- 10 hours ago
I Can't Eat Love
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00Our engagement is cancelled, Vivian.
00:02His fabric is thin, the stitching uneven.
00:05Knowing how much the palace spends on clothing.
00:07How insulting.
00:08I know this is a terrible shock.
00:10Is it?
00:10I have fallen in love with another woman.
00:13My heart is completely swayed.
00:14I must break off our engagement.
00:16I trust you understand.
00:18I wonder if people are enjoying the food inside.
00:20I hadn't even gotten to try any before he dragged me out here.
00:23I know you're heartbroken, but try not to cry.
00:26What will I do without you?
00:28My entire life has been spent preparing to be your bride.
00:32I love you!
00:33That's not my concern.
00:35This is much easier the second time around.
00:39Do you need to be alone?
00:40No.
00:48What do you want?
00:52Compensation.
00:55Pardon?
00:57I am the daughter of a duke.
00:59My time is valuable.
01:00You've wasted it.
01:01But...
01:01Shush.
01:02I'm thinking.
01:13This house was sold.
01:15Torn down.
01:20I have a chance to change my future.
01:22Should I make the prince fall in love with me?
01:25No.
01:26A man's devotion can waver.
01:28Marriage won't guarantee I won't die on the streets.
01:32Please, spare a coin so I can eat.
01:40Please.
01:46Starving to death was painful.
01:47So my aim is to never trust in love again.
01:50Let Prince Cedric cast me aside.
01:52Who needs that fickle idiot?
01:54This time I'll make the dushty a money-making powerhouse.
01:59First things first.
02:00I need to eat.
02:02And then I need to get to work.
02:09Your new dress, miss!
02:10It's the latest fashion!
02:15I'll take the plane, grey satin.
02:17But what if his highness stops by?
02:26Then he'll see a sensibly didressed woman.
02:29Shall I announce you to the duke, miss?
02:31Mr. Graves.
02:32In my former life, when the family fell to ruin, he was quickly hired by the palace.
02:36He seemed almost relieved to be free of us.
02:38I need to keep him this time.
02:40Please do.
02:41And stick around.
02:42Your input may be useful.
02:44What brings you here, dear?
02:46I thought I understood the depths of my father's incompetence.
02:49I was much too optimistic.
02:51Father, I have concerns about the financial status of our family.
02:55You don't need to worry.
02:56We're doing just fine.
02:59We have too much debt.
03:00What would you do if they called it in now?
03:07Don't you want me to be prepared as future queen?
03:10The queen manages the royal household accounts.
03:13Let me practice on ours.
03:15Hand over the account ledgers.
03:18Here you are.
03:21Set me up a desk.
03:23Move all financial records there.
03:25My pleasure, miss.
03:32Your Highness, how long has he been here?
03:35Did he hear me call him a temperamental child?
03:37We've come to check out the horses.
03:39The stable master says the new stallion is too wild, but I think he's just unskilled.
03:43I'm sure Your High Highness could manage even the wildest horse.
03:47Is Lady Clarence in here?
03:49No, I believe she's home today.
03:51Is she ill?
03:53Not that I know of.
03:54Surely someone will visit?
03:57Prince Cedric?
03:59Clarissa?
04:01Mother?
04:02No one has come, miss.
04:04Give her my best when you see her.
04:08How had I never realized where his heart truly leaned?
04:11I was not blind.
04:12I was young.
04:13A girl who thought love was the most important thing in life.
04:16I am not that girl anymore.
04:18Father should never be allowed near money.
04:21Thousands of crowns wasted on frivolous items.
04:24And the tax collectors are stealing half of everything.
04:29I've contacted smaller vendors and consolidated some debt at lower interest rates.
04:34This is perfect, Mr. Graves.
04:36We need to meet with all the tax collectors.
04:39If we don't stop the corruption, nothing will save us.
04:42When shall I arrange it?
04:44Next week.
04:45I need time to come up with a plan for terrifying a group of men into doing exactly what I
04:51want.
04:51I'm sure you will be quite successful.
