[un: sprite bulb] text;

[bearshermark]

How does a farmer become rich suddenly? I don't think I've ever heard a story like that before. At least not without marriage. All I can think is either I have a noblewoman as a wife or I got real lucky playing slots when I left for the city. I'm not sure what's more believable.

I was also mistaken for a ferryman when I was steering a gondola the other day while wearing a different mask. It's kind of nice, so I think I'll keep at it for an hour or two a night. I thought it might be helpful if two people from opposite sides need to meet in person for a little while.

-Eleven

Comments

un: absterge

[downswing]

Perhaps through honest trade.



( ...right. )

un: moonage daydream (text)

[lancifolium]

Back home now and again a farmer would find something extraordinary buried in their field, it always made the newspaper. Perhaps you discovered a cache of valuables?

[bearshermark]

We don't make that much through trade. Enough to maintain our way of life but it isn't ever going to make anyone rich.

[bearshermark]

That kind of story might work. They'd have to be really valuable but that sounds a lot easier than pretending to be married.

[lancifolium]

Oh without a doubt, it would be fair easier to invent a chest a gold than an entire imaginary person.

[bearshermark]

Yes. Goddess, I was worried about that, but it's the only story I've heard about that before. A buried chest of gold or gems sounds extraordinary but believable, I think. It's rare farmers become nobles after all. Thank you.

[lancifolium]

Perhaps it was there because a conquering army stashed it during some campaign that they did not return from?

[bearshermark]

That could work. I don't need to know too many details about it I wouldn't think. And people might get too curious so that's probably enough. I'm glad people won't expect me to be good at these nobility things.

un: chengmei | voice

[thesuspense]

There's some rich ladies who offer me money all the time, doesn't seem that unlikely to get rich here.

They appear to be feeling... neglected.

voice

[bearshermark]

Oh.

[That's all he can think to say for a solid minute. Then]

..You must be very attractive.

voice

[thesuspense]

Must I?

[He sounds amused, not that he has many doubts about his own attractiveness.]

Around here, with the mask, I guess the right body would do. Maybe that's why they dress like that.

[bearshermark]

Could be. It all seems superficial, though I guess the opposite could be true.

But ah, in any case, you sound very fortunate.

[thesuspense]

I would be, if I was that desperate to fill the holes in rich people's lives.

[Yah, this can be seen as pretty vulgar language, in a way. It is still subtle for him.]

All I'm saying, there's a need. Maybe they'd believe you made your fortune like that.

[bearshermark]

[A quiet whisper] Merciful Goddess.

[Then, clearing his throat]

I sincerely doubt I could sell that sort of reputation. ..But I appreciate the thought.

@taken for granite

[rumorate]

Supply and demand. Maybe you grow something that is in high demand and you can sell it for a good price?

[bearshermark]

Maybe, if it was rare enough. I'm not sure what that would be though. Maybe I should look into what sort of plants would be valuable.

[thesuspense]

Any time.

[This party is just full of prude virgins, eh?]

Maybe you married someone old and she croaked.

[bearshermark]

[He starts to laugh, then catches himself with a cough, feeling awful for an imaginary old dead woman]

Well, maybe I had an unknown relative who was rich and I inherited it suddenly.

[thesuspense]

[Ah, a sense of humour at last.]

Sure, sure. But they'd ask fewer questions if your crone of a wife died. No one wants to hear what she might have died doing.

[bearshermark]

[His grimace is an audible thing]

I think I'd rather not think about it either.

[thesuspense]

Which makes it a good lie.

[Teaching so many great lessons.]

Don't overcomplicate it, if you don't want anyone catching on.

[downswing]

Mistress Wen and Wei Ying bore harvest, once. Seek counsel.

[bearshermark]

[Once.]

I appreciate the guidance.

[bearshermark]

[At least that bit sounds like good advice]

Yes. The less questions, the better. I'm not great at lying.

[downswing]

( But, more importantly: )

Do natives speak freely near ferrymen?