners that went in the luxury vessels. The sight of the well-groomed trees, neatly tucked in their fenced off cages reflected off of the window of the transport as Paddy continued to drive.

Valessia turned her attention once again to Sumiko, and she wanted to apologize she wanted to speak but kept the words to herself. They'd soon be under the scrutiny of her mother Carmina. "I realize my mother doesn't frighten you in the least, but..." She still scares me, "a few pointers should help, one she's quite xenophobic and is a Brentaalan patriot through and through, father is father and so long as you're able to keep up with is conversations, and you will be, you're fine."

"We'll be greeted by the servants along with any other relatives who might be staying here, as I am looking to secure my post in the Trade Hall. Then they'll assume that I'll be taking on the estate as well, and that means you, as my partner, will also be handling the estate," Valessia added, "so they'll want to know about your knowledge pertaining to factories, labor management, and estate management." A sigh, "we have our own tanners, and livestock here and tenants who tend to them, we could import the leather but the cost would be too high, and at least here, as mother says, we can produce the finest Brentaal IV has to offer."

Her gaze fell to Sumiko, "I'm rambling aren't I?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Sumiko's eyes darted across the scenery during the long ride to the Brentioch Estate. Well-groomed trees, classy abodes, finely polished streets that were probably cleaned to perfection. "Well, that's typically petty. I'll try to keep my Basic as 'refined' and polished as possible then." Nobles were so petty. In all fairness, Atrisia's upper class was probably just as proud and xenophobic as Brentaal's.


She gave Valessia a nod when she spoke about the family business, though her eyes were on the street. "All my actual professional experience has revolved around lying, cheating, murder, tomb raiding, espionage, arcana and so on. But I'm good at faking knowledge and adept at managing minions," she laughed, though her laughter lacked mirth.


"You are rambling...but it's kind of endearing," she admitted. She was not comfortable saying this, but the truth was that she was a bit nervous. Not that nobles scared her, but all her life had been spent stalking the shadows. The limelight was not something she was used to.


"On the bright side, my former boss was a very intimidating woman and I got used to having my entire behaviour dissected by her." She'd naturally never admit that she'd been both attracted to and intimidated by [member="Mirien Valdier"].

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Sumiko could fend for herself, Valessia knew this, and yet something stirred within the Scion's heart. "My mother should be a cake walk then," she says simply and looks out the window again, "we'll be coming up to it soon, do you ride, Sumiko?" She asks and it seems to be fielded from nowhere but as they arrived the large gates you could see a stable house and horses. "We own a large herd, with land here and in other parts of Brentaal IV."

"Tell me if it's too much, okay?" Her rambling, "my rambling, anyway."

She listened to Sumiko speak about her previous occupations, "well no different than mine, well my extracurricular professions, anyway."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


The relationship between Sumiko and the former Grand Inquisitor had been complex, to say the least. Fear and envy had been mixed with fascination and a healthy dose of attraction. Things were more than a little messed up in the Inquisition.


"Uh, no, I don't. Minus a rather embarrassing childhood incident my sister will never let me hear the end of," Sumiko remarked. It had been so many years ago. At this point, she barely remembered her life before the Inquisition took her. It was mostly a blur to her, though some memories were more vivid than others. "I take it horseback riding is another tradition here." Would they also go fox hunting?

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Not so much a tradition anymore, but my mother loved horses and I love them, so father always kept a herd," Valessia answered, "and well, I did ride for a year or two, stupid Galidraans and their horsemanship." She cursed. And then threw on her best smile, fake smile anyway but she didn't keep it for long, "and yes we hunt, if you're going to ask but my parents never bothered with it much and only sold passes to those who could afford to hunt on our lands." The car pulled up through the gates, and they could hear the gravel beneath it, "you see those cottages down there? That's where the hunters usually stay."

The closer they got to the main entrance the easier it was to spot her parents. Carmina, and Aruhl along with their servants standing and waiting to greet them both. Once Paddy stopped the car, he got out and opened the door. Lending a hand to each of them, "mother," Valessia greeted with a cheek to cheek kiss, "daddy." The same for him, and as much as she was one to talk about her parents, she was quickly daddy's little girl once again. "Daddy, this is Sumiko, mother, Lady Tanaka of Atrisia."

