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

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Yes. I want to know all about House Toona.
Cornelia looked flabbergasted, but she recovered herself and nodded.
That should do. One of Rishes eventual plans required a plot of land in a temperate climate. House Toonas would likely be perfect, but she needed to confirm a few things with Cornelia. Never back down from a fight. Even further
She recalled the words of her mentor from her days as a merchant.
Dont bother with fights you cant win.
The other ladies fled, fearful of this strange girl who gulped down painfully spicy wine like it was nothing.
***
Rishe retreated to the empty balcony to enjoy the music, grimacing with every stinging mouthful of wine. She drank it in decreasing sips until Arnold joined her.
What are you making that face for?
Rishe swirled the glass. Dont worry, its not you. Its just this wine is so spicy.
Spicy? The wine is?
Mm. Its seasoned with capsicum. I barely managed to get that first mouthful down without gagging.
Arnold swiped the glass from her hand. Dont tell me this was a poisoning attempt!
Rishe clicked her tongue in annoyance at her own lack of vigilance. No one else would be able to grab something from her so easily.
Arnold glared at the wine. You dont need to drink this. Ill get rid of it.
Hey, give that back! They ruined a perfectly good glass of wine because of me. Im not going to waste it. She grabbed it back and took another sip, shuddering at the taste.
Arnold glowered. Tell me who did this. Ill have them executed.
Dont be ridiculous. You dont kill people like heryou use them. Just the tiniest bit of wine to go, but it was getting harder to make herself drink it. She gave the glass a reproachful look, then glanced back at Arnold. Oh, and I owe you an apology.
Do you?
I used your name to defend myself. The girls had only backed off when she threatened to tattle to Arnold. Rishe found that sort of thing inelegant in the extreme, and she was embarrassed.
Arnold sighed at Rishes apologetic bow. Theres nothing wrong with a wife invoking her husbands name.
Rishe hesitated. Were not married yet.
Thats a formality. Its as good as done, if you ask me.
Isee.
He took her distraction as an opportunity to swipe her glass back. Instead of dumping it out, Arnold gulped the rest of it down.
Damn, that packs a punch, he grumbled.
I told you that! Rishe snapped. Are you all right? Let me get you some water!
Im fine. But now youve fulfilled your obligation to the wine, havent you?
Rishe didnt know what to say. Hed helped hernot by taking charge but by following her lead. Without cutting her down and telling her she was being foolish. Without rolling his eyes and dismissing her desires as trifles.
Thank you, Rishe said stiffly, which just made him laugh.
What were you thinking about when we were dancing? he asked.
What do you mean?
You were thinking about someone else, werent you? Who?
Rishe didnt know a delicate way to say I was thinking about a future version of you I met in another life.
Hmm? His tone was oddly light, teasing even. But the gleam in his hunters eyes said she wouldnt get away so easily.
Obviously, Rishe couldnt give him an honest answer. I wasnt thinking about anyone else. I was worried about you.
Why?
This was the closest she could come to the truth. Were you injured here? She patted her own left shoulder with her forefinger.
Arnold went silent. His left shoulder was slightly slower to react than his rightif his right was at one hundred, then his left was at maybe ninety-eight. It was hardly noticeable, but Rishe had picked up on it. He was right-handed, and she wouldnt have noticed it if theyd been dancing normally.
That, and if it hadnt been for memories from her past life.
Rishe had only managed to inflict a single injury on him. An instant, a moments hesitation where she saw her chance and slashed left. Of course, hed shrugged off the injury and effortlessly run her through.
Heh. Arnold finally broke his silence with grim laughter. His eyes sent shivers down her spine, cold and bewitching. In lieu of an answer, he reached for his collar, unfastening the clasp with a snap and drawing his jacket open with a rough tug.
Oh my.
Rishe drew in a breath. A great scar was engraved into the nape of his neck, just low enough to be concealed by clothing. It looked several years old. Its an old wound. It continues to the top of my shoulder and pulls the skin taut.
How awful. Rishe couldnt help but reach out to gingerly touch the nape of his neck.
Arnold accepted her touch without a word. Shed half expected to be slapped aside.
Her fingers slowly traced the shape of it. She could feel the rough skin through her gloves.
He must have gotten this over a decade ago. Someone stabbed himand not just once or twice. They must have done it over and over to make this scar pattern.
Her medical training had her shuddering at the image of a nine-year-old Arnold ashen and trembling with blood loss. The fact that hed survived and retained the use of his arm was incredible. And then to go on to wield a sword so skillfullyhis suffering must have been immense.
Only a few people know about this injury. Youre the first to notice on your own.
How did it happen?
That grim smile returned as he looked down at Rishe. With the moon hanging behind him, he was as opaque as ever, but Rishe understood the sentiment.
I shouldnt pry.
Rishe pulled her hand away, and that ominous smile that sent chills down her spine disappeared. Arnold put his jacket back in order, reclasping it at the neck.