04:56Miss, you must sleep.
04:59Just a few more pages.
05:01And then the letters from the eastern section.
05:03You cannot save this, Ducty, in the space of a week.
05:06The work will wait.
05:07Please.
05:08Go to sleep.
05:09Fine.
05:10When was the last time someone worried about whether or not I slept?
05:19Huh.
05:28Vivian!
05:30Your Majesty.
05:32No, Your Majesty's until class.
05:34I'll be your mother one day.
05:36Just call me that.
05:37So bright.
05:38So caring.
05:39But after her son broke our engagement, she never protested.
05:43Never reached out while I starved.
05:45She told Clarissa I was dead to her.
05:47Dearest.
05:48You went to a very dark place just then.
05:51Do you need to talk?
05:53I'm fine.
05:55Shall we begin?
05:58Let's see what you remember.
06:02Prodigy.
06:03Tomorrow we triple the difficulty.
06:06Wonderful.
06:10You must be the young girl with wild dreams of performing miracles.
06:15Are you Mr. Graves' brother?
06:18I am.
06:19Really?
06:20No offence, young miss, but don't bluff with me.
06:24I'd rather you just be honest.
06:28Please.
06:29We're starving.
06:31If you're nobility, why are you begging?
06:34What nerve!
06:36Sometimes I wish I was bluffing.
06:39I've learned to be whatever I have to be to get the job done.
06:42You know what kind of impossible task you've set for yourself.
06:45Impossible?
06:46No.
06:47Extremely difficult, and I might have to play dirty?
06:50Yes.
06:51I will save us.
06:53Very good.
06:55You work hard, and I'll give you the knowledge to save your family.
06:58Deal?
06:59Deal.
07:03Vivian, what's going on?
07:05I haven't seen you in days.
07:07You have to help me!
07:08Mother and father are gone.
07:10I lost my job.
07:11What do you expect me to do?
07:13The queen says you are dead to her.
07:15Can you at least give me something to eat?
07:18My father forbids me from being around you.
07:20It might affect my reputation as future queen.
07:23Goodbye, Vivian.
07:24Her smile is too stiff, her eyes cold as they scan my papers.
07:28I've missed you too.
07:30Can we go walk in the palace gardens?
07:32Not today or tomorrow.
07:34But next week.
07:36And perhaps I can arrange tea with the prince.
07:38Well, if I wouldn't be in the way.
07:40Of course not.
07:41How many times did I unknowingly bring her to see my fiancé, stealing my own fate?
07:46Go with my blessing, Clarida.
07:48I don't want him.
07:49Don't work too hard.
07:50If you don't spend time-time, prince, he'll lose interest.
07:53Trust me.
07:54Of course I trust you.
07:58Go to the Northwest Square.
08:00Find a man under a blue awning named Flint.
08:03Offer him 50 crowns for the information I've requested.
08:05And if he demands more?
08:07He will.
08:08Tell him Angel sent you.
08:09Who is this Angel?
08:11No one.
08:12It's a code known only to his inner custer.
08:14Shall I still schedule the meeting with the tax collectors?
08:16Postpone it until after you have what I need.
08:19I don't believe in going into battle without a weapon.
08:25Mr. Graves, schedule the meeting with the tax collectors, all of them, tomorrow morning.
08:30Shall I inform your father?
08:31No.
08:32He'll only warn them.
08:34These men stole from our people and our family for years.
08:37Tomorrow, they answer for it.
08:40Very good, miss.
08:43And Mr. Graves, make sure the room has only one exit.
08:49The Duke's daughter?
08:51What is this about?
08:53Gentlemen, thank you for coming.
08:55These are records of every payment you collected last quarter.
08:59And these are records of what you actually reported to my father.
09:02Where did you get these?
09:04That's not your concern.
09:05What is your concern?
09:07It's that the difference between these two numbers is substantial.
09:10Money that belongs to this Deci and to the people you overtaxed has been lining your pockets.
09:15This is outrageous.
09:17I won't be accused by a child.