"Yes, yes of course darling, Lady... Tanaka, is it?" Carmina looked this woman over, while her husband spoke to Valessia.

"Tell me, Valley, tell me all about you and this Sumiko, come. I've had Mrs. Bloomstiel put out her finest tea sets," he ushers her into the house while Carmina snaps her fingers for servants to return to the home.

Carmina waits for Sumiko and walks along side her, "tell me, Lady Tanaka why have you seen fit to manipulate my child?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


"I killed a noble on a hunt once. I guess that counts as experience," she said sarcastically. You see, dear reader, fox hunting can be more dangerous than you think! You might run into Space Japanese ninjas with dark magic powers.


The speeder reached the entrance, and it seemed they had a welcoming committee. Behold, Valessia's parents were there. It occured to Sumiko that the Matriarch of House Brentioch was still very attractive for her age. Then again, one might consider that medical technology was far more advanced in a Galaxy far, far away. Pleasantries were exchanged, she shook hands, said they had a nice estate and all that good stuff.


Naturally, Carmina had to fire the opening salvoe at her. Sumiko met her eyes without wavering. Her Basic was more refined and without accent. "I'm afraid you rate my scheming ability too highly, Your Ladyship. Valessia is the more cunning one who swept me off my feet," Sumiko said self-deprecatingly. "She's a lovely, intelligent woman."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"She's a child," Carmina said of her daughter as they entered the home, "someone who enjoys the idea of things but will not follow through, now tell me, Lady Tanaka." She says knowing full well that the woman beside her was not a noble, "what is it about my daughter that draws you to her, surely it cannot be her wit."

To say that Carmina Brentioch was rude would be an understatement, this was a woman who would always see Valessia as a tool. Something to be used and then discarded when you were done. Valessia and her father were making their way to the library, "Carmina, Valessia and I are heading to the library for tea, won't you and this lovely woman come join us?"

Carmina gives her husband a smile, "of course we would be delighted, I hope our selection of tea will suit your needs, Lady Tanaka."

Valessia looked at her mother and frowned, of course, her mother would find a way to ruin things. Arhul guided his daughter and continued to speak with her, "Mr. Horne should be arriving shortly, though he tells me you wish to buy our seats in the Trade Hall?"

"Yes, I do," Valessia said honestly, "daddy, we can talk about that later."

Arhul sighed as they took a seat in the library in front of the fireplace as tea was served, "you're right, the first thing we should discuss is your brother, dead, as I hear it." If the man was going to show remorse he must have done so before arriving at the estate, "which leaves you as heir to the estate, and yet instead of marrying Yvaine Dajaal you bring this woman, this Lady Tanaka into my home."

"Daddy."

"No, Valessia, explain to me why is it you have brought a foreigner to this world, was there no one else here?"

Carmina took her seat next to her husband, "yes Valessia explain to us why you've brought this woman, why you have chosen her above Yvaine, and whatever did happen to that girl?"

Valessia looked down at her cup of tea as it was served and set it on the end table beside her. "I love her," she declares in a simple manner, of course, in reality those words were not something she meant just yet, but it's enough to shake her parents. "I chose her over Yvaine because I love her, and Yvaine was pushed on me from day one and you know it, when you learned that I would refuse her brother, you pushed her." She didn't give her mother a chance to speak, "and then I married Dielan and you were so sure that I would never do anything other than be his whore, remember?"

"Valessia." Arhul said adamantly, "calm down, we're only asking a question - and love? You love this woman?"

Carmina scoffs, "dear I don't think Valessia understands the concept, you're still a child, after all, these years."

"That's rich coming from you," Valessia sneered, "and yes, daddy, I do love her because for once in my life I don't have to tiptoe around issues and I can just talk about them, no matter how awkward or honest it might be. We might have our issues but so does everyone else, now, about Vinny."

