View source for 66/Office Hours 8 -- Runealy

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2023/07/12
|Location=Guidance Office
|Synopsis=Runealy stops by Kyouka's office with some questions.
|Cast of Characters=42,53
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In an office that has books with titles like 'Guiding the Youth', sometimes the guidance needed is literal. Such is the case for one of Radiant Heart's newest students, Rune. It is possible one or more of her teachers have flagged her academic performance - she does fine with topics like math or economics, but her grasp of geography or history amounts to 'random guesses' at best, and blatantly freezing up at worst.<br /> <br />Yet even without that, guidance was needed just for her to find Kyouka's office at first. To her credit, Runealy was very competent at setting up an appointment and was exactly on time - she was polite in requesting this meeting, understood the administrative work involved to schedule it, and promptly knocked on the door.<br /> <br />Once admitted, she opened the door and calmly closed it behind her... then her gaze began wandering the room, taking in details for a second or two - just long enough before she needs to make a greeting without being impolite or awkward.<br /> <br />Then she offers a soft smile to Kyouka. "Good morning. Thank you for granting this audience... Madoka Kaname suggested I will learn a great deal from it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka can be found sitting behind her desk as the door opens. Her office chair is tilted back on its swivel, leading to her half-reclining as she looks out the window which provides a good view of the athletic fields and the central courtyards. As Rune enters and shuts the door behind her, Kyouka straightens in her chair, letting the seatback slip back to fully upright as she turns it to face forward over the desk.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Grey eyes the color of ash inspect Rune for a moment, before she offers a somewhat lopsided smile. "Miss Waldia, was it?" She asks, her voice accented with a bit more of the street than one might expect, especially when most teachers do their best to sound educated and erudite. "I do remember meeting with Kaname-san not long ago. I'm sure if she told you that you could learn something from me that it's absolutely true."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gestures to the two comfy-looking stuffed chairs facing towards her desk. "Please come and have a seat and tell me what I can do for ya."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rune visibly flinches as her family name is mentioned - she must have slipped up when getting her forged academic records made, if she used her actual name for those. So much for that part of her disguise.<br /> <br />She regains composure quickly, though. She does not stammer in surprise, and her own speech is far less casual than Kyouka's, and in some cases Rune's word choices are outright archaic. "It seems we both trust Madoka quite broadly, then." A smile forms, both at the mention of Madoka and the invitation to sit down. "My thanks," Rune walks over and takes the offered seat.<br /> <br />She firmly keeps eye contact with Kyouka the whole time. "She suggested you might be able to tell me more about Tokyo's marvels, such as your glass towers and your televisions. They are so very different from what I am familiar with."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka's expression doesn't shift from her casual, lopsided smile, but those eyes of hers track everything and give the impression that she's unlikely to have missed such details as that flinch. Even if she's not entirely sure why it might have occured. She shifts back in her chair slightly, elbows resting on her desk as Rune makes her way to the seat.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the question about Tokyo's marvels, she quirks a brow, but rather than act startled or confused, she shrugs her shoulders. "Must be from way out in the country huh?" She asks, before continuing, "I'm not sure how much I can tell you about those sorts of things in detail.. I'm not an architect or an electrical engineer. I'm a guidance couneslor." A slightly broader smile. "My job is to set people on the right path. Or perhaps give them a bit firmer footing, if they're already on it."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rune's response is a calm admission: "Indeed, I am from beyond this nation." That is not quite what Kyouka had asked. "Even without an education in those fields, Madoka was very clear that I should seek you by name. My impression is that the knowledge I seek is common enough, even among those who are not engineers... I suspect it is your patience, not your knowledge of sciences, that caused her to recommend you. An example, if I may."<br /> <br />Rune takes a moment to gather her words, and explains: "I only recently discovered that 'Robot of Anime' is not a person, nor is it a courtly title and a district in Tokyo, respectively."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka has to stifle a bit of a sardonic noise at Rune's second-hand praising of her patience. It's a skill she's had to work on, and she's still not entirely certain is up to snuff. Madoka is, most likely, just being overly generous and optimistic, as Madoka is wont to be, but Kyouka can hardly say as much to a student.