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[mansuetus]

This day has found me sad.

[ there is not much of an introduction today. Lucrezia Borgia, wrapped in a blanket in her bed, pale fingers flipping through a book which lies open in her lap. ]

What can be done to expel such?

Comments

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

More than may speak freely. You must do so. Indeed, if anyone ever attempted to impinge upon your ability to speak, I would intervene immediately and harshly.

[video]

[mansuetus]

[ Lucrezia once told Miles Edgeworth that Rome needs men like him for there is not even one to say it is her duty to speak her mind. ]

Miles Edgeworth, difensore della giustizia.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

Oh.

[A flush of pleased embarrassment comes over him. He always likes to think of himself as such, but to be called that - by someone he so likes - is quite a lot nicer than a bit of self-satisfied congratulations.]

Well, I'm - just speaking the truth. But I do try.

[video]

[mansuetus]

That alone is quite rare. Truth is as rare to Rome as sunlight is to this ship of ours.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

You - flatter me far too much, ma'am. I do not deserve such admiration.

[video]

[mansuetus]

Are you to judge what you deserve, Miles Edgeworth? Only God may do so, my Holy Father would say. God and they who surround you.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

Well, I - That's -

[That's enough to make him feel quite flustered. He tries to provide an explanation she'll accept:]

If one allows oneself to accept...kindness and flattery, one may soon find oneself succumbing to arrogance and complacency. So I am obligated to protest such things.

[video]

[mansuetus]

You speak the words of God, signore. But even God can allow for some praise. Truly, I do not think you are celebrated enough. If you were, I'd agree. But if they are only the simple words of Lucrezia Borgia - surely that is allowed.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

[He's embarrassed enough to melt into the earth right now.]

I...I would never presume to - tell you what to say or not to. But I think - That is - You - There are others far more deserving of your - your care and your - your words. I thank you, but - I am sure that there are others who deserve and - and need such kindness far more than I. Truly. Do not waste your time on my ego.

[video]

[mansuetus]

[ she smiles at that. ]

You are humble than most men I have met. Do not worry, I divide my time well between all those I care for.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

[And "care for" overwhelms his defenses; in a fluster, he stammers:]

I should - work. There's work to do. I - goodbye.

[video]

[mansuetus]

[ she laughs, inclines her head ]

Until next time, dear signore Edgeworth.

[video]

[jurisimpudent]

[And he clicks off to go curl into a deeply embarrassed lump. He and compliments are not really a...natural pairing.]