Carmina pursed her lips and was about to say something but Arhul raised his hand, "we'll have him buried in the family plot, and since you're so sure about becoming a Trade Hall representative then I'd like to see your partnership, with this Lady Tanaka. On paper, are you ready for that? Are you ready to delcare your assets, our estate jointly with this woman? Mhmmm? There's more at risk here than just our name Valessia, it is our legacy. I just wish you would think about your decisions before you make them."

Again, Arhul stopped his wife from talking out of turn, "and I know I haven't been the greatest father to you, or even one at all, but Valessia. I want you to seriously think about what you are going to do, about what you will do, because I want you to ask yourself can you genuinely see yourself having a future with her? With this Lady Tanaka, how will our legacy continue, you can't possibly think to bear children with her, can you?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Has anyone ever told you that you're a queen? Outwardly Sumiko's expression did not change one bit. It remained as calm as ever. Losing control at this point would do her no good and only work in her disfavour.


Luckily, the Inquisition taught you self-control. Carmina was clearly a pompous woman used to getting what she wanted. Alas, the Atrisian was not cowed. Maybe you cannot stomach the fact that your daughter could be greater than you. Instead of just being an uninspiring carbon copy.


"My Valessia is many things, but no child." Her tone was soft, but firm. "She's driven, she has passion, she pursues her dreams, regardless of what obstacles might be thrust in her way. That's what attracts me, Lady Brentioch." They were called into the library for tea time. Hopefully it would not be ghastly Coruscanti tea. That atrocious brew was reason enough to vaporise the city-planet!


Tea was served, conversation ensued and Sumiko debated the utility of a tea spoon as an instrument of murder. It was to be expected, but no less vexing that the aristos would talk above her. Sumiko stiffened just a bit when Valessia said she loved her, and then the Brentioch patriarch started talking about children. This was really awkward. The topic of children caused her more than a little discomfort.


"Valessia is not a child. I understand if this appears hasty, but I care deeply about your daughter. Love her even." There was a pause before she continued. Her voice sounded a lot more animated and passionate. She reached out to gently take Valessia's hand. How much was true, how much was acting and playing to the crowd? Who knew? Probably the writer.


"I'm dedicated to supporting her in all her endeavours and ensuring that her dreams are fulfilled, including assuring Brentioch's ascent. I am not native to Brentaal, but I'm a fast learner and bring a new perspective. I believe we balance each others' strengths and weaknesses very well. As for the necessity of producing an heir, I understand there are ways for that thanks to science."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Carmina and Arhul were taken a little by surprise that Lady Tanaka would have the gall to speak when not spoken to. Even if - Arhul had somewhat expected, his wife had a way of provoking people. "While I am glad to see that you care for my daughter, Lady Tanaka," he took a sip of his tea and sat it down, "I am not so sure you quite understand what's at stake here."

"I don't think she understands at all," Carmina all but scoffed, "the implications this will have, that the Brentioch house should extend their partnerships outside of the trade circle? And to you, an Atrisian no less, as if we weren't already suffering from an influx of expatriates from Atrisia." Racist? Yes. Carmina was as stuck up as you could get and Arhul knew it, but before he could say something Valessia intervened.

"Mother!" She snapped, "you will not disrespect Lady Tanaka within my presence or hers, you could at least do us the courtesy of waiting until we're out of the house."

A butler escorted Mr. Horne into the library, "and it would be in your best interest to hold that tongue until the proceedings are over." Mr. Horne said as he was sat down between Valessia and her mother, "as you well know that any desire to take a seat in the Trade Hall most especially the upper house, requires the consensus of the other members."

"You need not say it, Mr. Horne, I know very well that House Brentioch could use new blood in the trade hall, but I do not appreciate the roundabout way this has gone," he remarked, "and to you Lady Tanaka, while I have no doubt that you and my daughter would ensure the legacy of the Brentioch family, what I am concerned with is are you ready to become the caretaker of this estate?"

Carmina was tight-lipped and she looked at her husband with razor sharp eyes.

He rose from his seat, "please Lady Tanaka, walk with me, Mr. Horne I trust you and my wife, and my daughter can come to some sort of legal arrangement with regards to the new partnership and the purchase of our seats within the Trade Hall?"

