001; the most optimistic newb you will ever meet. (video; open)

[assumedposition]

[ There's a boy on your video feed. Or more accurately: an intense close-up of his face, like he's inspecting it without realising it's turned on. But then before you know it, he leans back with an excited victory whoop. ]

Whoa! I got it working!

[ Now you can see more of him: he doesn't look to be any older than sixteen, but he's dressed in what are unmistakably fine clothes-- a collared shirt, a cravat, a jacket, etc. Even the patterned material is obviously opulent. ]

Man, these things are really ancient... --oh. Sorry. Talking to myself. Where are my manners? I'm Albert...

[ He trails off quite suddenly, as if he were about to say something else after his first name, but then thought the better of it. It's also noticeable that he pronounces it in the French way, "Al-bear", without the t. ]

Anyway! I'm making this video because I was hoping one of the kind citizens of this place could direct me in the way of food! French cuisine is preferred, but I'm not particularly picky. Hunger is the greatest sauce, or something like that.

Although-- now that I think about it, I don't... actually have any money? Oh, goodness. That was silly of me. I'm sorry, maybe just forget the whole thing.

[ He has the decency to look slightly sheepish. ]

In any case, since I'm under the impression that we're all sort of in this place together until we can manufacture an escape plan, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to meet everyone soon. I hope we'll be good friends!

Comments

[assumedposition]

[ Taking the book with both hands, Albert's careful to treat it with the appropriate gentleness you'd expect of a friend giving you their treasure. ]

... Thank you. I will read it this evening, and I'll keep your words in mind.

[vivelavenir]

[Any hesitation he'd had vanished with that.

Really... he was very fortunate to have met Albert. He was exceptionally easy to get along with.]

You're welcome.

And thank you for the company, alongside the meal.

[By which he meant to say how good it was to know him, here.]

[assumedposition]

It is I who should be thanking you.

I know I'm-- I can be spoiled, sometimes. But I'm working to fix that, and in spite of it you came anyway. I really... appreciate it.

[vivelavenir]

...So long as you work to better yourself, nothing more can be asked. A good heart will always help to make a good head, Albert.

[He had exceedingly a lot of faith that Albert would turn out for the best, however sheltered his upbringing might have been. He had all the right makings for it.]

[assumedposition]

[ Turning faintly pink at the praise... ]

... Ah. You're overstating it... but-- thank you.

I'll do my best.