Chat-Error/slightly-more-clean-ln · Datasets at Hugging Face

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The count opened his mouth to object, then hung his head in dejection. By that logic, you may be able to quell the voices of dissatisfaction.
Then Ill go ahead and calculate how much it will take to persuade them. Dismissed. Arnold turned on his heel and walked away.
Rishe heaved a great sigh when he was out of sight. Her shoulders ached from the tension.
Im not sure what happened just now, but Im glad it seems to be defensive instead of warmongering. God, its incredible how much destruction beautiful people can cause with a single look.
Glancing at the knights, she saw they were smiling for some reason. They were odd smiles, rather fond, and directed her way. She cocked her head in bemusement.
At any rate, I need to look into Theodore and Arnolds relationship. I hoped to work on my business proposal today, but that will have to wait.
With that, Rishe went off to gather intelligence.
***
Those two? Why, I hear theyve barely spent time together, even when they were small! a veteran maid told Rishe.
Rishe was at the washhouse, doing laundry in her maid disguise. Now that shed donned a pair of spectacles and a brisk manner, no one was any wiser.
Really? she responded casually, sorting the laundry. Even though they live in the same palace?
A gaggle of maids around Rishes mothers age chimed in.
Thats right. According to the footmen who serve during meals, the family never eats together. Its got to be true based on how much they complain about getting the dining hall ready.
I heard that the princes wont even greet each other in the halls!
Thats just a rumor, though, another added. Theyre both so handsome, surely theyd be a picture stood together.
The women giggled among themselves, the confidence of a decades service putting them at ease.
Why are they so distant if theyre family? Rishe asked, feigning idle curiosity.
The women cocked their own heads in puzzlement.
Thats a good question. Prince Theodore does seem to have some fondness for his older brother.
Oh?
Just between you and me, Ive heard he covets Prince Arnolds Imperial Guards as his own.
Rishe paused.
Little brothers always want to copy their big brothers, down to studying the same things, even. Prince Theodore does seem to love the crown prince.
Is that why he wanted to talk to me? To copy Arnold? That doesnt make sense.
As for the four princessesthey dont even live in the imperial capital. The next time theyll see each other will be at Prince Arnolds wedding.
Speaking of, a maid said. That fiance of his sure is something. Right, new girl?
Rishe looked up. Huh? Whatever do you mean?
I havent seen you before, so you must be a maid from her palace. I was worried when I heard shed only taken on new girls, but all seems to be well. I think its great that those newbies are learning the ropes so quickly.
I agree! Rishe was always happy to hear her maids praised. Miss Diana and the others are great teachers. Weve been learning so much. Its quite amazing how they have devised a system that could only work in that style of detached wing.
Rishe had only overseen things for the first few days. The inexperienced maids were focused and dedicated, thriving in their new positions, and Dianas squad was performing well in their roles as teachers. Instead of mocking mistakes, they took it as a challenge to figure out a better teaching method for the future. When the girls were done with their work for the day, they focused on studying.
Each maid-turned-teacher was figuring out her own individual style to be proud of. One excelled at detailed explanation, while another had a talent for drawings and diagrams. The inventive onesgood at scolding or praisingcame up with new methods to encourage their students to follow in their footsteps.
Rishe instructed the maids on their work for about two hours a day now, but soon shed be able to hand the reins over to Diana completely. And once the cleaning up of the detached palace was finished, Arnold would be joining her. Rishe didnt know how she felt about that.
Speaking of the detached palace, have you heard? one of the maids asked Rishe.
Heard what?
Prince Arnold went to call on Lady Rishe just last night.
Rishe jumped with such a start that she nearly dropped her laundry. The maids intelligence network was unparalleled, which was why she had come here for information in the first place, but she hadnt expected this.
You work at the detached palace right, new girl? Do you know about that?
L-Lady Rishe went to bed early, she wasnt feeling well, Rishe stammered. I d-dont think the prince would have gone to see her if she was ill.
Oh, how boring.
Well, let us know if you hear anything. My daughters badger me every night for the latest gossip.
To think Prince Arnold will finally be wed. All the young girls in the city are talking about it.
But its not just the young girls either, is it? Were talking about them too! All the maids laughed at that.
Rishe focused on keeping her face marble-smooth as she washed, determined not to let the chatty maids discover who she really was.
***
After gathering sufficient information during her recon laundry duty, Rishe returned to her room by way of the rope still hanging down into the courtyard. Once inside, she changed her clothes and left her chambers. She proceeded to her garden, escorted by her guards. Shed once again tilled the ground Theodore had flattened with her trusty hoe, and today she was finally going to plant her seeds.
Rishe pressed a finger into the moist earth up to her second joint, dropping two seeds into each hole she made. She then gently covered them with dirt and dampened the surface. She figured she should see sprouts within the next few days with the current weather.
Daydreaming about a lovely future lush with herbs, Rishe allowed her guards to escort her back to her chambers. She moved sedately, as a crown princess ought, but on the inside, she was twisting with mounting anxiety.
Its so late already. I have to scrub off this mud in the bath and come up with a deal for Mr. Tully. I hear theres a library in the imperial palaceperhaps I can learn something about the populace there. The gender ratio, age brackets, number of shops And I can gather information about Prince Theodore while Im at it. She piled more and more things onto her to-do list. Diana asked me to take a look at the new teaching materials shes come up with. Also, I need to start planning the wedding and putting some strategies in place for dealing with guests from abroad. And then
Lady Rishe? Are you quite well?
Yes, Im fine.
Rishes eyes had gone glassy and faraway as they climbed the stairs to her chambers, but she was determined to conquer her obligations.