Someone tried to kill Arnold Hein about ten years ago. But who and why? Rishe cast her eyes down as she ruminated. The most obvious beneficiaries of a dead crown prince would be potential heirs and those loyal to them. I believe Arnold has a younger brother, but I havent met him yet.
Odd. Rishe might be a hostage, but shouldnt she meet her future relatives? Perhaps it was Arnolds doing and not the will of the imperial family themselves. He didnt seem to want to involve her in anything unless it was absolutely necessaryhe hadnt told her about this ball, after all.
Rishe looked up at him. Your Highness, may I select my maids some time over the next few days?
Very well. Ill tell Oliver to make that a priority.
Ah, I can do the selection myself. We neednt trouble him.
Arnold arched an amused brow. Gone was that unsettling smile, replaced with his easy manner. What are you planning this time?
Oh, nothing important, Rishe said. She picked up her empty glass. Im merely concerned about the servants working conditions.
To protect her life and well-being, she needed to keep from dying at twenty years old again. And to do that, she had to prevent Arnold Heins war. Her best bet would be to appeal to the important people shed known in her past lives. People with influence.
Plus, there was a mountain of things she needed to do in preparation for the marriage ceremony.
I need to sow a plot of land, grow herbs, do lots of shopping, get cheap alcohol, and then
Rishe began a to-do list that had nothing to do with war in the least.
***
As the ball wound to a close, a lone boy stood in the gloomy courtyard of the imperial palace. He had soft black hair and round blue eyes. No older than sixteen, he had an androgynous grace to him, gaze fixed on the balcony above.
He was watching a girl.
She had coral-colored hair, and even from this distance, he could tell she was beautiful. She stood there alone, apparently waiting for someone. Whoever it was must have shown up because her hand slipped from the banister, and she stepped away. Not too long after, a man appeared where she had been standing.
The man turned a silent glare down into the garden, as if hed known the boy had been there the whole time, despite the shadows.
A shiver ran down the boys spine and he smiled reflexively, delighting in the intense aura of threat the man gave off. It was just a warning, it seemed, as the man abruptly turned on his heel and disappeared.
Aww, we cant play together either? The boy hung his head. I miss you, Brother.
It had to be the woman. The beauty. Shed made the boys life hell since the day she arrived.
His brother had prohibited him from attending balls like this one. That was fine; hed sooner avoid them altogether. Still, hed wanted to meet that girl.
But well meet soon enough, wont we? He spoke to himself in a soft voice. Ive got plans for you, Sister.
(2) chapter number given is likely out of range: 0
Chapter: 8
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
***
YOURE ALL SO USELESS! Diana the redheaded maids voice rang out inside the stone washhouse.
Three days had passed since the afternoon Rishe shook off her guard and came out to the well. Rishe was once again dressed to fit in with the maids. At Dianas shout, she looked up without pausing in her work.
Is even laundry beyond your capabilities? I asked you to wash these this morning, and now its past noon! Meanwhile, weve finished cleaning the entire first floor in a third of the time!
I-Im sorry, Diana.
The new maids went silent with shame. Among them was Elsie, the girl Rishe stood up for the other day. Rishe pulled her hands out of the soapy water, gently rinsed them, and said, Let me help. What still needs to be done?
You again? Diana rounded on Rishe. I dont know who you serve, but Im amazed you have the time to do other peoples work. I wish I had so much free time.
Huffily, she turned from Rishe. Lets just ignore these useless fools. Laura, Maya. Come on. If we want to be chosen as Lady Rishes maids, we mustnt waste our time.
Diana took out a slip of paper from her pocket, smoothing it out. It looks like the new bedsheets for her palace will arrive today. We should inspect them to make sure everything is perfect!
Wait up, Diana!
The two maids followed Diana out. Rishe waited for the door to close before turning to Elsie and the others. Lets keep working. If theres anything too large and cumbersome, feel free to pass it over to me.
Th-thank you so much! The new maids went weak with gratitude. One of them, a girl on the verge of tears, even fell into a full bow. Rishe muttered encouragement as she scrubbed some bedsheets.
Elsie, who was washing the sheets with her, wore a rueful look. Im so sorry for the trouble. Were just not learning fast enough.
You havent been working here long, have you? It takes time to learn a new job, no matter who you are, Rishe said as she kept scrubbing. And its not like youve never washed a single thing in your life before, right?
Elsie nodded nervously.
Rishe had realized over the past few days doing the laundry that not all the newcomers were complete amateurs. Theyd obviously done chores at home, or something similar. When set a specific task, they could perform it properly, but Dianas complaints werent unfounded. They did take far too much time with laundry.
But its obvious why. Do you know anything about Diana? Rishe asked Elsie. Like, is she from a well-off family?
Elsie said, I heard that her father was a business owner. She worked with him.
I heard that as well, added another maid. But he fell into debt and had to sell off.
Rishe stopped scrubbing for a moment to consider this.
Um, is something the matter? Elsie asked.