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not sure 'Robot of Anime' is much of anything," Kyouka says, raising her brows again. "But if it's general knowledge you're after, I can do my best to help you out. Now and in the future." She can smell the magic around Rune, as well, which lets her know this is definitely someone she should take an interest in.. if not why, or to what degree. Her ability to sense magic is reliable, but unfortunately lacks the ability to provide details.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"At first, I had thought Robot of Anime was one of your nobles. Then Madoka showed me who it is... or rather, ''what'' it is." This is the point where Rune's calm wavers. She is not panicking, but her eyes raise with obvious surprise.<br /> <br />"That was when she showed me what the... glass candles everyone has are. She told me it was a television," that is ''not'' what Madoka said, but it is what Rune took from the explanation, "and said the battle it showed was caused by extinguishing and re-lighting the candle. I do not understand how you can possibly fit glass towers and these 'robots' inside the television by doing that!" Her voice raises at the end, not in anger but in sheer bewilderment.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka twists her lips to the side. She clearly has a bigger job laid out for her here than she had initially assumed. "Look, we don't really have nobles around here anymore.." She says, then pauses, "Well, except for the Imperial Family I guess, but they don't really do much and.."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sighs a little bit, waving her hand to dismiss that aspect of the questioning. "That's not actually how it works." She says, in response to the bewilderment about televisions. "It's recordings. Like, the things it show happened somewhere else, sometime before, and it's just replaying the images so that people who weren't there can see them. Not that giant robots are often fighting around Tokyo." Note she doesn't say 'never'. "A lot of it is made-up. You know, fiction. For entertainment."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Describing the Imperial Family causes Rune's eyes to snap wide, scandalized. "They do not? That answers a great many questions, all at once! I had wondered why I could not seek an audience with the Queen of Tokyo... nor why she nor her associates oppose the demons I have seen in the streets! That task fell to others, and aid to those affected by it came from citizens such as Madoka Kaname herself."<br /> <br />Her gaze lowers in thought. "So little of this makes sense. A Royal Family negligent in their duties, and glass candles that repeat a theatre play..." Her voice trails off, as Rune ponders these seemingly impossible ideas.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A relic of the past." Kyouka says, with regards to the Imperial Family. "A couple hundred years ago they wielded some power, I guess, but we've largely moved beyond caring about Emperors and that sort of thing." Well, that may be more or less true depending on who you ask, but it's certainly always seemed that way to her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mention of demons in the streets does cause her to narrow her eyes just a little bit. She leans forward over the desk a touch. "It would probably be wise of you not to go around talking about demons, at least unless you know the person you're speaking to. That sort of thing tend to be.." She considers her words, making a vague gesture, "Beyond the scope of most average citizens. Though we around here tend to be a little more in the know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka's lean gets Rune's attention - the latter looks up to make eye contact again, but these are the wide eyes of someone who has just heard something completely absurd. "This is all preposterous! Citizens who are unaware of the demons that threaten them, and a Royal Family," Rune keeps using the wrong term for them, "That is completely neglient in their duties to provide ''safety''," She places an odd emphasis on this word, "to the people! Regardless... I shall show more caution in who I speak with of such matters."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, I ain't gonna tell you it's not absurd. World is pretty absurd if you ask me." Kyouka says, with a mild shrug. "But providing safety, that's more the job of the kids we train up here at the school. Or some of them anyway. But you have to understand, there's a pretty stark divide between those who are aware of 'demons' and magic, and those who aren't. Most people can't even perceive that stuff. The fact that you can probably has a lot to do with why you're here."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Most people just go about their lives, and most of them are perfectly safe and happy, or at least as happy as ordinary people can be, doing so. It's the outliers which tend to draw attention."