Mister Arc? [ Well, this was an usual turn of events. ] It's kind of you to consider my reaction but it's my job to hear concerns. Whatever you have to say, I --
[ Huh. He furrowed his eyebrows briefly, though that was more because he was trying to figure out why Jaune had something to say rather that what it was. Their partnership with Grell was still new but he very much doubted that he would be genuinely concerned by anything he could say about her. Still, he had to at least look like he was somewhat conflicted. ]
You're a politician, like Grell. And politicians often bend the truth to get what they want. I get that. I'm not saying I agree with it, but I realize that's a common thing. [He's being honest about that much, at least.] But you don't strike me as someone petty enough to try and weaken a City Guardian by lying about the actions of one of her Deputies.
Okay, so I'm sure you've noticed by now that weird things happen here sometimes. Case in point. A few months back, a lot of us were turning into mythological creatures, like vampires and mermaids and--
[There's an embarrassed pause.] Incubus...es. Which is what happened to me. Anyway, I was minding my own business, enjoying my delicious food, when Emerald the Vampire suddenly shows up and we insult eachother like we always do.
If you saw my recent post, you know that Emerald isn't a good person. But I try to be. I think everyone is deserving of a second chance, third sometimes, fourth--
Can you tell I'm too trusting? [A lopsided, awkward smile.] She was starving because she couldn't find any blood. I couldn't just let her die, so I offered her some of mine, which she was more than willing to take. I thought it could be a peace offering.
But like most things, it ended up blowing up in my face, and my Incubus blood was toxic to her. I panicked. I'm sure you can understand why I wouldn't think very clearly about putting someone I consider an enemy in a situation that puts their life at risk. I don't care about me, but I couldn't let it get back to Weiss. She already gets enough shit as it is. I took Emerald to Weiss, and we figured we'd let her friend Mercury know so he could take her to the hospital. Emerald was fine.
I know that it was a stupid decision, and I should have been more careful, but I wasn't thinking. I did not attempt to murder her, which is what Grell tried to tell Weiss without even consulting me about it first. If Grell had really cared, and didn't just want to stab a fellow City Guardian in the back, she would have talked to me. But she didn't.
She's arrogant, petty, and I'm sure she'll make more stupid, selfish decisions like that which will only burn bridges and make her lose any trust she's earned with the other cities. You don't strike me as the same type of person. You're...you have--
You have people skills. I get this feeling that you have some sort of bigger picture in mind, and you'll do what you have to in order to achieve that. I can respect that. So just, be careful. I don't want Grell to make you look bad by association.
[ For the duration of the explanation, Oswald was relatively quiet short of the occasional affirmation that he was still listening or giving a brief comment to urge the young man to continue. He kept his face trained to show little indication of his thoughts, but his expression was most definitely an attentive one. Finally, when all was said and done he nodded, eyes lowered just a moment as if he actually had to deal with some kind of negative emotions regarding the situation. He didn't. There was an angle to this, he was sure, he just didn't know what. Even if it was just to gain his trust or something similar for the future, it was still an angle. So he'd play along.
But he'd definitely do some digging later. ]
That's not at all what I was expecting, I admit. [ Oswald looked up to Jaune again, and the concern that played upon his face came across like he was trying to at least partially conceal it. ] So you think her intent is to gain leverage through blackmail? [ What a shame. How upsetting. Too bad, so sad. ] The stake of my reputation can't be the only reason you made me aware of this, as grateful as I am that you would share such personal information. You want me to do something about this, correct?
Out of curiosity, what was it that you were expecting? [He furrows his brows, playing the part of the somewhat sheltered, but interested hero.] Honestly? I don't know. That's the simplest answer, and you know what they say about simple answers. What I do know is it's unfair to Weiss.
I don't care what happens to me. [For once, he wishes he was lying.] But Weiss doesn't deserve this. [He adamantly shakes his head.] No. Not yet. If Grell finds out, she'll either get scared or retaliate. I'm betting on the latter. I just want you to be aware. Nothing wrong with being a little cautious.