09:19Sit.
09:20Down.
09:21You have two options.
09:22First, resign, repay what you stole and leave quietly.
09:26Second, I present this evidence to the Crown and you face prosecution for theft from a noble house.
09:32The Duke would never allow.
09:33The Duke has entrusted the Duchy's finances to me.
09:36Mr. Graves can confirm this.
09:37Confirmed.
09:38You have until end of day.
09:39Those who wish to stay must agree to new oversight procedures and reduce collection authority.
09:44Choose wisely.
09:51Four of six have already agreed to your terms.
09:54And the other two?
09:56Packing their things.
10:02Ah, Vivian.
10:03Ah, meet my other student, Damian from Telendra.
10:06A pleasure.
10:09Likewise.
10:10Bernard tells me you're studying taxation reform.
10:13Among other things.
10:14Today's lesson covers both your interests, land assessment and fair taxation models.
10:19If you reduce the collection rate but increase compotence through transparency, what happens to total revenue?
10:25It increases.
10:25People pay more willingly when they trust the system.
10:28And enforcement costs drop.
10:30You spend less chasing thieves.
10:32Well, well.
10:34This might actually work.
10:36You're Deksty, Ashford.
10:38It's in financial trouble.
10:40What makes you say that?
10:42The questions you asked weren't theoretical.
10:44You're trying to solve a real problem.
10:46And if I am?
10:47Then you're braver than most nobles I've met.
10:49They usually just pretend everything is fine until they collapse.
10:58My darling, how was your journey?
11:00Long.
11:01Where is Vivian?
11:02Welcome home, Mother.
11:04What are you wearing?
11:06A dress.
11:07What has happened to our daughter?
11:09I've heard you've taken over the household accounts.
11:11The Duchy's finances needed attention.
11:13That is not a young lady's concern.
11:15Your concern is your engagement to Prince Cedric.
11:17I'm sorry.
11:19I should have taught you something useful.
11:22Instead of just how to be beautiful.
11:24Mother, I can be a good fiancé and help manage our family's affairs.
11:28The two aren't mutually exclusive.
11:31They are if you show up to the palace with ink on your hands and bags under your eyes.
11:36A future queen must be-
11:38A future queen must be capable.
11:40That's what I'm becoming.
11:42Don't embarrass this family.
11:45That's the last thing I intend to do.
11:50Your Highness, Vivian tells me you've been training a new horse?
11:55Yes.
11:56The Stable Master said he was untameable, but I've nearly broken him.
12:01He hasn't.
12:02I checked with the Stable Master.
12:04The horse threw him twice last week.
12:07Lady Clarissa, you should come see him sometime.
12:09I could take you riding.
12:11Oh, I couldn't possibly.
12:13Unless Vivian came too.
12:14I'm afraid I'll be busy with my studies.
12:17But you should go, Clarissa.
12:18It sounds wonderful.
12:20Excellent.
12:21I'll arrange it.
12:22In my previous life, this moment would have destroyed me.
12:25Now, it's just another move on the board.
12:28Thank you for the tea.
12:29I shall take my leave.
12:36Strange.
12:37That felt more genuine than anything at that tea table.
12:42Three of our remaining collectors are still skimming.
12:46Smaller amounts now, but they're testing whether I'll notice.
12:49Shall I confront them?
12:50No.
12:51I want to use them.
12:53They have connections to merchants throughout the Duxie.
12:56If I fire them, those connections disappear.
12:58Instead, I'll restructure their compensation.
13:00A small percentage of legitimate collections as a bonus.
13:03Make honesty more profitable than theft.
13:05And if they refuse?
13:07Then I have enough evidence to ensure they never work in this kingdom again.
13:11We're stabilizing, Mr. Graves.
13:13Slowly.
13:14But I need more than stability.
13:15I need income.
13:16The Duxity needs a product.
13:18A trade.
13:19Something that generates wealth.
13:20Have you considered the textile mills in the Eastern District?
13:23They've been idle since...