"Of course sir, I'm sure the two ladies will be delighted in the paperwork, and for the record it was an overwhelming vote to see you to retirement sir, the members of the Chamber and the Upper House have complied a wonderful severance package for the two of you, might I leave them in your study?" He asked, and Arhul only nodded.

Looking to Lady Tanaka he gestured for her to follow him.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Perhaps Sumiko should not have spoken up, but she was a prideful woman. The Force flowed through her veins, giving her a power these mundanes could only dream of. It would be so easy, Sumiko thought to herself, to end Carmina's rant by inducing a heart attack. Or just closing her arteries. Alas, that would not be the politic thing to do. A girl could dream though. Perhaps if it looked like a stroke...


"I'm certain I am. I may be new to this world, but I have experience in management, a good eye for detail and I know how to make sure underlings run affairs smoothly. Above all, I have self-discipline. Atrisia is not a breeding ground for the weak or the indolent." The past crises had weeded out a great many of them, separating the wheat from the chaff in a brutal, merciless culling.


From a certain point of view, everything she said was true. Just probably not the way the Brentiochs might expect. The Inquisitorius was a good school. The former spook arose from her seat and followed the Patriarch of House Brentioch.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Aruhl knew of Atrisia, knew of the Atrisian Empire, and he walked with Sumiko down the halls of his home. "Lady Tanaka," he began, "tell me honestly, where do you see yourself in five years?" His hands were behind his back, and the natural light of the sun poured through each window. "Do you still see yourself with my daughter?" He looks to Sumiko honestly, "will you still care for her, as you do now?" He may not have been the most perfect man, or father. He knew Valessia wasn't his, not by blood, but for all intent and purpose she was his. He raised her, he saw to her education and saw that she was made happy or as happy as she could be.

"Lady Tanaka," he says as he pushes a door, that leads out to the balcony. The sun was still high in the sky, giving light to the land below, "tell me what do you see, when you look out here." He nods to the county, to the land in which they tend to, "Atrisia." He stops a moment his lips pursing together, "Atrisia, is not Brentaal IV, nor are we Atrisia. I cannot speak to what you have experienced, but I can speak to what I have experienced." Aruhl put his hands behind his back, "Valessia is an ambitious girl and she seeks power, but she is not yet fit to have it. I had hoped that my son, would - well."

He sighed, "that my son would inherit but it seems that Valessia is as cunning and as devious as her mother."

"Which isn't all that bad," Aruhl gives a small smile to Lady Tanaka, "but what I want to reiterate here, is that there is a lot of responsibility here. Sometimes you cannot simply delegate those tasks to another, there are people who live here, on our lands. People who depend on us to make the right decisions." He looks down for a moment, "I know Valessia sought attention elsewhere, and did things with the Curovaos, not that I blame her."

"But," his attention went to his small, small county. "When you look out here, do you believe, in your heart of hearts that Valessia is ready for this? Are you?" He wonders, "and to be here, to raise children here, children Lady Tanaka." Aruhl lifted his gaze from the land and looked the Atrisian woman over. "Children, have you considered that Lady Tanaka? Children, with my daughter, with my impulsive and selfish daughter."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


So she was alone with the family patriarch now. This was not the moment to broadcast insecurity or doubts. Confidence was the order of the day. That was what the Sith Master, not Sith Master surmised. "Yes, I do," she spoke. There might have been subtle mentalism at work. Not to the degree that she would magically sway his opinion and make him do a 180 turn, but enough to lend more persuasive force to her words. Enough to make her appear so much more reasonable.