Yes. I want to know all about House Toona.

Cornelia looked flabbergasted, but she recovered herself and nodded.

That should do. One of Rishes eventual plans required a plot of land in a temperate climate. House Toonas would likely be perfect, but she needed to confirm a few things with Cornelia. Never back down from a fight. Even further

She recalled the words of her mentor from her days as a merchant.

Dont bother with fights you cant win.

The other ladies fled, fearful of this strange girl who gulped down painfully spicy wine like it was nothing.

***

Rishe retreated to the empty balcony to enjoy the music, grimacing with every stinging mouthful of wine. She drank it in decreasing sips until Arnold joined her.

What are you making that face for?

Rishe swirled the glass. Dont worry, its not you. Its just this wine is so spicy.

Spicy? The wine is?

Mm. Its seasoned with capsicum. I barely managed to get that first mouthful down without gagging.

Arnold swiped the glass from her hand. Dont tell me this was a poisoning attempt!

Rishe clicked her tongue in annoyance at her own lack of vigilance. No one else would be able to grab something from her so easily.

Arnold glared at the wine. You dont need to drink this. Ill get rid of it.

Hey, give that back! They ruined a perfectly good glass of wine because of me. Im not going to waste it. She grabbed it back and took another sip, shuddering at the taste.

Arnold glowered. Tell me who did this. Ill have them executed.

Dont be ridiculous. You dont kill people like heryou use them. Just the tiniest bit of wine to go, but it was getting harder to make herself drink it. She gave the glass a reproachful look, then glanced back at Arnold. Oh, and I owe you an apology.

Do you?

I used your name to defend myself. The girls had only backed off when she threatened to tattle to Arnold. Rishe found that sort of thing inelegant in the extreme, and she was embarrassed.

Arnold sighed at Rishes apologetic bow. Theres nothing wrong with a wife invoking her husbands name.

Rishe hesitated. Were not married yet.

Thats a formality. Its as good as done, if you ask me.

Isee.