13:24Since the previous manager emboldened the operating funds and fled.
13:27Yes.
13:28What if we reopen them?
13:29The infrastructure is there.
13:30The workers are there.
13:31We just need capital and management.
13:33Capital we don't have.
13:34Not yet.
13:35But I have an idea about that.
13:37I need to talk to Bernard.
13:38And possibly...
13:40Damien.
13:46You're not just a student, aren't you?
13:47What makes you say that?
13:48Your questions in class aren't academic.
13:50You're planning to implement reforms somewhere specific.
13:53And Talandra's new trade agreements with our kingdom suggest someone there is restructuring their economy.
14:00You're observant.
14:01I'm desperate.
14:02There's a difference.
14:04I'm proposing an investment.
14:06The returns would be significant for both parties.
14:08You're proposing a trade agreement between a Duxity that's nearly bankrupt and a foreign territory.
14:13Why should I trust you?
14:15Because I have everything to lose and nothing to gain from lying.
14:18If this fails, my family is finished.
14:20I'll review your numbers.
14:22If they hold up, I'll consider it.
14:24That's all I ask.
14:28Thank you, Damien.
14:30Don't thank me yet.
14:32Miss, you look exhausted.
14:35I'm fine.
14:36The Duchess is worried.
14:38She says you're neglecting your duties to the Prince.
14:40My duties to the Prince are perfectly maintained.
14:43Miss, Lady Clarina visited the palace yesterday.
14:47Without you.
14:48She was seen walking with Prince Cedric in the gardens.
14:51I know.
14:53You know?
14:54I arranged it.
14:57Is there something you'd like to say, Nettie?
14:59No, Miss.
15:01Your numbers are sound.
15:02I've secured preliminary approval for the raw materials.
15:06However, I need to inspect the mills personally before committing.
15:10D.
15:13He's coming here.
15:15Mr. Graves!
15:16Miss?
15:17We have a visitor coming.
15:18The manor needs to look not terrible.
15:20Can you manage that?
15:21Define not terrible.
15:23Functional.
15:24Respectable.
15:25Not actively falling apart.
15:26I'll see what I can do.
15:30How long have they been idle?
15:32Two years.
15:33But the equipment is intact.
15:35I had Mr. Graves inspect everything last week.
15:38The bones are good.
15:39But you'll need skilled workers.
15:41Training takes time.
15:42Many of the original workers still live in the district.
15:44They lost their jobs when the mills closed.
15:47They'd come back.
15:48And management.
15:48You can't oversee this yourself while running the dusties' finances and attending royal lessons.
15:53I have someone in mind.
15:55This could work.
15:57But I need to be honest with you.
15:59My authority to approve this isn't unlimited.
16:01I'll need to convince people back home.
16:03What would convince them?
16:05A working prototype.
16:06One mill.
16:07Running.
16:08Producing quality fabric.
16:10Proof of concept.
16:11I can do that.
16:12Give me two months.
16:13Two months?
16:14I don't have the luxury of time.
16:17You carry something heavy, Vivian of Ashford.
16:20Something that doesn't match your age.
16:22Everyone carries something.
16:24Not like you do.
16:25Shall we head back?
16:27I believe Mr. Graves has arranged lunch.
16:29And I promise you it's the one thing this household still does well.
16:34You've changed, Vivian.
16:36Have I?
16:37Six months ago you could barely manage a formal dinner seating chart.
16:41Now Madame Fontaine says you're the most accomplished student she's ever trained.
16:46You handle court politics as if you've been doing it for years.
16:49I've been studying hard.
16:51It's more than that.
16:52Your eyes are different.
16:53Older.
16:54Sometimes when you look at me I feel as if you're...
16:56Judging me.
16:58As if I've already failed you somehow.
17:00Your Majesty, I would never...
17:01I'm not accusing you.
17:02I'm worried about you.
17:03You're 15 years old and you move through this palace like a woman who's already been to war.
17:08I just want to be ready.
17:09For whatever comes.
17:11Ready for what?
17:13Not when it mattered.