I cant wait to have an empty schedule! Im going to be lazy and sleep in until noon every day so I can live a long life. All this scheming is to ensure I finally live past twenty. She looked at the floor as she walked.
Before she knew it, they had reached her chambers. She glanced up to see guards flanking the door.
We shall stand guard here for you, my lady. Please, be at ease.
Thank you. Ill Rishe opened the door and stopped short.
An envelope crinkled under her feet. Someone must have slid it underneath the door.
Is something the matter, my lady?
No. She thought for a moment, then shook her head and stepped inside in a way that kept the curious item hidden from their view.
Alone at last, she picked it up. It bore the seal of the Galkhein imperial family, pressed into red wax. Inside she found a card. Written in a beautiful hand were the words: Ill tell you my secrets. Meet me in the chapel at nine oclock tonight. Arnold Hein
In silence, Rishe put the letter back into its envelope. She then summoned Elsie to help her prepare.
***
Dressed in a black gown, Rishe arrived at the secluded chapel at nine oclock, just as ordered. When shed shown them the official seal on her letter, her guards agreed to take up positions outside the chapel walls, understanding that their mistress wished to be alone with her fianc.
Inside, the only illumination was moonlight through the stained-glass windows. The man behind the letter was already waiting for her. Rishe stood at the entrance and called out a name that did not belong to her future husband.
Good evening, Prince Theodore.
A soft laugh reached her. A good evening to you as well, my lovely sister-in-law. The boy stood at the end of a long red carpet, just as she had predicted. You dont seem surprised to see me. I suppose you knew it was me all along? Theodore said with a smile.
Rishe gave a shallow sigh. Your forgery wasnt very good. Prince Arnold didnt sign that note.
I had assumed you wouldnt have seen his signature before, Theodore said. How odd.
Theodore was rightshe hadnt seen it in this life. But in previous lives, Arnold had sent declarations of war to each nation. Shed never forget that document after all the times shed seen it. Arnolds penmanship was good, but his signature was messy. The signature in the letter she had received had been comparatively too neat.
Why did you come here if you knew I was the sender? Werent you the one who said you wouldnt put yourself in a position to be alone with another man? Oh, that must be why you havent shut the doors.
That, and my guards are outside. Shed taken additional measures too, but he didnt need to know about those.
Theodore played with a lock of his hair, looking bored. I was hoping we could be friends, Lady Rishe. I have invaluable information for you. My brother has very strange tastes.
Is that what you wanted to tell me? Rishe said briskly. Please keep it brief.
The other day, you claimed you knew how ruthless my brother could be. His clear voice took on a sinister note. But youre wrong. If you did know, you wouldnt be so calm. He took a step toward Rishe. No one in our family is close, you see. Her Majestyour fathers current empressisnt our biological mother. Shes a second wife.
Thats not unusual among royals.
Is it not? Is it per the usual, then, for a mans son to kill his previous wife? A fierce light shone in his eyeseyes the same color as Arnolds. He came closer, a bewitching smile growing on his face. My brother killed our mother. But, of course, you know that. You know just how ruthless he is. You were enticed here by the title of crown princess, but youre better off leaving the likes of him. Do you understand? Hes the sort of man who would kill his own mother.
Rishe was silent.
The women who marry into our family lead unhappy lives. I hope now you understand better what I meant. This isnt a mere threatyou may very well be murdered by your husband.
I was wondering what you had summoned me here to say. Rishe stared at him for a few moments, then sighed again. Is that it?
Theodore took a stunned step back, panic briefly flickering over his face. H-he murdered his own mother! How can you be so calm after hearing something so repulsive?!
Because Ive already seen his criminal record. I know exactly what hell do in the future.
After killing his father and ascending his throne, Arnold would mobilize his nations army. He would invade countless nations and murder their royal families as well. He would crush those who opposed him on the front lines, annihilating dissenters. Then, he would kill Rishe.
Shed made her choice with clear eyes. Come what may, I will marry Prince Arnold.
Theodore gaped at her.
Now that I think about it, theres something Ive only just learned by being here. Shed witnessed Arnolds nature up close and seen on the outside he at least appeared decent. He was unfriendly and lukewarm, but he had a political mind that he put to work taking care of those who relied on him, as well as his citizens.
And still, she did not have her answer. Why in the world does he start a war? What would go wrong in the next few years that would cause so drastic a change? Or was he just adept at hiding his monstrous nature, which would break free from its cage in five years?
Wait What if his hand will be forced? What if hes a pawn in someone elses game? Rishe grinned. I truly am a fool.
Theodore shrank back from her smile. Havent you noticed how Arnold has no middle name? Thats because my mother and father didnt bless him at his birth! They didnt want himhes cursed.
What use is a middle name, truly? Sure, I have Irmgard, but mine is hardly worth commenting on, Prince Theodore Auguste Hein.
What are you
Are you quite finished? Rishe looked up at him, unblinking. If so, Ill be on my way. Rishe turned back on the threshold. Instead
Wait! Theodore cried.
You brothers have a nice chat, she finished.
Oh. Theodores voice died in his throat.
At the door stood Arnold, cold radiating off him in waves.
Brother. Theodore gulped. Why are you here of all places? Wait, did you come here for her? He rounded on Rishe, taking a stumbling step backward. His expression slipped from annoyance to dismay as he looked up at his brother. You dont understand; I wasnt being serious! It was just a joke. Shes going to be my sister, so I just wanted to scare her a little!
Theodore.
The boy flinched.
Did I not order you to stay away from Rishe?
Theodore quailed under Arnolds gaze, the fathomless cold. His face was utterly blank, but somehow it held so much malice that it was as if a sword were pointed at Theodores throat.
Theodore hung his head low, trembling as he forced out the words, Im sorry, Brother.

