Servants Are Unnecessary (Freja)

[Zdena Kilvorion]

Living things were unreliable. And when they broke it often took a long time to fix. This was close enough to what Kaja Kilvorion had believed and what inspired a great deal of her inventions. Of course, she was more interested in the betterment of mankind.

Zdena had much more simpler goals. Streamline everything and improve productivity. And living things, in her mind, were unreliable. She liked the luggage walkers. For whatever reason, they did not catch on in Terre de Conte. Back home, the lumbering sets of robotic legs were seen in almost every home belonging to even the moderately wealthy, expelling steam as they traveled along their fixed routes.

Only one luggage walker was accompanying Zdena, today. And, unlike most of the devices, this appeared to almost be constructed of silver, rather than the traditional brass. The other major difference, however, was Zdena's lack of punch-cards. Those cards offered the walkers a specific set of directions to follow. But, these walkers were designed to Zdena's specifications...and now, she needed little more than Effie and a thought to set the robot into motion. A large heavy case rested on it's flat top, strapped down securely.

In hindsight, it had been a careless oversight. Forgetting her tools in her steam-carriage, like that. Now, she had to send a human servant to fetch her carriage so she could unload the remainder of her cargo. Not that she had any immediate need for the tools. But, it was during breakfast that she finally remembered what she had forgotten and it was best to fix that error before it slipped her mind again.

The servant made a valiant effort to pilot the carriage back. But, it kept stopping and heaving more white steam into the mid-morning sky. The grinding gears were less than pleasant. Zdena shuddered, just picturing the work it was going to take restore whatever damage had been done.

The living truly were inconvenient at times.

[Freja Gudjondottir]

After her little chat with Liliana Freja began to feel rather...closed in. There was something about being a young girl surrounded by stuffed animals and 4 white walls that made her feel rather uncomfortable, and all she had to do was stare at the ceiling.

So Freja traveled out of the castle,deciding to take a refreshing walk through the court-yard and enjoy the sunny day. She stepped on some of the flowers planted on the side of the road but she was fine with that,Freja was never a flower person anyways.

She stopped when she saw a girl with a witch's hat and a poker-face studying an odd looking carriage coming up,she seemed to be annoyed with something so Freja decided to with people what she always did with people when they weren't in Anactoria's way.

Talk to them.

Freja stepped up behind the girl, she had to bend over thanks to the difference in height and talked into the girl's ear,"Having problems, are we?"she asked.

[Zdena Kilvorion]

"Minor inconveniences." she replied to the voice that spoke right into her ear, "My carriage. It will most likely be damaged. But, I have my tools. So that is good."

Zdena didn't so much as budge as her personal space was invaded. She didn't even flinch at the sudden words that entered her eardrums. After all, her mission had been accomplished. The carriage finally rounded a corner and left her sight.

"Effie, do make a note." she spoke down to her softly glowing orb, "We will have to make repairs before taking the carriage out, again."

She turned, ready to make her exit, only to find that the owner of the earlier voice was still in her presence. Zdena looked up, as she so often had to do with other people, and blinked.

"Oh." she said, "You're still here. Was there something you needed?"

[Freja Gudjondottir]

This girl was interesting-most people would've been startled or caught off by Freja speaking to them but this girl kept on her usual dull appearance in front of the dominatrix. Freja moved away from behind Zdena and stood next to her instead.

"I just wanted to introduce myself,"Freja said laying her hand on her chest,"I'm Freja Gudjondottir, cousin of Anactoria herself."she looked down at Zdena and smiled,"But I'm not interested in me,"a lie,"What about you?"

[Zdena Kilvorion]

The princess' cousin? This was interesting. Perhaps some more details would come to light. Maybe even an estimation of her chances. They were already slim, but some hard data could be very illuminating.

"I am Zdena Kardos Kilvorion. Marquess of District 13 in Volisov City and Vice President of Rom Royal Industrial." it would seem a more formal introduction was in order, so she provided it. Zdena managed to remember some manners and bowed her head. A curtsy may or may not have been in order, but her hands were already occupied with holding on to Effie.

"It is always good to meet a member of the royal family."

[Freja Gudjondottir]

What an awkward young girl.. Freja thought to herself as Zdena tried to balance talking to her, holding onto the glowing...thingy that Freja hadn't a name for and taking care of her own luggage. It seems she hasn't the time of the day..

Freja leaned in near, Zdena, a wide smile spreading across her face. "So tell me Zdena," the curiosity dripping off her voice,"Why did you decide to come to Venus?"

[Zdena Kilvorion]

"Officially, I am here to participate in the princess' contest." she replied, "However, given my late arrival, the chances are not in my favor. If she hasn't selected someone already, then she is most likely ready to make a decision. But, it is still a trip that can accomplish some goals. Perhaps Volisov will be able to open a wider trade arrangement."

Zdena was able to focus on the conversation at hand. Effie was secure, the luggage was strapped down to the walker and her carriage (damaged, no doubt) was out of sight and out of mind. Now, she decided to ask a question. Perhaps Freja would be able to impart some information.

"Which reminds me." she said, "You, being her cousin, probably know the status of this contest. Am I correct in my assumptions? I do hate to guess without the corresponding data."

[Freja Gudjondottir]

Freja's eyes widened and they became a rather light pale blue color at the sound of Zdene claiming she was going to be in the contest. "Another suitor..."Freja said, her hands tightening into a fist as Zdena continued to speak.

"Actually,"Freja went to correct her,"You're in luck. Anactoria sadly hasn't chosen,"her eyes lowered, beginning to return to their normal colors as a mischivious idea began to weave in her mind. "Would you like me to introduce her to you?"

[Zdena Kilvorion]

So, there was a higher chance than she had originally estimated. Although, that was not necessarily true. After all, this was second-hand information. In the princess' mind, there could already be an impending decision made on the matter. Would she have enough time to impress her? Doubtful. At least not enough to win a hand in marriage.

"A formal introduction?" she looked back up at Freja, her features unmoving, "I suppose. I would be eager to start business negotiations. Perhaps I shall even be able to start a project."

[Freja Gudjondottir]

Freja nodded. "You have to follow me though.."she said,then tapped her finger with her chin as if pondering something. "Ah,well. When you're done with your little problem meet me in the castle.."Freja shrugged and began to skip off,"Then again the princess maybe busy by then."

[Zdena Kilvorion]

The luggage walker hissed, expelling steam as it rose to it's full height. "It shouldn't be a problem." she said as she began to follow the skipping royal. Behind the small inventor, the lumbering mechanical beast trudged along...making for a rather odd procession.

"These are just my tools. They can follow me." she explained, "My carriage will undergo repairs at a later date. I would not want to inconvenience the princess."

[Freja Gudjondottir]

"Yes,inconvienence..."said Freja with a sly smile as she led Zdena back into the castle. "She should find you...interesting."

[Zdena Kilvorion]

Was the princess the curious sort? Would she be interested in what Zdena had to offer? Perhaps. At this point, anything was possible. She certainly hoped so, as it could have very profitable implications for RRI and Volisov as a whole.

Perhaps we shall even accomplish your goals, early. Effie thought.