"No one, not even the prescient, can foresee the future, but that is where I intend to be. Be it in a year or in five years. At your daughter's side. I believe we can accomplish great things together. And that I can be a steadying hand for her. Someone she can rely upon. She is more spontaneous and willing to take take chances, I do cold logic better. I'm not the type to make commitments and quit because things aren't like in a fairy tale romance. Valessia is not perfect, but she's very gifted, talented woman. And she can do a lot better than muck such as the Curovaos." There was a pause before she spoke again. How much her words were genuine? That was another question. "I believe I could raise children with her, eventually."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Aruhl's lips were tight, forming a thin line as he listened to this Lady Tanaka speak. She was right, no one could predict the future. It pleased him to hear that someone cared for his daughter, his daughter who up until now couldn't settle on anything let alone a relationship. For a moment he thought Yvaine Dajaal would have that luxury, but then it seemed Yvaine had gone mad or had quite literally lost her mind in trying to out Valessia's secrets. Secrets, always have a price, don't they? Curovaos. Then Sumiko - Lady Tanaka, was aware of his daughter,s many dealings with them. Had he not been so focused on Vinny perhaps Valessia would not have needed to run to those scoundrels. "Lady Tanaka," he began again his voice was softer he spoke not as a patriarch but as a father. "By no means do I mean to dissuade you or my daughter," it's just that he wanted to be sure, be sure that this is what they both wanted.

"But." He takes a breath and exhales walking a little further out, hands extended placed against the railing as he looked out over the countryside. "Years ago, years ago when Dromund Kaas was still Dromund Kaas and not whatever perverse idealism the Silver's have made it into." When it was still the heart of the darkest of empires, when the very name struck fear into the hearts and minds of men and monsters alike. "When my dearest Valessia was but a child, I had left her in the care of a governess, while her mother and I conducted our own affairs in Kaas City."

His body tenses up, whatever story he is telling - it's clear, he doesn't like talking about it. "She..." A breath, he hates this - he hates more than his wife. "She somehow managed her way into the tomb of a dark lord, Kallig. Kallig I believe his name was, she - simply walked in. Nothing came to harm her, she was free to roam this tomb and she encountered the Dark Lord himself. Well, a holo of him at least." He shook his head, "a family friend had accompanied us to Kaas City and their child had come along. This child befriended Valessia and followed her into this tomb, but the tomb was not meant for this child." Another breath, "it's not meant for any children and yet, somehow, this child walks into the tomb and traps are set off. You can imagine my condition in that moment."

"We found, later - through Carmina's bloodline, that she and my daughter are the descendants of Darth Nox and her coupling with the pirate Andronikos Revel." Aruhl looked at Lady Tanaka. "My wife and I had Valessia's mind wiped of the event, the horrors she experienced on her way out of the tomb were too much for her young mind, and to this day - she does not know who she truly is." His eyes were blank, "heir to such a darkness, heir to the night itself it would seem." He scratched the back of his neck, there was a bit of laughter, "no, I guess I am trying to dissuade you. You'll forgive me, a father's prerogative to keep his daughter safe."

"It's as if you're stealing her away from me, even though I can scarcely complain." Aruhl pushed himself away from the balcony, "as I've mentioned, I was hardly a parent to her. I suppose this moment with you here, is equal to the moment she went into that tomb. Only now, I can do nothing but smile and watch as she walks off with you." Lady Tanaka was the Charming Princess coming into steal his Cinderella. His little girl, who always wanted to play Princess, dancing around the great room - someone who was always looking for a pillow fight. And now here was this woman, "and so if you are sure of your committment to her, to this estate and this family, then Lady Tanaka you will have my blessing."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


And so the veil is lifted. The pieces fall into place, Sumiko thought to herself. Outwardly, there would be nothing suspicious in her expression. She looked appropriately shocked, then deeply concerned, just as a good girlfriend should, ere she composed herself. You stifled her and put a muzzle on her potential because you were afraid. I shall unlock it and she will know her heritage. She can rise above the herd of Force blind commoners, under my guidance.


Where the more kind-hearted would see fatherly concern, she saw fear, for she was Sith. Perhaps not in name yet at this point in time, but certainly in practice. In a way, she was grateful to the old man. For if Valessia had become conscious of her heritage and power too soon, things might have gone awry. Someone else might have mismanaged her education, wasting her potential.


Those who had been blessed with the gift of the Force were meant to ascend. How ironic that the historical Darth Nox had been a slave who rose from nothing to Dark Council member. By itself, an illustrious lineage did not predestine you for greatness. There was probably a Skywalker or a Shan around who lived a completely mundane life, but it strengthened Sumiko's conviction that Valessia needed to embrace her gifts.


