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[indent][sup][color=ab274f][b]Attire:[/b][/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/DO7Iw9h.jpg]Outfit[/url]
[color=ab274f][b]Date and Time:[/b][/color] Sola 23rd, Late Morning
[color=ab274f][b]Location:[/b][/color] The Castle Gardens: Tea Party
[color=ab274f][b]Mention(s):[/b][/color] [@Potter] Ezra, Sadie
[color=ab274f][b]Interaction(s):[/b][/color] [@Tpartywithzombi] Violet, [@Tae] Mina, [@Helo] Callum, [@princess] Edin
[/sup][/indent][/cell][/row][/table][color=ab274f]“Gossip can be useful, my lady,”[/color] Wulfric commented mildly. Her resentment of the concept did not go unnoticed. After the unsavory rumours concerning her (supposed) meeting with Lord Ravenwood on a balcony at the ball, that was understandable. Her new scars surely added to her caution – from what he’d gathered, she’d always been self-conscious about the ones she’d gained in her childhood. [color=ab274f]“However, my primary interest is in factual information,”[/color] he corrected.

He inclined his head at the provided explanation of her heightened hearing. [color=ab274f]“No doubt it will take time to adjust to. But you seem more than ready to tackle the challenge,”[/color] he complimented. He hadn’t expected for her to be out and about. Either she should still be recovering from her injuries…or else she ought to be [i]dead[/i].

But surely, as strange as the Damiens’ story was, surely the alternative that she [i]had[/i] been killed was not viable?

[color=ab274f]“Well, he is only beginning to learn.”[/color] Regretfully, Wulfric suspected that this trumpet prank of Callum’s might become a favourite.

Before the two made even one step towards a table, Lady Mina turned to him with her cheeky remarks. [color=ab274f]“Wystan is on duty,”[/color] he noted, no-nonsense. He then decided to repay her banter in kind. [color=ab274f]“But if [i]you[/i] are so liberal with your free time, perhaps you do not understand the notion?”[/color] Subtly, he needled her with the suggestion that her hedonistic tendencies often came in the way of the responsibilities she had as a future countess.

[color=ab274f]“Your [i]approach[/i] of holding up the line is likelier a cause for further impatience,”[/color] he drawled dryly. Possibly, she did not realize, but exchanges of witticisms and barbed comments were one of his favoured pastimes. 

Suddenly, chatter all around was silenced at the announcement of the king’s arrival. As dancers weaved in between the crowd, he gave Mina a knowing look. [color=ab274f]“Here is your much awaited excitement. Do enjoy.”[/color] She indicated that she would head to Sadie’s table, but Wulfric politely declined the invitation. [color=ab274f]“I will come by later to greet her.”[/color]

With that, he escorted Lady Violet to a table of her choice. In the background, his father was beginning a speech, one familiar enough the prince could afford to half-listen at best.

To Violet’s question, he gave an equally blunt answer. [color=ab274f]“Why, your father, of course.”[/color] He paused a moment for effect, and to see if she would react or respond in any way. 

Then, he continued. [color=ab274f]“He was awfully distressed thinking you had died, of course. To the relief of all, you lived. However, [i]someone[/i] is clearly intent on doing you ill.”[/color] Concise and a tad vague, he told her a bit of her parents’ story. He didn’t know if she’d been informed of the dead lookalike, but refrained from mentioning it. Violet herself was being scarce on the details of her attack. [color=ab274f]“If you can’t think of any enemies of yours, you might consider who your father’s are.”[/color] [i]Calbert[/i] thought a peasant was the cause of it all, but that was highly questionable.

While they were conversing, the king’s speech had finally concluded. Callum passed his table with a smile promising trouble, and Wulfric arched an eyebrow at him. So, he wasn’t done for today yet.

He observed, curious. His initial wariness was soon replaced by surprise. No, he certainly hadn’t anticipated that. Especially not after Callum’s heartfelt and dramatic proclamations that he didn’t want to get involved in any of this.

But look at him now. Complimenting their father, and even having it seem genuine. Using the influence and opinion of everyone present to pressure the king. Making a show of it all.

Forceful, bold, ambitious, and boasting. 

Wasn’t he quite the budding politician?

[color=ab274f][i]Concerned for welfare, are you?[/i][/color]

Wulfric didn’t especially care one way or the other. While he was reluctant to admit it, as far as doing ‘something better’ went, this was applicable. He’d been thinking of finding such a thing for Callum, but his brother had shown unexpected initiative.

Usually, he’d simply let father and Callum resolve their little spat however they would. 

[color=ab274f][i]Might as well take this opportunity.[/i][/color] Wulfric sighed. He didn’t much favour it, but this would provide him an occasion to show his brother the actual work entailed in realizing even a fraction of his idea.

[color=ab274f]“Please excuse me, politics calls. I will return shortly.”[/color] He gave Violet his apologies, and stood up.

He began clapping, but rather than for the king, this was intended for Callum, even if no one else knew it. With slow, purposeful steps, he made his way to where his relatives faced off. [color=ab274f]“Your Majesty, how marvelous.”[/color] It was his father he addressed first, oozing charm. He wondered if his heir’s involvement would be startling to the old man.

Wulfric added onto Callum’s lie. [color=ab274f]“I recall you considered something similar to the Pancakes at the Park event, since that one suffered due to unfortunate outside interference.”[/color] This morning’s paper had blamed Lorenzo for the occurrence. So would many who had read it. Even Edin might be baited into wanting to show up the miserable duke. As for the unfortunate Vikena? Wulfric doubted his reputation could possibly be more damaged. He could take it.

[color=ab274f]“And to add even further iterations? That would be a good chance for anyone who wishes to showcase their work to a larger populace.”[/color]

Was that the why his brother had brought Ezra along? Why did it have to be [i]him[/i]?

[color=ab274f][i]I should remove the menace before he shows his true colours.[/i][/color] Ignoring his idle death wish for the baker, he turned to Callum with a challenging smile.

[color=ab274f]“You are very eager today, brother.”[/color] Since his youngest sibling was slipping into a ferocious scowl, Wulfric moved close enough to ruffle his hair. [color=ab274f]“If you have so much energy to spare, I expect you can take charge of the very next charity, hm?”[/color] Callum might think it was simple, but it wasn’t.

Quietly enough so only his brother would hear, he added, [color=ab274f]“I hope you are ready to delve into the intricacies of planning, management, financing, and politicking.”[/color] He tilted his head thoughtfully, then said, [color=ab274f]“Oh, and paperwork.”[/color][/color]