17:16For being Queen.
17:18Whatever is troubling you, you can tell me.
17:21I'm here.
17:21I know.
17:23I know.
17:25Two months.
17:2714 hour days.
17:28Every coin I could scrape together.
17:30But it's working.
17:32The first shipment is ready.
17:3430 bards of wool fabric dyed with Tillandrian pigments.
17:37Quality?
17:38I've inspected each bar personally.
17:40They exceed the standard.
17:42Dear Damien,
17:43The prototype mill is operational.
17:46First production run complete.
17:48Quality samples include.
17:50I believe this meets your requirements for proof of concept.
17:53P.S.
17:54You were right about needing skilled workers.
17:56I hired the old mill foreman.
17:57He cried when he saw the looms running again.
18:00Mr. Graves?
18:02Miss?
18:03For the first time since I started this,
18:05we're not losing money.
18:07Indeed, Miss.
18:08We're not safe yet.
18:09But we're moving in the right direction.
18:11In my previous life,
18:13by this time,
18:14I was practicing dance steps for a prince who didn't care.
18:17This time,
18:17I built something real.
18:24Vivian!
18:25We were just discussing the autumn ball.
18:28Yes, the ball.
18:30How lovely.
18:31Will you both be attending?
18:32Of course.
18:33As my fiancé,
18:34you'll accompany me for the opening dance.
18:36You must be so excited, Vivian.
18:38Though I hope you've been practicing,
18:39I hear the new court dance is quite complex.
18:42I'm sure I'll manage.
18:43You've been spending a lot of time away from the palace.
18:45People are talking.
18:46Let them.
18:47They're saying you've lost interest in the prince,
18:49that you're more concerned with business matters.
18:52And what do you say, Clarissa?
18:54I say you're my dearest friend,
18:55and I'm worried about you.
18:57A fiancé who neglects her prince might lose him?
19:00Is that what you're suggesting?
19:03I'm just looking out for you.
19:05I know exactly what you're looking out for.
19:18Where did you get that dress?
19:20I made the fabric.
19:21Had it tailored in town.
19:24You made?
19:26Shall we?
19:33You've improved.
19:35My practice.
19:46Nice dance.
19:48What are you doing at a royal ball?
19:51Diplomatic function.
19:52Telendra was invited.
19:54I was available.
19:55You hate these things.
19:58What gave it away?
20:00You're hiding on a balcony.
20:02So are you.
20:03Your fabric.
20:04The dress.
20:05It's from your mill.
20:06First production run.
20:07It's good.
20:08Really good.
20:10The trade agreement is approved.
20:12My people were impressed with the samples.
20:14Really?
20:15Really.
20:16You did it, Vivian.
20:17Not yet.
20:18But I'm getting closer.
20:20Miss.
20:21I've completed my investigation into who has been sharing information about your activities.
20:27And?
20:27It's Nettie.
20:29She's been reporting to Lady Clarissa's household.
20:31Weekly.
20:32Since before your changes began.
20:35How much does Clarissa know?
20:36The financial restructuring.
20:38The mill.
20:38Your meetings at the treasury.
20:40Nettie doesn't understand the details.
20:41But she's provided enough for someone clever to piece together.
20:44And Clarissa is clever.
20:46Beneath the golden curls.
20:52Don't dismiss Nettie.
20:54Miss?
20:55If we dismiss her, Clarissa will know we've discovered the leak.
20:58She'll find another way in, one we can't track.
21:01Better the spy we know.
21:02From now on, we control what Nettie sees and hears.
21:06She becomes our channel.
21:07We feed Clarissa exactly what we want her to know.
21:12Misinformation.
21:14Information management.
21:15There's a difference.
21:17Let's start with something simple.
21:19Tonight, within Nettie's hearing, I'll express deep concern about the prince's growing distance.
21:24I'll cry if necessary.
21:25Can you cry on command?
21:27I have a lot of material to work with.
21:35I need to tell you something, and you're not going to like it.
21:39That's most of what you tell me.