"I...understand. That's horrible. I thank you for telling me this," she said feelingly. "Poor Valessia. I hate the idea of keeping secrets from her. It feels like I'm betraying her trust, but I understand your reasons. Your trust means a lot to me." Her voice was so concerned, caring and reassuring. "It does not change things for me though. I will everything I can to be there for her, and protect her if needed."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Aruhl nodded in acknowledgment, “well – then I suppose everything's settled.” Placing his hands behind his back, the patriarch of House Brentioch led Lady Tanaka back into the home. “I don't hear screaming and the police have not been fetched, so I presume things are going well.” He gives Lady Tanaka a smile as they walk down the narrow hall and head into the library where Mr. Horne, Valessia and his wife Carmina are seated finishing up some paperwork. “Everything's going well, I assume?”

“You assume correctly,” Carmina said with a thin smile, “we are coming to an agreement that won't see us out of her chairs so quickly, but will afford ourselves and Valessia time of transition.”

“And it would require that Lady Tanaka and I come back to the Estate, over the next several months.” Six months to be exact, this would give Aruhl time to train Lady Tanaka if necessary. “I will be with you both during your time in session at the Trade Hall and then once the terms are up. Lady Tanaka and I will succeed you.”

“And is this presuming that your partnership is then made permanent?”

Valessia took a breath as her father sat down, “that is up to myself and Lady Tanaka, she's been quite accommodating so far and I don't wish-”

“You musn't let your personal feelings dictate this, Valessia, you and Lady Tanaka will permanently be joined in your partnership by the end of these terms.”

Mr. Horne cleared his throat, “that is assuming Lady Tanaka agrees, her signature is required unless she is willing to forfeit in which case Valessia I will need you to initial confirming that you both understand the terms and that in six months time you and Lady Tanaka will be cemented together in a partnership as is recognized by Brentaalan law.”

“Sumiko...” Valessia's voice trailed as her eyes met the Atrisian's, “is this, are you sure you wish to continue?” There would be no backing out after this and Valessia was hesitant to force the issue. Her own personal feelings were playing into this. From playing house to feeling – feeling something more than she did before. The Scion of House Brentioch licked her lips out of nervousness and waited for her partner to speak.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Valessia's eyes would have to be opened to the truth. For obvious reasons, her house was an unsuitable location for training. They would have to find something else for that. Perhaps on Brentaal, somewhere out of sight, out of mind, similar to the Works on Coruscant. Of course, Sumiko had her eye on Naga Sadow's citadel, since, far as she knew, nobody else had poked around in it.


She had been sidetracked by her thoughts as the Brentiochs and their lawyer talked. The situation was more than a little awkward. She could also sense how nervous Valessia was, something for which she did not need the Force. She gave the woman's hand a reassuring squeeze.


"This is a big step. I understand that you have traditions to uphold and we have expectations to meet. I'd like to have a chance to discuss things with Valessia and familiarise myself with the terms of the contract. Just a few moments in private." After all, it was a bad idea to sign anything without reading it first and she could see how agitated the Scion was.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Mr. Horne looked at them for a moment and then, "oh yes, yes, of course, this is a big - big step." He ushered Mr. and Mrs. Brentioch from the library and that gave Valessia time to pause and catch her breath for the moment. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and recalled their conversation from the night before. Their talks, heated arguments - and then how they resolved it - well not really resolved but dealt with.

Opening her eyes she looked Sumiko in the eyes. "I know that we're just," she paused knowing where she was, "just- if you don't want to go through with this let me know. Partnerships are a joining of assets primarily Brentaalan, but it's basically like a promise ring while for most people it means nothing but for this family it means something." Promise rings were mostly ways to say oh hey, I think I'm gonna be with you for a while, there's usually some sentimental meaning with it. Her parents and most Brentaalans didn't view partnerships nearly as well, sentimental they were a thing you did before you got engaged and joined your companies since for Brentaal IV family owned companies were exactly how you moved up.

Acquiring businesses and merging usually happened through familial relations one way or another.

"So I mean, for them it means nothing but," here was an Aristocrat who mucked through the mud in places like the Eye and knew what these kinds of deals could mean. "So again, I know you said you would but um, you don't have to." Even if they had made it this far.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]