He took her distraction as an opportunity to swipe her glass back. Instead of dumping it out, Arnold gulped the rest of it down.

Damn, that packs a punch, he grumbled.

I told you that! Rishe snapped. Are you all right? Let me get you some water!

Im fine. But now youve fulfilled your obligation to the wine, havent you?

Rishe didnt know what to say. Hed helped hernot by taking charge but by following her lead. Without cutting her down and telling her she was being foolish. Without rolling his eyes and dismissing her desires as trifles.

Thank you, Rishe said stiffly, which just made him laugh.

What were you thinking about when we were dancing? he asked.

What do you mean?

You were thinking about someone else, werent you? Who?

Rishe didnt know a delicate way to say I was thinking about a future version of you I met in another life.

Hmm? His tone was oddly light, teasing even. But the gleam in his hunters eyes said she wouldnt get away so easily.

Obviously, Rishe couldnt give him an honest answer. I wasnt thinking about anyone else. I was worried about you.

Why?

This was the closest she could come to the truth. Were you injured here? She patted her own left shoulder with her forefinger.

Arnold went silent. His left shoulder was slightly slower to react than his rightif his right was at one hundred, then his left was at maybe ninety-eight. It was hardly noticeable, but Rishe had picked up on it. He was right-handed, and she wouldnt have noticed it if theyd been dancing normally.

That, and if it hadnt been for memories from her past life.

Rishe had only managed to inflict a single injury on him. An instant, a moments hesitation where she saw her chance and slashed left. Of course, hed shrugged off the injury and effortlessly run her through.

Heh. Arnold finally broke his silence with grim laughter. His eyes sent shivers down her spine, cold and bewitching. In lieu of an answer, he reached for his collar, unfastening the clasp with a snap and drawing his jacket open with a rough tug.

Oh my.

Rishe drew in a breath. A great scar was engraved into the nape of his neck, just low enough to be concealed by clothing. It looked several years old. Its an old wound. It continues to the top of my shoulder and pulls the skin taut.

How awful. Rishe couldnt help but reach out to gingerly touch the nape of his neck.

Arnold accepted her touch without a word. Shed half expected to be slapped aside.

Her fingers slowly traced the shape of it. She could feel the rough skin through her gloves.

He must have gotten this over a decade ago. Someone stabbed himand not just once or twice. They must have done it over and over to make this scar pattern.

Her medical training had her shuddering at the image of a nine-year-old Arnold ashen and trembling with blood loss. The fact that hed survived and retained the use of his arm was incredible. And then to go on to wield a sword so skillfullyhis suffering must have been immense.

Only a few people know about this injury. Youre the first to notice on your own.

How did it happen?

That grim smile returned as he looked down at Rishe. With the moon hanging behind him, he was as opaque as ever, but Rishe understood the sentiment.

I shouldnt pry.

Rishe pulled her hand away, and that ominous smile that sent chills down her spine disappeared. Arnold put his jacket back in order, reclasping it at the neck.

Someone tried to kill Arnold Hein about ten years ago. But who and why? Rishe cast her eyes down as she ruminated. The most obvious beneficiaries of a dead crown prince would be potential heirs and those loyal to them. I believe Arnold has a younger brother, but I havent met him yet.

Odd. Rishe might be a hostage, but shouldnt she meet her future relatives? Perhaps it was Arnolds doing and not the will of the imperial family themselves. He didnt seem to want to involve her in anything unless it was absolutely necessaryhe hadnt told her about this ball, after all.

Rishe looked up at him. Your Highness, may I select my maids some time over the next few days?

Very well. Ill tell Oliver to make that a priority.

Ah, I can do the selection myself. We neednt trouble him.

Arnold arched an amused brow. Gone was that unsettling smile, replaced with his easy manner. What are you planning this time?

Oh, nothing important, Rishe said. She picked up her empty glass. Im merely concerned about the servants working conditions.

To protect her life and well-being, she needed to keep from dying at twenty years old again. And to do that, she had to prevent Arnold Heins war. Her best bet would be to appeal to the important people shed known in her past lives. People with influence.