21:41The king's advisors are reviewing Noble House finances.
21:44It's a routine audit.
21:45Happens every few years.
21:46But given Ashford's history, you'll be scrutinized more closely than most.
21:52When?
21:53Three months.
21:54Maybe four.
21:55Three months.
21:56The mill is barely operational.
21:58The debt restructuring isn't complete.
22:00If they audit us now...
22:02They'll see a duchney in transition, which could be interpreted as a duchney in crisis.
22:08Which gives the crown grounds to intervene.
22:11Seize assets.
22:12Dissolve the title.
22:14There's more.
22:15I've heard whispers that someone has been encouraging the advisors to look at Ashford specifically.
22:21Who?
22:22I don't know.
22:23But someone wants your family investigated.
22:26Can you buy me time?
22:27I can try to delay the review.
22:29But I'm a treasury clerk, not a minister.
22:32My influence has limits.
22:34Then I need to accelerate everything.
22:36The mill, the trade agreement, the debt repayment, all of it.
22:39Vivian.
22:40Be careful.
22:42You're making powerful enemies.
22:43And you're still just a duke's daughter with no official authority.
22:48I know exactly what I am, Bernard.
22:50That's why I can't afford to lose.
23:07Debt is down 40%.
23:10Revenue is up.
23:11The mill is profitable.
23:13But?
23:15But we're not where we need to be for the audit.
23:18We're close.
23:19Painfully close.
23:20But there's still a gap.
23:21I need another source of income.
23:23Something fast.
23:24The autumn harvest taxes will come in next month.
23:26Not enough.
23:27Not with the remaining debt.
23:33Damien wants to expand the trade agreement.
23:35Triple the order.
23:36He's offering an advance payment for the next six months of production.
23:39That would cover the gap.
23:40It would more than cover it.
23:43Why?
23:45Why would he offer this much, this fast?
23:48Perhaps he sees a good investment.
23:50Perhaps he sees something else.
23:53I'll accept.
23:55But I need to understand his motives.
23:58Your offer is generous.
24:00Too generous.
24:01It's business.
24:03No one offers six months advance payment for business.
24:06What do you want, Damien?
24:08When I was young, my family lost everything.
24:11Political upheaval in Talara.
24:13My father was stripped of his title.
24:15Our land seized.
24:16We had nothing.
24:18How did you...
24:19I didn't.
24:20I just recognized the look in your eyes.
24:22It's the same one I see in the mirror.
24:24I'm not offering charity.
24:26Your fabric is excellent.
24:28And the demand in Telenga is real.
24:30But I won't pretend I don't understand what's at stake for you.
24:33The advance payment is because I know what it's like to run out of time.
24:36I died once.
24:38Hungry, alone, and angry.
24:40I won't let it happen again.
24:41Then don't.
24:44Deal.
24:45Deal.
24:49You've been distant lately.
24:51Busy?
24:51With estate business.
24:53As you know.
24:53I know nothing.
24:54You never speak of it.
24:55You're never at court.
24:56I'm trying to keep my family from ruin, Cedric.
24:58Perhaps you've forgotten that part of the arrangement.
25:00That's not...
25:00I just mean...
25:01Vivian!
25:01There you are.
25:02I've been looking everywhere for you.
25:04Clarissa.
25:04The King's advisors are asking about you, Vivian.
25:07They want to see the Ashford account soon.
25:09I hope everything is in order.
25:11I'd hate to see anything happen to your family's title.
25:13Especially now when you're finally engaged.
25:15Yes, Vivian.
25:16You should be careful.
25:17I'm handling it.
25:17Thank you for your concern.
25:18Both of you.
25:20Lady Vivian, these records show a remarkable turnaround in the Dutty of Ashford's finances
25:26over the past year.
25:27Thank you, sir.
25:28Perhaps too remarkable.
25:30Revenue has increased threefold.
25:31Debt has been reduced by 60%.
25:33Several corrupt officials have been removed and replaced.
25:36All under the direction of a 15-year-old girl.