The count opened his mouth to object, then hung his head in dejection. By that logic, you may be able to quell the voices of dissatisfaction.

Then Ill go ahead and calculate how much it will take to persuade them. Dismissed. Arnold turned on his heel and walked away.

Rishe heaved a great sigh when he was out of sight. Her shoulders ached from the tension.

Im not sure what happened just now, but Im glad it seems to be defensive instead of warmongering. God, its incredible how much destruction beautiful people can cause with a single look.

Glancing at the knights, she saw they were smiling for some reason. They were odd smiles, rather fond, and directed her way. She cocked her head in bemusement.

At any rate, I need to look into Theodore and Arnolds relationship. I hoped to work on my business proposal today, but that will have to wait.

With that, Rishe went off to gather intelligence.

***

Those two? Why, I hear theyve barely spent time together, even when they were small! a veteran maid told Rishe.

Rishe was at the washhouse, doing laundry in her maid disguise. Now that shed donned a pair of spectacles and a brisk manner, no one was any wiser.

Really? she responded casually, sorting the laundry. Even though they live in the same palace?

A gaggle of maids around Rishes mothers age chimed in.

Thats right. According to the footmen who serve during meals, the family never eats together. Its got to be true based on how much they complain about getting the dining hall ready.

I heard that the princes wont even greet each other in the halls!

Thats just a rumor, though, another added. Theyre both so handsome, surely theyd be a picture stood together.

The women giggled among themselves, the confidence of a decades service putting them at ease.

Why are they so distant if theyre family? Rishe asked, feigning idle curiosity.

The women cocked their own heads in puzzlement.

Thats a good question. Prince Theodore does seem to have some fondness for his older brother.

Oh?

Just between you and me, Ive heard he covets Prince Arnolds Imperial Guards as his own.

Rishe paused.

Little brothers always want to copy their big brothers, down to studying the same things, even. Prince Theodore does seem to love the crown prince.

Is that why he wanted to talk to me? To copy Arnold? That doesnt make sense.

As for the four princessesthey dont even live in the imperial capital. The next time theyll see each other will be at Prince Arnolds wedding.

Speaking of, a maid said. That fiance of his sure is something. Right, new girl?

Rishe looked up. Huh? Whatever do you mean?

