Eccaterina: "You returned? Why risk it... for me?"
yeah, it was quite nice actually. open spaces, fresh air, that sort of thing.
Eccaterina: "Hm. I'm glad to hear it. Anyways, did you bring me anything?"
oh! right! I pull out a dagger with red runes drawn onto the blade. I found this lying around. didn't know if it was useful.
Eccaterina: "Hm. Interesting. Hand it over." extends her hand, ready to inspect the dagger
I place the dagger in her hand.
Eccaterina: "Huh... It's quite interesting. The runes suggest that this dagger has a poison on it, one that is capable of delivering a lethal blow." examines the dagger closely
yeah, that's what I thought too.
Eccaterina: "Hm. Who do you think this dagger belongs to?"
that I don't know. I was hoping you could tell.
Eccaterina: "Hmm. I will study it further, but for now it shall be placed in our collection of artifacts. It may come in handy someday." puts the dagger in her collection
Eccaterina: "That's all for now. You may go and rest for the night."
ok. I head to my quarters, which are modest compared to hers. Instead of a grand dining hall, there's only a small table and a few chairs. Instead of a massive bed, I have a cot that seems barely large enough for me to fit on. But at least I don't have to deal with fleas, and there's a window with a nice view of the moonlight over the city. I climb onto my cot, and before long, I'm asleep.
Eccaterina: in her own room, she continues on with her work, making sure everything runs smoothly in Russia
the next morning, the alarm clock rings loudly.
Eccaterina: "Grr. It's already morning? I was hoping to get a few more hours of sleep." sighs, but gets out of bed and starts her day
I get up as well, wash my face, and head outside, ready for another day.
Eccaterina: "Ah. Well, let's hope today is a productive one." continues on with her duties
I start walking around the city again, taking in the sights. This time, I come across a street performer who starts singing as soon as he sees me.
Eccaterina: "Hm. He has a decent voice. I suppose I can spare a few coins for his performance." watches the street performer closely
he sings a Russian song titled "Ветер" ("Wind". It tells the story of a man who regrets missing a chance to be with the woman he loves, because he's come to realize that it's only the wind that can free him from his mistakes. The song ends, and the performer puts his hat out, waiting for payments.*
Eccaterina: "Hm. Not bad. Here, you can have a few rubles." hands the man a few coins
Eccaterina: "You're welcome. You were quite good. I would have given you more, but I am not made of money."
yes, i wonder how you became leader of such a country.
Eccaterina: "I earned it. I worked my way up the ranks, starting from the bottom. I had to fight tooth and nail for every inch that I gained."
Eccaterina: "Oh, you have no idea. I've had to kill, torture, and do many other unspeakable things to reach where I am today."
Eccaterina: "It was tough. It was brutal. But it was worth it, because now I am in power."
Eccaterina: "Why, you dare question my authority? How dare you?"
Eccaterina: "Sorry isn't going to be enough. You will apologize properly, or there will be consequences."
Eccaterina: "Good. Now, I will warn you, this is your last chance to make things right. If you disrespect me again, there will be no mercy for you."