25:39Well, I've been overseeing...
25:41My father has been supportive of my efforts to learn household management
25:44as preparation for my role as future queen.
25:46The queen herself encouraged my education in these matters.
25:50And this trade agreement with Talandra?
25:52Ash mutually provides quality textiles.
25:55Talandra provides raw materials.
25:57The contracts are all documented and legally sound.
26:01Everything appears to be in order.
26:04The Diety of Ashford passes the audit.
26:06Commendations on your impressive management, Lady Vivian.
26:10What just happened?
26:11We survived, father.
26:16The audit was supposed to expose them.
26:19You said the advisors would find discrepancies.
26:22The girl covered her tracks.
26:24Every document was perfect.
26:25She's ruining everything.
26:26If Ashford stabilizes, the engagement holds.
26:29And if the engagement holds...
26:30You don't become queen.
26:32Find another way.
26:33I want that duck she buried.
26:42Vivian!
26:43I was just...
26:45Looking for me?
26:46How sweet.
26:47Shall we walk together?
26:49Keep your enemies close.
26:51Especially when you're planning to destroy them.
26:53I have so much to tell you.
26:57I've asked you here because...
27:02There's something I need to tell you.
27:04You're in love with Clarissa and you want to break our engagement.
27:09How did you...
27:10You're not subtle, your highness.
27:12You haven't been for quite some time.
27:15I accept.
27:17You...
27:17Accept?
27:18The dissolution of our engagement.
27:21I hold no ill will.
27:22However, I've prepared a formal separation agreement.
27:26Compensation for the dutity of Ashford's investment of time and resources into this arrangement,
27:31as well as a non-interference clause preventing the Crown from retaliating against our family or business interests.
27:38You...
27:39Prepared this in advance?
27:40I believe in being ready for all possibilities.
27:44Sign here, please.
27:47This is...
27:48Not how I expected this to go.
27:50I know.
27:50You expected tears.
27:52I don't cry over things I've already lost.
27:58Vivian, are you really alright?
28:00I'm better than I've ever been.
28:07Before we proceed with any new engagement announcements,
28:10there is a matter that requires the Court's attention.
28:14Your Majesty,
28:15I present evidence that Lady Clarissa of House Delmo
28:18has engaged in deliberate sabotage against the dutty of Ashford,
28:22including manipulation of royal audit procedures and conspiracy to defraud a noble house.
28:27That's a lie!
28:29Correspondence between Lady Clarissa and a royal advisor arranging for a targeted audit,
28:33financial records showing payments to informs within my household,
28:36testimony from dismissed tax collectors who were offered positions in the Delmont family
28:40in exchange for cooperation.
28:42I also have testimony from my maid, Nettie,
28:44who was recruited by Lady Clarissa to spy on my family's private affairs.
28:48It's true, Your Majesty.
28:50Lady Clarissa paid me to report on Lady Vivian's activities.
28:54I'm sorry, miss.
28:55I'm so sorry.
28:56Darling,
28:57you can't believe...
28:58Is it true?
29:00I did it for us!
29:01For our future!
29:02She was in the way!
29:04Enough, Lady Clarissa.
29:05You are hereby barred from court.
29:07House Delmon will face a formal inquiry.
29:10Cedric!
29:11Cedric!
29:12Goodbye, Clarissa.
29:19The quarterly reports are in.
29:22Revenue exceeds projections by 12%.
29:24All outstanding debts are cleared.
29:26And the workers?
29:27Wages increased as you requested.
29:29The new housing in the Eastern District is nearly complete.
29:32And my father?
29:35Enjoying his horses.
29:37Staying away from the ledges.
29:40Perfect.
29:47You look different.
29:49Better or worse?
29:50Less angry.
29:52I'm working on it.
29:53Talenda wants to formalize a long-term partnership.
29:56Not just trade, cultural exchange, shared agro-cultural research, joint infrastructure.
30:00That's ambitious.
30:02I learned from someone ambitious.
30:05I'll review this tonight.
30:07Of course you will.
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