I havent seen you before, so you must be a maid from her palace. I was worried when I heard shed only taken on new girls, but all seems to be well. I think its great that those newbies are learning the ropes so quickly.

I agree! Rishe was always happy to hear her maids praised. Miss Diana and the others are great teachers. Weve been learning so much. Its quite amazing how they have devised a system that could only work in that style of detached wing.

Rishe had only overseen things for the first few days. The inexperienced maids were focused and dedicated, thriving in their new positions, and Dianas squad was performing well in their roles as teachers. Instead of mocking mistakes, they took it as a challenge to figure out a better teaching method for the future. When the girls were done with their work for the day, they focused on studying.

Each maid-turned-teacher was figuring out her own individual style to be proud of. One excelled at detailed explanation, while another had a talent for drawings and diagrams. The inventive onesgood at scolding or praisingcame up with new methods to encourage their students to follow in their footsteps.

Rishe instructed the maids on their work for about two hours a day now, but soon shed be able to hand the reins over to Diana completely. And once the cleaning up of the detached palace was finished, Arnold would be joining her. Rishe didnt know how she felt about that.

Speaking of the detached palace, have you heard? one of the maids asked Rishe.

Heard what?

Prince Arnold went to call on Lady Rishe just last night.

Rishe jumped with such a start that she nearly dropped her laundry. The maids intelligence network was unparalleled, which was why she had come here for information in the first place, but she hadnt expected this.

You work at the detached palace right, new girl? Do you know about that?

L-Lady Rishe went to bed early, she wasnt feeling well, Rishe stammered. I d-dont think the prince would have gone to see her if she was ill.

Oh, how boring.

Well, let us know if you hear anything. My daughters badger me every night for the latest gossip.

To think Prince Arnold will finally be wed. All the young girls in the city are talking about it.

But its not just the young girls either, is it? Were talking about them too! All the maids laughed at that.

Rishe focused on keeping her face marble-smooth as she washed, determined not to let the chatty maids discover who she really was.

***

After gathering sufficient information during her recon laundry duty, Rishe returned to her room by way of the rope still hanging down into the courtyard. Once inside, she changed her clothes and left her chambers. She proceeded to her garden, escorted by her guards. Shed once again tilled the ground Theodore had flattened with her trusty hoe, and today she was finally going to plant her seeds.

Rishe pressed a finger into the moist earth up to her second joint, dropping two seeds into each hole she made. She then gently covered them with dirt and dampened the surface. She figured she should see sprouts within the next few days with the current weather.

Daydreaming about a lovely future lush with herbs, Rishe allowed her guards to escort her back to her chambers. She moved sedately, as a crown princess ought, but on the inside, she was twisting with mounting anxiety.

Its so late already. I have to scrub off this mud in the bath and come up with a deal for Mr. Tully. I hear theres a library in the imperial palaceperhaps I can learn something about the populace there. The gender ratio, age brackets, number of shops And I can gather information about Prince Theodore while Im at it. She piled more and more things onto her to-do list. Diana asked me to take a look at the new teaching materials shes come up with. Also, I need to start planning the wedding and putting some strategies in place for dealing with guests from abroad. And then

Lady Rishe? Are you quite well?

Yes, Im fine.

Rishes eyes had gone glassy and faraway as they climbed the stairs to her chambers, but she was determined to conquer her obligations.

I cant wait to have an empty schedule! Im going to be lazy and sleep in until noon every day so I can live a long life. All this scheming is to ensure I finally live past twenty. She looked at the floor as she walked.

Before she knew it, they had reached her chambers. She glanced up to see guards flanking the door.

We shall stand guard here for you, my lady. Please, be at ease.

Thank you. Ill Rishe opened the door and stopped short.

An envelope crinkled under her feet. Someone must have slid it underneath the door.

Is something the matter, my lady?

No. She thought for a moment, then shook her head and stepped inside in a way that kept the curious item hidden from their view.

Alone at last, she picked it up. It bore the seal of the Galkhein imperial family, pressed into red wax. Inside she found a card. Written in a beautiful hand were the words: Ill tell you my secrets. Meet me in the chapel at nine oclock tonight. Arnold Hein

In silence, Rishe put the letter back into its envelope. She then summoned Elsie to help her prepare.

***

Dressed in a black gown, Rishe arrived at the secluded chapel at nine oclock, just as ordered. When shed shown them the official seal on her letter, her guards agreed to take up positions outside the chapel walls, understanding that their mistress wished to be alone with her fianc.