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blink. Blink blink blink. Rune's eyes flutter several times as Kyouka explains very basic concepts. "That... would explain a great deal. I had wondered why citizens I spoke with about these demon attacks acted as though I had utterly lost my senses, or praised me for 'remaining in character' as though I were portraying a role in a stage play. I... see."<br /> <br />She looks past Kyouka, facing the window in particular, then her gaze returns to the counselor. "Then this is where Tokyo's Guardian Knights are trained... strange that this is done without the Royal Family's involvement, but I must accept it as the reality you face, grim as it is."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not everyone here," Kyouka's broad gesture encompasses the school, "Is of the sort to know about magic and demons. It's a very small percentage, actually. But it seems the Headmistress of this academy is doing her best to gather as many as she can here. I'm not.. exactly sure why." Her lips twist a bit. "That's above my pay grade. But /my/ job, at least, is to provide some guidance and training and to make sure most of 'em survive their first encounter with a 'demon'."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"To that end," Kyouka reaches down and pulls a business card from her desk. It has the RHA logo embossed on the front along with her name, office phone number, and position. "Let me give you this." Grabbing a pen, she scribbles on the back, then hands it across the desk. "I teach a self-defense class. Both for the magical and non-magical sorts. You're welcome to attend. But even if you don't.. you can use that to contact me if you need help."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I... ....I see," Rune has no eloquent response to the explanation of how the school works. "Perhaps I am in the right place, after all."<br /> <br />The business card is taken, and Rune brings it very close to her face for a detailed inspection - this is clearly novel to her. After a few seconds, she lowers it and keeps it in one hand at her side.<br /> <br />Only then does she answer Kyouka's offer - Rune had been notably and awkwardly silently about it while checking out the business card. "My thanks! I believe I shall attend, and encourage my Knights to do so as well if the offer is available to them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka nods her head. "The offer is available to everyone who qualifies. This is, after all, my job." She says, with a bit of a toothy grin. "And the class is weekly, so there's no rush. If you don't make it this week, come next week." A mild shrug. "The important thing is that you have a support network. My job is to provide that."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leans back in her chair again, making it creak as it goes backwards on the swivel. "The more people you have connections with, the safer you're going to be. And the less confused, I wager. So take it as an opportunity."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is another flicker in Rune's expression. This time, it is when Kyouka mentions being 'safer' - the princess shows a very momentary smile before calming down. "I believe you have the right of it. Thank you very much, you have cleared up so many things that have eluded me until now. An opportunity... ...yes, I believe it is."<br /> <br />There had been a slight, but noticeable, pause in that part of her reply.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:53|Kyouka Inai (53)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyouka nods her head, seeming to be satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, such as it is. She laces her fingers together on her desk, and offers another smile. "Well then. I think I've said my piece, and I have another appointment in a few minutes. So if you don't mind, perhaps we give you some time to mull this over. If you want to come back and talk to me once you have had a chance to do so, please don't hesitate."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She taps a finger towards the card. "And don't forget about that. I think you'll find it exceedingly helpful."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:42|Runealy Waldia (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Forgive my imposition upon your schedule," Rune answers, rising from her seat. "I shall be on my way, and thank you once more for all your assistance. I shall keep this," She raises the business card in response, "in my thoughts!"<br /> <br />She walks for the door, silently pondering several questions. Among them:<br /> <br />What can she learn from Kyouka?<br />How can she use this against Earth's protectors?<br />How can she protect Earth from monsters, when most of its citizens are unaware they are even in danger to begin with?<br /> <br />And most puzzling of all: Why did Kyouka give her a piece of stiff paper with Kyouka's name, position, and a weird math formula about subtracting several numbers from each other? Is this a receipt? Is she being billed for counseling services rendered? How much money is this in Earth currency?<br /> <br />These are things she can consider at length, as Rune steps out of the office and carefully closes the door behind herself.<br> <br>
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