Plus, there was a mountain of things she needed to do in preparation for the marriage ceremony.

I need to sow a plot of land, grow herbs, do lots of shopping, get cheap alcohol, and then

Rishe began a to-do list that had nothing to do with war in the least.

***

As the ball wound to a close, a lone boy stood in the gloomy courtyard of the imperial palace. He had soft black hair and round blue eyes. No older than sixteen, he had an androgynous grace to him, gaze fixed on the balcony above.

He was watching a girl.

She had coral-colored hair, and even from this distance, he could tell she was beautiful. She stood there alone, apparently waiting for someone. Whoever it was must have shown up because her hand slipped from the banister, and she stepped away. Not too long after, a man appeared where she had been standing.

The man turned a silent glare down into the garden, as if hed known the boy had been there the whole time, despite the shadows.

A shiver ran down the boys spine and he smiled reflexively, delighting in the intense aura of threat the man gave off. It was just a warning, it seemed, as the man abruptly turned on his heel and disappeared.

Aww, we cant play together either? The boy hung his head. I miss you, Brother.

It had to be the woman. The beauty. Shed made the boys life hell since the day she arrived.

His brother had prohibited him from attending balls like this one. That was fine; hed sooner avoid them altogether. Still, hed wanted to meet that girl.

But well meet soon enough, wont we? He spoke to himself in a soft voice. Ive got plans for you, Sister.

(2) chapter number given is likely out of range: 0

Chapter: 8

Chapter 3

***

YOURE ALL SO USELESS! Diana the redheaded maids voice rang out inside the stone washhouse.

Three days had passed since the afternoon Rishe shook off her guard and came out to the well. Rishe was once again dressed to fit in with the maids. At Dianas shout, she looked up without pausing in her work.

Is even laundry beyond your capabilities? I asked you to wash these this morning, and now its past noon! Meanwhile, weve finished cleaning the entire first floor in a third of the time!

I-Im sorry, Diana.

The new maids went silent with shame. Among them was Elsie, the girl Rishe stood up for the other day. Rishe pulled her hands out of the soapy water, gently rinsed them, and said, Let me help. What still needs to be done?

You again? Diana rounded on Rishe. I dont know who you serve, but Im amazed you have the time to do other peoples work. I wish I had so much free time.

Huffily, she turned from Rishe. Lets just ignore these useless fools. Laura, Maya. Come on. If we want to be chosen as Lady Rishes maids, we mustnt waste our time.

Diana took out a slip of paper from her pocket, smoothing it out. It looks like the new bedsheets for her palace will arrive today. We should inspect them to make sure everything is perfect!

Wait up, Diana!

The two maids followed Diana out. Rishe waited for the door to close before turning to Elsie and the others. Lets keep working. If theres anything too large and cumbersome, feel free to pass it over to me.

Th-thank you so much! The new maids went weak with gratitude. One of them, a girl on the verge of tears, even fell into a full bow. Rishe muttered encouragement as she scrubbed some bedsheets.

Elsie, who was washing the sheets with her, wore a rueful look. Im so sorry for the trouble. Were just not learning fast enough.

You havent been working here long, have you? It takes time to learn a new job, no matter who you are, Rishe said as she kept scrubbing. And its not like youve never washed a single thing in your life before, right?

Elsie nodded nervously.

Rishe had realized over the past few days doing the laundry that not all the newcomers were complete amateurs. Theyd obviously done chores at home, or something similar. When set a specific task, they could perform it properly, but Dianas complaints werent unfounded. They did take far too much time with laundry.

But its obvious why. Do you know anything about Diana? Rishe asked Elsie. Like, is she from a well-off family?

Elsie said, I heard that her father was a business owner. She worked with him.

I heard that as well, added another maid. But he fell into debt and had to sell off.

Rishe stopped scrubbing for a moment to consider this.

Um, is something the matter? Elsie asked.