Well, any of it to be completely candid with you. Perhaps my standards were too high. [ He smiled just a bit, but it was halfhearted. They were both playing a game at this point. ] As you stated yourself those in politics do often bend the truth, but to this degree is quite upsetting. [ And then the smile was gone. ] Unjust seems a more fitting word than unfair.
[ Oswald nodded to himself, taking a moment before answering. ] Then she won't hear a word of it. Consider this safe between the two of us. Even though I'm not in the same position as Miss Schnee, please know you can inform me at any time if I can do anything at all for her. Discreetly, of course. Being cautious would be best for you as well.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Private Video]
[Everything from his concerned frown, to the inflection in his voice indicates sincerity.]
But as a friend, I need to warn you to be careful around Grell.
[Private Video]
[ Huh. He furrowed his eyebrows briefly, though that was more because he was trying to figure out why Jaune had something to say rather that what it was. Their partnership with Grell was still new but he very much doubted that he would be genuinely concerned by anything he could say about her. Still, he had to at least look like he was somewhat conflicted. ]
And for what reason do I need to be careful?
[Private Video]
Okay, so I'm sure you've noticed by now that weird things happen here sometimes. Case in point. A few months back, a lot of us were turning into mythological creatures, like vampires and mermaids and--
[There's an embarrassed pause.] Incubus...es. Which is what happened to me. Anyway, I was minding my own business, enjoying my delicious food, when Emerald the Vampire suddenly shows up and we insult eachother like we always do.
If you saw my recent post, you know that Emerald isn't a good person. But I try to be. I think everyone is deserving of a second chance, third sometimes, fourth--
Can you tell I'm too trusting? [A lopsided, awkward smile.] She was starving because she couldn't find any blood. I couldn't just let her die, so I offered her some of mine, which she was more than willing to take. I thought it could be a peace offering.
But like most things, it ended up blowing up in my face, and my Incubus blood was toxic to her. I panicked. I'm sure you can understand why I wouldn't think very clearly about putting someone I consider an enemy in a situation that puts their life at risk. I don't care about me, but I couldn't let it get back to Weiss. She already gets enough shit as it is. I took Emerald to Weiss, and we figured we'd let her friend Mercury know so he could take her to the hospital. Emerald was fine.
I know that it was a stupid decision, and I should have been more careful, but I wasn't thinking. I did not attempt to murder her, which is what Grell tried to tell Weiss without even consulting me about it first. If Grell had really cared, and didn't just want to stab a fellow City Guardian in the back, she would have talked to me. But she didn't.
She's arrogant, petty, and I'm sure she'll make more stupid, selfish decisions like that which will only burn bridges and make her lose any trust she's earned with the other cities. You don't strike me as the same type of person. You're...you have--
You have people skills. I get this feeling that you have some sort of bigger picture in mind, and you'll do what you have to in order to achieve that. I can respect that. So just, be careful. I don't want Grell to make you look bad by association.
[Private Video]
But he'd definitely do some digging later. ]
That's not at all what I was expecting, I admit. [ Oswald looked up to Jaune again, and the concern that played upon his face came across like he was trying to at least partially conceal it. ] So you think her intent is to gain leverage through blackmail? [ What a shame. How upsetting. Too bad, so sad. ] The stake of my reputation can't be the only reason you made me aware of this, as grateful as I am that you would share such personal information. You want me to do something about this, correct?
[Private Video]
I don't care what happens to me. [For once, he wishes he was lying.] But Weiss doesn't deserve this. [He adamantly shakes his head.] No. Not yet. If Grell finds out, she'll either get scared or retaliate. I'm betting on the latter. I just want you to be aware. Nothing wrong with being a little cautious.
[Private Video]
[ Oswald nodded to himself, taking a moment before answering. ] Then she won't hear a word of it. Consider this safe between the two of us. Even though I'm not in the same position as Miss Schnee, please know you can inform me at any time if I can do anything at all for her. Discreetly, of course. Being cautious would be best for you as well.