Inside, the only illumination was moonlight through the stained-glass windows. The man behind the letter was already waiting for her. Rishe stood at the entrance and called out a name that did not belong to her future husband.

Good evening, Prince Theodore.

A soft laugh reached her. A good evening to you as well, my lovely sister-in-law. The boy stood at the end of a long red carpet, just as she had predicted. You dont seem surprised to see me. I suppose you knew it was me all along? Theodore said with a smile.

Rishe gave a shallow sigh. Your forgery wasnt very good. Prince Arnold didnt sign that note.

I had assumed you wouldnt have seen his signature before, Theodore said. How odd.

Theodore was rightshe hadnt seen it in this life. But in previous lives, Arnold had sent declarations of war to each nation. Shed never forget that document after all the times shed seen it. Arnolds penmanship was good, but his signature was messy. The signature in the letter she had received had been comparatively too neat.

Why did you come here if you knew I was the sender? Werent you the one who said you wouldnt put yourself in a position to be alone with another man? Oh, that must be why you havent shut the doors.

That, and my guards are outside. Shed taken additional measures too, but he didnt need to know about those.

Theodore played with a lock of his hair, looking bored. I was hoping we could be friends, Lady Rishe. I have invaluable information for you. My brother has very strange tastes.

Is that what you wanted to tell me? Rishe said briskly. Please keep it brief.

The other day, you claimed you knew how ruthless my brother could be. His clear voice took on a sinister note. But youre wrong. If you did know, you wouldnt be so calm. He took a step toward Rishe. No one in our family is close, you see. Her Majestyour fathers current empressisnt our biological mother. Shes a second wife.

Thats not unusual among royals.

Is it not? Is it per the usual, then, for a mans son to kill his previous wife? A fierce light shone in his eyeseyes the same color as Arnolds. He came closer, a bewitching smile growing on his face. My brother killed our mother. But, of course, you know that. You know just how ruthless he is. You were enticed here by the title of crown princess, but youre better off leaving the likes of him. Do you understand? Hes the sort of man who would kill his own mother.

Rishe was silent.

The women who marry into our family lead unhappy lives. I hope now you understand better what I meant. This isnt a mere threatyou may very well be murdered by your husband.

I was wondering what you had summoned me here to say. Rishe stared at him for a few moments, then sighed again. Is that it?

Theodore took a stunned step back, panic briefly flickering over his face. H-he murdered his own mother! How can you be so calm after hearing something so repulsive?!

Because Ive already seen his criminal record. I know exactly what hell do in the future.

After killing his father and ascending his throne, Arnold would mobilize his nations army. He would invade countless nations and murder their royal families as well. He would crush those who opposed him on the front lines, annihilating dissenters. Then, he would kill Rishe.

Shed made her choice with clear eyes. Come what may, I will marry Prince Arnold.

Theodore gaped at her.

Now that I think about it, theres something Ive only just learned by being here. Shed witnessed Arnolds nature up close and seen on the outside he at least appeared decent. He was unfriendly and lukewarm, but he had a political mind that he put to work taking care of those who relied on him, as well as his citizens.

And still, she did not have her answer. Why in the world does he start a war? What would go wrong in the next few years that would cause so drastic a change? Or was he just adept at hiding his monstrous nature, which would break free from its cage in five years?

Wait What if his hand will be forced? What if hes a pawn in someone elses game? Rishe grinned. I truly am a fool.

Theodore shrank back from her smile. Havent you noticed how Arnold has no middle name? Thats because my mother and father didnt bless him at his birth! They didnt want himhes cursed.

What use is a middle name, truly? Sure, I have Irmgard, but mine is hardly worth commenting on, Prince Theodore Auguste Hein.

What are you

Are you quite finished? Rishe looked up at him, unblinking. If so, Ill be on my way. Rishe turned back on the threshold. Instead

Wait! Theodore cried.

You brothers have a nice chat, she finished.

Oh. Theodores voice died in his throat.

At the door stood Arnold, cold radiating off him in waves.

Brother. Theodore gulped. Why are you here of all places? Wait, did you come here for her? He rounded on Rishe, taking a stumbling step backward. His expression slipped from annoyance to dismay as he looked up at his brother. You dont understand; I wasnt being serious! It was just a joke. Shes going to be my sister, so I just wanted to scare her a little!

Theodore.

The boy flinched.

Did I not order you to stay away from Rishe?

Theodore quailed under Arnolds gaze, the fathomless cold. His face was utterly blank, but somehow it held so much malice that it was as if a sword were pointed at Theodores throat.

Theodore hung his head low, trembling as he forced out the words, Im sorry, Brother.